Taemin and Naeun
Ep 167-203, Rating: 8
They were so awkward and hesitant with each other, it was cute to watch. I didn't really like how the Shinee hyungs would butt in at times and make them uncomfortable.
Jaerim and Soeun
Ep 238-275, Rating: 8
The X-rated couple as they were called. Probably the most fun and entertaining couple of the lot, they really vibed well together.
Sungjae and Joy
Ep 276-320, Rating: 9
They were so cute and affectionate to each other, it was heartwarming to watch.
Jonghyun and Seungyeon
Ep 263-286, Rating: 8
The season where we see the legend of Madara come to life, the touching reunion of Itachi and Sasuke, and Rin's death that changed Obito's life (I'm in Hell, Ep 345).
You can't help but get behind and understand Obito, at least a bit. Everything he did was because of his love for Rin. It makes you think about how love and sadness/hate are opposite sides of the same coin. Each has meaning only because the other exists. If everything is beautiful, is anything beautiful? Its for the same reason that I question the IF, if you are happy/victorious all the time, it loses its meaning if you also don't experience its opposite. Is there a way to be optimally happy?
Yonghwa and Seohyun
Ep 40-45, 47-91; Rating: 9
Seohyun was my first proper k-pop crush. She was so innocent and proper and a book-lover too! It was so sweet to watch how Yonghwa and Seohyun were initially so awkward and slowly became comfortable with each other over time. The first dates to a bookshop, blood donation centre and bank were uniquely Seohyun. And the way Yonghwa clung to Seohyun when SNSD came over was so cute. Its stupid, but I was a bit disappointed that they didn't end up dating in real life especially after Yonghwa declared his love on variety shows too.
Overall, it was a fun season but there were quite a few boring episodes. Even though its been a while since LKS left, I still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. RM is incomplete without him. After his departure, I've started appreciating Haha and JSM a lot more. Hope to see more guests in the future to fill the void.
S3P2 has got to be one of my favourite action sequences, period. I was completely engrossed and my heart was thumping the entire time. The strategies, the emotions, the storylines and the action all meld together to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
I started watching Naruto as a teenager and then finished it in my mid 20s. Watching Naruto and Hinata in the last episode was like watching a childhood friend get married while leaving you and his bachelor days behind.
I wouldn't say Naruto is my favourite anime or even the best anime out there. But it happened to be the one I grew up with and got attached to. Honestly, a bit of an underwhelming last season for Naruto. Lots of fillers, and the Kaguya and Exploding Humans arcs were quite boring.
The big underlying lesson for me is that love conquers all. The relationships that you form with people are all that matter. Value them.
Indra and Asura (Ep 420)
A very interesting episode that goes into the lore and world-building of Naruto. Indra and Asura, and therefore Sasuke and Naruto, represent a lot of the dualities we see in life.
Indra - Talent determines success. Our destinies are predetermined.
Asura - Hard work determines success. Our destinies are shaped.
Indra - Wisdom says we are nothing. Every human is alone.
Asura - Love says we are everything. Every human is connected to the world.
Indra - Power rules the world. Life is suffering and everyone is selfish.
Asura - Love rules the world. Life is joy and everyone loves everybody.
The fight sequence beginning from E4 was epic! The strategies and counterstrategies, while emotions were running high, was thrilling to watch.
Also E25 was a nicely crafted episode with the Eldians on both sides finally coming together (which seemed to me at least to be the most obvious alliance). The dialogue as they sit around the campfire was brilliant.
Leeteuk and Sora
Ep 25-55 (+2 episodes of S4), Rating: 8
Sora was so sweet and went out of her way to prepare occasions for Leetuek. The blind date with SJ and Sora's friends was also quite fun.
A bit sad when I finished the last episode of the season ended. Somehow it felt like Youngji and all her guests became a little like my friends - talking about their personal lives and difficulties. Hope we get to see more candid shows like this. And Youngji did a great job, always keeping things engaging with her over-the-top, big personality while also asking the right questions and comforting her guests.
The show made me ponder about the question, "Why is it important to be successful?". Why do parents want their kids to be successful? Shouldn't they focus on teaching their kids about happiness instead?
