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best-underrated-anime · 2 months

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Best Underrated Anime Group L Round 3: #L5 vs #L6

#L5: Underground boxer loves vampire doctor (BL)

#L6: Three girls and their (not) girly talk

Details and poll under the cut!

#L5: Mignon

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[Note on video: Lots of blood. Slight NSFW at the end. Turn on CC for English subs.]

Summary:

After losing his parents at a young age, Mignon lives as a mechanic by day and a cage fighter by night at an illegal arena. Living a life of exploitation and violence, the only person who gives him any attention is Oh Young-One, the resident doctor at the arena.

Despite accidentally discovering Young-One’s true identity, Mignon continues to love him, and it’s this pure kind of love that lets Young-One slowly open his heart. But when the hellish reality surrounding Mignon starts threatening the stability of Young-One’s life, can these two ever find happiness?

Propaganda:

Mignon is an independently-made BL aeni (Korean anime). There are only 12 episodes, and each is around 5 minutes long, except for the last one which is at around 8 minutes. Watching everything is like watching a short film, and not just because of the length, but also because of its quality.

The story is really short, so much so that we don’t get to see how Mignon and Young-One develop feelings for each other (It’s easy to guess why though). We’re thrusted right into the turning point of their relationship, with episode 1 ending with a shocking revelation that immediately propels you into the rest of the story. And by “shocking,” I don’t mean it was unexpected. It’s shocking in a way that its execution ingeniously builds up the tension before exploding right in your face.

The plot is nothing new in the yaoi genre, but Mignon makes up for this by delivering each aspect to perfection. The colors are purposeful, setting the tone of each scene while also telling us the significance of the place—loud, vibrant colors for the noisy arena, calm whites in the clinic where Mignon finds solace in Young-One, drab blues and greys in Young-One’s apartment where he’s lived alone for years, etc. Seriously, the backgrounds look like stand-alone paintings.

And oh, don’t get me started on the scene direction/arrangement. Every episode is impactful and unforgettable despite being very short. Episode 10, especially, is a cinematic masterpiece. Lastly, the music. There’s a lot of 80s synth-pop vibes that just work so well for it.

Mignon is really the kind of show you can call “art.” It’s a passion project by one person, and it took them three years to complete. You can just see how much thought is put into it. It’s not rushed at all, unlike a lot of weekly anime nowadays that would sacrifice the quality on unimportant scenes. And just for that, I think it’s worth checking out.

Trigger Warnings: Blood, Physical Abuse, Gambling

NSFW Warning: Tongue kissing and some explicit sex scenes. The parts are pixelated, but it doesn’t really leave much to the imagination.

#L6: Please tell me! Galko-chan (Oshiete! Galko-chan)

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Summary:

At first glance, Galko, Otako, and Ojou are three high school girls who seem like they wouldn’t have anything to do with each other. Galko is a social butterfly with a reputation for being a party animal, even though she is actually innocent and good-hearted despite her appearance. Otako is a plain-looking girl with a sarcastic personality and a rabid love of manga. And Ojou is a wealthy young lady with excellent social graces, though she can be a bit absent-minded at times. Despite their differences, the three are best friends, and together they love to talk about various myths and ask candid questions about the female body.

Propaganda:

Galko-chan is a short anime about 3 girl-friends, each representing a trope (the gyaru, the nerd and the lady) being friends despite their differences.

The episode generally kicks off with a taboo question—nothing’s really deep, but it works as a way to just deconstruct prejudices. Girls of all types and non types are welcome, it’s heartwarming.

Trigger Warnings: Gender Identity/Sexuality Discrimination. Galko is a gyaru, and it’s implied how she’s seen as a “slut”. But deconstructing these tropes are what the anime is all about.

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how it’s presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form, where you can submit revisions for taglines, propaganda, trigger warnings, and/or video.

#anime #aeni #best underrated anime #polls #poll tournament #tournament #anime tournament #animation #group stage #group stage round 3 #tournament polls #group l #mignon #민용 #please tell me galko chan #oshiete! galko chan #oshiete! gyaruko chan #please tell me! galko chan #please tell me gyaruko-chan

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wooseokkies · 2 years

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Extraordinary attorney woo Ep 9 — my tiny thoughts

Ok don’t mind this lq gif; it’s just my favourite part ever 😭

Some bits and pieces I thought were lovely for Youngwoo & Junho 🐳🐋

In the eyelash scene, Youngwoo was clearly more open to physical touch and intimacy — she didn’t really flinch or shut her eyes this time, and it was obvious that she had butterflies in her tummy the ENTIRE TIME!! (From the way the hurried off after, it was evident!)

In the same scene, Junho was obviously prolonging contact with her for obvious reasons 😩 and can we talk about the way he held her shoulders in the middle? Totally unnecessary but look at this Junho seizing the opportunity and going in for the kill

Youngwoo having lunch in the cafeteria instead of bringing her own lunchbox; though it was still kimbap but I think it really shows her embracing change in her life, slowly. And the fact that the scene was with Junho made it all the more significant

Even when Junho was jealous, he STILL couldn't help but smile when he saw Youngwoo smile — if this doesn't scream pure love then I don't know what does

The ways Youngwoo expresses her love to the person she likes — by taking care of them in the ways she receives love (though she followed the advice of kimbap ahjussi, but still). I’m pretty sure she considers these acts of love too, and her extending the same to Junho was just plain heartwarming 😩 especially the sidewalk scene, where Junho counters her by saying ‘shouldn’t I be the one to walk on the outside’ Ahh. He wants to protect her… we stan a neon green flag

Junho protecting her in the convenience store when the kids swarmed in :")

Them around kids — please… I was swooning so hard because now I can’t stop thinking about their married / family life. But Youngwoo being comfortable around kids is really something I enjoyed watching; she even became so much less inhibited. Junho was obviously admiring her in that scene 🫠

Youngwoo’s smiles. So many smiles in this episode. Was so happy watching her

How Youngwoo confessed not once but twice. It’s so refreshing that she didn’t back down; in fact, Junho keeping mum after he first confession only fuelled her desire to make her feelings more known. I think that’s beautiful, that she’s exploring this side of her emotions.

Junho’s confession — AHH. Screaming, crying, throwing up, punching the air. That OH moment from him was pure gold and the way he practically sprinted out of his house to see Youngwoo? It sent tingles down my spine. What’s even better is that his OH moment came after such a simple realisation (thanks Attorney Kwon lol) that he does not have the thought that it won’t work out between them. And that in itself, is enough for him to welcome his love for Youngwoo, despite his reservations whether he can be good enough for her, or their potential road bumps they might face down the line. It’s so simple, but a very crucial turning point for Junho, imho :”)

And the fact that the confession happened at the revolving doors — the place where they first met — is really them coming full circle, almost. And Youngwoo going round in circles in those revolving doors (and no longer terrified of it) + Junho coming in to hold the door for her — it's as if he's saying 'let me take care of you from this point onwards, Youngwoo-ya,' TT_TT

At this point, I’m slightly worried about tmr’s episode and if they are going to throw more roadblocks for our whale couple, but I’m interested to know how they will work things through.

Me thinks that Junho will be ever patient with Youngwoo; I mean, the fact that he’s even placing such emphasis and thinking about more deep matters if they start a relationship already says that he’s not taking this — and her — lightly. Far from it, because she’s way too precious to him.

And for Youngwoo, Junho is probably the first person she’s felt such intense attraction to that she might not know what to do with all these novel feelings / emotions; I hope she will continue to explore such changes TOGETHER with Junho, hand in hand.

