I would say if you wanna watch it go give it a try .Don't drop it too early but you should be ready to accept the ending and trauma this drama will give you . You will either like this drama or hate it so much
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Better Than Its Ranking Makes It Look
Honestly, I don't understand why Overdo is ranked so low. I almost got discouraged because of the ranking and nearly skipped it, but I'm actually glad I didn't. It's definitely not perfect, but it's nowhere near as bad as the ranking makes it seem.I'll be blunt though the first few episodes can feel pretty boring. I wasn't completely invested at the beginning and I can understand why some people might drop it there. But once the story starts picking up, especially around Episode 15 for me, I became genuinely invested and wanted to know what was going to happen next.
One thing I'd seriously recommend is understanding the Republican-era setting before starting this drama. The drama doesn't explain everything clearly, so if you go in without knowing much about the historical/political context, some parts can feel confusing and painfully boring because you won't understand why certain things are happening. Once you understand the background, the story makes much more sense.
The acting was actually pretty good overall, but the drama can be really frustrating sometimes. There were moments where I genuinely wanted to yell at the screen because of the characters' decisions or the way certain things played out. Some of the writing choices made me question what the drama was trying to do, and there were definitely scenes where I felt the frustration more than the emotion.
And honestly, Murong Qingyi is definitely not Zhang Linghe's best role. I don't think the character suited him that well at all. Compared to his previous roles, Murong Qingyi lacked the impact, charm, intelligence, and depth that usually make Zhang Linghe's characters stand out. It's not that he acted badly I actually think he did a good job with what he was given but the character itself just wasn't strong enough. Zhang Linghe is much better when he's given a character with more emotional complexity, dignity, intelligence, and presence. Murong Qingyi simply didn't give him enough to work with.
Now let's talk about the part that absolutely destroyed me: my favorite characters literally ALL died. And I'm still bitter about it.
Some of those deaths were genuinely painful to watch, and there were episodes where I was just sitting there thinking, why are you doing this to me? But at the same time, I don't think their deaths were meaningless. Since the drama has such a strong patriotic element, these characters were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people they wanted to protect and for their country. Their choices were basically suicidal missions, and while it was incredibly painful to watch, I understood what the drama was trying to convey.
That doesn't make watching it any easier, though. If you can't handle watching characters you care about suffer and die, seriously prepare yourself before starting this. Some episodes were emotionally exhausting.
The production is probably my biggest complaint. The story had potential to be much more powerful with better execution, stronger camera work, and a more polished overall production. There were moments where I could see how good the drama could have been if it had been given a higher production quality.
But despite all that, I don't regret watching it.
So honestly, don't let the ranking decide for you. Give it a chance if the premise interests you and for your own emotional wellbeing, don't get too attached to your favorite characters. Because apparently Overdo has absolutely no mercy.
Overall, it was a good one-time watch for me.
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The editing and sound effects are giving Short Drama Core
I know republican dramas are supposed to be dramatic and what not but I feel like it could’ve done better. Why are the camera shots and sound effects EXACTLY the same as what short dramas give us like what a waste of a great cast.I honestly love chaotic and angsty plots but I feel like they should cut back on the short drama editing style and make it more serious. The sound effects take away the angst because its trying to tell me how to feel. It ruins the mood of the show. Now I can only pray The Lament of Autumn doesn’t follow this formula and goes down a more serious route.
Its honestly quite an enjoyable plot if you kind of just turn your brain off and treat the show as a comedy show. Like the sound effects and dramatic camera work just add to how funny and dramatic the whole show is.
The pacing of this story is also very quick. I wish we got more backstory of the two characters for like 2-3 episodes as it would help build up the angst for when they first see each other again. The wedding scene could've been such a stomach twisting moment but since we never got to really see their relationship together, it felt more like a wasted moment.
Luckily the redeeming points are the plot and the performances. I enjoyed this plot . It is quite an easy plot to follow. I think the main leads and second leads are doing a really good job with what they were given. I'm also so glad that they took out the AI intro because it really was not necessary.
Anyways what a disappointment of a show...
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This review may contain spoilers
Toxic but addictive
I think we can separate the relationships in this drama into three main categories:
1. The brotherhood of the three male leads
2. The romance of the male leads
3. The parents
Number 1. The brotherhood, which I believe was amazing, complex, and real. They love each other no matter what. They fight, they act rebellious, but at the end of the day, even after a big fight, they never act against each other. Sometimes they do something wrong, but they can forgive each other for their mistakes. I LITERALLY LOVE IT!
