This review may contain spoilers
A beautiful, Uncomfortable Series
So, like most of the review will tell you, don't start this show if you're expecting the typical BL where they have a push and pull for 4 episodes, get together in the 5th, drama in the 7th and then happy ending in the 8th. If you're expecting fun, sexy, cute BL. watch something else. This is nothing like that. This is the story of pushing boundaries that should not be crossed, and 3 people who are all right and wrong in their own way. I've divided my review into sections for easy reading. It's actually my first review so bear with me lol.
Cinematography
This part of the show is excellent. This show makes use of blues, greens, greys, and black, sometimes contrasting with the occasional white. This is seen down to the clothing. No one wears bright colors, and even the house itself is black, inside and out. It sets the tone for the show with each episode. Their use of greenery to transition their scenes is also good. Lastly the show makes use of objects in all their scenes as a way to add to the dialogue. Lines made by the furniture in the house that separates the two, that Wang attempts to walk around. Globes and maps in every area. Even the trophy. Lots of thought was put into this. Probably the best aspect of the show.
Acting
The acting in this show really was off the charts. Amazing these actors dont have more roles. I felt the sadness of each character, and Pond portrayed Wang in exactly how he was meant to be portrayed. There is a lot of dialogue and story telling, that does not include flashbacks, so its dependent on the actors to portray the feelings of the characters, so that it feels like they're opening up to you. very theatre and very risky on the director.
Music
Nothing to shout about. The music is soft and subtle, sad but not loud and overbearing. The focus is on the characters, and the music tries to keep that focus.
Story
Okay, this is where I begin my dislikes. The story is beautifully told, but as more is revealed, you find yourself wishing that the things that you think may be true didnt happen. And then they do. Its told in a way where you can see where each character is coming from, but also you don't support any of them, and don't support the relationship of the mains. Interestingly enough, I think that may have been the point of the story. It's not a romance. It's a story about healing and faults. The relationship between Wang and In I simply could not get behind. Something about In and his father being in ill fated love, In being there for his birth, calling himself uncle, and then being in love with the child 20 years later did not sit right with me. Wang may have felt feelings, but the addition of his father made it uncomfortable, and you feel the elephant in the room every time. "What's wrong with loving the man my father once loved?" is 100lb question, and the silence to that question was deafening. As for In he's a coward. and though he is intelligent and speaks well, in the end he will continue to run. But i'm glad he did, because there was realistically no hope for the relationship. Wang is not a replacement for Siam. For mom, loosen that leash on your child. you don't own him. But also, your child telling you he loves the man that your deceased ex husband also loved and divorced you for is a LOT to ask someone to understand.
Overall was a decent drama. I felt pain, annoyance, general discomfort but also enjoyed the way they told it. 100% wouldve gotten a lower review if it had a happy ending for the mains. This drama is definitely not for everyone, but again, I don't think it was meant to be.
Cinematography
This part of the show is excellent. This show makes use of blues, greens, greys, and black, sometimes contrasting with the occasional white. This is seen down to the clothing. No one wears bright colors, and even the house itself is black, inside and out. It sets the tone for the show with each episode. Their use of greenery to transition their scenes is also good. Lastly the show makes use of objects in all their scenes as a way to add to the dialogue. Lines made by the furniture in the house that separates the two, that Wang attempts to walk around. Globes and maps in every area. Even the trophy. Lots of thought was put into this. Probably the best aspect of the show.
Acting
The acting in this show really was off the charts. Amazing these actors dont have more roles. I felt the sadness of each character, and Pond portrayed Wang in exactly how he was meant to be portrayed. There is a lot of dialogue and story telling, that does not include flashbacks, so its dependent on the actors to portray the feelings of the characters, so that it feels like they're opening up to you. very theatre and very risky on the director.
Music
Nothing to shout about. The music is soft and subtle, sad but not loud and overbearing. The focus is on the characters, and the music tries to keep that focus.
Story
Okay, this is where I begin my dislikes. The story is beautifully told, but as more is revealed, you find yourself wishing that the things that you think may be true didnt happen. And then they do. Its told in a way where you can see where each character is coming from, but also you don't support any of them, and don't support the relationship of the mains. Interestingly enough, I think that may have been the point of the story. It's not a romance. It's a story about healing and faults. The relationship between Wang and In I simply could not get behind. Something about In and his father being in ill fated love, In being there for his birth, calling himself uncle, and then being in love with the child 20 years later did not sit right with me. Wang may have felt feelings, but the addition of his father made it uncomfortable, and you feel the elephant in the room every time. "What's wrong with loving the man my father once loved?" is 100lb question, and the silence to that question was deafening. As for In he's a coward. and though he is intelligent and speaks well, in the end he will continue to run. But i'm glad he did, because there was realistically no hope for the relationship. Wang is not a replacement for Siam. For mom, loosen that leash on your child. you don't own him. But also, your child telling you he loves the man that your deceased ex husband also loved and divorced you for is a LOT to ask someone to understand.
Overall was a decent drama. I felt pain, annoyance, general discomfort but also enjoyed the way they told it. 100% wouldve gotten a lower review if it had a happy ending for the mains. This drama is definitely not for everyone, but again, I don't think it was meant to be.
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