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Reviews
Chugakusei Nikki (2018)
Absorbing & thought-provoking
This drama first gets you because of the on-screen chemistry between the male and female leads. As the story unfolds, I kept wondering just how possible is it for love to develop between two people with a 10-year age gap, made even more unusual by the fact that it's the female teacher who's older. You can't help but wonder if what the teenage student felt is just a big crush that he'll outgrow. But the drama unfolds slowly for you to realize that this young chap is smart and thinks deeply. His affection for his teacher may have started when he was 15, but the intensity of those feelings did not diminish even after she disappeared from his life for 3 years. In fact, his love grew stronger, and more protective - not in a bad way, but becoming warm, loving and gentle. It took those 3 years for her - Hijiri - to finally admit to Akira that she loves him. One character that deserves mention is Akira's mother. If she had not stepped in and take those legal steps to ensure her son did not have any contact with Hijiri, their lives and their love may not have turned out that well. Another key character that is a turning point in Akira's maturity development is his dad. He's the one who makes Akira see what he has to do to convince his mum of his love for Hijiri. The depth and intensity of their feelings is so palpable that you want them to just end up together already. But the reality of things is - there's no chance practically that an 18 year old male student can have a long-lasting and happy relationship with a 28 year old woman who's obviously got more earning power than him. He's after all, still a teenager, with all the gawkiness of that age, who can't express his feelings and thoughts clearly. So, fast-forward 5 years - he's now a working adult, having graduated from university and she's happily teaching in a foreign land. His mum hands Akira the legal agreement Hijiri signed 5 years ago. Akira gives the document to Hijiri and they both know nothing can now come between them. It's a sweet, tender love that has you wishing at the end to have glimpses into their future. A word about the male lead - Koshi Mizukami - for a first role, he was very convincing. Definitely not just good-looking, he has great talent too. I felt though, that some earlier episodes with his classmates and the teachers in Hijiri's first school were too draggy and not really relevant to the story. They could have done away with those and given more time to develop the Akira-Hijiri relationship. Very good story - if it had been a 15 year old female student and her 25 year old male teacher, the story would be viewed completely differently - people are less able to accept it.
Tou tou cang bu zhu (2023)
Slow, sweet & alluring
This is such a sweet love story that captivates you from the start. To understand the tender love between the lead characters, you should watch the first episodes. It's clear from the start that Sang Zhi means a lot to Jia Xu, though not in a romantic way. Jia Xu is just five years older than Sang Zhi. While that's acceptable when they're 24 and 19, the age gap is an issue when they were 19 and 14. But when Sang Zhi was 14, it was a one-sided crush for her. She falls for him first, but later on, he falls harder. There are many funny moments in the series, and many tender love scenes. The lead actors Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan have the best on-screen chemistry I've seen so far in a drama series. Their height difference just makes this couple even more adorable. They will have you rooting for them from the get-go. This series is different from other young love dramas I've watched. The lead character, Duan Jiaxu, comes from a humble background. He's not rich and has had to struggle in his young life, whereas Sang Zhi is from a more privileged family. This is interesting - that this C-drama has moved away from the typical setup of the male lead being rich, stoic, strong and silent. The fact that Duan Jiaxu is poor with a tragic family history gives his character a vulnerability that Chen Zheyuan portrays very well. I also like that while he was her rock and protector during her childhood, Sang Zhi later proves to be his protector when they encounter tense situations. Jiaxu actually cries in a few scenes - this vulnerability is realistic. Kudos to the scriptwriters! The actors really did a great job. Zhao Lusi especially will make you smile, laugh & cry along with her. I've watched the series three times & will probably rewatch key scenes. Highly recommended if you want a feel good series.
Weiwei yixiao hen qingcheng (2016)
A Feel Good Series
This series is one for the girls. The lead character is the perfect boyfriend - he says the right things, is supportive, super caring & good-looking to boot. Yang Yang portrays the lead character, Xiao Nai as an aloof, distant personality. The role calls for it because he's a genius at coding & game development. But his character has a passionate side as well. Girls will swoon & buckle at the knees at moments when he grabs his on-screen love for a stolen passionate kiss. These are scenes any girl can understand - and secretly wish for.
The lead actress though, is quite stiff & wooden. She hardly ever returns his kisses with the same intensity.
Key scenes are when Xiao Nai makes his way across the basketball court to sit beside Wei Wei. He knows that with the school's female population watching, he's telling everyone his commitment to her. And which girl hasn't dreamed of their idol singling them out in front of everyone?
There are depths to the script that deserve rewatching for better understanding. The juxtaposition of real life & in-game interactions is well-managed.
The side characters (Xiao Nai's dorm buddies) are very likeable & believable. They provide comic relief as well as help cement the fact that Xiao Nai is a good leader & boss.
There are of course, values put across by the series - like how those who cheat will never succeed, how humility pays off, staying celibate till after marriage. Overall, a good watch if you want to feel good .... And swoon a little as well!
First Love (2022)
Great cinematography, commendable acting
This series is shot beautifully. Great cinematography, tight direction.
The two lead actors are of course the pros here. But the two young actors who played the younger versions of the two lead characters deserve mention too. Rikako Yagi who plays the young Yae Noguchi; and Taisei Kido who plays the young Harumichi did very well. Taisei Kido, with his boyish good looks and charm will definitely set hearts a-flutter.
