S. Yue Michaelis

A thousand years since the battle between the demons and heavens took place, the souls of the Star of Mosha and the God of War are sent to the mortal realm to serve penance.

In the mortal realm, Chu Xuan Ji, daughter of the Shaoyang Sect Leader, is deprived of her six senses. At a tournament, she meets Yu Si Feng, a skilled disciple of Lize Palace who was born on the same day as her, and the two develop a friendship. Promising to meet again, Si Feng returns to his sect where he is punished for breaking the rules and forced to wear a mask that could potentially harm his life, while Xuan Ji leaves her home to train in martial arts.

Four years later, their destinies intertwine anew. While traveling together, recovered memories from their past lives surface, revealing secrets and conspiracies involving themselves and the three realms; demon, heavenly, and mortal. These revelations have a profound impact on their relationship, creating an imbalance in all three realms.

(Source: linfifi8 at MyDramaList- 2020)


I am finally done 😫 While I liked the first episodes, it got super draggy and several events made me roll my eyes. Still, I think this is the 2nd of the 3rd xianxias I've watched so far... better than Eternal Love but worst than Ashes of Love.

My own comparison to Ashes of Love:

- Female Lead: both are lacking in senses but XuanJi seemed more naive and innocent while JinMi looked like a psycho. By far XuanJi is the best one, she can actually fight, she is the God Of War for God's sake, she protects SiFeng like 90% of the times, and her "stabbing" wasn't as insulting as JinMi's. While both are manipulated and gaslighted by other people, XuanJi's situation was more understandable because the others wanted to use her and what better than to guilt-tripping her? JinMi's was just unforgivable. Also, while both of them didn't "feel" anything, XuanJi actually "felt" something for SiFeng, an affinity, friendship, etc. JinMi's supposedly curse was not to fall in love, but it seemed like she actually couldn't feel a thing... XuFeng could die before her eyes and she wouldn't even blink. I think Yuan Bing Yan (XuanJi) was better actress than Yang Zi.. YangZi just had to look pretty with tons of make-up,  while Yuan Bing Yan was able to portray the innocent and the resentful GOW at the same time (with a very natural make-up).

- Male Lead: both are "Feng" and have beautiful, golden wings <3 tbh, SiFeng got on my nerves most of the times and I could never really liked him. A hero with a victim/martyr complex? Nah. He didn't care even for his life, as long as XuanJi lived. Bad guys could get away because SiFeng was so forgivable. He was never angry, impatient, resentful... his character was to love Xuanji, unconditionally, only. And of course, to vomit blood every episode. In this case, XuFeng wins by far, being a ML with many flaws (spoiled, resentful, fun, naughty); and while he also loves JinMi unconditionally, when she betrays him, he resents her; when she is being a pain, he rolls his eyes; when she was being silly, he teased her... that's what I liked in their romance. I also didn't like most of the times the make-up on SiFeng... 90% of the times his eyebrows were awful, not to mention his lips either full of blood, or totally white.

- Romance: saccharine and dramatically sweet in L&R; playful and dramatically sweet in AOL; the big plus in L&R is that there is no RunYu; the big plus in AoL is that they have a whole arc of being sweet and romantic with no rivals at all (except a bit of SuiHe but she loses very soon :D) I think there was more chemistry between the leads in AoL than in L&R.

- Supporting Characters: both have good supported friends and awful villains. In L&R we have several, like Teng She (who provides the comedic relief), the merman, brother Liu, and Wu ZhiQi was underdeveloped, or he would have been amazing too. And Purple Fox was the voice of reason! Demon Lord was so good I wished he was the main character :( I really disliked LingLong, she was so annoying and I couldn't understand why MinYan would love her, but she loved her sister and her own story was so painful and it made me cry :( It made me crazy to read comments in Viki saying Linglong had all the fault.. the fault to being RAPED? Because that is what that disgusting WuTong did.. he RAPED her. I hated him the most grrr. So the 2nd couple is much better in L&R, the 2nd couple in AoL was boring and I just wanted Muci to die, but the princess was so good :(

- Villains: honestly the villains in L&R were disgusting. WuTong was the most repulsive of all of them; Bailin the most disgusting of all but as manipulative as RunYu was anyway, the sect leaders were all stupid and useless, and worst of all, most of these villains do not get what they deserved. I honestly couldn't believe that that asshole Bailin made a mess of everything for more than 50 episodes, thought he was right (like a Nazi) and in the final episode, realizes he was wrong, has a minor punishment while all his men cry. Whut. The sect leaders were all manipulative and behave awfully with Sifeng, and then you have them in the final episode cheering for SiFeng and XuanJi, all good friends... Whut.

