This review may contain spoilers
Wow ?, what a twist , never expect it will end this way.
The story begin with our poor Shi Chi , she undertake a comission to do a private painting , never she expected her life will be turned up side down . When she awake up in the general mansion she undergo a complete face change! She become hysterical saying she is not she is and run screaming. Later in the night , when he remove her viel she recognize the general who saved her fews year ago , in turn she saved him by the wolves since he was injured and she drag the sledge, saying general look at the fireflies . So the twist of the story is that her older sister was the one who underwent a face change many year ago , don’t why she did . The girl she thought was her sister was the prime minister daughter . The prime minister daughter killed the Magician, because he can’t reserve the procedure . Even thought it was a lowbudget drama with B grade actor! I enjoyed the drama with few hot romantic screen, action and melodrama . In the end she give birth to a baby boy and they named him Fu bao. Sadly her elder sister & King Ning died .Was this review helpful to you?
An enjoyable low budget web drama that doesn't look cheap.
Completed: 10/15/2022Following the success of "The Killer is also Romantic", director Zeng Qing Jie has another well-directed and produced short drama in "A Familiar Stranger". I am often quite critical with the production of low budget dramas because the fake sets, cheap costumes and questionable acting really affect my viewing pleasure. I am happy to say that I was not bothered by any of these factors when watching "A Familiar Stranger". In fact, it makes me want to check out this director's other works those two dramas are so well-done.
Compared to TKIAR, "A Familiar Stranger" is not as comedic but is more romantic. The plot is interesting and I think the story flows pretty well. Because it's such a short drama, there's no pacing issues. I know I mentioned this before, I am really surprised that the set designs, props and costumes look so good. I've seen mid-size budget productions with big stars that are worse this this drama.
I really enjoy the development of the main romance and I think the actors did a pretty good job. The chemistry between 'real' 17 and the General is good. There are a couple good, 'steamy' kisses but I wanted more (too many teasing almost kisses). We do have the typical accidental falling into your arms, gazing softly into your eyes, etc. But the ending twist was unexpected. There isn't any annoying character and the kid is quite cute. The only part that's a little unrealistic to me is how King Ning became so obsessed with 'real' 17.
It's not an amazing drama but it was an amazingly enjoyable watch for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
A FAMILIAR SURPRISE!
Rated a 10 entirely based on the way this made me feel, and it was unexpectedly a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect too much from it but also wondered why it had such a high rating of 9+ on Viki. Thought I’d get it over with watching it in one go with only 8 episodes. To my surprise, I loved it! Although, it was so short, it was cleverly written to tell the story and executed quite well. Most of the time I wonder why these C-dramas are so long, I feel like they have so many clips of reminiscing that become dragged out many times. THIS show was quite simple, to the point, had enough humor added, a tender romance between the leads, even the little kid was adorable, and of course, it had a pretty cool twist the viewer probably wouldn’t think of (that’s what made the ending so good). Kudos to the writers/creators! This was a little gem that made my Top 10 Faves, and made me watch it a second time already (I’m sure it won’t be the last time). Enjoy! 👍🏼👍🏼Was this review helpful to you?
Wholesome.
If you are seeking to watch something quick and short, yet with a clear plot and a convincing cast, this one is for you.After getting her face swapped and identity stolen from her by Shen Qin, the cunning daughter of the Prime Minister, Shi Qi, a painter must wade through dangerous waters in order to get her identity back. This includes deceiving her new husband whom she had married in Shen Qin's stead, as well as looping around the shady Prince Ning, Shen Qin's lover.
The plot is straightforward and doesn't mince words, neither does it become too illogical.
I am glad that this was not a full length drama as the shorter duration made it an easy viewing experience for me as well as the story was conveyed in a succinct manner.
The handful of characters were excellently portrayed by the cast. I was impressed by everyone's performance. Even the Military General.
There were some unexpectedly comedic moments amongst the overall ominous tone of the drama, and the romance seemed almost like a breathe of fresh air for Shi Qi, who for most of the drama, goes through emotional and mental stress.
Overall, it's a wholesome, yet serious and entertaining drama worthy of a quick watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Short & Sweet
A FAMILIAR STRANGER (2022) is a well-made yet very short Chinese mini-drama (only 8 episodes short). I was very glad to have stumbled upon this little gem of a series. While it is very short (especially compared to the usual 50+ episodes that Cdrama's usually consist off) thie series was very engaging and watchable. The plot was very focused and fast-paced, rather than following the usual meandering pace.This drama was surprisingly engaging. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It was really well-made and well acted. The visuals, sets and costumes were all very stunning.
