Change Your Image
debbiecheryllayne
Reviews
Because of Love (2022)
Began strong but faded at end
The unique way in which first episodes was contradicted by last episodes. Story interesting, acting top class but disappointing but expected end. Ending is norm in k and c dramas. It sometimes kills the story but it is a cultural and/or social influence. Looking at differences in cultures, it is critical to seek to understand other perspectives.
Trying to redeem a character who shows little repentance or changes in behavior that support the apology is offensive. And being a parent does not grant you immediate absolution from your wrong, especially when you have harmed individuals, livelihoods and corrupted the social fabric. That's why I found last episode distasteful.
Compare to the other father who is framed by both sets of writers and the director as poor, drunk absent. Killed off as predicted by at least first appearance (poor men in these dramas like black men on Hollywood screens: Usual suspect who can't catch a break. Bad reputation and social pariah. This presents the idea that poor Men in China are ...... )
But according to the story he was hurt by the first father, killed by his right hand man who he knew was stealing and committing crimes. Loving a wife or children didn't absolve the Italian mob of their crimes, why rich parents in dramas getting redeemed and their is no proof in stories of genuine repentance?
Man lost his livelihood because of adopted son's grandfather. Gave a child his name and worked like a dog to provide money for expensive medical bills just with odd jobs. Then killed with a five second funeral retrieving information that got this grandfather off the hook. Who is your fool? No one mentioned his burden or pain. He was scorned and despised then forgotten. That's the social and cultural influences that exalts one human above another. Just think. How will a real grandchild process all this info? Including abandoned uncle who grandfather never acknowledges or invested his own money in.
Hard or soft, the reputation created by script of adopted father and implied about uncle by main characters is repulsive and stains the story. Anticlimactic action or writing is very tiresome and the change in tempo of the final episodes depicts a struggle within content creators. That is the disappointment :10 stars for first 20 episodes but 3 for the final five. When an outstanding actor is shamed not by his failure to live up to expectations but by bad scripts, direction and editing, you know it is tragic. After all, there are Chinese actors in abundance who make bad scripts look good. Koreans too. Yup, mek it look eezee.
But media directs social thought on a subconscious level. Racist ideas internalized by black people was the reason for Bob Marley's Redemption Song. To uproot and tear down harmful ideas.
When truth and honesty are sacrificed for familial preservation we harm our communities, homes and societies. See white people struggle on tik tok. We are all human. Just the divisive rhetoric which surrounds these four words alone illuminates clearly how divide and rule would always be a superior social, economic and political weapon. In this drama class and beauty seperates and attributes worth. But why must all be rich or aspire to be rich? When the female lead justifies her son's future with this polluted discourse and the male lead puts his balls in his pants pocket for the latter stage of the story, it begs the question: why must you dismantle the integrity of a story to honour the dishonorable? That's why I would watch Love O2O, Falling into your smile, The King's Avatar which all highlight and resolve generational conflict without characters having to sacrifice themselves to please an unreasonable elder.
I love elders. I have always sought mentorship from wise elders. I love my mother and grandmother. I can ignore. But do I need to pretend they are right when then are wrong? Would I just proclaim them wrong when they right? Are you wondering what's wrong or right? Do you question good and evil? Be careful. Modern philosophy can justify anything with the most fallacious arguments. Both brilliance and mediocrity are displayed via media. But do we always have the skills to discern the difference? This drama began in a class all by itself and ended at Wembley in a crowd so thick, that it diminished its unique features. So, like DNA, uniqueness was its primary distinction but sameness became its downfall. Artistic talent was in the forefront at the top, the lies we tell ourselves was exposed at the end. How subtracting race still leaves a class bias that misrepresents the facts about the real lives of the majority of China's population clearly demonstrates why the discussion around equality is yielding so little results worldwide. Evenmore, sacrificing masculinity at the altar of feminism will swell pockets of the rich but ultimately lead to social harm. If women can't gain equality without ridiculing men, how will we avoid toxic femininity? It worse than covid on TV. Can we pull it back?
Generals' Lady (2020)
Would be better if not framed by the idea that a woman is always right
I watched and enjoyed it as light entertainment. Loved the action scenes, have some exceptional moments. However, as a female, I find this leaning to the idea that a woman is always right the absolute height of stupidity.
The lead female character does a lot of silly things and only wants to be right. When she is right k cheer for her but when this modern feminism becomes the mirror image of the oppression of what women have experienced for centuries, this is dangerous and nowhere funny. If you have never been right 100% of the time at school, how can you be always right in a relationship with another human being when the way you see and process info is often different. And in these dramas too often infected negatively by social norms and the accusation of a lack of filial piety.
But to see two people do similar things and the man is only wrong, that is crap. Indeed, the writers are ignoring the fact that the media can influence how we interact with the. World around. Having been black, female and from the third world the impact of media on social thought to its detriment is clear.
