K-Drama 
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True Gem!
Sometimes the dramas that get almost no hype end up being the best ones.I started watching this mainly for the cast and wasn't expecting much, but I got hooked right away. The dialogue is sharp, the comebacks are nonstop, and every character feels well-written.
What I liked:
No forced romance. There are a few hints here and there, but the story doesn't rely on kissing scenes or romance to keep viewers interested.
Elvis Han was great. I've seen him in romantic lead roles before, but this is actually my favorite character he's played.
The characters all have depth, whether they're leads or supporting roles.
Wang Hao completely nailed his role. I loved him in Later I Laughed and was happy to see him get more screen time here.
The female lead was fantastic from start to finish.
The writing is what really stands out. It feels fresh and smart instead of rehashing the same tired drama tropes.
I enjoyed every episode and would love to see a Season 2.
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Ep 37 she finally wore flats!
I started watching this drama for Dai Xu. It's been so long since I've seen him in a good drama like Burning Ice or the Legends.But this drama is about a gifted housekeeper who can walk in high heels anywhere.
High heels walking on grass
High heels walking in the country side
High heels pushing a wheelchair down the slope
The FL "gifted housekeeper" can fix apparently everyone's problems (other than her own). She's a psychiatrist, a nurse, a nanny all in one. Much of the drama lacks focus since it's about everyone else's stories and not really about her.
I keep watching this for sometime of development but it never really happened.
Honestly the basis of the story line isn't bad. Had they drama focused more on the slow burn development between the FL and the Man bun ML (who will grow on you) then the drama would've been more watchable.
Instead I had to skip through the filler lines and creepy 30+ year old calling "MOMMY" left and right. ...
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3 Strong MLs carrying the FL's acting
I've seen Sabrina Zhuang's prior works as she gets some interesting scripts. Its not that she can't act but it's just not amazing. Her expressions are pretty much the same in every character I've seen her in. The 3 MLs were all better. Huang Jun Jie's acting definitely gotten better over the years but the pairing didn't really spark any chemistry for me.The story itself is quite enjoyable if you like less serious ancient detective genre types. (i.e Miss Truth, The Imperial Coroner, Maiden Holmes)
What I enjoyed:
1. Actual story - smart (but not witty) female litigator with the unique name of Tumi defends the powerless and fights for equality.
2. Bromance worthy between Han Wu Wei & Kang Zheng Yuan
3. Fan Zhi Xin (Han Wu Wei) stand out acting. His face is very expressive. I can't believe I never seen his works!
4. Father / Daughter relationship - I am a sucker for those
5. Decent fight scenes. This is not big budget production but I thought the fight scenes were not too shabby
6. Actual cases - no dragged out cases, not overly complicated, easy watch if even if don't fully pay attention
Downside
1. I wish Tumi was a bit less serious. Hardly any humor compared to other similar dramas.
2. Lots & Lots of words. My Chinese is limited so I may need subtitles and story focuses on arguing cases = lots & lots of tiresome reading subtitles.
3. Ending with no ending .... yeah I watch dramas so there are endings but which would you rather have? Not an ending or bad endings? It's a toss up. Waiting for S2 could be forever painful.
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Lots of politics but must watch if you are a Zhang Ruo Yun fan
If you are a Zhang Ruo Yun fan this is a must watch and the fact that Wang Yang (the lawyer) is also a main character makes it that much better. They were my favorite pair in Joy of Life.The story is unique but you can't get away from the politics so if you can't stand political dramas then this may be hard to watch. In addition the dialogue is quite complicated so hopefully translation can fully capture the meaning.
Loved:
1. Casting. Stellar cast and interesting characters
Shuai Jia Mo - Mathematical genius played perfectly by Zhang Ruo Yun
Cheng Ren Qing - sharp tongue lawyer that will help anyone for money.
Feng Bi Yu - Out spoken female character
2. Supporting cast. I love that many were not written as one dimensional good or bad characters
3. Few twists but not overwhelming
4. Overall story with a gratifying ending
There were no romances or side character's story lines so 14 episode felt pretty short. I wish the story could've been longer as I think many of the characters are interesting.
