Short and worth a watch just for the bombastic side-eye
If you're a historical CDrama fan, this one is short and worth your time if only for the ML's bombastic side-eye. His side-eye game is so strong, he'd win the side-eye Olympics if such a thing existed.The story is rushed, but that's to be expected with the small episode count. That also means every episode is worth watching and there's no draggy bits. Really impressed with the ML actor. This is the first drama of his that I've watched, so I'll be seeking out more of his work ASAP (I already have 'My Journey to You' queued up).
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ENGRAVED IN MY BRAIN THE REST OF MY LIFE
HANDS DOWN.im givin in my heart to the whole crew. that screen writer, that director, whole! the moment "the sister" shout, "IM SHEN QIN!" well ... felt like a highest roller coaster shaking because the screw looses. I DIDNT SEE IT COMING! the entire show, even i read those comments said "what if its not your sister its just the back" and logic. we all scolded her for being so careless like that. BUT NO. the problem is not even that case.
the brilliant cinematography ... the panning camera that i never saw somewhere else. the perfect timing. the coreo. i cant accept the reality this series isnt spread out or viral yet
(-) in general, the acting skill of both fls is acceptable they could switch roles that easy. but for micro-expressions like hidden sadness or anxiety, they arent that convincing
no plothole but seems like incomplete storyline. that one-eyed guy came mysteriously but ended up just like that. OHH the only plothole is when she said she forgot removing the mole. my question ... arent you swapping face by taking the skin? i dont get it. this part is incomplete. how. how she swapped
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A really good mini drama
I am not the person that wants dramas to be longer, ever, but A Familiar Stranger is the exception. I liked everything about this drama, from the story to the characters, and I wish I could have had more time in this world.For starters, the camera work and storytelling was really good and when I found this drama is from the same director as last year's hit cdrama Blossom, it all made sense. The cinematography, the way the production design, costume design, make up and character development are all connected in a cohesive way to tell the story, it's wonderful to watch.
The performances are really good and the cast's chemistry solid. One of the reasons why I would want this drama to be longer is because I would have love to see a more extended character development for each characters, as the resolution to the villain's story seemed rushed. I would have also loved to see more of the leads' love story and their found family.
Overall, this was a really good and fun watch for the weekend.
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Best short cdrama ever
This cdrama is great. The actor/actress is great. The story is amazing, th plot is unpredicted. The best thing is the relationship goal in this story. Will rewatch it again In the future. This short movie really worth of my time. Very sweet and no angst at all. You can see the maturity of the characters in this movie. The ML is very smart and have a full trust in the FL . The story is really compact, the flow is really natural so eventhough this is the short drama there is nothing awkward. The ending is great. The writer is awesome, i feel pity for the villains for the ending I just think that they're been give a second chance.Was this review helpful to you?
Surprisingly good mini-drama!
I started this drama with no expectation. I was surprised to find it has a great story. It has its share of romance, love, mystery, supernatural elements. The plot is gripping which keeps one at the edge till the last episode. Since it's a mini-drama, it did feel a bit rushed.All in all, an extremely enjoyable mini-drama!
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Good story and cast
This is a period piece that took me by surprise. It could have been a little longer to deal with some aspects of the story but overall, this is very enjoyable to watch.The story and pacing is good and the cast is great. The question of how the FL is going to resolve the problems tease and lead the viewer forward to the next episode. Her courage, intellect and talent leads her forward despite the obstacles she faces. The ML is solid, intelligent and takes his time to judge and assess the situation and people. He's calm, collected and always ready to support the FL even as he harbours uncertainties about her. The quick injection of humour here and there scales up the entertainment.
This is a drama I can watch many times as it has excellent rewatch value.
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START WATCHING IF YOU HAVEN'T......
a true HIDDEN GEM i think it is .i first watched a video of this drama and it made me start watching the show in instant . it will engaged you from the first episode with it's story and it's suspense. it is fast pashed ( IT'S A SHORT DRAMA ) and will be not bored you for a minute.
the story of the drama was good and the cast did a great job in that too.
the cast have done a very good job in their acting. the ML and FL was on fire.... i say.
i like the cuteness between them. as over ML was cold and ruthless in the first episodes but as the story between this two progress we get the cute, caring and a very healthy ML. the chemistry was on fire between the leads. it was not forceful at all.
the FL have done her job very good .
the story, acting, direction, cinematography, music, production was very good and i like the past scene of the leads because i made sense as why they fall for each other.
i have not watch any short cdrama before it but after i saw it i became a fan too. the director of this drama have made many short dramas and they all are very good .
IF YOU WANT TO WATCH A DRAMA IN ONE GO WITH GOOD ACTING, GREAT CINEMATOGRAPHY, STRONGE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN LEADS , ALL IN ONE THEN GO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW.
