ChartreuseGreen Reviews

The Advisors Alliance (2017– )

Tiger head, snake tail

[7/10 · 21 May 2023]

As the Chinese saying goes, 'tiger head, snake tail'--it started strong and fizzled out. The first season was very well written, with great lines and well-rounded characters. I really enjoyed it. The second season dragged on and on, and the last four episodes were almost unbearable to watch. I don't know what happened, maybe the writer got bored or lost his muse or something, but the series definitely deserved a better ending. On top of everything, Wu Xiubo's performance as an old man was unbelievably cringey. He seemed to think old age meant only disheveled hair, a hunched back and slow speech. Perhaps he should've taken lessons from Ni Dahong who played an 81 years old man brilliantly in 'Ming Dynasty 1566'.

But however bad the second season was, i didn't have the heart to give the series a lower rating because the first season is really worth watching. 7/10*

Ru Yi (2012)

Low-brow soap opera

[3/10 · 21 May 2023]

Unfortunately, there's not a single likeable character in this story. Expect all the possible clichés of the genre, ridiculous plot twists and most annoying, dislikable and gullible characters who make the stupidest decisions and have the most cringey lines you've ever heard.

Throughout the show the title character either cries or pouts with moist eyes of wounded deer, and thinks everything is her fault, although it isn't. By episode 25 it becomes too unbearable to watch.

I haven't read the book this is based on, but the script is so bad and full of plot holes that the script writer should probably quit the industry and start breeding goats instead.

In conclusion, if you're not a fan of Yang Mi, Hawick Lau or any other actor/actress in the show, don't waste your time on this.

The Taste of Rice Flower (2017)

Flawed, but worth watching

[8/10 · 8 September 2018]

I love movies set in rural China. The scenery is usually breathtaking and the various customs and traditions are fascinating. And from this point of view, "The Taste of Rice Flower" didn't disappoint.

Set in a small Dai village along the Sino-Burmese border, the movie tackles a sensitive subject, China's left-behind children. It tells about the fractured relationship between a migrant worker and her left-behind daughter. The story is simple, quiet and slow-paced, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Dai's rich and colorful culture.

However, although the movie had some poignant moments, in the end i felt it lacked something. It wasn't emotionally engaging enough. That being said, do give it a chance though, it's still well worth watching.

The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan (2008)

Very entertaining, but not for everybody movie

[9/10 · 8 September 2018]

This is a lighthearted, fun movie with some great fight scenes and a really cute story. Of course, if you're not Korean some gags will fly over your head, but that's ok, there's plenty to laugh at.

However, if slapstick comedy is not your cup of tea, you'd better skip this and watch something else. But if you like Buster Keaton / Mel Brooks / Stephen Chow with a Korean twist, then this movie is for you. And you're in for a real treat.

Liu Ru shi (2012)

Gorgeous but sterile movie

[4/10 · 28 May 2018]

Almost everything about this movie was gorgeous--the sets, the costumes, the cinematography, the lighting, and Regina Wan. Unfortunately, the story was totally void of emotions and the lack of chemistry between the main actors was painful to watch. And the saddest part--you'll learn more about Liu Rushi from Wikipedia than you ever will from "Threads of Time". All in all, i would recommend this movie only to Regina Wan fans.