Unique and comforting experience.

I have serious reservations about Chinese dramas, most of them have plot flaws, caricatured performances, and clearly the low budget is evident. However, "The Double" is an exceptional case where everything worked well, from the casting of the cast to the quality of set design, costumes, makeup, and landscapes, that is, YOUKU believed in the project and invested financial and intellectual resources for the drama to work and conquer not only the Chinese audience but also the Western one.
About the drama, I realize that the villains had a lamentable life due to their own weaknesses, as well as the weaknesses and bad character of those around them. I found the final scenes very delicate, coherent, and subliminal.

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DRAMA CONTUDENTE

Ultimamente sou fã das produções taiwanesas e todas que vi até agora gostei, desde da história, roteiro e condução de onde a história começa e como chegamos naquele final. Essa primeira temporada teve episódios excelentes, mas esse último episódio foi lento e um pouco entediante, mas entendi que foi necessário para nos mostrar de que maneira chegamos àquele clímax e como tudo será conduzido na segunda temporada. Pelo trailer, criei altas expectativas para a próxima temporada.

Acho que a atuação do protagonista em algumas cenas foi um tanto caricata e fiquei constrangido, mas em outras ele dominou a cena e deu emoção e frieza ao seu personagem quando foi preciso.

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JAPAN RESPECTS THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTIONS...

I didn't know the story and, consequently, not even the manga on which this film was based, but we have to praise that the screenwriters knew, in a simple and intelligent way, how to show us who the characters are and their characteristic profiles. In the post-credits scenes, they showed us the new characters that will come in future sequels.
One thing I miss in the vast majority of Chinese and Korean productions is the quality of CGI, costumes, and makeup that we find in almost all Japanese productions. I didn't feel embarrassed by any scene or dialogue, on the contrary, the quality of everything was great. I didn't know the "Golden Kamuy" universe, but I feel satisfied with what was presented here and I look forward to the continuation.

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A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE

The actor who played the elderly YoungHan is the same one who played YoungHan in the series of the same name in the 70s and 80s. Another situation that moved me was that the actors who played YoungHan's companions in the 1971 series have already passed away.

It was a drama with perfect setting, costumes consistent with the 50s and 60s, and we had a text with a more traditional and assertive humor. I found few episodes, I believe they could have easily had 16 episodes.

Moreover, I found the participation of actor Choi Bool Am delicate and sensitive, portraying the lonely YoungHan in 2024 and waiting for the moment to meet his companions.

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CONFLICTING FEELING...

I started watching this drama because I was curious to know which drama had the highest ratings in South Korea, since "Queen of Tears" was breaking several ratings records, except for being the most watched drama on South Korean television, so I got curious and looked it up.
About the drama, the first episodes were breathtaking and made you shocked with each event or discovery. However, the drama lost its momentum towards the end and became a bit boring. The lesson that the drama teaches us is that we should not bear all the problems in the world on our shoulders and judge others by our own standards. Another important lesson is that sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone allows for adrenaline and excitement. However, by losing it, you also take responsibility for it and must bear the consequences.

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Um drama bem desenvolvido e bem dirigido

Foi uma excelente experiência assistir a esse drama. Gostei de como o enredo foi construído e desenvolvido, e a atuação dos atores foi sempre segura e bem conduzida. Quero destacar os atores que interpretaram Sato e Shinzo Tozawa; eles deram uma aura mais realista aos seus personagens, o que foi muito valorizado.

Sobre o drama, eu não li a obra do jornalista onde a série foi baseada, mas não percebi nenhuma brecha para uma continuação. O arco Tozawa foi concluído com sucesso e a história, ao meu ver, se fechou. Há empolgação e possível enredo para mais temporadas? Acredito que sim, mas como telespectador, estou satisfeito por agora.

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A protagonist extremely weak and irritating.

I don't want to be offensive to fans of this manga, but based on this trilogy of films, I'd like to express an opinion and question: is the protagonist really so irritating and weak in the manga? Because, let's face it, he only relies on the power of love and dialogue, constantly getting beaten up by everyone, allies or enemies alike. He can't fight, can't persuade, just shouts, cries, and complains.

