This review may contain spoilers
Fantasy steeped in reality, soft angst vibes
Everyone says stop at Ep. 29 if you want the happy ending, but after I got there I was content enough to keep watching until Ep. 30. Honestly, the foreshadowing throughout the episodes were pretty subtle, but it made sense for those who were paying attention so I didn't find the big reveal in the last episode abrupt at all.[VAGUE SPOILER REFERENCES AHEAD READ AT YOUR OWN RISK]
I really enjoyed watching the series with the villainess main character and how she struggled through her past to change everything. I like how she got everything she wanted to change from Ep. 1 to 29, and how we got more depth into her family. Whether or not they were really as warmhearted as she thought they were, at least her heart believed they were. And there's a pervasive sense of uncertainty throughout the entire story that comes with Hua Qian struggling to walk step-by-step through another day; I think her sense of fear and anxiety is very real, but it's done in the subtle angst way I like that's not in your face. Melodrama frustrates me, but Scent of Time's drama is more like incense: intense but also insubstantial, so that it doesn't hurt as much as it seeps into her pores.
It is definitely a melancholy series with sadness throughout, but I loved the reality she had to face at the end. Maybe it's because I'm older, but that's how life works: it's not perfect, and you have to deal with the consequences of your actions no matter how you regret them. Everything else is escapism.
I agree with Chinese netizens who noted that Mu Yao's acting was a little stiff (her eyes are so blank like omg) but the strength of the story carried the day so I could keep going. The sudden cameos by Sun Yi, Yang Xuwen, and Peng Xiaoran in Ep. 28-29 were hilarious considering how big names they were, but they were still enjoyable. And Zhou Ye had to stretch her acting chops to be tragic so while she's not a stellar actress I still like what she did!
I also like how even though things were tragic in EP. 30, Hua Qian stil gets a chance to be "forgiven" with Zhong and Mu Yao talking to her and Mu Yao apologizing. I like how it's Mu Yao, who's suffered the most, who tells Hua Qian to move on and let bygones be bygones, because I really think it needed to come from her.
You can write so many fanfics from this. Also, don't forget the producer has the animated extra that tells what happened to Hua Qian and Zhong Xiwu after EP. 30!! So you know, it's a happy ending no matter what: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdcOUvoh-k0
Last but not least, a part of me still believes EP. 1-29 really exists in a separate world line. There's no reason for Hua Rongzhu to have such a complex backstory otherwise, is my reasoning. Also, did you know Zhong Xiwu is actually the emperor in the novel version? Might be fun to check out hahaha: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-scent-of-time/
Anyways this is just me rambling, I'm finishing up EP. 30 as we speak and ahhhh the setup was good, the music is perfect (it's rare for me to hear piano as BGM for a costume drama used so often, feels a bit different but I like it). I was so afraid I'd hate this drama because of the twist ending but what do you know? I eat up this flavor of drama/angst/redemption exactly, and I loved it! So don't base your opinions on dramas on reviews hahaha~
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I loved it, I cried, I binged
Scent of Time (2023) 9/10 -cdramaRight at start I say I am overpraising this one. Its total soap opera, but I still loved it.
Whole drama would probably have better public rating if it got 29eps rather than 30 eps.
Since last 30th eps :unexpectedly: changes whole story situation of drama.
For me and probably to majority eps 30 changes drama to worse. At other hand it brings little of originality to whole drama which till now was mostly historical costume drama soap opera.
Now why I loved it? After long time first drama which managed to get few tears from me + keep me binge watching till end.[really sleepy right now]
plot - villainous woman which in her ambitions and blind love for one man hurt all around her. Died together with her whole family in bloody revenge. Luckily for her she managed to timetravel back to her wedding day and decided to make amend and set all on right track and that way save herself and her family from certain death.
genre- historical, romance, melodrama
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Decent story with lots of potential, killed by some fatal decisions
Usually these kind of stories starts off with a FL wronged in the prior life and gets a 2nd chance. However in this story, The FL is trying to correct her wrongs.There's a common theme referring to the scent (hence of scent of time)
The leads Zhou Ye & Wang Xing Yue is a good pairing visually.
Sets/production overall decent although inconsistent. Costume & accessories are beautiful especially for the FL. Then there are props that looks incredibly cheesy fake too.
What killed this drama little by little ...................