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Light hearted historical drama
Same category as:Dr. Cutie
Romance of Tiger & Rose
Romance of Hua Rong
A Girl like me
If you enjoy this kind of silly historical dramas then you will enjoy this one. Started off strong with so many funny moments. I loved the nickname ML called her. "Xiao Jian Shang" Drama also had more than average cuddly kissing playful couple scenes which is quite refreshing. The best friend couple was also a good pairing providing some comedic moments.
Of course the overall plot didn't flow & some of the characters just randomly popped in & out with no rhyme or reason.
The downfall came around ep 20. After so many of the SAME character introduction trying to pull them apart, it got tired out. Previous rivals all were likeable somewhere along the way except the last one was unbearable. They should've just ended at ep 20.
It was still quite enjoyable overall.
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Story gets better ~12 ep in
Not your A list traffic actors but the story is more interesting IMO. I started watching for Rain Lu. She was so wonderful in "Butterfly Lovers" that it was nice to see her in a non short drama. ML is however is more suitable for supporting roles as Bu Hai's mysterious character stole the show. The other 2 Female characters are also very good. Story gets better ~12 ep in but eventually got a bit too complicated ep 20 on. There's just a lot dialogue = too much reading subtitles.If you like:
- Supernatural story line
- Solving mystery
- Fight choreography
This could be a good choice. If you are looking for hot coupling CPs and side CPs, then this is not it.
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Face change revenge drama. Insta Bro is great!
I kind of lost count of how many FL wronged and gets a chance at revenge dramas in the past 2 years now. I wasn't expecting much especially with the poster of ML Wei Zhe Ming in really bad hair.Production isn't the greatest like these fake horseback riding scenes with hair not moving (at all) makes me laugh.
But if you disregard:
1. ML's bad hair days all day everyday
2. Typical female revenge drama storyline
3. Insta face change, Insta Kungfu
4. Mid way change dubbed voice of the evil sister
You can enjoy this.
This is better than other revenge dramas in that:
1. FL is smart & strong w/ her "insta" Kung Fu. Actress Xu Lu is doing a pretty good job.
2. Her insta Bro is a pretty darn good character.
3. Pacing is not bad. There are plenty of bad characters, but so far % of screen time is tolerable.
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Obviously not a thriller
It started out promising with the serial killer mystery then it was poorly executed on so many levels.1. Plot was predictable and there was no mystery even before midway.
2. "Romance" Why bother with the romance if you are not even go build the connection . That "I like you" came out of left field
3. No stand out likeable characters .... well there was 1 and he was killed.
4. Excessive yelling - ML cop character's yelling didn't make the drama feel more intense but rather it was just noise.
5. Mounting evidence ..... That's how they wrapped the obvious crime.
Do you admit your crime? no? here is a recording
Do you admit your crime? no? here is a video
Do you admit your crime? no? here is a witness
Do you admit your crime? no? here is a video of you ... in the act .............................
Just watch "Children of Nobody" instead
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Highly enjoyable for the non traffic actors chasing fans
I think only fans that appreciate the backstory of LYN and got destroyed emotionally after watching the crash & burn of 2nd half of A Journey to Love will understand the comedy.All the things that make this drama special on multiple levels:
1. Casting of ML / FL. They don't have insane chemistry but enough to make the drama work. I think it's special that they are playing characters that has some similar characteristics to rl.
LYN - been unfairly treated in the beginning years irl similar to NanHeng. Maybe that's why I felt more emotional depth to his acting in this specific role. Overall, his acting is improving.
LiYiTong - Beautiful, actress that can deliver in her acting, but never in the top of the traffic actress list. This is similar to her character in modern world. I am happy to see her in this quirky role vs something like Bloody Romance (where I became a fan of hers). I also love it when they incorporate dance scenes to showcase her abilities.
