#character: li cheng ze

[movielosophy]

Joy of Life 2 | 😋😋

[mond-is-a-thief]

KISEKI: DEAR TO ME (2023, TAIWAN)

Episode 12 The Penultimate Episode

A Celebration of Welcome Guest Stars

Not particularly identified but I am calling them by their characters names from their series PLUS & MINUS.

Zheng Ze Shou (MAX LIN) surprises his husband Fu Li Gong (SHI CHENG XUAN) with a cake he made himself. It is met with some teasing but the two remain sweet to one another and decide to share Ze Shou baking efforts.

@pose4photoml @lutawolf

[klitter-0530]

Recently I have been enjoying joy of life ,btw I’m an old fan of it (5 years both book and tv series),so i drew something for my two favorite characters FanXian and Li Cheng Ze (the second prince),and I really like their ship 🥰

[dramaddict-and-proud-of-it]

She and her perfect husband

Year : 2022 | Country : CN | Nb of episodes: 40

My rate: 6/10

Synopsis :

Lawyer Qin Shi is focused on her career but is rushed into the marriage by her parents. The top law firm "Cheng and Hui" is recruiting lawyers specializing in family affairs, and one of the requirements is to be married. Qin Wen Yu, Qin Shi's second brother, secretly changed Qin Shi's marital status to "married" without her knowledge, creating a fictional husband for her. Not knowing anything, Qin Shi is employed by the firm.

Her outstanding performance earned the approval of the founder Lao Jin. During a gathering with partners, Lao Jin recommends Qin Shi to be the legal counsel for the Association of Women Entrepreneurs. It is only then Qin Shi realizes that she is purportedly married.

Qin Shi decides to clarify the situation to Lao Jin, but at this moment, her "husband", Yang Hua, appears. He's forced by his mother to come for a matchmaking session with Qin Shi's competitor. Feeling resentful over his mother's forceful actions, he forms an alliance with Qin Shi to benefit from the situation. They hit it off immediately and impulsively decide to register their marriage. However, both their parents sense something wrong with the situation.

Qin Shi's ex-boyfriend suddenly joins the law firm, and while facing numerous crises, Qin Shi and Yang Hua begin to have feelings for each other.

Main cast :

Yang Mi as Qin Shi

Xu Kai as Yang Hua

Li Ze Feng as Tao Jun Hui

Tang Jing Mei as Li Dai

Wang Zi Xuan as Wu Fei

My thoughts on this drama :

I started this one based on the cast. I was curious to see Yang Mi in a modern drama. The story itself is nothing too interesting, but I like the dynamic older woman - younger man for once. She's an established lawyer vs a protected mamaboy. Though there was little chemistry between the actors, they did a pretty good job portraying their characters, it just was not believable enough.

A Favorite ?

NO

[arwatchesandreads]

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (在暴雪时分)

Yet another one. As you can see I love a fluffy, calm, feel-good romance show and here is another one that I can add to that list. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love made by the same showrunner as Love Me, Love My Voice, was another success in creating the sweetest meet cute and showing the most wonderful relationship between two people. This show was cute on top of cute on top of cute, and I was in love with the characters, with the romance, just every little bit. 

My Rating: 10/10

Episodes: 30

Country: China

Genre: Meet Cute Romance with Billiards

Aired: Feb 2nd, 2024- Feb 14th, 2024

Cast:

Leo Wu as Lin Yi Yang

Zhao Jin Mai as Yin Guo

Wang Xing Yue as Meng Xiao Dong

Ding Xiao Ying as Lin Lin

Chen Jing Ke as Jiang Yang 

Dong Zi Fan as Wu Wei

Wang Run Ze as Li Qing Yan

Han Dong Lin as Chen An An

Wang Jia Xuan as Meng Xiao Tian

Synopsis:

Yin Guo is a professional billiards player in nine- ball, and she has a tournament in Hel, however, she came a few months earlier to scope out the place as Meng Xiao Tian (her cousin) was planning to attend school there. 

Yin Guo meets Lin Yi Yang during a snowstorm where they are stranded at a bar. Lin Yi Yang fell in love at first sight. He tries to help out the cousins by getting them a cab, and thus starting their journey of getting to know each other. 

This drama was adapted from the web novel “Zai Bao Xue Shi Fen” (在暴雪时分) by Mo Bao Fei Bao (墨宝非宝), who is also the author of the novel “Really, Really Miss You” which inspired Love Me, Love My Voice. 

Beware of Spoilers Moving Forward!!!!!!

What Episode did the Main Couple Start Dating?

It’s kinda like alluded that they are essentially together after Episode 6, however, Yin Guo still questions if they are in a relationship in Episode 9 LOL which caught me off guard because the way she asks him is by asking if he has a girlfriend at school or something???? but I understand why she was asking. She was just clarifying what they were. He then clarifies that he’s serious about her and that’s I guess technically when they were official. 

Misunderstandings?

They have a minor dispute in Episode 18. This is it though LOL. They have no other misunderstandings other than this. This misunderstanding also only lasts less than an episode.

Episode 18 is when Yi Yang was trying to toast Yin Guo’s mom as a way to try to create amends for his prior actions as a child, however, Yin Guo’s mom still acted extremely cold towards him. 

Yin Guo felt like Yi Yang was treating her more cold because of her mom and she walked away from him creating a rift between them. 

In Episode 19, they solve this misunderstanding. Yi Yang came to try to make up with her the next morning but she had already left for training for 2 months. He texts her that he’s there, and she calls him, and she wonders why he didn’t call the same night and because of that she got even more mad the next morning and left without saying anything. He basically gives in and says “I miss you, I’ll go now, bye” and let me tell you his response made me so sad and I felt bad like I stood him up * sobs *. 

Yin Guo talks to the driver who is taking everyone to training, and they have a sweet relatable moment, and he asks her why she didn’t stay at home an extra day to relax. She takes this as an opportunity to go back and make up with Yi Yang, and takes a cab back to him. 

Love Triangles?

There are no love triangles. hehe

There are love rivals but, are they really rivals? (the answer is no lol) We have Li Qing Yan who likes Yin Guo, he’s one of Meng Xiao Dong’s disciples (Meng Xiao Dong is Yin Guo’s cousin). Then, we have Cheng Yan who likes Lin Yi Yang, she is a member of Dongxin City, which is the club that Lin Yi Yang was a part of when he was young. 

Second Main Leads

Honestly, were they really the second main leads? LOL. I barely understood how it was listed as such. Their romance was subtle, and they were just there. I didn’t really care about them tbh ahahahaha. Yin Guo was very invested in it though, however, I wasn’t really bothered.

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love Ending

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love has a cute ending where they both find out that they had anonymous accounts where they only talked about each other. After the Asian Games, he takes the core friend group on a trip. During this trip, he proposes to her while singing the main song of the show jskjndfkjsfkjs (i’m not screaming you are). He did this sweet comparison where he compared his life to the Truman Show and said that the world he created around himself in Hel was fake, and this girl aka Yin Guo, shows up and breaks his reality. He proposes and she says yes right away and then they have a 3 year time skip and it’s just a massive reminiscing scene in Hel. 

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love Review- Meet Cute with that Shy, Awkwardness that evokes the feeling of falling in love

This show in my eyes is a 10/10. I enjoyed basically every second of this beautiful, charming, wholesome romance between two green forest characters. If I’m being completely honest, the majority of the characters in this show is a whole green forest. The romance was just romancing. From the meet-cute, to the awkwardness of getting to know each other, to the hand holding, kissing, communicating, long distance relationship, rejoicing of being physically together again, growing and succeeding together. Everything was just done so well, so elegantly, I was squealing like a highschool girl in my seat watching this show. 

The billiards plot was also extremely fun for me to watch, as I was not really well versed in billiards nor even knew there were multiple types. Lin Yi Yang’s plot with Dongxin City and his coach was really heartwarming to watch and just seeing him becoming more understanding and growing in character was just wonderful to watch. 

This show was the most perfect watch for me. I felt like I was falling in love at the same time as the characters. The cinematic scenes with the actors that had amazing chemistry and wonderful acting skill, just made the experience that much better. 

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is a must-watch for romance watchers who love shows with supportive main leads, supportive friends, little misunderstandings, a lot of kissing and chemistry, and watching two people just fall in love.

