WWW ~ June 2016 Edition

June doesn't have many new dramas premiering, but I think July might just be stuffed full.


Korean:
~ Police Unit 38 AKA Task Force
Empress:  YES. I'm not sure I'll appreciate the premise, but Hello, Monster made me interested in seeing a few more of Seo In Guk's dramas, and his character in this looks pretty delightful. If he's anywhere near as snarky as The Mentalist, I'm in. XD
Ambassador:  Probably at some point because interesting plot + Seo In Guk and Sooyoung.
Unni:  Interesting. But...the list of dramas I want to watch and haven’t is so long, I can’t say I am going to add this one...unless it gets really interesting.


~ Baek Hee has Returned
Empress:  ....possibly if I need something short to watch?
Ambassador:  Nah, family melo isn't my usual style, not even for a mini drama.
Unni:  Mini drama, hmmm this might just be interesting enough and short enough to draw my attention.


~ Doctors
Empress:  I keep insisting to myself that I will not watch this one, having been disappointed by every single medical drama I've tried to watch, but I admit the cast of this one is kinda interesting. Still, nope. XD
Ambassador:  At some point, probably, because while the plot doesn't sound terribly interesting, the trailers do look kind of interesting.  And Park Shin Hye, Yoon Kyun Sang and Kim Min Suk.  So, I'll try it at some point, but it's pretty far down on the list.
Unni:  Interesting, but....then again so many more interesting dramas. I’ll probably skip!


~ Wanted
Empress:  Possibly. It will probably go on my list, and then depend on what reviews seem to say about it. XD
Ambassador:  Possibly.  It sounds like it could be fascinating and somewhat psychological.
Unni:  WOW! OUCH! If it’s not too terribly scary I might have a stab at watching this one.


China:
~ Singing All Along
Empress:  Okay, this sounds pretty interesting. I already feel sorry for Guo Sheng Tong, though. I might put this one on my list.... :)
Ambassador:  Let's see.  Plot + THE REAL HISTORY + Ruby Lin and Justin Yuan/Yuan Hong.  YES, I'M ABSOLUTELY WATCHING IT.
Unni:  Wow! Sounds interesting, and lengthy. I am not sure. I haven’t really thought about jumping into Chinese History.


What is on your June watch list?

Legendary Amazons

Lift head and raise eyebrows imposingly
Don’t be a slave of fate.
Who can confront the Yangs?
How powerful!

Cold moon smiling at frost and snow,
Encourage each other until dawn.
Phoenix born in fires.
Fly high.
Deep yard and high wall,
The wind being heartbroken,

The aroma of love cannot be retained.
Girls in armor,
Fragrance shakes the battlefield.
Forget the mortal feelings.
Endless love spurs me in the battlefield.
Brave heart fears no ups and downs of life.
Lift head and raise eyebrow imposingly.

Don’t be a slave of fate.

Who can confront the Yangs?
How powerful!

Synopsis:
The mothers, aunts and grandmothers of the Yang family are all eagerly preparing for the celebration of Yang Wentai’s 18th birthday.  The rejoicing is cut short when news arrives that Wentai’s father Zongbao, the only remaining adult male of the Yangs, is missing and presumed dead.  The Emperor sends word that Wentai is to finish his father’s job of driving back the invading army of Western Xia. 

But there is no way the women of the family will allow him to go alone.  The men of the Yang Clan might be dead, but the women will still fight.  From Great Grandmother She Saihua all the way down to Wentai’s sister Yang Jinhua, every woman of the Yang clan sets out for the front lines.  Nothing- not corrupt officials, misinformation, overwhelming numbers of the enemy, lack of reinforcements or a diabolical enemy commander- will stand between them and their duty to China and their family.

On the battlefield, the final destiny of the Yang Family will be decided.

Review:
Late one night several months ago, I was tired but not ready to sleep.  I wanted to watch a movie that wouldn’t require a lot of thought, but would be entertaining.  Flipping through a list of Chinese movies, I settled on Legendary Amazons.  I fell asleep 20 minutes into it, but it was so interesting that the next night I went back to the beginning and watched the whole thing straight through... and fell in love with it.  I have now seen the whole thing three times and watched a few favorite parts more than that.

Set at the time of the Song Dynasty in China, when Western Xia was constantly attacking them, it is the story of the semi-legendary Yang family.  According to tradition, they were a Han family who swore allegiance to Song after Northern Han surrendered to Song.  The patriarch of the family, Yang Ye, had seven sons and two daughters.  His sons fought valiantly for Song, but eventually all were killed, along with him.  His grandson Yang Zongbao also fought for Song, the only Yang to carry the banner after the death of his father, grandfather and uncles.  Now, he too, has been killed.  This movie follows the story of the women of the clan, who refuse to allow the great-grandson to go to battle alone.  All of the women are trained warriors and each has a preferred weapon.

It deals with internal conflicts as well as external.  Wenguang is about to charge off into the middle of the enemy ranks.  His mother usurps the marshal’s banner from him, to save him and the troops under his command.  According to Song law, this is a crime punishable by death and only redeemable by the person defeating the enemy.  The entire family is faced with a wrenching decision- which matters more?  Imperial law... or fighting to save their family and stave off the intruders no matter what the consequences?

There was so much that I loved about this movie.  The storyline was fantastic and well written.  The characters were great.  The overarching themes of family, duty and honor were well interwoven with the narrative.  The romance wasn't cheesy or lame or contrived.   The soundtrack fit the storyline superbly.  The costumes were AMAZING.  The armor each woman wore was stunning and so were the cloaks embroidered to match their mail shirts - a different color for each woman.  The red mourning celebratory gowns were GORGEOUS.  each mail shirt is trimmed in a different color or shade of color.  and the flowers on their cloaks match that hue, making it somewhat easier to keep track of each woman on the battlefield.  The wide range of weapons and fighting techniques the women employed were absolutely fascinating to observe.  Shield formations such as Golden-roof Defending and fighting formations like Serpent Sticks Out Tongue and Crescent Moon Formation.  Weapons and traps as diverse as smoke bombs, hot pepper smoke lanterns, brooms sweeping dust into the wind, flashbangs, and stilts.

This movie is about women stepping up to do a job that needed doing; answering the call of their country when they were the only ones left, and doing it magnificently.  What's not to love?

Favorite Scenes:
When father, mother, and son unite against the enemy general.

In the tents after the battles, when they are plotting strategy and Taijun is handing out the orders.

As each female warrior is killed, her name is called out, proving that the Yang women know their warriors well and care about each of them.  




Characters:
This might grow rather long but I want to list most of the main and secondary characters because it can be hard to keep them all straight and when I was watching, I wished there had been a guide.

