Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Summer's Desire Episode 11 Summary and Review

Let me rant before the recaps.

Afterthought

The episode only made me annoyed with Luoxi further. Such a big bloody loser who cannot let go. The part where he went on and on about the "promises-pact" xiamo made with him, about loving him and never betraying him, HELLO, THAT WAS before YOU DUMPED her! When you choose to break up with someone, that means all promises are all void and null stupid. How can you cling on and hold someone else to the pact when you are the one who ended the relationship on a whim because you were being an inferior arse? Why should a woman wait for you to realise you are a insecure whim? Xiaomo had pleaded with him not to end the relationship because she loved him but he was the one who said he will never believe her again. So there loser, its your own fault. So why are you making things soo difficult for her to move on? He is being a utter selfish prick as far as I am concern. It is all about HIM, all about him not being abandon, about him being loved. Its never about her, her happiness. At least to give Ouchen credit, all he think about is making Xiamo happy eventually. If I am Xiamo, I rather marry a man who love me wholeheartedly, than a insecure prick who only thinks about himself, his ego and his pride. Who knows when his insecurity will act up again?

As for the other spare character, I really really really hate the manager Zhen En the most. She is utterly useless. just a big cry baby. She can never do anything right. She cannot help Xiamo at work, and she messed up her private life all the time with her big blabber motor mouth. She says things at the worst inapproperiate time without any thought to time and place. And she just presume it was a marriage contract but she didnt even know that Ouchen had actually released Xiamo from entering teh marriage but it was Xiamo who volunteered.

Episode Recap

On the day of the wedding, Luoxi somehow managed to locate the route that Xiamo will take towards the wedding cathedral. Xiamo alighted to have a chat with him. He kinda asked her if she will reconsider his proposal now which of course she declined. Then she went on to remind her of the promises she made about never betraying him etc, that she loves him etc.... Xiamo asked him why does he keep looking for her repeatedly, hasnt she hurt him enough? He asked if she will even cry if he ever dies. She asked him if she is threatening her but he said she is wrong. In the end, he left and Xiamo also went to the venue to proceed with the wedding. Although at times she was alittle out of sort tinking of the ominous speech Luoxi left her, but she still said yes in the end.

During the wedding, Luoxi who was at filming venue tried calling xiamo mobile repeatedly but the manager zhen en turned off the phone and not answered fearing it will distract and affect the wedding.

Luoxi;s boss also turned up for the wedding as Simon had invited him along, letting him know prior that Ou Chen is his son. As he was leaving, Simon asked him when he will tell Ou Chen the truth but the father said let it remain a secret since Ouchen is so noble and having a dad like him wont do him any good. Furthermore, he is used to be a single guy now. As he left, Simon said to himself "he is able to let things go better than I do."

During filming, Luoxi was depressed that he couldnt reach Xiamo and that it is cast and concerete she is marrying Ouchen. May it be deliberate or lack of concentration, he was seriously injured in a blast and was hospitalised.

At the hospital, ShenQiao went to look for Xiamo and reprimanded her. She tried to slap Xiamo after hurling abusive insults but Ouchen stepped in to stop her in time, and warned that she will pay for all these verbal insults. However Shenqiao was past caring as she commented how Xiamo has caused Luoxi to be at the brink of death. Xiamo was shocked at teh news. Shenqiao's haughty anger quickly dissolved and told her to go see Luoxi and try to wake him from his coma. Xiamo made a move but Ouchen grabbed her hand. She turned to Ouchen saying that she will only be a min just to see Luoxi's condition, Ouchen let go and watch her leave.

In the room. Xiamo looked at Luoxi with deep sadness but she still questioned outloud if dying isnt his form of trying to exact revenge on her? She asked isnt him being silly? If she didnt care about him, his death would not have hurt her at all but only would hurt himself. Shenqiao wen on bitching at the door that Xiamo is such a cold bitch and still saying such things but Luoxi's manager said she thinks Xiamo is upset too. However shenqiao said how is it possible since Xiamo didnt even shed a tear. When xiamo left, luoxi's vital sign seemed to change.

When the useless weeping Zhen En saw Xiamo, all she could do was plead for forgiveness and confess she was the one who prevented Xiamo from knowing about Luoxi call due to the "marriage contract". She thought that as long Xiao chen stays alive, every price was worth it and Luoxi will only be heartbroken. Xiamo asked her that she knew and Zhen en said yes, she knew that is why Xiamo entered a loveless marriage for the sake of her brother. However, her stupid untimely confession was heard by Xiao Chen and Ou chen at the same time. With that Xiaochen refused to do the transplant and Xiamo fainted with high fever.

