AppleEye2U Reviews

Formed Police Unit (2024)

Blackface 2024

[1/10 · 24 May 2024]

So far this movie has been released in China and Thailand and I fervently hope it will stay that way.

The Chinese PR machine presents this production as UN approved and "based on true events". It was launched at May 1 in local theaters as a tribute to Chinese blue helmets who once rescued citizens from the clutches of some real nasty Africans as you can see on the film poster that looks like a apocalyptic zombie movie.

Of course this isn't the first time that the Chinese government presents us their own version of reality but really, this artist impression of the Chinese Savior Complex comes with a new low: they use blackface to infiltrate and fool the African people.

Apart from that who in his right mind can think that Africans would see a bunch of Asians with black face and dreadlocks as their own people?

In short, this movie is in a league of its own, meant for Chinese entertainment only. Don't see it.

Hidden Blade (2023)

Communists hidden everywhere

[3/10 · 15 May 2024]

What can I say? I really wanted to like this movie. It has an interesting topic but the minute the runtime was over I already forgot what I was looking at.

Agreed, it is difficult for Chinese producers to get their movies pass Chinese sensorship without becoming too regulated or boring, and they really tried their best. Perhaps they thought one way to do it is leaving out the text, accentuating on the costumes, mood, look and feel like we're just looking at one long fashion commercial.

There's nothing wrong with that but Hidden Blade pushes it too far to the point of becoming artyfarty. I won't spoil the plot but I can tell you that this movie is a depressive tale with dark camerawork, a waste of good actors and a script that has no other message than that there are patriots hidden everywhere willing to die for communism.

Three points for styling.

The Legendary Life of Queen Lau (2022– )

Searching For A Heart of Gold

[8/10 · 16 February 2023]

Going through Li Hong Yi's playlist I stumbled upon The Legendary Life of Queen Lau. What a find! This is so much more than a story about a country bumpkin girl meeting a preppy flower boy.

Summary

Liu Jin Feng (Jackie Li) is living a simple country life with her mother until she's summoned by her father, the Grand Chancellor Liu Xie (Wang Dong) who lives at the imperial court as guardian of the late emperor's son, Duan Yun Zhang (Li Hong Yi) He forces a marriage between his daughter and the young heir apparent, and Yun Zang plays along under the motto Keep Your Friends Close, Keep Your Enemies Closer.

As he meets his bride on the wedding day Yun Zhang is surprised by her appearance. Liu Jin Feng turns out to be a small but sturdy country girl, courageous, spontaneous, easily fooled by the courtiers. It beats him why Liu Xie chose this unrefined girl, Liu's lovechild, in stead of Liu's official daughter who's famed for her finesse. The Grand Chancellor claims it was the dying wish of Yun Zang's royal father. So Yun Zhang decides to share his sleep quarters with his wife meanwhile observing her and testing her loyalty towards him and her father.

Jin Feng is oblivious to all of this, and completely swept off her feet by her husband's looks. She's putting all her energy and focus in meeting his standards, and she's stubbornly blind to his passive aggressiveness. Wreaking havoc with all her good intentions she angers Yun Zang in such a way that he spills the ugly truth. Heart broken Jin Feng leaves him alone and demands a legal separation. Now that she's gone Yun Zang begins to miss her. Can he re-evaluate his priorities, and will he finally win the power struggle for the throne without losing his wife in the process?

Acting/cast

The strongest point of this production is the cast. The role of Yun Zhang fits Li Hong Yi like a glove; I like his Soft Ice look in contrast to the Powder-Your-Face-With-Sunshine, Jackie Li. I hope she sets a trend with stars like Wang Peng. They are the shining examples of authentic looks that may become mainstream. A breath of spring in the land of mass plastic surgery where faces scare the hell out of me, or become indiscernible at best. Take Li Hong Yi's face f.e. Compared to Wang Yibo's. That brings me to the subject of The Untamed and two actors who play in this series as well. Guo Cheng (Lan Lingyi) is the crown prince's brother who's interested in the other Liu sister, and Qi Pei Xin (Jin Ling) is guest starring as the imperial physician. Kudos for Wang Dong as Grand Chancellor Liu Xie who maintains a believable balance between the dark and good sides of his character.

The Bad

Although the cast performs well, I see some flaws in the production. F.e. There are too many storylines, repetitions, slowing the flow of the story and leaving loop holes in the plot; there's a misbalance between romance, slapstick, and sentimental scenes; serious dialogues are abruptly followed by odd social media sounds that are somehow deemed appropriate for romcoms. Also the emphasis is on looks and appearances, in stead of character traits and inner growth.

The Good

Still, the emphasis on authenticity vs duplicity is a very good one, especially in the character writing of the leading couple. It gives this light romcom a deeper layer and some food for thought. Yun Zhang and Jin Feng get some real life lessons along their way.

Overall

So, if you like romcom combined with a coming of age story, this is for you. Enjoy the legendary life of the cinderella queen and her prince, searching for a heart of gold.

Qian jin nan tao (2022– )

In Need of Scissors

[8/10 · 27 June 2022]

Watching Decreed By Fate is both a delight and relieve. Yay. Here's to Chinese historical romcom that has good script writing! No loop holes, dragging or missing scenes, just 16 episodes Korean style including the cliff hanger that will guarantee an audience for the next season.

Story

This series has classic tropes like the straightforward, feisty heroine and two cool, tall, good-looking guys who fall in love with her at first sight. There are some unexpected turns as well. I like the idea of a heroine who sets up a divorce agency right after her forced marriage. It felt good to watch her respect and defend freedom rights, to admire the beauty of people, male or female. The love triangle is not the usual battle of love where someone comes out in smiles and the other has to lick his wounds in private. This trope is used to explore the many faces of love, and its origins. In that respect it makes perfectly sense why the ML ends up with the girl.

Acting/Cast

Chen Fang Tong is a good choice for the role of Rong Er. She combines huge Bamby eyes with a sturdy character, sharp wit. I like her chemistry with both ML's. Li Jiu Lin is born to play the classic ML. Really, this actor has the perfect visual and physique. He's believably able to carry the heroine, better than some actors who border anorexia to keep their assignments with fashion labels. Kudos also for Wu Cheng Xu, Cheng Yu Feng and Jia Yi, I hope to see more of them in future series.

Music

There's some nice music that fits the atmosphere in the series. I downloaded the beginning- and ending tunes for memory keep sake.

Rewatch Value

As soon as I finished this series I wanted to watch it again. The falling in love process is both hilarious and romantic, also there were some clues that I missed before. The script is that inventful.

Overall

Are there any faults in this production? Not really imo. Just one thing stood out for me like a sore thumb, the stringy bangs of the general's wig. Jeez, they looked like mucus strands to me that made me run to my scissors to ease the kissing scene. Anyway, I really recommend this gem.

Love and Leashes (2022)

Sexual Education & Product Placement

[6/10 · 13 February 2022]

Always eager to watch some romcom that test a few boundaries I watched Love and Leashes until the very end. I saw the FL/ML frolicking on a comfy bed; she with Timotei wavy hair, he with a cutie pie smile on his face uttering "Saranghaeyo Ju-in", and I just sat there on my couch, thinking WHAT?!