Taijun (She Saihua) - matriarch of the clan, Yang Ye’s widow, Yanzhao's mother, carries Dragon-Headed Cane
Yang Zongbao - son of Yang Yanzhao and Liuniang, general of Song
Mu Guying - wife of Zongbao, mother of Wenguang and Jinhua -
Yang Wenguang - son of Zongbao and Mu Guying
Yang Jinhua - daughter of Zongbao and Mu Guying - wields a spear
Daniang (Zhou Yunjing) - widow of Taijun's first son - double head spear
Zou Erniang (Zou Lanxiu) - first widow of Taijun's second son - curling dragon bagua broadsword
Geng Erniang (Geng Jinhua) - second widow of Taijun's second son - double hooks
Sanniang (Dong Yue’e) - widow of Taijun's third son - Divine Bow
Siniang (Meng Jinbang) -widow of Taijun's fourth son - Double Hammers
Wuniang (Ma Saiying) - widow of Taijun's fifth son - double iron staffs
Liuniang (Chai Qingyun) - widow of Taijun's sixth son - heart penetrating needle
Qiniang (Huyan Chijin) - widow of Taijun's seventh son - double hand broadsword
Bajie (Yang Yanqi) - Taijun and Yang Ye's oldest daughter - longquan sword
Jiumei (Yang Yanying) - Taijun and YangYe's second daughter - Qixing Sword
Yang Paifeng - servant raised as an adopted daughter of the Yangs
Yin Qi - general of Western Xia, in charge of the invading army
Wang Qiang - corrupt official of Song
Little Bean - nomad girl who rescues Wenguang

Favorite characters:
Yang Paifeng - for her fierce loyalty, her stout heart, and her determination
Mu Guying - she was strong and held unswervingly to her love for Zongbao as well as her moral code
Taijun - because of her wisdom and sense as well as courage
Jinhua - she was spunky and hilarious

Favorite Quotes:
~ We are the Yangs' female soldiers.  Never say die until the last minute!

~ Trifling matters rely on public discussion while important matters are dealt with alone.

~ If I cannot live together with you, I’d rather die together with you on the battlefield

~ The Yang family generals are coming to take your life!

~ We also are the citizens of Song!

~ Betrayer!  I will not spare you!
~ It is our Yang family that will not spare YOU.

~ So long as the war-drum doesn’t stop, the yang’s heartbeat will continue to sound on every battlefield.

~ Not everyone has the opportunity to sacrifice family happiness to protect the nation.

 

Warnings:
It’s a movie about war and battles so there is the usual battlefield violence and blood.  No sexual content.  No unnecessary gore.  A beheading that's not very graphic.  PG-13.

Conclusion:
I highly recommend this movie.  It's good clean fun, some history thrown in, and an all around fantastic experience.  If you like good stories about family or war or both; wuxia history movies or Chinese movies, definitely watch this one.

Before this movie, I knew nothing about the Yang family.  Now, I’ve practically memorized everyone’s names and as the Empress can tell you, once I get started talking about them, I can go on for hours.  I will forever thank Legendary Amazons for having introduced me to this wonderful body of Chinese legends.

 

Smoke pops up in the desert.  

Flute sounds remote.  

Cover one thousand miles in the front line.  

Red sleeves dance with golden spear.  

Love for home, hatred for enemy.  

Tears pour down.  

Serve the country and kill invaders.  

Love is deep and tender.  

Heroine buried in sand. 

WWW ~ May 2016 Edition

The BHCB picks for what we're watching this May!  (And we're only 12 days late, yaaay.)


Korean Dramas:
~ Lucky Romance 
Empress:  *rolls eyes* *rolls eyes again* 1) not feeling like rom-coms at the moment 2) I resent the cheap nerd who believes in marriage as it's meant to be. :P
Ambassador:  When the synopsis for this first came out, I wasn't interested.  THEN they cast Lee Soo Hyuk as second lead.  I'm ABSOLUTELY watching it now.  Especially since his character will be a tennis player.  Despite the iffy sounding premise, it's a primetime kdrama so it can't be TOO bad, so YES, I'll be watching it... while patiently waiting for Lee Soo Hyuk to be cast in a lead role.  However, depending on how they handle the fortune telling and seduction aspects, I'll drop it, if I can't condone it.
Empress:  Wait, WHAT? C'mon, drama-world...Well, I agree that kdramas can tone down some pretty questionable material...most likely I'll only watch clips, though. Supplied by you. XD
Unni:  WAAAAAAAAAY too much questionable material for me. Okay Secret Garden with the body swapping was interesting but...seductions and fortune tellers no thank you!


~ Beast’s Beauty/The Beauty of the Beast
Empress:  My list is too long to be tempted by this. XD I, on the other hand........ :D
Ambassador:  The name is enough to pique my interest; I love Beauty and the Beast stories.  This doesn't appear from the synopsis to be a classic B&B type plot, but it does sound pretty good.  Plus, I've heard good things about Nam Goong Min's acting from the Empress.  
Unni:  Hmmm...this one looks like something I might watch. I’ll probably wait to see some reactions and clips before I commit.


~ Another Oh Hae Young
Empress:  Curious about the seeing the future part...maybe. If it gets good reviews I might check it out. :D
Ambassador:  Rom-com isn't my favorite genre but this one sounds like it will be a lot of fun.  It’ll be interesting to see Seo Hyun Jin and Jeon Hye Bin face off against each other- I've liked what I've seen of both of their acting in other dramas.  Also KIM MI KYUNG IS IN IT.  And Lee Jae Yoon.  Lots of great reasons to check it out besides the quirky synopsis. :D
Unni:  This could be so cute and comical! I’ll probably wait to see how it’s going before jumping on board.


~ Dear My Friends
Empress:  Nope. I saw trailers and was not interested.
Ambassador:  Not really interested.  Not even for Lee Kwang Soo.
Unni:  This sounds sweet! But not enough to make time to make it work.


~ Mirror of the Witch
Empress:  It sounds a little bit like Rapunzel...and what I've seen looks visually gorgeous, but I'm unlikely to watch it until I know more about the role of magic in the story. Then we'll see.... :D
Ambassador:  YES, I'M WATCHING THIS.  I've been wanting Yoon Shi Yoon to do a sageuk since I first saw him in Flower Boy Next Door and the fact that it's fantasy is the icing on the cake.  This will be his first starring role since his return from the military and I've been anticipating it since the news first broke.
Unni:  Okay! This seems just a little to dark for me and a little too much magic for my personal taste.


Chinese Dramas:
~ Little Husband
Empress:  *wrinkles nose* Mostly likely not. :)
Ambassador:  Nah.  Not my type.
Unni:  Nope! Poor Guy!


~ Precious Youth
Empress:  That sounds long. XD Probably not.
Ambassador:  Not really my type either, and I have too many other dramas to even think about trying this one right now, though Liu Shishi and Zheng Kai make it tempting.
Unni:  Sounds way too long for my interest level.


~ First Love
Empress:  LOL nope. XD
Ambassador:  Sounds like a soap opera.  Not interested, even for Hawick Lau.
Empress:  :P Same. Even with an intelligble synopsis.
Unni:  Not interested.


~ To Be a Better Man
Empress:  Most interesting so far, but still no.
Ambassador:  Sounds interesting but not enough to make me add it to my list.
Unni:  Interesting...but not list worthy.


