Good story & Production but lacks in emotional connection
Worth a watch but execution could've been betterMy favorite parts:
1. End of every episode, there's a fact about actual history. If you enjoy tidbits, this is very enjoyable
2. Production Quality: From head to toe, the costume and accessories are incredible for the rich. Sets are fancy, especially that bridge.
3. Story, each of the mystery ties to the bigger mystery
4. Seasoned cast. Most (not all) were suitable for the character. Younger version of the FL did a wonderful job!
5. Some subtle humor: from the Dad & side kick investigator Wan Fu
6. Family dynamic
Where it didn't work for me:
1. FL (Bai Bai He). I liked her in other dramas, but I think for this role, it's a miss. The younger version and older version mismatch in energy level & personality. Bai Bai He gives off a sleepy vibe the entire drama her line delivery also felt kind of flat.
2. Lack of emotional connection for the victims. I think only Song Qi Yi case was executed properly. Characters must be built up for that emotional factor.
3. Main investigator Gu Zhen, didn't do much "investigation" and didn't have many lines.
4. Several females (including the FL) suffered over skin smoothing, so much so that you can't see any texture.
Still enjoyable story overall
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Doesn't hit like it should
It's about a group of kids battling illness with small chance of survival rate trying to keep hope alive through friendship.It's a good attempt but for the most part of the story it doesn't really hit.
One of few best scenes that really hit is ep 11 when character Tie Yi shaved his hair. That's like a one-shot kind of scene, you just got to nail it, and he did it. Actor Sun Tianyu has been various supporting roles over the years, so this is a good main role for him to actually showcase his capabilities. His face was convincing but physically he didn't lose a lb for a cancer patient going through rounds & rounds of chemo.
Overall decent watch. Much better than the 80% of copy paste teen storylines out there.
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When perfect casting meets a great script!
2024 start off with a dump of bad C dramas then came Pegasus and made me have faith in C Dramas once again. This is going to be one of the best this year. Kudos to the writers/directors/actors!Loves: (literally everything!)
1. Hu Xian Xu (LinZhen Dong) - Been a fan of his ever since Hikaru no Go. Seeing him reunite with Zhao Hao Hong as his side kick again was icing on top. HXX is amazing! You can see his micro expressions switching from 2 personalities in one shot. Definitely he studied Wang Yan Lin's expressions & gestures.
2. Wang Yan Lin (Zhang Chi) - I've seen him in some crazy supporting roles over the years but nothing where he can truly showcase his acting abilities. Now I can't imagine another actor playing Zhang Chi.
3. Supporting cast - Many familiar faces. Solid acting, great casting all around.
4. Actual script - Interesting fun story & good pacing overall. Great characters. I love how there aren't any single minded bad characters.
5. Production Quality/Lighting/Makeup/Music. Real voices, normal talking, no crazy make up, definitely refreshing! The music hits with scenes.
Imperfection?
I really didn't need Sun Yu Qiang's side story to be so long. Could've used that time to focus more on the main story.
Wished for more episodes focused on the fun supporting characters like Li Ao Duo & Ai Fei the rival race car drivers.
Minor unplausible insta show up at the right moment scenes.
Muted showdown Dad vs Son.
Rushed ending. I wasn't disappointed at the maybe happy maybe sad parallel world ending but it was just too rushed.
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Glamorous cast, crazy stunts, $$$ production
It feels like a collection of famous actors visiting because there are 12 reincarnations. "Let's see how many famous people we can have for this drama." Just for the actors' appeal it's a must watch. Every single actor can act! Then there are the visuals/crazy stunts/production quality all top notch. Impressive for sure!I can't say the story has much depth as it revolves around the concept of "suicide is condemned therefore you have sinned."
That's how Korean Dramas are these days, pretty on the outside touching only the surface of society issues.
Just watch it for the actors and the stunts. It's entertaining overall.
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Beautiful Leads drowning in Melodrama tropes
Melodrama is not my thing but I've been waiting for this pairing so.... I powered through.Positives:
1. ML & FL pairing. He's tall & a model. She's tall & a model. It's basically hotness overload.
2. Sibling dynamic
3. That Rich Friend
Negatives: ALL the Melodrama tropes:
1. The walking dead. Sad people living but dead inside
2. Slow .... everything, talking, walking, reacting.....
3. Standing & staring .....
4. Wrist pull & save you from some kind of running vehicle
5. The comeback desperate ex
6. FF flashback moments overload
Yes I get it, it's supposed to connect 2 lonely sad people making their slow burn love more beautiful. I think the pair worked for melodrama lovers.
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Solid execution with "Logical" Ending
There's been multiple promising thrillers with less-than-ideal endings, so I've been holding off on this one (still recovering with WTH endings from other dramas).Script isn't completely unique, but the execution and pacing was solid. No overly absurd twists and not overly gore.
Short 11 episodes, there won't be any supporting character development and most of the bad characters were just one dimensional. The focus will be entirely on the leads.