Since the first film, there has been no evolution whatsoever; the outcome is just beatings, tears, and more beatings. His body must be made of titanium, as in all three films he has been beaten in every possible way, it's a miracle he hasn't suffered a cranial trauma.

Anyway, I can't judge the protagonist in the manga because I've never read it, but Takemichi in the films is a naive, complaining, weak character who believes the power of love can fix everything. If there are no more sequels, that's fine by me.

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IT'S NOT OVER YET......

The first season surprised me on several levels. It was a drama that had no episodes without importance or dragging. The whole story had good dynamics and followed a well-defined course. I always appreciate dramas that use episodes 15 and 16 to conclude the story. Most dramas use episode 16 for conclusions full of amenities and frivolities. However, FlexXCop used it differently, dosing its story effectively in 16 good episodes. It is a drama that deserves the success it achieved in South Korea and has the energy and potential for its second season, which I believe will only be released in 2026.

I liked the villain built in a complex way and shaped by the ambitions and neuroses of his mother, brought to us by Shi Yang with his character Seung Joo. This drama has a high level of quality and deserves only praise, there is nothing to criticise.

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A very satisfying ending.

Although I find some things there surreal and nonsensical, it was a drama I enjoyed and thought it presented a solid storyline, without the usual drag found in dramas of this theme. Suzuki Kyoka deserves positive mentions for her portrayal of the nonsensical and narcissistic villain in the drama; she was restrained and exaggerated just right, as her character aimed for every step of greed and acceptance from others. I found Anzu and Kiichi's ending together cute, and I found it bold and amusing that she asked to take care of him for the wicked mother.

I understand some might have wanted imprisonment or death for Makiko, but I understand the drama wanted to give a realistic tone to this ending, showing that evil may not always be eradicated but can be defeated. I am currently watching Japanese dramas and am enjoying them immensely; I currently prefer Japanese dramas to Chinese ones.

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A happy ending their way…

It was a drama I followed eagerly from the start, trying to craft theories, and it was excellent how the writers developed all the plots in 16 well-constructed episodes. The villains had good developments. The most assertive criticism is that our villain Yoon-Jin tormented for 15 episodes and, in the end, decided to apply the death penalty, which I find unusual for someone so envious, narcissistic, and egocentric, but it was the appropriate way the writers found to end her cycle of suffering and obsession. In terms of acting, I really liked the duplicitous scoundrel Nam Tae-Joo, portrayed by the veteran Park Ho-San, and the simple portrayal of Lee Ki-Taek, being an unconditional protector when playing Yoo Teo. As for Na-ra, she interpreted the central protagonist of the drama well and carried it through to where we are now.

Regarding the romantic part of the drama, the writers’ fanservice treated us to a bittersweet and open-ended ending between Jae-Won and Yoo Teo, and I think they were happy with this action. Finally, as I’ve always said since the review of episode 2 that I do here: A fully happy ending doesn’t exist; there’s the one that God or the Universe provides us, and we have to be wise to value and try to understand that not everything in life is simply complete or entirely happy.

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Lee Yi Kyung was the biggest highlight.

Before starting to analyse the drama itself, I would like to praise the art director and visual effects team who created and made the beautiful scene of the petals dancing with the air in the art gallery, contrasting with the gigantic painting. It was one of the most beautiful and touching things I have ever seen in a drama. Everything there fit together: the couple, the painting, the colours, the lighting; everything worked very well.

Regarding the drama, the success in terms of audience and ratings was deserved, but I don't think it needed to have 16 episodes. I believe that in 10 to 12 episodes, we would have had a more robust story, without too much dragging. I confess that from episode 11 onwards, I noticed a more sluggish plot, with the clear intention of saving the main decisive events for the last two episodes. The secondary and tertiary couples had no development at all, which is a shame. Nevertheless, it was a good drama that had an extremely interesting synopsis. I liked it.