- OST: the good thing about xianxia, as far as I can see, is their OST. L&R has an excellent OP song but the ED is even better. But my favorite of all of their soundtrack is "Love Like Colored Glass" by Zhou Shen. So beautiful and moving. Nevertheless, there would be no song that would beat Sa DingDing in the near future. This song is just THE BEST, period. Besides, AoL has songs performed by YangZi and Deng Lun, beautiful songs too.

- Plot: there is no winner in this. I love that AoL had 3 arcs, but I also like that L&R was mostly in Human Realm. Both of them had very draggy parts and a better first half than second half, and both of them have very nice CGI. Both of them could have been at least 10 episodes shorter.

Shunichi Minami (Taishi Nakagawa) possesses good looks and does well academically in high school. Chiyomi Horikiri (Maika Yamamoto) is a bright girl who likes dancing. They were childhood friends and also their first loves, but after Shunichi Minami’s father disappeared they hardly talk. On a storming night, Chiyomi Horikiri has an argument with her parents over her future course and leaves home. While trying to avoid the rain, Chiyomi Horikiri wishes that she go back to her childhood. Suddenly, Chiyomi becomes 15 cm. tall. Shunichi Minami happens to see tiny Chiyomi Horikiri. She tells him that she doesn't want anyone else to see her and Shunichi Minami takes her his home. (asianwiki-2015)


This was a cute drama, very old-feeling in spite of being just 5-6 years old. It may have been the setting? The romance was cute; started a bit meh but by episode 2 I was rooting for the leads. Chiyomi was the cutest one-inch princess ever! I wanted to keep her in my pocket too. As for Minami-kun, he starts as a tsundere but he is very kind and cares for Chiyomi.

Ep08 is where things went a bit downhill for me. First, the male rival for Minami, the male friend in love with Chiyomi. How creepy and weird is that he made a figurine out of Chiyomi?? And having it in his pocket?? What a weirdo. At least the female rival, Nomura, was bold and went straight for what she wanted. True, she may be TOO forward, but at least she wasn't a creep. I also didn't like that most girls were in love with Minami... even Chiyomi's sister??

Even though there were some unnecesary dramas, like Minami's father + Chiyomi's parents + Minami's accident, it was a cute drama.

Xiao Yan is a genius child who suddenly loses all his powers.
In a world governed by strength and power, Xiao Yan’s lack of talent is an embarrassment to his family. At the age of 15, Xiao Yan accidentally summons Yao Lao (Baron Chen) from his mother’s ring. With the elder’s help, Xiao Yan’s skills improve by leaps and bounds.
After his entire family is assassinated, Xiao Yan embarks on a journey to find his family’s killer and return peace to the Jianghu (martial world). ~~ Adapted from the xianxia novel Battle Through the Heavens written by Tian Can Tu Dou (MDL-2018)


BOORIIING.

I watched for real 15 episodes or so, which is the 1st part and the part where Xiao Zhan has the "most" scenes". I say "most" because his role is super tiny... his X-NINE members, which are 3, have a lot more of scenes than him, and his character was a lot cooler, but sadly, very misused.

There were 2 reasons I watched this: one is of course, Xiao Zhan; and the other, some reviews/comments were saying this was the Chinese Harry Potter. Well, let me tell you that is bulls**t. Nothing far from the truth. The Academy... what was the reason for that? They barely had classes, the "teachers" didn't teach anything and didn't even care for the students; and there wasn't any scholar interaction or anything.

The MC, Xiao Yan, was one of the most unlikable MC I've ever watched in such a long show... there wasn't any character development, and in spite of my complaining of weak shounen characters at the beginning of their stories, at least there was something to look forward, unlike this Xiao Yan who was the best from almost the very beginning. He had everything served to him, from his Master to some powers. He was the Best of the Best, could fight, could heal, could fly, etc, etc. BORING.

Also, this is a harem... there are 3 girls who are more or less romantically linked with him. The possible wife, the almost wife, and the should-be-the-wife. Eye-rolling. Can't believe Li Qing was one of the most annoying characters in this drama... I couldn't stand her loud character.

There are many characters, but the bad thing is that, many characters seem they would have a stronger role, only to disappear like nothing. Like the Snake Queen. The guy in the blond, stiff wig. Like Lin Xiu Ya. Speaking of wigs, there were the worst I've ever seen in my life... the cheapest and most lifeless wigs. There were many awful hairdos, and don't let me start with the make-up. Low budget for sure.

