beatriz
over the rainbow
I can totally understand how this show influenced the drama world, as it has that iconic feeling, despite the simpleness.
I looooved Gong Yoo in this, although it wasn't my favorite performance of his; his character was so funny!! I saw real development. Honestly, I loved every character. Usually, female characters in older dramas are difficult to like but "My Chan" (lol again haha) was really likeable and a good character.
It has its flaws and it isn't a drama that I would rewatch (at least for now), but I can see its quality and value, specially since it was released 12 years ago!
Don't regret watching it at all.
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So now, let me get into this review.
A little background: I'd never watched any xianxia drama (not even historical ones) and since I know many chinese shows are like that, I stayed away from them, because I feared not understanding the plot and not connecting to the characters. Nonetheless, when I saw the drama was one of the top-rated of all time I decided to check its profile page here on mydramalist and the plot really attracted me. I had no idea it was adapted from a BL novel (I like bl dramas a lot!!). But then I saw one of the actors is Wang Yibo and I remembered that name. I found out he was actually a member from a group I really like (Uniq) and I got even more intrigued. After reading some of the reviews and comments and realising the two main leads were supposed to be a couple, I was hooked. Even though it's portrayed as a bromance, I don't mind it because I love close friendships too.
I watched the first episode and I was LOST. I didn't know what was going on, who was friends with who, what cultivation was, why everyone hated the cinamonroll that is wei wuxian. The names confused me too. I left some comments on this page lol they serve as proof.
But as the drama progressed, things were starting to get clearer and clearer. After episode 10 I was already fully immersed in the story and I lived each moment of each episode very intensely. I don't want to write spoilers in this review but the way they structured this show is so well made because we get to know the characters and their intentions very well before jumping back to the present time. It's different from the novel and I think it's a good different.
I'm not sure this is the best acting I've ever seen. Honestly, I would have very much preferred the actors could use their own voices because a big part of the actor's abilities lay on their voice. I think some actors overdid their acting and some of the movements were strangely executed, like JiangCheng. I also think the team should have payed more attention to the cinematography. Even if this wasn't a high budget drama they could have worked with the lightening and the framing a bit more. I think the lack of editing was more noticeable on the last episodes. I liked the sentimental part of the last five episodes but I couldn't understand why they were in that situation and didn't run away??? Anyways, I don't want to spoil so I won't talk too much about it but I did find it weird. Some camerawork and editing could be better.
Although technically the drama wasn't the best (probably due to its low budget, most probably), it was still beautiful. The actors are S T U N N I NG, each and every one of them. Like, I didn't even know where to look!! The main leads are sooooo charming, in different ways. Our mesmerising Lan Zhan (Wang Yibo) is sublime. His facial expressions and body language were so interesting to watch. Very very very talented. And then there's XiaoZhan as Wei Ying, who literally went through hell for being too good for his world. Their chemistry is mind-blowing. The smiles they give at each other, the intimate looks, the subtle touches. To me their relationship was very obvious and I'm actually thankful they did it this way; somehow, it worked better than any BL I've ever watched.
In my opinion, every side character was soooo interesting!! The villains were great, the goodies were great, the moodies too (JiangChen, I'm talking about you). Personally, my favorite villain was the last one (don't want to spoil anyone lol). I just really like the actor, he looks so cute like what???? And the character was the most interesting to me. XueYang was just cruel, in my opinion. But I'm reading the novel now so I'll probably understand the characters a lot better!!
I finished watching this drama on Saturday and I've been writing this review ever since then hahaha This was the hardest review I've ever written because of the drama's length and my feelings about it. But, in conclusion, I'd just like to say that this drama really did change something in me and my perception of good and evil and I think the script is simply genius for making us like the guy who was supposed to be bad and how restraining the "good side" can be. I'll definitely rewatch this in the near future, probably this year or early next year if I'm being honest. When I'm done reading the novel I'll just watch interviews of the cast, suffer on twitter and wait for the MOVIES THAT ARE BEING RELEASED VERY SOON!!! Being a fan of this show is not bad at all.