Just be fair. There is a difference between equality and pretending to give women a hand's up while trampling the individual rights of Men. There are two things black women can't escape, being black women and seeing black men trampled by everyone in the name of superiority which is just a mask for greed. Does entertaining women have to be a hazard for men? Why? Who is that insecure that you undermine the fabric of your society for viewership? Indeed, the insecure determines lot of media content. But what is going on in China that someone believes and teaches that women cannot be told they are wrong because hurting a woman's feelings is detrimental to women. If not for that foolish mentality that picture would have been the bomb. Love doesn't demand never saying sorry or thank you and it doesn't need a denial of facts or reality. There's nothing more annoying in these series than a group or individuals who are never said to be wrong.
Rigalhai (2019)
I laughed til I cried,
Comedic genius. First half is delightful comedy, second half is more drama. Male lead killed it. How female lead character portrayed made you question one more time 'is this a gimmick?' Do Korean female adults go to college and still leave with naivety of children to the extent that you wonder if higher education doesn't result in fundamental maturing or is this embedded flaw in how women are depicted? It is one thing to have a specific aim in sketching a character but one that is detrimental to the final goal is insanity.
Nevertheless others pushed past that. Both the male lead and the actor who was the boss's in-law left no stone unturned. They mashed it up! The elders are always on point. Excellence is always demonstrated in their acting. The one other disappointment was the actor who played the trainee of male lead. He was pigeonholed and fell flat. He is normally dynamic and outstanding as a supporting actor but this was below his norm by far. Director's error. Can't box him in.
This, along with female lead character, is what led to poor ratings. But others who have on average 8 or 9 stars can't touch this. Just can't. But excellent and popular, while seemingly synonyms in TV world aren't even cousins in real life. One of my friends from school once got 11/10in an assignment for which partner got 8. My point? The hits outweigh the misses.
Wo qin'ai de 'Xiao jiepi' (2021)
Coming of age for female lead
This stands out in my memory because you can distinctly feel the lead actors pulling and drawing from each other. Where they normally act well in whatsoever they do, it felt like the female lead was genuinely supported by the male lead not to be just good but great. She aced this one. Watching this maturing unfold on the screen kept me riveted.
So my ten is for execution, for all who encouraged these actors to push beyond the limits of script and norms of TV and to just nail it. The chemistry for me was that of two craftsmen celebrating and enjoying working with each other.
I watched this months before Korean version and I still remember the name and the pleasure from watching. And I can say honestly this is one of the few times the Chinese beat the Koreans hands down. Credit to male lead for pushing female lead to blossom and bloom before our eyes. To see an actor mature and gain confidence is a phenomenal experience.
Meteor Garden (2018)
Big sis was a rockstar
This was second version of this tale I took in. Four in all now. Love male lead's wardrobe and his portrayal of character was top class. His mates were like cardboard cutouts. Flat and two-dimensional. But what I couldn't resist? Big sis. Every entrance, every wardrobe selection and every performance - she killed it. Just EPIC. Skipped scenes with others but never with her. Could neither resist nor move. Only character I missed when episodes past without a glimpse. Phenomenal!
Pineapple head is worthy of recommendation.
However, if one analyzes the four male leads only the primary lead was outstanding. At times the others were boring and uninteresting. Anytime the clothes you have on are more interesting than you, it is just sad.
Chu Qiao zhuan (2017)
Understand immediately. why so many views
Enjoyed the sights and sceneries so much that it was first reason to keep watching. Loved female lead and the last episode was top of the class. Loved fights. Doesn't compare to hardcore Kung Fu but stunts were undeniably worthy of respect. Male leads aced roles.
Eventually one gets tired of love triangles where obsession and the need to possess always trumps good sense. The destruction of entire city, to exact revenge on woman, for rights to a man who has never even pretended that your fascination with him was anything viable. Proves question: Is it ever love when the two players are you and your imagination? Having experienced both sides of this conundrum, I have to smile upon remembering 'Just my Imagination ' (beautiful song) because it demonstrates clearly that intellectual and technological advancement is no guarantee of truly comprehending theman in the mirror.
Loving Never Forgetting (2014)
Stopped at ep 27
I could put up with a lot. But, a hateful old woman who everybody insists loves a man but detests his son who she has never known? Too much to swallow. A beautiful face is never an excuse for rotten behavior. Nevertheless, this attempt to redeem an adult who is hateful to the core highlights one of the conundrums of Asian TV. A mother can get a free pass for the most atrocious behavior. However, this takes the cake.
The female lead always walk around the male lead in fear, on literal eggshells. She takes blame and responsibility for things which are not her fault. So , she is neither humble or wise, just desperate to retain what she believes is essential for her. It is demeaning. Then she seeks to build a bridge by utilizing well known excuses for bad behavior: being a single mom. Been black, a teacher in the Caribbean too long for crap. Anyone that bad behaved needs a mirror and straight talk. Taught many boys who are today men. A bad environment or circumstances are no excuse for destructive behavior. She hasn't changed. Was crippled in an accident wherein her son's brother's mother dies, and she demonstrates neither genuine remorse nor wisdom gained.