Also, it's important to remember that success and happiness are not synonyms and a successful life need not be a happy one. In fact, I would argue that the opposite is likely true, the drive to succeed comes from desire and desire is at the root of unhappiness. A good percentage of parents cannot explain to you why they are driving their kids to succeed. Many a time, a cocktail of ego, pride, status-seeking and social pressure are the underlying reasons and this is, ultimately, to the detriment of the child. What does it matter if someone is successful if they are unhappy and don't know what kind of life they want to live?
The most emotional, funny and beautiful anime you will see. It is the definition of a feel-good anime.
Ep 375, the fight between Kakashi and Obito, with flashbacks from their time as teammates, was something special. One of the best scenes in all of Naruto.
Ep 1
My first impression was, "Wow, all the girls look so pretty! Its crazy". Each of the men seemed to have different styles and personalities though. At first impression, I liked all the guys, everyone seemed to be natural and honest. Amongst the girls, I liked Da-hye the most and Yoo-Jung the least and still didn't have a very strong impression of the other two.
Hwi-hyun and Hye-won
Their story was beautiful and sad at the same time. I've always thought that if a woman loves a man who is poor, that is true love. And for that I will always respect and adore Hye-won. She supported Hwi-hyun regardless of his difficulties, was considerate not to make him feel guilty for his poverty and her story about eating the candies once a day was extremely sweet. Initially, she came across as the nervous type, and this is another timely reminder for me to not judge people too quickly and that it takes time to truly know a person.
Ep 2
The scene where they all had to read their Ex-Intro's was very emotional. It was heartwarming and bittersweet at the same time. That scene made me feel very single, no one had ever written such a beautiful, personal note for me that made me feel understood. I hope it happens one day.
Ep 3
Dongjin and Dahye
This was a sad and heartwarming story at the same time. To be with someone for 13 years and then break up is almost incomprehensible for me. I think both of them are 1 in a million people (or it occurs to me that the kind of people who can love and sacrifice so much are not as rare as I seem to imagine). They both loved each other deeply and made a lot of personal sacrifices for each other. The story about how Dahye used to follow Dongjin to Yangje by bus before going home herself was such a sweet story. I'm rooting for both of them, and this will likely be the couple I most wish to get back together.
Ep 4
I think Hyewon and Dongjin had the best date in this episode. Although it felt like Hyewon was a bit artificial, it really did seem like both of them matched and complimented each other well.
Ep 5
Dahye and Dongjin's answers to the bottle spin game was so sad and painful to watch. It was clear from the interviews, their actions and their messages to each other that they still had feelings for each other. But due to pride, ego or whatever it was they chose to talk as if they were not interested at all, when both could have at least been ambiguous and kept the door open instead of slamming it into each other's faces. This reminds me to be prideful in my relationships, and just say things as they are and be honest with how I feel even if that feels like I'm bowing down to or feeling powerless towards my partner.
Juwon and Seokyung
To me, this seemed to be the ex-couple that had the most major problem. Even though it was being shown as if a small fight had been blown out of proportion, I think there are some deeper problems here compared to the earlier two ex-couples that were revealed.
Ep 6
When Hwihyun was studying for his exam and Hyewon stopped by to study and chat with him, I somehow felt a strong desire to do the same. Studying alone for an exam is boring and stressful, but I would really enjoy it if I had a partner study for her exams with me just reading the material along with her and helping her out, that way I can be relaxed, in the present of my partner and help her with her studies.
Ep 7
Dahye's message to Dongjin was really sweet. She has been sending messages just to him the entire time. And she said, "I hope you find someone who makes you happy." which is a really selfless thing to say when you're pining over an ex. I really hope that they end up having a talk about their relationship and about other partners. It makes no sense to me why the other men aren't showing interest in Dahye, she would be my number 1 choice of the group, followed by Hyewon at least so far. But I guess everyone knows she's still hung up on her ex since she's been crying often.
Yujung and Juwon on the sofa was the best flirting and chemistry I've seen on the show so far. It was really nice to watch, but the only thing gnawing at me was that she was kinda throwing Dongjin under the bus. She should have acknowledged that its a date, or not accepted his invitation.
Hyewon sitting next to Hwihyun while he was studying and just looking at him was the sweetest thing ever. It was just a lovely, heartwarming interaction. I hope Dongjin-Dahye and Hwihyun-Hyewon are the two couples who get back together, the rest can play their games.