Story

I thought I was going to see an office romcom with two colleagues exploring their sexual wishes. A BDSM version of the wonderful Korean phonesex romcom Whatcha' Wearin? (2012). A Korean edition with a few laughs on the hierarchy in Korean society, the perfect breeding ground for humiliation kinks, but what I saw was a sexual education class; a BDSM kiddy version with commercial incentives. This time no rings, shoes or designer bags, but collars, dildos, candles, leashes. I do admire the Korean business attitude, but really, I expected less toys, more arthouse, and creative kinkiness.

The Good

Love & Leashes isn't a BDSM romcom, it's a warm and sweet opinion on sexual self-exploration. Ji-woo does research on the internet, and the audience looks over the shoulder. Kinks are explained in voice-overs, distinctions are made between BD and SM play, we see the use of safe words, aftercare, and the whole shebang.

The Bad

What I personally wanted to see though, is the BDSM psychology. What makes it good to feel pain, why do people love to bound someone literally, is BDSM in our nature or is it nurture? There were some hints to the answers, but not much, and not really funny.

Overall

BDSM can be interpreted in romcom style, and there are good examples from more than 20 years ago. Try Pedro Almodóvar's "Tie me Up! Tie Me Down" (1989) with young Antonio Banderas; or Secretary (UK 2002). The only newness I could find in Love and Leashes was that it is Korean, with product placements in style.

We Best Love (2021)

Best Love, best kisses!

[8/10 · 11 February 2022]

One of the big pros of Taiwanese BL is that they aren't infected with CCP syndrome, that is: without messed-up plots or silly tropes due to censorship. The stories are pretty straight forward and almost minimalistic. You'll get romance full of pining, pretty boys, and their intention to hold on through thick and thin. "We Best Love" is no exception, except that some scenes affected me more than I anticipated.

Story

No.1 For You starts as boys love at school and ends with the ML leaving the country because he visits his family in America. He didn't come back. He left no message, and the other ML was heart broken. In the sequel, Fighting Mr. Second, the one with the heartache has become the boss of a company his ex-boyfriend runs. They meet again, and the quitter gets literally slapped in the face by him. Question is: what happened long ago? It seems they still have feelings for each other, can hate turn into love again, will they succeed in rekindling their love?

The Cast

Sam Lin shines as the male lead Gao Shi De, more or less a throwback to his role as Mu Liu Bing in Moon River (2015). Both men seem easy-going on the outside, but are inwardly darker. They have no scruples when it comes to scheming their way to the heart of their beloved. They're also ruthless when when they think it's the best strategy to close off their relationship. YU fits the bill as well, as Zhou Shu Yi, a maelstrom of apparent contradictions. He's fiercely loyal but it takes a lot of effort at first, to gain his trust; he's prickly on the outside with a soft heart on the inside. In short, they're made for each other. The supporting cast is also good, but We Best Love is simply too short to give all of them the screen time they deserve.

The Good

There are two times that We Best Love reaches the top of BL productions. Watch the emotional drunk scene with Gao Shi De in the second series, episode 2, and you know what I mean. It has also one of the best kissing scenes and camera angles, I've ever seen in chinese series. Second place is the love that is shown between two guys who have contrasting mental disorders.

The Bad

The relationship between Yu Zhen Xuan and Pei Shou Yi that is only hinted at in the first series, feels a bit forced. The BL format of 6 episodes can't pay tribute to their characters and the complications of their love life. They deserve a series of their own.

Overall

Still I was hooked by the story, to the level of "I'm not crying, you're crying". So watch it, if you're a sucker for romance. Nothing better than watching people falling in love, regardless of their gender, or mental health for that matter.

Hold on, My Lady (2021)

Opposites Attract

[8/10 · 26 June 2021]

Hold On My Lady can be seen as a 4 episodes web series on YouTube; it's like you watch your favorite childhood book online.

Story

A Chinese Ronja Robbersdaughter is captured by a general who offers her an escape route if she serves as a substitute for the missing bride of his son. The original bride was carefully chosen to avoid palace intrigue; that's why the bandit girl must keep up appearances for a longer period of time, in case some murder attempts will follow. Afterwards she may proceed her life elsewhere. She agrees under condition her bandit brothers will be released; one giant brother stays to accompany her as her handmaiden. The illustrious duo enters the general's house hold, soon stirring up emotional boundaries on their way, including those of two sons, their friends, acquaintances, and servants.

Acting/Cast

Though this series isn't meant to win prizes, the casting is actually good; I loved the pairing of Yakisa who plays the lean and mean tomboy Bai Yun Feng and Gao Zi Tian who embodies the wooden scholarly second son, who loves to recite poems but falls for his practical bride as soon as he laid eyes on her. Even the giant bandit brother did a good job; I almost forgot he wasn't meant to play a travesty role like John Travolta in Hairspray.

The Good

Besides the odd pairing of the leading couple who give us some cute and hot moments during the series, there are other stories that are good enough. For instance the love life of the eldest son and his wife, the female childhood friend of the male lead who wants him for herself, and her wise father who sees his daughter for who she is, trying to guide her within ethical boundaries we seldom see in Chinese period pieces.

The Bad

The downside of smooth story telling is that the end comes too soon. It's okay to leave out some dirty plotting, and the usual do-you-love-me-or-not-scenes, but one more episode could have been better, just to explain how the generals family and formerly bandits will cooperate in future times.

Overall

Still, Hold On, My Lady is a fast pacing piece with good vibrations guaranteed to fill a pleasant evening or Sunday morning. It shows that opposites attract and holding on is all you have to do.

Go Ahead (2020)

A Chinese Modern Family

[9/10 · 5 March 2021]

I've binge watched Go Ahead in two days recovering from an operation in bed and yes, it really healed me. I laughed, I cried, the day-to-day meals in this series made my mouth water, regaining my appetite for food and living.

Summary

Go Ahead tells the story of a recent widower who's running a local noodle bar. His life is focused on cooking and making his little daughter happy, in spite of the attempts of older ladies in the neighborhood to find him a new wife. One candidate, a beautiful single mother with a son, seems to his liking. Alas, she is forced to leave by urgent family matters, taking his money and leaving her little son in his care. At the same time the neighborhood is disturbed by the arrival of new inhabitants, a police officer with his wife and son. The woman turns out to be a drunk who's terrorizing her family out of grief from a freaking accident that caused the death of their former baby girl. The drunken quarrels are so fierce the son prefers to spend his evenings reading comic books at the stair well . The widower and his daughter take pity on him, inviting him to stay with them whenever he likes, and before they know it, the silent, moody boy stays permanently at their home. Finally the woman leaves, the police officer follows the habit of his son including eating the home made meals from the widower and within a year both male neighbors have formed a functional, modern household. Their son and daughter are living in harmony, together with the fresh adopted son from the widower. Papa Li and Papa Ling form a real power couple. They encourage the children to move forward as good as it gets. At work, at school, with their friends, at university. Question is: will they go ahead in spite of their mental scars and the trouble on their doorstep caused by far away family members who come to claim their support mainly based on Chinese family traditions.

The Pros

Both the child and adult actors are so good, their emotions so real, it made my heart swell and melt. I love the interaction between the papas so much, I even thought this based on a censored original work about two homosexuals forming a family life. Themes like group pressure, status in life, keeping up appearances, marriage, divorce, midlife crisis, they are all there. The cast is superb, not only the leading actors gave me the feels. I also could relate to the other characters.