Loved title but neither plot nor direction illuminates worthiness of such. Manipulation is not genuine conviction. I stopped watching this for same reason I stopped watching lifetime and BET: no matter how intelligent you are, you cannot induce poison and be left unharmed. As a woman belonging to the worst represented race and nations on TV, but who has influence over young minds, it is critical to comprehend how my own world view can help or harm my community. I apologize for my mistakes whether to one child or a class.
Loved child actor, he did a good job. Eventually the second male lead loses his ability to convince anyone who cares to think of his affection for female lead as his performance changes. The male lead looks as though he is constantly constipated and fails to be convincing as boss. Demonstrates authority and power but no in-depth knowledge of being worthy of titles genius and top performing business .
Backstreet Rookie (2020)
Liife in abstract
As comedy, there are many hilarious moments. But the male lead lives life in the abstract, he speaks about himself in a manner that contradictshis actions too often. Female lead is his wake-up call. This is seemingly a tale that reinforces the idea that relationships between people of different classes are doomed to fail. But in reality, it is about an initial relationship where only one person is putting in effort to no avail and the viability of the relationship is only real in the characters ' imagination. One person with rules but no effort, and one with all effort but no sight (whether insight, vision, critical thinking) = good grounds for abuse or divorce. All head without brain is a trait of the experts who govern today's world and too many university or college graduates.
Inasmuch as this is a carbon copy when it comes to plot development in many k-dramas, it is developed directorially and edited in a manner where the lack of a kiss is not a deficiency. Reggae boy and Frizzle Head were masterful in their roles. (When someone in Barbados tells you that your head look like a frizzle fowl, it means it is unkempt and needs at least a good combing\brushing and styling.)
The dreams or imaginative detours were full of hilarity and the one in the last fight scene was epic. Absolutely hilarious. Moreover, the first and last episodes were not boring or stupid or filled with flashbacks because artistic creators lost their way and gave up.
The male lead begins with living life in the abstract: where one is seemingly attached to many things but in reality, so detached that one questions the value of formal education. One of the themes is love between classes. That is how it is framed. However, when one examines the art within the frame one sees the real truth. One partner holds all of the power, makes the rules and is the epicenter of the other's universe. The other, in its orbit around its sun lives in an imaginary realm of intimacy and value. Both see the relationship as viable, but imaginary viability is of no value and leads to abuse and divorce. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the delusions abundant in our modern world, where education, liberation and secularism mask the puzzles of humanity: how do you identify, and separate affection created and fueled by the imagination from that which is genuine and experienced by two people. A solitary framing of any relationship will hurt the one who imagines best and invests the most.
A lot of confusion surrounding the experience of love lies in an unidentifiable plane where things created by emotion, chemical reaction and deep longing generate an individual experience often so intense and enduring that the one will never deny its 'reality'. One of the most amazing conundrums of human life is the fact that education highlights logic as superior but the imagination is the bigger bread winner and the place where isms, schisms and fallacy (lies) engineer categories and distinctions.
Two of the greatest such fallacies are racism and survival of the fittest. Racism is rooted in the idea that difference means superior or inferior. Science, religion and political action in the minds of the creator created a monster that education or science today can only chip away at but is powerless to destroy. Survival of the fittest is based on the idea that that which exists in the animal kingdom automatically applies to mankind. Mirroring. While proven among animals, and related mainly to reproduction, it is an assumption upon which a whole lot of human social ideology is rooted in. Inequalities, both real and manufactured, are the scaffolding, whereas the presumption of the infallible teacher, -instructor, mother, religious leader- reinforces ignorance as fact.
So we are faced with the dilemma where our smart technology is not foolproof because our prejudices, blind spots, imperfect knowledge is built into it but called smart. So, we see assumption framing fact. Modern science. Covid response and conspiracy are the first unfunded but international laboratory trial of how smart we are even with our gadgets. It is both horrifying and hilarious to listen to modern conversations where strength of conviction has replaced proof or evidence.
I would rather watch a grade B drama, fiction easily recognized, than listen to folly masquerading as brilliance and insight (a fiction declaring itself to be the highest truth or profound reality). In so doing, I avoid the malady of indifference, overstep the despair of fear and am able to reenergize for the battle for young minds. Laughter is the most fundamental ammo. I enjoyed the action and comedy in this drama. Appreciated the ending even more. Thank you from a gal in Barbados.
Sherdil (2022)
Just the write up alone on this website shows how truth is deliberately misrepresented
Sherdil is a quiet, unpresumptious movie. The backstory when researched allows you to look into a human reality that is absolutely horrifying. It also contradicts the idea that nationalism provokes genuine care for every citizen. Indeed, it exposes the reality that the rhetoric, while amplifying unreasonable and unfounded fears, makes mockery of the ignorance of the majority of voters.
To live in a country where generations of your ancestors have lived and died but you are denied basic human rights or any, is heartbreaking. Yet aliens and superheroes are more fascinating to us. How does an overeducated people be as backward as the so-called backward class? That's why I love South Indian cinema. They expose real problems and propose solutions and\or licks like peas. Sherdil just tells a story that seems silly unless you ask why is this story being told. To be quite honest it is more tasteful than the truth.