Yes, hand in hand — I’m claiming it :-) 🙌🏼

#extraordinary attorney woo #extraordinary attorney woo Ep9 #eaw #woo young woo #lee jun ho #whale couple #park eun bin #kang tae oh #netflix kdrama #kdramadaily #kdrama #kdrama review #kdrama thoughts #ramblings #myramblings

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juneviews · 8 months

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axelle judges non bl shows > To The Moon and Back

/!\ SPOILERS AHEAD

summary: Matalada is a naive and kind girl who was raised by a community of queer drag queens. When she meets Pennueng, a doctor who was raised to be nothing but perfect his whole life, sparks flies and opposites do, as always, attract.

where to watch: dramacool

grade: 8,5/10

pros:

this story was so fucking down my alley, bro. minimal drama and pure character development & analysis for 21 episodes? sign me the fuck up!!! the themes were so beautiful, about forgiveness & growth, chosen family & kindness always winning... I ATE THAT SHIT UPPP!!! such a heartwarming & honestly important lakorn for choosing depth above drama.

this is the least toxic lakorn couple I've ever seen, apart from maybe the one in to me, it's simply you which I also loved! they just truly love & respect each other and were written incredibly well. even though they're vanilla af, I didn't get bored at all?? LOVE THEM!

bruh, the characters!!! truly the first time in a lakorn where I truly love not only the main characters, but the entire cast. pennueng is so fucking soft, mata is legit the queen of my heart, trichat owns me entirely and is one of the most complex & interesting ever in my eyes, pang was also super complex & badass, and matalada's entire family????? are my family now. I absolutely adored them, and it was by far one of the best queer representation in lakorns!

the chemistry was beyond incredible! the main ship is perfect & truly feel like soulmates, and the side ship was SO HOT & iconic together, I was stanning! two different vibes but they both ATE!

the acting was PERFECT! everyone did an amazing role, james jirayu perfect in the role of the sad & stilted doctor, toey jarinporn impressed me so much for the first role I've seen her in, she was perfect for mata & absolutely made this role hers, the pang actress was great, I loved seeing the dad actor in a queer role, he honestly ate, the aunt vee actress ATE, especially considering it's her first role ever, the grandma??? fucked me up, I cried so much in her scenes lol. but the one who impressed me the most is ryu wachirawich. I only knew him from 9x9, but BITCHHHHH. he absolutely BODIED trichat & made him his in a way that has made me an immediate stan even though it usually takes me 2 to 3 roles to stan someone! he was so good & I'm looking forward to his next roles!

cons:

I was so confused by trichat ending up with riri. while I liked them together & they had been built up to have some tension since their first meeting... obviously trichat & pang should've ended up together??? in fact, I was certain they did??? didn't they mend things together & go on a double date with the main couple??? that whole thing was so confusing bc tri & pang had been far more developed and also built up to be soulmates like the main ship, so I was so disappointed by this choice of ending. ESPECIALLY since riri is canonically queer & used to like mata, so I wish we'd have seen her end up with a girlfriend, which would've added to the representation of the show.

similarly, I think the whole tri x pang storyline was made overly complicated for no reason. what was actually my favorite ship of the two quickly became a bit slow & repetitive after a while, and I believe they could've conveyed the same type of story better.

I wish we'd have seen at least one queer character get a love interest. this lakorn focuses more on the 'identity' aspect of queerness rather than the 'sexuality' aspect, which I found very interesting & worth exploring, but considering half of the characters are queer & they're basically the only ones ending up single feels kinda weird. just something they could've improved.

would I rewatch it: yes!

It was honestly such a joy to watch a lakorn where the couple is not toxic, people's decisions make sense most of the time & that actually created realistic and beautiful characters, not caricatures. I loved every moment of it! I cried, I laughed, I screamed... definitely one of the best lakorns out there & truly such a gem to watch!

#axelle judges non bl shows #to the moon and back #matalada

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demonslayedher · 1 year

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Faster than a speeding train, things that ran through my head while watching this episode:

--This episode was full of fanservice, pure and simple. But meta service? Well, that was a tease.

--Like that close-up on the evening newspaper? There was a big headline that warned people in the mountains to be careful of bear attacks, but the dates were just blurry enough that I couldn't make them out. Dang it, Ufotable!

--But as for that close-up on the missing persons posters at the beginning, if you're looking for names to use for people who already disappeared on the Mugen Ressha, there's a 20-year-old Yamazaki Chiyoko, a 12-year-old girl named Setsuko, somebody with the last name Okuda… not that I believe the mystery woman who got left for dead but left uneaten was among these people, she's only been missing one night and is already expected to make a full recovery with no scars. Including not a single scar on her heart, and she'll have the ongoing protection of the Corp! What a princess! And just… an satisfactory plot device. After all the emphasis on how demons are horrid and leave irreparable damage on those whom they effect, her experience and Rengoku's assurances that she'll be totally fine sort of cheapen this.

--To that effect, Rengoku-san made a better point later in the episode, after Fuku apologizes for assuming demons don't exist. It's better proof of the Corp's hard work if people can go on thinking that, never having been affected in the first place!

--For as morally outstanding as Rengoku is, honesty doesn't appear to be an important virtue. Or at least, dude has no idea how to make a convincing lie. "I'm a bentou seller." Yes. Sure you are, Rengoku-san. I'll bet that after Speedy's attack at the garage, the workers are later going to look to each other once everything calms down, and somebody's going to say, "you know, I don't think that guy was sent here by the railway HQ."

--And Speedy, as a villain, just… ugh. I'm glad Rengoku-san made short work of him and just shut him up.

--I just… I need to sigh again for all the hype I felt for this episode, only to find the writing so… siiiigh….

--Like, I respect that they had constraints in how much they could affect or reframe the plot which comes thereafter, so they chose instead to dig (too deeply) into the lore behind "umai" just as a way of providing fanservice because everyone loves Rengoku-san. And we do!! We love the unnecessary cape flip! We love that he defeats demons with ease! And I certainly love that he has a heartwarming moment hearing that Fuku's mother and grandmother were saved by Shinjuro and that he is emulating his father, and how he wants to tell his father this good news that the people he saved all those years ago are still well, thanks to him. He wants to see if good news like that will do anything to reassure his father of the worthiness of his efforts. I love this quietly sensitive side of Rengoku-san, who is just as prepared to not have such news have any positive effect and will just make his father lash out.

--But……. I don't think they actually did Rengoku-san's character any favors with all this emphasis on how much he loves and respects food. "Don't drop your anpan" is so… not an important thing to focus on in this situation, and taking a bit bite out of food that's not his, well… it's cute and funny, but I feel like it would had been more in keeping with his character for him to catch the anpan and give it back and go on asking questions about his mission. And then showing more disgust for the demon when Speedy steps on the bentou instead of, like, when Speedy's got his nails digging into the boy's flesh, is kinda… kinda not showing Rengoku-san's strength in accessing a situation and zeroing in on what needs to be taken care of. But, sigh, if they had to use the bentou as a plot device, I guess this was a clumsy way to do it.

--Siiiiigh.

--Man, they had me so hyped with all that emphasis on atmospheric settings, the Corp members rushing toward the train (and supposedly about to meet their deaths, as we know there's already been victims before Rengoku arrived), and a Corp member who we'd never see again after this… but again, Ufotable only felt enough flexibility to do fanservice, not stakes.

--And just… the whole…….. running faster than a speeding train……….. okay, I'll let this one slide, Pillars DO run fast, Rengoku-san HAS moved this fast in canon.

