princessyoku
Seattle, WA
This review may contain spoilers
A strong takeoff that misses the landing
What a true rollercoaster of a show in every sense of the word. This show presents some of the best acting out of GMMTV to date, with incredible performances from Khao, First, Force, Book, Mark and Neo. However, the explosive start to the series finished with a sizzle.If you don't know, this story was loosely based on the writer's group of friends. I believe the biased view of these characters, coupled with the branding of these pairs, forced the story to take a turn that was neither good to its characters or to its audience.
You knew from the start that Top and Mew would be together because they are Force and Book. You knew that Sand and Ray would be together because they are First and Khao. In any other story this wouldn't matter, but you show that these characters are so deeply flawed and dirty and raw, that to try to clean it up in the last act feels cheap. Then your only non-branded pair (and the writers self-insert) ends with one feeling high and mighty, and one slut shamed.
I also think that the show suffered from the classic Thai 12 episode format, because it had its climax so early in the show, that the falling action felt like it was dragging and the fun was gone.
Overall I enjoyed the experience, but know that this is a very complicated fav.
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Came for IU, stayed for the heartwarming story
I'll be honest, I see IU and I click watch. What I was not prepared for however, was a touching, heartwarming story that is both grounded and optimistic. By the end of this movie, you will be rooting for the worst soccer team imaginable, and love every minute of it.The performances also take the cake, with this being (IMO) Park Seo Joon's best work yet. He has the perfect mix of a-hole, crazy, and heart. IU is a breath of fresh air, who's quick quips and back-and-forths with PSJ add much of the comedy to this film.
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Like drinking a warm cup of tea
This drama is as comforting as warm cup of tea while stargazing. I felt emotionally connected to not just the leads, but the entire colorful cast of characters. Every character had its own story, motivation, and depth, while not congesting the plot.Issei was the real star of the show for me, with his emotional maturity and desire to care for others. The actor did a fantastic job signing with emotion and tone, something a lot of hearing actors lack when signing on camera. The drama didn't shy away from his disability, but also didn't make that his only defining characteristic. I enjoyed the fact that he was still a cocky, jealous, slightly pervy young man, and not just pitiful or meek like many dramas depict characters with disabilities.
I can see myself rewatching this show in the future when I need a little pick me up!
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