Where to begin with this movie... I felt odd after it ended to be honest. The movie itself had a beginning, middle and end and the end was actually pretty solid for an action/fantasy movie to me at least. Afterwards though it felt lackluster, perhaps more or less from my own hype train of, "It's Kris Wu!! It's a movie about enlightenment and demon hunting!! Of course it will be good!!"

I did not watch any other adaptations or the original film, but this is a pretty straight forward sequel. Tang Zeng (Kris Wu) is a buddhist monk attempting to achieve full enlightenment, including but not limited to the use of the "Buddha's hand", a move that can even stop the all powerful Monkey King (Lin Geng Zin), along with the two olther companions "Piggy" (Pig God/King) and "Sandy" (Fish God/king). They attempt to move through a fantasy landscape in order to find the sutras 'in the west' in order for them to achieve enlightement. However, there's some demons, kings, and romantic situations in between taking them off course.

I found all the character's enjoyable to watch, and not overbearing. The cast is well rounded with evil and good characters, characters with plot twists that aren't 100% readable, as well as some backstory and depth to them. The most engaging part is the emphasis between Tang Zeng and the Monkey King's relationship. The developments won't have you in tears, but you will smile when all is revealed. Lin Yun's character, while late in the story and appearance rather brief is really striking as well in more ways then one. I was pleasantly  surprised with her delivery and chemistry with the rest of the cast.  Some of the CGI effects are both good, and bad. The more subtle usage is excellent and works well. Some of the more extreme usages of it are overbearing. However, there is a healthy mix of both so it doesn't affect my overall score of the film. And there are comedy elements in the film to balance out the action and more serious scenes, a few of them even got me to chuckle.

The music to me, didn't really add or subtract to the overall story. In fact, I don't remember much of it at all. And due to my opinion of a 'lackluster' ending, my rewatch value is low. The movie isn't deep enough in plot that I feel compelled to watch again, and the action scenes while engaging in first watch are interesting, overall didn't really stun me.

An okay movie to pass the time with in my opinion. If you're a fan of any of the actors or actresses listed, this would be a solid film to watch inbetween some of their masterpieces.

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If you're not familiar with Xiao Hong's life story, and her writings (The Feild of Life and Death, or Death of Mistress Wang) this story is going to go over you head. This is a film where you should have some background knowledge before watching, although if you give it a shot without it's a whirlwind of a drama once you get past the pacing.

The story is the true life story of Xiao Hong the writer, and for as unbelievable as the her life seems; it's 100% true. The chronological order is accurate, as well as names and locations for where critical moments take place. While the pacing is slow, it helps respect the duration of Xiao Hong's life, which was a very brief 35 years of life.

Acting, was honestly a mixed bag in my opinion. A lot of the scenes were well done, if not a little too bland where it seemed where I looking at people on the street verses actors or actresses. The intimacy scenes, sexual and non-sexual are very dramatically rendered, some of them too much so. If you have historical background in China, you'll understand why. Of course, there were a few scenes where I did tear up. More towards the end after you start to care for the characters, but touching where I did cry despite not being a crier.

The music was unnoticeable, at least to me. And I doubt I'll be rewatching this since I had to watch it for class and a bit longer then my current tastes.

If you're a fan of Xiao Hong, you should give this movie a shot. Even if you're not a fan of her, this movie while slow is worth the build up.

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I watched 'Limit' since it was a recommended short 'spooky' series to watch to get into the halloween spirit. From the poster, plot synopsis, and eventually the first episode; I was hooked. I managed to marathon the entire series in two days.

The plot is rather simple; a group of 30 students and 2 teachers are set to go on a school trip. Unfortunately, due to a series of circumstances on the fault of both the school and bus company an accident ensues and only 5 students are alive, and stranded in the woods of Shizuoka where they are pushed to all their 'limits'. It's more psychological then gore, and more survival story then survival of the fittest.

I was hooked from episode one. It's paced rather quickly, but not overwhelmingly so. The short episodes cover a lot of ground in 30 minutes but rarely does it leave loose ends. If you're not careful, you'll miss certain details that will come back into the story.

The actors and casting was PERFECT. The mixed appearances, backgrounds really add a lot of depth and variety to the show where it could have been rather stale. I really couldn't have asked for a better cast. I rarely get hooked from acting alone (usually plot or a single actor/actress) but this series had it all. The actual setting/set they used was excellent as well.