--If Enmu brought Speedy there as a decoy, I wonder how he did it? "Hey, I need to attract the Demon Slayers' attention for a few days. Be slow and coy with it, leave them presents on your trail." "Why in the world would I do that??" "If you do a good job, I'll tell your idol Upper Moon 3 how cool you are." "IT'S A DEAL!!!!!"

--Leaving all my disappointments aside, there are things I find endearing in this pure and simple fanservice filler. I find Fuku-chan and her granny sweet, and I like that Granny reacted to the sight of Rengoku right away, and acted believably for someone who has had a run-in with demons in the past. Ufotable is totally committed to this bentou lore being part of the plot too, what with making merch and gallery displays themed around the bentou vendors. It was indeed fun at the last Toei Movie Studio event to go on a make-believe set of this shop, complete with all the signs and items on sale. :D

--And that boy in the blue haori, and the girl who takes the lead once the team of back-up arrives? How can I not like them? (And knowing me, how can I not feel tempted to want to write fanfic about them?)

--Ufotable showing off their soba animation skills is funny, and impressive. I wound up picking up a sweet potato bread for breakfast this morning to be on-theme for a Rengoku episode, but I regretted later that I didn't get anpan and pick up soba for lunch.

--But also… yes, I am a victim of fanservice. Rengoku-san is unnecessarily cool.

--But like

--HIS NICHIRIN-TO

--OH LORDY

--UFOTABLE, THERE ARE CHILDREN WATCHING THIS

#kny rewatch #my art #my dumb art

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animehouse-moe · 1 year

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Ranking of Kings Season 2 Episode 8: Kage's Yearning | A Great Mother

This is a filler anime. This is a filler anime. I have to remind myself of that. That this season is just back stories and side stories that flesh out the world. But it's out here literally changing entire art and animation styles for the sake of an episode. Absolutely incredible. And I want to talk about it.

Now I don't want to be mean or anything, but the first half/A part of the episode is sort of "as expected" in comparison to the second half. It's story isn't bad, nor is its direction or storyboarding or animation poor either. In fact, it ties in wonderfully with the latter half, as both stories examine the importance of parents and dreams, though in different forms.

The first part is all about Kage wanting to grow up to being a law abiding and pure hearted knight. However, due to his clan's history he's unable to experience that joy and excitement with other kids his age, instead he's left to hide in corners as they play knight and chase him down (a bit of a grim callback to his mother's death).

However, that bitterness doesn't stop Kage from dreaming, and I really love this scene where you can see the stars reflected in his eyes. Feels like a bit of symbolism for how full of life and potential kids can be.

Anyways, push comes to shove and Kage ends up standing up for someone else at in important time, like a knight should, and he gets rewarded by a knight stepping in to save him. It brings the story full circle and allows Kage to express his desire to become a knight to his mother. It's a really endearing moment, and carries strong emotions as his mother's overwhelmed with how strongly Kage wants to be a good person in spite of his clan's nature and past.

Which in turn leads to this last piece from the first part, which was just so amazing. His mother is staying up late at night working away on creating a toy horse for him to play with, and it's just so full of warmth and heart alongside her wish for Kage growing up.

Anyways, onto the B Part!

Man, this was incredible. Right off the bat the art style change is noticeable as they go for that style that pins pieces together to create movement through rotation. A very typical style for telling fairy tales, and I absolutely adore it.

Now, this second part follows a sort of similar story to Kage's A Part. Though, rather focusing on the child, it focuses on the parent. Namely in how Bosse and Shiina want to change and grow as people as they've found a new reason to get stronger in their son Bojji. I think it's really great to see them relinquish their pursuit of violent strength for something more constructive, and it's a really easy allegory for the importance of using strength for others rather than yourself.

Anyways, in terms of specific stuff I liked from this part, I loved this two shot piece of Bosse and Bojji. Originally, Bosse feels guilt and remorse for the curse placed on his son, and for his own violent ways, so he shies away from making contact with Bojji. But down the road Bosse does the right things, attempts to rectify his character, and in doing so finds the courage to be able to show his son how much he loves him.

Also, I really like how they use scale through both halves of this episode. With each you get a lot of low and high angle shots that establish the scale of each character in comparison to their environments, and it flows quite well from one episode to the other.

And last but not least, I love this scene from Shiina and Bosse about Bojji. The amount of love that parents exhibit in this episode is just so heartwarming. The utter faith and confidence they have in their children achieving their dreams and living how they want is so inspiring.

So there you have it. Incredible cute and incredibly important episode about the love that parents share for their children, and how experiencing that love can shape both parent and child alike. WIT continues to kill it with each and every episode, putting on a clinic for what the standard "filler" episode should be.

#ranking of kings: the treasure chest of courage #ranking of kings #ousama ranking #ousama ranking: yuuki no takarabako #ousama ranking bojji #王様ランキング #王様ランキング勇気の宝箱 #prince bojji #anime recommendation #anime review #anime and manga #anime #bosse #shiina

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reikunrei · 1 year

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okay, so, i watched free! the final stroke vol.2 today and i just need to put my Thoughts somewhere. this will contain spoilers but isn’t any real analysis or anything

i went into it being a little worried, bc folks had been watching it the last few days and i kept seeing lots of people say they were disappointed, etc. therefore, i went into it expecting to be disappointed while still thinking i’d at least have fun. ultimately, i think going into it thinking i’d be disappointed made me come out having enjoyed it! at least, a little bit lol.

basically, i wouldn’t say that i was “disappointed” but more that i was very underwhelmed.

it had some fun moments! lots of stuff with the underclassmen which made me very happy, since they’ve been shoved aside a lot as of late. parts that were meant to be serious were very easy to make fun of, which is what i look forward to in this show tbh. like i loved the asshole baby Haru talking back to adult Haru, and then was ultimately heartwarmed when adult Haru broke through to baby Haru at the very end, i thought that was sweet. it was fun to see Sousuke come back into his own, and i enjoyed seeing everyone working together in training and whatnot. i just love seeing them all be friends!

which leads me into how i’m glad that they got through the “Haru is being brooding and distant” really quickly. perhaps a little too quickly, but it was far better than saving it until the very end (*cough* season 3 being the same runaround every episode until episode 8 *cough*). i could go more into detail about what i did/didn’t like about this whole thing with Haru and Rin fighting and Haru shutting himself off from everyone else and thrusting himself into swimming so much that he drains his battery completely, but i’m getting over a gnarly cold and don’t feel like thinking too hard. ultimately, i think it was an interesting direction to take the story, but wasn’t executed as well as it could have been.

but again, overall, i enjoyed that it happened within the first half of the movie so that the second half could be them reconciling, Haru realizing his true potential (that we already learned the source of in season 1 but whatever he can have the same arc over and over again i eat that shit up the power of friendship reigns supreme), and getting to see him really show everyone else what he’s made of.

my biggest issue ultimately with it was how there was a lot of lost potential. i feel like they could’ve and should’ve leaned more heavily into the Haru/Albert parallel, and how they are like two sides of the same coin. like Albert was posed as such a big, important character starting in s3, he was the driving force for this new arc in Haru’s character, and he just sort of... petered out? i feel like a really strong direction would have been to have them basically switch spots. like, Albert learns how to swim freely like Haru by nurturing strong bonds between friends and doing it simply because you want to, and Haru falling really deeply into the cold, sterile loneliness that Albert was forced into.

