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Reviews
Du hua nian (2024)
Interesting take on Time Travel
First, let me address the myth that Time Travel shows are banned in China. That is not true. What is banned is any show where the past is a good place to live, especially if the past is better than the present. Of course, reincarnation is actually banned, but that is a different story.
So, what would happen if you died and your soul traveled back in time to when you were 18 or 20 years old to live your life again? Would those decades of experience help or hurt you? Would history play out the same again or would you attempt to change it? Would this change you and your decisions? What if you weren't the only one? What if you were a member of the royal family?
This is the essence of this drama. I generally found it well done and interesting. I did watch it to the end, which I don't do with shows that bore me. I did debate between giving it 7 or 8 stars as there are obvious flaws and mistakes. But, ultimately I decided on 8 because what show doesn't have flaws?
There are several unexpected twists in the show, I would have liked to see more. There is a sense of humor in the show, where the main characters can say something to each other, then laugh at what they said. I liked that, the ability to laugh at yourself is always appreciated.
Overall, worth your time to watch. I suggest you watch at least the first three episodes, before you decide if you want to keep watching it.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Good Movie Update on an Old Favorite
I remember watching the original series as a young boy. I really liked "The Man From U. N. C. L. E" along with "Mission Impossible". Both were well done with UNCLE having more humor.
The movie is a reasonably well done update. I debated between rating it 7 or 8, but decided to go with the higher rating because it is rare to come this close to a good original.
The movie is missing the tension and more humor that I found in the original. But, I realize that, as a young viewer, I might be remembering it better than it was. I believe I am now more difficult to please in my entertainment.
This movie is definitely worth viewing. I would like to see them do a sequel and improve it.
Glass (2019)
Shyamalan, I'm still not over "The Last Airbender" fiasco
I had this on my watch list in Netflix. When choosing what to watch I often look up their IMDB ratings. I then noticed that Shyamalan was involved with this. So, I must apologize, but, 14 years later, I am still not over the fiasco that is Shyamalan's take on "The Last Airbender".
The animated series of "The Last Airbender" brought great joy to my family at that time because my four children were young (3 to 12) and we found something the entire family could watch together and all enjoy. It is really rare to find a show that can maintain the interest of such a wide range in maturity.
With great expectations we watched Shyamalan's movie version of "The Last Airbender" and all six of us were appalled by Shyamalan's destruction of a media property that we loved. Was it caused by hubris? Disease? Intoxication? Substance abuse? I really don't know, but it was way beyond my imagination.
Because of that I did not watch "Glass". And, as I am now pushing 70, I don't think I will be able to get over Shyamalan's destruction of a beautiful story during what's left of my life span. I am sorry. I should be more forgiving. Certainly, there are much worse people in this world than Shyamalan. And, much better, more forgiving people than me.
Run On (2020)
Autistic Male Lead?
It is pretty clear that the Male Lead (ML) is autistic. The Female Lead (FL) helps him expand his emotional horizons, discover who he really is and improve his EQ so he can communicate better with others.
The story is a slow burn for both the primary and secondary romances. I found the secondary romance more interesting than the primary.
For a story to be interesting there needs to be conflict. And, while there is conflict in this show, the conflict is fairly minor and gentle. I prefer shows that keep me guessing and constantly moving forward with unexpected twists. You will not find that in this show. Still, I was interested enough that I finished it which is better than some shows. That makes it at least a six in my rating system. I wanted to see what happened with the secondary romance and see how the autistic ML would change.
Qian gu jue chen (2021)
Main conflict is miscommunication
This is probably just me, but I am so over shows where the main conflict is based on poor communication. This show is an example of that, so I wasn't thrilled with it.
However, I did watch the show all the way through, so that usually deserves a rating of 6 or better from me.
Some of the characters who do bad things do so to protect others, but never tell them their reasoning. Or their reasoning is revealed after the fact. There is really only one character in the show who is evil and unrepentant.