1. Poor choice of dubbed voice for the FL. Even when her facial expression is on par with the mood, the voice didn't follow. Actually it sounds like 2 different dubbed voices. One sounded older but either way, it was not good.
2. Mu Yao -- I was wondering how they picked someone who can't act AT ALL. Apparently she's some internet celebrity and end up getting this supporting role with enough lines that can kill a drama. So that happened.
3. OST overkill. It's a nice song but the ONLY song which they play bits of it 10x per episode x 30 episodes ....
4. Over smoothing of people's skin especially of Huan Rong Zhou. He has a wax figure face at times.
Potential not fully realized but not bad overall.
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This review may contain spoilers
Made an account to leave a review & recommend this drama!
It’s been a long time since I found a drama that made me want to watch multiple episodes at once, and even think of hacking somewhere to get episodes earlier!The story is probably nothing new for webnovels, but brought to the small screen, the story was surprisingly engaging, intriguing enough to keep me watching, with a good pace that’s not too fast nor too draggy.
The actors though not A list, are good enough eye candy with sufficient acting skills (is it just me or does everyone look too airbrushed in C dramas nowadays, to the point where I can’t see changes in facial expressions). I’m pleasantly surprised the cast fit each role well and together they managed to carry off the drama as a whole.
*Spoilers ahead*
This is not a sad drama, but damn I cried, from pretty much the start up to ep 11. I really hate the husband Zhong Ye Lan, for being indecisive in love, his cold violence (psychological abuse) of the FL and how he keeps delaying the divorce. I want absolutely zero redemption for him & I hope the divorce happens ASAP so FL can start living her best life.
FL’s showdown with her father/ family was heart breaking, because as someone who knows the future, she realizes that even if she tries to change events, it’s hard to change people’s character.
There are no clear villains yet, as the scheming cousin got dispatched quite easily & quickly. I’m kind of hoping that the “main character” Mu Yao turns out to be evil or at least not as righteous as she appears. Or better yet, let ZYL & MY just get together quick & get out of FL’s hair. She’s got better men to date.
I can’t put my finger on why this drama has me hooked. It’s like one of those not high budget non high expectations drama that unexpectedly just becomes popular because, well, everything just works.
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Is there a second chance?
Have you ever wished for the power to change the past and avoid regret? Huan Qian (HQ), the female lead in this story, faced the tragic downfall of her family and household. Captured and on her last breath, she's granted a "second chance" at life. The narrative takes an intriguing twist, emphasizing the importance of embracing our true selves, flaws and all, as no one is perfect. The characters are portrayed as refreshingly human, making it a compelling exploration of reality.If you're intrigued by Hua Qian's journey and her reimagined life, complete with complex love dynamics involving Zhong Xi Wu (ZXW), Lord Zhong, the "ex-husband" ZYL (Zhong Le Yan), and the trustworthy guard Hua Rong Zhou (HRZ), this drama is a must-watch. It weaves a captivating tale filled with intricacies and clues, much like the lingering scent of incense. Don't miss the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the story and its rich characters.
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Great historical drama ?❤️?
This historical drama is great! The female lead and male leads are excellent actors. The male lead suits the obsessive acting style. Also, the supporting roles are good; I hope they will be given lead role in the future, especially the female leads guard. He's handsome and good at acting, just like the FL's servant.Was this review helpful to you?
It's on the 2023 best list without a doubt.
Well well well! This drama should be renamed Love yourself really,Never have I been worried about a drama ending so bad that I was willing to go looking for spoilers on the internet 😆🤓.
I think I cried a little watching the last episode. And I'm glad ZXW is here for our Hua Qian. I would have appreciated another episode where they're back at home with a few kids being spoilt by ZXW's mother, but I'll take what I'm given and move on. Show had a good run. It has my stamp of approval, hard to receive in my 15 years of gluing my eyes to tv screens in the name of worshiping the drama gods 😂
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This review may contain spoilers
I love it until...
I love Zhou Ye so I watched this due to her and so many positive reviews BUT my mistake was checking the last episode after I watched 5 episodes and ruined my mood. I just want a happy ending so I checked. And I am glad. So the episodes I only watched are ep 1-5 and 29, 30.Here's my take. Zhou Ye's acting is great. She made me cry on the last 2 episodes. I didn't like the ending at all. That was a cruel ending making the rest of the story useless. The whole story is just a dream so I was pissed. I actually hope it is not but I am glad I checked early on. The whole story was made up by her traumatized mind and spirit. This is why I am putting it as 5 star and no, I won't rewatch nor check other episodes because it's all a dream.