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Great Mini Series
I quite enjoyed this one. Mini series can be a hit or miss. This one was a hit for me. The acting was decent all around, the story was interesting though similar to other plots but without all of the filler episodes you see in full length dramas. Not a high production, it only showed a few locations but why not save money where you can. The romance was done at the perfect pace and built enough between the characters that allowed you to care enough for their outcome.I’d recommend this drama
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Another Stereotypical Show Saved by the Leads' Sizzling Chemistry
It's been long since I completed this show months ago. I've been delaying this review because I can't think of anything about this show except for the leads' chemistry. Finally, I get to write one today and this may be a short review concerning I have nothing much to say.The plot falls to the same old face swap trope, same old newlyweds trying to hide their real identities, and blah blah blah. Though the plot is not that great and seems to be recycled, the actors' performances make up for it. I particularly like the first couple, especially Ryan Cheng - it's my first show of his and I can't wait for his next project 'Shadow Love'. I don't recognize other actors except him, but they've done a great job too.
Even though it's a mini drama, I still end up using fast-forward button to complete it in one go. If you're a fan of tropey shows, then this might be suitable for you. Since the duration is kinda short, it also fits for those who want to watch lighthearted and stress-free shows. As for the rewatch value, you'll have to consider it yourself.
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A Wonderful Short Drama
I was just browsing around when the cover caught my eye. I realized it was Cheng Lei, so I started watching it. I noticed how short the episodes were. I’m not a fan of dramas with short episodes but if I like the storyline and the actors, then I’ll probably give it a chance. So glad I found this drama. It’s short but I love the story so much. It tells the story of Shi Qi who was caught by Shen Qi, the prime minister’s daughter, and face swapped with her in order to be with her lover, Prince Ning. The real Shen Qi was about to marry the general Xiao Hansheng. After they face swapped, Xiao married her. But after a few episodes, she accidentally spills words that Shi Qi would tell the general when she saved him 3 years ago. I love General Xiao. He’s very funny and sweet. He started to doubt her identity. She couldn’t say much about it to him, so he started investigating. His Military advisor asked him what he was going to do if he finds out that she’s a fake. He said it didn’t matter because she’s his real wife, so it’s fine. Aaawww. Lots of passionate kissing here. Hoo boy. It beats a lot of dramas out there, in my opinion. Chinese dramas have come a long way. The general is so funny. He loves looking at all her paintings. That ending, though. How tragic. Imagine being stuck with a face that’s not even yours and your sister who has done the sorcery took her own life. That other girl who was kept captive that she thought who was her sister was actually the real Shen Qin. That twist was crazy. Very heartbreaking. This drama was definitely one of my favorite short dramas. Great job with the writers and director with this one. I know short dramas can be very challenging to cramp everything with such limited time, but they delivered it well.Was this review helpful to you?
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Best mini drama I have watched!
I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.What I like:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.
What I dislike:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.
Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!
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Face/Off ancient Chinese style
I shall start with a mea culpa. I know it is unfair to compare two shows directly but because of its subject matter and lineage, I can’t help it. In fact, it is because of this lineage that I was excited to have found this drama.The other show in question is The Killer is Also Romantic. It has the same director, period setting and short episodic structure. I have to say that I was quite impressed by TKiAR so I have high hopes for A Familiar Stranger.
To be honest, this Show is good, but it is not great. The issues are manageable but when taken as a whole, it is problematic.
Let’s look at the positives first. I do like the short format as it distilled a lot of the typical wuxia themes down to the fundamentals without all the draggy side plots or distractions. I really appreciate the Viki presentation because it thoughtfully combined the short 16x10mins episodes into 8 longer episodes ranging from 20mins to over 30 mins. It is still bingeable but more practical.
The central pillar of the show is the love line between the leads. That is very well done. The progress is logical and angst lite. It helps that the Show has a laser focus on the leads, and you can sense their longings and feel their love. The “daughter” is cute and wise beyond her age.
Now the issues. The plot is functional rather than well crafted. The theme is tropey and the writer didn’t push any boundaries. While the initial face change device looks promising and fantastical, it was an one trick pony. It came down to soulmates will always recognise each other no matter what. Other wuxia/xianxia dramas have taken this trope further.
The romance of the 2OTP starts out fine. Toxic and manipulative which is de rigueur of the palace intrigue genre. However, the show’s progression feels self-serving. It went the way it did because the plot mandates it rather than being sensical. It felt old school and contrived. Speaking of palace intrigue, once the Show gets going, there is very little actual intrigue. Just some snippets of dialogs and a bit of simple scheming.
This brings us to a key issue. The antagonist is meant to be an evil mastermind but while he is a bit of a homicidal manic, he is no mastermind. If anything, he turned into a weak and pitiful character. This took the wind out of its sail from that quarter.
I binge watch the whole drama in one sitting and I enjoyed it even with the caveats. The swoon worthy romance saved the show. A lot of its problems comes down to not looking after the secondary plots and characters. Almost as soon as the leads are off camera, you start to see plot holes and inconsistencies. A show of such short duration should be tighter and more impactful. It is still a worthwhile binge but not high on my rewatch list.
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