The music was alright. They had good mood music, but nothing memorable.

Like a lot of reviews I leave; I'm not a huge re-watcher. But this series since it's so short and packs a punch I'd consider re-watching.

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The stroy is pretty simple a trio of three friends have long since admired a Western style house. When the house is put on the market for 3 million yen, they team up and decide to buy it. It comes with one condition that they take care of Rikimaru, who thye believe is the Chow-chow from their childhood that would bark at them. When the former housekeeper comes in though, they realize that it's not quite that simple.

Overall, for such a short special, two 25 minutes episodes, it's okay. It's not long enough to really develop a solid plot with conflict and character development. It is short and sweet and worth spending an hour of your time watching. While the roles were not difficult characters, the ladies of Perfume prove the do have some capabilities in acting. (I say this as a fan of Perfume, but also someone who knows difficult roles verses easy ones.)

The music wasn't there aside from the ending theme, and even that was so-so. Overall, a solid 6 from me. Not something I'll be skipping other dramas to re-watch, but I wouldn't mind doing so with a friend who hasn't seen it.

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Due to a Halloween themed drama article, I started watching 'Sailor Zombie' to get into the spirit of the season. Over the course of three days, I managed to clear the entire series and for an AKB48 production surprisingly it wasn't that bad.

The story is centered around a group of high school girls, a few teachers, and one small family of three living in the high school after the zombie apocalypse happens. The girls face being killed not only on the outside, but the inside as well. Of course, being trapped in school there's a lot of internal drama as well. The story actually had a lot of minor details done right that lead from one plot point to another really well. If you can get past some of the cringe (too many inserted moments of the little boys flipping their skirts), and the side tracked episode 4, you'll be pretty intrigued by the drama as a whole.

I don't remember anyone's names, but the acting by everyone was really well done. It wasn't cringe-y, and it wasn't unwatchable as whole. The main members for the drama that were chosen did well, and actually looked like they were acting. Just mostly ignore their narrator counterparts. Part of me understood the cheesy intros and part of me wished they weren't there at all.

The music is fun to listen too, and isn't all AKB stuff. It's rather quirky once you see and hear the 'magic' song.

The major fault of this was the ending. I hated it, it was not satisfactory at all considering the build up it had and the potential. I wasn't expecting it to be completely concluded with no loose ends, but the ending they chose and how they framed it was beyond disappointing. That sapped my re-watch value completely for this series.

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"Lies" is a short film (15 minutes) that tells the story of a designer, and who you are lead to believe is his interpreter and translator. As the interview continues, you learn this is not exactly the case and why it's so powerful.

Bessho, and (I believe) Ozaki Ai, are completely complementary to one another. Bessho plays the part of an eclectic if not semi-violent in inspiration designer. The tone of his voice, against Ozaki's shows a stark contrast between man and women, but their two viewpoints as well. Ozaki has slow build up in her delivery of translation/interpretation, and the cut scenes elaborating her role will leave you wanting more.

Musically, not much going on therefore the low score. The rewatch value is high since it's so short and well delivered. Overall, if you're looking for something to just have a good 'oh' moment without watching a plot drag on forever; "Lies" is it.

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To be 100% honest, I was not expecting this movie to be as good as it is. I was honestly surprised that both Takeru from SuG was in the lead role and Kiriyama Renn was a supporting actor. That and that fact that SCREW a real life Visual Kei (VKei) band makes a cameo in the beginning of the film.

The story is a bit bland and kinda typical for a music based movie. It the basic struggles of a niche, session band looking to sign a label contract and the struggles they face. Pretty readable, pretty basic, not a new thing. However the concept of only one member of a band being sought out (headhunting) is 100% accurate in the world of VKei so that was a pleasant surprise to featured and featured accurately.
I didn't care for the sub-plot romance between Aki and Nanami, it was honestly just filler for me. Otherwise, the plot is pretty solid and doesn't drag out too much.

Seeing Takeru from SuG acting here was AMAZING. He did a lot better then expected/I was led to believe by previous comments and such. It's no wonder that he ended up taking half a dozen cameo roles later on. Kiriyama Renn as support helped flesh out the cast, especially since there wasn't too much for the other characters to really develop on.