Of course I finished it using cheating ways, like fast-forwarding many scenes and using the +10-secs-forward like crazy. I calmed down once Xiao Zhan appeared again which was for like, 2 episodes, for 3 minutes each **facepalm**. Was it worth it? For him? Maybe... he was very good and super good-looking.... Yes, I would watch any crappy show for him, again **sighs**

"Set in Qin Dynasty during the warring states period in ancient China. Shin (Kento Yamazaki) was a war orphan. He has a dream of becoming a great general Shin has a fateful encounter with young King Eisei (Ryo Yoshizawa). King Eisei aims to unify all of China. (asiawiki-2019)"

I was delightfully impressed with this movie, from the plot to the fighting scenes. It may be like 2 hours long, but time flew by, there wasn't any boring scene, it has plenty of action scenes and it was fast paced. I've seen Yoshizawa Ryo in just one drama and I wasn't impressed, but he was the star in this movie (sorry Kento). He wasn't as dead-panned as I remember, or maybe his character just suited him. Yamazaki Kento was good as well, he still needs to get better but I have a soft spot for him. And Kanna... ah well, she is pretty and that's it :) Kanata Hongo is just perfect for cowardly brat type of characters, his sneer is always excellent.

I wish Nagasawa Masami had a bigger role... this movie made me realize she is great for badass-warrior-like roles (but she is also great for silly roles like Dako-chan... she just doesn't suit the cute, romantic, pathetic role).

As someone who has not read the manga nor the plot of the movie, I loved it. I will even re-watch it maybe this weekend. If the budget for the sequel is the same as for this one, I will definitely watch it, since the CGI was excellent, as well as the script and the action scenes.

Otaro Dojima (Kento Yamazaki) works as a popular host. Because of a past incident, he believes that love makes people unhappy. He now only pursues money and power.

A mysterious woman appears in front of Otaro Dojima. The mysterious woman has a pale face with red lips. She kisses him and he dies, but the next moment he regains consciousness. He realizes he is now 7 days in the past. The mysterious woman also follows him. Due to her kiss, Otaro Dojima dies and goes back to the past over and over again. (asiawiki-2018)


A little bit overrated, but still, I found it more interesting than I thought I would. I refused to watch it while it was a hot topic, but after watching "Good Doctor" and being impressed by Yamazaki Kento, I gave this a chance and luckily, it didn't disappoint.

Yes, there are many back and forwards. And Eight-san is an ass, not a very likeable one, and only redeems at the end. But the story was very engaging, I was specially impressed the most by the actress who played Saiko (Kadowaki Mugi). She certainly looks a bit awkward and weird at first, but then you just fall for her uniqueness and lovely smile. Mackenyu did great as a dark character. Araki Yuko is a very stiff actress so far... I don't like her and I think she was picked on her looks only. I mean, this is a very "handsome" drama (the cast is gorgeous) which is one of the reasons I didn't want to give it a chance. But except for her, all the others did great.

The ED didn't catch my attention at all, till I listened to it in the office (I could never paid attention to it during the drama). It is a good song and Suda Masaki has a nice voice.

The ending kind of sucked :( but I still have Parallel to watch, at least.

Kenji (Kentaro Sakaguchi) is a young aspiring movie director. He falls in love with Princess Miyuki (Haruka Ayase) who came from a black‐and‐white movie. (asiawiki-2018)

Visually speaking, this is a gorgeous movie. Vibrant colors in walls, clothes and scenery. The contrast between the black-and-white princess and the colorful real world. Miyuki's clothes, every one of them. Ayase Haruka as a princess, Kenji as a poor director's assistant. The shots of the camera. There is one scene at the beginning of the movie that was filmed from above, and it shows the little made-up town and all the actors in their clothes, and it was simply beautiful.

As for the story, it was a nice, clean romance, with a bit of mystery and heartbreaking moments. I watched it twice in a week and I cried in both occasions. However, it could also be because of Ayase Haruka's tears... she almost always manages to move me with her tears. And she looked amazing as a princess. She had a nice chemistry with Sakaguchi Kentaro (she almost always has a good chemistry with whatever actor she works with), BUT as always, she is terrible in love scenes. She is a like an unreachable princess, cold and stiff in regards to hugs and kisses. Thankfully, it wasn't properly show in this movie, so it didn't bothered me so much.

I though at first that the movie had some plotholes. Like, she has to put make-up on her entire self to disguise her black-and-white self. But she remains colorful even under the rain. However, I noticed that it only rained when she was upset or sad, so maybe the rain was magical like her and couldn't affect her. It isn't explained how she comes to this world, but since it is a fantasy, there is no need for that.