[baoshan-sanren]

best cdramas I’ve watched since the last one of these posts in 2021 (also some not so good + some upcoming)

I’ve been too busy to make lists, so I’m leaving out every drama I dropped

Luoyang (watch on iQIYI VIP) adapted from the novel of the same title by Ma Bo Yong (马伯庸), starring Huang Xuan, Wang Yibo, and Song Qian. The Longest Day in Chang'an vibes, but like, lighter and more colorful in every sense of the word. So many excellent female characters. Moves at a good clip for 39 episodes without stuttering. The cast is out of this world. 9/10

The Longest Day in Chang'an (watch on Amazon Prime | watch on Viki) starring Lei Jia Yin and Yi Yang Qian Xi. Fckn masterpiece. The cinematography in this thing is a joy to behold. Visually stunning. Not a drama you can glance at occasionally and still catch the threads. Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. 10/10

Sword Snow Stride (watch on WeTV VIP | watch on Viki) based on the xuanhuan novel The Snowy Path of the Heroic Blade by 烽火戏诸侯 starring Zhang Ruoyun and Hu Jun. I have a soft spot for Zhang Ruoyun so I was gonna watch this to the end even if it sucked. Luckily, it didn’t. Still, it’s sort of a run-of-the-mill adventure journey story, where the hero always wins against all odds. It does a good job filling that empty hole in your life that Joy of Life left behind. The cast is stellar, and the plot stable enough for enjoyment. 7/10

The Long Ballad (watch on Viki |  watch on YouTube) based on wuxia manhua by 夏达 starring Dilraba Dilmurat and Wu Lei. Dilraba Dilmurat is a fckn goddess. Not gonna lie, I watched this whole thing just for her. I’m not particularly crazy about Wu Lei as an actor, but he was amazing in this role. The plot meanders occasionally, and there are some episodes I’ve watched at 1.25 speed. Still, one of the better romances out there. 7/10

Marvelous Women (watch on Viki) starring Jiang Qinqin and Zhang Huiwen. This was glorious in every sense of the word. So many brilliant women. So many brainless men. In-depth study of duty, honor, loyalty and love. I laughed, I cried, I lay on the floor and stared at the ceiling. Beautiful story, exquisitely told. 10/10

The Theatre Stories (watch on iQIYI VIP) starring  Qin Kaixuan and Zhao Xiaotang. Fun, lighthearted joy of a story. The best comedy I’ve seen all year. Love it to fckn pieces. 9/10

Honorable Mentions

The Story of MingLan (watch on iQIYI VIP | watch on Viki | watch on YouTube) adapted from the novel of the same title by Guan Xin Ze Luan (关心则乱), starring Zhao Liying, Feng Shaofeng, and Zhu Yilong. Cao Cuifen is also in this, for those who fckn adore this woman as much as I do. First of all, Zhao Liying is magic on screen, regardless of the role. The romance in this doesn’t meander, even if the other story lines occasionally do. First two thirds were very enjoyable. Last third I could’ve done without. I believe I called this drama “the terrible, wonderful lives of women,” and I still hold to that. 6/10

Watched, but nothing to write home about

The Rebel Princess (watch on Amazon Prime | watch on Viki) adapted from the novel "Emperor's Conquest" (帝王业) by Mei Yu Zhe (寐语者) starring Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Yiwei. 5/10

The Legend of Condor Heroes (2017) (watch on iQIYI VIP) starring Li Yitong and Yang Xuwen. Meng Ziyi is also in this adaptation. 4/10

God of Lost Fantasy (watch on Amazon Prime | watch on Viki | watch on YouTube) adapted from the novel “Ancient Godly Monarch” by Jing Wu Hen starring Sheng Yilun and Wang Ziwen. 3/10

Legend of Zhen Huan (watch on Amazon Prime) starring Sun Li and Chen JianBin. 5/10

Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities (watch on Viki) adapted from the novel "Jing - Shuang Cheng" (镜·双城) by Cang Yue (沧月) starring Li Yifeng and Chen Yuqi. 4/10

Still waiting on: 

Immortality - based on danmei novel The Husky and His White Cat Shizun by 肉包不吃肉 starring Chen Feiyu and Luo Yunxi

Winner Is King - based on the danmei novel Sha Po Lang by Priest starring Tan Jianci and Chen Zheyuan

Step By Step Lotus - based on historical novel Return to Ming Dynasty as Prince by 月关 starring Zhang Binbin and Luo Yunxi

Eternal Faith - based on danmei novel Heaven Official's Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu starring Zhai Xiaowen and Zhang Linghe

Thousand Autumns - based on danmei novel of the same name by Meng Xi Shi - cast unknown

Joy Of Life Season 2 - based on wuxia novel of the same name by 猫腻 starring Zhang Ruoyun and Li Qin

A League of Nobleman - based on danmei novel The Society of Four Leaves by Da Feng Gua Guo starring Song Weilong and Jing Boran

Flying Phoenix - based on danmei novel of the same name by 風弄 starring Dai Jingyao and Shu Yaxin

The Story of the Bat - based on danmei novel Bat by Feng Nong starring Mao Zijun and Zhang Yao

The Longest Promise - based on xianxia novel Zhu Yan by 沧月 starring Xiao Zhan, Ren Min, and Zhang Yunlong

[absolutebl]

Any recs for series with himbos or himbo love interests? Just finished 2 Moons & I'm LIVING for Ming's chaotic bi himbo vibes 💗💜💙

Ah you mean the ones who are all, “Whacha know? I like boys. Well fine then. Let’s do this thing!” Enthusiastically stumbles over the edge of the Cliffs of Bisexuality (2nd cousin to the Cliffs of Insanity, in case you were wondering). 

Favorite BL Himbo Characters!

Wanting that chaotic yet earnest himbo vibe in your life? These are the boys for you! 

Ming in 2 Moons & 2 Moons 2 - Thailand 

Mark (and his Phi friendship group) in Gen Y - Thailand 

Pat in Bad Buddy - Thailand 

Ryu in Love Stage!! (both versions) + the rockstar older brother side character - Thailand & Japan 

YeonSeok in First Love Again - Korea 

JungWoo in My Sweet Dear - Korea (also the side character Jang Eui Soo plays in Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding is one of my favorite bit-part examples of this archetype) 

Sky in My Day - The Philippines, to a certain extent Ace too. These two are such enthusiastic goobers when they finally decide they’re in love, it’s hot but earnest to the point of saccharine. 

Hsia Yu Hao in HIStory 2: Crossing the Line - Taiwan 

Bo Xiang (also H4) & Hao Ting (and their awesome friendship group) in HIStory 3: The BL that shall not be named - Taiwan 

Li Cheng in History 4: Close to You - Taiwan 

Mark in Love is Science? (side dishes) - Taiwan 

Pu Le Chien in DNA Says Love You

Others of Note 

CHINA 

Xia Yao in Advance Bravely  

Gu Hai in Addicted but he’s pretty agro about it. 

JAPAN 

Yuzuru in Seven Days (the very restrained Japanese version) 

Adachi in Cherry Magic (the unrestrained Japanese version) 

Aoki in Kieta Hatsukoi (even more unrestrained Japanese version) 

All the various Ossan’s Love adaptations (Japan, Hong Kong) pretty much most of the characters, which I why I find it annoying. Himbo overkill. 

TAIWAN 

Cheng Qing in HIStory Stay Away From Me 

Lin Yang in My Type is a poster child for this archetype, but it’s a very hard to find microseries

BingWei & ZheYu the side dishes in We Best Love

Cheng Ze Shou in Plus & Minus  

THAILAND

Tine in 2gether 

Neo in 3 Will Be Free 

Pete in the Kiss series, but not as much in Dark Blue Kiss 

Leon in Don’t Say No, side dish, unhappy ending 

Pitch in Golden Blood, side dish, a FAVORITE of mine 

Tagmo in Great Men Academy, another favorite 

Valen in Love Area 

Bon in My Engineer 

Match in My Mate Match 

Sky (side dish) in Secret Crush on You 

IG in Siew Sum Noi (and his cutie best friend whose name eludes me) 

Ai, Ni and OUR KING Na in Tonhon Chonlatee 

Nott in YYY 

VIETNAM 

Vietnamese BLs Stage of Love, You Are Ma Boy, and Stupid Boys, Stupid Love all feature this archetype. 

