Under the Skin

This series is my new obsession?

Okay i will try to be objective in this review but i cant guarantee it because my love for this series can effect the filterlessness(?)
So i was searching for a bl with a fine arts topic (because im an artist myself and we all watch things we can relate right?) and i started this with little to no expectation. But as i was watching the very first episode i understood that art was not a little side topic helping the couples story (like other bls that i searched) but actually the main thing that forms the plot. It made me so happy to see an ACTUAL creation proccess and not just a "taa-daa the drawing is done" thing. I could say that i was hypnotised watching Shen Yi sketch or paint. Like every medium which showed up on the screen was very well used and filmed. It made me want to grab my never used art suplies and just create something out of thin air. But we cant just copy the talent we see on a screen so i had to keep watching the episodes one after another like i was consuming it. I was left speechless more and more as i saw Shen Yi using his brain and hands with %100 productivity. That man only slept like 10 hours total in the series and half of them was in the car im süre. When i think of it i guess i would immediately kneel before him if i saw his talent in real life. The peaces in the end of the last episode especially made me so emotional, they were beautiful. I love both his works before and after becoming a police officer. You know he had a thing with faces before as well. I respect that a lot because having a topic that you are into is as important as having a style. I dont know how and when he learned all the informations and techniques about human face like how the muscles work and deep anatomy stuff but its so cool. I was like "this man really knows what he is doing. He is not just drawing lines out of predictions" (like i do) And he is so confident about his work because of that. And the lectures!!! My goddd they were awsome. I would attend all of his classes and i wouldnt let that man rest. The way he reveals all the hidden details in the paintings was so delightful to watch. It made me pause the scene and search for more information about them. I know i didnt stop talking about the art in this series, i guess you have figured out how much i love it.
Now i can talk about the plot. Some of the comments are saying that they solved all the cases before the officers and i just think it is impossible. Okay some of them was more obvious and just needed more evidence to proove. But also there were cases where we as the watchers had no clue about the murderer like we were learning the details with them and its impossible to guess those. The one about the aesthetic surgery for example. We were informed at the same time with them and we solved the case by looking at the prooves they showed us. I had no problem with the speed of the solving part and i think everything had enough attention from the officers. Another part that i liked was the cases not being started and ended in one episode. They were investigated from all the angles. The cases were unique and i personally enjoyed watching every single one of them.
This was all for this review. I hope we get the season 2 as soon as possible..

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A pleasant surprise.

I do not consider the second season in this review. This is only for the first season, that I think can be taken as a standalone. In my headcanon, season 2 doesn't exist anyway. I'm in denial. Now let's focus on the 1st.

To get it out of the way, I found 90% of the cases boring. Themes of toxic/weird romances and of abused/permanently victimised women are just not on my top list of interests. If it were only 2-3 cases, varied with other types of stories, that would be perfectly fine and interesting. But here it's almost always one or the other. It's redundant. I have an appreciation for them knowing they are based on real life cases and they are very well acted out but they're just not my cup of tea. For those I would rate it like 6 or 7.

The way they are solved is extremely original and makes up for it, that's for sure. That's the whole premise and point of it. But it also leads to another issue : they sometimes reach their conclusions because the script demands it. It's neither logical nor very well written. Plot conveniences are common. However, it goes without saying that I was astounded learning that there actually exist real people like Shen Yi in China. Although maybe a bit less dramatic, it's actually a real thing and the process is shown well in the drama. I think it's incredible and made me appreciate the show even more.

Now, I accepted all of it. So I watched until the end. And then watched again. I liked it the first time. I loved it the second. Because I've got used to the main characters, I realized at the second watch how well written and interesting they really were. The duo of Du Cheng and Shen Yi is simply wonderful. Complicated, funny, touching, with friendship and trust that are slowly but surely growing. As individual characters, they are just as awesome. Du Cheng is a great guy you just can't help but root for but he needs some flexibility in his life. Shen Yi has a fascinating view of the world and a very unique behaviour but he could definitely use some grounding. Their individual arc depends on one another to grow and transform together and it's well done. The rest of the cast, while discreet, is extremely likeable. They could be more developed but that's fine. They have their own distinct style and personality, that's what matters. Commissioner Zhang is my favourite side character. She's both strong and soft, in just the right ways. Very refreshing, as I'm used to corrupted power figures from K-dramas.

Because of everything I love and of how much I love it, I'll go with 8,5 for its rating. I don't like the cases. But I don't really care as long as these characters are here.

I won't say too much more, I think it's better to simply watch it. It's short, entertaining, sad, funny, hopeful and has a satisfying finale. I don't know exactly who is the artist behind Shen Yi's abilities, but he/she deserves recognition. The OST is good and the acting is praiseworthy.

It has its flaws. But what doesn't ? If you don't mind the occasional lack of realism and you love arts, psychology, thrillers, episodic criminal investigations, and/or unique and peculiar characters and great friendships at the centre of it all, definitely give this one a chance. I think it's worth it.

