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Good casting.
I love how Yangyang portrays his role. I'm really mesmerized not just by his looks but the way he makes me believe that he is Song Yan. I can feel his pain as well as his happiness when they got back together. This is the first time I've watched Wang Churan. Though she portrayed her role well as a helpless, fearful, and obedient daughter, there might be too many scenes where she is like that. i loved it when she started fighting back for herself and her love. I wish it was sooner though rather than later in the series. I think she is a good actress. She has brought tears to my eyes in some scenes.Was this review helpful to you?
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A pleasant surprise
I got to know this drama through TikTok and was pleasantly surprised. Initially, I expected the drama to be this melodramatic romance between a rich girl and a poor man who got tough in life and ended up a firefighter. But the story ran so much deeper.We get to know our main characters through scenes in the present and flashbacks to what happened 10 uears earlier. Our female lead is back from studies abroad and has started her career as a doctor in one of the city's bigger hospitals. She's stationed at the hospital's emergency room when she comes into contact with our male lead, a captain of the Shili Tai firefighter squad and her ex-boyfriend. 10 years ago she broke up with him because her parents didn't approve of his background. We don't get all of the details right away but there's a subtle hint of a horrible break-up and a depressing past.
I thought that would be it. 40 episodes of melodramatic back and forth between the main characters but I was proven wrong. It was everything but what I expected. It became the story of the Shili Tai firefighter squad and their bromance. I was moved deeply by their day-to-day struggle to keep the city safe from fire and other kinds of hazards, but also each other. I wished the squad had even more screentime than it did. The dynamic of the boys is what kept me going because, to be honest, the main characters didn't do much for me. Our male main, Song Yan, only pulled me in when he was part of the squad. I loved watching those scenes. They were action-packed and intense.
Which can't be said for the storyline involving the Meng family. I tried to keep up with them but mostly found them to be boring, even our female lead. She was so depressing in the beginning. Thankfully she became more interesting as she grew and learned. Her brother on the other hand... In the last couple of episodes I did skip most of his story. He was even more depressing and I didn't feel like connecting with him or his maybe-girlfriend. I wanted to know more about the firefighters. Too bad they cut out most of the squad to give more screentime to the Meng's in the last half of the series.
Positives:
- I feel like they took the time and care to represent actual firefighters and how their day-to-day life is. Ofcourse it's dramatised because of the show, but it felt very authentic.
- Initially, I truly disliked the female lead but she grew on me. She came across as this self-centered, emotionless weirdo but she IS a self-centered, emotionless weirdo and doesn't argue otherwise but she's willing to learn and becomes alive around Song Yan.
- The firefighter squad. I LOVED the bromance and the brother-in-arms vibe they had going on.
- They showed a stark contrasts between rich and middle-class within a city and showed us an 'abusive' home without violence. Just pure suppression and the way it can drive someone insane.
- The way they used the flashbacks to fill in certain blanks in the present storyline. We get to see how Song Yan and Xu Qin (female lead) first meet, how they get together, their relationship before the break-up and the actual break-up. But they show us when we need that bit of information or when it's important for the viewers to know. I kept wanting to know what happened with Song Yan and why he was being so secretive. I liked how they kept up the tension like that. I didn't expect to finish the drama at first but I found myself binge watching it throughout the weekend.
Negatives:
- Some plotlines became a little too much. Like how the firefighter squad got blown up almost three times in a row. Some might say they would have learned from the first explosion but nope. Just dash into it, head-on and hope for the best again.
- The whole brother storyline... The series could've done it without him. I wished they had focused on the firefighters more. Used one of them for a second lead couple but they quickly became third-fourth and fifth lead couples, never getting any real screentime.
- I still don't understand why our main lead had one goal throughout his entire life and worked his butt off to achieve that goal only to be very hostile to someone who was part of that goal. Why the attitude, sir?
- The use of 'convenient plot is convenient' trope a couple of times where Song Yan rushed to the hospital with the people he pulled from the hospital only to come eye-to-eye with Xu Qin (convenient plotting). Or having Xu Qin, a emergency room doctor, sit in an ambulance, which is conveniently going to the place where the firefighter squad is conveniently saving lives. The script forced the two of them together in such ridiculous convenient situations it became a little unreal.
- At times it felt like Xu Qin was the only doctor alive. Especially during the earthquake scenes. She was called in for a fallen firefighter and had to apply emergency care in the danger zone but during her caregiving, which was very emotional I must add, she was called away for something else. I mean... DUDE, SHE WAS BUSY WORKING ON SOMEONE and she ups and leaves too.