~ Les Interpretes
Empress:  I kinda like the title. But nah.
Ambassador:  Yes, I want to see this one.  There has been quite a bit of buzz about it and Yang Mi usually plays fun characters.
Unni:  This one sounds like it could be really interesting.


~ Chinese Paladin 5
Empress:  It takes a lot to make me interested in Chinese dramas. And this sounds like the type of storyline I disagree with on a basic theological level. XD My list is way too long...
Ambassador:  I started Chinese Paladin 3 but haven't finished it yet.  I'm putting this on my 'to try some day' list because I do want to see it, but don't have time for it now.
Unni:  Someday I want to try a Paladin...but I have yet to make time for one, and with all of the fairy stuff. I am just not sure.


Japanese Dramas:
Because Japanese drama airs by seasons and the spring season started in April and runs until June (I think), there are no new Japanese dramas on which to report.

Empress:  In other words, I MIGHT CATCH UP ON SOME OF THE OTHER DRAMAS I'M SO BEHIND ON. :D YAY.
Ambassador:  SAME HEEEERE.  Waaaaay too many dramas and NEVER ENOUGH TIME.



What May dramas will you be watching?

Bromance Review

Synopsis
When Pi Yanuo is born instead of the boy that was predicted, a fortune teller convinces her parents that she must live as a boy until her 26th birthday or dreadful harm will befall her family.  Growing up as a boy, she becomes skilled in martial arts and starts a hot dog stand with her best friend.  With 100 days to go until her 26th birthday, she rescues young triad leader Du Zifeng.  His family persuade her to become his sworn brother, to the horror and dismay of her own parents.  Yanuo must guard her secret more closely than ever... but it it grows exponentially harder when she and Zifeng begin to fall in love. 

Review
Unlike Unni Maknae, I’m not usually fond of contemporary girl-masquerading-as-boy dramas.  (I do like it in historical dramas.)  This drama was receiving a lot of hype and a good friend said she was loving it, so I decided to try it, and I’m glad I did.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  There were times when it felt like the drama was moving slowly, but I saw the last eight episodes in three days- partly because I liked it that much and partly because I was sick and couldn't do much aside from watch drama. 

This was my first Taiwanese drama.  The music timing and camera angles were different enough from Kdramas that it threw me off for the first couple episodes, but all in all, if this is typical of Taiwanese dramas, I'll be watching more now and then.  Style-wise, I'd compare this drama with the Kdrama Oh My Venus - fun and hilarious with some depth but not gritty or intense.  Like OMV, Bromance has great main characters and well-rounded secondary and minor characters.  There were more good parents in this drama than I'm used to seeing in a single drama, which added to the reasons I liked it.

Another thing I loved was the way they gave some cliches a fresh look, particularly that of amnesia- which is a common Asian drama trope and hard to portray in a way that doesn't feel ridiculous.

The best part of this drama was the journey each character underwent and also how the layers of each character were revealed.  I loved it.

The fashion was AAA+ but what’s with wearing sweaters under suits?  I don't know if that was something that was unique to this drama or if it's a general trend in Taiwan.

Characters
Pi Yanuo - She was far more comfortable in her role as a boy than girls in such dramas typically are- which I really liked about her.  She was smart, sensible, brave, and loyal- all things I love in a character.

Du Zifeng - His strong sense of duty and responsibility, combined with his determination to not let go of Yanuo no matter what, made him a more well-rounded character than I usually encounter in rom-com dramas.  *spoiler* Surprisingly, he didn't pull the usual 'I have to break up with you to protect you' that many Asian drama heroes do. *endspoiler*

Zherui - I liked him right away.  He was a typical second lead in many ways- knowing her secret before anyone else, loving her longest, sweet, self-sacrificing, but there were some unique twists to him.  Also, several great moments between him and Zifeng.

Qingyang - My favorite character in the drama.    Though he usually comes across as a very quiet, gentle, young man- there is steel under the velvet.  Do NOT mess with the members of his family.  One of my favorite moments of his is when he gets in the villain's face and calmly tells him he's finished, demands the guns from the villain's goons and throws the guns away.

 

Nana - sweet, naive at times.  Her character arc felt pushed to the side a few times but overall it was satisfactory.

Fan Xiaojing - hilarious and one of the best parts of the drama.  I did wonder who and where her parents were though, because they're never even mentioned onscreen.

Du Zihan - an airheaded sweetheart that had me alternating between laughter and rolling my eyes.

Ah Chao - He was a crack-up, though I often wanted to roll my eyes or smack him.  His character unfolding and development was great throughout the course of the drama but toward the end, his screen time lessened and I was disappointed, though it was understandable given how many other storylines were happening.

Hansheng - he was an intriguing character.  Too intriguing for me to hate, and he had a fascinating arc.

Favorite Characters
All four leads- Yanuo, Zifeng, Zherui and Qingyang- and Fan Xiaojing.  It's rare that I like all the leads in a drama but Bromance was that good.

 

Favorite Quotes
~ It’s not that I’m unwilling to give you what you want.  It’s because I can’t.  It’s because the leader isn’t just a position.  It’s also a responsibility.

~ Look at you trying to be strong again.  Do you really think that we are that slow minded?  How could we not know if you are all right or not?

~ Mom, if Pi Yanuo and my brother become sworn brothers, how can Yanuo and I be in a relationship?
~ Fool!  There is no blood relation between sworn brothers.  You can still be in a relationship with him.  Moreover, you’re going to become his sworn sister.  The relationship between you two will become closer.
~ Thank you, Lord Guan, for giving my mom so much intelligence.

~ I, Du Zifeng, am willing to vow here to take Pi Yanuo as my sworn brother.
~ I, Pi Yanuo, will take Du Zifeng as my sworn brother. 
~ Sharing joys and sorrows, prosperity and misfortune.  If I violate this oath, heaven and earth will punish me.

~I think... my heart will move because of you.
~ What does that mean?  Didn’t you say that you like girls?
~ What I mean is, if you were a girl, I’d probably like you.  Also, I would probably chase after you.
~ It’s great that I’m a guy then.  A very manly one at that, too.
~ You can fight against people with me, you can talk about guy stuff with me, you’re warmhearted, and you’re filial.  Also you have loyalty.  If there was a girl like this, I’d be moved by her.

~ Do you want me to pour a glass of wine for you?
~ You saw through me again.
~ When you are troubled, you will do this.  You keep stirring your coffee.
~ You really know me.  Qingyang, sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself. 
~ That’s because you have not ascertained your feelings yet. 

~ I know that it’s impossible for you to not be unhappy.  But don’t let your imagination run wild.

~ Our fists should be used against outsiders, not insiders.

~ Because I think that the moment when fireworks light up in the air, makes people really happy.    It leaves a deep impression and makes us full of hope.

