noonecaresaboutmyreview

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The Double - Cdrama Review

Hi everyone! I am back again with another historical chinese drama review! I first saw The Double on Netflix with only 12 episodes released. After binge watching all 12 episodes in 1 day, I was hooked and immediately re-subscribe to Youku for the full 40 episodes. Personally, no regrets there.

My all time favourite drama will always be Love Like the Galaxy and The Double have come close to being second. There are a lot of similarities between the two dramas that I am not mad about.

The Double is about Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jin Yan) who was betrayed by her husband Shen Yu Rong (Liang Yong Qi). He, along with the eldest princess, Princess Wanning, plotted to annihilate the Xue family (her father and younger brother). She was saved by the daughter of the Secretariat Director, Jiang Li would was sent away in the mountains due to a false accusation. There original Jiang Li died and Xue Fang Fei took over her identity for her own revenge and to avenge original Jiang Li's death. She meets Duke Su (Wang Xing Yue) who took her as his pawn to fight against the corruption in the imperial court and defeat a potential rebellion that was bound to happen.

This review is going to be a long one, with spoilers.

Story: I love that there was no boring episodes. Each episode moved quickly and the revenge plot remained the main plot. I have a habit of fast-forwarding scenes especially for cdramas but I barely did it here. Each episode kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how each scheme, both from the good and bad side of the drama is cleverly plotted. No lazy plots here.

The romance in this one is slow-burn but not boring. Each interacting Xue Fang Fei had with Duke Su was intense. I am impress by how we could see their chemistry without them even physically touching or using romantic words. The drama is also good at showing us stories about the villains. They all have back stories and reasons to why they turn out that way. Of course, it didn't evoke sympathy when they finally got their retribution but it is good to know that no one was born evil.

Characters:

My favourite character in this drama is Xue Fang Fei. She was a good wife to her husband until he decides to murder her. When she came back with a vengeance, she did not hesitate to scheme and take opportunities. She is not too proud to ask help from Duke Su as she knows that she alone is not influential enough to carry out her plan. Every action she makes serves a purpose, but she always make sure that she doesn't hurt the innocent.

Wu Jin Yan was the perfect Xue Fang Fei. It was my first time watching her and she impressed me. Her eyes showed a lot of anger and pain yet her demeanour is always calm. She is eloquent and has a sharp tongue. I love that she is not so blinded by her revenge that she becomes reckless.

Oh Duke Su, Duke Su. He reminds me so much of Ling Bu Yi from Love Like the Galaxy. He is a loyal servant of the Emperor whom he's friends with since childhood. He is ruthless and always alone with his two trusted guards. He always carry this ice cold stern expression. Nothing seems to amuse him other than his own play that he orchestrate with his own pawns.

Wang Xing Yue as Duke Su is the perfect casting. I watched him in Story of Kunning Place and wasn't too wow-ed by him there. But here, his acting is so mature and strong; I am surprised by how young he really is. And thank you to whomever who thought his character needed eyeliner cause it make him look more vicious and charming.

Their relationship and how it developed was everything. They didn't even kiss till the last episode but I could feel the love and trust they had for each other. Their conversation turns from a push and pull to full on flirting. They never hide their attraction and worry for each other. Duke Su never tried to "baby" Xue Fang Fei in the name of protection. He trust that she is capable enough. When there are scenes of jealousy, Duke Su was never aggressive nor blame Xue Fang Fei. He was her safe place where she knows she could go to. Duke Su was a whole green forest.

Just simple gestures like this was enough to make my own heart flutter. Ah the chemistry.

Xue Fang Fei + Duke Su love story is very much on par with Cheng Shao Shang + Ling Bu Yi to me.

Special mentions to Princess Wanning and Shen Yu Rong. Their scenes together make me so uncomfortable, like I am watching a man cheating on his dead wife.

Princess Wanning as a character was complex. She was a hostage princess before she was rescued. When she was a hostage, she was tortured and beaten to the point where she cannot bear children anymore. When she is finally free, she feels the need to overpower everyone. She will get rid of anyone that gets in her way. She would make the perfect evil princess, except, she fell in love.

