Bureau of Transformer (2019)

This is my first time writing a review (^-^)V
I noticed that nobody left a review so I did..

I actually wasn't sure at first if I should watch this since there's no one recommending it and it's not my usual cup of drama but since I've seen it I'm telling you guys DON'T SLEEP ON BOT.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Story/Plot: 9.5/10
This is set in a world where humans and transformers coexist. Transformers are humanlike species that can change into animals. For the leads, we have Hao Yun, a "human" veterinarian and Aiai, an eel transformer officer. The two ended up as partners in BOT after an incident in Mingde revealed that Hao Yun is a special human whose memory can't be erased...(quick explanation: after an operation, BOT officers erase the memories of humans in order to conceal the existence of transformers). Along with their other team members, they solve conflicts in the human world that concerns the activity of their kind. Each episode tackles the BOT officers solving cases and the backstory of transformer criminals (I've she'd a lot of tears almost every episode because of them T-T). ***My favorite episodes are the ones that involved the worm (a bit scary, dark-toned, and serious than others) and the love of Duan Weiran.***

Acting/Cast: 10/10
I can't say anything about the casting actually... I think they were perfectly selected and assigned to the characters. They suited their roles and they were able to convey and bring out the emotions enough to move viewers like me. I just want to add that Tan Quan (actor for bat) is hot and a total eye candy with his white hair, eye contacts, his attitude etc. I just fell in love with him and his story as well.

Cinematography and Production: 9.5/10
I am not a very good critique when it comes to cinematography so I'll just say it's good and bearable (but personally I think it was brilliant and exceptional). The costumes, lightings and props are definitely on point. They were put to good use... There weren't much of CGI used except for fire and transformers flying etc. I think it was not a low-budget drama.

Music: 9/10
The soundtrack really suit each scene but I can't remember a specific song that stood out.

Rewatch Value: 9.5/10
A big check✓ I'm rewatching it right now actually.

Note: This is more of a drama focused on action so don't expect for too much romantic scenes BUT of course there are scenes like that. The romance wasn't fast-paced but it's very cute and heart melting. It's very sweet of the ML to fight for their love amidst seemingly endless problems between him, the FL and the BOT (I won't completely spoil it but the major conflicts of the MC's love story are related to both their identities as transformers).

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An unexpectedly entertaining drama with some thought-provoking topics

This is one of the most unknown, unexpected and under-mentioned dramas.... Although a cdrama reviewer has included this into her top 10 dramas of 2019 (WaWa Mei) and a colleague rec this too, I only watch this now (yr 2021). Was misled by that horrendous trailer that made it look like a slapstick comedy and failed to show this drama is more than comedy... That it has serious fantasy with decent CGI, and humane stories covering a wide range of life topics:-

1) What if you have a dream but your loved ones are against you pursuing this dream? What if you have the means to keep your family happy and pursue your dream?.... Yet after few years, you regret the decision and want to change again...?

2) What if you wish to die but you are an immortal? What can give you the courage to continue living? (parts of the dialogue here, can be applied to depression/suicide too)

3) What if you have the opportunity to do something you loved and dreamt of for years but screwed up when you had the chance? You spent your next years pining over that 1 lost chance.... How to solve your everlasting regret?

4) What if you have a dream but becos of your birth, you might never be able to achieve your dream... Then in a twist of fate, there was an error at your application and everyone thought you are of elite birth and so you got accepted for your dream job?....

5) What if your love is forbidden? Will you keep quiet and sacrifice the love, or take the chance?

6) What is true love? Can true love conquer all? Even if your loved one might change gender at a certain age....

etc, and more!

The other thing I really like about this drama:- there are no cold face, all powerful ML or Marysue FL!! In fact all the main female characters are smart, independent and very clear about their life goals... They have plans and objectives! Instead the ML is quite an aimless, happy-go-lucky man at the start of the drama.... and develop to be more mature and focused as the plot develops.

Excellent acting from the main cast, even a supporting female character (in point 1 listed above) puts in a tremendous performance! Fyi, when the actress sings for her role, that was her real voice too!! Beautiful and can both act and sing, swooning....

So why 0.5 point deduction? Plotholes. Quite a few and 1 mega plothole in the last episode (thanks to the good cinematography, i can turn a blind eye to that glaring plothole)... There are a few "filler episodes" too, which give it a bit of drag in the middle parts.

A really wonderful drama, love the scriptwriting and art direction!

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