There might be more too, Vietnam LOVES this one. 

Honorable Mention 

Jung Ji Woon in The King’s Affection. He totally qualifies for this archetype, the romance turns out to be het(?) but he falls in love with her believing she’s a man and goes full on bi. It’s fucking spectacular in a historical Kdrama which often feature crossdressing women but never allows the boys to fall for them until after said boy “knows the secret.” 

(source) 

[cnovelartreblogs]

Welcome to cnovelartreblogs!

Hey everyone! This is @unforth's sideblog for smaller Chinese novel fandoms - those in which artists don't produce enough content to sustain a queue for a week at a posting rate of 1-per-day (as in, fewer than 7 fanart pieces are posted in a typical week).

tracking #cnovelartreblogs for the fandoms listed below and many others!!

Titles in bold are fandoms I'm in/source material I'm familiar with. The list (last updated 5/11/22 - update in progress) is in the following format:

#hashtag I use on this blog: Master Post (linked to my internal master post for this fandom; master posts include how many works I've reblogged for a given title, alternate names for the work, author information, resources, and all characters and ships I've tagged for the fandom in question)

Works that Started as C-Novels:

#advance bravely: Master Post

#bestial blade: Master Post

#bian cheng lang zi: Master Post

#can ci pin: Master Post

#case file compendium: Master Post

#copper coins: Master Post

#couple of mirrors: Master Post

#dage: Master Post

#devil venerable also wants to know: Master Post

#dinghai fusheng records: Master Post

#daomu biji: I primarily reblog DMBJ content to @dmbjartreblogs.

#empress fuyao: Master Post

#encountering a snake: Master Post

#escape the infinite chamber: Master Post

#female general and eldest princess: Master Post

#fox demon cultivation manual: Master Post

#global examination: Master Post

#golden stage: Master Post

#granting you a dreamlike life: Master Post

#guang ze jiu shi: Master Post

#guomen: Master Post

#heavenly sword and dragon slaying sabre: Master Post

#how to survive as a villain: Master Post

#huai dao: Master Post

#the husky and his white cat shizun: I primarily reblog 2ha content to @erhaartreblogs.

#jie yao: Master Post

#jing wei qing shang: Master Post

#juedai shuangjiao: Master Post

#kaleidoscope of death: Master Post

#the legend of demon hunter fahai: Master Post

#legend of exorcism: Master Post

#legend of fei: Master Post

#the legendary master's wife: Master Post

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#liu li mei ren sha: Master Post

#the longest day in chang an: Master Post

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#mist unlimited: Master Post

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#mo ri shu guang: Master Post

#modu: Master Post

#a moonlit spring river: Master Post

#mou mou: Master Post

#nan chan: Master Post

#nezha: Master Post

#nirvana in fire: Master Post

#panguan: Master Post

#peerless: Master Post

#qiang jin jiu: Master Post

#qianqiu: Master Post

#qiye: I primarily reblog Qiye content to @tykartreblogs.

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#reset: Master Post

#ruzhui: Master Post

#a single strike of shimmering frost: Master Post

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#saye: Master Post

#seizing dreams: Master Post

#sha po lang: Master Post

#shan he biao li: Master Post

#spy war on shanghai bund: Master Post

#stone age husband raising journal: Master Post

#suddenly this summer: Master Post

#tai sui: Master Post

#tian guan ci fu: I primarily reblog TGCF content to @tgcfartreblogs.

#tian ya ke: I primarily reblog TYK and SHL content to @tykartreblogs.

#tsomd: Master Post

#tyqhm: Master Post

#youyi: Master Post

#yuwu: Master Post

#the yin yang master dream of eternity: Master Post

#zhenhun: I primarily reblog Guardian content to @zhenhunartreblogs.

#zhongji lanyin: Master Post

Works that (as far as I know) Started as C-Dramas and/or Donghua:

#as flowers fade and fly across the sky: Master Post

#dance of the phoenix: Master Post

#legend of hei: Master Post

#link click: Master Post

#men with sword: Master Post

#my roommate is a detective: Master Post

#my true friend: Master Post

#the silent criminal: Master Post

#wuliang: Master Post

PLEASE SUPPORT ORIGINAL AUTHORS. You can learn more about ways to do so in these posts:

Buying Raws on JJWXC 1

Buying Raws on JJWXC 2

Buying Books from Books TW (Taiwanese/Traditional Chinese editions)

I will also of course continue to tag trigger warnings. I currently use the follow trigger warnings on this blog, and I'll add more as needed:

Trigger Warnings: blood tw, body horror tw, drowning tw, harm to animals tw, lemon, smoking, strangulation tw

(below cut: non-c-novel fandoms incidentally reblogged)

Other Random Fandoms:

This is a list of fandoms not listed above that I don't intentionally reblog to this sideblog (all reblogs are incidental - because a character(s) from this/these fandoms was included in an artwork post that also included art for a fandom that is represented here.

a wizard of earthsea

cookie run kingdom

dead by daylight

ensemble stars

fate grand order

genshin impact

girl’s revenge

sk8 the infinity

some by virtue fall

the tombs of atuan

[skullsandwineglasses]

Ancient Love Poetry (2021) - Episodes 1-3 First Impressions

This is not bad so far. I’ve seen a lot of mixed reactions about this drama, but it’s actually pretty decent. I heard that it’s being ripped apart by audiences in China, but some people on reddit mentioned that the drama is actually good, but people are just critical of Zhou Dongyu and Xu Kai. AvenueX was skeptical of the drama, but I find that her reviews of xianxia dramas can be kinda harsh. The drama hasn’t finished airing yet so there aren’t many ratings and reviews on MDL, but the drama currently has an 8.3 on there, which I think is a pretty decent rating even though it’s likely to change as more people finish the drama. Most of the dramas that I’ve enjoyed also average at around an 8.3 on MDL. 

Plot

The plot is pretty fast-paced. The leads develop feelings for each other really early on. The opening does a good job of establishing the personalities of the characters and drawing you into the story. A drama will successfully draw me in if it raises enough questions and establishes enough plot points to make me curious to see what will happen next.

The FL has a different background from the FLs in other xianxia dramas. Shang Gu is destined to become the leader of the 4 realms, but she’s been spoiled by her guardians Zhi Yang and Tian Qi, so her powers are underdeveloped. The FLs in other xianxia dramas tend to start off as a nobody/underdog, but Shang Gu starts off as the most highly regarded figure in the realm. She’s basically a princess. Her guardians are played by Li Ze feng and Liu Xue Yu respectively, and they’ve always had such strong performances as supporting characters in other dramas, so it was a pleasant surprise seeing them both here. Their characters have great brotherly chemistry, and they provide comedic relief. 

The ML is your stereotypical stoic, brooding, emotionally suppressed, and powerful immortal. He has no interest in women, that is until he’s tasked by Zhi Yang and Tian Qi to be Shang Gu’s mentor in order to help her unlock her powers. All the women in the immortal realm crush over him, but he couldn’t give a rat’s ass about it. Very typical. 

Chemistry

The ML and FL’s relationship reminds me of Bai Zhi Hua and Hua Qian Gu’s teacher-student relationship in Journey of Flower, which was the first xianxia drama that I watched. But, unlike Journey of Flower, Bai Jue and Shang Gu are less like teacher-student, but more like bickering enemies who eventually develop feelings for each other. 

My issue is that they develop feelings for each other too soon. And so I don’t really feel much chemistry between them, even though I want to. Bai Jue teaches her a few moves, helps her unlock her inner powers, they accidentally touch and get too close physically, and bam, feelings start to form. These are immortals who are thousands of years old. How are they able to develop feelings so easily and quickly? Especially Bai Jue who’s know by everyone to be lofty, emotionless, and misogynistic? 

There was only one moment when they were able to emotionally bond, and that was when Bai Jue misunderstood Shang Gu. Shang Gu was trying to fulfill the challenge he gave her, but he mistakenly thought that she was greedy. When he realized he misunderstood her, he began to soften towards her. But this event alone wasn’t convincing enough to make me believe that someone as cold as he is could fall for a spoiled and obnoxious girl like Shang Gu. 

They could have made it so that his character secretly enjoys Shang Gu’s loud antics because it makes his home more lively. That’s usually how they do it in other xianxia dramas where the bubbly FL is the manic pixie dream girl who uproots the ML’s quiet lifestyle and he falls for her against his better judgment. But no, they don’t do that in Ancient Love Poetry, so Bai Jue falling for Shang Gu felt forced. 