Out of all the villains in this drama, the one I hate the most and have zero sympathy for is Shen Yu Rong. He was a poor scholar who wanted to work for the imperial court. He had to work really hard to get to his position and he always blamed his poor background for the disadvantage he faces. When Princess Wanning took a liking towards him and ordered his family to kill his wife, he did it with the excuse that he is powerless to go against the royal family. When Xue Fang Fei came back as Jiang Li, he kept his head down and went with it because he doesn't want to face the guilt of killing his own wife.

To me, where he lost it all was when he got angry that Xue Fang Fei likes Duke Su. He started to plan and scheme and kill, with the excuse to protect Xue Fang Fei. He truly lost his way and had a terrible case of victim mentally.

But I got to praise Liang Yong Qi. He acted very well as Shen Yu Rong. It was very hard to tell how he truly feels. It was hard to tell if he truly cares about Xue Fang Fei, if he did like Princess Wanning or he was just became a terrible person. Shen Yu Rong always had this dead eyes with no emotions, it was creepy. Amazing.

Overall, this drama was surprisingly impressive. The costumes, make-up and accessories were all so charming. The scenes are shot beautifully. With a good script, plot and good acting, The Double is a good drama to watch.

Rating: 4.9/5

-- Fary

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

The Return of High School Gangster - Kdrama Review

Hi everyone! I just finished this very short 8 episodes web drama called The Return of High School Gangster and wanted to share my thoughts.

Before I start, I want to say that I know that this is based on a BL manhwa but as we know about mainstream media in South Korea - the director had to remove the BL elements (not really tho).

I understand that people might want to boycott the drama for removing the BL plotline but I genuinely think that you should give it a chance. The drama doesn't suggest romance but two episodes in, I could tell that it was from a BL plotline. so....

Anyways, this is about Deuk Pal, a Gangster (second in ranking) who died while saving Song Yi Heon, a High School Student who was bullied in school. Song Yi Heon was bullied in school to the point he wanted to off himself. Deuk Pal's body sadly died and somehow his spirit entered the body of Song Yi Heon.

This drama is where it's at if you're in a drama slump. It's short, funny, filled with actions (duh, gangsters) and heartwarming scenes.

Deuk Pal as a character is a caring yet a fierce gangster. I love that the moment he entered Song Yi Heon's body, he immediately vowed to protect Song Yi Heon upon realising the abuse he had endured. Throughout the 8 episodes, his focus was to set things right for Song Yi Heon. Though we know that he is sad that his life ended, he still focused on studying hard, ending the school violence and even protecting his mum so that when Song Yi Heon comes back to his body, he gets a second chance at an easier life. Truly such a selfless character and it is understandable why his loyal underlining boys were so upset when he died.

And in Song Yi Heon's body, he build relationship with his classmates, ensured that his bullies stayed in school and graduate and protected his mum from getting hurt by his dad. He was an adult, in a 19 year old boy's body.

We also meet Choi Se Kyung, a boy that had history with Song Yi Heon (in the manhwa, he was the love interest). Choi Se Kyung is a broken boy with daddy issues yet so caring toward his friends. The chemistry between the two main characters are off the chart. Like I said, 2 episodes in, I had to check if this was BL. His eyes are always looking at Song Yi Heon (Deuk Pal) with care and concern. But he is still sassy and feisty towards those he doesn't like.

Can we please take a minute to appreciate the beauty that is Bong Jae Hyun (Golden Child). I first saw him in Twinkling Watermelon (another recommended drama!). He played the mute brother of the main character. But here, hearing his low soft voice makes me wonder why they muted him in that drama haha! He is such a good actor that I am excited to see how he will grow in the future with different roles.

But my main MVP for this drama is Yoon Chan Young. He was able to embody an ajusshi (he is only 23!) to the point that I could see Lee Seo Jin (the actor that played Deuk Pal) in him. And his voice doesn't sound awkward saying these really deep and mature sayings.