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But I don't feel like my time was completely wasted because I ended up finding a lovely heartwarming story. Although the plot isn't my favorite- it literally has ALL the clichés in dramaland: rich boy poor girl, orphan, mean mother, love hate relationship, "unattractive" female lead that drives the male lead crazy, love triangles, mother who tried to break them apart, male lead being a martyr etc etc-, if I were to compare if to other older dramas I've watched (released before 2013 is old to me) it IS really good. The acting and the soundtrack made a huge difference in my liking for this drama.
Both the main characters and the side characters were amazing and all of them had a purpose. The humour was superb and I genuinely laughed. Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won's chemistry was so amazing I can't even begin to describe it. Lee Jong Suk rocking although he isn't a main character? Yep, we got that too. The soundtrack was great and it actually enhanced the emotions of the scenes.
Yes, it had some things I did not enjoy as much but it was still great. I was soooo late to this train hahaha but I've finally watched it! I was going to give it 8 stars but then I thought about Hyun Bin's eyes and the elevator scenes and I gave in. Can't wait to watch more of these actors!!
P.S.: Yoo In Na did so well :') cutest character ever!
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This review may contain spoilers
N O S P O I L E R SLet me start this by saying it took me almost three months to watch episode 14 and the extended version but I simply could not accept the fact that it was over. So I kept following the actors and the news and all that jazz without watching the final episodes... Now that I did and cried my eyes out the whole afternoon I can confidently say this is my favorite bl series of all time, and one of my favorite dramas in general. I remember when I started watching BL dramas this last summer and finding out about this one and anxiously waiting for it to air because I found the whole idea so cool and I had great hopes. I was not disappointed. It was the first drama I watched while it was airing. I would DIE waiting for the next episode every week!! Remember when we didn't have an episode for 2 weeks???? I HAD A CONSTANT NOSEBLEED FROM P A I N. I would watch half the episode on Friday, without subs. Then the subbed version on Saturday or Sunday. And rewatch it during the week. I had never experienced anything like this!!! And I don't even care if people say it's not a perfect series -because I know it's not- but it means so much to me. It will forever have a special place in my heart. Imagine they miraculously decide to make a second season!!! God, please let me live until then! If you're thinking wether you should watch it, do yourself a favour and WATCH IT. You won't regret it.
S P O I L E R S
I dont even know how to start... oh well, here we go:
PLOT AND CHARACTERS/CAST/ACTING- The plot was very simple yet charming? I wish there were more episodes so that we could spend more time with each couple because two of them were so rushed... but still, I liked the concept and I appreciate the fact that it wasn't pretentious and that it broke so many stereotypes!! The cast was STUNNNNNING. They just looked good together. My eyes were blessed!! I instantly followed all of them on Instagram and Twitter and fansites and update sites... I love them so much. The acting wasn't always perfect. But we have to remember this was the first work for many of them, or at least, the first big role. I think they did well despise that. I wasn't clingy to watch so that was a relief! Now let's talk about each couple:
AePete: God. Bless. These. Two. They were literally made for each other!! Seriously, if we ignored the extreme jealousy, Ae was literally a perfect character. Pete was so sweet. I fell for them in the first episode! My heart hurts with how much I love these two together. The actors did an amazing job. Their chemistry is surreal. I just want to see more of them *cries in every language I know*. THEIR FIRST KISS HAD ME SCREAMING AND CRYING FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND ARE YOU KIDDING ME I WAS SOBBING. Okay, Beatrice, call me down, you look like a mentally ill obsessive fan (I'm starting to think I'm exactly that!). Perth is an exceptional actor and Saint did well too!! I could feel he was Pete, 100%. The coming out scene... applause. Could we ask for a more perfect couple? The extended version had that little compilation of AePete moments... my eyes still hurt from crying. Seriously.