When the 4 girls were together I laughed when they all said, "Daega paabu-indae" when wondering if its based on the text messages, since Da-hye and Hye-won had almost exclusively texted their ex's up to that point. Yup, you have to take your chances when you get them.
"Wah, I can't believe that." was what I thought when they showed Dongjin's interview after Dahye sent him that message. How could he say it was like spam email? That he didn't remember, and it made him uncomfortable? That was very rude of him, and I lost a lot of respect for him. I wish he would handle Dahye's feelings more empathetically.
Ep 8
Ever since Changjin entered the show, it seemed like Dahye became a lot brighter. She looked so beautiful at the end of the show, when Changjin choose her as his date. I wished earlier on that Dongjin and Dahye would get back together, but since he seems to be so against it, this couple looks promising as well. And Dahye, she's always been beautiful and now with a genuine smile she looks more beautiful.
Ep 9
"No!!!!" was what I said when Hwihyun brought out the candies that Hyewon gave him. That was insensitive. Hwihyun is so emotionally immature, its hard to watch.
Ep 10
The Ex-room vs Personal room is a great idea from the production team. This is going to make us cry and make the show even more emotional.
Ep 11
Dongjin and Dahye's Ex-room was something else. The only thing I could think of was "Why would you let a girl like Dahye go?". Where in this world will you find a girl who writes you 30+ letters when you're away for years? Who watches football matches just to remember you? Who never fails to pick up your calls even when she doesn't know when to expect them? People with so much love to give are rare in this world, and its clear to see that Dahye was one of them.
Ep 12
As I've been watching this show, I didn't really have the best opinion of Kwangtae. Probably, he was the male member I liked the least, maybe because I felt like was playing the field with Yujung and Seokyung. But after watching his ex back story, I could relate a lot with him and his experience. I too know how it feels to love someone elder than you and not be taken seriously and I also feel that I have a lot of love to give in relationships, which might end up being more than the other person can take. This story made me reassess how I saw Kwangtae, he know seems more innocent, just a boy who has a lot of love to give but can't find the right way or right person to give it to.
Ep 13
When Min-hyung went to speak to Sang-jeong, he spoke so tenderly and nicely, I thought, "Wow, he's such a nice guy!". As they went to speak in the common area, it became quite clear that he spoke that way only because he thought Sangjeong wanted to get back with him. On reflection, its clear that Sangjeong was the one who was more honest and straightforward.
This is an important reminder for me, that some people are genuinely nice and some people are nice just when they want something from you.
Ep 14
The cloth and wish burning scene was very beautiful, and the BGM at that scene was amazing too.
During this episode, I was wondering, "Who amongst the men am I most like?". I think in terms of being an emotional person, I am most like Kwangtae (and who would have thought that? I really wasn't liking him in the first half) but I think I also have a little bit of Changjin, but I will update this later as we see more of everyone's character.
Ep 15
To be honest, if you choose someone your ex is not into for the women's selected date, that clearly shows she still has feelings for him. It feels a bit petty too. I think Seokyung doing it was not unexpected, but I didn't expect Hyewon to do that especially after all the men had chosen according to their ex's wishes.
I had such mixed feelings about the conversation between Dahye and Dongjin. Clearly, Dahye wants to get back together but Dongjin, doesn't want to and I wish I knew the reasons more clearly, but what seems quite clear is that he is determined not to get back together. Regardless, I feel he could have treated Dahye's feelings better and spoken to her more often. But it was sweet to see their little fight in the end. Regardless of whether they get together or not, I hope that they still laugh and enjoy each other's company, realizing the 13 years they've given each other.
Ep 16
The more I think about Hyewon and Dongjin, the more I think they're right for each other. Dongjin can be very caring and thoughtful, and Hyewon needs that and she's like that as well. Over the show, my favourite women have been Dahye and Hyewon, and while initially I thought Hyewon lacked a little bit of "personality", over time she's really grown on me. She's the most sensitive of the group, so I really hope things go well for her.
Ep 17
The dynamic between Hyewon and Dahye when compared to Seokyung and Juwon from the previous night is so strikingly different. Dahye has a really big heart when she asks Hyewon not to worry about her and Hyewon is always so considerate. Of course, these two are my favourites here.