The Cons

The first ten episodes put me on a roller coaster of emotions, the mental issues of the children were that gripping. The following episodes however inflated a bit with minor issues about school and friends. And is it just me, or were most female characters portrayed in an inferior way to the male characters? I found them all insecure, ignorant, silly, troublesome, or downright evil. The leading couple, the widower's daughter and the police officer's son, seem too good to be true by contrast. It wouldn't have hurt to see more realistic growing pains between them. Also the many eating scenes with sweet cakes, water melons and other food, made me wish for product placements that make me feel less hungry.

Verdict

Nevertheless I was hooked for 40 episodes, I loved the ending that left me smiling for hours. Go Ahead is a warm and sweet opinion on humans and theirs struggles in life. Go See It!

Legend of Fei (2020–2021)

Fei Legend, Flat Lemonade?

[7/10 · 10 January 2021]

When I read the news about the making of Legend of Fei I felt like a child waiting for its X-mas present to unbox. Just imagine! Our present darlings of c-drama put together, the product teams of Princess Agents and Boss & Me, BTS with carefully orchestrated choreographies, a story based on a Priest novel, how good is that! Once served, this exciting cocktail seems to be a flat lemonade, and I know, tastes differ. That's why I'm trying to explain my reasons in this review.

Story

Legend of Fei (2020) is based on the novel Bandits by Priest. The main characters are Zhou Fei (Zanilia Zhao) the granddaughter of a national hero turned into a bandit for the greater good, and young carefree martial arts hero Xie Yun (Wang Yibo) They find themselves confronted with trouble and decide to work together. During their many adventures they discover some secrets and the true identity of Xie Yun.

When adepting a novel to the screen it is necessary to cut some parts and leave out the rest. Unfortunately, this choice wasn't well made. Comedy, romance, action, drama, all of it went back and forth, on and off, slowing the pacing of the story to the very closure. Much greater stress should be laid on the story of the main characters, but this didn't happen. The mains were side tracked by unnecessary minor stories. In her social media account, Zanilia Zhao likens this production to a Big Mac that turned out to be a flat hamburger. All I know is this is a mature Priest novel, but all we get to see is a narrative for children.

Actors

Zanilia Zhao (Zhou Fei) is still a shining star, Legend of Fei included, although it seems her heart isn't really into this. Male lead Wang Yibo does his very best, eager to confirm his actor skills after his rise to fame as Lan Wangji in The Untamed (2019). Unfortunately, WYB has to cope with two major set backs. One, he seems a boy still wet behind his ears besides 10 year older Zanilia Zhao. Two, his character Xie Yun is reminiscent of the dashing, flippant character of Wei Ying (Sean Xiao), his love interest in The Untamed, making the longing for better-written characters even worse.

Production

Sometimes, a lesser story can be neutralized by the quality of the production. Alas, Legend of Fei is very uneven, just like its pacing.

Verdict

It isn't all that bad really. Sometimes there are some episodes with beautiful landscapes, choreographies, close-ups, romantic gestures, but the feeling evaporates due to dubbing, childlike dialogues, cheap looking attributes and so forth. So, I don't think this series will become my favorite. If you're a die-hard fan, however, you can't miss Legend of Fei, and perhaps this will be the only purpose of the series. Its reason of being.

Summer of 85 (2020)

Sexy & Nostalgic Gloom & Doom Boys Love

[8/10 · 13 September 2020]

Such a pity this movie is released during corona. Été 85 deserves worldwide recognition and rewards like Call Me By Your Name. It is said director Francois Ozon was inspired by this movie to make his own version, set in 1985, when he turned 18 in France.

This movie is typically Ozon, he's a master in story telling, stirs up our emotions, appeals to our hormones. The cast is wonderful. The male lead (Alex) is a brooding 16 year old student, who goes down the rabbit hole in his passion for his flamboyant lover (David) an 18 year old unstable character who lost his father a year ago.

Almost from the start we know their love is doomed, but the story unfolds like a sweet gay summer romance. We watch the boys sailing, dancing, driving to the sea, watching the sunset, exchanging sloppy kisses, making out at every opportunity. All scenes are filmed in 16 mm tinted in light colors to remind us of the eighties.

The boys fling lasts only 6 weeks, but makes a life long impression on Alex with life lessons about seduction, passion, jealousy and death. Later on he asks himself questions about real love, and the ideal of love, two different things, like we all know, but difficult to discern when you're intensely in love for the very first time.

All in all I loved this sexy, nostalgic Gloom & Doom boys love that seems fitting for the eighties. Go watch it.

The Legends (2019)

Evil is just the Absence of Good

[8/10 · 11 June 2020]

Sometimes I really need some hardcore romance besides the rom-coms I usually watch with their tongue-in-cheek love. This is one of those moments, and I am really satisfied with The Legends. This series has it all, outstanding headstrong characters, their own private history, High Fantasy, the Great Battle between Good & Evil, and beautiful chemistry between the main couple, that starts unconsciously, shy, sweet and fizzes on the screen at times.

Summary

This drama has been adapted from a popular novel about divine sects who fight for the power in the pugilistic world. The main story is about Lu Zhao Yao. Her grandfather's sect is responsible for the guarding of the demon king's son. This mystic person, later called Li Chen Lan, is unkept, covered with magic runes on his face. He lives chained, hidden and abandoned in the mountain because of his incredible evil powers he hasn't mastered yet. No one is allowed to see him. One time Zhao Yao meets, and saves, the good looking Luo Ming Xuan, the divine leader of the immortal ten sects. He becomes her shining example in life. She adores him and promises to live and fight for the good cause, using her powers to protect the defenseless. Later she's really shocked to find out Luo Ming Xuan is behind the nearing execution of the demon king's son. True to her word she comes to the rescue of the demon king's son, because he is defenseless and hasn't done anything wrong (yet). So after a huge fight, that kills her own grandfather, she instantly becomes the arch enemy of the whole Good Sect Alliance, swearing she will be evil henceforth, if those hypocritical leaders call themselves good. She hides away in the mountains, together with the very shy demon king's son who adores her from now on, giving him the nicknames Mo Qing/Little Monkey-Monster. They set up their own sect, the Wanlu sect, that leans towards unconventional sorcery and devilry to make it possible for common people to live a happy life without the bigotry of the so-called Good Sects. An all consuming war is the result, with many events that lead to wrong assumptions about love, good and evil for everyone involved.

The Good

One of the big cons of this series is the achievement of the cast. Not only the main actors, but also the other actors act very naturally with the exception of Zhang Xin. She plays the role of the lively Lu Shi Qi who has a crush on the aloof, holy Qin Qian Xian (Li Zi Feng) tending too much towards the archetype frolic Chinese girl, but I forgive her because she's a funny sidekick. Bai Lu shines as the kick ass heroine with all her moods and flaws. Never did she outplay her co actor Xu Kai. He skillfully navigates between the shyness and anger of his character Mo Qing/Li Chen Lan who sees Zhao Yao as the anchor and moral compass of his life. I also liked the music and the scenery of hidden places like the snowy mountain, and the Feng Shui hideout of the main couple.

The Bad

I wonder how great Chinese drama truly can be, this series in particular, if the makers could change their style of writing and editing. Can somebody please explain what is wrong with the Chinese filming industry? I know there's censure, but the novels are okay, why don't they use the original storylines for a change? Honestly, the Chinese filming industry could use the Hollywood Closure as a model. Whether the ending is good or bad, I don't care... as long as there's a sound and fulfilling ending.

