Yuki
New Zealand
So I love all the actors and the story is alright if not a little banal...but wow what a fkn trainwreck. I had such high hopes for this - Matsuda Shota, one of my all time favourite actors and Taemin (I am a big Taemin fan) in a drama together?! I was so excited. But...whether or not it was the director's decisions or the production company's decision or whoever - the drama felt lazy and engorged. The flashy film-student-esque cinematography and casting of the massively popular Taemin does little to hide the immensely awkward self-indulgence and at many points, the drama - and the actors - come across as painfully self-aware (and not in the good way).
Here are some of the GOOD POINTS:
-Actors: They had some big veteran actors come on board and Matsuda Shota was definitely one of my favourite aspects of the drama.
-Cinematography: Though I hated the over stylised, MV-like cinematography, there were a few shots and sequences that were beautifully shot. Also, some of the cuts were interesting choices to make on the director's behalf. I mean, I'll give kudos where it's deserved. I'm not entirely unfair haha.
-Potential bromance: Taemin and Shota's characters could potentially have had a fantastic bromance/friendship. However, it was let down a bit by the lack of chemistry between the actors. Needless to say, this is my opinion. You might read it differently.
-Music: Music is A+.
-Violence: I LOVE violence and gore and action and this drama does a great job of throwing out unexpected, sudden violence.
BAD POINTS:
-Actors: You can tell Taemin is a little uncomfortable in this role. Maybe it's the language or maybe it's the writing or the directing. I just think he's been totally underutilised here. I really hope he's able to show his true potential in his next acting role. I was disappointed here.
-Plot: Bleurgh. It's very slow-paced and it didn't hold my interest very long.
-Cinematography: Seriously, wtf. It reminds me of the kind of style that the overcompensating hipster film students would utilise for their projects (you know the type - the ones who would list Tarantino, avant garde french films, and vintage Belarus fashion as their creative inspirations). It's uninspired, confused, awkward, flash with no depth, and a little too forced. Also, the lighting proved to be distracting a lot of the time.
-Pace: Just.........wow. I watched a few episodes at 2x speed and it was still slow.
-Obligatory MV Time: Like the surety of ad-breaks when watching your favourite drama on Viki, Obligatory MV Time rolled around like clockwork. It's essentially a random 30 second music video thrown into the middle of several episodes. It's quite jarring when it happens actually. One moment, you're watching a drama and the next you're watching a Taemin MV. They did little to push the plot forward and what little plot they did tell - I just found it to be a lazy technique of doing so. I personally skipped past these bits.
In fact, I skipped past a lot of bits because I couldn't stand the cringe. I guess some people would love it, some people would hate it. I just think there needs to be more consideration before hitting the 10-rating because Taemin and Shota are starring in the drama (though yes, they are super pretty and pretty super).
IDK what you'd take from this. Watch if you will I guess?
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Hei Yue Guang Wen Na BE Ju Ben
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How Luo Yun Xi's Puppydog Eyes Were Weaponised
I watch a lot of dramas. A LOT. And I am VERY picky. So when I say that a drama is worth all 10 stars, I f*cking mean it.I decided to watch TTEOTM on a whim, mostly because I am one of the clowns waiting for Immortality to be released since it was first announced. I was very curious to see what Luo Yun Xi's acting was like, so decided to watch the first episode of TTEOTM.
And boy oh boy. I fell hard. For LYX, for Bai Lu, for the drama, for *everything*. If you are a fan of dramatic, epic, heart wrenching romances this is for you. If you are a maso, this is most definitely for you. If you are a fan of costume drama, your eyes will be met with a veritable feast! Everything is beautiful in this drama: the costumes, the writing, the CGI, the sets, the acting, the actors, the music. There is not a single flaw I could find in this masterpiece.
Sooo. How painful is it, you ask? On a scale of fluffy to 2HA, this is 2HA plus some. And the 'plus some' will rip your heart out of your chest, raw and bloody, and trample it on the ground.
Look, I'll confess. I'm somewhat of a maso - so I really enjoy pain. I eat chillis because otherwise food is tasteless. And I look forward to getting shots. Sometimes, I spend hours in the dark, staring at my ceiling, ruminating on the time I farted in front of my coworkers. Other times, I listen to dubstep from the early 2010s - on loop.
But even I, a veteran maso, could not stop the tears flowing. And there was, on more than one occassion, a strong impulse to throw my phone across the room and at least one instance when I gave into said impulse.
