Lotus Pod's tears

19 - Chinese studies - loves to discuss opinions

[lotuspodstears]

Upcoming reviews

- JJ Lin

- Ayanga

- Show Luo

- Leehom Wang

[lotuspodstears]

<Ty.> ops

Artist review: Ty.

Chinese singer / Rap

I like how unique his beats are.

My top 5 songs:

1. 超得轉

2. 带刺的玫瑰

3. 最新西部愛情

4. 比你浪 比你棒

5. 功成名就

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<Detective Chinatown 1,2 and 3> ops

Film review: the Detective Chinatown trilogy

Mystery, comedy / Chinese

DC1: This film was great. The comedy was on point and it never felt forced or cliché. Every scene was really entertaining and they all fit together nicely. Every scene felt original, and there were great plot twists all along. I have high hopes for the sequels and hope they don't fall behind this one. The reviews were not that high, but in my opinion, this is a really enjoyable and refreshing film to watch.

DC2: This was the film I enjoyed the least out of the three. It wasn't bad, but it had a few too many elements similar to the first film.

DC3: This was my favourite film out of the three. The way it linked all films together was beautiful. The individual story was also very well made and enjoyable to follow. Just like the first film, exciting plot twists. I recommend watching the whole series in order as the plot unfolds nicely throughout, and you will be pleased about how it all rounds up in this final film.

The series is not conclusive. A fourth film is due to come out at some point, where more details will be revealed. I'm really excited about the release of this, and will be on the lookout for it.

[lotuspodstears]

<Aftershock> ops

Film review: Aftershock (2010)

Drama / Chinese

This movie was very well directed. I loved the story that was told to represent the tragedy of Tangshan's 1976 earthquake. I also loved all the themes covered by the movie. It was a very emotional and lovable story. I learnt that people's emotions can be unique and they might not be easily understood by others, but they are valid and one should constantly strive to understand others.

[lotuspodstears]

<太一> ops

Artist review：太一

Chinese singer / pop

I like the sinister atmosphere that some of his songs can create. The beat is constantly varied and enjoyable.

My top 5 songs：

1. 玉

2. 之鹿

3. 歌名待定

4. 火的螞蟻

5. 像暗殺似的繞到背後突然擁抱你

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<Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble> ops

Audiobook review: Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble

Paul Noble has created a number of audiobook resources to support foreign language learning. I have tested his series for Chinese language learning only, but I believe my review can be applied for all of his books. The audiobook can be found on Audible (where I purchased it). Each book is divided in chapters which teach you specific words and sentences. The books are best suited for beginners. In my honest opinion, they are the best resource to get beginners a good foundation of Chinese vocabulary and sentence structures. I believe the best book in the series to be "Next Steps in Mandarin Chinese" - it is labelled for intermediates, but I believe it to be accessible for beginners as well.

Tip: you can get this for free as your first Audible audiobook.

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<The Legend of Hei> ops

Film review: The Legend of Hei

Animation, fantasy / Chinese

I enjoyed this film for various reasons. Firstly, the animation was gorgeous throughout. The characters designs were also cute and had a distinct style. The plot was interesting - for example, I enjoyed the film’s focus on the theme of righteousness, and the fact that it didn’t label any characters as “good” or “bad”. The characters interactions were also smooth with a lot of good-hearted humour. Overall, a pleasant and inspiring watch.

[chibird]

Sometimes when I’m sad, I feel like a whole different self, so I made happy frog and sad frog to represent those states of mind. When I’m sad frog, I not only feel sad about the original problem, but I also feel sad about being sad frog (something I didn’t even realize was happening until I went to therapy!). This comic is a reminder that it really is okay to be sad frog. Sometimes happy frog is on a break, so be kind to your sad frog, okay? ♡

Chibird store | Positive pin club | Webtoon

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<Coffee> ops

Here are my favourite coffee types, ranked. I typically drink each of them when I’m in a particular mood.

1. Latte macchiato (for really good days)

2. Cappuccino (for mediocre days)

3. Black coffee (for bad days)

4. Americano (for especially bad days)

5. Latte (for good days)

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<The Untamed OST> ops

Soundtrack review: The Untamed

陈情令 OST / Chinese language

I enjoy the fact the music is both calm and powerful. I also enjoy its emotional value associated with having watched the TV series.

My top 5 songs:

1. [Jiang Cheng] Hen Bie

2. [Yicheng Group] Gu Cheng

3. [Lan Xichen] Bu You

4. [Nie Minghao & Nie Huaisang] Qing He Jue

5. [Wei Wuxian] Qu Jin Chen Qing

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<76 Days> ops

Film review: 76 Days

Documentary, drama / Chinese-American

I really enjoyed every scene of this film. Everyone’s journey was interesting to follow. I learnt many new things about what happened during the lockdown in Wuhan, so I feel like my knowledge has benefitted from it. It was also a very emotional film, making me shed a few tears. I think it would benefit anyone from watching it.

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<Hua Chenyu> ops

Artist review: Hua Chenyu

Chinese singer / pop, rock

I like how empowering his songs feel.

My top 5 songs:

1. 寒鴉少年

2. 鬥牛

3. 瘋人院

4. 新世界

5. 好想愛這個世界啊

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<Ice Paper> ops

Artist review: Ice Paper

Chinese singer / pop / my personal favourite cpop artist!

I like the slightly melancholic beat of his songs.

My top 5 songs:

1. 雙魚玉佩

2. 莊周夢蝶

3. 不死鳥

4. 鴉雀無聲

5. 明爭暗鬥