The Verdict

Sorry for my rant, but my frustration runs deep. In short: the end of this series isn't as good as its beginning. Nevertheless I strongly recommend The Legends. This series has many interesting characters, an interesting Yin &Yang theory about the concept of Good & Evil, and heart fluttering moments. Enjoy!

Arsenal Military Academy (2019)

Chinese Steampunk

[8/10 · 11 June 2020]

Watching Arsenal Military Academy is a feast for your eyes. The cinematography, action scenes, film sets and costumes are on point. I wasn't eager to watch this drama, because I thought it would be patriotic, nationalistic, but fortunately, it wasn't.

Story

True to its title this series tells the adventures of young cadets who are training, bonding, finding their life purpose. Some interesting characters are introduced in several subplots. There's this girl (Bai Lu) who's grieving about her deceased brother. She decides to impersonate him at the academy. There are two young celebs, a rich heir (Xu Kai) and an actress (Wu Jia Yi) who both take too many risks just to escape their pampered life. The rich boy enlists himself for the academy. Among their high society friends are two brothers, who are leading a business imperium together, but also get more involved in the resistance against Japanese aggression. The younger brother (Toby Lee) goes to the Academy to sharpen his war skills. There he gets a surprise visit from a Sino-Japanese girl he knew from high school. She went to live abroad, but somehow she has returned for mysterious reasons.

Their story is set at the time of the Sino-Japanese aggression, but it all seems more like a fantasy tale, full of glamour, action and music. Characters get away with cross dressing, stunt riding on motor cycles, single handed shoot outs with complete combat armies, escapes from Japanese police cells in just a few minutes. It's all very entertaining.

Cast

This time, the second leads steal the show in stead of the leading couple that made me watch this drama in the first place. Bai Lu and Xu Kai are legendary together in The Legends (2019) but don't expect a rerun of their chemistry here. However, as stand-alone character they are both attractive. Xu Kai is tall, sexy and cute as ever. Bai Lu is even better as a male cadet than as a girl. The best romance scene goes to Hong Yao as the eldest Shen brother who deeply loves Qu Man Ting ( Wu Jia Yi) He's able to recognize this seemingly superficial actress as a strong and capable partner in life, long before she knows it herself. Toby Lee has the role of the younger Shen brother, a lone wolf full of dark brooding energy. It fits him like a glove.

Production

The fight scenes and special effects are well done. The soundtrack is nice and pays tribute to the story except for the modern intro-theme. Also there are a lot of details that can't be seen in one glance, so I will rewatch this series.

Overall

This drama has tags for friendship, teamwork, and romance but these aren't the main themes. Arsenal Military Academy is Chinese steampunk at its best, with action, intelligent characters, and glamour, all-in-one.

The Chang'an Youth (2020– )

The Chang'an Crate

[6/10 · 13 May 2020]

Watching the promo of The Chang'an Youth, I thought 'A Chinese update of Sungkyungkwan Scandal (2010) with a dose of Hwarang (2016)', how good is that. Not to mention a flower boy cast and the star from Novoland Castle in The Sky 2.

As soon as I followed the story I discovered my comparison was just a first impression. The Chang'an Youth is stuffed with different story arcs. The heroine is Shen Yiyi (Uvin Wang) an ordinary girl who gets 'adopted' in her youth by a sweet rich girl. She's treated like family. Unfortunately this rich girl dies, just before her marriage, leaving a mystery behind about her pedigree and heritage. To do some research Shen Yiyi agrees to substitute for her friend in marriage and travels to the girl's intended, Tang Jiu Hua (Xie Bin Bin) in Chang'An. She travels in disguise of a gentleman meeting Yang Zi'an (Caesar Wu) on the road. Zi'an is the son of a magistrate carrying out orders from the King. She also meets the sweet second prince Li Xinyuan (Qi Peixin), and stark swordsman Dugu Muxue (Liu Yichang). The Chang'an Youth Gang is full of personal secrets, but eventually they end up as friends at the local academy. Apart from their exciting school life they learn to work and trust each other, meanwhile facing a mysterious case and corrupt officials.

Acting/Cast

Uvin Wang is a good choice for the role as crossdressed Yiyi, she combines a lean, boyish body with strong features. She also has great chemistry with Xie Bin Bin, her supposed fiancé Tang Tang. Xie Bin Bin is known for totally different characters, but he's so funny here, I suspect he enjoyed this role himself. Such a pity Xie Bin Bin isn't the romantic interest, that honor goes to Caesar Wu. Agreed, that guy is Flower Boy- In -The-Flesh, but he's more the kind of flower that's already been pressed between the pages of a book. Doesn't fade, doesn't wrinkle, doesn't impress. Another failure is the miscast of poor Liu Yichang. He convinces as the good-hearted rascal Zhao Cuo in I've Fallen For You (2020), but he can't hold a candle to Korean actor Yoo Ah In, who played the silent swordsman to a T in Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Put together with robot-like Qi Peixin they didn't float my boat. I also missed the necessary humor, the student twins excluded.

Rewatch Value

What can I say? It started out so well, but I lost interest midway the series. My guess is the writers put too much story lines together making a mess of the plot. This proofs that just combining elements that are based on audience statistics doesn't work. Really, Less is More. If only this could be a love story between totally different characters, or the coming of age story of an ambitious scholar girl in a world dominated by males, but this... ain't it. I won't rewatch this again.

Overall

Tastes differ however. So, if you like your sandwich filled to the brim with every possible ingredient, this is for you. The Chang'an Youth is a crate full of tags, just pick the things you like, and forget the rest.

The Untamed (2019)

Lovestory with Life Lessons

[9/10 · 3 May 2020]

I never would have thought about binge-watching a wuxia drama without romance or kissing, but I did, and I'm totally captivated.

The Untamed is an adaptation from Boys Love-novel series "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" - Mo Dao Zhushi. I recommend reading the novel first to get a better insight in the characters of the male leads, their mutual love and inspiration. Moreover, it leads to a better understanding of the messages in this story: * there's no good or evil, black or white; * People who seem flawless can be wrong. Those who won't follow the rules can be right; * It doesn't help to explain things, sometimes the world just needs a target. That is "The Untamed" in a nutshell, a lovestory with life lessons. The script writers couldn't have found a better title.

Synopsis

This is a fantasy story set in ancient China about two young paladins who are completely opposite in character. In flashbacks we see them as antagonistic class mates who find themselves entangled in a bloody power struggle between the clans. One is the typically charming bad boy who can't abide by the rules. Due to his impulsive actions, and his tendency to fight and save everyone, Wei Wuxian becomes an infamous demonologist. The other, Lan Wanji, is the serene and shining example of wuxia manhood. He seems allergic to Wei Wuxian who gets him out of balance every time they meet, but he ends up completely lost and untamed himself, when Wei Wuxian tragically dies before his very eyes. In retrospect Lan Wanji understands that his friend was right, and the others wrong, and he's full of regrets. Somehow the friends get reunited 16 years later. They join forces to solve the mystery behind the evil events in their past, uncovering a sinister conspiracy and stunning revelations about each other.

The Good

"The Untamed" creates a fantasy world with a beautiful scenery, soundtrack, strong plot and brilliant characters . Xiao Zhan is the perfect choice for the flippant, dark and passionate Wei Wuxian. In the novel the character Lan Wanji is described as stunningly attractive, large, and powerfully built, so I was surprised to see popstar Wang Yibo getting the part. However he made the best of this miscast with superb acting, very subtle expressions, and beautiful chemistry with Xiao Zhan.