The story itself is compelling. Two teenagers fall in love, form a strong bond but fate deals them a blow when Yae loses her memory after an accident.
Despite Harumichi's attempts to see her, Yae's mother prevents him from doing so, keeping all snail mail correspondence he sends to her. Her mother has her own reasons for this. Having struggled raising her and never being rich, she wants her daughter's life to turn out better.
The years pass - Yae and Harumichi go different ways, but neither finds fulfilment in their relationships. A chance in a million puts Harumichi in touch again with Yae.
It takes their special song to eventually bring Yae's memory back.
It's the classic premise of fate triumphing over any human interference. But the trials, tribulations & frustrations make it all worthwhile.
What I thought could have added to the series would have been how Yae's mother dealt with her daughter's failed marriage and subsequent sorrow. Her interference was after all, instrumental in keeping the young lovers apart for a good part of their lives. The viewer probably would have liked to see the mother's regret and sadness - just to feel 'avenged'.
The song 'First Love' by Hikary Utada plays throughout key moments in the series. The music really holds everything together and will stay with you long after the final episode.
Zhi Wo Men Nuan Nuan De Xiao Shi Guang (2019)
Cutesy but Charming
This is my first foray into C-drama. I don't like extremely long drama series so this one suited me perfectly.
It's clear from the get-go that the series is purely about Situ Mo & Gu Wei Yi. The side characters - like Fu Pei - are there only to spur the leads into action.
That being said, there's good acting from the supporting cast - they are convincing in their roles. However, their characters could have beem developed more.
This was Lin Yi's (who plays Gu Wei Yi) first attempt in a drama series. He doesn't look entirely comfortable most of the time, has put in effort to capture embarrased or awkward expressions well.
The height contrast between the two leads is one of the draws - it will make any girl's heart flutter.
As a series to launch Lin Yi's career in acting, I'd say the scriptwriters have given him some really swoonworthy lines. No spoilers here, but if you watch it, you will definitely have your "Aaaawww" moment!
Qu you feng de di fang (2023)
Tender, touching & well-produced
This is my second foray into a C-drama series. I thought it might be cutesy and slapstick like many others but this series is far from it. The 40-episode commitment almost put me off but the trailer appealed to me because of its soft approach to humanity.
To be honest, I almost gave up after episode 1 because I was already crying buckets. I thought if the rest of the series was like this, I wouldn't be able to make it through the series. I somehow perservered because the series captured the quaint village, its lifestyle, quirky characters and beautiful countryside.
The dialogue is written well - especially for the lead roles. The conversations are real and meaningful, giving you good insights into human emotions and behaviour.
The two lead actors Liu Yifei and Li Xian are of course not new to acting. They carried out their roles well, making you root for them almost right from the start. Li Xian is very convincing as a country boy with some city life experience; Liu Yifei is the cool city chick who comes to the quaint village to fulfil a promise. Good casting of the leads because they are totally believable as a couple.
Watch it, cry a little, then watch key scenes over again!
A Love to Last (2017)
True Love
Be prepared to commit time & mental energy if you want to watch this series. The sheer number of episodes require time - but if you do watch the series, it will be worth your time. The scriptwriters have captured the intricacies of human behaviour well - all of us have experienced similar emotions & situations in real life. The two leads - Bea Alonzo (who plays Andrea Agoncillio) & Ian Veneracion (Anton Noble) - are veterans who carry their roles so well you actually believe they are the characters they play. The series has you rooting for them from the start - you also feel their frustrations & their sadness, their joys & their excitement. The side love story of Chloe (Julie Barretto) and Tupe (Ronnie Alonte) drags a little - but Chloe's character is integral to the relationship between the two lead characters Anton Noble & Andrea Agoncillio, so I think the scriptwriters had to develop her story a little. There are many tender & funny moments between Anton & Andeng (Andrea), and these are so rewatchable because the scenes will leave a smile on your face. All in all, a wonderful series that makes you realise how human emotions & behaviours are complex but so interesting.
You Are My Make Up Artist (2022)
Wonderful chemistry & eye candy!
The casting is excellent - the rapport between the two leads is evident. The actors in supporting roles are also cast well. They play their roles so well that you feel happy & annoyed with their characters. The series does better with rewatching - it helps you understand the plot better. The reason behind the lead character Gut's love and fascination for Vasita is only revealed towards the end of the series. This fascination & love borders almost as an obsession - given the shrine-like quality of his condominium. The tragedy that struck him as a boy is only revealed in the final episode - which for me, brought on the most tears. The ending for the main couple is almost too good to be true. If you love happy endings, this is a great series. The series wants to send the message that we should not judge people on their appearance. But I think another message (intended or not) is to tell us not to be prejudiced & be elitist. Gut came from a poor background, but he becomes rich, yet remains humble. He doesnot reveal this to Vasita, I think because he wants her to love him because of who he is, not for his wealth. His determination to get the woman he wants comes from his past, where he had to struggle to succeed. To do this, he even tricks Vasita to become pregnant with his child. So - his character can actually be developed further, to understand this darker, deeper side of him. Overall, the series is entertaining & a treat for those who like good-looking actors & actresses!