2. Perfect casting of all supporting characters. Rarely do I see perfect casting but this one everyone did their characters justice. Highlights:
2nd ML Wang You Shuo. Convincing from ultra good to totally bad.
Riley Wang, Chang Long, Wang Cheng Si, these all-seasoned supporting actors that consistently delivers in the comedy dept.
3. Script gives supporting characters personalities. There are so many enjoyable characters even the minor ones like the maid or the guard of the 8th prince.
4. OTP comedy. 1st episode I could not stop laughing with the 3-way stabbing and the music. All the comedy mocking drama tropes I found it super enjoyable. Of course, I think this requires the viewer to be a seasoned C-Drama fan. Also helps to be at a certain level of Chinese language competency as not all jokes can be translated properly. I am at about 70% so I am sure there are jokes I missed as well.
5. 3 different endings. Ending 1 completely mocks the crappy endings of many C drama which I totally loved because let's face it, I had too many "WTF ending was that" kinda moments.
6. "A dream within a Dream" Perfect title to explain the ending.
7. Music: Interesting and different music choices from classic LYN drama OSTs to RAP? Very fitting with this kind of comedy
Overall, this is a clever script that delivered on all levels.
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Zhao Xiu Yuan [Face via AI] made it!
Zhao Xiu Yuan [Face via AI] : HAHAHAHA AI Face passes idol drama level acting! Although, I am not sure if Zhang Hao Wei didn't get cancelled that he could do any better with this boring EX character.Drama is watchable if you enjoy SPECIFIC actors. However put this next to Blossom 九重紫 that's airing right now, it won't compete. From a script, storytelling, characters, couple CP, cinematography, etc etc all fell short. However, if you watch it because you are fan of ML/FL then its enjoyable.
I am big fan of Zheng Ye Cheng. His Peking Opera background makes him a solid choice for these Heroic characters in costume dramas. He doesn't need constant doubles for horseback riding scenes, fight scenes, wire works, walking scenes, kneeling on the ground scenes.... (ahahaha like that 流光引 dude)
So I watch most of his dramas just for him, but he has zero CP w/ all the FLs thus far (expect for the Sleepless Princess).
As great as Tan Song Yun is, the pair just didn't work for me. Again, personal opinion.
Story is typical as is the dialogue. The evil character is always that actor.... Kind of lost count of how many times he played that type of character. It definitely did not need to be 40 episodes.
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Better than the Korean Adaptation
Completely different style than the Korean version. I did like the FL's OTP glamourous version in the Korean version, but I didn't feel the pairing of the ML was strong. In that sense I felt that the Japanese version did a better job at pairing. I am biased though because I love the ML Satoh Takeru ever since Rurouni Kenshin series. In any rate the FL also felt more real, not OTP. Even though it's the same story, it felt different. If you didn't like the Korean adaptation, you might still like this adaptation because it's a different vibe.Was this review helpful to you?
Emotionally charged well balanced pacing and interesting characters
I was literally fine until the very end where I ended up tearing up over the emotional scenes.This was a well written crime drama (It's been a while) with good pacing and excellent cast.
Although I guessed the killer early on, I couldn't guess the motive. The twists and turns weren't so crazy out there and made sense.
I end up binging through the drama in 3 days because I just wanted to see the end.
The seasoned, yet socially awkward, introverted detective delivers incredibly moving scenes. I absolutely loved this character!
Recommended for the crime drama lovers.
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Tragically Beautiful
Years later still one of my all time favorites!I rewatch this drama every other year. The story is tragically beautiful. The OST is one of the most hard hitting OSTs of all time.
FL is one of the most beautiful actresses ever and she can act! Even if you know this is going to be a tragic romance you can't help it but to watch it.
Gongzi the 2nd lead had equally chemistry with the FL. Both the ML characters make you don't know who you want the FL to be with ultimately.
For the happy ending loving drama goers, this isn't it. I can't say it's completely tragic, but ending is not satisfying.
I loved every good/bad characters.