To me this type of derivative show just shows a lack of creativity on the part of the writers, director and producers. The actors seemed to do a good job with what they had, the special effects are better than average for a series.
Seutateueob (2020)
Watchable, so at least a 6
I read some reviews and there seem to be three review categories:
1. Love It.
2. Like the first half, don't like the female leads choice in men.
3. Hate it.
I fall into Category 2.
Somewhere between episodes 8 and 10 it became clear who the female lead would choose out of the love triangle. I was disappointed. I never liked the male lead. He and the two other developers were immature with negative EQs. Now, they did mature during the course of the series, mostly during the three years in America, that we never see. But, I never felt drawn to the male lead. Unlike the secondary male lead who did a great job and was a much better person (also a little older).
That leads me to question the cause. Is it writing, directing, acting, basic charisma or some flaw in myself?
I was unable to come to a conclusion. I hope to see him in other shows and then have enough data to figure it out.
Regardless, I would have rated the first half of the series an 8, but the second half had some disappointments. You need to have conflict to have an interesting story and the conflicts mostly faded away without real resolution or karma. The final outcome to the competition they entered is implied, not explicit, shown through pictures. It would have been more impactful to have it in a video. Perhaps they ran out of time/money/ideas? The secondary love story wasn't fully fleshed out, simply glossed over. The karma for the somewhat evil step father and step brother also faded out with a whimper.
Overall, a decent effort. I did watch it to the end, which garners at least a six. But, the missed opportunities in the second half are too many to get a higher score.
Sarangeui bulsachak (2019)
Overall very well done
This is well written. I really don't like shows that are predictable and this one is only somewhat predictable. The ways the leads lives crossed in another country and their inadvertent influence on each other before they knew each other is a nice touch. There aren't any gratuitous scenes without meaning to make the show longer. You have to pay attention all the time. I rate this among the best of Korean dramas.
It is not perfect, but I will not complain about its faults because I don't want to influence other viewers and the faults I noticed are minor. Watch it and enjoy the many things it does well, from writing, directing, acting, comic relief, believable relationships, emotional minor plot lines, consistently moving plot all add up to a wonderful series.
Xìngfú dao wan jia (2022)
Very aggravating in the beginning, gets better!
This story starts around 2009 with a large village in the mountains that Xingfu marries into and covers about 10 years by the end.
The first episode is so frustrating I almost quit watching it. But, the show does get much better.
The show focused on the different attitudes and customs recently found in the countryside when compared to urban attitudes. While not a documentary, I believe the show's intent to to show a slice of rural life and how it has changed in the recent past.
You need to be able to look past the fact that for many crimes in the show there isn't real justice. Often you are left with hidden compromise to maintain social relationships. But, gradually, most of the characters, good and bad, show growth and change.
Keep watching, if you can, because the growth and change is good to see. Although, not all characters show growth or improvement.
Initially, I was quite embarrassed for Chinese rural customs and attitudes and even angry. But, the show eventually made me feel hope for improvement and the future. The Chinese title is "Xingfu Files A Lawsuit", but in English it is "The Story Of Xingfu".
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Scenery great, lacking plot and drama, 1984 film better
So, after the 1st part, I assumed they would make up for it in the 2nd part. However, the changes to the plotline are only there to facilitate a third episode, because there is no closure in the 2nd episode and there are missing elements.
I just can't forgive the total absence of the "Weirding Way". One of my favorite parts to the 1984 movie is when Paul doesn't even need a weirding module. (which isn't in the book). The glossing over of the Spacing Guild Navigators, and even their appearance is weak. The fact that spice is required for interstellar travel is also ignored so that a horrible, unnecessary choice is made near the end of the movie. Alia's contributions are mostly missing as are some of Paul's interactions with the Bene Gesserit. The fight between Paul and Feyd is less dramatic.
The big scenes are well shot and beautiful. Not all of the plot changes are bad. I thought the more time spent on opposing factions within the Fremen was good and more realistic.
Bottom line, in spite of the few improvements, I felt there was less drama, and many lapses. I like the 1984 film better.
