Is there Justice in the Cycle of Violence?

This drama impressed me far more than I could have imagined. Aligning with my expectations about military settings, I witnessed an abundance of male hierarchy and power plays. It is beyond unfortunate that such abuse/lateral violence occurred and, sadly, were sanctioned on some level through complacency and indifference. What I appreciated about this drama was that it was short (but not sweet!) as the portrayed violence can only be digested so much by the viewer before vicarious trauma becomes debilitating.

We see how the need to survive such intense environments results in the degradation of others. This is not new but once in awhile a drama like this comes along to remind us that every soldier has a story that warrants understanding and compassion. Even the bullies have their own stories that shaped them into perpetrators of violence. Violence begets violence. It has a beginning somewhere. At the same time, we are also reminded that aggression/violence is still a choice, as the ML, having witnessed domestic violence his whole life, chose a different way to cope.

The various stories were shared in a simple, linear fashion, culminating in one explosive ending. The OST was inserted at heartbreaking moments to amplify the stories. And, when kindness was shown, it was a triumph for the human spirit and gave hope to the dark moments.

Lastly, for the grandma in episode four, I want to hug her and tell her that somewhere flowers are blooming. With enough love and nurturance, we all can do our parts to keep the flowers blooming… Let’s remember to be kind to others. Be kind to ourselves. Thank you for this great drama.

Read More

I have always been here, waiting and watching...

"Sirius-ly," where did you come from? You must know that you are one of the most beautiful people in the world. At first glance, I confess, I find you super cute and adorable. But when I slow down and admire all your parts together, you are incredibly magnetic and handsome and I feel almost shy just looking at you and the thoughts that come to mind. Something about you… Perhaps it is the character you portrayed and the way you embraced the deepest angst of love and lost. Or, maybe it is your ability to withstand such enduring anguish, all for the sake of loyalty and hope. And, the quiet ways that you protect your love, even in the darkest moments, is purely remarkable. I know it kills you over and over when you have to hurt those you love, when you cannot protect your love. You are beautiful and I find myself completely attracted to you. To have known your love through this drama, I am forever changed.

So, it has been about a month now since I finished the drama but time was absolutely necessary to digest everything.

Every now and then, there comes an experience, a collection of moments that completely takes me by surprise, on so many different levels, that when it’s all over, I know I will never be the same again. Specifically, I am referring to The Wolf. Now, this is not the greatest love story out there. But, IMO, it is definitely one of my favorites. Too often, when I am watching a drama, I am barely moved. In truth, I am easily bored. Perhaps it is because of my line of work and my high tolerance for extreme emotions and different facets of humanity. However, with this drama, through all its lightness and darkness, I was profoundly affected. I am talking ‘skin tingling, all my senses on alert’ affected. I was fully engaged. The light moments are far and few but ever so sweet and endearing. The dark moments are abusive and rather toxic, and probably not to everyone’s liking. For example, there is a scene where the ML is overcome with his desire for the FL. For some, the scene could illicit rage or trauma but I found it highly charged with underlying sexual tension deeply rooted from his frustration to have and to hold. Disturbing, yet beautiful at the same time. Not all love stories are neatly wrapped in perfection and this one has many flaws. But the story telling is so mesmerizing and intoxicating that I was addicted to the experience. I lost myself in the intensity of the unspoken chemistry between the two main characters. Every scene they are together is pure magic. When it was over, I felt a sense of loss and abandonment and I was quickly missing the characters. But, it was such a long journey for everyone, including myself, so the ending was appropriate. All the major players did an amazing job, especially the ML. I could not have imagined a better actor for this role. His rugged look made his character believable. No pretty boy here. My only disappointment was not seeing him actually transform into a wolf.

In sum, this love story is not all ‘sunshine and roses,’ as it dares to expose the vulnerabilities and multiple shades of longing and lust. If you tolerate that love is not perfect and that it can be laced with unimaginable pain and heartaches, give this a try. From gorgeous views of majestic mountain backdrops to the incredible melodies of the soundtrack, I cannot speak highly enough of this drama. I wholeheartedly recommend.