~ My love for you includes your good points, weak points, and everything around you.  I will share all happiness and sensations with you and face the sadness and pain together.  Regardless of in wealth or poverty and no matter what happens- no matter how you change- I will always hold your hand, take care of you and protect you until death do us part.

~ Humans can’t always immerse themselves in thoughts of wanting revenge.  We have to keep looking forward.  So I will learn to forgive and try to let go.

~ I thought that you and Yanuo were already dating.
~ DAD!  You know all about it??
~ I lost my memory, not my knowledge.  Anyone with eyes can see that you and Yanuo are more than brothers.

~ And you say that you love me!
~ Whether I love you or not has nothing to do with spiders.
~ Pi Yanuo.  You are so big with great fighting skills, yet you are scared of such a small spider!  Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?
~ I’m not scared of anything, except for things with many legs.

~ You really are wrong.  How can you take responsibility for this?  What he committed was a heinous crime.  You’re getting more muddled the older you get.
~ He’s my son.

 

Warnings
This drama was pretty clean.  There is one scene where everyone is nude at a sauna but you only see waist-up and back views.  There are a few shirtless scenes.  Violence is mild- there are several martial arts fights and a few punch-out scenes.  Not a lot of blood.  Language is minimal- there are a few instances of swearing.  There is at least one and possibly two scenes where a girl kisses a girl disguised as a guy, and also several where a guy kisses a girl disguised as a guy so if that bothers you, you've been warned.

Black Hats
None that I can recall.  Black suits certainly were not lacking though.

Conclusion
I rate it a 9 out of 10 because while it wasn’t knock-your-socks-off awesome, it was very good.  I don’t recommend it for anyone under 15 due to content.

If you like girl-disguised-as-boy dramas, rom-coms with depth, or just an optimistic story; I recommend watching Bromance.

ReQuotes: Descendants of the Sun ~ Episode Sixteen

And so we come to the end of this journey under the sun.  This finale had the Empress and I screaming to each other in louder tones than usual and finishing up with elated squealing and a headache that neither of us regretted for one instant.

Mo-yeon: That day, Lieutenant Yoon said it snowed for the first time in 100 years.  And that he walked through the snow.
Dae-young: I’m sorry I took so long to reply.  We’re not separating.  I will never separate from you again.


Dae-young: I will never die again.  Never again.  I won’t die no matter what.
Myung-joo: I don’t believe you, but I want you to keep your word.  It snowed for the first time in 100 years, and you returned alive, too.  I’ve used up all my luck already.  All we have remaining is your luck. 
Dae-young: Okay.
Myung-joo: But how did you get here?  What about Shi-jin?
Dae-young: As soon as I reported my survival, I heard about you.  As soon as I left the allied base camp, I came here, and Captain Yoo went to Albania. 
Myung-joo: What happened to you two?  I heard you and Shi-jin were killed in action and that they couldn’t retrieve your bodies after the bombing. 
Dae-young: The militia arrived before the bombing.  And we were taken into a bomb shelter before the bombing.  After that, we were locked into an unknown prison cell for about 150 to 155 days.


Shi-jin: I received the help of a friend who was from afar. 
Mo-yeon: How could you break your bone again?  I was planning on breaking it for you if you returned. 


Shi-jin: I’m the one who should be sorry.  It won’t happen again.
Mo-yeon: I have no choice but to trust you.
Shi-jin: I've been curious about something.  What’s that?
Mo-yeon: It’s food for your memorial ceremony.  Today is the first anniversary of your death.  Must I really prepare my boyfriend’s rites? 


Mo-yeon: Can you see that person?
Aid worker: Yes, he’s very handsome.  Is he your boyfriend? 
Mo-yeon: Thank goodness.  I thought I was seeing things.  Thank you.  Goodnight.
Aid Worker: Goodnight.
Shi-jin: You just killed me twice.  Did you think I was a ghost?  You’re a doctor.  You studied medicine.
Mo-yeon: Who told you to appear on your death anniversary?


Mo-yeon: Why did you video call me?  This feels awkward. 
Ji-soo: I can’t see you in the dark.  Move somewhere brighter. 
Mo-yeon: Okay.  How is it now?
Chi-hoon: Am I seeing things?
Min-ji: I can see him, too.
Ji-soo: Are you okay?  Can’t you see what is happening? 
Mo-yeon: See what?
Ja-ae: Today is the first anniversary of Captain Yoo’s death. 
Chi-hoon: Then that must be food for his rites?
Mo-yeon: You’re right.  It is.
Chi-hoon: He’s there to eat the offerings.
Sang-hyun:  Oh no.  *faints*


Shi-jin: Wow, you just killed me three times.  Is it funny?
Mo-yeon: Were you really going to pass up the chance for a joke this big?  Aren’t they so cute?  Aha, I think they got it now.
Chi-hoon: Mo-yeon.  Listen carefully to what I say.  Don’t ask me why, though. 
Mo-yeon: What?
Chi-hoon: Tell him that you love him and that you've missed him.  Say it out loud right now so that he can rest in peace. 
Mo-yeon: What?
Chi-hoon: I know it’s hard to believe, but Captain Yoo is behind you right now.  I hope that he rests in peace.
Mo-yeon: They’re hilarious.  They want you to leave already. 
Shi-jin: You can’t say that.  That makes me upset.
All: No way!  Oh my gosh!
Sang-hyun: *sits up*  It can’t be.
Shi-jin: Hello everyone!
Mo-yeon: So this is what Shi-jin is currently up to.  Can you imagine how happy I am?  I’ll explain everything when I get back.  Leave us alone for now.  I’m hanging up.  Bye.
Ja-ae: Was that actually him?
Chi-hoon: It was.
Sang-hyun: It wasn’t a ghost, right?
Chi-hoon: It was him.


Lt. Col. Park: Yoo and Seo will type up a report during work hours for now.  The reports will be as thick as school textbooks.
Sergeants Choi, Im and Gong: Good luck.  Goodbye.
Dae-young: What are you doing?
Shi-jin: A4 paper scares me more than C4 explosives.  Look at the sharp edges.  Paper cuts sting badly, you know.
Dae-young: The man who waterboarded us... didn’t he have a Spetsnaz tattoo on his wrist?
Shi-jin: That’s the one who cut us.  It’ll look bad if we say we only got beaten up.  Say we fought back once a week and tried to escape once a month.  Make it sound real.
Dae-young: Let’s make it twice a month.  Will they write to the militia asking for confirmation?
Shi-jin: At this point, I think anything we write will go.  What we need is a perfect balance of reality and drama.  How about basing it on Rambo?
Dae-young: Hm.  That was based on the Vietnam War so the firearms won’t match.  Let’s base it off the Bourne film series.  Lieutenant Yoon likes Matt Damon. 
Shi-jin: Okay, that sounds perfect.  I’ll leave you to it. 
Dae-young: Where are you going?
Shi-jin: If we both write something, you’ll say three lashings and I'll say five.  The details won’t match up.
Dae-young: Why do I have to be the one to write it?
Shi-jin: Lieutenant Yoon’s in Urk.  Your girlfriend is abroad.  Good luck.