that’s the other thing! we started to see Albert pushing back against his coach, but we never actually saw him break free from it. it was just sort of posed and then never resolved. and i feel like it would be really powerful to have had him see Haru swim, learn from him, and then come back and teach that to Haru again. like Haru’s methods makes Albert stronger, and Albert comes around and says hey, my guy, YOU taught me this. my way is not the best way. do it because you enjoy it, and that’s it.

in terms of lost potential, the relationship with Albert was my biggest letdown, purely because he was so hyped up only for him to just sort of... fizzle out. and i feel like that happened with almost all of the character relationships. they all just sort of... petered out. hell, even the final relay felt really lackluster! in every single other season, the final relays/races make me cry. even as a certified season 3 hater, watching Haru and Ikuya do the medley relay together makes me cry! because it’s this big, powerful breakthrough moment for the both of them.

nothing will ever beat the high i felt watching the season 2 final relay. that shit ruled so hard and the fact that this FINAL final relay didn’t even come close is SUCH a letdown. like i’m honestly shocked they dropped the ball so hard on it. like, the intervention with Haru should have been something more dramatic or something! it was very just “oh hey let’s all hang out on this rooftop pool for a bit” like even the race between Haru and Rin, while more exciting than the final relay, was very just like. okay. i was just glad to have such a blatant example of crybaby Rin again, but the substance of the race, of their conversation... it was very lackluster.

i’ll be entirely honest too, i actually was really happy with it... until the very end. like i said at the top, having gone into it expecting to be disappointed, i was pleasantly surprised that i was having so much fun watching it. bc i really did! i did have fun watching it! it was just not a good ending to the series.

i was actually pretty happy with it where it ended before the credits rolled. i didn’t super love how they just touched on Haru quitting swimming, and then saying he came back again anyway?? like let me TELL YOU i am the biggest proponent for Haru quitting competitive swimming. it would have been SUCH a great conversation to have, in that he loves swimming, he loves doing this thing with his friends, and he might even enjoy competing sometimes under the right circumstances, but it’s just not good for him. how GREAT would it have been for him to realize that. to look at himself shutting down, to have his friends constantly voicing their worry for him, and him going, “oh. i can’t do this,” and having to come to terms with that. having his FRIENDS have to come to terms with that. it would have been SO GOOD and been a great story in trying to find a dream, and feeling like it’s okay to go back on that, and your true friends will always back you up even if they’re upset about it at first. it would have even been a great parallel with Rin quitting swimming as a kid! but this time it’s a good thing! like dude!

anyway.

while i did sort of hate that they totally glossed over the quitting and returning thing, i was just sort of like oh cool, i like this sort of ambiguous but happy ending! idk who this Haru/Makoto lovechild woman is that they keep cutting to closeups of who seems to know who Haru is! is it his mom! i can’t remember what she looks like bc she’s never around! idk!

and then. the post credits stuff was just. a mixed bag? and ultimately made me dislike it more LMAO. the one thing i really liked was that Haru dug up the time capsule from season 2 and read his letter to himself again, that made me really happy! bc that was something that i really really really wanted to be remembered. like that’s something that could have totally been forgotten, but i’m glad it was found and touched on, even if it was just at the very end.

the stuff i didn’t like was. basically everything else LOL. mostly because it felt so weird to think that none of these people talk to each other. like i get it, we’ve long established that Haru doesn’t use his phone or keep in contact with people, but it felt so WRONG for it to just be like “yeah i was in the hospital for a month, i’m doing rehab now, hi Makoto, who had to come hunt me down in hungary and randomly run into me on the street” like WHAT!!!! hello???? it felt like there was no growth at all. wasn’t the whole point of the movie, and the WHOLE SHOW, to strengthen the bonds between friends? and reconnect with old friends?

like i guess you could argue that it’s like “they’re bonded forever. even if they don’t see each other for a while, they’ll find each other and it’ll be like no time has passed at all” because like. that was a whole thing and my favorite part of s2, about how “it’s not our last summer together” but like. it just felt so WRONG and backward to display it like that. it just felt. hollow. and bad. especially for characters such as Haru and Makoto who are so closely tied to one another and some shade of codependent. it’s not that it couldn’t have been explored, but it wasn’t even explored. it was just thrust upon us, and it felt really forced and left an unsavory taste in my mouth.

i think it just sort of felt rushed. and there was a lot of potential that was set up in s3 and fs1 that just wasn’t followed through on in a satisfying way. so while there were fun moments, and it was great to see my kids all together again in new scenes and interactions, it was just very. meh.

so okay, i think i’ve talked myself into being disappointed in it. i’m not really too upset though, because i did indeed still have fun watching it, and will have fun watching it again in the future. but the show should have ended after season 2 when it was in its prime.

#i say things #free! the final stroke

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nellie-elizabeth · 11 months

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What We Do in the Shadows: The Mall (5x01)

We're back!

Cons:

I will say, with this show being a pure comedy without a lot of significant character development for the most part, there are occasionally running plot elements that get dropped or shuffled off very unceremoniously that I wish could have been delved into more. The big example for me going into season five is Colin Robinson being his normal adult self again, with no apparent lasting impact from the time he spent growing up as a kid. I want Lazlo and Colin's relationship to have shifted in some way with the fact that Lazlo is basically Colin's dad now, and I worry that they won't take advantage of the comedic (and heartwarming) fodder that this scenario provides. So far, we don't have any hints of it.

Pros:

I love love love Guillermo de la Cruz, he is one of my all time favorite characters on TV, and this arc for him is already destined to be so hilarious and strange and different. We learn that he did in fact undergo a vampire transition, but so far nothing much seems to be happening. By the end of this first episode, the only hint we have that things might be happening is that Guillermo's eyesight seems to have magically improved to be better than 20:20, and that he seems to be craving a lot of rare meat. But otherwise, he's still fully human. He can go into the sun, doesn't need to drink blood, all that stuff.

And maybe the fact that he can hide his transformation is a good thing, because he finds out that a familiar getting turned into a vampire by someone who is not his master is the gravest insult, and that if Nandor were to find out, he'd be forced to kill Guillermo and then himself, due to the shame of it all. Dun dun dun! This show is so clever at coming up with the most impossibly overdramatic scenarios ever and then leaning into all the absurdist comedy implied therein. I can't wait to see how Nandor reacts when he finds out, depending on how the rest of Guillermo's transformation goes!

The flashbacks to the actual change were appropriately hectic and kind of stupid. Poor Guillermo just wanted a dramatic moment worthy of the gravitas of fulfilling his big dream, but instead he got the vampire in question biting open his artery, nearly killing him, passing out when his own blood had to be spilled, and constantly being interrupted by his manager at work due to clogged toilets. Guillermo spends a lot of the episode trying to downplay what a mess it was as he talks to the documentary crew. He doesn't want to get into the specifics of it all given the humiliation, and the inconclusive results.

This show kind of has to keep Guillermo a human, or at least not let him achieve his full vampire dreams too early, because Guillermo is the one main character with the dynamism to change. Everybody else has been stuck in their roles for so long! So I'm excited to see that they're not chickening out, that he did indeed get bit, but that something strange seems to be happening.

On the comedy front, I think my favorite bits were from Lazlo, he's often the number one funniest character to me. From him calling Guillermo a "bitch" for being upset about his birthday, to trying to explain the mall to the camera crew, having never set foot in one before, to his "concern" for "Gizmo", following him around to learn what's going on, I thought it was all pretty hilarious.