Amazing pair up:
Shin Ha Kyun (previously in Beyond Evil) had a similar vibe, but I enjoy his character in this one way better. His character transition from a beat down lawyer to morally twisted vigilante is spot on.
Kim Young Kwang (coming from Somebody) is the perfect choice for Seo Do Young. He's charismatic, psychotic & calculating all at the same time.
A partnership that started out from fear develops into a promising business codependence. There were hints of friendship and trust at times but as the greed & ambition expands, it leads to the ultimate ending.
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Unique storyline. FL is incredible!
ep 1 . thinking to myself "hmmm is this something I would really watch all the way through?"but the high ratings made me curious.
Ep 3 in "This is kind of funny & entertaining"
Ep 11 in " OMG why am I crying?"
The FL casting is just perfect. She's one of the most beautiful unique looking actresses & she pulled off the character perfectly.
I am sure this story isn't for everyone. It's a lot of weird humor with OTP personalities.
For me I love the unique story line & most of the casting. However since this is the first time I've seen Wang Ying Lu as Feng Bao Bao, so looking forward to her future works!
Beyond Feng Bao Bao?
Well there's Neo Hou, I am happy to see him beyond the Chinese Ken doll character dubbed in proper voice. A lot more personality with Wang Ye's character.
Enjoyable watch!
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Super Tropey but watchable on the side
A standard cliche overload drama but somehow watchable on the side if you set aside ALL logic. Basically just don't think and press skip whenever the evil girl talks.Drama starts off with a poor girl going to a sommelier interview w/ ripped shorts.... uh ok?
She works at a retail wine store selling wine but she can afford an upscale apartment .... uh ok?
ML in order avoid getting arrested buys the next door apartment within an hour?
FL then goes to see wine connoisseur in Phillip but no invitation needed?.....
And the list goes on but by then the only way to go on is to just stop thinking and enjoy the comedy parts. Yes there were some forced comedy (not funny), some awkward comedy (cringy) but some very enjoyable ones too.
Best funny scenes:
ML's side kick He Le had the best lines overall. Probably the best character that needed more screen time.
Him telling off FL's ex bf and ex bf's sugar mama.
Him trying to kiss the ML
Him screaming like a little girl
ML tries the cringe pick up lines. FL gasps responds "Little bro, you watch too many dramas"
Grandpa visits ask ML / FL to make a heart to take a picture. Awkward pose....
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Interesting concept progressed terribly
A while back I saw "Burning Ice" which led to watch Light on Series. Most were decent despite some flaws. Its hard to find good mystery thriller C-Dramas compared to romance ones.I really like the concept of technology advancement of AI eventually controlling human fate but the execution leading up to the ending wasn't plausible.
It made less sense after ep. 10. I didn't get the character development and it didn't make sense why the hero had to be Na Dou.
Nothing but why's in my head and its not because of the twists because there weren't any.
I still gave this a 7 because Fan Cheng Cheng is quite the actor. First time seeing his work but will definitely check out his other works after this.
So watch it for Fan Cheng Cheng else watch other light on series:
Burning ice, not sure if this is a light on series but it has the cop character in "The Long night"
The Long night (2020) <-- the darkest
The Pavilion <-- not much twists but really great cast and a touching story
Who is the Murderer (2021) <-- I liked the suspense in this one
Homesick (2022) <-- I loved the suspense and twists in this one
Why try to change me now (2023) <-- the worst one. I couldn't even watch it
Happy Drama-ing!
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Different take from your normal suspense dramas
Pacing felt slow on this one however I did enjoy the overall story.What makes this drama different:
There are 3 different stories that ties to each other
Many episodes starts off with a different person's narrative. It reveals their inner thoughts and reasoning, sometimes justifications for their wrong actions
Each character expressed different types of loneliness and the inability to connect to the rest of the world
Ending was 20/80 bitter sweet
"Perfect parents do not exist in this world, nor perfect children. We still chose to believe"
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Fantastic start
Story follows 4 rookies with very different past & personalities as they navigate through their 1st year of police work.Rookie
1. Liu Da Wei is probably everyone's favorite with his sharp come backs. He's positivity takes after his mom (very few good mom characters in the show)
2. Yang Shu - exceptionally smart but very black and white idealistic cop
3. Xia Jie - Female character living the shadow of his father and over protective mom
4. Zhao Ji Wei - Not as likable initially as he's a country boy with obviously communication issues
Ep 1-9 I was hooked. Loved:
The mentor match up conflicts for Liu Da Wei and Yang Shu.
4 rookie's friendship under 1 roof
Growth in perspective with each case
Solid supporting characters
Liu Da Wei's witty comebacks, but I do think much is lost in translation
After Ep 9 I started to play at 1.5x speed for scenes with over exaggerated characters. Cops felt like door mats that villagers can yell at for whatever whenever.
There's too much expectations for cops that at some point it just felt unrealistic. "Protect & serve" apparently means that you need to be their fathers, mothers, psychiatrist, nurse, pay for the lock smith and hospital bills out of your own pocket. If you get slapped you'll need to just take it and apologize.
Think directors were trying to shoot that "warm fuzzy" drama but end up felt forced.