However as far as I'm concerned, this story ends here.

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Coooll!!!

When this drama was airing , I wanted to watch it but missed the chance and I didn't really get a chance t consider it again but again I saw one of the scene , I really wanted to see it . TRUST ME , If you like Investigating and common surprises then yes this is the drama you might want to see and The Two main actors of the drama are really cool and their chemistry was good , Every character in the drama has it's own specialty . I won't say that stories are really special but the way they execute is unique because the Painting/Drawing is the key . I really suggest you to see this drama .

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A different concept

Usually,we see technology playing a very major role nowadays,in catching the culprits,but this drama is focuses on a new technique of identifying the culprits or criminals based on their paintings.
The concept of this drama is unique.
Shen Yi,played by Tan Jianci,joins the investigation bureau and solves the cases through his paintings and in turn wins many accolades for his work.
Jin Shijia as Du Cheng,is a dedicated,sincere, enthusiastic officer,who lost his best friend due to a painting painted by Shen Yi.
He does not get along with Shen Yi in the beginning,but later on is impressed by the latter's work and hence become partners in investigation and thereafter, good friends.
Both the actors were really good in their roles.
All the actors,the stories they investigated,the plot were really good.
I particularly liked the concept of how we can use painting and an artist in finding out the culprits, especially if they intentionally or unexpectedly or coincidentally covered their faces and those cases,where there is really no way left out to find the mastermind.I liked how the director could actually blend the difficult cases with no clue and painting as a solution to them into a story.
A unique concept which definitely needs to be watched.

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One of the best c-dramas I've watched in my life

The main leads are extremely smart. They use both facts and intuitions to do things. What I like the most is the plot and the leads' chemistry. Highly highly highly recommended.

I know, some people may think of the main leads are too overpowered like they're invincible. The plots may feel boring for some pople, not to mention that it is a completely crime and mystery drama, so there's no any romantic scenes.

The interaction between the 2 leads are refreshing and heartwarming, how they turned from being hostile toward each other to the kind of swore buddies who will never leave the other behind. Their bond is even stronger than my balance these days.

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Recommended Detective Bromance Series!!!

From misunderstanding & hate in past years became great soulmate detective pairing ... Du Cheng x Shen Yi
This series must watch!!! And you will be keep addicted to want to know next episodes and next season!!! Tan Jianci ... you really so great to play role as Shen Yi!!! And Du Cheng from hate feeling grows to more and more pay attentions to Shen Yi. Du Cheng x Shen Yi ... My ships start sailing XD. Du Cheng's team always trust his leadership & when no one can save Du Cheng, Shen Yi the only one his savior. Ending really made me so happy. Recommended Detective Bromance Series!!!

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Thrills, Chills, and Forensic Genius: 'Under the Skin'

I really enjoyed this drama! And I think it's definetly a gem amound Chinese crime dramas and also the start of my mini obsession with Tan JianCi lol. The aspect that makes this stand out the most is the way they solve the cases, using forsenic science. The focus on forensic portrait drawing is so well done, and really exciting. In a way to see how ShenYi will solve the next case is always so fun and exhilarating. The drama consists of multiple cases with no filler episodes all leading to the overaching case which involes both leads ShenYi and DuCheng. The other side character are also pretty memorable within the drama. At times, ShenYi seems like an absolute god that can solve anything lol and the music fits really well with converying and influencing emotions. I also think that ShenYi is kinda hawt lol. This drama does contain various triggering topics so be warmed before watching this, I think it's funny how this kind of thing scared me but I still wait it. I rate this a solid 9/10.

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An Engaging Detective Mystery Drama

Under the Skin is a thriller mystery detective drama starring Tan Jianci as a gifted portraitist working for the police bureau. It's only 20 episodes long, which is relatively short for C-dramas. But the fewer episodes allow the drama to make full use of every scene; not a moment is wasted and everything serves a purpose. Hence, it is one of the most well-paced C-dramas I've ever watched to date. In fact, it is more similar to American crime dramas from the 2000's like CSI, Profiler, Lie To Me, Criminal Minds, Bones, and the like than any C-drama I've seen.

The story centers around Shen Yi, a troubled art prodigy who finds himself involved in the murder of a highly decorated police officer. Overcome with guilt and remorse, he starts working for the police as a sketch artist in hopes to make a difference and ultimately find redemption. Shen Yi partners with a rough-around-the-edges hotshot detective who despises and blames him for the murder of his senior officer. Their uneasy alliance soon turns into a deep friendship that's founded on trust, and this partnership is the core of the story. So basically it's a buddy cop drama.

It reminds me somewhat of the Chinese animated series, Link Click, but so much better in terms of writing and charactertization. Unlike Link Click, Under the Skin makes an effort to build up its main characters, making them more relatable and sympathetic, so you know exactly who they are whether you like them or not. The cases they work on are even more intriguing and compelling. I found the story about the teenage girl who developed a crush on a tomboy thinking she was a real boy especially interesting. Considering that China has stringent censorship policies and homosexuality is taboo, I thought the writers did a good job writing about lesbianism without being too overt about it. I also rather liked the case regarding two women who plotted the murder of their abusive lover. The supporting characters are also well-written because I learned to care about what happens to them.