Of course, the music if you're a VKei fan is EXCELLANT. Love the sound track so much, so glad that they let Takeru sing for real.

Since it's so short, I might rewatch, might not. Watching it in 11 parts on youtube was not an easy feat. xD

Overall, if you like VKei or specifically SCREW or SuG; you should watch. If you're curious about the VKei world, this movie isn't a bad introduction to it either. For being relatively simple of a premise, it was a short easy watch for any drama fan.

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Oh man here we go; mostly watched the second season (the first is called Innocent Lilies, watch it first) so I could get more Moga in my life. It went slightly better then expected.

We see Moga and Eimi continue on after their misadventures in the first season. They happen to be helping out Rina, who, surprise is also a White Witch from a different academy. The 'black' witches arrive, and declare not war, but superiority over the white witches and capture Rina. For some reason, a mysterious red suited man appears to assist Moga in a time of crisis.

Again, you can almost 100% read this plot like the first season. But it's still very much worth a watch if you liked the first season and looking for something to numb your mind a bit. Again, the acting isn't great, but definitely better then Season I. The fight choreography got even better, which is a plus (still cheesy at parts though).

The episodes are a touch longer (on average 20 minutes an episode), but the season is shorter (only 5 episodes). The plot, while not as strong as the original, was tacked on nicely and works out without too many kinks. The black witches, and other new characters aren't idols but actual actresses/actors which allows a more stable flow of scenes and direction.

The music, is recycled from the first season, aside from a new song you'll hear.

Again, this isn't a serious drama. This isn't something you're going to be raving to your friends about. But it's worth a watch if you liked the first season. It's worth a watch if you need something to numb you're brain about. It's cute, it's dramatic, and I, despite the low rating, enjoyed it.

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I literally never cry during movies and dramas. I never cry, even if the entire theatre is. This drama had me crying in episodes 3, and 6 it was that powerful.

I was told this drama is a true tear jerker, and that to proceed with caution. I ended up marathoning it in two days.

It's a rather simple story of highschool sweethearts, through their ups, downs, and all sorts of other events, persisting through it all. This drama will have you rooting for people, crying, even hating a few people. It has it all.

I didn't like the pacing, it was REALLY fast since it's only 6 episodes. Be prepared for significant, but marked, time skips. And be prepared for about 2-3 drama moments per episode that will have you crying your heart out.

I was hesitant to start watching, but I'm so glad I finished it. I will most likely be rewatching in the future with friends, and a tissue box handy.

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Where to begin with this... If you're looking for something short, sweet, filled with the girls from Dempagumi.inc, and a lot of fan service up until about episode 4 or 5, this is your drama. This is not a drama for those looking for a good story/plot/acting; it's just for fun. And really more or less aimed at Dempagumi.inc's fans. (Fair warning: It's completely shot in the male gaze.) I started watching based on this ( http://mydramalist.com/article/2016/10/13/30-minutes-or-less-horror-comedy-halloween-edition ) article recommendation. Plus I have a soft spot for idols (especially in this case Moga), and seeing the first season is about an hour worth of time total to watch; why not?

I went in with low expectations, and well, it was about what I expected. The plot is kinda simple, girls who have varied troubled pasts (we're talking a lot of exploitation, bullying issues here) are recruited to Shiromajo Gakuen (White Magic School) in order to become an all powerful 'White Witch'. Of course, all is not what it seems and from there, it turns vaguely into something akin to Battle Royale with magical powers. You can guess (and be correct) about the entire plot by the end of episode 1. It's pretty choppy in delivery too, but it gets the job done.

To be honest; it's a sub par filler drama. The acting isn't great since the main characters are all from Depagumi.inc; they're singers over actors. Although, like I said, I really like Moga and her character here. From what I can tell it was all their first time trying a drama, and a mini drama wasn't a terrible start. The three full fledged witches are all minor talents who didn't have much traction. Kasumi's actress is actually pretty solid, and fleshed out her character as best she could.

The music was all right. The opening and ending are sung by, you guessed it; Dempagumi.inc . The rest of the audio tracks are alright, although the 'witch activation' affects are overdone.

It's not a good drama overall to be completely honest. If you're looking for something a little mind-numbing or you need a drama series to counter act a binge horror watch; this would be it.

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