Author: ningzheaven

Nobunaga Concerto 信長協奏曲 (2014)

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I generally like period dramas, regardless of the country origin. I like the historical and cultural references and enjoy researching, seeking historical accuracies while watching. Sometimes I will have Chrome up and be searching away while watching. Add a dash of romance, wit and cast I like, the drama will not be far from the top of my favourites list.

Nobunaga Concerto definitely satisfied these criteria. At first glance, one may associate the title with manga titles like Nodame Cantabile. But the story is very different. It’s about a high school boy who time slipped back to the warring states era and took Oda Nobunaga’s identity. A historic background with Oguri Shun, and Mukai Osamu was definitely enough to get me started.

While it is not quite true to historical events, it retains key events in history, characters, the alliances and betrayals. It weaves in a modern character and ideas of present society and draws laughter in the audience through the witty conversations and plot twists.

Rating: ❤︎❤︎❤︎

Actors/actresses to watch for: Oguri Shun, Osamu Mukai

The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 笑傲江湖 (2013)

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Watched this drama some time ago, but in my effort to document the dramas I have watched, I decided to make some quick comments:

While I think no one can beat Lin Ching Hsia as Dong Fang Bu Bai, Chen Qiao En did make a convincing pitch, given that in this version, the writers decided to change the story – Dong Fang Bu Bai was actually a woman but was disguised as a man. Chen Qiao En makes effort to fulfil her role as Dong Fang Bu Bai, and I commend her for her effort. The writers also did a good job in pairing Chen Qiao En with Wallace Huo (they were a good pair) plus Chen Qiao En was loveable as Dong Fang Bu Bai. I was rooting for them!

On the other hand, it was unfortunate that Ren Ying Ying was not as loveable. So when I realised that Dong Fang Bu Bai was not meant to be with Ling Hu Chong, I literally skipped the last maybe ten episodes and watched the final episode.

Surprise factor: Chen Xiao as Ling Ping Zhi

Rating: ♥♥

Actors/Actresses to watch for: Wallace Huo, Chen Qiao En

Ouroboros ウロボロス (2015)

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In my last day of leave, I decided to watch another Japanese drama. Flipping through a list of latest dramas, I decided on Ouroboros played by Oguri Shun, Ueno Juri, and Toma Ikuta. Didn’t have high expectations but it turned out to be great.

Gripping mystery plot with a largely acceptable ending. Gripping enough to keep my eyes glued to the screen and finish the whole series in a day. I thought the script was well paced to sustain tension throughout the series and was even able to show character development within the 10 episodes. A little overboard with the anti-police theme, but why bother? It’s just a story. Though as I had expected, it was spun out of an existing manga. Great acting by the actors and actresses and Cool moves by Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun.

Highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥

Actors/actresses to watch for: Ueno Juri, Toma Ikuta, Oguri Shun and Ryoko Hirosue

Date デート (2015)

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This show takes 2 characters of opposing types (career woman vs a hikikomori NEET) and tries to tell a story on what love is and that marriage is not just a contract but about two people who are in love. I take that the drama tries to respond to the societal need to encourage more men and women to get married. Unfortunately, the drama does not quite inspire and there is little development between the two.

Rating: ♥

Actors/Actresses: Anne, Hasegawa Hiroki

Worth watching: Nakajima Yuto

Loved in the Purple 紫钗奇缘 (2013)

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Watched

Story timeline ~Tang Dynasty (618-907)

For a long-time closet fan of Raymond Lam and Michelle Yip, I am utterly disappointed with the show 紫钗奇缘.

To be fair, I should start with the merits of the show. It tried to bring in elements of dance and music and portray life back in the Tang dynasty. Lots of colour, lots of glamour. Of course, the other merits of this show is the reunion of Raymond and Michelle in another drama. I still like the couple, but I fell out of love with the show.

I think that sums up the merits of this show. All in all, I probably only enjoyed one-tenth of the time spent and mostly was in the first half.

Of course, the ending was terrible for a fan like me, but all in all I thought the plot was very distracted. It was not clear if it was trying to be a romance-based drama or not. The plot and transitions were badly stitched, to the point that it was confusing. I was somewhat lost and bored after a while. The plot and progression did not do justice to all who have acted in this show. Too much tears in the show but not out in the audience I think.

Rating: ♥

Actors/Actresses: Michelle Ye, Raymond Lam

Beauties of the Emperor 王的女人 (2012)

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Story timeline ~ 210 BC

Watched twice. (More like one and a half)

Good show. I liked Yun Kuang and Hai Tian and only on my second time did I appreciate Luo Feng (played by Chen Xiao). The story is based on the uprising against Qin Dynasty in its later years and the rise of the Han Dynasty. I think the writers did a fantastic job in bringing some of the historical events to life, but the story is largely centred on the theme of love, and of one kind. Plot progression is not very tight but quick enough.

I liked the historical references and subtle transition between Qin and Han – Progression from the use of bamboo to something lighter, though I do not think it is paper as paper is said to be invented later in the dynasty.

Rating: ♥♥♥

Actors/Actresses to watch for: Chen Qian En/Luo Jin/Chen Xiao

Female Prime Minister 陆贞传奇 (2013)

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Story timeline ~560AD

Watched – 29/3/15-1/4/15

Great show, great acting. Absolutely fell in love with Chen Xiao who plays Gao Zhan. Plot can get a little boring as it is almost at the verge of being repetitive with Gao Zhan and Lu Zhen’s 离离合合 (constant separation and reconciliation). Nevertheless, there is always some progression of plot with each sub-arc and good portrayal of unwavering love between the main two characters. Lots of scheming and deaths but nothing that will turn a fan away or leave her disappointed.

As for the actors and actresses, I think it is a good mix with some familiar faces to ex-Hong Kong drama fan, useful to help distinguish one character from another.

Not too convinced of its historical references, much of it is probably fabricated and not true to history. Little Chinese literary fluff, though I would enjoyed it more with some of these educational elements.

Overall, I will rate this on par with BBJX (if not better)! Recommended to those who like romantic period dramas and will likely watch it again. ♥♥♥♥

Actors/Actresses to watch for: Chen Xiao

Back in my home country

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Has it been 10 years since I started moving around? Now being back at home, I have got to readjust.

Returning from Japan, a few things that I did subconsciously and still needs time to adjust:

1. Waiting for the cab door to open automatically;
2. Unable to bear the humidity;
3. Waiting for cab will take time.
…

More will come since its only the 3rd day I am back!

Juui Dolittle 獣医ドリトル (Fall 2010)

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Show on pets and veterinary practice.

Oguri Shun and Narimiya Hiroki is worth watching at anytime. As for the story, the range of cases is well spread to cover different types of pets and their illnesses as well as their relationship with their owners. However, rather than educating people how to take care of their pets, it emphasises more on the veterinarian profession and the dilemmas. It does touch on some aspects of the animals that is good to know.

Another educational show by Japan. Romance factor? Not much.

“veterinary care is a business”.

Rating: ♥♥