Dear all People: I don't mind being a monkey's cousin or a dog's best friend. I have a dog and we love each other. However, when you ask me to appreciate my pet, but the value of human life keeps plummeting on the world stock market, we got a problem. This is another story which questions the foundation of the premise of evolution : The white man's thesis proving his right to world domination. Does this Indian tragedy uphold the tenets presume in this theory? Evolve all we like but do we really have to keep the same old prejudices. Different. Genders have rights, animals have rights, kids got rights ... However, a man whose lineage knows only one nation has never had any. Are we to presume that evolution is a random event? Or can we surmise that the oppressed, by virtue of their oppression, has been left out of this opportunity. Yet others who left India have gained education, wealth and power ...
All I did to become a citizen of Barbados wasi was.
Colin in Black and White (2021)
Makes you know that denying racism exists is just another survival mechanism
I watched this the very week it came out on Netflix. Tried to rewatch it and cannot. This is a reality that many have to get used to. It's like a wound that never actually heals but you have to adjust because bills are not interested in your trauma. Also, pursuing a dream or just being occupied hides or disguises the pain. Then Colin loses his job and every black person living in the western world is faced with a conundrum. And for various reasons they have to lower the volume of all this implies. We may be angry for a while, indifferent, unshocked, amused or just let it simmer and propel you forward.
Motivation to live as human, not in a hole called black, must come from somewhere. When you examine it through the lens of world history you realise that cruelty, prejudices, deliberate ignorance and greed have always been elements that impact fate or destiny. Then comes the bittersweet smile when an absolute truth must be faced: Humans tell themselves many lies just to survive. After all, can it really be fate or destiny when some can dream while others need a job, any job. Can it really be such an ideal when all the world over individual identity is sufficient reason to deny a human equal rights and justice.
Even more so, with Colin's reality, why do some black people in the USA still deny the existence of racism? Does survival demand it, or did they create a bubble just to survive? How desperate do you have to be to create an alternative reality? I have seen it in students who because of personality find it essential just to navigate a home or social environment which may be toxic specifically for them. Oh, they are often the happiest and friendly. When performance plateaus and the usual motivators are ineffective then it is essential to examine the unique behavior of the subject.
What's my point? For some Colin's. Journey is reality, for others it is a reoccurring trauma, for some Colin is a subject that is less real than a cartoon, for others, it is essential to oppose and dismiss. Colin. We are lumped together as one but the diversity of our responses challenges this presumption. For some just the day alone determines the response. What can you compare this to? The different faces of grief. From the 1960s til now, the greatest comforts of western black people have been community, laughter, food, the Armour of clothes, and the double-edged word called the media. Corruption, greed and indifference has beaten our politicians at the finishing line once too many times. Why? Because black is not always our primary reality. That's just being human.
Colin in Black and White is a reflection of a frustration that is a prisoner to the subject but the economic choice of the powerful. Will I still cry? Do others still laugh and deny?
The brutal but quiet honesty of this documentary is such that we can no longer be spectators of such tragedy. But the reality is that life is sometimes so demanding that to fight this monster seems too impossible. Option: just invest your time and energy in your little corner of the world. Greatest challenge: human selfishness and fear. Greatest Fallacy: Survival of the fittest (ask Donald, Putin, Kim and Boris). Greatest pillars: white economics, religion, politics and denial. Greatest choice: Love yourself and nip reverse racism in the bud. Why: don't just be different, be better. Ghandi, Mandela and MLK are our forerunners. But never deny the relevance of Malcolm X. Top shotta.
Ni shi wo de rong yao (2021)
Intelligent and insightful
This began slowly and with delusion of great beauty. But I wanted to see change and outcome. Writing changed in episode three. With some works you can bank on it. But second half much better than the first and worth the wait.
You see the male lead in different role. Abd when the female lead takes off the journey is irresistible. Themes of changing perspective and expectations as well as maintaining balance in a relationship where the woman earns more is artfully done without clumsiness. The difference between a prejudice driven desire that is both the fruit and failure of social norms and what is essential for one's personal success, is the solution to this equation which demands both IQ & EQ. It leads to a realization of personal fulfillment and success which transitions you fromrat race to individual freedom and that only needs two components: You and I. You are my glory is the practical result of the scientific and philosophical hypothesis, 'what is love'? Many fail to achieve it not because of a lack of desire or effort, but due to faulty reasoning and listening to terrible advice from elders, experts and friends. Transcending misinformation in the age of technology demands the individual autonomy to turn off the white noise and static around you.
This is the Yang Yang series with which I connected to at a deeper level. I enjoyed the King's Avatar the most bot I like this the best.
That I got to learn more about a profession that I know by name only was both delightful and thought provoking. There are many things on television where characters claim a profession but neither the writing nor the acting convinces you of this claim. The effort it took to do this must be commended. The female lead must also be commended for executing a task that demanded both subtlety and accuracy of depiction. That it is Chinese and rewrites our faulty view of a people which we only know of from gossip and politics sealed the deal for me. Being a spectator on the world stage affords one a unique lens: Caribbean, white education, black, female, trained in both the arts and sciences and not belonging to a particular clique or school of thought with a unique understanding of religion, Family of mainly women, friends mainly male. Smile.
