Xin Tiao Xin Hao (2025)

FL's action in this crossdressing drama frustrated me

I liked Nie Bo Xuan's acting so when this was released, he and the blonde dude on the poster caught my attention. I haven't watched many crossdresser dramas. This drama was alright - wish there was something more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I must say I liked FL dressed up as a man-boy. She looked like kpop idol.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed the comedic bits in this drama.
3. FL characterisation - It's refreshing to find out the reasons for crossdressing. I sympathised with her situation.
4. Supporting characters - Yao Yao was a wonderful friend even though I didn't understand her last action. I also liked ML's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I didn't like that Fal ran away from ML and their problem. Very cowardly.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was the worst followed by her stepmother and half-sister. Grandfather too.
3. Romance - I felt like the writer was trying hard on making this drama funny that they forgot the heart i.e. romance. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When Sang Mo kissed ML while drunk / dreaming

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Entertaining

Trigger warning - rape trope

The story overall is good - FL is raised as a son because the family is obsessed with continuing the family line. ML gets entangled with the FL because he is drugged on his wedding day and ends up raping the FL. Next day he starts searching for the woman but doesn't recognise her in her man's getup. FL chooses to help him to delay and cancel his wedding to her step-sister.

There is a lot happening, and even though the backstory of the FL is sad, she is not portraying a completely helpless woman. The ML is obnoxious but also somewhat decent (besides being a rapist - wish they did have this pathetic trope). The side characters are interesting like the FL's cousin, the ML's mother, etc. There are a lot of funny scenes - some intended some not. They even mock a certain drama trope of paying off the girl. You certainly won't be bored.

If they didn't introduce the leads through rape, I might have give this show a slightly better rating. They glossed over this and it's effects on the FL but at least she somewhat got revenge for it which I quite enjoyed. The FL focuses more on her own backstory and family revenge. Comedy is the main reason the show is entertaining but again it might not be everyone's cup of tea which is why I wanted to highlight the trope so those who need to can avoid this drama all together.

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