When she was delirious, her brother went to visit Luoxi and beg hisforgiveness, that it was his fault. He told Luoxi not to blame Xiamo and explain the truth of the marriage. He said xiamo needed Luoxi to be there to look after his sister when he is gone. Shenqiao overheard the truth.

Meanwhile, Xiamo was delirious with fever. When she screamed and "awoke" shouting for her mother, Ouchen who was by her side rushed to her. She was weeping that with xiaochen gone, she is all alone. Ouchen tried to comfort her but all Xiamo saw instead was Luoxi and asked if he is dead too? She apologised for hurting him but she never expected him to die because of her. In her confusion she started to cry. Ouchen with a heavy heart apolgised to her, saying its all his fault. That he had held on to her too tioghtly and wanted to own her too badly. He promised her that Xiaochen will be fine. Xiamo said to him"I will join my mum and xiaochen and luoxi in heavens, but you will be all alone...i'm so sorry." She cried in Ouchen's arm.

Ouchen made a decsion. He signed the divorce papers and hand it to Xiao chen. He told him that since he refused to do the op because he didnt want the sister to be submitted to teh marriage contract, he now let Xiaochen decide when the marriage will dissolve. Ouchen said so that he can do the transplant. However xiaochen still refused. He said it is not fair to Ouchen to lose both his kidney and sister at the same time. However ouchen said that is the only thing he can do for his sister, and the only redeemption he can do for all the pain he had inflicted upon her. So he beg xiaochen to give him the chance to pay his dues for xiamo by doing the transplant.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Hotaru no Hikari 2 Episode 5: Afterthought

Decide to post separately from my prev episode 5 summary else the post will be infinitely long:)

Hotaru no Hikari Ep 5: Afterthought

I was truly shocked when Buchou showed signs of hesitation and dropped the bomb on Hotaru! No I cannot believe it! I dont know why he said what he said. Was it because he didnt want to impose a change on Hotaru's lifestyle or that he think Hotaru is not ready to settle down? I hope this is just a "cliff hanger" and he will say something else in next epi. This is truly too much for my little fragile heart to bear!

The starting scene was funny. Sorry I didnt summarise it but Buchou had a flashback on Seno's confession and he was muttering to himself why he(Seno) would like Hotaru (seeing her scratch her arse and lazing ard ), and then he quickly caught himself realising he is one of them too! LOL.

Also there wasa scene in the meeting when Hotaru heard that Natsu made dried fish miso soup everymorning, she was shocked and thought to herself that Natsu was truly a match for Buchou. And when Seno said he doesnt eat breakfast because he was too lazy, and he rather spend an extra min to sleep, Hotaru stared at him and thought to herself that Seno is truly alike as her and compatible match with her!
I was laughing at this scene as Hotaru did her little self discovery at where she is lacking so badly as a potential homemaker... :)

Meanwhile, the disappointed expression of Buchou's face when he thought/ realise Hotaru "broke" her promise again for not making the breakfast soup was truly pricelss. I could really feel his big big disappointment there, as if Hotaru had really let him down. In fact when Hotaru persistently failed to show any true attempts for the first 3 days, I was a little annoyed at her cluelessness and being distracted so easily. I mean Buchou has really be patient and understanding with her, I felt she was abit thoughtless at that moment.

I am waiting to see how seno's side develop. Will he openly confess to Hotaru? Ooooo exciting... Viva Hotaru. Let;'s wait for ep 6 next week! (afterwhich I have to go for hiatus for ep 6, 8+9 since I will be heading back to sydney and then travelling to scandinavia)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Hotaru no Hikari 2 Ep05 Recap and Summary

A little busy today so I wont be able to write a long detailed recap today.

Briefly, the story revolves around Hotaru's new goal in practising to be a fulltime homemaker.

ホタルノヒカリ2 第5話: 『干物女の主婦力』summary
In the office, Seno apologised to Buchou, telling him to discard what he had said about liking Hotaru but Buchou said he wasnt gonna talk about it.Instead, he was only calling Seno to talk about work contract. He asked Seno about his plans after his current contract expires but Seno says likely he has no intention of renewing.

Hotaru asked Seno if he doesnt work, how would he be able to continue drinking beer, Seno instead threw her a curve ball and said that if Hotaru become full time homemaker and not work, she could also still continue to drink beer.

