A Familiar Stranger

A short, mini drama that packs a lot of punch

I avoided short dramas like these for the longest time because I thought they would be badly made and just wouldn't be satisfying enough.

Eighteen episodes? Ten minutes per episode? Really? What can you absorb in a mere ten minutes? Turns out: more than you think!

However, after watching my first short web drama, What's Wrong with My Princess?, which I really enjoyed, I became a short drama addict

This could be an unpopular opinion, but while the actors of these mini-dramas are unknown most of the time, their acting is often way better than the idols in blockbuster Chinese dramas. I am glad these dramas exist because they could help some of these talented actors get noticed. It's a sad thing that a lot of actors in China don't get that chance because they don't happen to have the right looks or fan base and most are forced to second lead roles just to make way for less talented actors.

Also, mini-dramas tend to be "braver" so we get edgier storylines.

If you're thinking about trying Chinese Dramas but feel like 40-episode monoliths are just too much commitment, starting with mini-dramas like A Familiar Stranger is a great way to do this

What drew me to A Familiar Stranger is the premise, and the chatter around it being excellent even if it's a short drama.

Once I started it, I was really impressed with the production quality and how well the two main actresses could play each other so convincingly.

But what shocked me was how sensual it was, especially since I'm used to (sigh) cold fish kisses in Chinese and Korean dramas. No, they actually showed bare legs and bed romps in this one! (Though not to the level of what you see in Game of Thrones, thank God.)

Apparently, some folks theorise that shorts like these can get away from the Chinese censors because they are too small and insignificant, which makes me a tad sad because it shows how much potential is currently being capped by the draconian Chinese censors.

I think the short format forces the writers to be more disciplined and the producers to be more creative with their filming. (As a writer of serial fiction on Substack, there's a lot to learn from these short 10-minute-per-episode dramas.)

That said, due to the tight timeline, there were a lot of plot threads that were unexplored.

For example, why would our villainess give up her lofty position as a high-ranking Prime Minister's daughter to exchange faces with a lowly painter? How could she sashay around the mansion, unimpeded after that? Although there's some explanation at the end, I thought it was all very convenient, and not a smart move. But maybe it wasn't supposed to be … love makes a fool of us all.

The romance between the general and Shi Qi is sensual and beautifully done. And the story comes together in a satisfying and beautiful way. Part of the satisfaction comes from having a quick payoff. Instead of slogging through 40 episodes, you can get the whole story in three hours, and with the same highs of episodic serial storytelling every 10 minutes.

Also blogged at: https://wp.me/pf6C2d-1R

Read More

Butterfly inducing attraction

Well, I loved it! For the first time in a very long time, I felt butterflies while watching the interactions between the leads.

A Familiar Stranger is first and foremost a romance having as the backdrop a power fight for throne with a touch of fantasy. The main character is Shi Qi, a painter looking for her long lost sister. The prime minister's daughter, who is soon to be married, asks her to come and paint for her in exchange for information on her sister's whereabouts. But she uses this occasion to change faces with the painter (important: not bodies!) who marries the general in pm daughter's stead. The general turns out to be the painter's first love and he finds her oddly familiar even though he'd never met the pm's daughter before.

This sounds a bit complicated: it is simpler when you watch it!

The story flows seamlessly for this type of drama: which is usually a bit rushed and stilted. No such problems here! The story take the time it needs to develop, and since it is short, there are no unnecessary side characters (the blessing of short c dramas!). The characters are mostly down to earth, human if you like! The painter is a smart, strong woman. The general is a good man who thinks, the prince is evil enough not to be a caricature, the pm's daughter is just someone trying to be happy. No one is perfect, they all have flaws which makes them real.

The two main actresses were amazing: going from one character to another smoothly and managing to show their character traits with the minute facial expressions. The actors playing the villains excelled as well at portraying the human side behind the evil deeds so one just can't help but feel sorry for them in spite of all the horrible things they do.

The love story is the center of this drama. The general and the painter recognize each other but one finds it hard to believe his eyes and the other is blackmailed into keeping it a secret. So they dance around each other succumbing to attraction and falling deeper and deeper in love. As I said, this was really butterfly inducing chemistry.....

The production was lush and rich and windy, mostly white: all those drapes floating in the wind artistically hiding the characters. The shots of rain and the final scene in the snow were just beautiful. The music was nice. The only thing that bothered me was the way they spoke most of the time: whispering, soundless and breathless voices.

I cannot recommend this enough! Go watch it! I haven't seen many short c dramas, but this one is definitely one of the best considering high production values, talented actors and a screenplay that makes sense within the genre!

Read More

Plot was muah!

I'm on fire babyyyy! Found wholesome cdrama in a row!

It has a subtle, calm atmosphere that's why I hesitate to watch it at first because I'm for the mood of brute and funny MC and plot but glad I continue watching it! Don't get me wrong, this is not boring. I just misjudged it, thinking I'm not in a mood for some serious tone. But this was quite fine! Not so tragic, not so twisted, and not too comical too. So frickin' right.

I like FL here even though she's one of the kind that hard to play with (in writer's perspective) and could lead to boringness. But I guess, the director and the writer for this one knows how to extract the best in her personality so 10000/10000! ML is such a cute! And when I'm saying cute, it means, he's so fudging genius and tactical! He's a General indeed! Because of his way of thinking, this show didn't give you some misunderstanding shits at all even though they were trying to initiate. Oh boy. Love the casting and how they blend the characters so well!