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A thrilling attempt at redemption
This is not a typical rebirth story and I think it is its strengh. There are enough hints during the show to figure it out so it not comes as a shock but still is rewarding.The thing is that the FL comes back just a little too late. It would have been so much easiner if she had been reborn just a couple of days before. Before she mad all the mistakes. But BAM she comes back on her wedding night and really has to work hard to make things right. And that is some of a ride.
The story leans heavily on character development rather than dramatic twists. It moves at a measured pace, and the romance, while present, is slow-burning and often sidelined by the characters’ struggles. Strangely, that didn’t lessen the appeal—in fact, I found myself hooked without always knowing why.
One recurring element is the FL’s almost comical obliviousness to the ML’s feelings. Rather than being frustrating, I found it amusing and even charming at times, adding lightness to an otherwise serious story.
On the other side, the male lead’s performance isn’t entirely convincing here; compared to his other works, he comes across rather stiff.
Overall, The Scent of Time is worth watching if you enjoy dramas that focus on personal growth and the weight of past decisions. While not flawless, its fresh take on the “reborn” trope and steady character development make it a refreshing choice.
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A story of redemption - of yourself and your family’s
Life has no redo - what if it does?Hua Qian got what she wished for as she found herself back to 2 years ago. And she wasted no time to right her and her family’s wrongs, one at a time.
The early parts of the story was intriguing, figuring out the dynamics between the characters and their respective reactions to Hua Qian’s changes. Hua Qian, in her 2nd life became ever the wiser and determined to stay on the right path, as it meant staying alive. And her greatest struggle comes was from changing her closest family, making the story and characters feel rather grounded - after all, change is hard when they hadn’t experienced what Hua Qian had already “experienced prior”. I liked that it was not a walk in the park for her just because she had additional knowledge about the events. And once she changed her earlier behaviours, they logically lead to different chains of events that would no longer give Hua Qian the same advantage.
Another thing I enjoyed about Scent of Time was how Hua Qian rely on her wits most of the time to get through her valuable 2nd chance. Sure, she earned her admirers and respect. But she was no damsel in distress and played an active role in her redemption arc. This made up for the rushed ending and [somewhat] plot twist on how she got her 2nd chance…just a little bit.
Another aspect that could be improved was the supporting cast’s characters development. There were many moments in the show I felt their involvement were just pushing the plots along. Though…since it’s Hua Qian’s story of redemption, I guess this is acceptable.
Overall, I would say Scent of Time had cohesive story line and an independent female lead who stayed focus on her goals. Can give it a chance if redemption and 2nd chance stories are your thing. For those who are into romance or comedy, I’d suggest to check out other stories.
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The Price of Redemption
Villains must face punishment. Hua Qian didn't change out of her own volition but the price of her family's destruction was so heavy that she had to. I've never seen a protagonist like Hua Qian in any other dramas, she’s a rare and remarkable character. It's precisely because it was a dream that I love this drama. I actually finished this years ago but I still find myself coming back to it from time to time.Hua Qian likes eating walnuts but she doesn’t like cracking the shells herself 🥲
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The story and casting are amazing
The Zhong family is the wealthiest and most powerful family in the city of Huang, selling incense and medicine to the royal family. The young Zhong Xi Wu is the head of the family and rules with a firm but kind hand. General Manager Hua has a haughty and arrogant daughter, Hua Qian, who would stop at nothing to marry a member of the Zhong family Zhong Ye Lan. With the help of her father, she successfully marries him and also disposes of a rival manager and his family, the Mu family. Her misdeeds do not go unpunished as the daughter of the Mu family, Mu Yao, seeks revenge against Hua Qian. Hua Qian’s entire family is sentenced to death or exile. She tries to escape but faints in the chase.She wakes up to find that she’s transported back to her wedding day to Zhong Ye Lan. Stunned at the turn of events, Hua Qian tries desperately to rewrite history and make amends to those she has wronged. However, she never accounted for how history sometimes will go a certain way exactly because of human nature. In her journey to change, she loses more than she bargained for but also forged new relationships in which she does not know the outcome.
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