Shi-jin: Do you remember dumping me here?
Mo-yeon: Of course I do.  I might do the same today.
Shi-jin: You’re kidding right?  I have trauma.
Mo-yeon: I’m serious.  I need to ask you something.  Will you continue going to the department store?  I want to know if you want to be a hero. 
Shi-jin: No soldier cares about becoming a hero who must die.  We just aim to preserve peace where peace is needed.
Mo-yeon: Then that means you’ll keep doing it even if I object.
Shi-jin: Will you object?
Mo-yeon: Should I not?  Even though next time, you might never return?  Don’t be scared.  I won’t object.  What’s the use of objecting?  You’ll feel apologetic, but you’ll never be able to give it up, and I’ll hate you for it, but then I’ll support you.  Rather than doing that, I want to keep peace.  If my support brings you peace, that is.
Shi-jin: I’m thankful and sorry.  I’m sorry that apologizing is all that I can do.


Myung-joo: How’s the report coming on?
Dae-young: I’m suffering under the pain of creation.
Myung-joo: Can you even use the software?
Dae-young: I sometimes wonder what you think I am.
Myung-joo: You’re a guy.


Myung-joo: For 157 days since then, I wondered just how I should kill you.  That means I thought of no one else but you.  That made me miss you so much that I wanted to die.  I came back alive.  Aren’t you proud?
Dae-young: I’m glad to see you’re well.
Myung-joo: Cheers.
Dae-young: Let’s go see your father tomorrow.  Let’s go hand in hand.
Myung-joo: Right.  We have to talk about that, don’t we?
Dae-young: We don’t.  I won’t leave the army.  Not unless you make me.
Myung-joo: Do you mean that?
Dae-young: I’ll tell your father that.  I'll say that as I hold your hand.
Myung-joo: Let’s go first thing tomorrow.  As soon as day breaks.  I have a plan, too.


Dae-young: I’m here for the two cups of tea you offered. 
General Yoon: Very well.  Sit down.  You too, Myung-joo.  Orderly, bring us two cups of tea.
Myung-joo: Dad, I’m pregnant.
Dae-young: No, Sir.  It’s not true, Sir.   Was this your plan?
Myung-joo: Most people do the deed, then confess.  I decided to confess first and do the deed afterward.  When facing a stronger force, it’s best to attack first. 
General Yoon: Does she have to be here?  Talk, then.  Whether it’s a preemptive attack or a carpet bombing, I’ll listen.
Myung-joo: I....
General Yoon: You be quiet.
Dae-young: I’ll get to the point.  I gave you my word that I would leave the army.  But, I can’t keep that promise, Sir.
General Yoon: Is that so?
Dae-young: I was locked up in a basement, goodness knows where, and my flesh was torn and my bones broken.  But I never regretted becoming a soldier.  I believe our country should not lose a soldier like me.  I want to leave when I should, with my dignity intact.  I will find another way to gain your approval, Sir.
General Yoon: This isn’t about my approval.  Our country already acknowledged your service.  And as your commanding officer, I am proud that you will be my son-in-law.


Man: I’m sorry.  Are you all right?
Ja-ae: Yes.
Sang-hyun: I’ll take care of her.  I’m her guardian.
Ja-ae: Guardian?  It’s fine.  I’m just tired, that’s all.
Sang-hyun: Sit down and rest if you’re tired.  Don’t collapse in another person’s arms.  And just tell me if you saw something.  I know that you saw all my folders.  It was in the recycle bin folder.
Ja-ae: You said you wanted it deleted.
Sang-hyun: I meant when I die.  Why did you delete it?
Ja-ae: Why do you have it?
Sang-hyun: To propose to you.  That’s my proposal saying that from my teens through thirties, you were the only one in my life.  You have no love.
Ja-ae: Haven’t you ever thought that it could be out of pity?
Sang-hyun: What do you know?  I know my feelings.  There’s no doubt that it’s love.
Ja-ae: Stop.
Sang-hyun: What?  Confession?
Ja-ae: Yes.  After I pay you back all the money I owe you.
Sang-hyun: All right.  You’re not joking right?  Where are you going?
Ja-ae: To earn money. 


Dae-young: Did you read my will?
Myung-joo: Why would I read that?  Everyone writes lyrics on them, or copies someone else’s.
Dae-young: I didn’t copy anything.
Myung-joo: Don’t try to fool me. 
Dae-young: My operation was always about running away.  You, who’s more courageous than anyone, loved me very much, who’s more cowardly than anyone.  I want to thank you and apologize to you.  If you are reading this will, I, the cowardly one, will remain as a painful memory until the end.  Do not forgive me.  And, as much as I always thought of you, I hope you live a happy life.  I love you with all my heart, Myung-joo.  That will never change, whether I live or die. 
Myung-joo: Stop making things up.  There is no way you memorized that.
Dae-young: I wrote that letter over a hundred times.  I wanted to run to you for over a hundred times.
Dae-young: Attention.  All who are lower in rank than me, must close their eyes right now.
*kiss*
Myung-joo: All who are lower in rank than me must close their eyes, too.  You must close your eyes, too.
*KISS*


Mo-yeon: Hippocrates once said this.  Well, he said a lot of stuff.  Some of his words remained in my head, but some of his words went to my heart.  Here are a few as an example.  “As a licensed practitioner, I will provide treatments according to my conscience and honor."
Staff Sergeant Choi: "I, as a non-commissioned officer of Special Forces, pledge to do my best for my country and my people."
Medical Student: "I will disregard any race, religion, nationality, political affiliation, or social status when it comes to fulfilling my duty to my patients."
Choi: "I will remain within the boundaries of the law as I carry out my duties as a soldier."
Student: "I won’t use my knowledge against humanity even when I am under threat."
Choi: "Even when I am under threat, or any emergencies, I won’t back up.  I will keep the peace of this country even when I am standing at gunpoint."
Mo-yeon: Today, many future Yoo Shi-jins and Kang Mo-yeons solemnly swore their oaths.  I thought, and I truly hoped, that what they swore today will be kept in any land, under every sun on this earth.


Shi-jin: How did such a woman become mine?
Mo-yeon: You must’ve saved a nation in your previous life.  My goodness. You must have been a soldier in your previous life, too.
Shi-jin: I did get promoted a lot in this life.
Mo-yeon: My goodness.  We’re going to date again in our next life.  You are saving this nation in this life, too. 
Shi-jin: My gosh.  You're a kind of woman I can get only after saving a nation.
Mo-yeon: Who said you’d get me?
Shi-jin: Aren’t you going to date me in our next life?
Mo-yeon: If I say no, will you give up?  Make sure you come and find me in our next life, okay?
Shi-jin: It’s a promise.  So, what did you wish for? 
Mo-yeon: Well.  You'd be surprised.
Shi-jin: What is it?
Mo-yeon: I wished that you’d kiss me.  Do you think that will come true? 
Shi-jin: There’s always a way.