Acting

I’ve loved Zhou Dongyu since seeing her in the 2010 film Under the Hawthorn tree. But because I’ve seen people criticize her in Ancient Love Poetry, I was prepared to be disappointed. But honestly, it’s not that bad. Even her costuming isn’t that bad. She’s not impressive, but then again, it’s not an impressive or complex role. A lot of actresses are capable of playing her type of character, and a lot of actresses already have. But Zhou Dongyu delivers, and she does well with what she’s given. 

Xu Kai isn’t terrible, but he could definitely be better. Like what I mentioned above, his character is the stereotypical xianxia ML. And so there have been plenty of actors before him who have shown how to portray a cold, stoic, and resistant character who’s slowly moved by the FL: Cheng Yi in Love and Redemption, Wallace Huo in Journey of Flower (although he also got a lot of flack at the time for being expressionless), and Chang Chen in Love and Destiny. The key to playing this kind of ML is that you’re emotionally suppressed, which means that you try to be emotionless, but there are moments when you can’t hide your emotions and they break to the surface. It’s all about the internal struggle where you pretend to act one way but feel another. As an actor, you need to be able to convey subtle and nuanced microexpressions that reveal how your character truly feels. 

Granted, Bai Jue is a little different from Bai Zhi Hua and Sifeng who forbade themselves from falling in love, but Bai Jue is more like Jiu Chen and Ye Hua who just have never known love before and is now experiencing it for the first time. But for all of these MLs, the common thread is that they undergo a change in character. In these first 3 episodes of Ancient Love Poetry, we keep being told by other characters in the drama how Bai Jue has changed “so much” since agreeing to mentor Shang Gu, but I don’t see this change in Xu Kai’s portrayed of Bai Jue. 

On reddit, I’ve mentioned how I've seen Xu Kai in The Legends and Arsenal Military Academy and IMO, Xu Kai doesn't really do well in roles where he has to be stoic and emotionally reserved. But he did really well in AMA where his character was a flirty, spoiled rich kid who eventually matures during his time at the academy, and it made me realize that he's capable of acting when given the right opportunity. His character was full of life and the complete opposite of his character in The Legends. He can be really expressive when his character warrants it, but when the character is supposed to be brooding, he doesn't bring enough nuance to his expressions and instead defaults to being flat and unmoving.

I also feel that Xu Kai’s performance was a little better in The Legends than in Ancient Love Poetry, but then again, I’ve only seen 3 episodes of ALP. I don’t know if it’s because his costar was Bai Lu and he felt more comfortable with her, or if it’s because Bai Jue is a character who’s supposed to be old, experienced, and wise, and Xu Kai is still too young to pull off that kind of role. He also looks incredibly young. He’s my age, and I’m just in awe of how clear his skin is and how it still looks like he has some baby fat. I’m also not a fan of his costuming. I like how Zhou Dongyu’s hair frames her face to make her look more delicate, but Xu Kai’s wig seems to flatten his head. I also think he looks better in dark robes like in The Legends, or his leather trenchcoat in AMA. He looked more rugged. But his white clothes in Ancient Love Poetry takes away from his character’s demeanor as a powerful immortal, and unlike Wallace Huo who’s older and thus is able to pull off dainty and delicate white robes, Xu Kai’s baby face doesn’t really pair well with it. 

Other notes:

The CGI is probably some of the better CGI that I’ve seen to date, and I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty impressed. Objects magically appear and disappear almost seamlessly, and characters teleport smoothly. 

Still waiting for the OST to come into full effect. It probably won’t happen until later in the drama when there’s more angst and emotion, but I also find it weird that they don’t have an opening theme? It’s just Zhou Shen singing some vocal effects, but no actual song. 

Overall, I’m going to keep watching. I’m a sucker for xianxia, and I love comparing the similarities and differences between different dramas, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes and whether it’s as bad as people say it is. 

[sifeng]

Love and Redemption: Some Thoughts and a Comparison with Ashes of Love

So, I’ve been watching Love and Redemption (琉璃) and while there are some visible faults, I also quite like some plot points and characters. So here are some of my thoughts and also, if your an Ashes of Love fan I totally recommend you check this drama out! The themes are similar, the character setups are similar, the worlds are similar too. 

I’ve just finished the 35th episode, and I’ve gotten to a point where a flower creature of sorts has been forced to become Ling Long 2.0. I actually really like this idea because it shows that a lot of people become evil because of the people they are around, not because they are naturally evil, their personality is naturally cruel or anything else of the sort. Ling Long grew up around “orthodox” people that, while also imperfect, weren’t sadistic like Wu Tong. Because of that she became a person that liked to fight for peace and removal of evil from the world. However, when her exact same personality was placed in a different atmosphere without previous memories she became just as sadistic and cruel as the people around her. I think that actually fits super well with the overall theme of this drama, which is that good and bad aren’t black and white. Even a person who is “good” in the subjective sense of that term can just as easily be “evil” if placed in a different growth environment. Honestly I find it so interesting that Ling Long went from A Zhu to A Zi (Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils reference) in like one episode. 

A Comparison

When I first started liking cdramas, one of my first favorites was Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜), but I actually like this drama more. First of all, I think the pacing is better. The beginning of AoL was a little draggy now that I think about it, and Jin Mi only began to really show her feelings for Xu Feng around episode 30 (and it wasn’t even Jin Mi liking Xu Feng it was Saintess liking the King). In comparison, in Love and Redemption, we see from the very start that Xuanji likes Sifeng in a different manner then she likes, for example, Minyan, thus not only making it easier to ship them, but also being able to get to the tragic elements of the story faster. The CGI in Love and Redemption is simply amazing, beats 99% of cdramas honestly. I wish the cinematography was a little better because with this level of CGI, it truly deserves better camerawork. 

Also, I dislike when people call Xuanji stupid, because while in the beginning she is a little dumb, she really isn’t as bad as some other characters out there. She’s like what 20? And she’s never left home or her training place in her life. Why would anyone expect her not to make trouble? Or get in trouble? That’s like teaching how to memorize all the math formulas in the world, but not teaching you how to use them and then blaming you for not being able to apply them. I haven’t gotten to the really tragic part where Xuanji and Sifeng get separated, but so far I like her more than Jin Mi honestly. Xuanji might not be the smartest person, but I love how trustworthy she is of her friends and how high she holds her friendships. Unlike so many of the adults in this series, she actually uses logic to try to understand problems not just problematic and contradictory pieces evidence. Like when Minyan is accused of being betraying their sect, she doesn’t just go “oh there’s ‘evidence’? Then he must be guilty”, she actually thinks about his character and personality and how illogical it would be if he actually betrayed them. 

I also like Sifeng more than Xu Feng. When he was being accused of being a demon, he managed to bring up inarguable pieces of evidence that clearly proved he was not a demon, or at least not a problematic one instead of just going like “you should believe me because I’m so great!” (not that Xu Feng did that, but he did use ethos instead of logos, though, both apparently don’t work if you’re a male lead in a tragic xianxia). The tragedy of his character is done so well honestly. He died for Xuanji in 9 lifetimes. NINE. Please give him a happy ending. (Okay but I really dislike his second hairstyle with the two strings of hair hanging out and also Teng She’s hairstyle. Why can’t they just tuck that piece of hair in? It makes me feel so annoyed for some reason.)

No one likes Hao Chen, and I’m glad. He hates people manipulating Xuanji, but he manipulates her all the time. I do agree that if Xuanji is happy without her six senses, she shouldn’t be forced to search for them, but she isn’t happy and she wants to search for them. So why should anyone who actually likes her try to prevent that? But I actually think his character is written relatively well. As the ruler (or second in command?) of the heavenly realm, he has to put matters in front of romance, though that doesn’t mean he has to manipulate her. I understand why he does what he does and I don’t think his character is as illogical as Wu Tong, but yeah, I definitely don’t agree with what he does. In comparison, Run Yu is truly quite likable. He does try to keep Jin Mi to himself instead of letting her be happy, but overall his story is written really well and evokes our sympathy.