The Bad

It's almost common in cdrama, needless repetitions, underdeveloped CGI, unsynchronized flute playing. It took me six episodes to get into the story, also it is difficult to get all the names and clans right. Unfortunately the last episode was filled with several flashbacks before the final scene got me by surprise. It's needless to say, I prefer the ending in the novel version.

Overall

However this is still an outstanding adaptation of the novel, even better at times if you look at the philosophy part. It left me full of emotions, ready to rewatch eveything all over again. The leading couple made me laugh, cry, and support their love that is unspoken in the series, but oozing from the screen. WangXian4Ever!

Ever Night 2 (2020)

Absolute Light is also Absolute Darkness

[9/10 · 8 March 2020]

Ever Night 2 has ended and I already want to know the continuing story. That's how good this production is, despite two major set backs. One, they've changed the original cast, second the story becomes much darker.

Story

In Ever Night Season 2, Ning Que and Sang Sang's story continues in a world that becomes more hostile every day. Sang Sang gets exposed as the person who will bring eternal night, everyone is out to get her, except for Ning Que and his Academy friends. The whole nation is about to collapse under power struggles, treason and war, and it is up to Ning Que to keep focused on his love, and the world he cares for. It turns out he and Sang Sang are the center of the ultimate power struggle between the goddess of light and the sage master. Will they succeed in saving themselves, and the human world as they know it?

Acting/Cast

Kudos to Dylan Wang. Such a pity he has to cope with an audience that's expecting the return of Arthur Chen who was teenage boy Ning Que in the flesh in Ever Night Season 1. However, anybody who reads the book will discover Dylan plays the character of Ning Que to a T as well. In the novel, Ning Que changes from a disrespectful teenager with swag to a caring anti-hero who sticks to his one and only purpose in life, Sang Sang. Yes, it's hard to see him mortified many times, but that's how it is written in the book, it's not about him being out of character like some people think. Ireine Song has to play the biggest character development here, and she delivers. Finally she's allowed to play her real age, and it shows, she really shines at her wedding scene at the lake.

Music

This series has a beautiful OST. The opening theme of Ever Night is simply epic, perhaps the best Ever Heard.

Rewatch Value

There are parts in this series that I never want to rewatch again. See for yourself and you'll know what I mean. It's terrible to see the main characters in dire straits. Sang Sang is dying from the cold disease. Ning Que is constantly on the run, more vulnerable than ever, now that he's afraid of losing Sang Sang. His Devil-May-Care attitude seems gone forever. Still, this is a hell of a story, full of life lessons, such as Darkness and Light are intertwined, and Love can make you weak, but it makes you strong as well. The biggest problem is the script, it handles all story lines without making choices. This throws necessary time for character development out of the window. How to explain in a few episodes that Sang Sang has become a goddess of light, and darkness incarnate, all in one? She has the spirit of Yong Ye and Hao Tian within her, she's cruel, detached from the world. Still she can't let go of her human side that is Sang Sang who shared her bed with human Ning Que during their wedding night. In this drama they let two different characters play Sang Sang's human and goddess side, which is too confusing imo. The same goes for Ning Que. How to depict a character development in just a few episodes that goes from a boyish dare devil attitude to an adult personality who's able to love and care deeply? So the makers should have invested way more time in both characters, now it has been wasted on too many side characters and side stories.

Verdict

If I see Ever Night Season 2 as the Story of NingSang, this series means a lot to me. Dylan Wang plays a great Ning Que, he really becomes the character. I love the chemistry between the adult Ning Que and Sang Sang, they finally look like a pair. And in spite of all the messy Wuxia stories I also liked the master genius Fu Zi, second brother Jun Mo, the quiet strength of Chao and the girl power coming from the Addict Sisters. Go watch it!

Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

Solid Gold Classic

[9/10 · 16 February 2020]

What can I say about Crash Landing on You that hasn't been said already? For starters this drama belongs to the Premier Division of k drama IMO, in line with Secret Garden, You Who Came From the Stars, Legend of the Blue Sea. Not entirely coincidental these dramas were aided by respectively the same actor, Hyun Bin, and the same screen writer, Park Ji Eun. The question remains: what's so good about it? I think it is the right mix of story, actors & music.

The Story

Crash Landing on You combines many proven genres that capture a worldwide audience from the start: action, romance, comedy, drama, tragedy, business, rags & riches. Moreover it is meticulously written according to the golden rules of screen writing: 1. Use the time of your audience in such a way that they will not feel their time was wasted 2. Give people at least one character to root for 3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water 4. Every minute must either reveal more of a character or advance the action 5. Start as close to the end as possible 6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet your characters, make awful things happen to them to show what they are made of 7. Don't try to please the whole world, this only weakens your storyline 8. Give your audience as much information as possible in order to stay hooked. The storytelling is also rock solid: boy meets girl - they get into trouble - things go from bad to worse - there is a closure but at the same time it keeps us from knowing if new developments are good or bad, hoping for a sequel.

The Actors

Even well written stories are made or broken by the cast. In this case the acting of each and everyone was on point. I can't imagine any other actor playing the lead than Hyun Bin (the stern and sturdy North Korean army officer Ri Jung Hyuk) and Son Ye Jin (the sophisticated South Korean chaebol heiress Yoon Se Ri). Also the supporting cast did a great job, with honorable mentions for Yang Kyung Won (sergeant Pyo Chi Su who speaks North Korean to a T according to North Korean defector Kang Nara) and Bang Eun Jin playing the emotionally scarred mother of Se Ri.

The Music

So, we've got our story and the right actors, but the soundtrack is the cherry on top. No surprise this soundtrack leads the Top 10 of most downloaded OST's of ALL TIME at the moment I'm writing this review.

Rewatch

Sometimes I can forget a story as soon as the clue has been reached, but I think I will definitely rewatch this drama. There are many layers in the episodes that deserve a re-run.

Verdict

Overall, if you haven't seen this already, go watch it, and get in line with others who are longing for The Sequel.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Skywalker's Dead, Long Live Star Wars

[8/10 · 19 December 2019]

Yesterday I watched The Rise of Skywalker during a marathon session of the complete trilogy in my local theater. I saw clearly how much effort has been made to combine all story arcs into a sound, Hollywood closure. In between the episodes I asked people I met in the audience about the final episode. What would they like to know about the major characters, which theory did they have in mind about the ending and so on, and I could predict beforehand that the ending couldn't possibly appease all of us. Each and every one has a different take on the story and characters, which is to be expected when there are so many theories and sources available, and plausible, about this fantastic Galaxy Far Far Away. That being said I like to specify why I find The Rise Of Skywalker actually worth watching.