With the new idea implanted in her head, Hotaru excitedly informed Buchou that she will want to be fulltime homemaker after marriage. She explained that since she like to stay at home all the time, watch TV all day, being a housewife is no problem for her. However, Buchou told her that its more to that and the home maker of the whole country will come after her for taking the role so lightly. He explained that are chores like cooking, cleaning and laundry etc to fill up the time. He then proposed that as a training, since he have to leave home at 4.55am next few morning, Hotaru can make him dried ikan fish miso soup for him for breakfast and that was all he needed her to do as a challenge.

Hotaru tried but for 3 days, she either failed to wake up or completely got distracted and didnt fulfill the breakfast promise. Buchou was getting more and more disappointed with each passin day. At work, Seno and Natsu found out about Hotaru's challenge to make soup every morning. Seno approached Buchou privately and request that he shouldnt demand and make things difficult for Hotaru as he was the one who planted the idea of housewife in her head. Buchou was a little annoyed and said he didnt make her but she offered. Then Natsu called Buchou mentioning the same thing, that Hotaru had been asking Natsu how to make the miso soup and didnt even dare to drink her fav beer as she was afriad she wont be able to wake at 3am. Natsu kinda told Buchou wasnt it abit asking too much since Hotaru has to work, and still wake up at 3am to make breakfast. Buchou was really annoyed and told Natsu its really has nothing to do with her.

During dinner, sakura asked Natsu as part of the work requirement, to findout why did Natsu want to set up a shop that serves miso soup and "dinner for one"? Natsu explained 3years ago when her husband died, she didnt feel like eating or doing anything despite what everyone else tried to tell her or encourage her. Then one day, this person come into the house and said he will make dried fish miso soup for her and started cooking. Natsu said while she was perplexed but as she listened to that few hours of tranquil silence filled with only chopping board and cooking soup, it was strangely peaceful. And when she finally tasted the bowl of warm soup before her, the warmth reaches to the depth of her heart. It was that bowl of heart warming soup that had given her renewed strength to move on, and thus she wanted to preserve the feeling of that time and do something for others. Hearing all that, Hotaru was very touched as she realised it was Buchou who had cooked the miso soup.

At home, Buchou was mulling about what Seno said. So he made up his mind. When Hotaru was home, he told her that its over, she really didnt have to make soup for him anymore for breakfast. However, Hotaru on the otherhand insisted on making it because she had wanted to convey the same feeling to Buchou as he had for Natsu. They both went on at the corridor for a while, with Buchou assuring her she doesnt have to do it but she insisting otherwise. However, Buchou finally gave in to her as he sees how hard she tried, even sleeping in the living room. He looked forward to Hotaru's effort as she had promised no matter what, she will make it.

Unfortunately, her phone rang and it was shouji looking for sachiko. Apparently she was stuck in a predicament trying to placate the property agent, trying to prevent him from jacking up the price to 80%. Previously he had said he wanted to increase it to 30% but because he had overheard sachiko complaining about him to Hotaru in the lift previously, he decided to up the amount. Hotaru rushed down to try to help sachiko, only to see her being humiliated by the agent, putting down the woman gender on the whole. With that, Hotaru was determined to step in. She roped in her junior, and put up an traditonal act for the agent guy. Surprised at her performance, he relented to down it to increasing by 150thousand yen. However, Hotaru refused to back down.

In the office, Hotaru explained to the agent about Natsu's situation and her heartwarming desire as to why she wants to open her shop. The 2 juniors also kneeled down to beg the agent not to increase the price. At this moment, sachiko and buchou were outside witnessing the whole event. Hotaru stood up and said if he wants a belly dance, she will. However before she could, Seno stepped in saying that a verbal agreement is also an agreement esp when the property guy had written it down in memo. With that, the agent relented and said ok not to increase the price. Everyone in the office was elated and Sachiko quickly left. Hotaru thanked Seno for producing the memo but Seno said, the truth was the agent guy didnt write anything. That note was written by Seno himself.

Buchou chased after her but she made an excuse and left. Meanwhile the agent who was leaving bumped into buchou. Buchou aplogised for the mistakes for his staff but the agent said not to as it was envious that he had such good subordinates!

Meanwhile at home, shouji was shockd that sachiko said she think she will become fulltime housewife after marriage. Shouji and Buchou talked abit. Shouji said its terrifying somewhat that he will be responsible in altering the whole course of a woman's life. It was a sobering statement for Buchou as well. As they were leaving and parting, Shouji was surprised to discover that Buchou is also having doubts.

At home, Buchou returned and surprised to see Hotaru busy making soup. She apologised that she didnt fulfill her promise again for breakfast but she really want to make it and ask him to try. When he was drinking it, he said "I like you, I really like you, but your soup is reallu disgustingly horrible and undrinkable!" He asked her shouldnt a cook taste the food before serving? Hotaru then told Buchou that try as she may but she thinks she cannot be a fulltime housewife and wants to continue working.