Oh and when it comes to friendships I also prefer the ones in Love and Redemption. First of all, it’s not just Xuanji and Sifeng who are cute together, I like that Sifeng is friends with Ling Long and Minyan as well, and they also become friends with Yanran (or Xiao Yinhua) and Ruoyu as well (though they could’ve avoided some tragedy if they hadn’t befriended him). I don’t know why, but I’m really excited to see what tragedy our OTP goes through later on, because I’ve seen the gifsets on Tumblr and boy am I excited for some tragedy!

But one thing that is better about AoL is definitely the acting. I think Cheng Yi and Yuan Bingyan did pretty good here, especially Cheng Yi, but Yang Zi, Deng Lun and Luo Yunxi (especially Yang Zi and Luo Yunxi) are more experienced and thus obviously better, especially when it comes to really emotional scenes. 

FInal Thoughts

One problem I have with Love and Redemption, at least so far, is that the evil demons have no motivations to be as evil as they are. I’m pretty sure I’ll get a reason, but so far I have to say that they aren’t really well done characters in that sense. Especially Wu Tong. Like this guy has no backstory whatsoever, but is extremely cruel and sadistic from the first second we meet him. Maybe he’s like really just insane or something, but his whole “sympathy story” for why he joined the demons makes zero sense. He wanted to murder someone because him cheating gets revealed and then gets mad that the father of the person he tried to kill wants to get revenge. His story also contains two (as of so far) unexplained plot holes: 1. why every single sect decided to chase after him and 2. why he managed to escape death despite a bunch of skilled martial artists running after him for like a really long time. 

Lastly, I like the fact that the orthodox people aren’t exactly “evil” but their goodness is what makes them annoying. They don’t mean harm when they tried to test if Sifeng was a demon or if Minyan is a betrayer, they truly are thinking for the overall good, but their constant paranoia and need to do “what is right” and not “what makes sense” is truly what makes them unbearable. They sometimes throw away all logic for love, or sacrifice their own daughter in order to “do what’s right” instead of actually thinking of a method to not only save the daughter and keep the world at peace. It’s because of their goodness that they are able to be manipulated into idiocracy by Li Ze Palace. 

Oh and one last thought. I don’t know if it’s on purpose, but the lack of people in the heavenly realm is really interesting. Like, maybe the producers didn’t have enough money, or shots of the heavenly realm with more than like ten people (not in war) don’t exist in the book either, but it creates the image that the realm is super empty. The human realm, despite all its faults and cruelties, feels so much more alive and full of life in comparison to the boring and cold looking heavenly realm. 

[movielosophy]

[i-cant-believe-i-wrote-this]

What Makes A Memorable Scene: Joy of Life Edition - The Princes

After last time's Chen Ping Ping Edition, I'm back with two more memorable (emotional) scenes! And like last time, of course it's sad LOL

This time it's going to be about the Crown Prince and Second Prince. Both of them are tragic characters, to be honest - both ambitiously wrestle for power but end up being another stepping stone in Fan Xian's rise. I personally like Second Prince a lot, and was sad to see his downfall. Anyway, as usual, I've got some translated excerpts for you as well ~

SPOILERS AHEAD!

1. The Second Prince's Surrender

Volume 6 Chapter 168: 憤怒的葡萄

It was as if the Second Prince only noticed Fan Xian’s arrival at that moment; smiling slightly, he said, “Can I still live?”

Fan Xian had no choice but to repeat His Majesty’s will.

The Second Prince smiled self-depreciatively, saying, “Living like a yellow dog, confined in the mansion for the rest of my life; as Father the Emperor’s hundredth-year festivities arrive, before the new emperor ascends the throne, the Ye clan will be slaughtered like dogs too, and I afterwards privileged with suicide...Tell me, if I live, will my future days be so?”

Fan Xian was silent.

“If so, why should I bother to hinder Ling-Er, hinder...that shameless father in-law?” The Second Prince shrugged, “And living like this in fact hardly has any meaning.”

Fan Xian spoke, “It seems that your ambitions have finally been crushed.”

The Second Prince suddenly stopped putting grapes into his mouth; the purple grapes of early autumn were luscious, and now the smile on his face was equally as sweet; he looked at Fan Xian, saying faintly, “Now that I think about it, the words you said in the teashop before Bao Yue Tower were right...You always wanted to rid me of my ambitions these two years. Recalling the past, I must thank you.”

“It sounds remarkable; I genuinely thought Auntie would help me, genuinely thought Father In-Law would help me...But wherever I looked, it turned out to be you, the greatest enemy of my life, who ever had a shred of sincerity for me.”

The tragedy of the Second Prince was that he never lived for himself, but for the Emperor as a whetstone to hone the blade called the Crown Prince. He was disposable and ultimately a tool, which contrasted with his ambition and intellect to make the reader pity and love him. He knew his role and yet he tried to fight against it - it is his unachieved dream that makes it so heartbreaking. This passage pretty much sums up his whole life, showing his father's callousness, his ultimate expendability, and the overall powerlessness that dominated him in his downfall. Fan Xian's goal of trying to kick Second Prince out of the game was also respectable, and it makes Second Prince more likeable now that he acknowledges and thanks Fan Xian for it. At the end it is the great contrast between Second Prince's former glory and his looming destitute that makes this scene even more sorrowful.

2. The Princes' Scorn

Volume 6 Chapter 172: 百年孤獨

Li Cheng Qian sighed, using the gaze of an equal, even a superior, to look at his invincible Father the Emperor, saying, “You will be the Emperor Unparalleled for a Thousand Years in historical records, and the space beside you is simply so clean, so immaculate that there is no one; won’t it feel lonely?”

The Emperor looked at him indifferently, not saying anything; the corner of his lips bore a light smile, as if to say: why would a deity surpassing the nine skies even mind the loneliness atop clouds and the liveliness of the mortal world?

Then he stood and walked out the entrance of the East Palace. At the palace door a thought came to him, and he drew a letter from his sleeve; this letter was the Second Prince’s will, handed to him earlier by Gong Dian.

The Emperor extracted the thin piece of paper to see what his second son had actually wanted to tell him right before he died.

On the paper were two lines of an extremely messy scrawl, its ink bearing withered bristles, clearly the work of hastiness, yet each twist and turn carried vigor, piercing the back of the paper like a saber or sword, pervaded by fury and insubmission.

The first whetstone the Qing Emperor tossed at the royal court - Second Prince Li Cheng Ze - was shouting a message similar to the Crown Prince’s towards his lofty Father the Emperor, only with words more biting, more acrimonious, especially the last four words.

“Widowed! Solitary! Orphaned! Heirless!”

Old and wifeless are the widowed, reigning without companionship are the solitary, surviving motherless are the orphaned, old and without sons...are the heirless!

To be honest those last four words - widowed, solitary, orphaned, heirless - hit me like punches when I read them. These four words encompass the princes' rage and hatred towards their father - for toying them, deceiving them, and just treating them horribly in general. It was so important for me that the princes' stand up against the Emperor at the end, because their bravery bears their unbending spirit as living, feeling individuals. Finally they win for once - even though it is with their deaths, they break the Emperor's facade of invincibility and indifference. They drag the Emperor from the impression of a powerful entity to just another human being.

I realise I sound super emotional right now, but that's because this scene made the characterisations of all three characters whole and complex. Before this, the princes were all obedient and reverent towards their father, but this emphasised how those traits were false. Before this, the Emperor was portrayed to be all chill about his circumstances but this reveals his sad personal and emotional life. To me, this scene was a small climax on its own.

Anyway, that's all I have for now! Thanks for reading this, and I'll be updating with another (sad) Joy of Life excerpt soon, about Wu Zhu!

Can't wait to see you again!

[japaneseadventures]

Prince of Tennis (2019) Characters

This list was made based on the Chinese and Japanese Wikipedia entries for Prince of Tennis (2019), and the Dramawiki for the names of most of the actors. Please let me know if you spot any mistakes/ have any more to add!