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MaoBuYI OST elevated the series
Rewatched for S2 prepThere was a time I thought Deng Lung and Yangzi's chemistry in Ashes of Love was so good that nothing can top, but Yangzi played this character to perfection!
Her chemistry with Tan Jian Ci is next level. I never seen Tan Jian Ci so beautiful, not to mention the emotional level required for his character requires way beyond all his other roles. He can switch from loving eyes to pure hatred in a blink just using micro expressions.
Knowing how the book ended this is one drama adaption that I hope that it WON'T follow the book's ending. (I am in denial). In my head I am thinking can they make 3 different endings like how some Kdramas does it?
Yang Zi's chemistry with Zhang Wan Yi is not as captivating as Tan Jian Ci because Zhang Wan Yi's line delivery felt a bit too modern. Their chemistry does grow later on, and I am sure in S2 it will be fire!
OST ALL so good, but the best one is still MaoBuYi's OST "有你无你"
Most memorable scenes (for me):
ANYTHING with Tan Jian Ci (Xiang Liu)
Ep 14 34min The Discovery
Ep 17 33min Boat scene
Ep 19 31min Poison special (cute turnaround)
Ep 22 14min Xiao Yao protecting Cang Xuan with her life. Both actors were gut wrenching good!
Ep 25 Behind the mask
Ep 30 3min 1000 dagger scene
Ep 30 32min MaoBuYi's OST "有你无你" Most of the song was played & hit so hard
Ep 32 Full moon light
Ep 39 29min The parting
If it was so good then why the 9? Well, there was that blah:
Every scene with Mr. boring Tushan Jing. Yes, I know she's searching for Mr. safe stability, but the weakest chemistry is with this guy........................ since 4th guy came in the picture late and it's more of a drinking buddy than anything.
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The teacher that brings hope to the special 5
The end of ep 1 reminds me of this video I saw many years ago: Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race. Where you start in life may be out of your control but how hard you race in life is up to you.Since I don't particular like heavy content so I wouldn't have started this if weren't for the cast.
Zhang Ruo Yun is always a solid actor in all his roles. In recent years he took on more serious roles. Here he plays someone who looks a lot older than his actual age with a painful past he tried to escape from.
The students: played by actors Zhang Cheng and Wang Qiang did a great job in the drama "Cross Fire" (One of my unexpected favorites) Here they are part of that special 5 students and play completely different characters.
Story starts with Lei Ming (ML) returning to be a teacher. He wants to assemble a special class of 5 out to prove his unconventional teaching methods can help these kids make it to the top college.
The special 5 + the troubled Shen Yao:
1. Li Ran, an orphan living in the basement where his grandma works as a housekeeper. The son of the owner is the top student (Shen Yao) in the same grade but with a sick twisted mind. Li Ran fix electronics on the side to help with the bills.
2. Cheng Yu Shan, her mom remarries to a guy who only cares or his biological son. On the outside she's fearless and fends off all the unwanted boy's attention. One day she finds hidden cameras, she trembles in fear. She sits in her small room looking outside of her small window feeling completely trapped. The camera work was so well done for that scene.
3. Yu Yang, he's the bully target of many kids including the twisted top student.
4. Zeng You Zhen, she may not be living in poverty but she's constantly trying to please the girls pretending to be accepted. She has a secret she's trying to hide.
5. Jiang Qing Lang, he comes from successful parents in an unhealthy relationship, clearly not happy despite all that success. The overbearing mom character clearly that you'll want to skip through is his ultimate source of torment.
6. Shen Yao, he is not part of the 5 but he is such an interesting character. Outside he is the perfect student, but you see his anger brewing inside expressed in self-harm and doing bad things to others. His story finally unfolds in ep 23. This is the 1st time I've seen Li Ming De in a serious emotional scene, and he did a great job.
The content is not overly heavy but definitely meaningful. It touches upon self-harm, parental abuse, suicide, depression, teacher student dynamics & so on....
Only thing I don't like is ep 30 with the older version of the kids. Not relatable at all. They used the same actors for the teachers might as well use the same actors for the students. But they didn't and it was just not good.
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