I would like to give an honourable and positive mention to Lee Yi-kyung's performance, which was exceptional and above average in portraying the comical and heartless scoundrel Min-Hwan. On the other hand, a not so positive mention goes to BoA, who had more facial expressions than actual acting. In my opinion, her character did not add anything significant.

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SEASON 2 IN 20......... ?

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The drama had a very well-developed plot and a well-written story, and the dynamics of the episodes intertwining the future and the flashbacks were not boring or unreasoned, especially in episodes 6 and 7, which brought in detail everything that happened to get to where we are.

In the first episode, I reported and suspected Ji-Man's inert reaction, but the episodes mentioned above showed how he suffered and was desperate for the death of his loved ones. The fight scenes and weapon technologies were completely above average and showed Disney's investment power in the drama. The entire cast was very good, but the highlight for me was Pasin, who excellently portrayed his role, with Thai mannerisms and accent to give greater authenticity to the character.

I think the negative point, if we can call it that, was this super open ending for a hypothetical second season. Sometimes they don't even continue it, but with endings like this, there we are waiting. Anyway, I liked it and would watch it if there is a second season.

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ENTERTAINED ME...

The utilization of the same location as "CONCRETE UTOPIA" for the building scenes appears to be a curious choice, adding a layer of familiarity for viewers. While unconventional, this sequence provided an enjoyable diversion. The visual effects maintained a consistent level of quality, with CGI that, while not groundbreaking, was competent. However, the reliance on clichés such as the mad scientist, zombies, and transformed humans felt uninspired and failed to captivate. As a result, the film may ultimately be relegated to the realm of forgettable entertainment, lacking the originality needed to leave a lasting impression. Despite this, there's still some enjoyment to be found in its execution, making it a passable option for casual viewing.

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Chegamos finalmente ao fim… obrigado, Deus.

Esse título já diz muito sobre a experiência de assistir a esse drama, que começou com um marketing brilhante e trailers promissores, mas, ao longo do caminho, revelou-se uma maratona de paciência. A direção de arte e os efeitos especiais realmente impressionaram — uma sofisticação visual que, infelizmente, não encontrou eco no texto. O roteiro era arrastado, monótono e mergulhado num melodrama exagerado que tornava cada episódio mais um desafio do que um prazer. Diálogos repetitivos e a falta de ritmo narrativo transformaram uma boa premissa em um fardo.

O desfecho, ainda que coerente, traz decisões difíceis de engolir, como a morte dos personagens mais jovens, cujos sacrifícios serviram apenas para remediar os erros dos adultos. Isso deixou um gosto amargo e um desconforto inevitável. Ficou evidente que Zhuo era o verdadeiro protagonista, enquanto Zhao funcionava como uma espécie de coadjuvante de luxo, conduzindo os eventos principais sem nunca ocupar plenamente o centro da trama. Já o episódio especial, ao invés de oferecer surpresas ou reviravoltas, entregou mais lágrimas e um melodrama barato que reforçou o desgaste de toda a experiência.

Se a ideia era plantar expectativas para uma segunda temporada, o episódio final sequer fez essa gentileza. E, honestamente, talvez seja melhor assim. Esse drama poderia ter sido um épico, mas terminou como um exercício de resiliência para quem se comprometeu a assistir até o fim. Se algo precisa continuar aqui, que seja apenas o silêncio da tela preta.

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IT’S OFFICIAL! ZHANG RUOYUN IS MY FAVOURITE ASIAN ACTOR!

I’ve watched “Joy Of Life I and II”, and now, after watching this new drama, it’s only reinforced how much I admire Ruoyun’s talent. He’s an absolute force of nature. Not only does he act brilliantly, but he also has a comedic touch that few actors of his generation possess. The way he balances seriousness with humour is so effortless and natural, which really draws the audience in.

Curious about the top-notch writing and storyline, I looked it up and, to my delight, discovered it’s the same screenwriter behind the two seasons of “Joy Of Life”, a huge hit. The quality is undeniably high, both in terms of professionalism and production value.

As this drama is from 2022, I’m eagerly hoping the Chinese producers follow through on their promise of a second season, because there’s clearly so much more story left to unfold.

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