Pros

The choice of actors, cinematography, action scenes and one liners are fine-tuned to our present-day society. It feels like you're inside a video game, living the life in this Star Wars Galaxy. I've read quite some rants about the sloppy writing of the movie scenes or about Disney's marketing department taking over the original story of George Lucas, but I would say, so what? There are so many storylines, thanks to all the novels, it's a mission impossible to put that into one trilogy. If the script is formatted by marketing statistics it will show a diversity in gender, race, romance, comedy, action and melodrama, whatever works to attract an audience. This can ruin a plot, but What's the point of story telling if your audience can't relate to your story? It's a dilemma and it shows. The latest Star Wars trilogy still is traditional high fantasy with the great battle between good and right, wise guardians and evil knights, but it is mixed with a modern take on Buddhist philosophy. So the battle between good and right has evolved into a lighter version, with a yin/yang light/dark model and heroes/anti-heroes. I would say, leave your brain on the shelf while watching and just Go with the Flow. I still don't know the essential meaning of this trilogy. Perhaps the message is you don't have to rely on guardians or large armies, just keep the power to yourself. Your life becomes more meaningful with a life long learning, maintaining 'the balance' and working together. Personally, I find this Disney concept a brilliant solution to combine different fan bases with different generations and countries. In the western world we have the older hippie/protest generation who believes in revolution, mass communication while the younger generation is more individualistic, they like to practice yoga and mindfulness just like the Jedi. In the East there's already a long tradition of buddhism and a preference for Wuxia, with masters and disciples, and highly styled fighting scenes that can be found in abundance in this movie. So I think this episode will be another box office success.

Cons

Are there any flaws? Yes, of course. When I look at the huge density of actions and dialogue in this episode, I see an inconsistency in the duration of scenes at times. Why do the makers pay 5 minutes attention to the bombarding of rocket men in the desert while there's only 1 minute left for someone dying, saying his final words?

Verdict

Anyway, it is as good as it gets. There's a sound and fulfilling closure to the Skywalker Chapter, and I sincerely hope the Star Wars Saga continues.

Coffee and Vanilla (2019– )

A Twisted Cinderella Story

[5/10 · 15 October 2019]

Watching Coffee & Vanilla meant for me... wondering which scenes I was re-watching from western eighties/nineties movies. First I was admiring how this live action version matched the manga, but soon I felt myself looking at downtuned scenes from movies like 9 1/5 weeks (1986), Wild Orchid (1989), Sleeping With The Enemy (1991).

Plot

Coffee & Vanilla has the same plot as these other western movies, a shallow twisted Cinderella story that is meant to glue the emotional, intimate scenes together. There is this naïve girl from the country, without an impressive resume or pedigree, who doesn't realize how pretty she is. She gets discovered by a mundane rich guy, full of tricks, but tired from his own lifestyle. Without breaking a sweat he conquers her, takes her in, starts to cuddle and experiment with her, apparently enjoying her freshness, but after a while even this dum girl feels there's something really weird going on. Her Prince becomes suspicious, at times alienated from her, showing signs from some psychic disorder or traumatic event in his former life. The outside world doesn't seem to matter to both of them. No questions or background stories are asked, parents, family, and friends are strangely unimportant. In stead of that, the outside world gets more hostile for this girl. She starts to feel like a helpless chick, a burden to people around her. Main question is, has Cinderella found her Prince Charming, or not?

The Good

I guess it is this long lasting question that the makers are aiming at. "Can I jump to happiness with my prince, letting him in control or better not?" Perhaps the western eighties movies, and also this Japanese version, fill a need. Thirty years ago young western women started to compete for a well paid career of their own, unlike their mothers. It was the Age of the Yuppies, working hard, enjoying luxury at short intervals. The paradoxical result was a collective longing to Cinderella stories. In this series both lead actors are well known, good in acting, so it doesn't hurt the eye to see them. Also the message of this series has some serious undertones. 'Girl, keep your wits when someone starts sweet-talking to you' but also 'In fairytales a girl can break a curse with nothing but her courage and steadfastness.' Both elements are nice to know, and reassuring.

The Bad

Unlike the movies I couldn't feel a spark of eroticism between the couple in this series. A romance can be based on instant attraction and passion, but their story didn't convince me. The casual remarks of the male lead that he already knew her, wanted her, prepared even a house for her, was creepy to say the least. I know there are many people who think otherwise, but I've really had my fill of male obsessiveness, male harems, or males saying Kawaiii all the time. If someone would pat my head like the male lead did to others...I would pinch his face real hard.

Verdict

So, can you spend your time with this series? Yes you can, if you've have been working like a dog all day, got yourself in a black mood, then you can tune right in, enjoy some candy sweet moments and a few unintentional laughs.

My Girlfriend is an Alien (2019–2022)

E.T. on Pheromones

[8/10 · 11 October 2019]

This series is a must see for lovers of fantasy and office romance . Some scenes are so hilarious I've rewatched them already, although the story is so silly it seems written with lots of liquor aside.

Plot

One evening an alien and his secretary get stuck on planet Earth, they transform into the earthy shape of a girl and a turtle, also rescuing a man after a car crash. Their device that beams them up to their planet gets lost in the proces, and the search for this device begins leading them to a lot of encounters with other humans. If you think this story is pretty standard, take that: whenever this alien girl smells men's hormones she loses control, wanting to sniff and fondle their bodies all over the place, which brings her to a show with pretty men in a night club. There she befriends the performing artist who turns out to be the younger brother of the unknown man she rescued. This car crash victim seems totally recovered, a rich and famous CEO from a perfume company who's involved in a power struggle. He's a handsome cold man who turns warm whenever the alien girl touches his chest. Could it be his heart or something else? Moreover this CEO has amnesia caused by some trauma in his past that lets him forget all his girlfriends as soon as it rains outside. Last but not least he has an intended who is as cold blooded as he is, but somehow obsessed with marrying him. What follows is a chain of events leading to office drama and a love square, between the alien girl, the CEO, his brother and the fiancée. Will they all get what they wanted in the end?

The Good

Thanks to the alien theme this story seems more playful and fresh than the usual Chinese romcoms. Agreed, this show has the common characteristics of an office romcom, the arrogant CEO, his antagonistic family, a psychic trauma, and a bubbly girl who turns his world upside down...but the difference is this alien girl acts way more sexy and bold regarding the man she feels attracted to. It's funny to let pheromones play a crucial part in the encounter with a extra-territorial being, especially the pheromones of a CEO from a perfume company. I also love the conflicted feelings of this cold CEO who tries to keep up appearances but longs to be touched as well. Actors Wan Peng and Hsu Thassapak are made for this romcom, funny and sexy, although their kisses were a bit lackluster with their lips stuck together in pause mode. The other actors are also good, especially Alina Zhang, known from her role as the Fire Princess in Ice Fantasy.

The Bad

The problem with this show, and Chinese series in general, is the lack of a sound plot. My guess this is due to the strict maintaining of marketing formulas, and drama censure. Chinese writers are forced to copy-paste certain elements that were successful before with other audiences, and able to pass censure. This causes a whirlwind of funny scenes, pasted together, but it fails to deliver a sound closure, leaving many loopholes and questions unanswered. But...

Verdict

...if you leave your brain on the shelve, don't mind an unclear story or statement about men/women roles in society, you will love this series. The actors are adorable, they are plenty of funny scenes and Hsu Thassapak is a good singer.

The Ambiguous Focus (2017)

The Search for Identity & Self-invention

[8/10 · 14 August 2019]

I just saw this movie on YT and was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of both the story and cinematography. This is not your typical BL movie with fluffy, hilarious, or angsty scenes about teenage love. Right from the start the viewer is pulled into confronting, mature scenes about gay men trying to maintain a relationship after they became a couple.

The male leads, Nan and Zhen, know each other since school, their coming of age story can be seen in the prequel Kinematics Theory (2018). Both males are introverts, one is highly intelligent, highly sensitive, struggling to become a writer, the other is a good looking sporty guy who earns a living for both of them combining an office job with housekeeping. Just like the title of this movie their story is told, and filmed in a cryptic way, with different points of view from both men alternately, using a voice over, and complemented by comments of their friends.