Specifically after Qingyu's death—it is truly tragic but necessary for Qingyi's development. He finally understands that he must grow up and be responsible for his actions. There is no one he can trust to clean up after him anymore. He loses everything after his brother's death and forces himself to build a real family in the end.
Number 2. The romance
Two completely toxic and obsessive romances, and the only one between Ms. Ye and Qingyu was a little bit better. Susu is a traumatized woman, stuck in the past, blinded by revenge. A completely inappropriate girl for a relationship—and a dumb Qingyi completely blinded by love! He repeatedly puts himself in danger and, more interestingly, never gives up. Such a toxic couple.
And the third couple, which is based on doubt and never trusting each other until death.
The only nearly healthy couple ended in death at the verge of reaching happiness.
Number 3. Parenting
I thought there were two completely schizophrenic parents. What was that really? I think the Mourong lady is not normal. If they wanted to show a woman with a mental disorder, it would be better to show that she had problems with all three, not just Qingyi. She really cared about blood and inheritance but loved BZ—you know, it's a contradiction. I would prefer a woman completely diagnosed with schizophrenia after her husband's death, not healthy in some aspects.
The character of Li's father is a black box to me—I never understood him at all! So I prefer not talking about it.
Generally
I liked the show, but the storyline has some logical gaps. The acting of the entire cast was perfect, and the character development is acceptable to me, so I decide to give it a score of 9 for the general package, not just parts.
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A good watch
Keep in view the 18-year timeline of quiet regret and tragedy in the orginal novel, the drama plot did quite well. It was supposed to be a tragic love story but we got bitter sweet love.The only problem was direction of some scenes but overall it's binge worthy. While watching it I never wanted to skip a scene and replyed many scenes many times.
People were hating the female lead but her actions were justified. Yes sometimes her plans didn't work well and its natural that she can fail.
I loved the actors and liked the series. It was a nice roller coaster.
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ZHANG LINGHE DELIVERS?❤️??
I'm loving this drama!!!! Zhang Linghe acting/presence is👌🏽🔥😮💨. I also like the plot, this drama may not be for everyone and that's okay. However I see where people are hating without actually taking the time to watch starting to wonder if they just don't like ZHL personally or because of POJ🤔. This is not your typical modern/historical drama, it is different which I like!!! Zhang Linghe proved to me that he can play any role I hope he continues to grow and shine✨✨. I also don't know why people are hating so much off of one drama I'm actually shocked in some people's behavior, if you don't like a drama simply move on!! I can name a few dramas I've watched that I dropped,🤷🏽♀️but don't comment on or leave negative post or reviews🤦🏽♀️it's easy to kindly move on😂Was this review helpful to you?
Overdo is such a heartfelt drama.
Some stories end with the final episode. Others stay with you long after the screen fades to black. Overdo is one of those stories for me. What I loved most wasn't just the plot, but the people behind it. The characters felt real, their emotions felt earned, and every performance carried sincerity. It wasn't a perfect drama, but it never needed to be. It had heart, and that's what made it memorable.Thank you to the cast, crew, and everyone who brought Overdo to life. This is a drama I'll gladly revisit.
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This review may contain spoilers
He's as driven by revenge as she is
Everyone dropping it early is missing the crucial crucial crucial point that this show is more about REVENGE than LOVE. By episode 11 you'll learn why Qingyi wants revenge on the Huos just as much as Susu, and why this is actually his main motivation.You might say, it's Susu's fault this all happened to him. Well, you'll realize why he ultimately holds the Huos responsible. Sure, Susu started the chain of events and dropped him, so obviously he's angry at her, but she also didn't torture him for multiple years, in addition to stealing his future, and taking away everything that made him a healer instead of a killer.
Specifically, Qingyi too is more motivated by the desire for revenge against the Huos than love for Susu, which is why what seems like simping behavior initially doesn't make sense, and his love for her as his main motivation doesn't convey to the audience.
Sure, Susu's quest for revenge even if it meant using him as a pawn set off the chain of events for him, but it was the Huo's that he ultimately holds responsible.
Plus, he understands Susu: he too is so consumed by revenge that it trumps all else, and he's even willing to use her, too, to achieve it.