TinCan: It's a very close tie between this couple and AePete but I have to admit that TinCan won my heart ever since episode 4 or 5. Something about their characters is so appealing to me. Tin was my favorite because he was so complex. The last episode, specially the extended version, made me cry. Real tears. Like I was him, and I was feeling what he was feeling. He felt abandoned by everyone and I think that is probably the worst feeling that someone can have. Mean did such an exceptional job with this character. We could truly feel how he developed throughout the series, even though TinCan didn't have as much screen time as AePete. Plan did a good job in making us love Can. He has quite of an annoying personality but he's very lovely too???? He also grew a lot during the series. And Plan's acting kept getting better and better. I want a whole series dedicated to this couple. I don't care if it doesn't make sense, I just like seeing them together. Mean is so beautiful I would give my soul to him, and I wish I was joking. Plan is so cute. The both of them as TinCan is a perfect match. Ahhhhh I might cry just thinking that we won't have a second season. By the way, the actress that played Can's mother, wasn't she the lady Plan's character in Make it Right had a crush on? ........Please tell me I'm wrong.
KlaNo: Okay, Mark is gorgeous. Jesus Christ, he's an angel. But I did see the problem with this couple. Kengkla abused P'No and no one can change my mind. Techno didn't seem that upset when he woke up but it still doesn't make it okay. I wish we had had more scenes with them so that they could develop an actual relationship and then both of them had agreed to have sex. Without one of them being passed out drunk. Yes, they're very cute but Kengkla telling P'No he has taken advantage of him (when it was the opposite) and then making him feel forced to be his boyfriend... NO NO NO. But again, I'm sure that in the novel it was different. Oh well, WE NEED SEASON 2!!!!!
TumTar- I have to admit that they were the couple that least excited me. But I did warm up to them towards the end. I could understand why Tar felt the way he did and I have to say Tum is a gentleman. Their last scene made me cry as well. The airport scene... ahhh, they're so cute together, even as brothers. Unlike many people, I didn't feel bothered by the fact that they were step-brothers. It's not incest because they don't share blood. They did grow up together which makes it a little weird but it didn't bother me as much as, idk, it should have? We need a second season. I'm sorry I'm repeating myself but w e n e e d m o r e.
Okay, I'm done with this part. Ouf!
Music- Probably the first drama that I didn't want to skip the intro even though I was excited to watch the episode. I find the music incredible!! It fit the mood of the show soooo well. It was rather touching at times even. Ah, the nostalgia.
Rewatch: Oh, believe me, I'll rewatch this countless times until we get our very well deserved season 2. Which may be never. That's it. I've watched the first 5 episodes at least 5 times each already. I'm not obsessed at all.
I had never suffered this much with a drama not having a second season!!! Even with YandaiXie!! Wait, the ending kind of reminds me of TinCan now that I think of it..............the couple has a similar dynamic.......you know what, I want to cry again.
I remember sharing the official links on twitter and youtube so that people would watch through those so that we could get lots of views and make sure we'd get another season. Ah, I'm not salty AT ALL. Disappointed but not surprised. Maybe a miracle will happen and we'll get season 2 one day. Yeah. Let's wait for it while sitting down because we'll get tired if we wait while standing (Portuguese proverb, I'm sorry, it seemed appropriate).
I love this show so so so much and I'll remember this feeling forever.
WISH THIS LOVE COULD BE FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER
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This review may contain spoilers
(ALMOST HEART) - LONG REVIEW, NO SPOILERSHonestly, I adored this series. It has its flaws, of course, but I couldn't help but love it. It's rather light but deals with important things at the same time. I will now go through some aspects of the show that may (?) be useful for those who haven't watched it. I will not include spoilers so don't worry!
STORY: I liked the concept very much. The whole friend-becomes-something-more-after-a-strange-night isn't new but I liked it despite that. Sometimes it got a little bit confusing because there were soooo many characters. I will talk about that later. But yes, I did like the plot, overall.