Nandor also has a funny bit going on that I'm excited to see explored more fully, where he's decided to pay better attention to who is, and who isn't, okay. So he's constantly going around telling Guillermo that he's okay, and trying to do nice things for him, but wildly missing the mark. I love the contrast between Guillermo thinking that the documentary would show a sweet montage of Nandor's kindness, and the fact that right now, for the first time maybe ever, Nandor does seem to be making a sustained effort to pay better attention and care for his familiar/friend. And Guillermo's not even in a position to appreciate it, at the moment!

Nadja and Colin both had their moments to shine as well; Nadja accidentally sat on doll-Nadja and is on a quest to get her broken legs repaired and earn her forgiveness. Colin is back in the work force, this time as a waiter, and his routine of energy sucking made me chuckle just like it always does.

Okay - onward to episode two, which is also available now!

8/10

#review #what we do in the shadows #what we do in the shadows review #wwdits #wwdits review

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popcornpages · 1 year

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Goodbye to the Good Bad Mother

After 14 heartwarming episodes, "The Good Bad Mother" concluded today. This one has been one of my favorite dramas released in 2023 so far. If you review this show piece by piece, you might be disappointed because you won't find much depth in terms of content. However, it was purely an entertainer, and I think that's why I loved it. It was a very good entertainer.

When Korean dramas touch on childhood traumas and strict families, they tend to be a bit too much or too cruel, making me feel uncomfortable watching them. When it comes to power struggles and political crimes, they become overly dramatic and overshadow all the other good things happening in the show. In that aspect, "The Good Bad Mother" succeeded in creating a balance. Nothing felt overbearing or overly uncomfortable. Despite everything happening, the drama was able to do justice to its theme and overall atmosphere.

Lee Do Hyun and Ra Mi Ran were the soul and breath of this show. Their acting and unbelievable chemistry as a son and mother were so nice to watch, sometimes heartbreaking too. All the other characters also performed well, especially the kids. Almost Every character had a story to tell and a part to play in the life and relationship of Kang-Ho and Young-Soon.

The last few episodes felt a bit unrealistic considering the plot of the drama. Within days of Kang Ho regaining his memory, he was able to gather all the evidence needed for the end. Some things just fell from the sky. Still, the writers were successful in hiding this inconsistency. Even though after Young Soon destroys all the existing evidence, Kang Ho risked his life to gather more, it felt too hollow and rushed. Since the drama is not a crime thriller, it is forgivable.

There were some characters that felt unnecessary and, at some point, even annoying. For example, the songwriter. What was the point of that character? Even though he created some chaos surrounding the farm and the mother, it just felt so random. Also, the detectives. Why did they keep coming again and again? The first two times were reasonable, but after that, they felt like some jobless characters popping up for no reason.

Despite all this, it was an authentic and refreshing ride. This Korean drama is a must-watch.

#kdrama #Drama Review #The Good Bad Mother

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rosielav · 1 year

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Good morning podcast people.

Currently on episode 23 of Wolf359. I like that I have to actually listen now, or I'll miss things, but I hate [redacted]. Everything about [redacted] I dislike and even hate. I don't like miscommunication as a plot device. I don't like 'will they won't they' but nto romantic like, betrayal, as a plot device. So currently... I'm not liking a big chunk of the episodes, like I'm actively having to *not* stop my podcast player. I really love the voice acting, the sound design, and I love a Sci fi horror. I just don't like *exactly* how they're going about it. But I'm sure there's still time for things to get 'better'.

I tried The Silt Verses, and I can't get into it. A bit too.... Hmmm... Self-serious? Like, it wants to be taken seriously from the very first episode, and it's like.... Forceful, in a way. Like 'this isn't what should be happening but you need to know this is serious so we' re gonna make it serious even tho I'd rather talk about this other thing'. So, not gonna force it upon myself :)

I think I may be a bit inundated with drama/horror podcasts, so if anyone sees this, and can recommend a good comedy or at least dramedy/other combo, I'd be very interested to know!!

My favorite comedy/dramedy/'other genre but also humorous' podcasts:

TAZ (Balance) - please don't recommend me APs, I am full to the brim with ttrpg stuff. The energy of TAZ Balance is specifically what I'd love to get from something else (improv, prof. comedians being funny but also serious when needed, etc)

WTNV - every episode has at least one joke in it, at least one witty statement or opinion from Cecil, but it isn't a comedy podcast. It's surreal, and awe-inspiring, and heartbreaking, and heartwarming, depending on the episode. But you will always get one chuckle, laugh, or at least smirk, in every episode.

Mission to Zyxx - improvised Star Trek-style Sci fi adventure. It is at its core a comedy podcast, relying on the improv skills of its VAs to accomplish its goal. But it has also made me cry. It has also made me think. It's one of those things that starts off so silly, and ends silly too, but somewhere in between there's a serious moment or two, and it takes it from pure comedy to a combination genre.

The Amelia Project - my favorite example of this kind of dramedy genre, and my new favorite podcast in general. It takes the 'one person is the main person who you hear talking they have some sort of position that requires them to talk often and to different people, and it is their actual job' trope (is that even a trope) that I love from WTNV, adds the macabre twist of faking deaths, and sprinkles in just enough gory realism to keep it safely confined in the dramedy catagory and not just simply very well done comedy. This is the podcast I find hardest to describe, so I'd just recommend you listen to the trailer, and maybe the first few episodes, and go from there. I'm seriously considering relistening to it from the beginning, but I do just have to many other podcasts to listen to.

SO ANYWAYS, tl;dr - I would love some comedy/dramedy podcast recommendations, as I could very much use some levity in my listening :) thank you in advance!

#podcast recommendation #the amelia project #Wtnv #Mission to Zyxx #Dramedy #Comedy recommendation #I must laugh #I got bad news today so I'd love some cheering up

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onceuponalegendbg · 1 year

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Alright alright alright. Time for me to really get my thoughts down for the penultimate episode of Owl House.

I really enjoyed it. I think I liked the premiere a bit better but this was still so good. Dana and the crew did a fantastic job hitting the story beats they needed to in such a condensed amount of time.

Let’s try to hit this by character for some sense of organization.

I’ll hit Amity first since she took a little bit of a back seat this episode. Which is fair. She’s arguably gotten the second most amount of screen time as a whole after all.

She had some nice moments though, especially her moment with Luz at the Owl House and a couple of funny moments. Really nice to hear how she woke Ghost.

Gus got to show off why he’s such a good friend to both Willow and Hunter. His banter with Matt was great. I love this little dude so much. Confirmation that he knew about Hunter being a Grimmwalker. Like Amity there isn’t a whole lot to get into here but he played his role well.

Hunter, man I just feel bad for this kid. He’s still trying to figure himself out and he’s not really properly grieving for Flap yet. He’s still processing which is fair. Also, Huntlow.

Willow, sweetheart, precious bean. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Like, I get it. This girl bottled her emotions even before Luz showed up but that was back when she was being bullied. Now, she’s still bottling things up in an effort to prove how strong she’s become and that people can rely on her. It sucks. Her admitting that she missed her dads really just puts into perspective that these are all just kids who are going to need so much therapy when this is over (someone call Sasha!) and I want to hug them so bad. I also just love seeing her stand up to Boscha more and that they’re not suddenly friends because Boscha sort of kind of had a somewhat change of heart.

Camila is kind of the MVP of season three if I’m being honest. I love everything about this woman. She’s a pure, kind soul and seeing her being a mom to all these kids is so heartwarming. But especially seeing her interactions with Luz just… it’s the best. Also, her admitting to being a secret nerd. We been knew.

Luz. Oh my baby girl. Camila really hit this one on the head though. “She just seems determined to make herself sad.” Oh honey. I’m so proud of this kid, though. She finally figured out what it really is that she wanted, and the animation for that was gorgeous. The look on her face. Man. I got so emotional. Also, String Bean is precious and I will protect them with my life. Seriously so cute.

