My bookshelf

Couldn't even continue after the first episode. What on earth did they make? Exaggerated expressions at every turn, only the protagonist survives as everyone else dies randomly. The invincibility aura is on full blast, people flip cars, crawl out and walk away, with a savior complex popping up frequently alongside vacant flashbacks. Guys stuff hands in pockets even when running away, girls are in pristine tank tops and bikinis, with smooth skin and silky hair. While the ultimate question remains intriguing, the mystery is gone, the screenwriters became lazy with the details. The crew let loose, carelessly arranging scenes, blatantly showcasing elements of violence, sex, and sentimentality to harvest revenue.

The mystery is excellent, quite innovative, and the Japanese cute and clumsy style can be awkward yet still very captivating, compelling one to binge-watch. What is more absurd is the underlying motive of this game, revealing one after another sociopally twisted individual descending into murderous madness? Also, there is a massive live-action underground operations team, and they get completely wiped out? Nonetheless, this piece accurately knows its identity as an exhilarating drama. The male lead commandeers all the spotlight with scenes filled to the brim with flashy displays of the torso, hips, legs, and wanton killing, disregarding morality, law, and reason. This type of sensationalism centered entertainment is thrilling indeed, but uncomfortably so.

Whether true or false, the reading enchants with underlying cryptic currents, leaving one in a wistful haze. The mastery of language is profound, playing with words wantonly. On the surface, it shows respect but is filled with rebellion and disobedience, distinctly characteristic. The overt expression of 'sexuality' is like a huge slogan plastered on the forehead: non-compliance. Excerpt 1: Once everything 'begins', there is nothing terrifying left in this world. Right now, I'm just a bit afraid of dying. After death, there will be no fear. Excerpt 2: Humans dwell all over the world, living in a daze, eating then sleeping, and after sufficient rest, eating again. Later, people gathered in river valleys and plains, established civilizations, and from there, all troubles began.

An unexpectedly raw portrayal, with a copious amount of frank, male-perspective descriptions of sexuality. Coupled with the unique imprint of its era, the fact that it got published is notable. The writing style is sophisticated yet uses vulgar, colloquial language that highlights a confident personality. The writer appears well-read, skilled in the craft of storytelling, creating a vivid image of the author: a privileged second-generation youth raised in a high-ranking official's compound, with affluent family background and surrounded by various women. The story setup in 'The Realm of Yin and Yang' borders on male fantasy, where an attractive young woman doesn't mind the ruined reputation of an impotent man living alone in a basement and goes as far as to strip and propose marriage in front of him, which, in light of the author's persona, doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Amélie has a sensitive inner world, breathing life into a rich fantasy realm filled with romanticism. A fortuitous event leads her to discover a box hidden for forty years at the base of a wall, sparking her wonderful spirit of benevolence and justice. The positive feedback she receives inspires her to continue her chivalrous deeds. She fantasizes about her beloved appearing just when she needs him the most, and sure enough, fate delivers him right to her doorstep. The fragile, precious, fragmented, and fortunate beauty that only exists in films is realized.

Ada, who doesn't conform to society, has built walls around her own world. The mother and daughter, both eccentric and aloof, are unpopular and forced to marry off far away. Ada marries Stewart, a stingy and tactless man, but then meets George, a burly, gentle, and understanding man. George's tenderness, his use of power to subdue women, and his moral torment lead Ada through a struggle between obedience and resistance, eventually breaking down her walls and accepting George. Her reminiscent attachment to the piano, her act of defiant betrayal, and declaration of love leave a lasting impression. When Stewart, in pursuit of a land deal, forces her to stay alone with another man, he loses by his own greed. Yet, in the end, he voluntarily gives up, making way for the couple. The complexity of human nature is fully displayed.

Read the short story 'Leaving Home at Eighteen'.

It's so distressing to watch that any language seems demeaning in the face of such merciless and miserable lives. Life and living here seem heavier than ever. Is there a way out? Where is it? Fortunately, the film cuts abruptly, sparing us the dread of imagining what comes next. But in reality, is there such a timely relief? The future looks bleak, undisciplined children adding to the trouble, manipulative, selfish bosses who say it's all for your good. Yet, we continue to get up and work. Life feels like a march towards the gallows. And before reaching the gallows, we comfort ourselves that everything will get better.

Dull, boring, and self-indulgent. As another version of myself became evident, it kicked off with whimsical fantasies. There's little logical causality, advancing the plot whimsically, creating fake romance and encounters. It attempts to stimulate the senses with some faded horror film colors, beautiful faces, exposed bodies, and unappealing sensuality, making it seem even cheaper.