This review may contain spoilers
Really good story with amazing cast & PERFECT PACING!
This drama flows through the 30 episode. No filler scenes, no extra crying scenes, no annoying/non-relevent subplot. Every scene serve a purpose and this is really rare in today cdrama. You will be left wanting for more after each episode!Story.
A long forgotten castaway daughter returns to a family with a good reputation but rotting from inside out. Everyone have their own agenda and greed. Everyone is a pawn to one another. Everyone wants to save their own ass.
The perfect female centric revenge story. One that's rooted at the heart of the family. Nothing hurts more than a loved one betrayal. Especially one from the supposed rock of the family. The trauma and sickening emotions the story highlight resonate well.
Cast
Amazing cast. Chen Du Ling shines brightest with her portrayal of Zhuang Han Yan. The cold stares with a million mystery. The murderous intent once she knew her father bloodly murder her mother in cold blood. To her realization that she had fallen for her husband and the moment she knew he was dying. A range of emotions portrayed to perfection by her. Bravo!
Xi Yun Lai character is the kind of stoic, family first, kill first ask questions later. He potray him quite well. He nail the part of vice minister very well. Because his character is the sick, dying from poison slowly with worries for his family type, his emotion range is limited.
Supporting cast are AMAZING! Wen Zheng Rong as Ruan Xi Wen is chef kiss! Everytime she is on screen, you will forget everyone else. Her presence and aura command attentions. Her death made me sob so hard! The rest of the cast are also great. The father is one of the most despicable, hated, cunning, b@stard character ever. Yu En Tai portrayal is fantastic. Step mum and step sister potrayal is also very good. I am so glad this two didn’t die at the end. And also a bright future for little A Zhi child actress. Made my heart goes awww everytime with her cute and smart words.
Romance took a step back in this drama. In its place, a mature and mutually understanding love between two very similar yet different person took place.
All in all, a very good revenge drama. Perfect for those looking to adventure together with Zhuang Han Yan across the sea of betrayal, long lost love ones and ultimately find her home in the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
A light hearted comedy-romance
Watch this for :- the food preparation scenes (if you are a k-food lover, must watch!)
- comedy gold (jokes and extra over-acting food reaction scenes. Seriously funny af 🤣)
- Yonna fan! (her acting in comedy genre always delivers. Remember Exit movie?)
Most memorable scene
- Food cooking competition between Joseon & Ming (love the all chefs and the food selection!)
- Ep 1. Start with a fish out of water scenario between the leads.
Lacking
- A solid plot. (Forgivable because it is a comedy dud.)
- The King is written as a stupid king. The way he govern the kingdom is more like governing a kindergarten than a country.
I watched for Yoona. Love her. But the food scenes and the kitchen cast also really good. Watch it in a light hearted mood and don't expect a serious plot. Enjoy the cooking scenes!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the best drama storyline of 2023!
It's been a while since a very very good ancient slice of life drama. Been putting this off because I seen ML drama before (he is stoic af).But decided to give it a try because of the female empowerment theme. Boy, I nearly miss a gem of a cast/drama/EVERYTHING!
First of all, the story is really good! The main story arch flow seemlessly with all the characters growth (all of them, not only FL, ML). There is not a single filler/draggy episode. The Hua family growth really warm my heart.
Acting is on point. It is my first time watching ZJY act. Her tough and strong acting suits Hua Zhi character (a little too perfect of a character, but suits the plot). If there are more ppl in real world like Hua Zhi, the world will be a better place than it is now. From collecting strays to tearing up ancient culture traditions to saving her family from doom, Hua Zhi is admirable, head strong, fearless and of all put her loved ones above all. She can go to the depth of hell for her loved ones (even for the little A Jian that she only saved/known for a few days).
HYT acting is good enough for his character is is the cold, loyal and a soldier type. Didn’t really convince me of his early storyline that he lived 10 years in the cold northen land (he is too pretty boy for that part) but I warm up to him as the story advance. Hua Zhi brings out the human in him. The last few episode really showcase his fighting ability (he fight good!) and also finally his expression shows his feeling for Hua Zhi especially during his fight with the imperial soldiers to get to her.
A huge applause for all the support characters! Without them, the story won't be half that entertaining and great! Of the bunch, LYX who play Shaoyao and Myolie Wu who play 3rd Aunt are the standouts. Shaoyao is probably the most loved character of the whole series. When she was trapped in the fure in the last few episodes, I was jumping up and down my seats "don't die! don't die! Her relationship with Grandma Hua really touch my heart. I bawled so hard when she kneel in front of her funeral, reminiscing her memories with her beloved Grandma Hua. Myolie Wu, 3rd Aunt character really have the most growth. From power hungry lead of the house changing to the one that leads the movement to donate their entire fortune to save Hua Zhi from potential execution. I am no stranger to MW acting (from all the tvb dramas). She still got it, solid acting from her.
Highly recommend this drama to everyone. Watch it for the story. It won't dissapoint you. OSTnis good too. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
Was this review helpful to you?