I do want to kind of throw Boscha and Kiki here, because there’s not any major development with them but there’s a couple things worth mentioning. It’s hinted at in the credits that while Boscha was actually very upset about her team (friends) getting captured Kiki snuck in and kind of took advantage of that. Really preyed on this teenager’s own insecurity. More like Belos than I thought, there, Kiki. I also just want to, once again, admit to being a moron and not even recognizing Kiki in disguise. Did not even occur to me.

So, I’ve always liked Boscha for the kind of role she filled in once Amity got her redemption. There’s been a couple moments that kind of show “oh yeah, she’s still a kid” (her reaction to actually getting her palisman comes to mind), and it was kind of nice to have this reinforced here. Have to give credit to the voice actress for really selling the scared and desperate kid (specifically when Boscha thinks Amity left/disappeared again). I wish we had the time to explore this side of Boscha a little more. See how she actually viewed the relationship between her and Amity, and between her and her team. I don’t know. She’s a very minor side character so I get why they didn’t of course. It’s just something I’ve always been a little curious about but never expected them to touch at all. This is really more than I ever expected from Boscha’s character really and it’s not even that much.

Belos…. Oh Belos. You really are just the absolute worst. Got to say though, the animation for his goop monster form and the way it all just basically melts off his bones… oh boy. And now with him taking possession of Raine, I see so much angst in the future. I’m actually really glad he still seems like the final boss of all this.

I really don’t have to much to say about the Collector and the rest of the Owl Gang. I love the new designs but other than that not a whole lot to comment on.

The OST slapped so hard though. Beginning to end.

I honestly don’t even know what to expect for the finale, man.

#spoilers #toh #the owl house deserves better #owl house #the owl house

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clockwork-fayz · 3 months

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Macey Reviews Best Picture Nominees 2024

Barbie: 7/10

I think I need to watch this movie again. I saw it when it first came out and went in looking for "Lego Movie" vibes. I should have watched in with "Oscar Movie" vibes. What I liked: Colorful, music, experience of people dressing up to go. What I didn't like: the founder being a ghost (?), the real world didn't follow real world rules, the plot being here, there, and everywhere. I have so many mixed feelings.

Oppenheimer: 10/10

I knew so very little going into this movie, and now I can tell you everything about this guy. Non-linear movies when done correctly are my favorite, because the smallest things become plot twists. And the scene where they test the bomb? AMAZING. That is CINEMA.

The Holdover: 7/10

It was a good movie, don't get me wrong. There funny moments, there were heartwarming moments. But was it stand out? Did it meet the standards of an extraordinary movie? Not really.

Maestro: 5/10

Don't be fooled; it is neither a romance nor a musical nor about Leonard Cohan that someone made me believe. This movie is pure Oscar bait, and as a world, there are some people that we don't need to make biopics about. This composer who yes was gay but also cheated on his wife a shit ton is not the story we need to hear. Here's what this movie does have going for it: the leads. Bradley Cooper proves again that I don't know what his real voice sounds like, and Carey Mullinger proves that I don't know what she actually looks like. Now Maya Hawke...is not like that. Sorry Maya, you brought me out of the movie.

The Zone of Interest: 7/10

It's one of those movies were you don't want to say "that was a good movie" because...it's deeply unsettling. The pace is soooo slow that I struggled to keep focused. Yet this movie is very poignant and speaks loudly. The fact that you never see any horrors, yet is easily one of the most sickening holocaust movies you'll see makes this movie worth the watch.

American Fiction: 9/10

Me the first twenty minutes: "Ahaha this movie is funny-wait what." I liked this movie a lot; it's humorous, it's got heart, and lots of things to think about. You will every piece of media you have ever consumed as a white person, even a movie on this list...but that is how you end a movie!

Past Lives: 8/10

This movie was so incredibly real, if that makes sense. Not relatable to me AT ALL, but I'm like yep. That's life. I shed a tiny tear, I did. And the cinematography was just perfect. But also...I don't like real life. I want movies where I can pretend that real life does have big, dramatic, love stories. GIVE ME DRAMATIC HAPPY LOVE STORIES DAMNIT.

Poor Things: 9/10

This movie was unhinged, I loved it. The Steampunk-esque setting was a real vibe. The entire plot was new and exciting. HOWEVER there was too much sex, and Europe had it right to cut that scene with the young boys. Very unnecessary . And the last like thirty minutes felt excessive.

Killers of the Flower Moon: 10/10

This movie is long, yet I felt like it went at such as pace that you don't notice it as much. I mean it was years worth of murders they needed to cover. The acting all around was amazing, and I want to stay away from white men now.

Anatomy of a Fall: 9/10

Another movie that is labeled something it is not; it is not a thriller. It is slow, but very tense crime drama. I actually forgot I was watching an oscar movie for a little bit and I was like thinking of all these plot twists. Yeah don't overthink it, it's not a criminal minds episode. Still, very well done and that child actor was amazing!

#maceyreviewsbestpicturenominees #oscars #academy awards 2024 #killers of the flower moon #anatomy of a fall #poorthings #theholdovers #maestro #bradley cooper #barbie #oppenheimer #barbiemovie

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moiloru · 1 year

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❄️ The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague Review! ❄️

Hello! Welcome to a new anime review, the first for the 2023 winter season! Considering I won't be writing as many of these, I needed to make this one count, so here's The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague!

Well... I fell in absolute love with this anime. It had been a long time since an anime last made me so happy.

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague finished airing just yesterday, and it has twelve episodes. It's a romance/adult-cast anime with some humor and (minor) fantasy.

I'll have trouble explaining why I adore this anime so much. I know not everyone will find it as unique as I did, but it made me so happy when I watched it, y'know? It's wholesome, pure, realistic, heartwarming... What more am I supposed to ask for?

The plot is straightforward: two MCs work at the same company and become friends. Then, they both realize they have feelings, and the anime focuses on showing scenes that highlight these growing feelings.

Of course, it doesn't sound like much, and it honestly isn't. But it's so cute and wholesome that I couldn't help but love every minute. Those are some everyday life scenes, and maybe it's why I enjoyed them so much. Just people being happy around one another.

Unfortunately, the first episode is on the slow side, so I'm afraid it might turn people away from this anime. Huge mistake! Everything from episode two onward is straight-up excellent!

It might not be the first point people mention when discussing this anime, but it also has great humor. The fact that one of the MCs is pretty reserved makes for some comedic relief with the other protagonist, especially with his inner thoughts.

The leading duo, Fuyutsuki-san and Himuro-kun, are just fantastic, especially together. Their characters perfectly complement each other, and they're so darn cute! Again, it's simple, but it just works, so I will only ask for that. Love these two!

The rest of the cast is also really good! They have nice chemistry together and with the MCs, and the second duo is delightful, too! They all get at least one episode of attention, too, so there's a bit for everyone.

Artistically, this anime scores many points with some gorgeous scenes. It has moments when it looks nothing short of superb, and there is not even a single scene that's poorly animated. The colors are magnificent, too.

In terms of music, this anime has some really catchy themes. Both the OP and ED are great, too, on top of being visually pleasing to look at. It definitely matches the tone of the story at all times.

So, yeah, for all these reasons, I fell in love with The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague. It doesn't seem like much at first glance, but it's a hidden gem if I've ever seen one. Thanks to Zero-G and Liber for the fantastic work. Please give it a shot.