Ki Hwanghoo (2013)
Tried to watch it in 2023, maybe I would have liked it 10 years ago?
I did watch it to the beginning of episode 18 and now I'm done.
Most Asian dramas that have some romance are a mess of never communicating, always being apart to protect the other person, but, still NEVER talking to them about it. And, I'm done with that.
Now that I've seen dramas such as [Link=tt6055498] and [Link=tt14872986], I see no reason to put up with those awful story lines.
Stories are built on conflicts, but, in my opinion, a couple should be together, trust each other and face conflicts together. That is the basis for good, modern stories. It is pathetic to have couples get together, break up to protect each other, but never communicate about it. I'm fed up with depressing relationships in shows.
After 18 episodes what I see is a spoiled rotten, cowardly, emperor who doesn't know real love. Real love means you want the person you love to be happy, even if it is not with you. I understand part of his awful personality is because he has been controlled his whole life, but it looks like he will take/force the girl, not win her. And she is obviously in love with someone else, who is also in love with her, but they have NEVER said anything like that to each other.
After 18 episodes of waiting for the strong female character to emerge, I've lost patience. The only reason I watched this long is all the good reviews and trying to be patient because it was made ten years ago. But, [Link=tt6055498] is seven years old.
If I ever find the motivation to watch more I'll update this review.
Ni shi wo de rong yao (2021)
Much better than average Chinese drama
What I like most about this show is once the main characters are together, they are together. Any misunderstandings are quickly resolved with loving, kind communication and patience.
In most Asian dramas (not just Chinese) the main characters break up several times because of misunderstandings or sacrifice for the other's supposed happiness. They often finally reconcile in the last episode. And, for me, it is too predictable and boring.
Off the top of my head, the other Chinese drama where the characters stay together is Weiwei yixiao hen qingcheng (2016), which I also enjoyed.
Don't get me wrong, there are still conflicts, just not between the main couple. And, I hope we see more mature shows like this. Most of the conflicts center around her celebrity job, his secretive job and their families and friends.
As an American I have no problem with the fact that his job portrays America as the competition. There are certainly many American dramas where other countries are shown as competition and even as antagonists. It is barely mentioned in this drama.
I did enjoy their use of strict Chinese security in a humorous situation. That was well done.
Dune (1984)
So far (2023) still the best Dune movie!
I thought I would write this now that a new Dune movie has finally been made.
FYI, I first read the book when I was about 10 years old and I really liked it. I read the book again when I was 60+ and while I still like it, it isn't as good as I remember.
In my opinion the 1984 movie is better, so far. The 2nd part of the new Dune movie hasn't come out yet, so it is still possible the new one will be better. The new movie has nice cinematography but is lacking in character development. I am also disappointed by the exclusion of Shadout Mapes, she is an impressive part of the 1984 movie. The new movie is basically background with most of the interesting things coming in the 2nd movie.
I really enjoyed the 1984 movie, but I did have friends who couldn't understand it. I assume that is because they were not into SciFi or didn't read the book first. Books are almost always better than movies, so my mind may have automatically filled in what was missing in the movie. But, the movie did have some things that weren't in the book, such as Paul's ability to use his voice as a weapon without the Weirding Module at the end of his fight with Sting which I thought was a nice touch.
Overall I really think the 1984 movie was quite good and did a good job of representing the movie. Although, I do wonder if I would think it was so good if I hadn't read the book before watching the movie. At the time it came out several of my friends thought it was difficult to follow which may explain why it wasn't a commercial success.
Wo qin'ai de 'Xiao jiepi' (2021)
Mostly light, romantic fluff, but worth watching
This is mostly about three romances. Of the three I found the romance between the influencer-bodyguard/assistant to be the most interesting. But, the main romance isn't bad. The CEO of a cleaning company falls in love with a low-level employee of the company. I actually liked the fact that she is not a classic beauty, but is full of personality.