ACTING/CAST: Obviously there were some aspects of the acting that should be improved but can we really blame them? They were 15-17 when this show aired and most of them had no previous experience. I genuinely think they did an amazing job. The chemistry was there, even if the kiss scenes were bleh (this means they kind of sucked). Their lips didn't even touch. But other than that, I didn't feel awkward at all watching them interacting, which I tend to feel (it's not because they're boys; I feel this way with straight couples too. Unless they're well portrayed). You could tell they're friends in real life, which made it more enjoyable to watch. And to me, that made up for the somewhat unexperienced acting. I fell in love with Boom (Tee)- maybe because his voice could ease the most violent of storms. Really. I'm not even exaggerating. I really liked Ohm as well but I think his character, Frame, had a lot to do with that. Everyone did a good job in my opinion.
MUSIC: I really liked the music in this show. Specially “?????????? (Kon Mee Sanay)” which played only once (if I'm not mistaken) but it was such a sweet scene! If someone did that to me, I would literally melt. Those who have watched it, will know what I'm talking about.
REWATCH VALUE: I would, 100%, rewatch this. I'm going to start the sequel today or tomorrow but I already want to rewatch this one!
OVERALL: If this was the first BL series I'd ever watched, this would be a solid 10 stars for me. The fact that I gave it 9.5 stars says A LOT about the way I feel about this show. I'm quite new to this Thai bl dramas world but after watching some bl series I've become more critic of what I watch. I reaaaaally liked it. But now I would also like to point some things that did bother me after a while:
- Too many characters. As I've previously mentioned, the story got confusing sometimes because there were too many characters that didn't really contribute to the plot that much? For example, Mo, Fing and Tan. They were good side characters, specially Mo, but when the story focused on them it was boring and useless because they didn't have enough time to develop whatever was going on with them and make the viewers interested. So, in my opinion, they shouldn't have included those little storylines and concentrated on the main characters or at least develop them.
- The advertisements. //sigh// Do I really need to explain this?
- Are teenagers really like that? Frame and Book... "met" in a strange way. I'm 17 years old and I thought it was odd. Maybe I'm just boring? But I don't really go out to drink and have sex? Anyways.
- They forced those gay couples a little too much, in my opinion. Four+ gay couples and one lesbian couple (I mean, that wasn't clear but they did include the lesbian somewhere). Representation shouldn't be in quantity but in quality. And even though I like most of those couples, sometimes it made me think they were obviously doing it for the crazy fans who are starving for skinship between two boys, instead of focusing in facing the real issues that might exist in gay couples (society acceptance, for example). It would be awesome if they improved that in season 2. We'll see.
- That "first" scene with Book & Frame. I don't want to spoil anything but it bothered me a lot. It was not like it ruined the relationship's dynamic for me but it came across as if Book didn't want it and Frame literally forced him. Apparently it was not their intention with that scene but yeah.
NOTE: The ending would have bothered me if I didn't know there was a second season.
I'm sorry about this long review but hopefully it was helpful to some of you. (:
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I don't remember laughing this hard! The song was super catchy, I adore it! does anyone know the name?
The whole idea and concept of the film was great. It didn't need development, in my opinion. It is what it is and it's unique. If there was dialogue it would have ruined it and if they added other elements then it wouldn't be as special. I just really really really liked it.
Honestly though, I was not expecting that. Watch me download that fairy song and set it as my ringtone!
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The plot was somewhat disappointing and full of clichés but this drama is definitely a must-watch if you want to understand this drama world better because it was the first drama that got international recognition and brought many people to this world (including me). I only watched it in 2016 (I'm a new fan haha) but I feel its weight on today's dramas- it seems that it is the base to many of them.
It's been two years and I still can't get over the fact that she didn't choose... well, I dont want to spoil it for those who havent seen it yet but if you have, then you know who I mean. His character is my ideal type so I felt personally insulted hahaha but it's okay, they all loved each other anyways.
The soundtrack is amazing- Because I'm stupid is one of my favorite Korean songs of all time.
The actors did well, I guess. I dont really remember much.
