Change Your Image
DianaFiD
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
King Deo Raendeu: Episode #1.1 (2023)
An excellent rom com that will make you want more episodes!
I'm reviewing the series from the point of view of a person who watched a Kdrama, not from the point of view of a person who experienced mass hysteria, and as a result wanted to trash a whole series. The low reviews on IMDB are utterly unfair, fake and misleading.
So: Great acting from all the cast, intriguing story, wonderful music, and an amazing male character development - even the best politically correct American series do not get the male lead this right!!
We all loved the funny, bighearted Arab character and maybe secretly wished he might have just won Sarang's heart - that is, except from the Arabs watching the series. The irony.
The Witcher: The Art of the Illusion (2023)
When ego destroys creativity
I 100% agree with what another person wrote about writers wanting to make the series their own thing. I've never read the books (so don't "accuse" me for wanting the series to stay true, because I simply have no clue what the books say), but I do know a good story when I see it (because it's part of my job in real life!).
And this story is NOT good. The only reason I find for the production to create such an absurdity with no pace, character development or cohesive storytelling despite having in their hands an already well-loved source material, is when they believe they can be better.
Guess what. Time and again, this is a recipe for failure. When there is no respect for the source material you end up creating this monstrosity. Maybe the greatest monster Geralt had to fight was the production's ego. Glad he walked away.
The Witcher: The Invitation (2023)
Dissapointing
I was already dissapointed about Cavill leaving the series, and had already decided I wouldn't watch any more seasons after this one. I was hoping this season would have been as good as the first two. But it's dissapointing - or, beyond dissapointing. The writing is absolutely terrible and the scenario is all over the place.
I had binge-watched both seasons 1 and 2, but this time I don't even care to watch this mess. I'm only doing it for the great acting from all the protagonists - who can't shine as they did before, because of the mess the production has created. I don't know what the problem was with Netflix not investing or with the production not doing a good job, or both, but this time, *I'm* not investing any more time on Netflix's shows, they can't keep a good show running and ruin everything. I'm running out of reasons for keeping my subsription. Already this year I paused and restarted 3 times, instead of keeping it as I did before.
I've heard Cavill will be working with Prime, now, I think. As a fellow fantasy geek, I'm looking forward to whatever he's bringing.
Isanghan byeonhosa Woo Young-woo (2022)
Growing up with a laywer dad on the spectrum...
...and I just had to watch this!!! Not only did I recognize so many traits (the good ones, and the hard ones) but I also enjoyed thoroughly the Korean courtroom & law firm culture. I'm not Korean, so this was especially interesting to watch.
This is hands down the best Netflix show of the year for me. The actress Eun-bin Park is incredible, her performance is the best I've watched all year and her chemistry with fellow actor Kang Tae-oh is spot on. They are the kind of couple you wish they were a couple in the real life, that's how good they are!
What else can I say for this series, it's perfect to me! And thank you SO much for sharing so much information about living with autism - my dad never got the support he needed and this resulted in a lot of loneliness and confusion. It was much later in life I was able to understand him and have a healthier relationship with him.
This series has touched me so much, and has given me hope that more people will start understanding autism, get support and be supportive. Thank you!
Disenchanted (2022)
A fun fairy tale musical
So sorry for all the bad reviews! I thought I was going to watch a crappy movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually quite good!
I think maybe to enjoy this you need to be a Disney geek, enjoy live action movies and musicals - and maybe also be ready to watch something different the second time around (usually people expect to watch a second perfect version of the first movie). I check all boxes so I very much enjoyed this. Ths songs were wonderful - not Disney hits, but the "badder" duet and Menzel's "love power" song were great. I loved Menzel's vocals once more, and at some point it was like listening to "Elsa" popping into this movie :-).
All actors were great, the setting was magical, and at the same time the movie kept the humorous tone and references from the first movie, and didn't take itself too seriously either. I found the movie's atmosphere consistent to the first one.
Maybe they could devote more time in character development, but the message was quite straightforward so I can't complain. Overall, a pleasant musical to watch and "lift your spirits" as Giselle would have put it.
Carnival Row: Carnival Row (2023)
So much lost potential, mainly due to Delevingne's absence of talent & terrible writing
Just to be clear, I'm rating and reviewing only season 2. Season 1 has my 8 stars (Not giving Season 1 a full 10 due to Delevingne's terrible performance).