Because he understands that he is essentially no different from her, and they are bound by this thing that supersedes and in fact destroyed the innocent life with room for the love they could have had, he can't help but sympathize with her, and even yearn for and mourne what they could have had.
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Strong potential but has disappointments
I really anticipated this drama as watching some of the behind the scenes releases by the actors as wrap up promotion had me excited. I can see quite an improvement in ZLH’s acting, he’s been really using his eyes to act. He truly has a lot of potential!I felt disappointed however, with the story and plot, it was too much of back and forth. As for the camera work and all, some angles really made the characters unflattering. Like many have said, it really had the short drama feels of being dramatic. They had a promising budget for costumes and set but with the direction and messy plot, I felt if gave off some cheap vibes. They had a strong cast with great actors and actresses but they were not able to show their full potential due to a weak script and messy directing. Such a shame that I rolled my eyes many times at the plot. The final climax really made the story feel better, but it didn’t happen till literally the last few episodes. Many voiced that the ending was too sad, however, I think not all stories need a perfect happy ending. Each character ended their story in their own unique ways. Overall, it was still enjoyable , but don’t have too high of hopes!
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This review may contain spoilers
A Republican drama that isn't for everyone
Wow, this was a fantastic Republican drama!It had everything that is vital to a good Republican drama. A fantastic ML (who doesn't have to be good looking but it doesn't hurt), a story so gripping that you can't help but feel for the character, morally gray characters, evil characters, romance filled with angst, danger, revenge, death, war, etc...
It was a hard, difficult watch at times especially the horrible abuse Murong Qing Yi had to live through. The fact that he survived it was in itself amazing but that he didn't lose his mind or become some person hellbent on revenge because of it was simply a miracle. Not only was he hurt, tortured, treated cruelly by his enemies but by his family (and it started when he was a child!), the very people who were supposed to protect him. But honestly, when the FL came along she was no better, blaming him for things he had no control over, some of her scenes were rage inducing.
After watching Overdo, I am astounded at the amount of hate this drama has gotten. I believe a lot of watchers came in after Pursuit of Jade expecting the same kind of story. Gorgeous hero, gets the feisty girl, they win against all odds and get to live happily ever after. But Overdo is a Republican drama. It's not sunshine, roses and happy endings. Its bread and butter is angst, couples/families tore apart from the ravages of war, drugs, revenge, etc..
I've read a good portion of the hate was partly because of the AI intro... ummm... there are some dramas with cartoony intros or even some with the battles that are cartoony/drawn, etc.. because they're cheaper to make apparently. The intro isn't the drama... so skip it. I don't watch the intro, complete waste of time. I'd rather get to the drama.
Another reason, if not the main reason is because of the ending. Zhang Ling He has spoiled his fans. Unlike other actors (I'm looking at you Ren Jia Lun) he's never taken a script where he dies or that doesn't end well. In almost everyone of his dramas it's a happy ending and he usually gets the girl.
Overdo is the exception. And I think he must have taken this role to prove he is something more than just a gorgeous face. He doesn't need to be what the haters called the 'foundation general', or even the pretty boy that always has to have a happy ending.
Overdo proved one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt and that is Zhang Ling He isn’t just a pretty face; he genuinely has the acting chops to back it up. Any argument to the contrary is purely academic.
Would I recommend watching Overdo? You bet I would. If you love Republican dramas, if you like watching an actor prove that he is more than just his visuals, if violence, blood and death doesn't bother you, if you can handle cruelty, if angst is right in your wheelhouse then give this one a try.
But there is a caveat. If you don't like Republican dramas, if you absolutely must have a happy ending, if you can't watch abuse, death, cruelty, angst, war, etc... you might want to skip it. This isn't the drama for you.
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The story takes its time developing the characters, allowing their relationships and emotions to feel natural. The cast brought warmth and authenticity to every episode, making it easy to stay invested.
Overdo had its own charm, supported by strong performances, heartfelt moments, and a story that kept me emotionally invested until the very end.
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Super good drama
This drama has a very good story line. It captures attention. It is very thrilling throughout the show. The cast is very good. Wang Chu Ran and Zhang Ling He performed very well. Both are very good looking. This drama definitely deserves a high rating. All my friends love it but they are not giving their feedback.Was this review helpful to you?