The second characters did a lot of development that I anticipated. Some also shows changes but guess it's too late but hey, the thought is still counts. This is also the first time (if I remember it correctly) that the side characters have way more tragedy than the main characters. Which is RARE for any drama, isn't? GIVE ME MORE LIKE THIS PLS! Also, thumbs up for the director for removing the worry to FL and still give the Scharacter a good closure. Clap! Clap!

The plot? Got they got me there! I was suspicious at first but forgot it because I really enjoying the engagement of the MC. Until the plot was revealed that I was shook! That's a lot and satisfying last 3 eps there! Love it!

Overall, this is one of the best short cdrama I've watched. The puzzles fits perfectly that nothing's odd. I just enjoyed it!

Read More

I am in my feelings for this.

I got total feel-good vibes from watching this short drama. The attraction and chemistry between the lead couple are just mesmerizing.

Although the script does not seem to require a lot of emotional acting. It is just the fact that they can ooze such chemistry with each other. The subtle gestures and looks. The cute smile when they think the other is not looking kept me watching. That is good enough acting for me.

If you're expecting a big production with a long-drawn-out plot and suspense this does not have it. Well, maybe a little it does have one of the best plot twist I never saw coming. However, if you are like me a hopeless romantic this will feed your soul. With that being said I feel like this could have been much longer. This leading couple (Ke Ying and Ryan Chen) look so good together and apart. I think they are relatively new to the drama scene and I hope they continue. I will definitely watch some of their other dramas, especially Ryan Chen. As I said this does not have a big production but it does make the most out of what they have. It almost feels big and lets you imagine that there is more.

Face swapping can be tricky in a drama because one face may not hold up in the view of the audience. So, I am not always a fan of this plot-line.

So, I have re-watched it twice and got feels both times. If you are a romantic at heart this is a must watch.

One final note I think when rating they need to separate categories into dramas over 24 with 45 minute episodes because the scoring is a little different.

Read More

It's Intriguing

I don't think I have ever seen any drama that I want to leave as it is cos it was that perfect,but still wanted more,I knoow,it sounds ridiculous ,if you watch,you will understand .😄😄😄

You get sucked in from the first episode and it makes you yearn for more even after the last episode...

The intrigues,suspence ,the romance between the first lead couple,the sincerity of their feelings and how it's best to follow your heart and look beyond the physical, that was beautiful to watch, their chemistry was good, beautiful acting. Then the second lead couple good acting as well, telling us that if the physical is all we see,we can get blinded and not see what's in front of us and all that passion is all smoke not fire😀😀

I love the comedic relief, military adviser😆😆😆 and funbao , everyone did well,I enjoyed this drama,it's a short drama and I wasn't confused,🤷 there
were opportunities to make it longer,but it's fine as it is,so it's a 9:5 for me. 😊

Read More

Watch this one for date night.

OMG! What did I fall into? This drama is exotic, provocative, and alluring. I really like this short drama. The Chinese put out short vignettes of 6-12 episodes of 12-30 minutes each. This is the testing ground for potential stars to make an acting drama statement. The drama is 8 episodes of about 30 minutes each. Does the premise make sense? Not really, but the plot-line is tied into such a neat knot, you may be willing to forgive certain shortcomings. One star of ‘A Familiar Stranger’ is Ryan Cheng. He got snatched up in a quick Chinese drama minute to more meatier parts after this good showing. Ryan Cheng also went on to star in the Chinese drama hit ’My Journey to You’ (2023). There is a wonderful posse of drama characters, which adds depth to A Familiar Stranger’. Ryan Cheng leaves Super Star dust behind him as he walks past you.

The time commitment is so short, you might enjoy this short drama detour.

Read More

Surprisingly good!

OVERALL
It's short, to-the-point, and without major flaws. Watch it if you're bored and in need of a quick, small dose of romance. If you're really not a fan of fantasy or like to be super invested in your dramas, then reconsider. I would still give it a try. It's so short!

THE STORY
I like the switched-bodies trope, but I'm always wary because it comes with so many overused cliches I can't stand. Luckily, this drama does without them. Female lead is mature, poised and smart (although sometimes a bit helpless), Male lead isn't the usual cold prick and is also smart enough not to misunderstand things, so they face the situation differently than the protagonists of other dramas. It's just refreshing not to see the same old mambo. The couple is pretty cute too. There just isn't much to dislike about the story (it's a bit weird what happens with the villains but it's not so bad as to ruin the show).

There are definitely disadvantages to a short web-series format, the biggest one being that there isn't enough time to develop characters, relationships and plot very well. This drama does as well as it can with the time constraint, but you still don't feel very attached or invested in the characters. It's like watching the highlights of a drama rather than a complete drama. However, I find that there are also lots of advantages, the main one being no time for useless side stories that C-dramas are OBSESSED with. And THAT, I'm here for it! If you're the same, give this drama a try. I think it's worth it!

THE ACTING
Good stuff. The switching-body trope is pretty demanding, I thought the two actresses did a fantastic job. Main leads had some decent chemistry too. I have no complaints.

THE MUSIC
Can't remember, but it's not a bad thing!

REWATCH VALUE
Not super high, but not quite low. There were some really cute scenes, but I didn't care about this drama enough to rewatch it whole. I might rewatch parts of it!

Read More

Intriguing

This drama is excellent. It is not too long and each episode has your attention. I love the ML and FL leads. Even the villains are good actors. This is a definite drama to watch if you want romance with a little intrigue. This is also a drama that you will rewatch several times just to see the chemistry between the leads. The music goes very well with scenes within the drama too. I also like the cinematography. There are parts where the scenes has a darker setting. I highly recommend watching this drama when you are in the mood for romance with a little intrigue and you do not want to watch 24 or more episodes.

Read More