Weiwei yixiao hen qingcheng (2016)
If You are a Yang Yang fan
This is my sister's favourite c/k drama. It's an excellent watch because the male cast kill it. I've seen American dramas with less talent but greater fame. And kudos to Her Naughtiness (the female lead's best friend)- this sister can act. Cute as a button, but when your performance compels someone to look for your other works, then you can be assured that your talent made some forget cute. Very few with good lucks can actually do it. That's when you have both a hook and a kill.
The kisses made me laugh. Kissing cardboard seems easier. But I understood the outcome.
Loved the graphics, storyline and difference in ending from movie. Also love theme of influencing youth to do business differently. It's a constant in Korean and Chinese drama. Film with social conscience has greater national benefit than environmentalism that's values pets above human life. Value both.
Main criticism is that female lead role never truly evolves or grow. One episode may fool many, but I value thinking both as a habit and skill. I don't fault the actress. She did what was asked of her. Wanted to see more of Young man being tutored. Good talent. Also loved idea of not trying to redetermine who someone loves. Takes all types to make one world.
What I find curious is the misuse of the word beautiful. Anyone who can't stop traffic without make-up and wearing sackcloth just don't cut it. Barbados is small. My secondary school population was less than 1200., with less than 110 girls. Female lead couldn't qualify as nothing more than pleasant to behold. Supporting actress is a whole different story.
In top k/ c dramas, whether modern or historical, the trifecta of haircut, wardrobe and personal dynamism transfixes you and transcends ordinary. When the 4th ,5th and 6th dimensions of good talent throughout cast, good writing and directing are added, then you get a work that leaves American and western cinema and tv in the dust. And counting box office receipts in US dollars can never diminish impact or change that outcome. Then comes the seventh dimension - a place all its own.
Would I suggest this to young people I know? Yes. I prefer The King's Avatar and the female roles. But overall, it's because it showcases more talent, has conflict that doesn't negate admiration of skill of acting and it compels you to watch it again. Both also provoke you to never superimpose your personal opinion on the work or the story and to respect creative choices made based on social-cultural and market norms. So, all in all, I learnt more from lead female role of Love o2o but I admire talent and role of others more. That's the beauty of having more than one lens through which to observe anything.
Shan Shan Lai Le (2014)
Good portrayal of male lead
Smoother than butter. The malee lead, the consistency of his character, some of the subplots are worth the watch. Some may laugh but after a degree in English Literature, and being raised with Hollywood and British TV, I have had to read and reread atrocious books that some call classics. I am also a romance novel junkie, so books without saIt, pepper, herbs and spice I have read. Builds up the very best tolerance for crap.
Sorry. I am a consumer. Black. White educated. "Tired" world inhabitant. Female. Endurance, and sacrifice is the name of my game. My sister asked me to watch this. But the male Lead was intriguing from episode one. Female lead/ role has highlights but I am unconvinced of some of the things the creators claim. That sgd ix hard worker is well documented. However, I can't believe she passed CPA within a year. Running jewelry store is a hard sell. Creative choice and intent understood, but transition without transformation is both incredulous in art and dangerous in real life. Equality gas more to do with personal self worth or self-esteem than reputation or the judgment of others. A change of job to prove equality then to relinquish it for personal harmony is pointless. Popularity and intelligence are unrelated .
Furthermore, the personal ideas of lead female character are a hodgepodge of assumptions, presumption and bad friendly advice- a 1001 reasons not to watch BET or lifetime. Then condemnation of male lead for a lie after female lead has already told too many lies to trace is a common fallacy of feminist sympathetic discourse in film.
But must a work be rejected full scale just because of blatant folly in one choice? New or unknown talent, in front of and behind the screen, must be given the chance to make or to present their argument for being given an audience. Gives better opportunity to learn more about other cultures, societies and the creative process inherent to different television industries. Thank you covid. Different world views facilitate ease of change in personal perspective and adjusting to manifold ways of telling a tale destroys prejudices, conscious and unconscious, by only watching the work of one TV industry.
Feng Teng holds his own. He chooses a mate for personal comfort and not social expectations, facilitating evolution of a better man and leader. Credit must be given to director, writer and supporting cast and crew for being singular in objective and maintaining audience's gaze.
Loved wardrobe - to be fascinated by winter and autumn clothing is new to me and only developed after seeing wardrobes for male actors. The men capture your gaze but female wardrobe prolongs it. Began with Korean actors but Chinese sustained admiration. But the timbre of some of the male voices is exceptional and induces a drug like effect.
Smile. Transitioning between intelligent viewing to being downright silly in personal taste is a hoot. When your frame of mind consistently changes it allows you to see and appreciate more. You also recognize that learning can take place in any mindset. As a teacher of young children this inspires and refreshes motivation.