I dont think I would rewatch it but I definitely appreciate it a lot!
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Wow - Yea, not really
*I had to come edit my review because I have fully digested it and it's not a 9.5 lol*Original: Indeed an amazing drama. I fell in love with Byun Wooseok and I'm now part of his fandom lol! I started watching this three days ago and already finished, and I'm so glad I gave it a shot (despite it being during finals season.... help!!).
The OST is unforgettable and I loved the whole concept of the drama. There are a few reasons why I didn't give it 10 stars though:
1) There were some holes in the story that made me uncomfortable at times. I don't want to include spoilers in this review so I won't go into detail but I think that all time-travel stories are bound to have some "unexplained" events, and it's okay because it's worth it! The story was fun even though it has some loose ends.
2) I think the first 5 episodes are the best of the whole show. I loved the beginning of this story and I wish we had spent more time there. I don't want to be preachy or politically right about this, but I wish we had had more time with original timeline Sol and Sunjae. I think it was a shame that they took the.... characteristics... of both characters in the first episode. I understand why (related to time-traveling consequences) but still; it's like they were used just to add drama.
3) I love the FL and I understand why she was affected by all that happened in the show, but having her cry in every episode is a bit much. And, in my opinion, she doesn't express mature happiness or love as well as she does innocent/childish happiness and love. There were parts where I was like "You don't seem all that happy??" Hahaha but she is a good actress, don't get me wrong.
I loved the chemistry between all the characters! It is an unforgettable drama, that's for sure.
Now: The things I liked about this drama were overshadowed by not so great things. The female lead is just annoying and empty. The ML also only exists for the FL and easily gives up his own aspirations, although less annoying because he cries less. My love for BWS and for golden retriever characters clearly blinded me – I can't help but love Sunjae despite the flaws in the way the character was written and BWS is a big reason for that because he's SO DAMN TALENTED! He was born to play that character and the actor literally saved the character for me.
I still really enjoy the first 5 episodes because I was expecting the show to develop the characters and the plot from there but it never did. It was just the same over and over again, to the point where the emotional scenes didn't hit anymore. I just wish they had taken the first episode and written a story about characters who have a life outside of each other, who have relationships that they value outside of their partner, who follow their dreams (lmao who even have dreams and goals), who make plans before rewinding time so that they can idk ACTUALLY SOLVE SOMETHING????... Having a ML who has loved the FL before they even "met" made it sooo boring once we find out (but I guess that's personal preference). I liked the first episodes because we didnt know that yet and it felt like we were going to join them on a journey; but no, they already liked each other so what's the point? I love the retro vibes like in the Reply series and 2521 but in those shows we can slowly get to know the characters and understand what is moving them in the plot but not in LR. I understand that it's a romance but it should have been more developed.
The music is GREAT and the vibes are ICONIC so I'm actually upset they wasted such a cool idea and turned it into this – "this" being a great drama that had the potential to become my favorite drama of all time but fell short because the FL cries in every scene and the plot is built around a relationship at the expense of logic sometimes. UGH it makes me want to rewrite the whole thing myself because the wasted potential is haunting me. I was clearly blinded when I first reviewed the show, although deep down I knew it hadn't been that great so I had to come and write this so that I can move on with my life in peace.
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I think that what sold the show for me was the concept: the plot is so intriguing and you want to keep watching to get to know the characters better. Also, it is very aesthetically pleasant: the main leads are stunning, everything that's connected to the app/technological part of the show looks great, the sceneries are breathtaking. I also liked the main female lead, which doesn't happen often; she was pitiful but vey strong, in my opinion. I wouldn't have been able to go through everything she has gone through!
However, this show has many flaws. Some of them could be spoilers so I won't mention those. Here are some of them:
1) The friendships: I simply hate the friendships in this show. Whether it's between the girls or the boys. They did things that friends simply would never do (real ones, at least). The two boys look so close but then... I don't know, I didn't like it in the first episode and I didn't like it in the last. The main lead seems very selfish when it comes to the person he likes... I won't go on and on about this because I said I didn't want to include spoilers in my review but I think the show could have done a better job at this since a good friendship is needed in every show.