- Dare I say it? I found Yang Yang's acting a little stiff. I had only seen him once before in Who Rules the World and found him lacking there too. I was kind of hoping it was the way he portrayed his character in WRTW but he acted the same in this one. I don't think he's a bad actor but I don't see any emotional depth to his characters. Not yet, anyway.
Would I recommend? Yes. I truly came to love this drama more and more. It is an action-packed romance with a little bit of melodrama.
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How I got off the hate train for this drama
Im not new to girl chasing the boy storyline. There’s plenty of that on cdramas. The difference here is that she was the one who broke his heart 10yrs ago. And that’s why some people started a hate train on her and on the guy who’s brutally shutting her down. if Im being honest I WAS semi on the same train too.If it was the boy who left (even for a vague shallow reason) and is now pinning for the girl, I assure you, we would be ALL for it and even cheer him on. We’ll enjoy it together as she shuts him down over and over until she gives in.
But its the girl and people are annoyed. Because as much as we want a strong female character, we are still not used to a flawed ‘selfish’ one. We like our female lead who can do no wrong. Much better if she was wronged by everybody else including the male lead. We relate to that. But we dont want a girl begging attention from a boy whose heart she broke years ago.
That was interesting for me though. Dont get me wrong, I was annoyed of her too! There was one time when I was cheering the male lead on to get together with the second girl (the female firefighter). I was having the Itaewon Class dejavu where Im like - ‘just leave that girl and move on to the other one!’ The annoyance wasn’t enough for me to drop the story though. The flashbacks and ML’s obvious lingering feelings left me asking what happens next.
And Alas came Episode 10. My turning point. Drunk ZuQin bared her heart out. The line that hit me like a train - “I’m thinking about what I can do to make my parents not oppose us and not disown me as their daughter”. “Why would I walk towards you when I know if I do I will lose everything while you will still be just there standing” (rough translation). I cried because I saw her helpless. I personally felt it. It was never easy trying to please your parents and at the same time chasing your own happiness. I felt so bad for her. And thats when I started looking at her in a new light. Slowly, I was rooting for her.
It came easy for me to love this drama after that. I dont think its the perfect and best drama of all times but what got me going is the chemistry of the leads. Their eyes are talking even without words. I love how, as the show goes on, I see the male lead slowly softening and no more an angry wreck. I love all the supporting actors too. I love how they portray impactful rescue scenes. Especially the one rescuing the baby. I love the “HE IS MY LIFE” scene the most. Made me cry a ton.
Wang Churan is now slowly becoming one of my favorite Chinese actress. Yangyang I realize now is still my favorite chinese actor tie with Arthur Chen (though I dont follow both closely as I do with korean actors).
Now if you ask me why I rated it 8.5 and not higher it’s probably because I hoped that we saw more school days scene instead of other filler scenes. That could have helped me understand them better and avoided the misconception on both the leads.
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Xu Qin is still under her mother’s thumb despite being a hotshot doctor. Also, the push-and-pull games she plays on Song Yan would also make me exhausted, even just by watching. I could not understand how a character, who has so much sass when confronting her colleagues, becomes like a cowardly cat with her tails stuck between her legs when she goes home. It looked like Wang Chu Ran had only two speeds, and I was lulled to sleep with her flat delivery.
And what the fahk are all those coincidences? Am I supposed to believe that after years of not meeting each other, all of a sudden they cross paths like every five minutes??? Really?? Is Xu Qin the only doctor in the city??? Is Song Yan the only firefighter in that area??? And all the safety protocols they seem to abandon, just so they can get a love shot between the two, is just making me shake my head vigorously that I could have suffered from whiplash.
I only stuck around for Vin Zhang’s character, but after he left the Fire Dept, there was no more reason for me to hold on. Even Yang Yang’s pretty boy face could not make me watch this long, drawn out drama which is more like a PSA for the front liners. Yes, it was commendable that it portrays the livelihood of firefighters and doctors, and how they make decisions that save countless of lives. But it wasn’t enough for me to continue the story.
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Why chinese people are not a fan of this drama
I heard that chinese people were very judgmental towards the drama and they rated it 3 out 10 which is so not fair ,just because of some things that were not justified . Before criticizing the drama we should first know that it was based on a book hence most of the directing was done accordingly . A drama is not the truth it is just for entertainment purpose then why are they taking it so seriously . I think the acting was worth, drama was fabulous and entertaining and it should be rated high in China . Disgust for the people who even let go their adopted child because of this drama . To know more about what is the take of chinese people on this drama you may ask me for another comment.Was this review helpful to you?