Raketsonyeondan (2021)
Many hilarious moments
Loved this. A story about playing badminton. Have respect for badminton players because we tried it at school, and I had neither the grace nor temperament for it.
Characters are all well depicted. Cussing involved is not a whole lot compared to the unintelligent use of the fword in grade A or grade B pictures. But comes from mouths of kids. Why I'm not surprised or offended? As one who entered teaching service in 2005, less than 20 cusswords minus the fword is nothing compared to what I heard in my first hour on a compound. Rough baptism indeed.
Depiction of characters is top-class and comedic intent in some scenes undeniable. But plot and subplot raise social issues and delivery of latter provoked deep respect for creators for doing so. So, while not as interesting as main plot, it is top of the class among subplots because it has worth and specific to local audience. Many may disapprove because it doesn't take them far from reality and cussing raises an uncomfortable truth- it jolts you back to earth.
But if you let go of your offense at cussing or annoyance at a few of the characters in the subplot, you find hilarity that is both good for the bones but bad for under garments. So, thanks for keeping art with a social conscience alive. Today's viewing is often about escapism via mindless entertainment and not necessarily an act of curiosity. Too often we demand more from television and other entertainment services than we have the courage to demand from politicians and too much market trends bear witness to the awful truth: in this modern world too many are not as smart as their phones yet pride themselves on being smarter than their ancestors.
If you need to laugh, watch this. If you desire to learn of the fate of other sports or care to learn about, or from, a different culture or people, watch this. If you want to see good talent in an under-rated drama, watch this. If you can stand not to be part of fashion trends on social media, watch this.
If not, be happy with allowing your phone or social media to direct your train of thought. New colonialism is subtle but powerful and makes millions for the few everyday. Deadly, invisible, effective... Racket Boys just contain a little antidote. Why be bitter or complain. Even if powerless, never hide from the truth.
Qin ai de, re ai de (2019)
A targeted kill
In an attempt to garner insipid ratings, the writer, director and other creators did a hatchet job on this series and made good actors look bad and irrelevant. The consistent lack of wisdom in the elders in this drama is nauseating. A teacher who judges a man on the little knowledge she has of him which is all second hand, too many adults talking as if they gained nothing (not even a speck of wisdom from life's experience ); people so locked into their own perspective that they fail to hear or see it others.
The first three episodes were actually better than falling into your smile and you are my glory. But where the writing changed for the former and the evolution of the characters and the showcasing of a profession that few know about propels the latter into a space all its own, this descends slowly into film that takes up space and time but lacks substance - a perfection of Hollywood. Why come in second in a race this is pointless and insulting to the many who still use more than 10% of their brain?
What is more pitiful than actors who seem like they're pretending to act? Having intelligence to ace University but clueless about real life? It also implies and demonstrates that you can be qualified for working in a field yet fail to see or even ignore what is blatantly defective in your work. Too many characters talk without demonstrating wisdom or insight. We call this in the world where brilliant minds are educated being bright but not shining: grades superior but world knowledge inferior.
I watched this because a lot of the characters have potential but the failures in this drama are an inside job. When conversation is vapid and unhelpful to the growth and development of characters, one has to wonder if a show is just marking time. Too many of the characters and relationships have no depth and are stunted from growing. Indeed, when written words remain one or two dimensional on screen then intelligent viewing is not a requirement. When characters evolve and the audience is educated then the third and fourth dimension widens viewing impact by overriding audience's personal prejudices . Lies and omissions can make or breaks show. In this case flashbacks don't help but contradict purpose and intent. It just takes you further down the rabbit hole. The storyline promises much but delivers little. It does have flashes of and that makes it sadder to witness. The integrity of the creation became the prey of other priorities.
Ni wei xiao shi hen mei (2021)
It got better as it progressed
Like a lot of cdramas and kdramas began slowly and made you wonder. My favorite episodes were all down the line. When the writing improved, getting hooked was inevitable. First hook - title. I wanted to see how creators would bring those words to life. Second hook - story about young people and gaming. Third hook - actors can actually act. Not a case where the script makes the actor look good, but a combining of talents that makes even bad writing look good. Fourth hook - Male lead falls in love and steals the show.
When you have seen from the very best to the worst of tv, fresh faces with definite talent are a draw. Being challenged to rethink prejudices known and unknown is interesting and enlightening. Having a new experience because of covid that Is not distressing is fireworks. Fifth hook - female supporting actress. Subtle but strong and not a stereotype. If her boyfriend fell off the planet she would miss him, I wouldn't. You have to respect a man's choice. Sixth hook- background stories of supporting actors. Seventh hook- a man likes a woman and doesn't seek family, friends or fans' approval. We live in a modern world everyone and their uncle presumes the validity of their opinion and freely airs it without reflection or due care. His reasons are his own, not society's. Everyone won't make this choice and win but the integrity of the character throughout the series makes you a believer. Integrity here refers more to the representation of the character throughout the series. It is one of my top 5 of c-dramas.