Down below is the tierlist for the characters in this anime. Thank you for reading this review!

#the ice guy and his cool female colleague #the ice guy and the cool girl #koori zokusei danshi to cool na douryou joshi #himuro #fuyutsuki #komori #saejima #himuro kun #fuyutsuki san #himuro x fuyutsuki #anime #anime review #tierlist #tier list #🤎💙

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kdramaxoxo · 3 years

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do you have any drama recs for those who loved run on? doesn't have to be about sports just its overall vibes and sweetness. i need something sweet after binging on action and thrillers djjdsksk

Run on is a literal GIFT!

I'm glad you're open to other kinds of dramas that have that light and fluffy slice-of-life vibe, because there aren't a lot of shows that I feel like are super similar?

K-dramas with Slice-of-Life Soft Romance similar to Run On:

Melo Is My Nature (slice of life/found family with some romance): This drama is by far my favorite slice-of-life drama of 2019. Found family, strong and complex characters, I laughed, I cried. Plus a gay character that’s an actual character, with the gay as a casual side note (classy k-drama!!) It was just a perfect show for me. There’s romance, but all of the stories are super interesting.

A Piece Of Your Mind (soft romance): A bit more on the melo side, this kdrama really captured my heart. Using an AI software to capture the personality of someone, a group of people are pushed together by a person they care about who is no longer alive. It’s an unusual premise, but the AI takes a back seat to the romance, friendship, and drama that happens between 5 people and the music studio they work at. The drama had 4 episodes cut so I was worried I would notice but I think it helped the drama keep it’s lovely pacing and tone. Soft Couple Alert (the girl is just the most amazing character!)

Your House Helper (friendship/found family/ romance): A group of girl friends move into their friend’s house to help with the rent and support her through the loss of her father. This is a quiet and sweet slice of life with a ton of great friendship and romance too.

The Package (slice of life/travel/romance): This show’s unique setting of Paris features a bunch of different pairs of Korean tourists as part of a group. You get to learn about each pair and the complexities of their relationships. The male romance lead had a sweet and open personality and I just honestly loved that about him. When the couple argued they actually used their communication skills! If you’re looking for a quiet slice-of-life drama that’s a little different, check it out.

The Happy Loner/ Individualist Ms. Ji Young (mini drama/romcom): This mini drama features a puppy-like boy trying to befriend a “cold” female. He is persistent in winning her over but not overbearing by any means. I had a couple of issues with this show but overall it’s one of the better mini dramas I’ve seen.

Reunited Worlds (fantasy/romance/soft couple): Hae Sung, a senior in high school dies and through k-drama magic, travels twelve years into the future to solve the mystery of his death. He reunites with his high school sweetheart (a now 31 year old woman) and the two fall back in love. He’s really smitten with her regardless of her age, and works hard to make her feel comfortable with their age difference. He’s a lovely friend with a pure heart and is completely adorable. The SLS is also incredibly beta (though not a very charismatic role - people complained about his acting skills). I don’t know a lot of people who liked this show as much as I did, but Yeo Jin Goo melted my heart and I felt all of the feels (plus I love the fated lovers and time travel tropes).

Fight for My Way (slice of life/romcom): I love this drama! Always a fave for me, this drama is funny and heartwarming! The leading lady is a strong female which I LOVE, and Park Seo Joon plays her really cute down to earth best friend. It’s a childhood friends to lovers trope with a group of regular people (no rich heirs in this show!) and has a happy ending and a lot of cute flirting, cuddling and kissing. Argh I love these two!

Into The Ring (workplace/romcom): The perfect slice-of-life rom com! Goo Se Ra has trouble holding down a job due to her passionate personality so after she loses her latest job working for the ML, she decides to run for a small government office position because it pays a salary. Literally she does it for the money which is just *chef’s kiss.* The show is about her dealing with local politics and it’s SO FUNNY and smart and the OTP is the best!

Her Private Life (workplace romcom): Park Min Young really knows how to pick dramas. I loved this one about a museum curator who is secretly a fangirl obsessed with an idol. It’s fun and fluffy but does have a very mild childhood trauma thing with his mother but I mean, 99% of dramas like this do? If you like this one, Touch Your Heart and Why Secretary Kim are by the same person and have similar vibes.

When the Weather Is Fine (slice of life but a little melo in the romance department): A girl returns to her quaint hometown to live with her estranged aunt. She is reacquainted with a class mate and gets a job at his book store. The highlights of this drama are the soft romance scenes, and the side characters. The sister and friend (played by Lee Jae Wook) are so much fun to watch and I’ve never seen characters with their specific personalities. It’s a bit angsty and frustrating in the communication department if I’m honest (her and her whole family are just the worst with talking to one another when they could just move forward, so that portion of the story was a bit hard to watch), but the rest was really good.

Because This is My First Life: I’m always so annoyed that I love this drama so much, when the lead has an icky irl scandal but this show is off the charts amazing. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I don’t want to punish anyone else involved with the show AND all of the characters are so well done that it’s just worth the recommendation (just make sure you are aware of the leads possible scandel.) It’s a contract marriage/slice of life drama with AMAZING female leads (and a stunning kitty). This show has my favorite female character of all time aside from Scarlett in Search: WWW (Soo ji!)

12 Nights (soft romance): While not a very popular drama when it aired, I really enjoyed the slow pacing and the extra soft leads. I mean they might be the most beta couple in the entire kdrama universe. The relationship is a quiet and lovely one that takes a long time to build and the couple is super sweet together. Plus there are more characters than just the lead, and they all get their own story over the course of eight years as well which is interesting. It suffers from a lot of filler which is it’s biggest flaw but I’m still glad I watched it.

#kdrama #kdrama recommendations #kdrama recs #ask #answer #i love a list #run on #a piece of your mind #because this is my first life #her private life #soft couples #i miss mi joo just thinking about this list

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rhetorical-ink · 4 years

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Haikyuu!! SPOILERS: Chapter 401, How We Connect the Dots.

**PENULTIMATE SPOILERS BELOW**

I just posted a video with my live reactions to the chapter, but here are my highlights, because FURUDATE YOU MADMAN GENIUS. This chapter connected so much together. So, let’s do:

My Top 10 Thoughts on Haikyuu!! Chapter 401:

10. Of course. In true Furudate fashion, he has Kageyama block the spike from Hinata, BUT, what Kageyama doesn’t realize is all the training on the beach Shoyo has done to prepare for such a moment. And that heel kick! *swoons* Also, someone reacting to Season 4, Episode 9 of the anime, where Hinata kicks the ball back to himself called this happening all those months ago...Furudate is next level at foreshadowing. Not that we didn’t already know that.

9. Hey, remember how in the VERY FIRST chapter of Haikyuu!! Shoyo did this crazy run across the court to score? Yeah, Furudate knows we remember. And he pulls this -- and Kageyama’s beautiful reaction, only for --

-- Only for it to all be a DECOY. Kageyama, you made this monster, you know. I love that Shoyo has come all this way from wanting to score all the points to accepting that the decoy DOES have a vital role to play, and in this instance, it’s allowing Bokuto to score the winning point for the MSBY Black Jackals. Just look at that smile! And of course, Tanaka and Asahi KNOW the power of Hinata as a Decoy...because they’ve been in Bokuto’s shoes before.

8. UGH, the aftermath of that moment is glorious, which will detail down below -- but I love Shoyo and Kageyama’s interaction, though. How they’re still keeping track of each other’s wins and losses, exhausting Miya, hilariously, and showing that they’re on equal footing now, after all these years. This chapter is just cementing the last several chapters’ worth of character development.