Skip it unless you have nothing at all to watch
Wow, okay where do we start with this one."Fireworks of my Heart" falls short in several aspects that hinder its overall quality. One of the major setbacks is YangYang's subpar acting skills, which become glaringly obvious throughout the drama. His performance fails to deliver the depth and nuance necessary to fully engage the audience.
Additionally, the chemistry between the male and female leads, surprisingly, falls flat. Their on-screen connection lacks the spark and believability required to captivate viewers, leaving a noticeable void in the romance aspect of the storyline.
The portrayal of the female lead's character can best be described as lacking intelligence. Her decisions and actions often defy logic, and it becomes challenging to empathize or root for her throughout the drama.
Technical flaws also mar the experience of watching this show. Basic hygiene factors and the technical requirements of the characters' professions are neglected, disregarding realism and making it difficult to suspend disbelief even for the sake of a drama.
As the drama progresses, it gradually becomes more tolerable, but by that point, the viewer is likely only continuing to watch due to the significant investment of time already made.
For those seeking a similar plotline executed with better acting and attention to detail, I highly recommend "A Date with the Future." This alternative drama offers a more fulfilling and satisfying viewing experience.
In conclusion, "Fireworks of my Heart" fails to deliver on multiple fronts, including acting, chemistry, attention to detail, and character development. It ultimately falls short of its potential and leaves viewers longing for a more engaging and well-crafted drama.
Please note that this review is based on personal opinion and preferences, and others may have different views on the show.
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More you watch more you fall for this drama
I'm not going write long review I just want say few lines about the drama
This is most realistic drama which I have watching after long time with natural acting, perfect emotions, amazing and Hot chemistry btw leads and a healthy btw bond colleagues, and superb action over all full entertainment. Last but not least after watching this drama you are going big fan of YY (if u r not) and WCN
I don't understand why some people give it low rating specially CP (couple) famdon guys I know you shipping YY with his previous FL but guys it's time to move on they are actors and they are doing their job so please appreciate their work and judge it with honesty don't be bais because of your selfishness some people might be miss this masterpiece after reading you without logic reviews
I know it's starting is bit slow but some stories need to be for character development and you have understand
honestly speaking I have watched all YY dramas ( I'm not his Big fan but I watched because his previous drama is quiet hit) and I find his chemistry with WCN more mature, natural, intense and hot than his previous FLs they look amazing with each other.
Highly Recommend must give try (specially after epi 21)
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What A Waste of Yang Yang!
Uggghhhhh!!! I was so disappointed! 8 episodes in and I still couldn't like the FL especially when she acted like a high schooler chasing after her crush. Also, I'm really not a fan of how the camera did all this slow zoom-in and out panning on the actors' faces or when panning in on a room. It seemed a bit amateurish. What was with the shower ending scene after the first episode? So out of place and unnecessary. Both of them staring off into nothing in their own shower was so, I dunno, useless? It's like they threw that in randomly to draw in the audience. I almost laughed.All the slow-mo gazes were getting so tiresome. While I'm a big fan of Yang Yang and his acting, as he can pull off any role, I hope that in the future he chooses better scripts that portray a stronger female lead. This drama seems so off balance because of the weak FL's character. I'm not sure if it's the actress and her acting or her portrayal of the FL, but whatever it is, her chemistry with Yang Yang was flat, and the dialogue so bland and tonal. I struggled through this and I honestly wish I hadn't. I gave up after I found myself fast-forwarding.
They had all these so-called dramatic scenes but really, it was a bit over-the-top and ridiculous:
-FL freaking out when her car was getting filled with water but then here comes the ML wading in it, waist high, to come and save her. OMG. It looked so bad.
-The ML running out of a cloud of black and grey smoke with a child in his arms in sloooo-moooo, as the FL stares after him even though she had just finished performing CPR on a patient... seriously? What doctor would shoot lovey-dovey eyes in a situation like that?
-Every time the ML went to the hospital, the FL just happens to be the doctor and even when she had to administer a needle in his butt, apparently there was no privacy because people just walked in through the door.
-The running with the medical antidote like it was some kind of donor transport.
-So many bad hospital scenes and how many times was the FL the doctor who was sent to the site where the firefighters were?
Also, I really didn't like where the storyline was heading. After you find out why ML's mother left and how his father died, why on earth would ML want back his ex who left him similarly? It made ZERO sense. He was obviously traumatized by his past and yet he still pined after someone who really didn't deserve him. And let's not talk about how the FL wanted to work to find her "independence" and not rely on her rich parents, meanwhile living in the fancy apartment her parents got for her. Yeah, right. As a doctor, y'all telling me she couldn't find a place of her own to rent? Sheesh.
