Stranger Things S1-S3 Marathon

0 comments | Posted by PurpleJein on Friday, July 16, 2021

Stranger Things S1(2016)
TV Series | 51min

Strange things are afoot in Hawkins, Indiana, where a young boy's sudden disappearance unearths a young girl with otherworldly powers.

Initially, I kept seeing "ST" (presumably referring to a TV show or series) on my Facebook feeds, but I ignored it, assuming it wouldn't be my cup of tea. However, I couldn't have been more mistaken! From the very first episode, I was completely hooked and found myself unable to stop watching. The storyline and characters drew me in, making it a captivating watch. The only challenge was that I began this series during workdays, so I had to reluctantly pause for sleep, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to dive back into the thrilling world it offered.



Stranger Things S2 (2017)
TV Series | 51min

It's been nearly a year since Will's strange disappearance. But life's hardly back to normal in Hawkins. Not even close.

When a sci-fi/fantasy movie or series captures my heart, a single installment is never enough—I find myself yearning for a sequel or prequel to further explore the captivating world it unveils. For instance, "Labyrinth" is among my all-time favorites, and I've been longing for a sequel to continue its enchanting tale. 

Speaking of "Labyrinth," the inclusion of Bowie's iconic songs in "Stranger Things" is an absolute delight, adding yet another reason to adore this fantastic series. The blend of nostalgic references and an enthralling storyline keeps me utterly hooked, eagerly awaiting each new episode. "Stranger Things" has become a cherished favorite, and I can't help but dream of more adventures in its mesmerizing universe.


Stranger Things S3(2019)
TV Series | 51min

Budding romance. A brand-new mall. And rabid rats running toward danger. It's the summer of 1985 in Hawkins ... and one summer can change everything.

Wow!!! In an exhilarating whirlwind, I managed to binge-watch all three seasons within a mere three days. 

The series' nostalgic 80s vibes completely swept me off my feet, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the next seasons to come. Steve and Gaten's characters have stolen my heart, and I adore them so much for their charisma and endearing performances. The show's perfect blend of nostalgia, thrilling plotlines, and lovable characters has made it an absolute favorite of mine, and I can't wait to embark on more adventures with them in the upcoming seasons.

 

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The Yin-Yang Master

0 comments | Posted by PurpleJein on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Yinyang Master (2021)
1h 53min

Adaption of the phenomenon-level mobile game "Onmyoji" - film version with the same name that will bring the magnificent oriental fantasy world to life.

Currently trending on my Netflix feed, I opted for the English audio to spare myself from reading subtitles. Initially, the movie's legend/story was a bit confusing to me as I wasn't familiar with it, but as the plot unraveled, my interest grew immensely. Intrigued to fully grasp the movie's depth, I decided to re-watch it, and I must admit, I didn't mind at all since I thoroughly enjoyed the crystal-clear VFX and CGI.

Throughout the viewing, a fantastic idea took root in my mind – this captivating tale would make an incredible theme for a mobile game. Imagine embarking on an in-game adventure, collecting Shikigami, leveling them up, and engaging in battles like a card game or chess-like strategy. My excitement soared even higher when the animated QingMing appeared at the ending, and a quick Google search revealed that it was based on the mobile game "Onmyoji" (which, by the way, I'm currently addicted to :P), which in turn drew inspiration from the Onmyoji series. It turns out, the creative process was the other way around :P.

Thanks to AsiaOne, I learned that another YinYang Master movie predated this one, and fortunately, it's also available on Netflix. I found the story to be captivating, reminiscent of the likes of "Monkey King" or "Journey to the West" (both of which I hold dear as favorites). The movie's lesson, not to judge a book by its cover, resonated deeply – sometimes, those we least expect to be malevolent are the very ones concealing darkness within.

All in all, I'm adding this masterpiece to my list of favorite movies, titles, and legends. I can't help but hope for sequels to further explore this enchanting world. Fingers crossed! :)


The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
Yin-Yang Master I (original title)
PG-13 | 2h 12min

Qing Ming, the Yin-Yang Master, took his master's last wish and went to the Captial Tiandu City to attend the heaven ceremony.

I couldn't help but notice the differences in the storyline compared to the previous version I had seen. It appears that this adaptation is more closely tied to the Onmyoji series, which might explain the variations.

While the character of QingMing was not as bad-ass in this rendition, he took on a different persona resembling a priest, akin to figures in "The Journey to the West" or "Monkey King." Surprisingly, it was Boya who stole the spotlight this time, presenting a stark contrast to the other film. I pondered whether these differences were a result of the actors' performances or a portrayal consistent with the original novel or series.

Nonetheless, the movie's plot remained compelling, keeping me engaged throughout. Yet, I must confess that the VFX's dark presentation made it challenging for me to fully appreciate compared to the previous film's brighter and more vivid visuals—especially now that I have a 40" Sony Android TV, which I must admit, accentuates my preference for brighter aesthetics :P. Despite this, the captivating storyline managed to leave an impression, making the viewing experience enjoyable in its own unique way.

 

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