The ending was very sad. I couldn't live like them at all, without touching the one you love. And when they finally do... :(( so sad. Why??? The final scene was just a way to calm our broken hearts :((

Echizen, who is a modest woman, works at a fish cake plant. Instead of keeping a diary, she draws cartoons of "Nakuna, Harachan" on her notebook about her daily life. The main character in her comic, Hara (Tomoya Nagase) then appears in the real world. (asiawiki-2013)



I am going to miss watching "Nakuna, Hara-chan". I am going to miss Akkun, Makihiro, Laughing Old Man, Yuki. I am going to miss listening to their song. This dorama is so full of heart! I loved it, the story and the characters and the soundtrack, and the little town, and everything.

First episode was ok, to me, the weakest one. But Ep. 2 and the next, and the next, were all wonderful. Nagase Tomoya was excellent as Hara-chan. He is, in this drama, like a Japanese Jim Carrey. The way he runs, the way he laughs, the way he smiles... He is handsome but at the same time, goofy, which suits the character. The weakest character, for me, was Echizen-san, or "Kamisama", the mangaka. Not only she was a bit bland (but relatable) but the actress, Aso Kumiko, pouts a lot and I hate pouts.

My other favorite characters were Yuriko (Yakushimaru Hiroko) who reveals something important in the last couple pf episodes, and honestly, this actress can do the best and most heartwarming characters; and Tanaka-san (Maruyama Ryouhei) simply because he, Maru, is the cutest in this dorama. Hmph, I gotta say that all manga-characters were my favorite, they were all so sweet! And all "real people" were also nice, yes, even the stupid brother, played wonderfully by Suda Masaki! He is the best when he plays the most annoying characters.

My favorite episodes were with the manga-characters and their first contact with the world. There was something innocent and sweet in all of these scenes, and the reason why the audience would fall in love with each of them. I loved their thumbs down. And Hara-chan smile :)

The setting was lovely, albeit a bit empty. I wonder if there is a meaning for that. And also, what was the meaning of Tama-chan as a manga-character.

I love the OST. Ending song is by TOKIO, and also the nice melody that plays along the scenes. However, and this may sound strange since it is a children's song, my favorite was "Watashi no Sekai". Mostly because it IS the drama; we hear it in the opening song, but also, Hara-chan and his gang love to sing it when they are happy. The song is a bit like "It's a Small World": it is happy but also sad. It is nostalgic and sweet. The lyrics are meaningful, basically "Just let me be. We are all different. This is my life and that is yours". A bit depressing, but real.

The message of the dorama is to love yourself, to value your existence. To value your friends and family. Manga is a wonderful world, but eventually you have to live your own life. I wouldn't hesitate to re-watch it, who knows, maybe I would even love Ep. 1 as much as I did the rest. A hidden gem.

One day, a beautiful cyborg girl appears in front of a dull university student. Even though the cyborg starts to like him, she can’t truly feel emotions, so the boy has no choice but to say goodbye. Missing her, he continues his lonely existence. One day, a disastrous earthquake hits Tokyo and the cyborg girl saves his life. In that moment, she starts to have feelings like a real human being.

I had this movie in my TBW since a long time ago. I only knew it was a sci-fi and nothing else. I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with it. Yes, it is a sci-fi, but also a romantic comedy with it touching moments.

I am a fan of Ayase Haruka, not only because she can act, but also because of her funny personality. Besides, she is beautiful, and she was perfectly cast as a cyborg. She has a nice body (not too thin) and that hairstyle suits her very well. On the other hand, Koide Keisuke was perfect as Jiro; he is cute, sweet, a bit naive-looking, and there is something about him (his smile, maybe) that makes him attractive in a non-conventional way. He is also a good actor (I loved him as Masami-chan in Nodame Cantabile, and he was excellent too in Gokusen 2). And surprise! the actor who portrayed Maestro Milchy is also in this movie.

The movie begins like a rom-com. In his birthday, Jiro remembers that a year ago, he met a beautiful girl who hung out all night with him. I was confused because I knew that this girl was a cyborg, but she seemed more human than robot. While he was remembering her, and feeling confident to see her again, she suddenly appears. Literally. She appears in the middle of the street, very Terminator like, and saves his life from a shooting. The special effects were very well done, nothing to envy the Hollywood movies.

Jiro then learns that the girl was sent by him in the future, and that he is in charge to make her more human. From that on, the movie turns more a comedy, and Kiritani Kenta was a great supporting comedic actor (he has a funny look and he talks funny :D). Ayase Haruka has some pretty dresses (I fell in love with the pink/purple one) and she looks so beautiful it is not a surprise that Jiro falls for her.

Towards the end it turns more dramatic, and a bit bittersweet. I loved the movie, the soundtrack, the costumes, the cast, everything.