The CEO is a germophobe (as many translated shows do, they use a much less common, but slightly more accurate synonym - mysophobe). He actually is so attracted to her that he can overcome most of his symptoms around her.
The main thing I didn't like about the show is when they show flashbacks of the grandfather's treatment of the CEO when he was young. This has directly led to his germophobia. Everyone refers to the grandfather's treatment of the young CEO as "strict". I take great issue with that. The grandfather's treatment of his grandson was verbal abuse! There is no other way to characterize it.
At pushing 70, I am not some young woke snowflake. It would have been abuse 60 years ago and it is still abuse today.
Near the end of the show the grandfather suddenly becomes a nice person to all around him. A not very believable, sudden transition. The therapist starts off misusing his position, but also, more subtly, transitions into a better person.
Other than the issues with the grandfather, I found the show fine, with more modern production values than most Asian shows. And, a tiny disappointment that the bad guy never gets his comeuppance.
Qing Shi Huang Fei (2011)
Too many stupid decisions
For a story to be interesting there must be conflict, but when that conflict is the result of people making clearly stupid decisions, it isn't too satisfying.
More of the evil people needed to be revealed to others, more of the evil people needed to get what was coming to them.
If you like shows with happy endings or where most conflicts are resolved or justice served, this is not the show for you. Many Asian shows feel like they were running out of money and hurriedly finished the show, I would include this series in that category.
I've tried to be honest without giving away the plot.
IMDB says there are 31 episodes, but Netflix has 42 episodes. It is common for Asian series episodes to be combined and split, so not unusual to have different episode counts in different places.
Dune: Part One (2021)
Beautiful vistas, but . . .
I enjoyed this movie, the scenery, vistas are quite well done, but then the director is known for that.
Disappointed that the movie ends so soon into the book, not even close to half way.
In spite of all the criticism of the 1984 movie, I really liked that version. Of course, it helped that I had read the book when I was nine years old. If you had read the book first, there was no problem following the 1984 movie.
Many scenes in the 1984 movie were better. The guild navigators were much better portrayed in the 1984 movie. As was the human test Paul underwent with the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother.
This version is a little more stoic, less emotional than the 1984 version. I didn't like that as much, but it does make some sense from the militaristic cultures of the Atreides and Fremen. As always occurs, movies just aren't able to do as much character development as books, but I would have liked to see more.
Baron Harkonnen is not as gross as the Baron of the 1984 version but, is almost as loathsome.
I won't go into the errors in this movie, every movie has at least a few errors. And, others have pointed out the errors I caught. Some errors seemed like production choices.
Overall I liked it and am looking forward to the sequel which leads into the more exciting portion of the novel. But, then I loved the novel as a nine year old. I reread it about five years ago, and I still like it, but it was not as great as I remembered and no longer even close to the top of my book list. The 1984 movie even had a scene near the end that was good and not in the book, where Paul doesn't need the weirding module.
Schitt$ Creek (2015)
low-brow, obvious humor
Just too low-brow for me, not my thing. I prefer my shows to be more uplifting, optimistic, so there is that.
I need humor that is more unpredictable, not something that makes me think trailer trash (sorry, I know that term isn't PC, but I did live in a trailer park with my Aunt for a couple years, so I have some experience there).
For 7 years I worked at a brokerage firm on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, so I've known more than my share of wealthy/celebrity people who weren't intelligent or self-aware, so that could also be my turn off, too close to my experience. Regardless, if you like it, I won't judge.
Qin Shi Li Ren Ming Yue Xin (2017)
Tried to like this
I really wanted to like this, but there are so many plot points that don't make sense. So many actions that just fly in the face of reason, even for those times, it just didn't work for me.
Most of the actors do a good job, production values are better than average, but the script is just too difficult to believe. The actor playing the King is somewhat wooden in this show as he also was in Love 020. I initially thought that was because of the way his character was written, but now that I've seen him in two shows, I think it is just his acting.
The main point of this is that the King has grown up with little to no people he can trust in his life, so he is cruel and paranoid. He desires, I wouldn't say loves, the female lead, Gong Sun Li, because she helped save him when they were younger.