Shi-jin: I love you.
Mo-yeon: Me too.
Shi-jin: It was a question.
Mo-yeon: I love you.  That’s my answer.
Shi-jin: Me too.


Mo-yeon: The bride and groom will be here after they change.
Min-ji: Ye-hwa was kind of pretty all dressed up like that.  Her wedding dress was unique, too.
Mo-yeon: And that’s a unique sight, too.  *points to Dae-young*
Shi-jin: My goodness, will you put that away?  Why did you catch that bouquet?
Dae-young: The bride gave all of her strength to throw this.  How can I throw it away?
Myung-joo: Leave him alone.  He has a lot of memories about weddings.
Chi-hoon: Don’t you love an ending like this?  We overcame all of life’s difficulties with love, and everyone lived happily ever after.  The end.
*lights go out*
Mo-yeon: is this a kissing time?
Ja-ae: Is there a show coming up?
Sang-hyun: I doubt the entire city would turn off the lights for this. 
Mo-yeon: This isn’t a flashback.  What’s wrong with this scene? 
Shi-jin: I don’t think this is leading to a romantic scene.
*lights come back on*
Waitress: It was a volcano!  A volcano just erupted!
Min-ji: And I thought we were so lucky. 
Dae-young: I should’ve gotten discharged. 
Myung-joo: It’s too late now.
Ja-ae: Get up.
Sang-hyun: Okay.
Chi-hoon: Are we all giving up our vacation then?
Mo-yeon: I guess it’s time for me to wreck this pair of shoes now.
Shi-jin: I feel that this is the beginning of a very long report.  Let’s go, everyone.

I've thoroughly enjoyed requoting this drama, even the nights when I was cudgeling my brain in frustration trying to decide which quotes to keep in and which to leave out.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and I wish you many happy rewatches of this delightful drama.

ReQuotes: Descendants of the Sun ~ Episode Fifteen

This penultimate episode was wrenchingly fulfilling.  The Empress and I started it, intending to stop halfway... only to look around us as the end credits rolled and say, "Oooops."

Myung-joo: Say what you need to say.  I’m leaving as soon as I’m done.  I’m nearly done.
Dae-young: I don’t have anything to say.
Myung-joo: Then why did you ask to meet for lunch?
Dae-young: Because you look too thin.
Myung-joo: I’m a little confused.  What are we?  Have we broken up or was it just a quarrel?  What are we?  Are we going to break up or are we in the middle of a break up?  Or have we broken up?
Dae-young: I’m trying to get to you.
Myung-joo: So you haven’t changed your mind.


Ki-bum: Why are you here?  Are you here for me?  Really?  All of you together?  You had the nerve to?  Wait, was that inappropriate to say?
Shi-jin: The nerve?  We are here for you.  Sergeant Gong, do you think he can pass the exam like this?
Sergeant Gong: We have a solution.  This will make you pass the exam.
Sergeant Im: Good luck.
Staff Sergeant Choi: Here, have some snacks and be in the best condition.  You can do it.
Dae-young: When in doubt, always go for number three.  You can do it.
Ki-bum: Corporal Kim Ki-bum.  I am a soldier.  Taking a qualification exam is nothing.  I will return with victory.  Salute.


General Yoon: The operation will take three months.  I am thinking of sending you on this operation on the excuse that we haven’t found a replacement for you yet.  Or, I can approve your discharge application right now.  What should I do?
Dae-young: I want to go, Sir.
General Yoon: Okay.  You may go.  In light of the specific situation of Team Alpha, I will sign your discharge papers after you have a replacement.  Let’s just leave it at that.  We don’t know when we will find a replacement for you.
Dae-young: What does that mean?
General Yoon: When you come back, come back with Myung-joo.  We can have some tea together.
Dae-young: Sir?
General Yoon: The gathering time is at 21:00.  Don’t be late.  Stay healthy.  I will see you again.


Mo-yeon: You’re two and a half hours early!  What is it?  Wait.  You didn’t come here early, did you?
Shi-jin: No.
Mo-yeon: Are you going to the department store again?
Shi-jin: Yes.  It will take long this time.  I wanted to see your face before I leave. 
Mo-yeon: How long will it take?  A week?  two weeks?
Shi-jin: Three months.
Mo-yeon: Three months??  Is the department store abroad?
Shi-jin: Let’s just say I’m joining the army.  Soldiers usually go on leave after 100 days.
Mo-yeon: So you want me to wait for you for three months, is that right?
Shi-jin: Don’t drink with another guy.
Mo-yeon: I’m sorry.  I’m trying not to cry, but it’s not easy.
Shi-jin: I’m sorry for making you upset.
Mo-yeon: Then come back soon.  Stay safe.  Don’t be late.
Shi-jin: I will stay safe.  I will stay alive.  I will come back, I promise.


Mo-yeon: This is too much.  If you’d posted a letter from Mars, I’d have gotten it by now.  I’m going to get drunk with a really handsome guy.  Come and get me.
Myung-joo: If he doesn’t read it, just assume he’s in a place with no service.  Why do you text, then get angry every day? 
Mo-yeon: So he can see, and feel bad about making me angry.  Is it always this impossible to get through?
Myung-joo: Whether it was or not, I never got a reply.  We were broken up for longer than we were together.
Mo-yeon: Did you make up after the last fight?
Myung-joo: There is no making up.  Yhis is no love spat.  This is a battle.  It’s something that I can’t afford to lose.  He left his dog tags, so I think I have the upper hand. 
Both: Cheers.
Mo-yeon: Just wait until he’s back.  I’ll forget all about work and stay with him for a week.
Myung-joo: I’ll confiscate Dae-young’s phone and go traveling.  I’ll reserve a hotel room in an isolated place and lock him up just to fight.


Sergeant Kim: Sergeant Kim Bum-rae. 
Myung-joo: What is it?
Sergeant Kim: Sergeant Kim Bum-rae.
Myung-joo: I’m listening.  Talk.  He’s back, isn’t he?  At last.  Tell him to wait. 
Sergeant Kim: Sergeant Kim Bum-rae.  I’m here to report to you.
Mo-yeon: Staff Sergeant Choi?  Hello.  I saw the jeep and thought you were your Captain Yoo.  What are you doing here? 
Staff Sergeant Choi: I’m really sorry.
Mo-yeon: About what?
Sergeant Kim: Special Forces soldiers Captain Yoo Shi-jin and Sergeant Major Seo Dae-young....
Choi: During the mission, they passed away.
Mo-yeon: They did what?
Myung-joo: What kind of a report is that?
Mo-yeon: I-I don’t understand what you just said?  What now?
Myung-joo: Give me a real report.  The way you usually do.  Say that again.  Say it again! 


Shi-jin: Prior to any mission, we write a will.  I really hope that you will never have to read this.  If, by chance, you are reading this letter, it means that I couldn’t keep my word.  I told you not to worry.  I said I wouldn’t get hurt.  I said I wouldn’t die.  I said I would return.  I failed to keep them all.  I apologize.  Wherever you were was always bright.  I met you, I fell in love with you, and this is how we must part.  I am very sorry.