Buchou said he knew all along. Hotaru said then why did he agree to her goal of "Viva Housewife?" Buchou said shouldnt one always take a moment to doublecheck?
Then solemenly Buchou said to Hotaru.
"I Like you. I Really Like you. However, let's not get married."

Hotaru was shocked.


Watch Video (watch veoh HQ)



Wednesday, August 4, 2010

New T-Drama: Zhong Wu Yan

Just started on another taiwanese drama "Zhong Wu Yan (鍾無艷)" (official site). It is starring Cheryl Yang (from My Queen) as Wu Yan, and Ming Dao as QiXuan.

This drama has drawn much criticisms and flak since the first 2 episodes has aired. Many were directed at Ming Dao for playing such a dumb guy and audiences felt that it was impossible for a smart woman like Wuyan to fall for a guy like this.

My thoughts (to date after 2 ep)
Personally, while I didnt like the first 10mins of the first episode with the lame "historical start", yet after settling in  I actually didnt quite mind the show for its slap stick humour. This is prob also I have no great expectations ( or rather expecting it to be very slap stick), and that I dont have an idolised image of Ming Dao.

While Ming Dao as an actor had actually apologised to the crew for the backlash, I think he has nothing to apologise because I actually do like the way he translate and interpret the character and did it well. QiXuan character is supposed to symbolise the King Qi of olden china, who was a good for nothing guy. So the script requires Ming Dao to play a really "brainless" guy. I was laughing at the way he speak in the drama because he fitted the image of a dumb guy perfectly!!! I dunno what Taiwanese audience are complaining about, prob that they still have that "princely" image of him from the frog prince drama. They forget as a serious actor, he should be able to play a variety of characters which I think he did it very well in context of what is required of him.

I like the way QiXuan being so forthright called Wuyan as he sees it, an ugly girl. It wasnt malicious and Ming Dao come across as a genuine little boy who didnt grow up with his words. Its so funny.

I think I will keep watching because it is light hearted but I wont say it is a must watch. However compared to Summer's Desire, I had more laughs and entertainment value from Zhong Wu Yan for now. I hope Ming Dao will not change his acting skills too drastically later after all the bombardment because it is his interpretation of silly boy that drew me in. I havent decided if I want to do summaries for this yet. Will monitor the next few ep to see how it measures up.

Story plot background (watch soju)
The story plot basicallyreinvents the "historical" story of Zhong Wu Yan in which she lives in the 21st century. Wu Yen is intelligent and compassionate, but she lacks Beauty, born with a red birth patch on one side of her face. However since she was young, she had "blindly" adored QiXuan as he had complimented her red patch as pretty like Mudan flower rather than mock her as everyone else had. Grown up, Zhong Wu Yan continues to track the news and social updates about QiXuan who is now one of the city's most desired bachelor.

Unfortunately, QiXuan is a good looking but extremely empty-headed guy who is lacking academically, thus resulting in much jokes due to his typo or misinterpreatation of words. However, he remains a good nature and kind hearted guy. As a kid, his repeated failure to please his father (with top grades) regardless of his hard work resulted in a young man who stopped trying as he felt he and his efforts will never be acknowledged. Currently, he waste his life away chasing after skirts of beauty and immense in booze and women.

Through chanced incident, Wuyan and Qi Xuan got "reacquainted". The father realised that his only son is not hopeless imbecile afterall but just lacking a good mentor to guide him. As such, he proposed a marriage between the two. Despite Wuyan's numerous success in saving him from being overthrown from his father's company, QiXuan nonetheless prefers the beautiful Xia Ying Chun everytime the storm dies down. So it becomes a mystery to her friends and family as to why she still sticks around her good for nothing fiancé.



History reference:  Zhong Wu Yan China history

Monday, August 2, 2010

Summer's Desire Ep 10 review and recap.

This will be a super short summary since I hardly had any patience to sit through word for word.

Basically the story continues with Xiamo getting married to Ouchen, and under his directives, the media has stop circulating bad press about Xiamo with exception to 2 tabloid companies. Suddenly one day, the childhood news of Xiamo with a nite hostess club singer mum was splashed all over. Luoxi's boss was surprised to hear Xiamo's birth's mum name.

Luoxi remains pathetic and soaking in his own misery and jilted sorrow.