Plot: Nan and Zhen are nearing their 10th anniversary together, Nan is secretly saving money to buy a new apartment for them which makes him vulnerable for a rich guy named Jimmy who likes to bribe and sabotage Nan into a relationship with himself. Suddenly Nan's father must be hospitalized and from that moment on Nan's lot spells disaster, forcing him to make rash promises and decisions that have a huge impact on his partner Zhen, and his own future with Zhen.

Pros: I've read a lot of comments on the sadness of this movie, or the quality of acting, but I don't see it that way. First, the story has an open ending, second the actors were eye candy, their acting above average even natural at times, third, I found the story beautifully told, not overly dramatic... although living in a homophobe world is dramatic enough as shown in the side stories of gay friends who aren't living on cloud nine either. The scope is on relationships, and questions about love. "Do I really love this person, or do I love it that he needs me, and I need him? Do I love him so much that I can withstand other alluring people?"

Cons: Misunderstandings are needed in a script to give a boost to a story, but I hate it, personally. A lot of grief could have been avoided if the characters would speak their minds, not only in voice overs. Further I disliked the passiveness of Zhen's character, but again, that's personal taste.

Verdict: This movie reminded me somehow of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest". It shows people are busy with image building and pleasing others, but in the end it all comes down to our lifetime search for identity and self-invention to make relationships work. Go watch it!

Ever Night (2018)

No Light Without Darkness

[9/10 · 30 June 2019]

Summary

Ever Night depicts the adventures of characters in the Empire of Tang where humans co-exist with demigods, and masters & disciples in martial arts. The Emperor of Tang rules over several kingdoms with different religious sects trying to maintain a balance of power and peace. He's hindered by his own royal family, due to rivalling wives and their offspring, and the opposition of the conquered kingdoms. Other troublemakers are the religious fanatics of Xiling and the barbaric Demon Sect in the North. Both parties believe in the foretelling of "Ever Night is coming" a.k.a. the Legend of the Son of Hades who will destroy all light and happiness in the world. Their mission is to find this child of darkness as soon as possible to kill him. Both sects are highly skilled in martial arts leaning on mystical power from some kind of energy field that is created by light/angels/heaven or darkness/demons/earth. They are able to perform various super powers such as telepathy, telekinesis, and manipulation of physical energy. Apprentices are aided by their masters to obtain higher levels in power through training and meditation.

The Plot

The protagonists of Ever Night are Ning Que and Sang Sang. They've lived together since early childhood, being both survivors from a massacre. The 5 year old Ning Que has found baby girl Sang Sang under a pile of corpses protected by a big black umbrella. Wherever they go they take this umbrella with them like a symbol of their relationship, a strong protective bond against all evils in the world. Ning Que is driven by anger and revenge, Sang Sang is motivated by loyalty and love. Their story unfolds 15 years later. Ning Que (Arthur Chen) earns a living thanks to his natural fighting skills. One day he's hired to accompany the royal princess of Tang to Wei City, where he decides to stay as a professional fighter while Sang Sang (Ireine Song) takes care of his basic needs and house hold.

Once they are settled in the city they become entangled in the power struggle of the palace factions and religious sects. The fanatics of Xiling believe Ning Que is the child of darkness so they try to kill him. Somehow every battle is won by Ning Que gaining him even more powers. One day he gets the chance to be trained by the Head Master of the Martial Academy of Tang. Ning Que grows into fame as Mister 13, the 13th disciple of the Academy, envied and admired by many people including beautiful ladies. More and more he's driven by his testosterone levels and the iron ambition to kill the culprit of the massacre. This attitude puts pressure on his relationship with Sang Sang. Main question is: what's more important, Ning Que's passions or his lifelong habit to live with Sang Sang? Will they end up together or on opposite sites? There are no spoilers available, just an universal truth, There's No Light Without Darkness.

The Pro's

Ever Night has the look and feel of a Disney movie. Ning Que and Sang Sang seem like a leading couple in Star Wars sometimes. The cinematography is outstanding with glorious landscapes, buildings, close ups, time lapses of the weather, and slow motion scenes of falling rain. The music score is constantly pulling at my heart strings. Then there's the cast. The 18 year male lead is very convincing as the apparently uncaring, selfish anti-hero whose only soft spot is his little "house maid". Although the female lead is 6 years his senior she's totally believable as the younger, loyal Sang Sang. I loved their teasing-caring scenes, and the painful awareness, eventually, of their own hidden feelings as shown in episode 45 and further. Personally I'm not a fan of Wuxia battles, but if you are, you will appreciate the many fighting scenes, the choreography is A++.

The Cons

The characters from the supporting cast remain rather flat throughout the series. Take for instance the emperor. The way he calmly accepts the bad attitude from his family or political opponents keeps me wondering if he's some sort of saint in stead of an absolute ruler. Also the antagonistic Prince Long Qing learns nothing from his faults, making his evilness somewhat dull and childish. Certain costumes didn't help to take some characters seriously like Second Brother with his Teletubby funnel hat, or the mysterious Xiling leader with his tinsel mask. This epic adventure follows the traditional way of Chinese story telling meaning endless repetitions, flash backs, and a lack of focus on the main story in favor of less interesting side characters and long winding stories. So I had to resist the urge to use the fast forward button. To accentuate the positive, the flashbacks may be of help if remembering each name, background story, or fight scene becomes tiresome. Last but not least the pacing of the story is very uneven, it flows from easy going romcom to long-term tragedy preventing me to jump onto the story completely.

Verdict

The beautiful faces, places, and music, won me over eventually. Ever Night ends with a cliff hanger, but I am a fan waiting for the sequel. I really want to know who's the Xiling ruler behind the mask. He made me think of a good guy turned evil like Darth Vader. Perhaps he is the legendary pupil of Tang Academy, the one and only love interest of Madam Jian Da Jia of Red Sleeves Bordello. Who knows?

Ossan's Love (2018– )

What is Love Anyway?

[8/10 · 20 May 2019]

There are a lot of Japanese B(oys) L(ove) movies, also a homosexual office romance Doushitemo Furetakunai (No Touching at all) but to my knowledge Ossan's Love is the first and only BL dramaseries that is mainstream broadcasted in Japan.

True Love

Just like the other BL movies Ossan's Love is based on a manga, and it shows. There are a lot of cartoon-like characters, and scenes, that made me laugh and eager to follow the story until the end. Perhaps because of this I started to stare and compare with another BL dramaseries, Diary of Tootsies (Thailand 2016) Both series follow a couple of friends in their search for true love. The Thais series has a more western touch like Sex &The City, the leads are very straight forward in their desires with hilarious sex scenes. Ossan's Love is more asian in the willingness to remain aloof in a traditional society. The chemistry between the leading couple is absolutely there, but the emphasis is on platonic love until the very last episode when their days of holding back seem over.