"You look gloomy today, I want to make you feel better." Where is my Hyewon? Where? While everyone else is trying to send messages subtly, either to protect their ego or not show too much interest, here is Hyewon being clear as day. Where do you find girls like her?
When I saw that Dongjin had messaged Jong-eun, I was like, "Nooooo!!!". It didn't make sense to me, if you care about Dahye and Hyewon, you successfully managed to upset both. What was funny was that Dahye was the only one who actually knew who Dongjin messaged and could comfort her.
It was so funny how the matched dates were sent just when Hyewon and Hwihyun were arguing, showing the truth about their preferences. This is one of those shows, where it's quite hard to completely truthful to every person and understandably so.
I loved Yujung's last words of the episode about Juwon and Changjin. I think the essence of this show is to realize that there was a reason you broke up with your ex, not get lured in by past memories and old feelings, and open your heart to someone new. Yujung has realized this but Sangjeong has not.
Ep 18
I think its a bit cruel, what this show does to people who want to get back together with their exes. I really feel for Dahye. Now, it seems like Changjin wanted to get back together with Yujung from the beginning, but because of the structure of the show wherein you can't date your ex, Changjin had to choose someone and after all that time its quite natural for Dahye to have developed feelings. Dahye can't seem to win either way.
Before all hell breaks loose on this Truth or Dare night, can we take a moment to admire how good Dahye looks in that white formal shirt!
Hwihyun is so bad at communicating himself, its not even funny anymore.
Ep 19
When Seokyung said, "Why do you keep asking me?", that really made me think about how women are a different when it comes to dating. Men are expected to chase, and women to be chased. So just as with Seokyung, I think other women too might accept the advances of a man who is straightforward and direct, rather than what Juwon did, who was trying to understand where she stood. As long as she likes you, or is even neutral, I think a lot of women are swayed by men who take initiative and put in the effort.
Wahhh, whoever planned a photo studio date for Dahye and Dongjin was cruel. That was too much for them.
"Can you hug me one last time?", that really broke my heart. Dahye still has so much love for Dongjin.
Seeing Yujung and Juwon still being unsure and speaking to their exes despite how obviously they like each other and get along got me thinking, memories and emotions for your ex are still very strong and powerful.
Ep 20
My predictions
1. Jongeun will choose Juwon - T
2. Juwon will not choose Jong-eun - T
Minhyung will choose Sangjeong - T
Dahye will choose Dongjin - F, Changjin
Kwangtae will choose Seokyung - T
Seokyung will choose Kwangtae - F, Juwon
Juwon will not choose Seokyung - T
Hyewon unsure - F, Dongjin
Dongjin will choose Hyewon - T
Juwon will choose Yujung - T
Changjin will choose Yujung - T
Yujung will choose Juwon - F, Changjin
I think it was a bit unfortunate for Jongeun overall, primarily cause she came so late. Things could have been quite different for her if she had arrived earlier with the rest of the girls. Its a pity, because personality-wise I really liked her, and wish I had seen more of her.
Personally, I don't think Sangjeong should have chosen Minhyung, they just had awful communication throughout and Minhyung really needs to figure out how to speak with consideration and not put her in a corner every time.
"There was never a moment you weren't too good for me."
Wah, how cruel is this show? Imagine you had a 13 year relationship with your ex, you have to live with them for 3 weeks as they went on dates with other people, and finally you have to drive your ex to their new partner at the end. All for our viewing pleasure. Like, I love this show, but sometimes its a bit too much.
"I was happy because it was you."
Those 10 minutes with Dahye and Dongjin in the car, must be the most emotional moments of a show I've ever watched.
Hyewon and Dongjin I think will make the best couple from this show. I'm glad that they chose each other. Hyewon Fighting!
That smile that Yujung had the moment that she saw Juwon should tell you all you need to know.
WTF! I can't believe she chose Changjin, how could she refuse Juwon! They had it all! I give up.
Juwon throughout the show has been a champ, everyone on the show agreed that he was an amazing guy and as I saw the way he spoke to Yujung at the end, I got to say I agree. He handled it in the nicest, most mature way. It just so happened that Yujung was very hung up on her ex, but almost any other girl would have chosen him. This made me think that maybe when you're dating a girl, its good to be a little forward, express yourself more, engage in some skinship to build the connection. Maybe if Yujung didn't just like him, but was more attached to him and saw it as a "relationship", she would have chosen him.