Ouchen is making extreme efforts to make Xiamo happy. Meanwhile, Xiaochen secretly designed a wedding gown for xiamo and had a wedding boutique to make it. When he brought her there to try the dress, shenqiao and luoxi appeared for some wedding MV shot. Shenqiao spotted the dress and wanted to buy it but the shop declined. However she tried and kept increasing the price, and finally the sales girl said the owner is also in the shop. That was when luoxi, shenqiao and xiamo met again.

The media that was there was having a field day. One relentless reporter kept pressing xiamo and insulting her mum and her calling her mum a hooker. Xiamo was incensed and slap him after he refused to stop wih the insults. She said sh loved her mum the most and regardless what her profession may be, she is noble in her eyes. Luoxi tried to spare xiamo further pain and used his himself as a bait to lure the Media away from the store, except for the guy who insult xiamo.

Another female reporter appeared gloating at xiamo and spitefully saying that she has been waiting all these way to pay Xiamo back. She was the girl who had been bullied once in school and had begrudged Xiamo for her embarrassment and humiliation.

Meanwhile, the news of xiamo having injured someone and being locked up in junvenile gail was broadcast, reporting with all her records bein eradicated except for an inventory list that was missed out. Xiamo, xiaochen was with Ouchen then. Ouchen tried to turn off the news but xiamo turned it back on. Ouchen said those were all lies but xiamo glared at him and accusingly said that perhaps his memory had not fully returned. Ouchen was shocked. Xiamo angrily told him off that it was HIM who caused her the plight, going after them for financial repayment, chasing them out of tehhouse and had debt collectors harassed her then. Ouchen said he would never do anything to hurt her but xiamo dragged xiaochen and left.

Ouchen confronted simon to stop hurting xiamo and it was then the truth was revealed. Simon was the one who had instructed people to chase xiamo out of the house as he blamed her for causing the accident ouchen was in. But he never expected the accident to get out of hand as he didnt realised the debt collector people were thugs. Also, ouchen confronted simon about the money tussle between his parents and simon. Simon was finally forced to revealed the truth about the fake parents. However no matter how ouchen asked, Ximon refused to revealed the father's name as he had promised the grandfather.

At hospital, Simon went to visit xiamo and xiaochen and clarified the truth of the incident  years ago. He said he was angry with her then and that ouchen truly loved her wholeheartedly and with his whole soul, that he would never hurt her. He asked her not to hurt Ouchen again emotionally.

Meanwhile, ouchen invited the fake parents back and asked them to go for early retirement as per employee contract. He also accepted simon's resignation. However, despite everything, he still sent an invite to simon to come witness his wedding ceremony, the moment of his only true happiness.

Xiamo after learning the truth, went to see ouchen. he hugged her saying that he would not allow her to cancel the wedding because he loved her and will do everything in his power to make her the happiest woman alive. Xiamo smiled, however, she paused when she rem another pact she had made with luoxi never to betray him.

On the other hand, luoxi received an official legal letter for compensation for his withdrawal of the film with the Ou comany. Shenqiao kept nagging and pester him to give up. Luoxi left without saying anything to her.


Afterthought
This plot is gettin so typically ridiculous. The more I watch the show, the more I cannot stand Luoxi. Just give it up already. He was the one who gave up the relationship because of his own security and now he wants to get her back. Give me a break. And I hate that stupid cat and boy and milk song. Sounds so cheesy.  I def root for ouchen because he truly love and care for xiamo wholeheartedly, without really expecting much in return. Luoxi however demands a love that promises to give him security and patch what ever manly ego he is lacking from his abandonment issues. If it wasnt for simon;s mistake, I dont think xiamo would have hated ouchen, and then accepted luoxi's affection. Not that it will happen, but I hope she wll carry on the wedding and see it thru. However with nusiance luoxi in the backgrd, i'm sure it wont be a happy forever show.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Planning a trip to Copenhagen and Oslo-Fjords for early Sept!

Now that Coffee House has ended, that will leave me more time to plan my upcoming trip!

I have decided to embark on a far away trip to Copehagen and Oslo! I want to see the quaint colourful fairytale like houses in Copenhagen but I heard the little mermaid statue is in shanghai expo now. I heard there are beautiful scenery in Oslo! I plan to drive to Oslo but I have no information as to how tough it will be.

Getting really excited. Since I noticed there are readers from scandinavia region, or if you have been there before, I really hope someone can leave comments for me to tell me what are the must see and not to be missed! It will be useful and this little blogger here will be truly grateful! Plus any tips for renting car, and drive route to Olso will be great! I havent done any road trip for decades so this is hoping to be fun!

Alot of homework and research now.