One of the greatest drawbacks in c-dramas is the manufactured conversations near the end where the voice of the audience and the writer overrides the voice of the character. Then the presumed intelligence and of the female character falls through the floor and the integrity of the character, its wholeness, is invaded by the need of creators to showcase conflict. The combination of poker face with tears and a verbal assault on the male lead, in this instance, falls into the trap of regurgitating social and industry norms for the female viewpoint. So, the female with an education in the modern world, (and yes, modernity in film is often overrated and inconsequential) who entered a new world with her choice of gaming is still trapped in an identity created for her and not forged in the furnace of education and worldly experience. The fallback on practised habits of the female voice begs the question of intent by the writer and social and political influence over female discourse. Having lived in a world framed by white males as an educated black woman within a predominantly black society gives a peculiar frame of reference when you subtract yourself to understand the impact on both the black male and female psyche. Being trained in literary theory and the experience of being an avid reader enables one to subjectify and objectify characters at will. Either the ignorance or the containment of the writer is displayed. Since the character is a creation its power and dynamism is curtailed by the writer's intent and the external pressures to cough up a particular result. Though understandable, it is irritating and undermines the credibility of the character. Hereby, the burden of maintaining the virtue of the romantic tale falls squarely on the shoulders of the male lead. They are always victorious because the singularity of their purpose is undeniable from the beginning of their love journey. Whether Indian, Korean or Chinese, after they get the feeling, they make a choice and a commitment. This is where east beats west where the virtue of any seeming good on-screen relationship hangs by a thread on the lifeline of sexual desire and the attractiveness of female character. Gives required adrenaline rush but gives no escape from the divorce should the relationship evolve. Where East is insistent on infallibility of wife and mother, the contradiction arises when girlfriend /fiancé must admit wrong. Failing to acknowledge that no one begins as wife or mother and supposing that the title exempts you from accountability is the greatest conundrum of eastern societies and cinema /tv. Here is one undeniable lesson from black men: when one faces a problem, they close ranks and fight. When that fight is over, they have a private discussion with the individual at the center of the melee. Among genuine friends no one is allowed to misunderstand support. If you are wrong, you are wrong. If it was not the time or place, that is made clear. Something doesn't need to reach a screen to be validated. Black versus black needs no consideration of survival. But when you are black living in a world that calls you other, from Rodney King to George Floyd demonstrates the fire for freedom being quelled by necessity of survival. What's my point ? Never abuse the priveleges you have. Preserve the family without deifying women or children. I live among some where marriage will never be considered, it's a childhood memory, a false hope or unnecessary baggage. Having both a mother and father benefits children , as seen in my classroom. But living in a society that values both marriage and family now only exists on the horizon for the majority in my corner of the world. The isms of this world have reduced the hopes of many to the least common denominator without relinquishing responsibility for choices made.
So, from time to time I visit alternative realities and celebrate the strength and beauty of the human spirit and enjoy for a while longer an existence where the of the wisdom of modernity is for a while longer smarter than the smart phone. Smile.
Wei wei yi xiao hen qing cheng (2016)
Precise to a fault
This is enjoyable and wholesome. However the flow of the work makes you question some of the choices of the creators: editor, producer, director. It was edited with such precision and concision that one is left not only wanting more but asking two questions : why such a clinical or scientific approach to this work of art? What could be done with the ending to maintain the dynamism or improve the telling of the tale.
As a teacher /aunt I would watch this with Young people in my immediate community. As a lover of good movie/tv art I wanted more. I have seen both modern movies and dramas where the aim to be a particular length reduced the quality of the work and lost both earnings and ratings. In this case, being so precise throughout and the lack of progressive clarity at the end hurt both the longevity and wider appeal of the work. The storytelling at the end seemed to be dependent on one's knowledge of the text on which it is based. But the clarity in the top of the movie is not at the end and I knew from the first meeting with financiers that the idea would be stolen. But the resolution of the story while indicating that the characters overcame the odds, fails to highlight personal or relational growth and development.
Loved both the male and female leads. Actually preferred female lead character in movie to the one in series. Not because of acting skills but the story. But due to such vast differences in character, how one analyses has to be different. Wukd i watch ig again. Yes, because it went by so fast and if was interesting.
Quanzhi Gaoshou (2019)
Enjoyed every moment
This was a new experience. Chinese drama, Esports... I found out what a Manga was last month. The only thing I know about Japanese anime is that my nephew is a big fan.
I enjoyed this series. The name drew me but the first episode hooked me. The vast cast and attention to the details of each one is to be commended. Learning how to be a consummate professional without losing personal integrity is demonstrated beautifully. How to find one's own identity and maintain it in the crowd as well as giving other people the opportunity to grow or change are depicted clearly. I appreciated most that the characters weren't flat, taking up space or marking time. Must appreciate all who put time and effort into this production. Absolutely enjoyed every episode. Appreciate differences from different television industries.