I'll be quite brief. This was a very dissapointing second and final season to a very good series, a very good idea & a world with so much potential.
The team of wonderful actors and the interesting subplots suffered two major blows: First, by the lead actress's stale, untalented acting, which reminded more of a bored, snarky teen acting at a cringy high school play, rather than an actress acting on TV. Alongisde Amber Heard at Aquaman, she's the most horrible female protagonist I've ever watched at a fantasy series - no, at any series actually. She had absolutely no interest in taking part in the series, completely uninvested, emotionless, brainless acting. A shoe would have acted better. If there is ever an Oscar for keeping the same annoying straight face through 18 one-hour episodes, she would have won it. There are TONS of good actresses, why this full of herself model was chosen, is beyond me.
Second, the writing in season 2 had absolutely nothing to do with season 1. There were too many subplots, too many characters, and the writers probably felt it's best to kill 40% of the main characters in the first episodes, and the rest 40% at the last episode. Whoever left, was left with a half-told story. The chararacters suffered a "GoT type" of transformation, where they behave erratically, change their minds mid-sentence, and overall give the impression they're under the influence of LSD, All. The. Time. (or "lixir" if you prefer!)
It's such a shame, really. You have a team of amazing actors, (Tamzin Merhcant - "Imogen" is one of my favourite in the series, and I was so moved to watch Orlando Bloom again after quite some time), you have incredible visuals, a world so rich to discover and tell its story, and you ruin everything! Everything!
Season 1 gave me every reason to want to watch more, (even tolerate Delevingne, although I truly hope she NEVER appears on anything, EVER AGAIN), but season 2 took it all away from me, and I won't forgive them for that.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Still laughing after this meaningless absurdity
I read the raving reviews, then I watched the trailer and thought this isn't for me. But I was still curious after the great ratings on both IMDB and RT.
...And I just finished watching it. Oh, my. I think I'm living in the hipster-verse, where we absolutely need a movie like this to make a big, flashy statement of superficial hipster quotes: "love is love" and "please accept your children for who they are" and my all-time favourite: "be kind, you don't know what the other person is going through".
I think the writers took some tik-tok messages, added some kung-fu moves, and made a 2 hour film. I'd prefer the 1 min tik-tok messages any day, they'll save me time.
The acting is great of course (thus the 3 stars, one for each protagonist), but the scenario, writing, concept is pure cringy crap. But I get why all the great reviews and why probably this movie will win Oscar awards: because actual good american movies are dead. It seems now movies & critics reviews are made by people who are so out of sync with their emotions and relationships to others, they need to state the obvious, and claim they made art out of this.
Which reminds me of an "artist" who sold his invisible statue for 18,000. That's exactly how I feel about this movie. Like I spend my time to watch nothingness.
Ginny & Georgia (2021)
Looking forward to season 3!
I binge-watched season 1 about a year ago and added a reminder for season 2! Acting was wonderful and more mature than season 1. It seems that all actors have created a wonderful chemistry among them, especially the young ones who have been doing a great job managing all the different storylines.
I loved how mental health was approached in season 2. In most, if not all shows about / for teens, mental health has been approached in a very romanticized or goofy way. I liked how this show explores both female and male mental health and doesn't sugarcoats it.
In terms of scenario and storytelling, I'm a bit confused about why Georgia decides to suffocate Tom, though. It seems it's the mistake waiting to happen, so that she can be finally arrested, but it doesn't really work for her story. Had she made an attempt or a threat towards Jesse (the detective) or even Gil, it would have been more justified. Tom seems a bit irrelevant. Gil's story could have been much better used to have her arrested at the final episode.
Lastly, there are two (at least) things that shouldn't have happened: one is how Gil enters school unannounced and is able to pick up Austin. Hello, protocol?? You can't enter a school without identification and you can certainly NOT pick up a child without an appropriate permission form. It made the story more dramatic, but less credible, and I didn't like that.
Same with the arrest during the wedding. Come on, really? One of the richest families wants such a scandal? You wait for the marriage to happen and then go arrest the bride! Again, it made the arrest dramatic with all the people witnessing it, but so rushed and overboard. I would have been equally heartbroken to watch her getting arrested at home or at work - but not surprised, she had it coming.