The End
Wah, just absolutely love this show and hope I get to watch it again soon (with company, hopefully a GF!). Really loved this bunch, and they really all were nice, genuine people for the most part. Wonderfully directed and hosted by TVING. Can't wait for the next season!
A lovely, heart-warming portrayal of friendship and teenage love. You quickly get attached to all of the characters, and the gentle pace of the drama makes you feel like you're living your everyday life with the characters. Each character is beautifully written and unique. Won-ho PD delivers again, I hope he keeps making dramas till he's a 100 years old.
The most emotional non-romantic drama that I've seen. A wonderful portrayal of friendship, camaraderie between colleagues and the hope that hard work will eventually pay off. Sung-min and Dae-myung give an amazing performance.
This one is hard to review.
The story was interesting, and the screenplay and direction were great too.
It was a gripping tale, I just wasn't gripped by it.
It was such an emotional rollercoaster. It was wonderful to see such a happy, positive and mature group of 20-year-olds. I will miss this show.
Seoyoung: I felt quite sad for Seoyoung, she was so sweet and sincere. It reinforced my beliefs, that at the end of the day, when it comes to dating you need to be desirable and know how to play the game, just being nice was never enough.
Seohyun: I really loved her vibe and energy throughout the show. Seohyun x Jungyun is one of the big "what ifs" that was on my mind at the end. They would have been such a legendary couple, I wish I had gotten to see that. As Seohyun said in the end, feelings change very quickly, so if you like someone you should take a chance and confess your feelings.
Sangwon: Talking slowly is important, when you speak in a rush you appear unsure. It's quite hard when you can feel someone's affection for you slowly go away, but as Seohyun herself said coming on too strongly can push someone away. Unfortunately, in the dating game, showing your affection can come off as feeling needy and people's emotions change when they can feel your desperation.
Heeji: Probably my favourite one in the group. She was so caring towards everyone, like a mom of the group.
Jiwoo: I really appreciated Jiwoo's maturity and honesty, especially in the way she spoke to Jungyun and Seoyun. She was very honest about her feelings throughout the show and navigated some tough situations quite well.
Heeji + Pyeongseok: This couple looked so secure and comfortable with each other from the beginning, as if they had been dating for 10 years. I think it's those kinds of couples that last, where there is mutual affection and comfort with each other and feelings naturally grow stronger as you spend time together. I really admire Heeji's patience with Pyeongseok, even though he was shy for a long time and not very communicative, Heeji continued to trust and spend time with him until he became more comfortable with her. They didn't need to constantly step up their physical or emotional intimacy to feel secure in their connection.
It was quite baffling to me that Jiwoo would go for Jungyun instead of Seyeon. To me, it seemed like Seyeon was the better choice - he was more communicative of his feelings, took initiative, was mature and arguably more handsome.
But while reflecting on this, I began to understand relationships a bit better. The initial attraction that Jiwoo felt towards Jungyun was probably quite strong, you could also say that they started to build an emotional connection much earlier (at the Ferris wheel). Choosing one person over the other is not a cold, rational decision as I sometimes see it, the connection and desire that you feel for someone initially can be quite sticky and resistant to change.
The endings of the following episodes were really thrilling and exciting
1. Ep 8 - The whole time I was unsure if Do-il was going to betray In-joo or not. But if you think about it Do-il never, through his direct experience, gave In-joo anything to suspect him. He was true to her. And props to In-joo for trusting him. Tragedy of my life that they didn't have a romantic scene even in the last episode. Like what? You don't risk your life for a stranger.
But Ep 8 had me on the edge. I even thought Hwa-young was there too. And of course, the final uno reverse card when In-joo pulls out the gun. Nice ending for the episode but inconsequential as the show went on.
Ep 10 - Holy shit, who would have thought Jae-sang would commit suicide. I definitely thought that it was someone who looked like him so he could go into a more shadow role while receiving the support and goodwill of a popular figure after they're dead. But no he actually died which added a lot of mystery to the show.
Ep 11 - Hwa-young's entry here, of course, is super surprising. But the show wasn't really as interesting from here.