Thank you for a job well done. Already started other works from both lead actors and enjoyed a few music videos from Yang Yang. From only Kung Fu movies -in Barbados most people over 40 are fans of Kung Fu. If not for covid I wouldn't know Asian TV or movies. Had stopped watching TV except for sports or news for years. Love excellent era's building and happy Cafe. And like the head of the league I'm a novice who has to appreciate enthusiasm and commitment of the players. I enjoyed looking into a world different from mine but with examples and lessons for every generation and society, demonstrating the commonality and basic framework of the human experience.
Kimbiseoga wae geureolkka (2018)
Hilarious
This series is hilarious - brilliantly so. In Barbados when we come across egomaniacs who provide comic relief without political or social harm, we laugh until our stomachs hurt and inevitably two persons in the midst will look at each other and say, "This man head tear!" "Tear?! He head can't just be tear, it rip up."
This was so much fun to watch that I stopped at episode 7, went to my sister and put it on for her. She finished the series before me.
What I especially loved about this is that it deals with the impact of past trauma- how you can recover, function at a high level and yet be haunted from time to time. It also demonstrates how the human mind finds alternative ways to cope with trauma. Several people, one event, different methods of coping.
It's my personal #1 pick for best kdrama comedy. For me, it goes straight to the top of the class. Shared a clip with a former student, a teenager, and she loved it. But if someone asks for a series that showcases the wealth of talent and investment in the Korean television industry, Boys Over Flowers is my pick. If however, the day has been long and there is a need to go to another place, have some comic relief and regroup, then Vice Chairman Lee is the best bet.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
Balance and harmony is top of the class
This movie through the beautiful integration of action, comedy and drama has a flow of movement that is second to none. I enjoyed as a fan of both action and comedy but as a student of literature I was transfixed by its movement. Both the director and editor did a fabulous job. Before covid I barely knew what Indian cinema was but lockdown eventually forced me to find something to pass the time. Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn renewed my interest in movies.
One of the privileges of being a literature student is that you get to observe art through different lenses : spectator, critic or analyst. Different things provoke different reactions with a work of art. Allu Arjun is a master craftsman and even his movies with poor reviews I can thoroughly enjoy because he gives a tremendous performance every time. But this is my #1 Allu Arjun film, not simply because he was outstanding but because the work as a whole highlights the efforts of everyone involved in the creative process and there is no artifice disguised by shallow entertainment as Hollywood has invested in wholesale because we as a species have become so desperate for entertainment that substance is seeming the least ingredient .
However this o n e movie made me a fan of Indian movies and Telugu movies in particular .- movies with a political and social conscience. This is not that. This is entertainment at its best . Every song and music video is on point. There is no descent in this movie- just peaks and plateaus. The romance, drama and comedy softens the impact of the violence. The last song which is introductory to the last action scene is mesmerizing. The irony is beautiful and top class.
The bad daddy, Pooja Hedge, the villain were all outstanding in their acting. Brilliant is an understatement. Genius is overused but when it comes to Best Supporting Actors the Indians are second to none. The Koreans are second not because they are inferior but often because it is understated. But in both cases the older generation gets a standing ovation for their devotion to their craft and for advancing and maintaining the standard of excellence in their industry.
This movie evokes images of a beautifully woven tapestry- all individual parts are harmoniously fitted together with an outstanding result.
When I want to break the ice between someone unfamiliar with Indian cinema I just go to the first action scene in this movie - comedy and action at its best. Never fails to entertain or impress. Allu and Pooja worked their tremendous chemistry and were at their finest, but the director, writer, editor and supporting actors take the cake.
Kkotboda namja (2009)
Understated masterpiece
A showcase of talent but a distinct ad for a nation. Emotions are raw and powerful, with the humour, tragedy, horror and victory all woven together in a way that both engages but disengages journey of audience. Tells the tale of an industry at the top of its game and the brilliance of its director and actors. Casts a shadow over boasting of Hollywood without even trying.
There is no doubt about what the characters are feeling, The male lead was masterful in his execution. A self contained world is impacted by an alien entity like a grain of sand in the pearl. This leads to an evolution of both purpose and destiny. The experience extracts characters from coming to presumed end. It awakens the Male characters from their sleepwalking and their passion, introspection, and intellect are challenged into something more meaningful and personally beneficial. The two main female characters showcase an intelligence as to their own self worth and never have a love-hate relationship with their circumstances and background.
The beauty of the lead characters, their humanity, fire, individuality , flaws and hidden depths provokes a study of the human experience : where you judge all things, but judge no one. Boys over Flowers, like a lot of Asian cinema challenges both their national cultural norms and westernized ideals in both philosophy and cinematography. It demonstrates the genuine identity of an industry at the height of its game. It illustrates that television can showcase beauty and talent without one diluting the other. It is wonderful to create something that attracts, but it is genius to maintain artistic integrity, profitability and still produce a work that has social value and substance.
Ratings often reflect the conflict or harmony between a work and the audience's expectations and prejudices, between the addiction of needing to be entertained and the provocation of retrospection.
When art adds value to and redirects human experience and thought but in such a seemingly innocent way, one has to applaud the creative processes that combined symbiotically with such unity of vision. Hereby, both leaders and followers are to be commended.