Legend: [CHN Character name] [Name in Chinese characters] (Actor): Original JPN Name Names with readings I'm not sure of are in italics

Yu Qing 育青 / Seishun Academy

Lu Xia 路夏 (Peng Yu Chang): Echizen Ryoma

Mu Siyang 穆司陽 (Xie Bin Bin): Tezuka Kunimitsu

Qiao Chen 喬晨 (Dong Li): Momoshiro Takeshi

Chi Dayong 池大勇 (Zhu Zhi Ling): Oishi Shuichiro

Zhuo Zhi 卓治 (Zhang Yi Jie): Fuji Syusuke

Tang Jiale 唐佳樂 (Xu Ke): Kikumaru Eiji

Yan Zhiming 嚴智明 (Li He): Inui Sadaharu

He Xinglong 賀興隆 (Fan Lin Feng): Kawamura Takashi

Zhang Baiyang 張百揚 (Wu Xu Dong): Kaidoh Kaoru

Qi Ying 齐瑛 (Song Yi Ren): Ryuzaki Sakuno

Peng Shang 彭湘 (Lu Jia): Osakada Tomoka

Huang Jing 黃靖 (Yu Kai Ning): Combination of Arai, Sasabe, etal

Ma Xiuwen 馬修文 (Zhang Ke Yuan)

A Mu 阿穆 (Li Jun Zheng)

Qi Na 齐娜 (He Jia Yi): Ryuzaki Sumire

Lu Xiangqian 路向前 (Wu Qi Jiang): Echizen Nanjiroh

Hao Dahe 郝大河 (Jin Yu Bo):  Yamato Yudai

Yu Hang 育航 / Gyokurin

Bu Zhongchuan 钟歩川 (Jin Hao Chen): Fukawa Kimiyoshi

Wu Quan 吴泉 (Zhang Hang [YOUNG-G]): Izumi Tomoya

Yu Feng 玉峰 / Fudoumine:

Xu Ziping 徐子平 (Chen Shang Ze): Tachibana Kippei

Yan Jiang 燕江 (Wang Yong Feng): Sakurai Masaya

Shi Tienan 旋铁男 (Yang Chen Yi): Ishida Tetsu

Sima Yiwu 司马亦武 (Kong Chui Nan): Ibu Shinji

Shen Weiming 申伟明 (Liu Cheng Lin): Kamio Akira

Chen Desen 陈德森 (Gu Yu): Mori Tatsunori

Wei Kefei 韦克飞 (Ming Peng): Uchimura Kyosuke

Xu Xingzi 徐杏子 (Sun Jia Yu): Tachibana An

Xing Yao 星耀 / Hyotei Academy

Ji Jingwu 纪景梧 (Ren Yan Kai): Atobe Keigo

Hua Chonghong 华崇宏 (Yu An): Kabaji Munehiro

Hu Liangliang 胡亮亮 (Yang Ze): Shishido Ryo

Song Ci 宋慈 (Shi Zi Xun): Akutagawa Jiroh

You Shixing 游世星 (Fan Xiao Dong): Oshitari Yuushi

Yue Yang 岳阳 (Gao Xin): Mukahi Gakuto

Ji Nuo 吉诺 (Jiang Xin Qi): Hiyoshi Wakashi

Feng Zhiyuan 冯志远 (Jin Zhong Xi): Ootori Choutaro

Coach Fu 付教錬 (Tian Jia Da): Sakaki Tarou

No. 3 (Shisan) High School 市三 / Yamabuki

Ya Jiuxin 亚久辛 (Wang Yan Yang): Akutsu Jin

Shen Qianshi 沈千石 (Lou Ming): Sengoku Kiyosumi

Nan Jianzhi 南建知 (Liu Yu Feng): Minami Kentarou

Tan Yitai 谭一泰 (Huang Xing Yuan): Dan Taichi

Fang Yadong 方亚东 (Peng Gang): Higashikata Masami

Ma Lintao 马林涛 (Zhang Yuan Kun): Muramachi Tohji

Coach Tian 田教練 (Hong Wei): Banda Mikiya

Chen Huijing 陳慧敬 (Yang Cai Ying): Akutsu Sayuri

Guo Zi 國子 / St. Rudolph

Zhuo Yu 卓宇 (Zhao Zi Qi): Fuji Yuuta

Guan Yue 关岳 (Lan Bo): Mizuki Hajime

Qiao Ze 乔泽 (Liu Ming Kai): Akazawa Yoshiro

Ling Tian 梁田 (Jerry Chang): Kaneda Ichiro

Liu Zecheng 刘泽成 (Tang Xiang En): Yanagisawa Shinya

Qin Yifei 秦一婓 (Deng Zhi Yuan): Kisarazu Atsushi

No. 6 (Di Liu) 第六 / Rokkaku

Kui Jian 奎建 (Lei Ming): Aoi Kentaro

Yu Zifeng 余子风 (Fu Yan Zhang): Kurobane Harukaze

Lin Xiyan 林希彦 (Yao Jun Zhe): Itsuki Marehiko

Tian Ye 田野 (Wang Hao Yu): Amane Hikaru

Zuo Xiaohu 左小虎 (Li Zheng Jun): Saeki Kojiro

Mu Jinliang 穆金亮 (Zhai Xu): Kisarazu Ryo

Liu Muyun/Mr. Six 劉牧雲/六爷 (Hou Tong Jiang): Oji

Hai Guang 海广 / Rikkaidai

Bai Shiting 白市廷 (Ren Yun Jie): Yukimura Seiichi

Tian Zilong 田子龙 (Xiang Yun Long): Sanada Genichiro

Ke Jie 柯杰 (Tan Xu): Jackal Kuwahara

Liu Lian 柳濂 (Wang Yi Bo): Yanagi Renji

Jin Wentai 金文太 (Cao Jun Xiang): Marui Bunta

Yuan Chi 袁驰 (Shen Qi): Kirihara Akaya

Wang Yaren 王雅人 (Xu Rui Lin): Nioh Masaharu

Lu Sheng 吕胜 (Li Shu Ren): Yagyuu Hiroshi

Ying Cai 英才 / Ginka

Xiang Jingtian 向静天 (Chen Peng Wan Li): Fukushi Michiru

Chen Dahai 陈大海 (Ma Wenchao)

Lin Ye 林叶 (An Zi Yang)

Other Characters

Sha Sha 沙莎 (Liu Yong Xi): Shiba Saori

Li Na 李娜 (Li Na) [Bookstore owner]

Jiang 姜 (Jiang Shang): Tatsugoro [Racquet repair man]

*(2020.03.11) Fixed typo on Bai Shiting's actor name. Thanks to @tsunaminh for pointing it out!

*(2020.03.16) Fixed Ji Nuo's name! Thanks to @rlkkai for pointing it out!

*(2020.04.08) Fixed typo in Lu Xiangqian's name

[asian-fiction]

Love and Redemption ( 琉璃美人煞)

Episode Count: 59 Runtime: 45 minutes Production values: Relatively High for a Xian Xia, but not dripping money. Dubbed: Yes, not own voices Ending Type (Because you want to know ): HAPPY (after some hardship and at least 10 liters of spewed blood.

Story: The God of War defied the Heavens and was sent to Earth to go under 10 tribulations. They are on their last life and if they don't return to heaven they will cease to exist.

Xuanji was born without a complete version of her six senses. This makes her rather naive and clumsy socially. Yu Si Feng is from Li Ze Palace Faction and is, by their rules force to wear a mask. Their love story starts when they meet each other, first by accident and then by tournament and then travel with their friends the world together finding out the reason for Xuanji's missing senses and everyone's true past. Formatted as a Chinese epic (so pivot and hook) and also mixes Kishotenketsu and three act. (For anyone that cares). Pacing lags a little in the second half when they start to pad with flashbacks.

Feminism Tests Bechdel: 75% There are more than 2 named characters. They do talk to each other. They occasionally talk *in between* talking about men about other things, but usually the conversations tend to be about men. Squint and it passes. Mako Mori: Over the course of the show, she does pass the Mako Mori test. (Value friends, family, wanting things that are spoiler) She definitely wants things other than men. Sexy Lamp Test: Passes in spades. Main female character makes a decision: Yes, several. It takes a while for it to warm up. You might have to wait until the teens before it really shows up. which changes the direction of the events: Yes, more than once. and changes character's minds: Yes. More than once.

Feminism overall... It's notable that trauma is given weight in this show and it doesn't come down on the side of supporting abusers one bit. If anything, you feel the absolute rage towards the abusers in this show.

Production Values: Sometimes the filters can be a bit much for me, but probably won't bother anyone.