Ok I am rambling. But the most important part that I want to talk about is the ending. SPOILER. Song Yi Heon ended up not wanting to go back to his body and instead gave Deuk Pal a chance to live as him. I thought about it and I think I can get behind that ending.

(This is solely based on drama plotline and not the manhwa.)

Shin Se Kyung and even the repented bully Hong Jae Min really needed a proper adult guidance. With Deuk Pal remaining in Song Yi Heon's body, they will be able to remain friends (same age, not ahjusshi and young adult). He will be able to protect and guide them. And Deuk Pal will be able to live a different life this time. A second chance at life.

And I understand, why can't real Song Yi Heon get a second chance in life? The boy had a hard life, he is depressed enough to off himself. Deuk Pal may have bettered his high school life but Song Yi Heon is still Song Yi Heon. He might not be able to be better in college. Whatever Deuk Pal build is never Song Yi Heon's because they are not the same person.

Being depressed doesn't go away even if your life is all better now. He is afraid of his tomorrow than death, hence he chose death and I respect that. Like he said "He is happy to see at least see a smile on his face."

Overall, I think both Deuk Pal and Song Yi Heon have their own happy ending. And that is what's important.

Rating: 4.75/5

-- Fary

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

The Heavenly Idol - Kdrama Review

Ah I am currently in a drama slump and I can't seem to get out of it. I decided that I needed to watch a drama that is silly yet romantic with a side of comedy to help me. That's why I decided to pick up The Heavenly Idol that just finished airing last week.

The Heavenly Idol is about Rembrary (Kim Min Kyu), a Pontifex from the Other World who finds himself being transported into this world as a washed-up kpop idol boy group member Woo Yeon Woo. Naive to how this world works, he tries his best to navigate his way around while trying to stop The Evil One from causing chaos. Luckily he got help from Kim Dal (Go Bo-gyeol), who is a new manager working for his idol group.

Tbh when I read the summary of the drama, I was intrigued. The genre of the drama is labelled fantasy romantic comedy so I was expecting a good time. But did I had a good time? Not really.

This drama is ultimately a fantasy drama however this is one of the messiest fantasy drama I've ever watched. The inconsistent world building and random introduction of important characters without proper explanation threw me off. Just as I thought I am starting to understand how the magic works, they introduce new powers and restrictions.

Rembrary is supposed to be powerful although naive but I feel like he was too naive and useless in this world while he constantly needs saving from the mess he creates. He has the power to heal people and that seems to be it? Probably the only reason why I don't hate the character is because of Kim Min Kyu. He introduce cute little quirks that made his character endearing to watch. Like how obsessed he is with snacks. Tbh, Kim Min Kyu definitely hard carried his character to the finish line.

I don't know if this is a low budget drama but the actors acting as idols still seems very new and awkward, which can be distracting to watch. That being said, special shout out to this two characters that I enjoyed watching. Kim Dal and Choi Jeong Seo.

Kim Dal as a character is very relatable as a kpop/kdrama fan. She was at her lowest when she found hope in Woo Yeon Woo. I love that although she is a fan of Woo Yeon Woo, but as their manager, she remained professional and did not ignore the welfare of rest of the members in the group.

Choi Jeong Seo is the leader of the group. He embodies what is it to be a leader of a struggling kpop idol band. He's love for his members and his passion for what he does make his character very charming. Not to mention the actor playing the character (Hong Seung Bum) kinda looks like Choi Tae Joon to me.

Overall, this drama definitely did not bring me out of a slump. Instead I finished all 12 episodes within the day thanks to the fastforward button. But was it silly? Yes. It is silly to the point that it is ridiculous. The chemistry between the main leads is gold tho. I honestly wouldn't mind the same pairing but with better script and storyline.

I'll only recommend this drama if you have time to spare and if you miss Kim Min Kyu's cute face from Business Proposal.

Rating: 2/5

--Fary

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

Love to Hate You - Kdrama Review

Finally finish this gem! It was a very fast watch with only 10 episodes. It was truly a great watch while grinning and blushing the whole time cause this show was so entertaining and funny.