Anyways, all this just got me rolling my eyes and I dropped it. While I am a fan of Yang Yang, that doesn't mean I can't dislike dramas that he's in. I don't blame him but in this case, the writing, the actress who played the FL, and the production overall. If it wasn't for Yang Yang, I probably would've rated this lower.
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A pile of sh** - not worth the watch
Now this is going to be very brutal but I went into this drama with high hopes- I love fast paced action and medical dramas but I don't understand how this drama was able to take that genre and make it slow. Now maybe its too early? Though I'm way too bored to find out. Honestly this drama isn't worth the watch.I love the idea of firefighter and a doctor - they often find themselves at scenes together saving people in their respective ways. I think its one of the only things I enjoyed watching during the episodes I've seen. Her story with her family is just 10 years overdone and mundane. Non of her story is original and nothing special - your average rich parents don't like poor kids. The brother is a total creep (which im kinda glad im frustrated at them because thats the point of their characters).
Now what I am about to say will offend a lot of people but I'm an avid hater of yang yang's acting. I've watched many of his works some of my favourite shows being ones he has starred in however once again his acting really mediocre. I got super excited when i saw the clips of him as a teen in this show- the completely different personality from the rest of his roles i couldn't believe it. That was until i watched the show and realised i had been tricked. He's the same old "I'm dark and mysterious. I only have one facial expression" LIKE WE GET IT- i just want something different from him? but here he is stuck in another serious character. NOW I KNOW- I've seen the clips of their couple scenes and I haven't got there yet I don't even think i can finish it.
I've never seen any of Wang Churan's works before and her acting wasn't terrible but at times I found she spoke too softly/quiet which really didn't reflect her character. Though she's the reason I gave it 1.2 stars for acting.
I think the main problem i have with this show is that it's too dull. I get this is adapted from a web novel so thats probably where my main problems lie but how did they make it so boring? Maybe because its 40 episodes long (thats pretty average for cdramas ngl) but they drag out minor plot points and make them so long. I dont know how many times ive said this but its so BORING-
If you're into slow (tedious) romance with action (barely) scenes then this is totally for you. If you like shows that put you on edge this isnt for you. Run while you can.
Sorry i just read a spoiler WHO TRIED TO KILL WHO? WHAT IS THIS SHOW?
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Fireworks Have Never Been So Dull
Great set up for this story. A couple who were once involved being torn apart by some painful action of the past, but who are still obviously drawn to each other in the present. The chemistry between the leads was perfect, but the story was far from it. It spent way too much time on the minutiae of everyday life. Granted saving lives is not minute, but it just wasn't interesting here as it wasn't well balanced with the love story that should've been the driving force behind the series and thus the A story instead of the C or D story. The show spent numerous episodes moving the love story at a snails pace with hardly anything happening and when they did try to put more focus on it the dialogue would be at times cringey. For example when the FL was saved from her sinking car by the ML. After he saved her, carrying her from her car of course, she asked him if he "went through all that trouble to save her because he still cared for her." Sigh. The guy is a firefighter that is his job to save people no matter his personal feelings for them. The FL should've known this best being that she is a doctor. SMH. Anyway, it took nearly 20 episodes for there to be any "significant" movement with this relationship and even what happened was barely a step forward. Once I realized there would be another 20 episodes of nothingness with most of the focus being on the fire or medical emergency of the week I gave up on this.Was this review helpful to you?
The many faces of Yang Yang
The first time I saw Yang Yang was in cdrama "You are my glory". I was blinded by his beauty, entertained by the story, but I found him and his acting a little stiff. It seemed like he had just one or two expressions and kept using them over and over again.Then I started this drama and found a versatile actor, able to portray the different stages and attitudes of a boy growing up, facing hardship and finding his way in the world despite everything.
FL was very good too and I really appreciated her duality: strong and resolute in her job, fragile and insecure in her private life.
Leaving aside action and hospital scene, which weren't so realistic (and the toxic mother which we are unfortunately used to), the relationships portrayed are quite realistic and engaging.
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Journey of firefighters
Before this drama ,I had watched "A Date With the Future'. So in this drama I I didn't find anything new. The same hard journey of fire fighters . Here one thing is different that in this drama it had shown that why Song Yan had chosen this field before he was soldier and then fire fighter and his love life also been shown . This drama also shown some of their college life . This drama also shown that the rich and poor problem that they can't be one ,there is a big difference between them .I had some expections with the end parts ,first I wanted to see their marriage ,second her brother's love story and third ML lead friend ,Suo Jun . I felt upset when Zhan Da Peng's character died . He was the cutes among all and this character's love story was about to start and he died and I also cried with everyone.
I liked the drama.
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