7. ARE YOU SHIPPERS READY FOR YOUR FOOD?!

Because these next few pages were healing my shipper heart. I mean, yes, the Kagehina fanbase is raving right now, but let’s talk about THESE ships below, starting with:

Tsukishima x Yamaguchi:

So, Tsukishima, of course, is not sappy about any of this and just points out how the season’s just getting started (ready the fanfics, y’all).

And of course, Yamaguchi wants to watch Tsuki play! Yachi says she’ll come too! I LOVE how just like he was with Akiteru, he doesn’t want them to come watch (even though we all know he’ll love it when they’re there). Now, some people have commented that Yamaguchi could be with Yachi, but y’all...Yachi is in Tokyo. Yamaguchi and Tsuki both live in Miyagi. I can’t wait for all the Sendai Frog/TsukiYama fanfics!

If you’re looking for an extra Kagehina crumble, just look at the end of this adorable exchange between Romero, smol adorable Rubens, and Shoyo (who perfectly crouches down to talk to him MY HEART I CAN’T), to see Kageyama notice that Shoyo can speak multiple languages...oh, honey! If only you know about Hinata and Pedro’s marathons of DBZ in Portugese and English! ^^

Also, Furudate WE SEE YOU. We see you being meta and implying that now Haikyuu!! is over, he’s moving on...Akaashi’s line about going forward hit me hard...it’s like he’s telling us, the fandom, that going on to start something new isn’t so bad. SO YOU SAY.

BOKUAKA NATION -- WE CANON NOW, RIGHT?!

I love that Akaashi gets to interview Bokuto (IS HE GOING TO BE THE STAR of the Volleyball manga Tenma Udai is writing?! He would be PERFECT for it!) and how happy Akaashi looks, even if he and Bokuto realize how differently they view the term “normal.”

ALSO, it’s implied above that Akaashi, Bokuto, and Tenma were going out for drinks...which now....we know that it’s just Bokuto and Akaashi, since Tenma was going home. Uhm, FAN FIC WRITERS ASSEMBLE!

I also love that Udai joins the club, along with Fukurodani’s coach and manager, of people who realize that Bokuto and Akaashi are weirdos but they are weirdos together, so it’s fine.

Keeping the “Ship Train” going, we get little bits of Shimizu x Yachi from the bathhouse before the Inarizaki Match, where Kiyoko finally acknowledges she is okay showing her legs...thanks to Yachi’s words. I also find Suga wanting to know “the tea” on the situation to be adorable.

AND FINALLY, YES, Y’ALL:

I was spoiled with Kuroo’s return, but seriously, Furudate, you saved him for the end here so INTENTIONALLY.

Because OF COURSE Kuroo would work for the JVA. As a promoter. CONNECTING people...with Volleyball...because that’s the Nekoma way.

And FURUDATE ARE YOU SUGGESTING TO US THAT KUROO AND KENMA ARE BUSINESS PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS BECAUSE MY KUROKEN HEART IS SOARING --

-- and let it be known Atsumu Miya rightfully doesn’t trust Kuroo, and neither does Sakusa. A nice SakuAtsu crumb where we actually see Sakusa agree with Miya without sacrasm or question! Poor Shoyo is a salesman’s dream, though. I mean, Kuroo does look a little sketchy in some of those shots...BUT....

6. Kuroo’s speech about sports was SO fitting. Seriously, everything he says here is BASICALLY what makes Haikyuu!! such a great series. I DID laugh out loud at the line about “hardly anybody dies.”

*Flashbacks to “Dead Daichi” meme*

5. It’s taken us the ENTIRE series, but Kageyama finally talks to Kindaichi and Kunimi. This was so heartwarming, seeing Kageyama wanting to play WITH THEM. AS A TEAM. This made my heart expand three sizes. The character development on Kageyama, and Kindaichi, is through the roof.

I also LOVE Kunimi the most in these panels. Kunimi is a MOOD.

Y’ALL. I’VE WAITED 400 CHAPTERS FOR THIS PANEL OF THESE THREE HAPPY AND BECOMING FRIENDS AGAIN.

4. I love that Hoshiumi doesn’t see Hinata as a Rival, but as someone that is going to help him show the rest of the world the strength of someone who doesn’t have height. I also find it interesting that we see the Japanese Olympic Coach walking out just as Hoshiumi gives us that beautiful gaze. So...does Hoshiumi know he’s going to be on the Olympic team, with Hinata, maybe? Foreshadowing, perhaps?

3. Okay, okay, I held it together until this page.

It wasn’t Ushijima’s panel with Washijo that got me.

It wasn’t Saeko and Akane reuniting, though that was sweet.

It wasn’t the three “Pure Captains” reuniting, though it made my heart happy.

It honestly wasn’t the five first years together, either. They’re all so happy and having a laugh at Kageyama’s expense, and as beautiful as that panel is.

SUGAWARA IN LINE TO GET KAGEYAMA’S AUTOGRAPH.

That is what got me.

Him in line, so meekly, to get the autograph of his kouhai, the man Suga joked would have to tell about how much he learned from HIM when he was giving out interviews and autographs...I just...Sugawara made me cry. That is all.

2. Then there’s this last page. 2021.

"We overcame difficulties and stand here.”

Furudate really said “screw you” to Covid messing up the timeline.

Yes, seeing Kageyama and Hinata in their original jersey numbers was amazing, but I think we all saw that coming if these two happened to get on the Olympic team.

What I want to focus on are the two countries we see included in the bottom corner here. We see:

Brazil -- and some fluffy haired man carrying the flag for the team.

And we see the United States -- there’s several American Flags and stars and stripes on the shirts of the crowd, there.

SO, HEADCANON TIME:

* Oikawa was on the Argentinean League, so could he play for Brazil? It’s not likely, but not impossible....BUT, I don’t think that’s it.

I don’t think Oikawa is on Japan’s National Team for the Olympics.

If he is on the Olympic Team, I think he’ll be on America’s.

Why? Because, and this could be because I’m the biggest IwaOi shipper, but Iwaizumi was still in the United States with Ushijima’s father at the end of Chapter 395. And if he’s still there, there is no reason why Iwaizumi couldn’t be a physical trainer alongside Ushijima’s father for the U.S. Olympic team. And why wouldn’t Oikawa trek over to the States to be on the same team as Iwa-Chan’s working with? I’m probably wrong, BUT --

We also still need to see Seijoh’s banner, and as others have theorized, how fitting would it be to see Hinata, Kageyama, and (probably) Ushijima on the team facing Oikawa? I just....I’m betting money that Oikawa shows up in 402. I hope we at least see him on the Olympic Stage. OIKAWA DESERVES IT.

1. So, who are we missing that hasn’t been shown yet?

We still need to see the rest of Nekoma (Lev, Yaku, Yamamoto, Kai....could they be in the stands or on the Japan team? I guess we’ll find out!)

We haven’t seen Daishou and Mika -- I would love to see them watching or narrating in the audience during the Olympic game.

And finally, yes, we’ve seen Tendo in the Chapter 395 flashback, but we’ve never seen what he’s DOING. Furudate has shown us with every character what they’ve been doing since the timeskip....EXCEPT TENDO. I’m calling it that he’ll appear one more time next chapter, too.

So....guys....I’m staying off of Social Media from Wednesday to Sunday next week, to prep for the last chapter and not be spoiled. I’m going to do a live reaction for YouTube, and I’ll post it here. You can see the one I did for 401 now.

Furudate, this series has been immaculate. Time for one more round.

Let’s all cry together next week.

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