Myung-joo: No, right?  It’s not true.  It isn’t. 
General Yoon: I'm sorry.
Myung-joo: Dad, please.  Please, Dad.  You should tell me it’s not true.  It’s not true.
General Yoon: Dae-young left this for you.
Myung-joo: No.  I don’t want it.  I won't take it.  If I read this, if I take this, it means he’s really gone.  This is all your fault.  We could’ve been happy and you stole that time from us.  I never got to make up with him.  I said all sorts of hurtful things. 
General Yoon: These are the last words of an honorable soldier.    Keep it well.
Myung-joo: I won’t.  I don’t want to.


Lt. Col. Park: A week from today we will make a special announcement.  Captain Yoo Shi-jin and Sergeant Major Seo Dae-young will have died in a car accident in a training exercise.  We require you to sign a Non-Disclosure agreement.  We ask for your cooperation. 
Mo-yeon: Did his death help save any lives?
Lt. Col. Park: Yes, it did.
Mo-yeon: Did his death help to preserve peace in a certain area?
Lt. Col. Park: Yes, it did.
Mo-yeon: Did he die to serve our country? 
Lt. Col. Park: Yes.  He did.
Mo-yeon: And yet his country requires me to sign this paper. 
Lt. Col. Park: I apologize.
Mo-yeon: What is it with you?  Why choose a life with an end like this?  Why are even your deaths a secret?  I hope that what I’m about to do is what you’d want me to do, Captain Yoo.


Mo-yeon: I just remembered something.
Ji-soo: What is it?
Mo-yeon: Just this and that.  Water, wine, candles, x-ray and a hairband.  I must be losing it.
Ji-soo: Why are you laughing?  Have you really lost it? 
Mo-yeon: I thought that I had gotten better.  I think I might just go crazy. 
Ji-soo: Do you want a hug?
Mo-yeon: No.
Ji-soo: Do you want more wine?
Mo-yeon: Yes.
Ji-soo: You can have it all.


Mo-yeon: Why are you drinking in the middle of the day? 
Myung-joo: I’m adjusting to the time difference.  It’s nighttime in Urk.  I’m being dispatched again.
Mo-yeon: I see.  It must be nice to go back to Urk again.
Myung-joo: If you’re jealous, do you want to join me? 
Mo-yeon: Should I?  They went together.  We can go together, too.
Myung-joo: You’re talking nonsense.


Myung-joo: I’m scheduled to leave on Monday morning.  Since I have three days left, how about three days and no nights?  Will you cooperate?
Mo-yeon: Sure.  Strangely, these days, I only remember the good times. 
Myung-joo: I only remember his wrongdoings.
Mo-yeon: By the way, how did Captain Yoo and Sergeant Major Seo first meet each other?  I was curious how they got to know each other.  I never got around to asking them.  Now I can’t ask them.
Myung-joo: I know the answer.  They met because of a girl.


Dae-young: I’m going out with Lieutenant Yoon Myung-joo.
Shi-jin: How long have you been going out with her? 
Dae-young: It’s been a year.
Shi-jin: When did you first see Myung-joo?
Dae-young: I met her a month ago at the 1,000 mile march.
Shi-jin: But you’ve been going out for a year?
Dae-young: I’ll make this clear, I’m going out with Lieutenant Yoon Myung-joo.
Shi-jin: Do you know that Myung-joo’s father is a Lieutenant General?
Dae-young: I think that people can make up to three mistakes in their lifetime.  His military achievements are not an obstacle to our love.  I’ll tell you once again.  I’m going out with Lieutenant Yoon Myung-joo.
Shi-jin: I really hope you will go out with her. 
Dae-young: I will.  It’s been a year.
Shi-jin: Right.  I’m envious.
Dae-young: Have you given up?
Shi-jin: I might come across a woman I met a month ago and dated a year, too.  I don’t think we’ll ever fight over Myung-joo.  If we do fight, let’s be on the same side.


Mo-yeon: Daniel?  When did you get here?  What are you doing here?  What is this? 
Daniel: I came here to protest against the meeting on the FTA, but I was banned from entering.  I just can’t cross over that line, so I’ll camp out here and protest alone.
Mo-yeon: You’re awesome.
Daniel: I’m an international criminal who’s banned from over 12 countries. 
Mo-yeon: And girls love bad boys.
Daniel: Are you on vacation?
Mo-yeon: No, I’m volunteering. 
Daniel: Are you going to the Albanian refugee camp?  I heard that from Chi-hoon.  Volunteering is very addictive, you know. 
Mo-yeon: It’s not so grand.  It's a personal reason.  It’s the anniversary of his death tomorrow.  I’m going there to pay my respects. 


Myung-joo: How did you end up here towards the end of your service?
Ki-bum: It turns out the army was perfect for me. 
Myung-joo: Didn’t Dae-young often eat noodles? 
Ki-bum: Yes, he had it often.
Myung-joo: Let’s eat.  This is good.
Ki-bum: Hey look.  It’s snowing outside. 
Myung-joo: Really?
Ki-bum: Wow.  That’s amazing.  It never snows in Urk. 


Shi-jin: This is Big Boss.  Beauty, please turn around, over.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

Synopsis:
Since the death of her beloved, Shu Lien has found peace in secluded meditation.  What was supposed to be a quiet trip to attend the funeral of her old friend and father-figure results in her being attacked by soldiers of the warlord Hades Dai, whose goal is to rule the martial world.  With the death of its guardian, the Green Destiny sword of Li Mu Bai is again a target for those hoping to use its legendary power for themselves.  Shu Lien is once more drawn into the struggle to protect it, aided by new friends... and complicated by the return of a man long thought dead.

Review:
The plot was well thought out and linear in structure without very many twists and turns- which is good for a movie an hour and forty minutes long.  It wasn't confusing.  I found it quite predictable but not so predictable that I minded it.  The story itself was pretty good, though one of the main premises felt weak to me.

Most of the dialogue was fairly well written, and well paced.  Wei Fang was a little smart-aleck, which was great because that's one of the things actor Harry Shum Jr. is good at portraying.  There were, however, at least three instances of cheesy, cliche lines; for example: 'don't leave me, I can't lose you, too' to someone the character had known for a few days.  The actors, particularly Michelle Yeoh, did a good job of delivering them in a way that didn't feel cheesy.

Sword of Destiny felt very much like the filmmakers were trying to blend wuxia with Western-style-fantasy.  I think they succeeded in a good melding of the two... I just think they should have done it for a separate series, not the sequel to an already hugely popular movie.  I think there are going to be a lot of fans of the original who are going to be disappointed by the sequel.

Wuxia is usually strong in two things: dialogue and fight sequences.  CTHD2 had the fighting for sure and some of the dialogue.  Wuxia typically skimps on explanation but the subtext is so rich and layered that by the end of the movie or drama, you know everything you need to about the story.  I think this movie tried to do that but only partially succeeded.