A last side note: I'm kind of surprised by all the negative comments about Ginny's character. I think, though, that most come from teenagers. It's painful to watch a version of yourself on screen, crying, being troubled, having ongoing trust problems, feeling loneliness, fear, despair. It's easier to watch a character who somehow has solved all her problems in the next episode. But that's ok; stories offer a cathartic experience and it's probably a good thing Ginny's character has made such an impression.
I really really hope there's a season 3!!
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Mrs. Maisel's fairy tale
I loved and was hooked with season 1. Great acting, visually beautiful, wonderful music and an intresting story. I don't care much about the funny parts, but I'm not American so it might be a different sense of humour. I loved Mrs. Maisel's sarcasm, though.
However, as I watched season 2, the story seems it's dragging itself from one improbability to the next. Of course it's a fictional story anyway, but it doesn't have to be that fictional, almost irrational.
Season 1 had criticism about the women's position and created a character within a real context. Season 2 seems more like a fantasy, or Mrs. Maisel's dream.
I wouldn't be surprised if they chose to reveal she was put in a coma and all of this is in her imagination. That's how absurd everything is: She is still married and has a boyfriend and decides to go on a tour /road trip with her female manager, and then she meets the famous guy who asks her to tour together for 6 months. So, she decides to abandon her chiildren for 6 months all while sleeping with her ex/current/whatever husband of hers before she leaves??? It's the 50's! She is a privileged middle class white lady and a mother of 2! Oh, not to mention her ex/current/whatever husband is totally OK with all of the above, BUT he still wanted to be separated because she can't give up her career. Huh??
I hate anachonisms. Sure, create a ruthless, funny, taleneted Mrs. Maisel. But don't bring the 2000's in her '50s. That's really, really bad writing.
Then, I found out that the show was written by the Gilmore girls people. And everything clicked: It's great to be a storyteller. Just don't bring your personal crazy fantasies on screen. Mrs. Maisel was much more interesting before you made her an American supergirl who defies all obstacles and everything is fine at the end. It's annoying.
Emily in Paris: Charade (2022)
Why, oh, why??
Emily in Paris is one of my favourite shows on Netflix. Collins is absolutely charming and she embraced the character beautifully.
While I do see a "Sex & the City" vibe (I never liked nor watched the series, so this is not a good thing for me), I'm glad Emily in Paris happens at least on European ground, it makes everything less cringy. Particularly season 3 went full out on using more French, (also, Emily speaks French, at last!) and I absolutely loved this. Finally!!
But, while I loved season 3 and everything seemed to be getting together nicely, the ending was completely unexpected, and not in a good way. Sure, we know about E. & G. Feelings and their unspoken passion. But it felt very out of place, and there was no build-up.
One thing that truly bothers me is that Emily and Alfie had a really nice chemistry, both as actors and as characters. Why spoil that? I don't like a forced "will they - won't they" storyline, just because it's a standard cliffhanger in rom-coms.
I think we're at a time and age where a bit more realistic look at romantic storylines is needed. For example, the series is about to explore a "#metoo" story with Sylvie's past and a former wealthy boss.
So, why not go past the toxic relationships of people who can't make their own minds about who they want in life, and give the female lead character (Emily) a healthier relationship?
Sure, drama is generally interesting. But seeing Emily grow is much more interesting, especially for today's audience. A back and forth relationship sounds more like a teen thing or a 90s "Ross & Rachel" kind of thing. But Emily is ready and the audience is ready! I don't think she can do this with G. , as handsome (or as French!) as he is.
I would expect something fresher & dynamic as an ending, this is why I give only 6 stars here.
Other than that, all stars go to the wonderful acting and beautiful photography.
Odio Il Natale (2022)
Why same show - in Italian???
I've seen movies stealing scenes or lines from other movies. But I've never seen an exact replica! It's an insult to your audience, Netflix!
Why repeat a show, in another setting and language? What do you think you accomplish? Even the trailer is identical, the way the camera moves from the main character to the family or how the actress is riding her bike in the town. Seriously? What WAS that??
I would expect to watch season 3 of Home for Christmas, rather than watch this - again. In fact, I'm disappointed Netflix didn't give Home for Christmas a third season. The actress was really good and it was refreshing to see a place where most of the Christmas - related atmosphere actually comes from.
I'm still puzzled about why they decided to film the same movie in another place and language. So weird.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Alloyed (2022)
Maybe expectations were higher...
