05 July 2013.
I’ve been watching Alice in Wonder City, though I’m still in the fifth or sixth episode. I’m actually enjoying this Taiwanese drama, the first after Meteor Garden. Oh my!
I’ve seen some Skip Beat episodes but that won’t count because I didn’t finish it and wasn’t really paying attention to it. Someone else was watching, I just sat down.
This Taiwanese drama caught my attention because of its name and plot. It’s classical music related. And I like classical music. I’ve been listening to a lot of classical overtures even before I started watching Alice in Wonder City.
This is the beginning of my random thoughts.
I remember a scene when a particular couple was using “Baby” as endearment. As soon as I heard them call each other “Baby,” I was cringing. It was pathetic. I think I even said, “YUCK!” Seriously. “Baby”? What on earth! It’s so uncool of them to use that.
On the other hand, this drama is just last year but I’ve been wondering why it seemed to have an “old” feel. It’s like having a poor definition of images. There’s something about the quality of its cinematography. I’ve also noticed that a lot of backgrounds looked like CGI. Even somewhere inside the orchestra office looked CGI-assisted. It was bothersome.
Episode 7. It’s in this episode when I’ve become fond of Die Fei’s father. I like his moral principles. And I think he’s a cool dad. There were moments when I agreed with Lan Die Fei (Lara) but not with everything. She may have said honest words but most were out of child-like purity.
It’s also in this episode when I found the truth regarding the bed truth. The trailer from the previous episode actually got me confused. And, well, it’s also in this episode when I’ve come to get annoyed with He Ting Yu (Aaron Yan). Why? Oh, ’cause I’m liking him more. Btw, Aaron Yan reminded me of Lee Min-ho’s acting, again.
Episode 8. I feel bad for the bartender when he saw what was in front of him, causing him to leave. But I actually laughed. I thought that was funny. But I also thought, “What on earth!” Of all places. Could any sensible people really do that?
Or am I just quite naive?
The more I watch Alice in Wonder City, the more convinced I am that there’s something with Lara’s acting. It’s either missing or exaggerating. Somehow, irritating. But as I’ve checked into her filmography, she hasn’t really acted a lot so I think it really is not her forte.
And for the nth time, I see a “Lee Min-ho” in Yan’s acting. I wonder if he’s trying to imitate Lee. And for the nth time since episode 1, I am missing Taiwan.
06 July 2013.
Episode 14.
I was never impressed when Die Fei sang “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” for the first time. I didn’t understand how Ting Yu was so moved with it. She sang it at least twice after then, but I wasn’t still moved. But there was a scene that changed my perspective, on Lara singing that song as well as on Lara as a singer.
It was in the practice hall of Ketagalan Symphony Orchestra. Ting Yu heard the song. That version was the one I love. I could only assume why, but I liked it. It was the beginning of my appreciation for Lara as a singer.
At the bookstore, when Die Fei confessed about what she realized at the night of the competition, the reaction of Chen Hai Jie (Xiu Jie Kai) was just priceless. It was really funny, because what he said was true.
I think since then, the relationship between Hai Jie and Die Fei had been heart-warming. I enjoyed their scenes together from that moment on. It’d be great to have a relationship like that.
Episode 15.
I usually hate it whenever they played Beethoven’s Fur Elise. I don’t like that piece. But when they played it during a particular hospital scene with just Chen Hai Jie and Alice (Tracy Zhou), there was something different. It seems like one of the first notes was played differently. I think there was a note or two that lingered before the next note was played. It was somehow beautiful.
That scene involving Lisa, Hai Na, Hai Na’s daughter, Alice, Chen Hai Jie, and the Alice Cafe assistant made me feel like I was among them. I was sad but I was holding back.
It was in the latter episodes when the truth about Alice/Ito Seiko was revealed. Even with the mystery that enveloped her, I never had a judgement on her. I knew and believed that there was something she’s hiding. And I didn’t mind. Even with what happened after she was pressing a shirt, I had nothing against Alice. She’d gone a lot of hardships. I think it was that ‘understanding’ that kept me from being apprehensive. I’m glad that the people who cared for her stayed.
I admire that relationship between Chen Hai Jie and He Ting Yu, either as friends or as professionals. They respected each other. They really cared for each other. It was amazing.
I was more impressed with Ting Yu because he was the superior musician. Despite that, he never felt envious of Hai Jie. He even wanted to develop and promote Hai Jie’s talent. As for Hai Jie, I admire how much he respected Ting Yu as a musician. He was even protective of him.
The finale moment of Alice in Wonder Citywas amazing. I was so moved that my lachrymal glands were even stimulated! But it was because of the music, especially when the piano made its presence known. Those low keys in presto really moved me that I couldn’t hold back my tearsanymore.When the orchestra followed, making its presence known, I couldn’t help but remember the recording of “Flavour of Life” by Utada Hikaru. And Die Fei’s voice was so beautiful!
I think it was the perfect closure.
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