Overall, this Chinese mini drama was a great find! Short, thrilling and very intriguing but underneath it all, a sweet romance. I hope there will be more short series like this, if only to give more variety to the genre. Definitely worth the watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Best short drama!! A male lead who falls for the female lead's heart and personality, not her looks.
"Her looks aren’t imprinted in my eyes but in my heart". If you want a male lead who falls for the female lead's heart and personality, not her looks, this drama is for you.The story is about a female painter who wakes up to find that another girl has swapped her face with hers in order to escape her arranged marriage. To her even bigger surprise, the husband is a man she met years ago.
POSITIVE:
- Cinematography is top-notch.
- Main leads are super likeable. Their romance is the main focus of the story and I enjoyed everything about it.
- The second leads add a good angsty vibe.
- Well developed plot and engaging story.
- Kiss scenes are great.
- No fillers, no stupid or annoying characters.
NEGATIVE:
Nothing!!! I absolutely loved everything in this drama.
Basically the drama has everything you need. Cute romantic scenes, intrigue, sensual scenes, scheming, mystery, light comedy. So if you are still reading this just go and watch the drama right now!
Was this review helpful to you?
AAAAAAAAAAWAWAAWAWAWAWA
I'VE BEEEEEN WAITING FOR THIS KIND OF DRAMA GENRE TO SHOW UP AND FINALLY HERE I AM !! . The show is incredible , the story is on point and love the thrilling scenes . I feel a pity for the fl and that's because she's a good actress , she managed to portray the " guilty/innocent" vibe + their chemistry is on fireeeeeee they're so good together. Hopefully this was made as a mini drama , if it was longer it would have been just draggy . GO WATCH RIGHT FUCKIN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
A Great Short Drama
Yeah this was excellent and since it is rather short, it will be top of mind when I want to rewatch something. It's an engaging story that moves quickly. The conflicts with the villainous characters are tense but not unwatchable. The leads have really lovely chemistry. I'll be looking out for this ML actor in other things. He was the standout in this for me.I only rated the Music a 9/10 because I didn't notice it. So it certainly wasn't bad, but not necessarily memorable.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fun
This was so much fun, short, to the point without fillers, overly annoying characters (okay one slightly annoying)... It offers us a bunch of interesting characters some more or less predictable twists, and moments of surprise not so much twists more of that is not how this trope usually goes type of deal making this a highly enjoyable watch.The male lead is the cutest guy ever, the way he expresses his lust and feelings is outstanding and very gifworthy.
The female lead is pretty cool, she has some moments of "oh come on", but she is lovable and interesting.
The villains are surprisingly well written and have more depth than one can expect in shuch a short drama. The kid in this drama is a great shipper, the friends and other supporting characters do not steal the show and assist the story just right.
Short as this drama is, it left me satisfied, not that I would mind more episodes, I felt like what was needed to be said was said wrapping the story up well. It is not high quality, nor is it some kind of low budget masterpiece... But it is definitely a drama I recommend to most romance lovers out there.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great Chemistry!
First time watching Ryan Cheng in a short drama and I agree he and the FL had great chemistry.I have watched Ke Ying in a few dramas before and she is a good actress.
I like short dramas because they are not draggy and the misunderstandings or the problems are solved in no time. It was a great watch and we got a little bit of action, romance and comedy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Intrigue, Romance, and a Twist You Didn’t See Coming!
To confirm the theory that this director always gives the main couple a happy ending and a daughter, I decided to watch his hit short drama as well.Admittedly, the premise doesn't make much sense—face-swapping in what seems to be a Tang Dynasty setting? Really? But if you can overlook that, the story flows beautifully. The buildup of conflict, the plot twists, and the unwavering bond between the main couple are top-notch. They say it's a "green flag" when your partner believes in you (as if that's not the bare minimum in a relationship 🙃), and that's exactly the defining trait of the male lead.
Like many short dramas, this one isn't shy about showing intimacy—perhaps because censorship isn't as strict? And with its high production value, the sets and actors deliver an impressive experience.
I enjoyed watching it, especially since each episode is only 10 minutes long, and there are just 18 episodes available on YouTube.
Oh, and yes—the theory is confirmed!
So, the story flows well with strong characters and high production value, but the slightly unrealistic premise and niche appeal might not work for everyone.
Was this review helpful to you?