...because this was the finale, after all. However, although I'm a fan of the series (despite being determined not to watch it at first) this episode had a lot of weak spots. It did feel rushed.
The Stranger story wasn't adequately developed, there was very little dialogue, a lot of menacing faces, a lot of running - around Harfoots... it felt a bit silly, to be honest. I was expecting to see the Harfoots settling down and forming the first Hobbit village.
The Hallbrand "twist" (many had predicted this!) again felt quite off. We've seen Hallbrand being mysterious, but again, I feel there was dialogue missing. Sometimes I feel the original LOTR movies were able to say it all (all 3 books!) in 9 hours, you know? And that this series, although the acting is great, lacks quite a bit in writing, it feels weak and maybe trying too much?
But I like how the Miriel - Elendil connetion grows, I absolutely love both actors, they are fantastic and very related to the original material. As is Galadriel actress, the scene with Sauron in the sea is like she IS the younger version of the LOTR Galadriel. That was some great acting there.
What I absolutely hated, was the finale song. You know when you watch a so and so movie and then they add a garbage pop song at the end? Yes, that was the feeling. It was the absolutely worst choice for a Tolkien atmosphere. When the title score is wonderfully fitting, so majestic and elvish (of course, when it's composed by none other then Howard Shore himself!) the finale song lacks in .... everything. It's uninteresting, doesn't really have a melody, the singer's voice is annoying (definitely not menacing, just annoying) and I hate it with all my might. Such a dishonour for Tolkien's words of pure literature magic. Not a great way to finish the series. I'll just go on YouTube and remedy what I just listened with a clip of Cate Blanchett's pure gold narration.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: A Shadow of the Past (2022)
Surprisingly good!
I was very skeptical about the series. I criticized the liberties taken and hoped they stick to the material as much as possible. I'm quite rigid when it comes to literary works, and prefer the movies that stick to the original work. I didn't even want to watch this series. However, after accidentally renewing my Amazon subscription, I gave it a try.
The actors are simply wonderful. I feel that we'll see some good chemistry developing throughout the season. The stories are well connected and even the stories created just for the series look very close to what Tolkien would have made. There is much respect to his work, all while adapting the material to what they felt it was necessary, which I greatly appreciate. The music is really beautiful and well-fitting and the effects are very well made.
I was pleasantly surprised and I can't wait for the next episodes :-)
Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo (2021)
Absolutely loved it!
I'm a fan of Marie Kondo, I've read her book and I've watched the first series when it came out. Now I watched episode 2 of this series to get a refresher about how to spring clean and deal with my own overwhelmed life as a parent and working person - btw, what an adorable family that was!! Both office space and the coffee shop were incredible after.
I always appreciated how Marie Kondo values the space and the objects people own. In a consumerist world, it's a change in point of view to be able to appreciate and take care of what you own so that it lasts while serving you well and making you happy. I really like that and I see the value for both people and the environment.
Raising Dion: Issue #103: Watch Man (2019)
Excellent in every way
Incredible acting, incredibly balanced between sci-fi and "normal life" and yes all the way, for talking about racism.
The scene with Nicole and Dion talking about what happened at school was powerful, raw and moving. I've never been to the US, but what happens there (and in other countries) is unbelievable - I will never understand people who either treat others differently or who pretend racism and the hurt it brings to people don't exist. I just started watching the series and for this scene, it has won me over. Also, little Ja'Siah and Wainwright have such a great chemistry, it's a joy to watch every scene with these two. Well done!!
Cobra Kai (2018)
Thank you for a great sequel!
I grew up in the 80s and Mr. Miyaki and Daniel-san were two of my favourite movie characters. Who can forget "wax on, wax off" and the best, most unconventional karate practice ever??
The series has the right amount of everything: Mr. Miyaki's wisdom, 80s nostalgia (and the music!), the old rivalry between Daniel and Johnny, but also new, strong characters, who continue the Karate Kid legacy by creating their own stories.
Also, a wonderful karate choreography, the right amount of "trip down memory lane", smart dives into the characters' past, and good humor, but also good messages about bullying and inclusion.
The series seems to have a great team behind it, who treat it with respect - it almost feels like it is done by Karate Kid fans who got into film production as they got older.
I think it is incredible they brought the movies' cast together so many years later. And lucky me, I get to watch them again, now as a mom with her teen daughter. Thank you!