Generally speaking, the writing is pretty good. The dialogues, most especially, are written quite well. But there is stuff that defies logic no matter how they try to justify it. Some are too farfetched for me to even consider them plausible. I wish they had used more believable scenarios instead. The production value could've been better as well. But I'm willing to forgive those flaws because the good outweighs the bad.

All in all, this is a solid drama with great plot progression, acting, characterization, and screenplay. I give it a 9 out of 10. Season two is in the works so you can bet your bottom dollar that I will watch it the moment it hits streaming.

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Thoroughly engaging investigation mystery drama

My attention was completely caught by this drama as I started watching, it reminded me of Reset in that way how I just couldn't stop watching and wanted to know more about was was happening.

I loved each case in this show, every episode always featured a new way to showcase Shen Yi's skills as a portraitist, and although some of his skills seemed a bit far fetched to me, I didn't really care or focus on that and was just looking forward to see the cases be solved. Also really liked the relationships between the members of the Police team, they all worked well together.

Some plot points were closed a bit too quickly and abruptly for me, specifically Hong Ge's case but overall it's a well written and very engaging series. Till the end, my attention did not wane; from Eps 18-20 more so, I was even more hyped because of the change of pace as we were heading towards the climax, truly nail biting stuff towards the end that made me feel tense and kept me on my toes.

Great series, and I'm excited to check out S2!

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An artist solves crimes by drawing plus good friendship between the Leads

This drama has unique way of solving crimes never seen before in any other detective drama ,, the male lead is a brilliant artist also a very smart person who uses his creativity in his drawings to expose criminals and solve difficult crimes but he has mysterious past that wasn't ever revealed in the drama also he's some what lonely , polite and very calm not arogenate genius
that's what I love about the male lead ,,he's not just a genius artist no he also a genius detective ,, psychological profiler and very polite towards people around him , he wasn't ever arogenate nor condescending as the other male lead
There are a lot of un answered questions in this drama about the male lead
like
was he an orphan ?? what is his background ?? they didn't mention but the incident that turned him in a detective artist and his teacher's case that's it
also the friendship was lacking alot and the director wasted so many good scenes to show proper friendship or Bromance
they are two detectives who are in danger most of the time and they save each other rather quickly then move on with no much of friendship talk scenes or caring scenes as if they were wrong to happen between them
but there were good friendship scenes towards the end nothing big just some jokes and ordinary friendship
also
The cases were really smart for the first half of the drama and really intriguing very fast paced ,, they didn't drag any case but they used too much time to confuse us in every case
this drama is one of the best detective chinese dramas and it's light with absolutely no romance to ruin it
I hope there is a second season for it
this drama will get you hooked from the start to finish but it has so many holes and rushed scenes unfortunately
but I recommend it to anyone likes friendship and unique detective drama

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ORIGINAL SYNOPSIS

What I like about this? Original story, different synopsis from any C-drama, Tan Jian Ci and collaboration of the casts, ordinary people with real contribution in life. One of good drama in 2022....trust me on this.

1. Original story, different synopsis from any C-drama
Shen Yi (Tan Jian Ci) was still an art student when a man came to ask a drawing what a child would look like as an adult. He did so well that later caused the death of an undercover agent Lei Yi Fei. A young policeman Du Cheng (Jin Shi Jia) was raging mad of Shen Yi, he accused him for the cause of the death of his long-time friend and mentor. Out of guilt, Shen Yi accepted the invitation of Director Zhang of the Public Security Bureau and became a portraitist of the Interpol Team in five years later. By that order Du Cheng had to accept reluctantly Shen Yi to became a colleague with annoyance and uncooperative assistance toward Shen Yi’s drawing to solve cases, and the two became the “ticking bomb” in the team. The strange thing is that, no matter how hard Shen Yi tried of recall for a few years, he couldn't draw the face of the man who asked him to paint the child's photo. Eventually, Shen Yi helped out to uncover many mystery of crimes with his drawing including the biggest case of his involvement 5 years earlier.

2. Tan Jian Ci and collaboration of the casts
As a talented criminal sketch artist (Forensic Artist) he's a character that could translate details from witnesses at the crime scene, to make sketches that police and the public may use to identify and capture criminal suspects. Teaming with Du Cheng (Jin Shi Jia) was kind of frienamy - they knew they're depending to each other and respect their own field but because of mistrust and grudge, Du Cheng found it hard to get along with him. Lots time working solo, Shen jin forced to endure 'cold reception' from the team until proven to be successful. All the casts did well, Tan Jian Ci acted he's the real artist.

3. Ordinary people with real contribution in life.
All actors didn't have visibly make up like they're just ordinary people that doing their job well in real life; sweating, panting, running, angry, protest all done convincingly just like the real investigators.

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