Archive for the ‘Viewpoint’ Category
Mixed Feelings about ‘Hot Shot’
Posted on: July 29, 2008
Thoughts based solely on the first episode which btw you can now watch online.
Jerry Yan returns as his best played character – handsome rich boy with attitude. Love it! I truly believe that only Jerry has the amazing bone structure to perfectly pull off a condescending yet attractive look. (That’s right, in the world of drama, sons of rich families always have cheekbone that are more spectacular than normal. Their fathers always seem to carry prominent mustaches.) As of now, the audience haven’t been attacked by Jerry’s full blown smile yet. Even his reluctant turn of the lips, a secret smile to himself, is so cute! I expecting ratings to go off the roof when Jerry finally shows his signature dimples later on.
On to Alan Luo… he’s also playing a character that really suits him. Sadly even after gaining great popularity in Taiwan, he still has that poor boy look. So playing the orphan Yuan Da Ying is totally appropriate. Alan Luo on any screen has always cracked me up. His facial expressions might sometimes seem immature but they come naturally to his face. I hate it when actors force themselves to be funny. Alan is just a pro by nature.
- In: Chinese Drama | Summer 2008 | Viewpoint
- 37 Comments
Now that I’ve finished all 50 episodes and am at a lack things to do, I’ve decided to write down some of my reflections on the 2008 version of LOCH. Let me know if you agree or disagree!
The Plot & the 2008 Version
The original plot of the book is worshiped by generations of readers of Wu Xia novels. The new version has a couple of twists to keep everyone interested. Also, the 2008 production has a cast targeting a younger audience (i.e. Hu Ge and Ariel Lin). The long history of the dynasties and fueds, that cover a good deal of Jin Yong’s novel, are quickly covered in the first couple of episodes. A big ‘Thank You!’ to the director and screenwriter. Huge changes were also made for the character Yang Kang but you’ll have to scroll down to the spoilers section to read about the specifics.
As for casting for the four lead character, I have some accolades and some grievances. I really appreciate that the 2008 version has the hottest Guo Jing to date. His first appearances, mostly his hair, has the viewers (including myself) questioning the costume director. Please get that dreadful curtain of frizzed bangs away from Hu Ge’s gorgeous face! However, his lookdoes improve significantly in a couple episodes of part 2 of LOCH. He even picks up a cute unshaven look near the end.
a) Part 1 Look, b) Part 2 Look, and c) an Unshaven Guo Jing played by Hu Ge 胡歌
- In: Japanese Drama | Spring 2008 | Viewpoint
- 1 Comment
As you please aware that this post contains spoilers… as for how much… depends on the color of the writing. Pink = Not much plot is revealed but there’s some potentially dangerous hints. Red = Significant details from the plot are included.
Here I go…
One word: Sugoi! I absolutely adore the ending. Episode 11 not only completes Last Friends but makes it one of the best dramas ever made!
Right now, I’m at a lack of dramas to watch since Zettai Kareshi and Last Friends are both coming to an end. This is usually the point where as start asking people for advice on what to watch next. And I’m totally welcome to advice if you would like to leave a line in the comments!
But the purpose of this post to list out a couple dramas I still reminisce about, a couple that entertained me while I was watching it, some I never managed to finish for no good reason, and others that I really couldn’t keep on watching.
Amazing Dramas That I Love and Love Still Today (Most Memorable)
1. Meteor Garden (the first season) – This was probably one of my very first Asian drama and I absolutely loved it. Over the years, I’ve probably seen it more than 4 times all together and certain part more times can I can count. The background music really matched and the acting… they weren’t that bad for so many new actor. In fact, this show basically made them idols in much of Asia. F4 should be a household name… at least amongst drama fans.
2. Hana Yori Dango (the first season) – I was really skeptical when I started watching HYD. First, because I love Meteor Garden and it would take a lot to trump it for me. Second, Hana Yori Dango was at a disadvantage since I already knew the basic plot. Third, I’m sorry to offend any Matsumoto Jun or hardcore Japanese-F4 fans but I, not knowing any of the actors beforehand, looked at the choices for F4 in the Japanese version and raised my eyebrows… VERY high. But I think their looks grow on you and I accept anyone who plays Domyouji as hot. Lol.
Sadly, for both Meteor Garden and Hana Yori Dango, the second season is disappointing. Not so much for HYD but very much so for Meteor Garden.
3. Goong – Do you see a pattern here? I think I have a thing for rich boys and Shin is just sooo cute! I don’t think Korea really have to made their own version of Meteor Garden/Hana Yori Dango. I think Goong is a similar enough story (or at least gives me a similar warm feeling while watching it but can totally stand on its own) that remaking the same manga plotline will be pointless.
4. My Name Is Kim Sam Soon – For some strange reason, I really liked this show. I mean it’s not your typical Cinderella story like the three above but I really liked the character Sam Soon. Sadly, I do not prefer the choice of actor for the male lead. I think they should have a buffer man to match Sam Soon’s larger-than-the-average-Asian-actress frame.
5. Full House – Very cute and very sweet and of course, Rain is in it. Also, Kim Sung Soo who is also in I Like It Hot.
6. Zettai Kareshi – I HEART Yuu Watase for creating such interesting scenarios.
7. Last Friends – How can you not remember this drama years from now? Not only does it break all rules of conservative romance drama but does it so artfully too. The music is amazing and the actors are all really excellent.
The following two parts will probably get a lot of criticism but this is purely my opinion based on impressions I got from the first or first couple episodes of each drama. Feel free to correct me or tell me how amazing they become after the first episode. Sadly, I don’t think I’ve ever made it past the first episode for most of the following.
Time Passers
These are just a couple examples of dramas that are great a sucking time out of your life. They truly entertain you while you watched them, but after a year of two you realize what a waste of time – no, not that bad… how repetitive their themes are.
Asian Drama Fever 