cameliasispir Reviews

Love Like the Galaxy (2022)

Best Chinese drama of 2022

[10/10 · 12 September 2022]

In my opinion, this historical costume drama has it all: comedy, fighting scenes, childhood trauma, slow burning romance, beautiful cinematography, great OST and amazing cast. Every single actor suits the character portrayed in the novel. The evolution of main couple is extremely well done, from cold selfish untrustfull youth, these damaged souls learn to trust and love each other. Their microexpressions, the slightest look will change according to the plot. It may seem like a slow start the first 5 eps, but is necessary to build the background of the characters, so you can understand why / how their teens years shaped their mind.

It is an unusual drama, since both ML and FL are flawed, but this is what makes it unforgettable. Special thanks to Director Fei who researched and prepared each detail of the drama ( see youtube), and special kudos for actress Zhao Lusi and actor Wu Lei, both in their early 20's, for a magnificent performance that made our 2022 summer ungorgettable !

Who Rules the World (2022– )

Great drama !

[10/10 · 3 May 2022]

A great drama, very good performance and amazing chemistry between the main leads. Some claim the story copies Nirvana - that is not true, as I have watched both dramas. Is like saying all love stories are the same, because it involves a couple...Now they are trying to take out this drama and even involve the name of the main male actor in the scandal supposingly regarding the injury of a horse during shooting... While I hope this is not the case, accidents sometimes happen not only yo animals but also with actors and cast members. It is at duch times they need our support, wishing them well recovery and urging them to take better care . We must separate the cases of willfull injuries from regretfull accidents, and stop unfounded malicious rumours.

Reflection of You (2021– )

Be true

[7/10 · 6 April 2022]

A story of love and betrayal, similar to Wuthering Heights. Woo Jae is the one who truly loved and paid with his life. His lover, after cheating on her husband, goes back for money. His wife can not accept being abandoned and keeps him alongside to punish him, his lover, and destroys the lovers' family. The moral : if somebody does not love you as you love them, show your love by letting them go. Don't be clingey and spiteful, fate gives everyone their due.

Flower of Evil (2020)

Great movie

[7/10 · 29 March 2022]

It's a thriller not a soap drama with cute little things shying away from a kiss, etc. The plot was fine, with ups and downs and keeps you wondering until the end. Acting was good, but a little too much melodrama - the crying scene in the car was too forced, if it was more subdued it would havehad more impact.

While I understand a drama must have min 26 episodes, I felt it dragged.. If they could wrap it in a move, would be great.

Pachinko (2022– )

Great cinematography

[8/10 · 26 March 2022]

Great cinematography, indeed- also costumes, locations, etc- technically all perfect, and very good casting. The script does not follow the book, which changes the view on characters, giving them different vibe - and also the jumping timelineis done so often and sometimes in the middle of the scene, that it does not allow the build-up of atmosphere, is pushing so many characters at the same time and prevents the viewer to really get to know them. I believe a linear story line would have been more beneficial by allowing viewers to connect to the characters, immerse in the story and also illuminate the attitude of the next generation. It seems a bit rushed and does not really gives that feeling of the family saga. Special Kudos for Kim Minha, who nailed her first leading role, and excellent performance from Lee Min Ho was perfect in Hansu. They succeeded also in expressing the relation between their characters, which is not described even in the book as love, but as passion between a 40 years old man in a loveless marriage and an innocent teenager. Looking forward to see the next episodes !

Shinui (2012)

Best kdrama

[10/10 · 2 March 2022]

Excellent cast of role for Lee Min Ho as a desilusioned captain surviving out of duty only and for Kim Hee Sun as modern day surgeon who loves life - and how both characters change in time , driven by trust/ faith, duty and love. Very good roles also for Gongmin king and his queen - there is a historic truth in the script. Take your time and enjoy - love to music / lyrics too..

Alice (2020)

Mind bending, heart breaking thriller

[10/10 · 8 January 2022]

Amazing story, have seen it twice and still have the feeling something is lost in translation. Great acting, I would give an Oscar to Joo Won and Kwak Si Yang, perfectly cast in their roles.

Noticed from previous reviews some people missed that 1 year in Alice time is 29 years present time. Make up : the 52 years old shld have looked older ( even if Korean:) and less of a look-alike of Prof Yoon, and the Master ( ancient son) should have some more resemblance to the son. Great music, unfortunately no lyrics translated on Netflix really complementing the story. Fantastic series, worth watching - I wish they make a movie on this idea , too !