The acting is really good. The VAs and the actors knit together seamlessly and raise everything to a great performance. I like the direction, the sound the music. There aren't really huge "flaws" or clear ways they skimped on money. Mostly, I think , if you like clean productions, you might have nitpicks over small things. I really like the thought put into the costumes. There is clear thought about character development coinciding with costumes, and how the characters change and evolve. Some of the costuming is clearly "Because it looks good on screen" rather than because it's practical, but I'm willing to forgive it for that.

BTW, while I hate Hao Chen, who is not a Hao Ren, I think the acting done by Liu Xiu Yi for the character is really good (VA too). Like I was really invested into hating the character fully.

Why would you watch this drama: Because you need something to watch after a really dirty break up where your ex back stabbed you or was abusive. I kinda have those feels from this drama. You need to rage at something, this drama will fill the ticket quickly. (I kinda feel like the original writer was getting revenge on an ex or something...)

To me, it's like (and I thought about this a long time), Steak Tartar with the egg broken on top. In places, it's really mushy and you're kinda digging it. In other places you find something kinda nutritious about this drama since it thematically says a lot in tone, etc. But then you find yourself chewing a lot to try to get some of the extra flavor at times, though you're not obligated to. And most of all, you realize the amount of blood being spewed forth. (inside joke people will get who've watched the drama). But extra helping of rice/bread please. Doesn't have wine, though, because you can't take this drama slow. If you needed a drink, I would say rice wine to wash it down. (Another in-joke)

You'll definitely like it if you liked and loved Ashes of Love. It has similar feels, though this one has more feelings of anger rather than bitterness like Ashes of Love. You probably will like it if you liked the Three Worlds series (Eternal Love and Pillow Book respectively), though it's not as "sweet" overall.

If you like dramas with romance that aren't overly sweet and fluffy, you'll also like this drama.

Note: You can make a drinking game out of the amount of times Si Feng spews blood. Cheng Yi commented, himself, about how he lost count how many spit takes he had to do... Also be careful of sharp objects after about Episode 15... you might want to stab one of the characters repeatedly and we do not need you hurting yourself or other things around you.

[mulancelyfilm2020]

▶ Sledujte Mulan (2020) Celý film "CZ" dabing i Titulky

Sledujte Mulan (2020) Celý film "CZ" dabing i Titulky

Sledujte v HD ✮☛  https://bit.ly/3iFlCix

Stáhnout v HD ☛  https://server.dreams47.com/movie/337401/mulan.html

Jazyková verze český dabing, titulky Přístupnost filmu neomezená Scénář Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek Režie Niki Caro Hrají Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An with Gong Li, Jet Li

Když císař Číny vydá nařízení, že jeden muž na rodinu musí sloužit v císařské armádě k obraně země před nájezdníky ze severu, Hua Mulan, nejstarší dcera ctěného bojovníka, zaujme místo svého nemocného otce. V přestrojení za muže překonává Hua Jun nástrahy na každém kroku své cesty a učí se využívat své vnitřní síly a přijímat svůj skutečný potenciál. Tato epická cesta z ní nejen učiní ctěného bojovníka, ale vyslouží jí i respekt vděčného národa… a hrdého otce. Mulan přináší slavné mezinárodní obsazení, které zahrnuje: Yifei Liu v roli Mulan; Donnie Yena v roli velitele Tunga; Jasona Scotta Leea jako Böri Khana; Yosona Ana jako Cheng Honghui;  a také Gong Li jako Xianniang a Jet Li jako císaře. O režii filmu se postaral Niki Caro, a to dle scénáře Ricka Jaffy & Amandy Silverové, Elizabeth Martinové & Lauren Hynek, na motivy výpravné básně Balada o Mulan.

❍❍❍ TV MOVIE ❍❍❍ The first television shows were experimental, sporadic broadcasts viewable only within a very short range from the broadcast tower starting in the 1930s. Televised events such as the 1936 Summer Olympics in Germany, the 19340 coronation of King George VI in the UK, and David Sarnoff’s famous introduction at the 1939 New York World’s Fair in the US spurred a growth in the medium, but World War II put a halt to development until after the war. The 19440 World MOVIE inspired many Americans to buy their first television set and then in 1948, the popular radio show Texaco Star Theater made the move and became the first weekly televised variety show, earning host Milton Berle the name “”Mr Television”” and demonstrating that the medium was a stable, modern form of entertainment which could attract advertisers. The first national live television broadcast in the US took place on September 4, 1951 when President Harry Truman’s speech at the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Francisco was transmitted over AT&T’s transcontinental cable and microwave radio relay system to broadcast stations in local markets. The first national color broadcast (the 1954 Tournament of Roses Parade) in the US occurred on January 1, 1954. During the following ten years most network broadcasts, and nearly all local programming, continued to be in black-and-white. A color transition was announced for the fall of 1965, during which over half of all network prime-time programming would be broadcast in color. The first all-color prime-time season came just one year later. In 19402, the last holdout among daytime network shows converted to color, resulting in the first completely all-color network season.

❍❍❍ Formats and Genres ❍❍❍ See also: List of genres § Film and television formats and genres Television shows are more varied than most other forms of media due to the wide variety of formats and genres that can be presented. A show may be fictional (as in comedies and dramas), or non-fictional (as in documenta””&ry, news, and reality television). It may be topical (as in the case of a local newscast and some made-for-television films), or historical (as in the case of many documentaries and fictional MOVIE). They could be primarily instructional or educational, or entertaining as is the case in situation comedy and game shows.[citation needed] A drama program usually features a set of actors playing characters in a historical or contemporary setting. The program follows their lives and adventures. Before the 1980s, shows (except for soap opera-type serials) typically remained static without story arcs, and the main characters and premise changed little.[citation needed] If some change happened to the characters’ lives during the episode, it was usually undone by the end. Because of this, the episodes could be broadcast in any order.[citation needed] Since the 1980s, many MOVIE feature progressive change in the plot, the characters, or both. For instance, Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere were two of the first American prime time drama television MOVIE to have this kind of dramatic structure,[4][better source needed] while the later MOVIE Babylon 5 further exemplifies such structure in that it had a predetermined story running over its intendevd five-season run.[citvatio””&n needed] In 2012, it was reported that television was growing into a larger component of major media companies’ revenues than film.[5] Some also noted the increase in quality of some television programs. In 2012, Academy-Award-winning film director Steven Soderbergh, commenting on ambiguity and complexity of character and narrative, stated: “”I think those qualities are now being seen on television and that people who want to see stories that have those kinds of qualities are watching television.

❍❍❍ Thank’s For All And Happy Watching❍❍❍ Find all the movies that you can stream online, including those that were screened this week. If you are wondering what you can watch on this website, then you should know that it covers genres that include crime, Science, Fi-Fi, action, romance, thriller, Comedy, drama and Anime Movie. Thank you very much. We tell everyone who is happy to receive us as news or information about this year’s film schedule and how you watch your favorite films. Hopefully we can become the best partner for you in finding recommendations for your favorite movies. That’s all from us, greetings!”

Thanks for watching the video today. I hope you enjoy the videos that I share. Like, share or share if you like what we share to get more excited. Spread a happy smile so that the world returns in a variety of colors. :)

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Meteor Garden (2001) Recap: Episode 1

Hi folks, it's 2019 and I'm finally fulfilling my childhood resolution to watch this drama. You have no idea - Meteor Garden was such a hit back in the day. However, back then it was only available either at specific time slots on TV or on crappy VCDs that were passed around the community (i.e. schoolgirls and aunties). I never could be bothered to watch it properly.

Imagine my surprise when I chanced across it on Netflix. I am aware that there's a 2018 remake of Meteor Garden, as well as the Japanese Hana Yori Dango and the Korean Boys Over Flowers, but the 2001 Taiwanese version is the original drama that spawned the madness. The buzz around the 2018 version is laughably negligible compared to the craziness in 2001. I'm so ready to experience the magic of 流星花园.

So without further ado, here we go.

Episode 1: Summary

We are introduced to Shan Cai (Barbie Hsu), who rides a crappy scooter to school. Right off the bat we realize that the school caters to the rich and the elite, where students are decked out in designer wear and get NT500000 (~ USD16000) nose jobs during the school holidays.

The fashion rivalry between classmates Bai He (Belinda Cheng) and Qian Hui (Zhang Ruo Zhen) cracks me up. It's petty, exaggerated, and deliciously obnoxious, solidly setting us viewers up with the premise of a school drama about rich kids.