Summary

Ossan's Love, literally the love of a middle-aged man, is about the love life of Haruta Soichi and his colleagues at an estate office. Haruta is a good looking 33 year old man, also well hung if we have to believe the stares he get at the men's room, but with a goofy personality. He's always ready to please everyone, perhaps because he's too lazy to fight, which brings him in awkward situations. To make things worse he's also lacking in social skills. That's why he's unlucky in group dating, but he enjoys a small circle of good friends. Haruta still lives with his mother, until she gets fed up with him and leaves. Since Haruta can't do any basic housework he asks co-worker Maki Ryouta to live with him. To his surprise Maki is the best partner he could dream of, but it seems life has more for him in stock. One day both his roommate Maki and his middle aged boss Musashi Kurosawa confess their ardent love to him. Also one of his female friends, Chizu Arai, goes into love mode. This is really too much for Haruta to handle. As his roller coaster journey to love begins, Haruta is constantly screaming and falling all over the place. Just like his friends and colleagues, who turn out to be exactly as ignorant on love and their desires as he is.

The Pros

Ossan's Love is watchable for everyone, a warm and sweet opinion on humans and theirs struggles in life. Themes like group pressure, status in life, keeping up appearances, marriage, divorce, midlife crisis, it's all there. The homosexuality makes it only more gripping. The cast is superb, not only the leading couple who gave me the feels. I also could relate to other characters, sympathized with the slighted lovers.

The Cons

This series is simply too short and way too platonic. Just like other fans I'm waiting for the sequel, what will happen to the relation of the male leads, and everybody involved?

Verdict

I could see five seasons of Ossan's Love and still be hooked, I guess. Please let this be the Modern Family Series of Japan.

Just Between Lovers (2017–2018)

The Will To Move Forward After Disaster

[8/10 · 20 May 2019]

This melodrama has good reviews, but I kept postponing it at my To See List, because I can't stand seeing tears and fears after my working hours. Now I'm glad I did it. Just Between Lovers is heavy stuff, but also a touching story about a tragic event, its devastating impact on everybody involved, and the will to move forward.

Summary

The drama begins with the quarreling teenager Ha Moon Soo. Her mother wants her to babysit her younger sister. Moon Soo has other plans for the day, she likes to meet her boyfriend at the local shopping mall. Moon Soo decides to bring her sister along, leaving her at the escalators, speeding towards her date meanwhile observed, and secretly admired by another schoolboy, the 15 year old Lee Gang Doo. Suddenly, the whole shopping mall collapses due to a construction failure, taking the life of 48 people, including Ha Moon Soo's sister and boyfriend. Moon Soo and Gang Doo both survive the catastrophe, but their life and dreams are shattered. She is living with guilt towards her parents who aren't able to cope with their grief. Moon Soo's mother is a drunk, her father abandons them. Gang Doo spends his days as a lone wolf, fighting through physical and emotional pain, struggling to support his sister and pay back a hefty debt. Ten years later they meet again as they both work for the same company led by the off spring of the managers who were once responsible for the disastrous shopping mall. Everybody wants to atone for the past by planning a better construction this time at the accident site. Will they be able to move forward and embrace the future?

The Good

This drama is unique, unlike any other k-drama I've seen. The male lead isn't the usual rich, nasty tempered, or cold man. He is very intense, a tragic anti hero, disturbed by heavy melancholy. The female lead isn't the typical poor, bubbly girl. She's a total introvert. Perhaps she was once a sassy teenager, now she's a Plain Jane suffering from parentification. It's wonderful to see how damaged people manage to develop feelings, let alone romantic feelings for each other. The romance and human relationships are so beautiful in this drama. Every character is well written, not good, not bad, with uncertainties and flaws. The story is based on a real disaster in 1995 when the Sampoong Departmental Store in Seoul collapsed, killing 501 people, but the focus is on the aftermath, and the will to move on.

The Bad

Some storylines minimize the huge impact of the first episodes, making it less realistic. The story arc of Moon Soo's parents is very depressing, if not dull. They don't show any character development. Gang Doo encounters every problem possible, this was really too much for me to behold, but his mental illness, a Post Traumatic Syndrome, is downsized like he has the flew, simply cured by a cuddle from Moon Soo.

Verdict

All in all this drama is superb and a MUST SEE. The casting is perfect, the chemistry on point. Kudos for Lee Jun Ho's screen appeal. I fell for his character, not only as a romantic interest, but also as a lonely boy who takes life lessons from an old medicine woman played by veteran actress Na Moon Hee. I loved their interaction. All actors did a good job. They gave the story an authentic feel. The beautiful cinematography and soundtrack added to the look and feel of a high budget movie. So if you're ready for some heartfelt sorrow besides intense romance, this is for you.

Medical Examiner Dr. Qin (2016– )

Murder Cases Fleshed Out on the slab

[8/10 · 30 March 2019]

If you like watching crime series Dr Qin is the best quickie you can have. Murder cases are solved in one episode, every detail is fleshed out by Dr Qin, literally on the slab.

Dr Qin's bromanship with the inspector, and especially with his "Late One" is the main reason I watched this series. Their interaction and one liners are so funny. (Lin Tao: "I just spent 2000 yuan and got myself a swimming card" Qin Ming: "One adult swimming for 45 minutes will drink 16 liters of urine. When you drank it, was it sour?")

It's a pity there's no sexual tension between Qin and his forensic assistent, I would love some romance in this show. Anyway, it is as good as it gets, the filmmakers already compromised on their storyline. In the novel of the real Dr Qin, "Murder in Dragon City", the man is decently married and Da Bao is just another male colleague.

The other thing that really kept me hooked is the way the Chinese justice system works according to this show. Take for instance the urge to solve a case in 48 hours. This would be considered a major fault in my country. Quick judgements may lead to wrong assumptions, conclusions and prejudice. It's also unnerving to see the Chinese press covering the crime news. Reporters publicly mention the surname of a person we would call "a suspect". The city, the crime scenes, the clothing, the room interiors may have a western touch, the police and justice system, now that's a different story. I would say "Stare and Compare"

The King's Woman (2017)

A Chinese Stockholm syndrome Love Story

[7/10 · 30 March 2019]

The story of The King's Woman is based on the fictional love story of the first emperor of China, Qin She Huang, born as Ying Zheng, the prince of Qin. There's also a story arc about a murder attempt on his life that has been written down in history.

The plot: Gong Sun Li (Dilraba Dilmurat) is the granddaughter and disciple of the powerful military commander Gong Sun Yu. The first disciple Jing Ke (Liu Chang) and Li have always been in love with each other since childhood. When the Qin troops attack, Jing Ke is poisoned while trying to protect Li. In order to save Jing Ke, Li agrees to marry Ying Zheng (Zhang Bin Bin), the King of the Qin State, but she discovers that she is already pregnant with Jing Ke's baby.

Ying Zheng has always been in love with Li and accepts the child as his own. As Li gets to know the kinder, gentler side of the ruthless ruler, she begins to fall in love with him. Where will her allegiance lie when Jing Ke comes to the palace to assassinate Ying Zheng?

The good: Somehow I must be twisted af, because I really liked this show. Why else can I relate to all these crazy characters? I am feeling for a girl, Gong Sun Li, who's suffering from a severe form of Stockholm Syndrome. She's showing sympathy, and eventually love, to a terrorist king who holds her in hostage. Moreover my heart is aching for this brute tyrant, who just can't help himself, because he lacks trust and love since childhood. I guess this madness is partly due to the good looks, and acting, of Zhang Bin Bin, who displays all kind of contrary emotions within seconds. The beautiful cinematography isn't helping either.

The bad: The only way to watch this love story with your sanity in tact, is preparing yourself for the ending. One should know this is not the era of happy campers.