Love to Hate You is about Yeo Mi-Ran (Kim Ok Vin) a lawyer at Gilmu who have dated countless men and Nam Kang Ho (Teo Yoo) a famous actor who has social anxiety towards women. They met because Nam Kang Ho is being represented by Yeo Mi-Ran for anything legal related. Due to some misunderstandings, Yeo Mi-Ran had a bad impression of Nam Kang Ho but he in turn gets curious of her odd behaviour and grows interested in her.

NOW LISTEN, PRAISE THE LORD FOR STRONG FEMALE LEAD ERA 2023! I love that Yeo Mi-Ran is portrayed as someone who can fight and is a justice vigilante. She doesn't allow herself to just watch injustice happen. She fights back and she is not your typical damsel in distress character. But she's also not overly reckless. She's professional at her job as a lawyer and isn't afraid to speak and show how she feels.

Nam Kang Ho at first appears to be this cold straight forward rude character but that doesn't last long. He becomes so soft with his long time friend and manager Do Won-Jun (Kim Ji Hoon) and when he is in love, he is soooo adorable. I can literally see the heart eyes he's giving Yeo Mi-Ran. I love that he is not unreasonably jealous and doesn't mind the fact that Yeo Mi-Ran have dated a lot of guys. He is not insecure of their relationship at all. AGAIN PRAISE THE LORD FOR GREEN FLAG MALE LEAD ERA 2023!

Mature relationships will be forever my favourite genre. They are much more healthy and so cute to watch. I love how both male and female leads break barriers and stereotype of their gender. Honestly, this topic could actually be cringe or unbalanced if not written properly but this drama did a good job at addressing it but also keeping it light.

There is also a 2nd couple in this drama that is just so cute and funny. Kinda wished Kim Ji Hoon had short hair tho but it's probably cause he was shooting this around the same time as Money Heist Korea.

Special mention to Teo Yoo cause he is 41 but still look so good. I remember watching his episode on Omniscient Interfering View (The Manager) and found out that he married Nikki S.Lee, a famous visual artist who have works being exhibited in New York City and Seoul. He is born in Germany and is fluent in both German and English. I heard him speak German and mans got even more attractive! He has been in many works but so glad that this drama made he even more popular to the general population.

Overall, if you're looking for a romantic comedy drama with the early 2000s vibe but with both green flag leads, this drama is for you.

Rating: 4.75/5

-- Fary

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

K-Movie Review: Unlocked (Netflix)

"Our phones are listening."

I used to be so amazed how FB or IG could accurately recommend me ads on specific items I've been meaning to buy or try. I always wonder, how do they know? But about 2-3 years ago I realised that our phones analyse our user habits and like it or not, they are listening to our conversations and observing our searches. I guess perks of advanced technology huh?

Anyways, I just finished watching the latest K-Movie on Netflix called Unlocked. Basically the movie is a social commentary about how with only our handphones people can know a lot about you. Where you live, what you like, what's your spending habits, who you like and hate and many more. Pretty interesting and relatable in this day and age.

Brief summary of the movie: Lee Na Mi (Chun Woo Hee) lost her phone in the bus after a night out and a stranger name Jun Yeong (Im Siwan) picked it up. Within 3-4 days Jun Yeong was able to turn Lee Na Mi's life into a living hell.

Honestly, I wanted to watch this movie because of Im Siwan. I miss him playing psychopathic/serial killer characters. Mans really good at playing such characters (please watch Stranger From Hell if you haven't! Lee Dong Wook and Im Siwan, best pairing ever). But I am pleasantly surprised this movie kept me engaged for a little less than two hours.

Chun Woo Hee does a really good job at playing a distressed victim of spyware and hacking and Im Siwan, man is creepy without even trying. I kept finding myself saying "gosh he is so creepy but so good-looking".

Overall this movie got me thinking about how much information we share online and keep in our phones. I wonder if such connivence is worth the risk of getting spied on.