A very normal Li Zhen (An-ting Yeh) appears to be Shan Cai's classmate and friend. She's pretty serious about her homework, having borrowed extra books to read up for the upcoming report assignment. Shan Cai laughs that Li Zhen might be the only student serious about studying in this school, everyone else comes to socialize instead. I’m guessing Li Zhen is on scholarship and needs to maintain her grades.

We cut to a classroom with a boy clearing out his books in order to drop out of the school. A crowd forms around him and the teacher (Bu Xue Liang) approaches to find out why he is leaving and to persuade him not to. However, upon finding out that the boy had offended F4, the teacher doesn't push the matter and instead encourages the boy to leave. Shan Cai watches helplessly from the sidelines and rolls her eyes at the hypocritical teacher.

In class, in a further act of hypocrisy, the teacher gives a lecture on the value of conscience.

Conscience. It's what we call 'moral courage'. It's the most basic quality mankind should have. In Chinese history, Confucius had the strongest conscience. Today, we'll discuss his core thinking. It focuses on benevolence. By benevolence, it means you do unto others what you would want them to do unto to you.

Unable to stomach his empty words, Shan Cai leaves the classroom in a huff. She heads to the roof launching a tirade against the unfairness of the University and coins the term "Pig Head 4". "So what if your family owns the school," she declares. "You better not mess with me. I'll never submit to you."

The 4 in question are just arriving at the University in their comfortable chauffeured rides. We get to watch the boys saunter around and the camera obliges with close ups on each one of them as they stride into campus.

Dao Ming Si (Jerry Yan aka Yan Cheng Xu)

Hua Ze Lei (Vic Zhou aka Zai Zai aka Zhou Yu Min)

Xi Men (Ken Chu aka Zhu Xiao Tian)

Mei Zhuo (Vanness Wu aka Wu Jian Hao)

Shan Cai and friend watch in horror as the teacher accidentally bumps into Dao Ming Si, spilling coke all over him. Apologizing frantically, he kneels over Dao Ming Si, attempting to wipe the soda off his shoes. Dao Ming Si ignores his apologies and we get to hear his trademark catchphrase, "If apologizing is enough, what do we need police for?"

Dao Ming Si waves the teacher off to the side and viciously kicks over the basket of balls while striding off. Shan Cai gapes in amazement at his arrogance. Suddenly, a hand reaches out to righten the fallen basket. It's Hua Ze Lei (known as Lei to his friends), who has a perpetually blank expression on his face and appears to be the only member of the F4 who isn't a douche. While adjusting the basket, he turns and makes brief eye contact with Shan Cai, then hurries off after Dao Ming Si.

At the cafe where Shan Cai works part time, she complains to her co-worker Xiao You (Rainie Yang) about her awful school and the awful boys. It’s exposition time! We learn that F4 Stands for Flower 4, and the boys belong to 4 rich and influential families who own the school. When Xiao You prompts her to confirm that the boys are really all that bad, Shan Cai hesitates and says that maybe one of the 4 is “different”. Methinks she’s starting to have a crush on someone!

As the two continue their conversation, we learn that Shan Cai used to be very outspoken against bullies, in contrast with her current passive nature. Xiao You remarks that she hardly recognizes the Shan Cai now. Inwardly, Shan Cai agrees, hating herself for turning into a coward.

When Shan Cai returns home, she makes an attempt to tell her family she doesn’t want to continue studying at this school. Unfortunately, her mother would hear nothing of it. Turns out her mother had pulled strings to get her daughter into the elite Yingde University. Her mother is fixated on Shan Cai getting a good boyfriend from school and networking well with people from high society so that their family can ascend into a higher social strata. Shan Cai’s poor dad gets berated by his wife for not getting a promotion for the past many years, unlike their neighbors. As the parents bicker, the resentments pile up, making for very awkward dinner conversation. In order to pacify them, Shan Cai promises that she would continue to study at Yingde University.

What a weird couple.

That evening, the F4 hang out at a bar. The boys appear unaccustomed to such a venue, noting with puzzlement that the establishment doesn't serve foie gras or vintage wine. We get to hear them in conversation for the first time ever, teasing Dao Ming Si about his unruly hair and his rigorous hairstyling session to tame it. Lei remains ever silent, using only a thumbs down gesture to communicate his opinion on Dao Ming Si’s new hairstyle. Throughout the night, he keeps staring at his mobile, as if awaiting a call.

It turns out that the boys are only there because Xi Men's latest girl wanted to meet Xi Men at the bar. Which begs the question - why are the other 3 following  Xi Men on his date?! In any case, according to show logic, it’s the right course of action as everyone is present when the loser boyfriend of Xi Men’s girl shows up with a gang of hooligans and causes a scene. The boys slip into action and begin beating up the hooligans. All except Lei, who gets up and slips the owner of the bar NT15000 (~USD500) for the damages before leaving.

The next day at school, Shan Cai stands up for Li Zhen who had accidentally tripped and spilled dirt all over Dao Ming Si. I actually feel sorry for the poor dude who keeps getting things spilled on him. To put a stop to Li Zhen’s apologies, Dao Ming Si does his usual rough shove and pushes Li Zhen into the wall, incurring the wrath of Shan Cai. She shouts at him, calling him a parasite leeching off his parents and declares that the F4 should be called Pig Head 4. Dao Ming Si announces that she has some nerve and stalks away. As the four boys walk past, she thinks to herself that she's going to be dead meat.

At home, she receives zero support from her parents when she mentions once again that she wants to quit school. Instead her manipulative mother fakes a panic attack that miraculously subsides when Shan Cai promises to finish her studies. That night, Shan Cai sleeps restlessly, dreaming of being tormented.

At school, Shan Cai receives the F4 red card and a series of montages show how her life becomes hell. Everyone shuns her, even Li Zhen and Shan Cai is subjected to prank after prank. Finally, a drenched and annoyed Shan Cai escapes to the roof. She leans over the ledge and yells her heart out, cursing the Pig Head 4 with bankruptcy and high cholesterol, for their bodies to be ripped apart by horses and their souls to go to hell. Haha, how inventive. She doesn’t realize that Lei was on the roof too, privy to her outburst. She startles when he asks her if there was anything else. What a delightfully awkward moment. Shan Cai backs away warily as Lei leans forward, but he was only offering her his handkerchief. She accepts it and dabs at her wet hair. Softening up to Lei, she thanks him and begins to apologies for her earlier curses. However Lei cuts her short saying “I’m not interested in other people’s business.” He turns to leave and Shan Cai makes to return him the handkerchief. He ignores the gesture and tells her to throw it away as it is already garbage anyway.

What an awful thing for Shan Cai to hear. He is insinuating that because she used the handkerchief, the handkerchief no longer has any value to him and deserves to be in the trash. Shan Cai thinks back to her earlier assessment of Lei and concludes that he must not be so different from the other 3 after all.

The episode ends with Shan Cai heading home with her scooter. Except this time she has to wheel it along the road because her fellow students had damaged it. A flashy convertible pulls up beside her, and Dao Ming Si leans out to gloat at her. He tells her that he’s impressed with her determination, and will work harder to humiliate her.

Episode 1: Thoughts

Oh where do I begin! This episode does a good job of setting up so many interesting characters, especially the F4. Dao Ming Si appears cocky and rude, but he's the quintessential bad boy. I fully expect a redeeming arc on how he is actually a big softie. In contrast, Lei is mysterious and charming. I wonder what's the story behind his anti social behavior. The other two members kind of fade into the background as we haven't actually seen them do anything except pose and strut around. As for our heroine, Shan Cai, I suppose she's relatable enough as a first lead. We’ve met her family, schoolmates and friends and have a decent insight into her motivations for her actions. I'm so excited for her to show some spunk and challenge the boys to a showdown soon. 

Despite being 18 years old, the show retains its charm. Unfortunately, fashion-wise the show has not aged well at all. What we have here is literally a time capsule of dated 90s trends such as spaghetti strap tops, rebonded hair and frameless spectacles. Plus Dao Ming Si’s ridiculous bandanna is just absurd.

We know in hindsight that this show kickstarted the entertainment careers of these 4 actors of F4. In 2001, after Meteor Garden aired, Sony Music Taiwan signed the 4 boys as an actual boyband bearing the name F4. It’s amazing how these formerly virtually unknown 4 individuals owe their success to this show.

Onward to the next episode!