This review may contain spoilers
I didn't expect to like it quite so much!
I dived into this drama with a healthy dose of scepticism. I have to say, Netflix has done a good job with the trailer.
I started watching it with no expectations. However, I loved the story, the message and the overall production.
I know nothing about tennis. Despite the fact and despite the matches and shots being overly exaggerated, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the tension and fervour. For those like me who are not fans of silly VFX, comedy cues and (slightly) bad acting (by some), just remember that it's based on a manga. You'll forgive the exagerations and the shortcomings.
The die-hard fans of the original manga know the plot and characters well. While I haven't read the manga, I've watched a few episodes of the anime and the Japanese live-action film. I have to admit, I'm kind of in love with Mu Siyang (don't judge). This drama has stayed loyal to the source-material.
I loved the casting! I think I'm in love with Xie Binbin too! Peng Yu Chang has done a good job as Lu Xia. All the actors are really good.
My one complaint: I HATE the female classmates of Lu Xia. They're absolutely useless to the story, their characters are cringy and underwritten, and very degenerative. I absolutely hate Song Yiren's character. Her entire existence is to pick up balls, fetch Lu Xia drinks and just stare dreamily at him. Frankly, I'm insulted on her (Yiren's) behalf -- what an absolute waste of her talents as an actor.
I wish they would make a sequel and continue the story. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but do give it a try!
I started watching it with no expectations. However, I loved the story, the message and the overall production.
I know nothing about tennis. Despite the fact and despite the matches and shots being overly exaggerated, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the tension and fervour. For those like me who are not fans of silly VFX, comedy cues and (slightly) bad acting (by some), just remember that it's based on a manga. You'll forgive the exagerations and the shortcomings.
The die-hard fans of the original manga know the plot and characters well. While I haven't read the manga, I've watched a few episodes of the anime and the Japanese live-action film. I have to admit, I'm kind of in love with Mu Siyang (don't judge). This drama has stayed loyal to the source-material.
I loved the casting! I think I'm in love with Xie Binbin too! Peng Yu Chang has done a good job as Lu Xia. All the actors are really good.
My one complaint: I HATE the female classmates of Lu Xia. They're absolutely useless to the story, their characters are cringy and underwritten, and very degenerative. I absolutely hate Song Yiren's character. Her entire existence is to pick up balls, fetch Lu Xia drinks and just stare dreamily at him. Frankly, I'm insulted on her (Yiren's) behalf -- what an absolute waste of her talents as an actor.
I wish they would make a sequel and continue the story. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but do give it a try!
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