bendashwood

What a positive surprise. I wouldn't have thought that the ordeals of a fallen noble family could be this captivating. This show explores the hardships of the family's women and children after their clan's men got exiled. In order to overcome this situation, they have to face all of the intrigues and conflicts that could conveniently be ignored during a life of wealthy idleness, but now have to be dealt with in order to utilize everyone's strengths in order to make a living.

Xi Hua Zhi is presenting a healthy mix of different genres. Besides the obvious family drama it tells stories about emotional struggles, business acumen, leadership, politics and balances serious topics with humorous relief and martial arts action. Even (for a Chinese show) unusual topics like disabilities and emancipation are convincingly woven into the storytelling - not in a condescending way as it is the case in most modern tv shows from the west, but in a way that it comprehensively fits even into the setting in the ancient Eastern society. While not all characters presented are fleshed out well, many of them are. Almost every family member (including the maids and concubines) has her own storyline with struggles, and most of them see a healthy share of character development. While the two lead actors do a good job carrying the show, there are a couple of hidden gems in the side character casts that will really get you invested. Most notably the display of the mentally challenged Shaohua, the good-hearted but lazy Baoxia, the self-doubting but highly skilled Fudong, the virtuous Shen Qi or the industrious and resourceful Jin'e are the ones that, imho, stood out the most in terms of acting.

What keeps this show from being 'perfect' are mainly three things. First, a lot of the drama seems just a bit too artificial and constructed. While a lot of the bigger picture leading to the challenges of the family can be explained with politics and the deeply distrustful and hurt personality of the Emperor, some of the things happening 'on-the-side' and some family members' reactions to that seem a tiny bit over the top. Second, especially towards the end of the show, some of the events seem a bit rushed. It feels as if the first half of the books' stories (which I admittedly haven't read) get like 32 episodes of space and the show takes time to explore these moments with the characters, whereas the other half has to be squeezed into the remaining eight episodes. This makes the end seem a bit rushed and, unfortunately also accompanied by the not too uncommon stereotypes (as in: all the girls have to find a husband). There's few expections to this rule in the show, but eventually, I couldn't help but feel like it was forced and thus a bit of missed potential, especially compared to what the story had been telling until then. But does this make it a bad watch? Absolutely not!

Xi Hua Zhi is a great show with a healthy mix of genres, great storytelling and a memorable cast of characters. I'm sure I'm gonna watch it again someday.

Ganta and Isaki run into each other sneaking away from school life. Since both of them suffer chronic insomnia at night, the only time they are able to get some shut-eye is at school. Fortunately, they discover the perfect hiding place...

Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia is a beautifully orchestrated romance. The storytelling is coherent, unagitated and full of relatable characters with distinct personalities. The unobstrusive soundtrack is full of wonderful pieces which perfectly accompany the scenes and subtly set the right emotional backdrop. Carefully placed jokes and comic reliefs make sure to provide a change from the deep but (so far, episode 9 as of this review) overwhelmingly wholesome story, without ridiculing itself.

'Insomniacs after school' seems like a wonderful piece of art. I love watching the two protagonists grow, both as individuals and as a couple, and sincerely hope that their story does not take a dark turn at some point. Definite recommendation!

Akebi Komichi is a country bumpkin. As the only student in her elementary school her upcoming transfer to the private, elitist Robai Academy is thrillingly exciting - mostly because her mother, who used to attend the same junior high, wore a beautiful sailor school uniform, that Komichi has been dreaming to wear herself. When the fateful day finally arrives, it turns out that she seems to be the only one wearing it... so she's bound to stand out from day one.

Where this setting would provide the perfect pivotal point for a story about mobbing, competition and elitism, "Akebi-chan no Sailor-fuku" takes a different turn entirely. The slightly excentric but always cheerful, outgoing and optimistic protagonist could easily be ostracized - instead all of her classmates greet her with open arms, engage with her and let her bring out the best in them. Where common shows would build a dramatic story full of intrigue and betrayal, this show is full of supportive characters, friendliness and wholesome story arcs. Akebi-chan no Sailor-fuku builds a beautiful world and shows us how wonderful life can be if people were just helpful, understanding and supportive towards each other. It's never overly dramatic and full of emotional story arcs.

A wonderful feelgood show for all ages. I liked it a lot.