Last Christmas (2019)
Such a weird movie
This was one of the weirdest movies I've ever watched. The acting was flawless, Emilia Clarke is ever charming and Emma Thompson is great and surprises you with one more different character, as always. Henry Golding was great as Tom, and really good at making you suspect that there's something "wrong" with him from the beginning. Overall the casting was wonderful.
But the scenario was all over the place. The soundtrack was way too much, it looks like someone from the production was obsessed with G. Michael - too much singing! The movie was inconsistent, no character building, no beginning-middle-end. A lot of drama but without any apparent connection or meaning. The individual stories had a lot to tell: immigration, homelessness, family dysfunction, near death experience, but they didn't manage to bond together and they left plenty to be told.
Lastly, although performed well, I didn't like the "twist". I actually think this is what spoiled the movie: the need to add a magical element for the sake of a "magical" Christmas movie. The movie would have worked much better had it focused on real human connections, or at least had it focused on one story. A shame, because otherwise all the actors are really great.
My Dad's Christmas Date (2020)
A beautiful, honest Christmas movie
Oh......! NOW I get it why this movie got low rating: people expected another Hallmark movie (I bet the words "Christmas" and "date" misled you, didn't they?) which means that people expected a soapy - cringey - horrible acting - cheaply made movie.
Instead we got:
- Great acting, wonderful chemistry between the main actors
- Beautiful photography with *actual* pretty buildings, not some cheap replica in a studio
- A heartwarming story after a significant loss, that doesn't sugarcoat loneliness and pain, and lastly (and most importantly)
- The actual meaning of Christmas (surprise, it's not about a white, handsome, young man falling in "love" with a white, pretty, young woman in less than 24 hours, in a scenery of fake snow and cheap Christmas setting that reminds you of the dollar store, all while hot chocolate and shopping are being mentioned about 100 times during the movie - which means, yes, I've watched such movies and I'm SO happy this wasn't one of them)
If you want to empty your head and see something light: don't watch this movie, but also don't give it a low rating because it wasn't what you expected judging from the title! Which, by the way, is pretty good and you'll see why at the end.
If you want a real Christmas movie, about being human, experiencing loss, love, heartbreak and deep, honest connection (the scene with the voice messages had me crying like I have never cried before in a family movie), then go for it. Both main actors are fantastic in their role and they might make you think of your loved ones a bit more after you watch this.
The Holiday (2006)
A Christmas favourite
This is probably my all-time favourite Christmas movie. I actually watch it every year!
What's not to love? Wonderful actors, a heart-warming script, beautiful connections/chemistry throughout the movie and a depth in characters you rarely see anymore in the "Christmas-feelgood-romance" kind of movies. Oh and such a fun soundtrack, I really enjoy that too.
Eli Wallach (RIP) is just charming and a reminder that good actors can make a simple storyline a film you want to watch again and again. Just beautiful!
The Old Guard (2020)
A more human action story despite supernatural powers involved
A really good action movie. Acting was excellent and the best part from the movie. Pace was great and I actually loved the quirky soundtrack.
All characters were interesting and developed in a realistic way. I liked how they appeared like no super heroes, just humans with a very, very long life.
The little details: Freeman getting ready and tense as the elevator goes up to the 15th floor, Andy's centuries old "stuff" in the old mine, the baklava taste, Booker's story, were welcome pauses from the violence - packed scenes. They managed to make the characters relatable and add meaning to the story.
1-1 fighting was choreographed beautifully, even though some scenes felt cliché.
I was hoping for a more layered villain, just for balance. The 5 were not pure good so why would he be pure evil? ("to save humanity" doesn't count, it felt so rushed).
All in all, a good movie to watch and a bit different, more human, than most "supernatural " action movies, too.
Frozen II (2019)
The perfect sequel for several reasons
6 years ago we watched Frozen 1 with my then 5 y.o. who had fallen in love with the movie and played "Elsa" for a long time. I had loved how she watched female characters not saved by the prince - like in almost all other movies until then (Disney ones, as a matter of fact): Elsa and Anna were able to discover their own strength, fight for each other, fight for Arendelle and give themselves a happy ending.
Now the 5 year old is a pre-teen and this movie was simply perfect for her. Instead of doing what most sequels do (deliver another story similar to the 1st one, not daring to take it further) Frozen 2 addressed the audience who had grown up with Elsa and Anna, who had lived and breathed everything Let It Go related, 6 years ago. Change and growing up is not all flowers (or flurries!) and "let it goes". It can be lonely, dark, scary to discover your own self and path in life. However, as long as you have love and your family or tribe - the people who matter to you- things look brighter and you emerge stronger.