A realistic and emotional take on teenage love. You really feel like you're a part of the story. Wonderful dialogue. It's heart-wrenching and heartwarming in turns.
If kdramas are the best at feel-good, rom-com shows, Hosplay is the best among kdramas. The wonderful friendship and heartwarming love stories make you hope that this drama never ends.
Ep 2
Did Jiyeon just say, "There are two cute women here, even I wouldn't choose myself"? Damn, I need that level of objectivity and self-awareness in my life. Jiyeon is not the prettiest, but she's winning me over with her attitude.
Ep 3
My man Wonbin is a pure one for getting those blankets for Yihyun, I always root for the nice guys.
Ep 5
I really like the attitude that Nayeon is showing on this date. She's excited, conveying interest, being open about herself and looks amazing to boot. This is the date I would send a girl if she asks me how she should act on a first date.
Wah, I can't believe how loving Hae-eun was to Gyumin, its the kind of love that really warms your heart and makes you feel loved. I kind of regret not dating anyone in my early 20s, maybe this is the kind of love we could have had for each other.
Ep 6
Wah, Nayeon is such a natural flirt, in a good way. I can't handle it!
I can't believe Haeeun actually sent her message to Gyumin after that date. I guess even an amazing date, no matter how good, really can't change the way a person feels, unless she is open to it.
The scene where Nayeon reveals her age and both her Gyumin are laughing out loud is one of my favourite scenes! Had a huge smile and replayed it like 10 times.
Ep 8
"How much do you want to see me?" I think I'll rewatch this season just to hear these flirty and heartwarming lines from Nayeon. She responds, just as I wish a girl I like would respond.
Ep 10
Its so hard to watch Hae-eun, she's obviously really suffering a lot. And every time Gyumin expresses himself to another woman in her presence, I cringe internally, worried about how Hae-eun will take it. Hae-eun reminds me of Dahye from S3. Even now, when Gyumin calls Nayeon in vision of Hae-eun, I'm already bracing myself for Hae-eun's reaction.
Tbh, I generally liked Gyumin, but the way he interacted with Hae-eun wasn't nice. The dynamic between Heedo - Nayeon, who still have feelings for each other, is much better than Gyumin - Haeeun. I wish he had treated her better, and possibly even communicated that he's not interested in her so she can move on.
I was going to rate this show an 8 but the last two episodes were so heartwarming and fun that I made it a 9.
Hosplay might be acting, but the real friendship between the cast really shine through here and on Hospital Playlist Goes Camping.
Kyung-ho and Eun-jin are the highlights, their lovable, funny and cute personalities really stand out.
Our Hosplay team
1. Jeong-suk - The quirky and likeable hyung of the group. Fire Cho!
2. Dae-myung - The reserved yet emotional bear of the group.
3. Mi-do - The lovely and pretty one. Her ringing laughter lights up the group.
4. Kyung-ho - The hilarious, cute and hardworking extrovert.
5. Yeong-suk - The brilliant maknae who is good at everything. Is there anything he can't do?
What a pleasure it has been to watch them! I hope that one day I can have a friend group like this. Thanks to Won-ho PD and Na PD for bringing this group together.
Couldn't the three of them just be friends till the end?
But I guess that doesn't make for an exciting drama nor is it how life works.
What an amazing experience! It was so much fun just to see my favourite actors play games and converse. Bo-gum and Na-ra are such kind souls. Hope to see more such variety shows.
Really resonated with the last lines of the series.
"To be a scientist is to be naive. We are so focused on our search for the truth we fail to consider how few actually want us to find it. But it is always there whether we see it or not, whether we choose to or not.
The truth doesn't care about our needs or wants, it doesn't care about our governments, our ideologies, our religions. It will lie in wait for all time. And this, at last, is the gift of Chernobyl. Where I once would fear the cost of truth, now I only ask: What is the cost of lies?"
I've been attracted by this idea of perfection. What is the perfect way to solve this problem? Or the most efficient way to do this task? We humans are, unfortunately, limited in our analytical capacity. Our brains have evolved to make a monkey survive in nature, not play complex strategy games.