Read More

Look for the turtle…

Just okay. But then again, it’s because I’m not new to this field of work. So, I definitely have different expectations. It’s akin to my being picky when I eat out at Asian restaurants. I just know what it’s supposed to taste like so I can say my judgment is rather biased.

Trust me, everything was way too predictable. But, maybe that’s because I know what to look for? Btw, I understand it’s a drama and I must give allowances for quick settlements of cases. I get that. But, despite all that, many simple things were just not believable. The FL suddenly a cop? No forewarning that she was seeking that route… She seemed content to stick with her day job then suddenly she’s an officer?! I can’t recall if she ever handled a gun before that! Her innocent demeanor changed not one bit. I didn’t buy it. One would think because of her new line of work, she’d evolve into more of a badass as the series continued but no, she was just as weak and useless. Her countenance never changed throughout the story. Just flat. Then, too often, they all would show up at stings without any safety gear??? Really? You’re tagging along with the SWAT team and you are in a dress/skirt?! Oh, and the lack of chemistry between her and the ML. Goodness, I know it’s not a romance novel but still! Wallace Huo is handsome. Don’t get me wrong but there was just no palpable chemistry between the leads. Anyway, I digress. Simply put, there were just too many plot holes to name. Oh, and the bad acting with the Americans. The dialogues between the languages were excruciating.

In all honesty, if this is your first experience with something like this, I can see it might be intriguing/thrilling. But, if you’ve watched enough dramas, you’ll come to expect many repeated themes and storylines in similar genres. Ultimately, it’s all about how the unique story is told. In this case, especially towards the end, the story unraveled hastily and was just too much. What’s with the alternate lenses? Made no sense. Whatever the case, regardless of the storyline and scene planning, characters should be dynamic, exciting, likable. Sadly, I was mostly bored and everything was just unremarkable. But, I loved Yin Zheng and Wang Kai. I mostly stayed for them. And, the little turtle.

The last shot was not surprising… I love their implication but Dissociative Identity Disorder is extremely rare. Sure; I’ll believe it. But not enough to endure another round. Certainly not with the FL. Cringe. Did I mention she was blah?! Anyway, I’m glad to be done and to give my two cents. In sum, it’s way over-rated. Again, if you’re new to this genre, you will find it interesting enough but it did nothing for me. Still I do hope others will give it a try and enjoy it. Btw, if you’re interested in this stuff, then read John Douglas’ many publications. He’s a retired special agent and is one of the first criminal profilers.

Read More

Mindfulness Viewing

Each. And. Every. Time.
I return again to this story like it’s my go-to comfort food. It feeds my soul. My visual therapy.

This time, I am sharing some thoughts... Throughout the story, I always find myself smiling secretly, as if I have been recruited into some enlightened society composed of those who have seen this and “get it.”

We all enter this world alone but we can seek solace in our loneliness together. Framed within a background where humanity reawakens and redevelops throughout various epochs and where history has an active opportunity to shape the future is an intriguing storyline. This story irrevocably wakes up something in me and I am left craving more to understand the purpose of my actions and the courage to accept the consequences.

In all honesty, if it is the last story I ever know, I would accept it as fate and I would be completely satisfied. At its core, it is a deep love story. Love of life. Love of everything that makes us whole. Even the layers of sinister plots are balanced beautifully with the lighthearted ways the story unfolds. The ML is not perfect and I understand he is more of a realist in the novel version, but the noble tenets of friendship and loyalty are still solid and worthy of note. Also, his jovial demeanor is a great coping strategy and is a reminder we must remember to be light. To laugh often. These years are short. Let us live.

Season 2, please come soon. I admit that I miss this stellar masterpiece. It is a story I would keep forever in my heart if I had to survive somewhere as I could live on the courage, hopes, and dreams of this young man. Let us inspire great things. Life is indeed better with Joy of Life in it.

Right now. Smile. You know you have arrived when you suddenly have a sense that this story has profoundly changed you in some way. Welcome…

Read More