SPOILERS BELOW:
As King of the most powerful kingdom he is able to use force and blackmail to get what he wants. And, so Sun Li comes to the palace as a concubine, but she is pregnant with Jing Ke's child.
The King favors her and treats her well enough that eventually she falls for him as she realizes the cause of his cruelty. This isn't Stockholm Syndrome because that isn't really a thing, it isn't listed in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders". It is simply the natural empathy most people can feel when they spend time together and begin to appreciate the good with the bad.
There are many mistakes in the script, an example would be in episode 31 when Sun Li is in a palanquin with Min Dai, who has stolen her dagger. Min Dai pulls the dagger and cuts herself putting the dagger in Sun Li's hand. The main problem I have with this is Sun Li is a martial arts expert, especially with a sword (or even a dagger) and Min Dai has no martial arts skills. This being true, how come Sun Li didn't take the dagger away from Min Dai while they were talking? Or, why is the dagger in her hands after Min Dai cuts herself? Min Dai tells the King that Sun Li tried to kill her? If Sun Li had tried to kill Min Dai she would be dead.
Another, very simple complaint is when people are chained, in prison, the handcuffs are three times larger than their wrists and could easily fall off? I know there is a limited budget for every show, but really?
I'm not a fan of the deuxs ex machina, magical poison of the last episode that allows the King to win in martial arts. It feels like a cop-out for poor writing skills.
I have many more criticisms, but those are enough of a sample, so you can decide if I am too critical or not.
And, finally, you do need to know that this is a tragedy. It is important because sometimes I want to watch a show that leaves me feeling uplifted and sometimes I don't care.
Bei hui gui xian (2014)
Modernized Shaw Brothers production
It is important to note that this film is done in the old Hong Kong, Shaw Brothers style, so the comedy and some of the drama is over the top and the plot skips around. It is just updated to 2014.
Ming and his friend con people out of money. Ming's expertise is using his good looks to scam women out of money.
A wealthy, dying man hires gangsters to capture a very rare butterfly which lives in a valley known only to a generational line of women in a remote tribal village in China. A-Long, the current keeper of the secret valley is working in Beijing as a waitress and Ming is forced to get the secret location from her when they put an explosive necklace on his girlfriend Mimi and a tracker bracelet on Ming.
Ming meets up with A-Long and they eventually travel to the remote tribal village and the valley of butterflies. Ming begins to realize that he has actually fallen in love for the first time and has to figure out how to save A-Long, Mimi and the butterflies, if possible.
I'm not a huge fan of this style of movies, if I were I would probably rate it higher. It does generally have higher production values than the old Shaw Bro movies of the 70's and 80's. And, some of the drama, plot and acting is NOT over-the-top, a good thing to me. However, my rating is based on comparing it with other 2014 Asian movies and, in that reference, it isn't that great. But, I did watch it to the end and some of the actors are good. If a show is awful, I won't even finish it.
Ailiseu (2009)
Spy thriller, good tension, better than average production values
This is a review of season one. The story line is fast paced and keeps your interest with tension. The production values are better than average for a Korean TV series, with the exception of the then, trendy, camera jerkiness which is horrible at times. Don't expect the production values to be as good as a movie.
There are the typical plot holes, but the show moves fast enough you can mostly ignore them. It is amazing to me that still, in 2020, most Korean shows never admit the ability to track a cell phone for location or recent calls after a bad guy or phone number has been identified. Regardless, I didn't mark this 2009 show down for that omission because my review is in comparison with other Asian dramas.
The show is well written enough that I couldn't always tell what was going to happen next, which I really enjoyed. Most shows follow pretty standard plot lines and this one follows a common overall plot arch, but the details were often difficult to predict, especially early in the show. Later in the show it becomes more formulaic.
The main characters aren't the best actors in the world, but they had chemistry with each other and with others, so that worked well.
SPOILER ALERT!