The brilliant aspect of algorithms like AlphaGo is that they only understand the rules of the game and are not limited or influenced by humanity's approach thus far (while this is not entirely true of AlphaGo, which did learn from top go players, an improved version called AlphaZero learnt go only through self-play and was superior to AlphaGo). That means they come up with brilliant approaches, that up till then, no human had even imagined. That's why game-playing AIs blow our minds, we are able to see a completely different yet effective approach to the game. We get a little closer to perfection.
AlphaGo is a wonderful documentary that triggered my interest in ML. A gripping, human story of how AI is developed and how it fares when pitted against a human. Was I the only one cheering for AlphaGo the entire time?
An outstanding movie. It's a movie that aims to give hope and belief to those who wish to change the world, and it manages to do so powerfully.
Manoj's story inspires by showing how a poor, honest boy can work hard to gain power and change the system from the inside. There are a few people like Manoj in India's bureaucracy, but the majority are not. Do we think that a person who has spent years struggling to crack one of the world's most competitive exams wants to live a life of constant fear from the political brass? To be transferred when they become too much of an inconvenience to politicians? These people have families, they want to live normal lives as well. No, the reality is still the same, the game has not changed. There are too few Manojs out there in India, and any power they have is only enough to win a few battles compared to the huge war we are losing. In India, dishonesty, greed, corruption, nepotism and intolerance are still our companions, our masters and our reality. They've seeped into our culture and our blood, generation after generation, and we have come to accept and tolerate them. We turn a blind eye from the parasite that is sucking our soul dry, and we cannot seem to imagine, or even desire, anything different.
I completely fell in love with Shraddha's character. Do people like her exist in our world? This generation, with respect to love, are ruthless and unforgiving in optimizing for and filtering out potential partners. Right from age, height, looks, income, background - love becomes a calculation, almost a market transaction to get the best deal possible. How many people would look beyond class, and love a boy who had nothing but the clothes on his back and a dream? One who worked at a library, cleaned toilets, worked at a flour mill? Call me romantic and impractical, but there is no purer form of love than to love someone when its inconvenient, irrational and breaks conventions and social expectations. To love them simply as they are for their goodness, their character and the capacity of love in their hearts. Just as iron that is tempered by the hottest fire becomes the strongest sword, relationships that weather improbable odds and difficulties are the strongest and most resilient. Relationships borne out of convenience and comfort are easy to make and easy to break.
The scene after Manoj had failed the mains exam will stay in my mind for a long time. That Shraddha was sitting right next to him and holding his hand despite his failure, supporting him in his toughest moments when he had nothing and was simply a failure, speaks volumes about Shraddha's character and the depth of her love for Manoj. When someone truly loves you, they will be there at your worst to hold your hand, pick you up and give you the belief you need to rise again. Everyone can and will love you when you're rich and successful, but only a precious few will be there when you're a liability. Treasure them.
Wow, what an emotionally gripping end to this masterclass of an anime. The last two parts stayed true to what made AOT such a memorable series - highly emotional personal relationships and breathtaking and unpredictable action scenes all tied together with some amazing CG and BGM.
Yes, I think the whole scene with Armin and Eren was a bit of a head-scratcher and the decision-making of Eren was always a bit dubious to keep the plot going, but given the end result and the emotional highs that you get from the series, all that can be forgiven and forgotten if you don't think too much about it.
S3P2 onwards is where the anime really started to impress for me - retake of shiganshina, invasion of marley and the Eren + Zeke fights will be some of the most heart-thumping action scenes I will ever see.
A cinematographic masterpiece. Beautiful, haunting music all throughout that keeps you on a perpetual emotional high. The storyline is a bit dramatized, but delivers on all the big moments.
Ep 2
As someone who's single and looking for a partnership, this was possibly the scariest episode I've ever watched.
What do you do if a partnership that you once thought was rock solid, something you've been building for decades, falls apart in a night? What do you do if your partner isn't attracted to you anymore, if she stops feeling a sense of love and connection towards you?
That's so brutal, I'm sure I'd fall apart.
Psychologists have pointed this out, with love we want to have two opposite feelings simultaneously - security and passion. When you're married, you see this person all the time - at bed every night, at every meal, in their underwear. They become like another limb, they're just a part of you now. And they also have to get you excited and passionate as well? Did your mother or father get you excited? Your teachers? Your boss? Its an impossible standard, yet people do need both and every couple has to navigate this.
And here its further complicated by the fact that you can fall in love with other people. What do you do with that?