I was a little confused about why the movie was only an hour and forty minutes long instead of being at least two hours, because I thought there was enough story material to have filled two hours.  Also, it made a little too much sense in some areas for a pure wuxia- another thing that points out the blending of fantasy and wuxia.  Wuxia is typically somewhat melodramatically ridiculous. This all made a lot of sense.  I didn't mind it, but it was definitely a point to notice.

Making a sequel to one of the most popular wuxia movies of all time is no easy feat, especially when there are fifteen years between the movies.  There were a few minor links back to the original that were well done, but the aforementioned premise that felt weak to me was the biggest link they tried to establish to the original.  I felt that it was barely plausible and too cliche, thus frustrating me a little, especially because it derived from one of my favorite plot points in the original.  On the other hand, given the plot of the first movie, this was about the only thing the screenwriters could have done to introduce a main character who could be a romantic lead for Shu Lien.

This movie was filmed mostly in New Zealand, instead of China (there were a few scenes in Beijing, I believe), which gives it the fantasy feel of a western fantasy film but not a pure wuxia feel, although the scenery was stunning.  The grandeur of the setting didn't quiiite fit the scale of the story they actually told, although it would have fit the scale of the story they were trying to tell.

The cinematography was beautiful with soft lighting.  I could follow the fight scenes well and it wasn't just a blur of bodies; the camera angles were also mostly good.

All of the dialogue was in English.  Now, while I love the accents of Asian voices speaking English, this movie should have been in Mandarin, because it would have felt more authentically Chinese and wuxia.  The English language again contributed to the feel of wuxia-meets-western-fantasy.

The horses were good and well matched to the plot.  They weren't stunningly beautiful but that was as it should be, because none of the characters would have had the means to own a superb animal. Good, sturdy horses who got the job done were what should have been shown and that's exactly what they did.

The costumes were beautiful and accurate to the genre.  I have several screencaps of what looks like nothing in particular but are actually so I can study the costumes on some of the background extras. Michelle Yeoh and Natasha Liu Bordizzo both had some great costumes that I would love to own.  (Basically, just give me the entire wardrobe of all the women in the movie and I'd be happy.)  Interestingly, Ngila Dickson was the costume designer for this film- she who designed all of the LOTR costumes.  I saw her name in the credits and thought, "No wonder I want the costumes of every female character in this movie and no wonder the costumes fit each character's personality so well!"


Characters:

Shu Lien - her character was fairly true to the original, making allowance for what changes would have occurred in her beliefs because of the way CTHD ended.  She has some of the best lines in the movie, and some great fight scenes, including one at the end which I loved.  Unfortunately, there were a couple of inconsistencies in her actions and words where I could only guess at what lay behind them (one fairly easily, the other not so much).  For the sake of the story, they should have been clarified a bit and not left so much to headcannon.


Meng/Silent Wolf - first of all, I love his name, his costume is cool, and his personality is intriguing.  *SPOILER*  His action of faking his own death is plausible, but could have tied into the story better had there been a little more discussion of Li Mu Bai and Meng's relationship to him, and not just as each related to the romance storyline.  *END SPOILER*  There's a fine line between telling too much and not telling enough and I think they leaned too far on the not telling enough side.  Aside from that, the romance, and the link to the first movie, he was a good character and I really enjoyed all of his scenes.  Donnie Yen is a fantastic actor. 


Wei Fang - for someone who spends two-thirds of the movie in a cage spitting out sass and a few threats, his character was fantastic.  Most of his lines were sass and snark, but he had some great moments where his conflict was shown.  I thought his storyline was a bit too rushed and that was annoying.  There was also one moment where he defeats a guy that I think he should not have been able to defeat, given his previously shown level of skill.  He's also got great hair.  I think they didn't give him as much of a part as they could have... they should've delved a bit more into his training and growing up years.


Snow Vase - I love her name and she had some stunning outfits.  Her backstory was terrific and well done, and so was her storyline... but, in the acting and in some of her lines, her personality seemed to lean a little more toward the Western viewpoint on strong female characters than the Oriental, in my opinion, and that felt jarring in a wuxia.  I think her acting and projected personality aura needed more fine tuning for this role.


Hades Dai - interesting, believable villain.  I liked how he had more of a 'cheerful villain' personality than a 'brooding villain' personality.  I would have liked more backstory between himself and Li Mu Bai and Meng; it would have added depth.


 
the Four Iron Way Followers - they were some of the best characters in the movie; the most realistic, most well rounded, and depth was conveyed through only a few scenes and bits of dialogue. They were fantastic and I loved them a lot.  (Silver Dart Shi ROCKS.)

Sir Te's son - fairly good character, but could have used a bit more development.


Mantis and Enchantress - each was fascinating and much was conveyed through little, but I would still have liked a tiny bit more to flesh them out.  (Fun fact: Enchantress was played by the daughter of the actress who played villain Jade Fox in the first movie.)


 

Favorite Characters:
Without a doubt: Silent Wolf, Shu Lien and Wei Fang.  Also, Silver Dart Shi and the three Iron Way guys.

Favorite Quotes:
~ It is said that a scholar’s name will last for five years beyond his passing and a swordsman will be remembered for twenty.  This is meant as praise, but I believe it to be a curse.

~ Is it as powerful as they say?
~ In the right hand.

~ We need those who will do more than guard.  There are warriors who once stood against this type of injustice.  True followers will still answer the call.  The Iron Way is not legend.  Not yet.

~ True skill is not a blazing flame.

~ A thousand broken sticks and swords won’t teach as much as the one that bends to your will.

~ He roars but I feel that a gentle soul may sleep within. 

~ How do you take the measure of a man?
~ Ask your heart.
~ I do.  My head answers.
~ The greatest battle of them all.  And you are hardly the only who fights it here.

~ You must find him.  If he is a good man, stand beside him.  If he has become a poison dragon, kill him.

~ The Iron Way.  Some of us never stop living by it.  Even if it means dying by it.

~ We don’t hold this sword.  This sword holds us.

~ It is said that a swordsman's name will last for twenty years beyond his passing.  But I believe that some names will live forever.

Warnings:
CTHD2 was cleaner than CTHD. I'd give it a PG-13 for violence.  There was also one scene where a woman is stepping into a bath and you have a rear view of her nude form.

 

Black Hats:
Not many.  Sir Te's son wore a black silk cap common to people of his class, and Silent Wolf wore a dark brown hat.  Perhaps that is why this movie was a bit underwhelming? ;)

Conclusion:
It was a good, fun, clean movie.  I recommend it if you enjoy hybrid wuxia or fantasy or enjoy Chinese stories.

I rate this movie an 8 out of 10 for being good but not knock-your-socks-off stellar.  I give it a 6 out of 10 for the sequel measuring up to the original.

That said, I liked it well enough that I've seen it twice now and will be seeing it a third time soon when I show it to my younger sister.

Have you seen this movie?  Have you seen the original?  How did you feel they compared?