2) Most of these girls are just mean. Everyone at this school seems very judgemental and mean but the girls in the show are just... yeah, very mean. Which makes it seem a bit unrealistic...
3) Some parts of the plot were frustrating. Hopefully everything will be clarified in the second season.
I really do hope that the second season solves these issues because I'm giving this show 9 stars counting on the next season. I wish this was 16 episodes from the start like it usually is because 8 episodes aren't enough to develop the characters and create a good story; something is obviously missing but I'm counting on the second season to fill up the gaps. If that doesn't happen, I'll probably lower my score!
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Love by Chance Season 2: A Chance to Love
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Better than expected
After reading so many negative reviews, I got really scared of watching and avoided this season for months. I watched LBC 1 while it was airing and it was an amazing experience. I truly think it was revolutionary when it comes to Thai BL shows. Therefore, I was super scared this season would ruin my positive opinion about this show. But to be honest, I didn't think it was as bad as people make it out to be.Let me start off by saying that there were definitely way too many ads (and consequently, many useless scenes) and the whole retelling thing was very weird since it was only done for TinCan and not the other characters.
I think Season 2 tackles many important issues and deals with sensitive topics quite well. It seems like a more mature plot and development of characters and relationships, which was nice.
Also, I noticed Tin was much more... calm? polite? in this season but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing at all. The other characters didn't seem much different from the first season. The characters they added in this season were all good, in my opinion. I loved getting to know Tul and his story, even if it was a love-hate relationship LOL but he's so fine... ugh couldn't they have casted a less angelic person to play his role?? Meen became my new addiction hahaha... please send help.
I like the main couple's chemistry but their kiss scenes were deplorable. I skipped most of them because it was awkward to watch. But surprisingly, there were other intimate moments apart from the kiss scenes that I really enjoyed! The "boyfriends being supportive" scenes were really well done. I don't think they're awkward with each other all that much.
I really enjoy Mean as an actor but sometimes I felt he was being way too seductive all the time haha but that's probably the directing and screen writing's fault. Plan is just... so bad... I'm so sorry to say this and no hate towards him but I don't see him as an actor AT ALL. So awkward... I feel like other actors have improved from season 1 but he just stayed bad. His character is already cringy and immature as it is but his acting just made it unpleasant to watch in most scenes, specially when Can was upset or crying. But I did like his acting when Can would stand up for Tin.
I saw many comments complaining about Ae's "useless" appearances but they were some of my favourite parts of the show. I even liked Ae's desperate scenes!! Perth is as amazing actor so I felt every emotion he was feeling. I feel like as I was watching LBC1 I took him and Saint for granted after the first two thirds of the show and was more interested in the other couples. But this season made me realise how important they were to the story and the universe of LBC. Their chemistry and acting are unbeatable.I love AePete so much hahaha my heart was broken yet warm throughout the season.
I liked the new songs! They reminded me a lot of season 1's ost but were different so that was nice.
Now, I will get into some SPOILERS!! SKIP THIS IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS.
Lots of things about the plot were confusing (Tum and Tar's relationship????what happened???move on????why????). But I liked Tum's friend! He was cute and nice LOL. And then Techno and Kengkla didn't have the screen time they should have had to make their relationship believable. I can accept the fact that P'No forgave Kengkla (it's his choice after all) but their scenes were too vague for me. What I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did was Tul and Hin's story! I was invested until the end. I really liked the beach scene in the last episode with the three of them hugging. However, I wish Tin and Tul had talked things out in a serious conversation and officially made up and screamed at each other and then hugged or came to a more concrete conclusion but oh well, I guess I can never have everything.
P.S: I don't mind Saint not being in it all that much because AePete's story was closed in a satisfying way. And I understand Saint's situation ):
Summing up, I was glad I went into it with very low expectations because I ended up liking it more than I probably would have had had I watched it thinking it would be a perfect sequel. It wasn't but I had fun and discovered new characters and actors. I wish there was a season 3!