I'd recommend this movie if you wanna come out of it totally suspicious of your phone haha!

Rating: 4/5

--Fary

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

Review: My Uncanny Destiny

Happy Lunar New Year folks! Yesterday I spent my whole day watching this (I was trying to get the Lunar New Year vibes).

A little TMI but last year for 1 month I went on this crazy binge of watching historical chinese dramas. I spent every free time I have binge watching almost 30 dramas. I average spending 2 days max per drama (if ya'll watch chinese dramas ya'll know, esp the older ones, each drama is about 60 episodes).

Well I couldn't have done it without the x2.0 speed and ff buttons.

I have watched from the good ones (will forever stand behind Love Like The Galaxy as one of the best historical chinese drama ever) and I have watched the worst (sorry Eternal Love, my hand was spamming that ff button).

Anyways long story short, I know what I like in a historical chinese drama and this is it.

My Uncanny Destiny is about a girl who is the only heir to the throne, was brought up as a boy by her King father. And a boy from another Kingdom looking to avenge his father's death (supposedly caused by the girl's Kingdom). Very enemies to lovers trope but not exactly. FYI this will contains spoilers.

Anyways, she one day somehow save the boy but lost her memory and they connected, fall in love and have to deal with the consequences that they are enemies. (AGH)

kk wanna find out more, go watch it. There is only 24 episodes and 30 mins run time per episode (honestly, very very short compared to the dramas I've watched before).

What I love about this drama is that this drama doesn't take itself so seriously. They establish themselves as a comedy drama. THIS IS COMEDY. From the poop and fart jokes to the silly encounters and accidents. Everything is funny and so absurd I can't help but love it. I especially love the female lead. Zhang Yue Nan did such a good job at playing this clever comedic character, it doesn't end up being cringe. She's not afraid to make herself look silly at all. She reminds me of Zhao Lu Si in the drama The Romance of the Tiger and Rose. BUT don't be fooled, her character Ye Zhao Nan is a strong clever character. Which is what I love it a female lead. I hate, and I repeat, I hate female lead that is dumb. like out of this world, logic out the window dumb. (Which sadly is usually the case for female leads in chinese dramas.)

But Ye Zhao Nan is a strong clever character that could hold her own. She doesn't need the male lead to save her every 2 seconds. Speaking of male lead, mans really good looking. He reminds me of lee dong wook. I looked at his profile photos out of costume and I can say, mans look good in King costume. Anyway, the male lead Liu Xuan Ming played by Yan Zi Xian is also a character that holds his own. He is unafraid to show his love and affection towards his girl. He is jealous but doesn't treat her like his belonging. He is also a strong ruler to his Kingdom.

Together, they have so many funny and comedic scenes I wonder how many times they have to reshoot because the actors might just burst out laughing. My favourite? Is when we can clearly see Yan Zi Xian break character by genuinely laughing or smiling at Zhang Yue Nan's acting. It's so sweet because it doesn't look out of character. Instead it looks like he adores her (which the male lead character does).

I love how strong each female characters are in the drama. Most of the time, female characters are plotted into the story to benefit the male characters. But here, they are have their own story and antics. Even the villain of drama has her own arch and is of strong character.

CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SECOND MALE LEAD! He is the most green flag second male lead I have seen in a chinese drama in a while. Yi Yang Jun grows interested in the female lead but steps away the moment she says her heart belongs only to Liu Xuan Ming. He becomes her confidant and her friend. He becomes a good friend to the male lead as well (although he occasionally tease him about taking the female lead away). He is respectful to her feelings and when he backs away, he doesn't look pitiful at all. He smiles and walk off which makes me believe that although he loves her, he loves himself equally too.

Overall, this drama had a good storyline, plot, acting and script. If they had taken themselves seriously and they had a longer runtime, I would say they would be on par with Love Like the Galaxy (and that says alot considering this is my favourite chinese drama ever).

Wrapping up, I would highly recommend you watch this drama if you're looking for a good laugh. Don't take it too seriously.

Rating: 4/5

-- Fary