Ending wasn't bad. It tied up most of the lose ends but some stories didn't feel like it was truly resolved.
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Cliche done almost right
Zero surprise with stereotypical cliches but I feel these stories can be done right if the cast is good. The same story line can be redone over non stop and its quit enjoyable to watch on the side.10 for the cast. ML & FL are both so expressive and adorable. The ML especially nailed the part.
FL 's dubbing is annoying. It's a bit overdone and sounds super immature for a 22 year old.
There's always loop holes with the these types of dramas so you'll need to avoid thinking about the logic and just go with it.
The ML's mom was a fun character and got me laughing a few scenes.
The ML's assistant was somewhat fun but could've used more humorous lines.
Happy no super mean girl syndrome (those are always auto skip).
Lots of fluff and happiness in this drama perfect for those who enjoys these.
WARNING fish lip kisses overload.
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Unexpectedly Good ... SOOooOoO Good
It was a 10 until ep 31.I love the ML and FL in different dramas but their pairing initially was questionable to me as the age gap looked a bit much. He looks 10 years younger and She looks her real age but surprisingly their chemistry was very good. In addition the supporting couple is so cute as well. Strong start to the drama with lots of laughs and sweet moments already. So far no nasty characters and there's a lot of human factor to the story. By that I mean no characters you just want to skip kind.
The story started off with an intense life turning moment for the lead characters followed by 2 years of break. They meet again in the oddest way only happen in drama land with some unavoidable misunderstandings. I love that she's strong, not needing to be rescued weak girl. She gets injured and can handle the pain, not the "O I cut my finger boy need to carry me kind". She has her weakness but she doesn't give up. Soon he sees the fighting spirit and grew fond of her. Their conversations are entertaining so kudos to the script writers!
More over there are a lot of subtle humor. My favorite ones:
1. Ep 1: "What , rice? that's a last name? " FL while holding a bomb "What can I do if my dad's last name is rice?"
2. Staring contest between the leads, the background is blurred out but if you pay attention to the background you'll crack up laughing.
3. FL and the director looking at an animal brain RAW!!! then she orders cooked intestine "here you go this, its something you regularly operate on."
so many more!!!
Sadly ep 31 came and annoying characters introduction ruined the drama wasted about 5 ep. Characters/ story line was totally not needed.
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Promotes "Self Love"
Rom Com with unavoidable cliches (aka fish lip frozen kissing scenes) However There are a lot of things that are well done in this drama:1. 90% likeable characters from supporting cast to the leads
2. Negative characters got limited scenes (some dramas are killed by negative characters overtaking screen time)
3. Minimal negative characters which is also a good thing else you'll think the world is a lousy place
4. Promote self love. You have to fix yourself before trying to fix others. I think this is very important and its positive vibe
5. Adult life <-- unlike some old fashioned dramas where leads don't even have any past until 30 and can't have relations unless it's marriage, this does hints people actually dated!
6. Fun one liners from supporting characters like the roommate, the male assistant & the artist.
7. Cute relationships amongst the characters. aka the 3 team members. I really liked the conflicted friend that finds ML annoying but yet deep deep DEEP down inside he cares. The 1/2 brother with Seo Dan Ah was a messy complicated one and yet sweet at times too. Many atypical relationships all covered and it was unique to this drama.
Negative:
Breakup <-- unavoidable predicament in any rom com. This was weak. Strong FL boom just break down over dad scene. Like yeah common....
Emotional scenes <-- not so touching, didn't really hit but I don't think it matters much
I enjoyed quite a bit. Easy watch if you want something relaxing.
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Hooked by ep 3
There are some crime dramas that have a powerful ep 1 that hooks you right away and then kind of sizzles off pass the 1/2 way mark. This one a bit slow in the beginning but by ep 3 you will love the characters. So heart felt with the leads from vastly different circumstances. An old detective conflicted with what's right verses a job that he needs to survive. He acts like he doesn't want to get involved but only because he doesn't want to drag down other people's career.Comes a young hot seemingly empty cop with little joys in his life who doesn't care what this case will do to his career. They team to solve the case. It started off a bit slow but by ep 3, the 2 opposite cops bonded through a heartwarming scene where old cop asked young cop "why are you working?" (& not enjoying life with his inheritance $.) Young cop expressed he that he doesn't have a family and w/o being a cop "I'd have nothing left but money." You'll see the pain in his eyes with his acting!
The first murder wasn't much surprise and honestly I didn't expect the retrial to take that direction. The subsequent murder connections kept you on your seat. It's got enough names for you to draw 2 page relationship diagrams but it will all come to light by ep 13. The dialogues only gets better as the story continues. There are so many subtle humor between the characters that it keeps the characters all that much memorable.
I also enjoyed the complex characters that no one is one sided good or bad as they all have to make good and bad decisions that may or may not benefit them. You'll end up disliking one character only to like them later on, like the chief, the reporter, the internal affairs, the head strong cop on the team and so on.
Great crime drama extremely well written! This kind of drama deserves multiple seasons. One can only wish.
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