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The plot is quite simple and predictable but the characters stand out so much that the show just makes sense as it is. I liked every single one of the housemates and Seo Do Hyun (he's such a great person, I am rooting for him). I didn't want to skip any scene when they were together. Their struggles connect them to the viewers and distinguish them from the rest; they're very realistic characters.
The music didn't impress me and, even though I just finished watching this first season, I wouldn't be able to recognise any of the songs if you played them to me. But I don't remember the soundtrack annoying me or anything; it's just irrelevant.
I'm certainly going to be watching the second season!
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If you're thinking about watching it, I say you should. But give it some time because it gets better after the first half/two-thirds.
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Weirdest review ever, I'm so sorry.
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This review may contain spoilers
(20190407-20190419)I finished watching this show a few days ago but it took me a while to get over the fact that it was really over. It was the first time I watched a drama this long in less than two weeks. I couldn't stop watching!! It definitely has something special about it, which I will discuss in this review.
Boys Over Flowers (Korean version of this story) was my first drama ever. I gave it 7.5 stars because the nostalgia is real. When Meteor Garden aired I was like... this story isn't the most passionate so I'll watch this later. Looking back now I wish I had watched it sooner!
There might be some spoilers from now on so read this review at your own risk!
Plot/Story: ...so draggy. It dragged and it dragged and it dragged. Every two episodes they would break up then get back together then two episodes later they were breaking up again and so on. But for some reason I still enjoyed it??? This story is clearly the queen of the clichés but it's so charming at the same time. That's why there are so many versions. And I do like the changes in Meteor Garden 2018 because they had to adapt it to modern days, and it was done well. The humour was great and there were some breathtaking scenes in this show. Some of my favourites:
-Huaze Lei and Shancai at the beach (lol who am I joking, every scene with Huaze Lei in it is GOLD. But I could see the pain in his eyes in that scene and it hurt but it was beautiful)
-The cooking competition making Daoming Si almost have a heart attack. That scene with him trying to get Shancai's attention with that big poster... such a meme.
-The goodbye scene at the Tower Bridge. I cried my eyes out for HOURS. And not that related but the jacket Daoming Si was wearing was my absolute favourite. Those scenes of them visiting London look so good... that jacket gave him the perfect boyfriend look.
-F4 reuniting to help Meizuo make Caina feel like she was young again and that train trip hahaha Lei and Si were hilarious.
-Ximen and Xiaoyou... ah some good stuff.
-Daoming Si and Shancai's father talk when he asks her to marry him. He was so humble!
-Bed scene with Lei and Si. You know what I'm talking about.
-Si and Shancai sleeping together at Si's rented apartment next to hers.
-Lei eating Si's cookies Shancai had made for his birthday.
-Every scene with Lei and Shancai on the rooftop.
-F4 walking together. Every. Time.
-Meizuo being a mature af man and letting Caina go.
-And finally, my most favourite scene, THE BEACH PARTY SCENE WHERE JING HELPS SHANCAI GET READY AND THEN SHE SHOWS UP LOOKING EVEN MORE STUNNING THAN USUAL AND SHE'S LOOKING AT LEI WHO IS TALKING TO JING AND THEN THERE'S DAOMING SI LOOKING AT HER WITH HEART EYES LIKE LITERAL RAINBOWS AND HEARTS AND PINK AND SWEETNESS AND LOVE IN HIS EYES AND THAT'S THE MOMENT I FELL FOR DYLAN WANG.
I have to admit the ending was too weird for me. I wish they had just gotten engaged. Them not eating because of his mother and then Shancai fainted and then she went home, apparently, and then she was kind of kidnapped to attend her own wedding and ah Si's sister was there dancing... it was too strange for me. I wish they had found a different way to end the show but oh well, at least it looked good.
What a rollercoaster these 49 episodes were!
