halmeonie
Usually I stay away from Chinese dramas because it's super lengthy and with so many characters. I like my dramas short with max 24 episodes. But with this drama, I want more than 50 episodes!
The first 6 episodes were a bit confusing for me with so many names, sects etc.. But after re-watching, I kinda got the hang of it and since I can't wait for subs, I started reading the novel as well. The drama followed the novel closely which is fantastic. Although there were changes made to make it easier for watching and make it not confusing. I like that the story (especially in the book) itself is not wholly focused on, let's just say brotherhood between the leads. It's so much more as it kinda examines the nature of what is considered good and what is evil. Is WWX evil? Is JGY evil? Is NHS evil?Were the characters at some point evil? There were so much gray areas and you could just tell that at the end of the day, all characters were just being human. They were susceptible to anger, mistakes, joy, selfishness etc. No one is truly good and no one is truly evil.
Anyway with regard to acting, XZ was a bit extra in the first few episodes and WYB has that dead fish look. But come episode 10 onward, you can see there's a shift on how they acted out their characters. I think it was in episode 13 or 14 when I truly felt/saw their chemistry. Finally a connection between them! XZ was really able to capture WWX's character. He was able to deliver WWX's naughty, playful side, his heartbreak and agony and being such a baby in front of his shijie. WYB at first was very wooden but eventually improved with his micro expressions which made me feel for LWJ. I think with the right direction and projects these two could really hone their acting abilities.
Technically speaking there were so much room for improvement with the editing, lighting and framing of some shots. But I can overlook this because the overall product was really great! I still re-watch this show on weekends
So after a very long entry above, here's what I really liked:
- Drama storyline following the novel closely.
- Chemistry between characters. Not just between WWX and LWJ. I also love Yunmeng siblings! I can write a 10,000 word essay on JC and his relationship with WWX or the Jiang family dynamics (including WWX because he's family).
- The acting though there's still room for improvement.
- Music
A bit on the downside:
- Some technical - CGI, scene framing, editing, lighting
- Some disjointed parts
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Delicious Angst For Consumption
I think most people know that this is a tragic drama. However, the story is quite well written that you'll understand why it ended the way it did. Seriously, it's been a long time since I liked angsty dramas. But the angst was done well here.Since the novel was told via XF's POV, it's sometimes hard to understand LCY. But in the drama, you get to see more of his motivations. Honestly, he's a fascinating character that you'll love to hate. But he's still trash for how he treated XF. Anyway, the drama was able to flesh out each of the main characters very well.
With regard to acting, it was good though there's still room for improvement. But in general the actors were able to give justice to their characters.
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Swashbuckling Space Adventure
Initially, I did not think much about this movie. I know it's on Netflix, but I was not really planning to watch it. Since I was bored and I've just finished S6 of The Golden Girls, why not try watching something different, right? And I'm glad I did watch this movie.Like what I have told my friend, this is like Guardians of the Galaxy but with more heart. Also, I like that each nationality was speaking their native tongue. That was honestly a nice touch. Additionally, I can't help but relate the movie to capitalism, privilege, and how some people (in this case 1 man) manipulates public opinion to suit their own needs. I could go on and on about the movie's implication in today's society, but well, this would make the review very long. Not only was the movie entertaining, but it makes you think as well.
The actors, what can I say? They are very good. With that cast, I'd be very surprised if anyone fell short in acting. Everyone brought their A-game and the cast is such a lovely ensemble. Not to mention the special effects??? It's seriously good. Kudos to the special effects team. It added more entertainment value to the movie. They really went all out with the effects and CGIs. It's a good adventure movie. Although I hope we got to see more of Captain's back story. Captain's seriously such a badass. You'll just love her.
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A much needed lighthearted series
I've seen the Chinese version and liked it. But for me, I prefer the Korean version. In terms of acting and story pacing, it's better.I like how the male lead in this version was portrayed. Yes, he can be cold but you could also see emotions underneath his exterior. He's not as robotic as with the original. Also, the cast has great chemistry with each other. I can totally see them as a close group of friends. And since the episodes are a bit short, there was no draggy moments/storyline.
Overall it's a fun watch if you want something light and fun.
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This review may contain spoilers
A fantastic drama minus the love line of the main leads if I'm being honest. If the writer just focused on the story of Kim Shin, Wang Yeo/Grim Reaper, and Sunny then it would have been meatier. I just find their story more engaging and ripe with conflict starting from 900 years in the storyline. But well, what's a KES drama without cheesy romance, right? Also, the chemistry between the cast (sorry, main leads not included - I just can't see/feel it) is superb! The bantering Goblin and GR, Deokhwa and his samchons, Sunny and GR, even Sunny and the Goblin. The overall concept and story are done well. I'm even invested in GR's tea house. I think that if GR has a drama of his own, focusing on the souls coming to his tea house, I'd watch it. From the few scenes we've seen, it was both heartwarming, funny, sad, and sometimes infuriating. Who could forget about the dog who waited for his/her pawrent so they can both go to the afterlife? It also touches on the concept of life and death and rebirth, how in life, we are presented with choices and it is us who ultimately chooses which to take. The angst between GR and the Goblin, and of course, GR and Sunny are well done as well. You understand each character and why they chose to do the things they did. At the end of the drama, I just can't help but feel something bittersweet about the Goblin. He made his choice and that entails being alone forever when the time comes that Eun Tak can't reincarnate. The drama just left a taste of sadness.
I remember we were in Korea when this drama was airing. Everywhere we go, I hear the OST being played. It's one of the few dramas that I liked all OSTs. The songs really left a mark and it was used well in the drama. Even now when I hear Stay With Me, I still feel a little bit of sadness.
It's not a perfect drama but it's good in all the right places.
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