Don't worry - there are moments of sweetness to alleviate your freshly acquired (lethal) wounds. Medicine for your battered soul. All the relationships in this drama are full of chemistry and adorable moments. You will be rooting for all of them, and be dazzled by the on screen chemistry of our two main leads. BL and LYX have worked together before, and their friendship shines through here. Watching the BTS footage, it is obvious they are very comfortable with each other and enjoy working together. This translates wonderfully to their shared scenes and the intimacy is off the charts.
And one thing I absolutely love about this drama is that no side character is left in the lurch. Every character is given a backstory and well considered development. They are given a proper plot and their presence is justified. They aren't there just to be plot devices for the main leads, they also have their own shit going on. A world that thrives and progresses independently, outside of the main characters' microcosm, is good writing. Clearly, the writer cares deeply for this story and the many colourful characters within.
Of course, the male lead's character development is as fascinating as it is heartwrenching to watch, and LYX embodies him authentically. His madness, his spite, his vulnerability and confusion, and his warmth and tenderness are expertly and convincingly portrayed. Not to forget those big beautiful eyes that are ever so expressive. His micro expressions are absolutely insane. Every aspiring actor should take note. BTS footage shows LYX studying his character and you can see how much thought and tireless work he pours into his craft.
The female lead is also written very well, given as much depth and consideration as her male counterparts. BL's portrayal of her character is one of quiet strength and deep compassion, a character who struggles with her own soul crushing conflict: the incredibly heavy burden of duty vs her powerful feelings for the male lead. You can see her battle scars slowly building up as the drama goes on, and every smile she wears is tender but full of unspoken pain. All that to say, BL is an incredibly talented and authentic actor. It is much too easy to fall in love with her. Also - I am addicted to BL's screams. Every time I hear it, I get chills. Maybe one day she will consider starting a metal band? I will be first in line to buy her first album!
I might add to this later, because I am currently typing this out on my phone. But for now, all I can say is this:
Watch the first episode.
Watch the first *ten minutes* and I guarantee that you will find yourself bingeing the rest of the drama through the night. And when you stumble into class/work the next morning, bleary eyed and sleep deprived, you are most welcome to curse me out. But you will be so full of chaotic emotions and no doubt more than sated. Oh, and you will be back to watching from episode 1, because you *have* to rewatch it. You have no choice. (Is this a new SCP?).
P.S. I refer to the main couple as 'male lead' and 'female lead' because they have many names. So for clarity sake, I use these phrases instead.
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I don't know why, but people tend to really enjoy body-swap plots. Perhaps it satiates the common desire to be someone other than yourself. Perhaps it's an attest to the strength of identity and personality, even when the external has changed. Whatever the reason, body-swap plots is a time-tested tool to win over a viewership as can be seen here with Don Quixote.
Throw in side plots about trying to win a yakuza presidency and the different cases that arise at a child welfare centre, and you have an eclectic and colourful drama. I can guarantee you, there is not one boring or static moment. The story is relatively fast paced, dynamic, funny, poignant, and at times, sad.
Takahashi Katsumi and Matsuda Shota have INCREDIBLE chemistry. They play a crass Yakuza boss and a weedy child welfare worker respectively, only to have their roles switched in the first episode - and WOW, I was super impressed by how accurately and smoothly they were able to act out the transition.
Takahashi and Matsuda play off each other, horse around, clash, and generally have a strong bond that's often hard to find in dramaland. I gotta say, their bromance (if you can call it that??) is really what makes the show. Their quips and comedic scenes are my absolute favourite and I often find myself laughing out loud in the early hours of the morning, thus startling my sister in the other room lololol.
The other actors and characters are just as strong in their own way. Another notable relationship portrayed in the drama is the one between the director of the child center and Sachiko, the eldest child at the center. It's a bittersweet and loving relationship well portrayed by the actors. In fact, all of the secondary characters are loveable and you will soon feel like you're being drawn into a strange, large family, all working for similar goals by twist of fate.
And if there's one thing that us Japs do well, it's comedy!! The comedy in this drama is ON POINT, my dudes. It's a very easy and fast watch, and it's INCREDIBLY rewatchable. I've often been drawn back to it when I'm bored or feeling despondent and it's always managed to cheer me up. It's honest to god the drama version of a hot chocolate and a warm blanket. Or maybe a cold beer, if you'd prefer that.
CONCLUSION? JUST. WATCH. IT. You will 100% have NO REGRETS. Who doesn't want to see the willowy Matsuda Shota stomping around, saving children in need, with that terrible scowl, cowboy stride, and filthy mouth of his? And don't forget the stocky, kind-faced Takahashi Katsumi, anxiously (and a little resignedly) pattering alongside, reminisce of the noble Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza.
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