Characters/Cast/Acting: While I was watching BOF, I remember being soooo frustrated at Jandee because to me it was obvious Jihoo was a much better option than JoonPyo. Jihoo was a better character and a better match for her. However, I didn't have the same problem with Meteor Garden 2018. Huaze Lei is still my favourite character in the show (Darren Chen aka Kuan Hong stole my heart since the first scene he was in) BUT I do think Shancai and Daoming Si are just great together. A lot of people might disagree with me on this but, in my opinion, Daoming Si is a very endearing character. Certainly a very flawed human being, but still endearing. I was rooting for him since the beginning and I was so proud of him throughout the show because his development was amazing.
I have to say this F4 was way better than I was expecting. I liked every single one of them. Maybe because they weren't as douchebaggy as in the other version I watched. And, obviously, they are four of the most handsome men in the history of television, you guys know it's true. Their friendship is EVERYTHING. Honestly, couldn't have loved that part more. I also liked Shancai way better this time because even though she was flawed too, I think she wasn't as... dumb. She did kind of annoy me sometimes because she wouldn't say "I like you" when it was obvious that she did like him; but then I remembered that Daoming Si was actually very pushy and wanted to be with her while she was crushing on Lei. She might have feel conflicted too, and afraid to attach herself to him by admitting her feelings out loud, because of all the drama going on involving his family. Nevertheless, I think ShenYue did an amazing job. Her expressions are so convincing and her crying scenes were the best. And I don't know about you guys but to me she is absolutely stunning. I know some people didn't like her that much as Shancai because of her looks but... hello??? The girl is beautiful! Dylan aka Wang Hedi did a great job too; he made me love a character so flawed and that I previously didn't really like, and that means a lot to me. In episode three, during the beach party... That whole scene of her looking at Huaze Lei and Daoming Si looking at her was... majestic. Ah, Kuan Hong. I have found the love of my life through this drama. If you knew how many screenshots I have of him smiling... I have never seen anyone like him, I swear. All the other characters were great, as well as the acting. Meizuo and Ximen, XiaoYou, Jing, Shancai's parents and friends, Daoming Si's mother and sister... Couldn't have loved them more. But I have to say I wish they had worked more on Si's mother. Okay, we know she was greedy and she hated Shancai and wanted to protect her company but it was to a point where Si was dying in his bedroom and she was like "nope, I'm not giving up" and then she sees a video of him saying some BASIC BUSINESS RULES to innovate the company and suddenly she was sleeping peacefully with her oldest daughter (whose life she basically ruined) next to her??????????????????????????????????????????? Give me some character development please. Don't make her look like the literal ice queen of dramaland who doesn't let her son be happy and then break at a simple video.
Music: I. Love. Every. Single. Song. In. This. Soundtrack. River? ICONIC. Don't even have to think about it? Stunning (IT TURNS OUT THAT TRUE LOVE, TEARS ARE FALLING DOWN, YOUR LOVE UNRAVELS ALL REGRETS). ForYou? I would never skip the intro! Love Exists? The best song (If it weren't because of you, I wouldn't be crying and smiling like a child--- shut up I'm crYING).
Rewatch Value: I'm thinking about rewatching it right now hahaha.......help.
To conclude, I finished the show and thought "Okay, I love this but since I have to review it seriously I'll probably give it 8.5 stars because of all the flaws and draggy plot.". Then a few days went by and I created a fan account for the show lmao, meteor garden trash right here. Today, I rated the drama before writing the review and ended up giving it 9.5 stars because giving it 10 stars is giving it the same rating as my all time favourites, such as Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. But as I was writing this review, I decided to give it 10 stars anyway because I love this so much! I even created a fan account like... this is serious (by the way, follow me on twitter lol @kuannhongg). Even if it has flaws, even if it's dubbed (the sad life of c-dramas), even if it's a remake, even if it's full of clichés and impossible scenarios... I still love it and I'm absolutely in love with the cast. So if you're thinking wether you should watch it even if you didn't like the other versions, my honest answer is: obviously.
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