This is not the only reason why I loved this movie.
I loved how it combined 3 different cores: self, Nature, community.
To know who you are, to be in harmony with yourself, you need to be in harmony with your surroundings, the Nature itself and the other people around you. We're part of nature and if we don't respect it we're bound to suffer the consequences (the dam in the movie). We're part of humanity and if we treat the others as inferiors or with dishonesty and by taking advantage of them, we'll suffer and next generations will suffer too. People whose ways are different than others are not inferior. Past mistakes need to be remembered so to never be repeated again (the Granfather's treachery towards their neighbours, the Northuldra people).
This movie had so many layers that Frozen 1 now feels a bit simplified, although necessary for what came next. Frozen 2 feels mature and all characters find their place in the Frozen universe.
A couple of notes about the other characters: Olaf was as funny as always and the perfect character for the younger audience - I also enjoyed another jazzy tune for him. Kristoff was the supporting character with all its meaning. He supported Anna and the mission and was truly there for her, without letting any doubts or fears take over. A brave, honest character I enjoyed as well.
Elsa's and Anna's mother's appearance moved me, maybe because I'm a mom myself. Her love was what guided Elsa to find the truth about the two people's past and link to each other, which was also the family history as well. The scene deep down in the Ahtohallan river was magical and unbelievably strong and emotional (yes, I'm an adult and I cried). And their father was the other strong figure who justifies their persistence and bravery and their internal need to make things right this time: "do the next right thing".
Animation, songs and music (the duet Idina Menzel - Aurora transfers you to the Enchanted Forest just by closing your eyes and listening to these two together) was top notch as always.
Very thankful for this sequel.
The Witcher (2019)
The Witcher series has bewitched me :-)
What can I say about this show? From the acting to the photography, music, effects, storytelling, everything was top notch. I had absolutely no clue about the Witcher story before, but I'm a fan of this genre so I was hoping the series would live up to my expectations. And oh, it did! It was simply magical.
- I loved the details, such as the symbol at the beginning of each episode and how everything came together at the end.
- I loved the flashbacks and present story which was an incredible surprise for me to discover as the series progressed - although a bit confusing for someone unfamiliar to the books, it was really beautifully made. (That said, for the people who haven't read the books, we're left with some questions, for example why do his eyes turn black during fight, how does he end up with all these potions, does he have magic knowledge / how? What's his childhood story and his relationship to his mother?). I'm now re-watching it and hopefully I'll understand more things.
- Lastly, I loved the acting so much. Phenomenal. I think all 3 main characters have a wonderful chemistry between them. I'm looking forward to see how their connection evolves.
The Florida Project (2017)
Too true to be good
...is the reason why so many people hated this film.
Mr. Baker, you burst the bubble. And you did it just outside Disneyland. This is why you're unforgivable - and unforgettable.
Thank you for giving voice to those who are left unheard and unseen.
An excellent cast, a provoking choice of colours, a sensitive approach to the harsh childhood of marginalized Americans.
Beautifully made.
Game of Thrones: Eastwatch (2017)
Impressive but rushed and illogical
If this was the only episode of GoT I had ever seen, I would never, ever consider watching it again.
Yes, the effects were amazing and this is the first time I see a dragon made in such a detail, it was breathtaking. This was very well done.
BUT ... the story line is weak. The characters have no depth, you get no sense of time and space, their decisions make them mere caricatures.
Very poor writing for a show that started as an amazing TV series. (and I don't even read the books!). It's really a shame.
Game of Thrones: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken (2015)
Lack of character development, lots of meaningless violence
You know what you are watching is good when you follow the character to their development. When you see how the character's flows and beliefs, emotions and memories shape them and make them what they are in the story.
I don't forget this is a show trying to bring a 1000 pages books on the screen.
However seasons 4 & 5 are well down the bottom with character development, focused only in (bad) action scenes, blood and violence. The last three episodes are way different than what Game of Thrones actually is. They follow an entirely different story that changes everything.
Unfortunately, the choices made for the series make a story retold so many times on shows it gets boring. I guess it would even make a Bolton get "bored". Guess what. We already know how that ends.