I have to admit that I was disappointed in the tragic ending which I assumed was a vehicle to pull the female lead back into the spy agency. But, turns out that is not the case. So, just another Asian drama with a tragic ending.
I am usually very analytical (an engineer by education), but I generally want my shows to lift me up at the end, so that is entirely emotional and I did not enjoy the ending.
I just want to mention that Season Two is mostly new characters, weaker writing and weaker production values. It starts roughly 3 years after season one.
Gunsmoke: The Wiving (1974)
Abduction of the Sabine women revisited
When this came out I had just graduated high school and it was already a little politically incorrect. Now, in 2020, it would never be made unless it was some type of porn video.
When I was a preteen I watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) on TV and really liked it. So, I liked this version of the story. Later on I found it was based on the story set soon after Rome's founding of the Kidnapping/Abduction of the Sabine Women.
I think it is well done and I enjoyed it, after they arrive at the ranch, the father is surprised to find his sons kidnapped the women and has to "think on it". They aren't sent back immediately, but are courted by the men, the women eventually decide being married and living on the farm just might be better than being a dance hall girl. I did enjoy the characterizations showing very different women and very different men and wondering where the attractions would occur. There is much more to it than this, but I don't want to give away too much.
If the viewer focuses on the usually misleading idea that abducted women will come to like their abductors, then you will hate this show. It does happen in real life, but it is rare and not politically correct. Certainly never as benign as represented in this show.
The Twilight Zone: The Old Man in the Cave (1963)
Different interpretations
Depending on which part of this show you pick, you can get different interpretations.
The final dialogue in the show talks about "faithlessness". But, what I got from the show revolves around the people's destruction of "the old man in the cave". People have difficulty trusting someone or something that is different from themselves. Difficulty trusting something they can't understand or relate to.
Baegabondeu (2019)
Nonstop, who will win changes every 15 minutes
This is pretty tense and I have to admit I did shed a few tears, so good acting (but, as a parent I am susceptible to some of the emotional manipulations used). The plot is about greed and corruption, both corporate and political. It seems the major corporations involved will pretty much do anything and every politician can be blackmailed or corrupted. I haven't been this disgusted with politicians and secret agencies since I watched Scandal (2012).
I'm only half way through the first season and it is keeping me entertained, so that is much more than most shows. If you can put up with a lot of "deus ex machina" then this show is for you!
Deputy (2020)
Maverick against the establishment with left politics
Like most people I enjoy the maverick against the establishment plot line. But, you will have to decide if you can ignore or support the liberal political statements. It is rare/unusual to have a left-leaning cowboy maverick and I did find the 2nd episode had less politics than the 1st (I saw the 2nd episode before the 1st).
Like most Americans I am usually between the political left and right, so I am choosing to ignore the political statements and enjoy the show, we'll see if I can keep watching.
As someone who grew up in a rural area and spent most of my teenage summers working on my uncle's ranch, I can relate to the cowboy/maverick lead character and enjoyed his challenging of the status quo and condescending bureaucracy. It is good enough for me to watch a few more episodes and hope it gets even better.
A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019)
3 star is generous
Hmm, I really don't have positive things to say about this show. But, if you like to listen to a nasal voice that is auto-tuned, then you might find this interesting.
Unfortunately, I didn't like any of the characters and it even put my wife, who loves these Christmas movies, to sleep.
Watched maybe 20+ minutes, don't waste your time unless you just have to see every Christmas movie.
Daybreak (2019)
it is good to try new/old things, but in this case, fail
Failure is good, you can learn from failure and do better next time.
Show tries to be witty, but fails. Talking to the camera, jerking back and forth in the timeline, trying to make new stereotypes, all characters extreme caricatures, over-the-top acting, etc. has already been done and abandoned. I guess one more try because it is a newish generation?
Also, so much swearing that it comes across as poor writing.
I gave it the old try and must admit I didn't finish episode one. This would appeal to teenagers who love slapstick and awkward jokes, slim plot, there were some of those in my high school.