Suo Hong Yan (2025)

A strong beginning and middle with a weaker ending. Overall, still enjoyable

*My review only has a small spoiler! Still mainly spoiler-free.*

As an enjoyer of short dramas, I can declare that this story was solid. The premise and beginning were interesting, with a similar vibe to the short drama "The Killer Is Also Romantic" (2022). A thief is forced to take on the job to steal an important booklet because his life is on the line. While on the job, he comes across a situation where he has no choice but to take on a fake identity so he can complete his goal. The female lead is part of a martial arts sect who is also seeking that same booklet. They meet by chance because of their same goal.

The cinematography isn't particularly beautiful, but it's competent, with the director attempting interesting shots throughout. It's not at the level of director Zeng Qing Jie, who did the full-length, popular drama Blossom (2024-2025) and the short drama A Familiar Stranger (2022) (and also directed "The Killer Is Also Romantic"!), but the visual storytelling still worked for this length and this story.

The main actors, I would say, are the biggest draw to this drama. I've never seen them before, so it was refreshing to see their visuals and their chemistry together. Their characters are competent and smart. Though their professions force them to kill if necessary, they have a kinder side to them. They're likeable and cute. The fighting scenes aren't very realistic, but that's OK.

It's a shame that the story doesn't feel as profound. I liked it enough, but I think it struggled to balance the main leads' romance while setting a more serious plot about the power struggle. It was all quite simplistic and straightforward. The bad guys are who you think they are. The good guys are who you think they are. It's not very angsty.

It's also a shame that it had some questionable editing choices. For example: There was a moment where the female lead was thought to be lost down a cliff and the male lead was looking for her. The episode ends at a cliffhanger when she calls him but we don't see her yet--the camera freezes at his face and it goes to end credits. The next episode just starts with them returning to a safe house?? Which is baffling because I would've love to see their reunion after his desperation to search for her! So, what happened?? Genuinely confusing.

Overall, this is a short drama that can be watched if you want to want something straightforward and sweet and not too dark!

Lire davantage