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Classic drama factory idol drama
1st episode already sets the viewers to low expectations...FL & ML are on a boat, flips over the boat. The top of the boat randomly disappears....? So she can somehow jump out of the water INSTA DRY w/ perfect hair.....
Everyone refers to themselves in 3rd person.....cringe.
The only reason to watch this is for the fans of the actors. For me it's Liu Yu Ning. He was so memorable in the Long Ballad that I've been looking forward for his other supporting roles.
Notable enjoyable aspects:
Anything with Liu Yu Ning (completely bias here)
Tim Pei as Leng Bei (He's better playing these emotionless military roles)
Mu Qing's character - classic selfless silent and suffering type
Anle Princess - badass female character
Ep 3: the solo dance was very beautiful, the only memorable dance scene.
Else this drama is very standard
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Hidden Gem! FL's acting is superb!
It's not your average campus drama. Despite the low budget, the story is quite good. Stand out is the FL actress Yin Rui. Her vibe reminds me of Dai Lu Wa in My Calorie Boy. Super cute and so on point with her acting especially her crying scenes, just so good.Standouts:
1. Story telling. Well-paced and interesting
2. Characters. Well written multi-dimensional characters. I was so happy to NOT see the typical single dimensional mean girl with one goal.
3. FL actress. Although the ML did good enough of a job, she definitely out shined him in the acting department.
What could've been better:
Satisfying ending enough but the story was so good that you just want to see more!
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Rewatch preparing for S2 EPIC Script!
One of my all-time favorite dramas. This is the best script ever!Everything is absolutely perfect except the lighting. There's a lot of olive tunes to the drama making the actors look not as pretty which is incredible because there are a ton of beautiful actors in here.
For those people that may not like this drama for whatever reason, may missed all the essence of Chinese language word play. There's so much comedy but all lost in translation. Even the names are clever. Sadly, I can only understand 80% of it. I so wish I can read the actual book but since I can't, the drama itself is perfect.
Some Fun Word plays:
Fan Jian - Fan Xian's Dad's name actually sounds like "being bitchy"
Chen Ping Ping - A very girly name for the master schemer
Nei Ku - Treasury sounds exactly like underwear
There are countless of these.
Unique on every level.
1. Political scheming isn't all that interesting to me but it's part of every costume drama you can't avoid. However, it is interesting here because all the characters are all multi-dimensional.
2. Characters. You can't find any weakness here. Well written characters along with perfect casting.
Mini Fan Xian - I could've used extra episode of him. He's so cute and expressive.
Fan Xian - Everybody loves Fan Xian. I am 100% biased here because the actor has been one of all-time favorites.
Wang Qi Nian - The side kick endless funny punch line delivery guy
Teng Zi Jing - The assassin in the beginning that formed such strong bromance
Fan Si Zhe - Did not know the actor is actually a standup comedian but I can see why
I literally loved almost every character big or small. Shows how brilliant the script writer is.
3. Level of literacy
There's a scene of Fan Xian reciting all the famous poems. (no I never got to that level in my Chinese) but it's amazing the actor reciting all those poems in one breath. People with high Chinese literacy will surely appreciate this.
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Solid until ep 30
I've been waiting for the next drama on par with Ashes of Love and this although didn't meet that, it was a delightful drama overall. If you want action this is not it. There were definitely lots of lovey dovey scenes with > normal amount of pairings in a drama.Wonderful Aspects:
-All that PURPLEEEEE <--- Hottest color
-Beautiful cast that can act!
-ML (which I was never crazy about) & FL had mediocre chemistry but there were plenty of laughs. I especially loved the FL Ye Tan. Thought she was just the right amount of silliness, cuteness, beauty & brains.
-2nd couple with Chao Feng & Qing Kui was definitely the best pairing in xian xia world with looks & chemistry.
-Gu Hai Chao (Chang Feng)'s 1st in command probably my favorite supporting character provided many comedic moments
-Strong supporting characters overall, few include: The wolf/dog/pup, the bird, the muscle head brother, and my favorite bad character the Void Queen. That beautiful badass mama you'd love to hate.
-Family relationships: Aside from all that coupling, I really loved the sister/sister, mom /son, & friends positive relationships.
-Cinematography / costume / makeup - One of the best aspects about xian xia dramas
-OST - yes overplayed and need a few more songs but the few songs are very good
And then after ep 30.....
-Story got sloppy, tiring and lost all the humorous moments. Scene progression didn't make sense
-One dimensional antagonist characters (both of the kings) got especially tiresome
-A bit overboard on # of resurrections & tear jerking flashbacks.
-Rushed ending with a summary narrative................ Aiyahhhh YYYYY
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That sheep sound will always be in my head
I honestly don't know why I waited so long to watch this. Maybe I had to be in the 80s mood.I didn't find the drama realistic at all but it was so enjoyable on so many levels
The cast was amazing that it was hard to pick a favorite. I honestly loved every single character
Now that it's finished (but this is definitely on the rewatch list) What I will miss the most:
1. The sheep sound. I loved it!
2. Purest of the kids friendships. Being 18 in the 80s isn't the same as being 18 now. Things felt simpler....
3. Every kid character was unique and likable. There isn't that one sided antagonist in this
4. Parents, all crazy but loving parents in their own ways. Highly exaggerated but also funny at the same time
5. Everything funny about the 80s!!! ridiculous curls, Crazy funky 80s Dance, phone w/ cord, old looking TV with that rainbow stand by screen, tapes, 80s pop culture: Tom Cruise! Night Rider! A Better Tomorrow! Maggie Cheung! Ok yeah I am old.
6. Everything lovely about the 80s: friendly neighbors, purest of 1st loves, 1st heart breaks, 1st friendship betrayal, 1st everything ....
7. Every monologue about youth and life
I am going to miss 1988
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Way to kill a show w/ new character introduction midway
Introduction of Su Yue pretty much killed the ENTIRE show.The story started out interesting. Karry Wang wasn't extraordinary but pulled off the young character well enough. The policeman played by Zhang Yi on the other hand was definitely a veteran actor.
The mystery surrounding the father's death is the most interesting part and it continued to be good until Su Yue, female lead cop enters the scene. She pretty much killed the drama's vibe in 2 episodes. I literally can't stand any lines that came out of her mouth. They did tune down her character down but obviously the damage has been done.
Ep 23 on it finally regained its luster so still worth watching overall.
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Took me a while to finish
There is a lot to love about this series but it took me a while to finish mainly because the ML rookie Yeom Sang Soo's character was ridiculously judgmental. I didn't like his character or sympathize w/ his situation at all. I don't know how he can pass the academy in the first place. FL's acting was a bit stiff but overall ok.Aspects that I did love:
A dose of reality, society issues that you don't see in rom coms.
Inequalities of job search completely biased which I hope it raises awareness to the gender wage gap.
Fantastic supporting cast. Lots of veterans in this drama with more interesting personalities than the ML.
Story, the crimes in this story are actually interesting, definitely brutal.
Cops are human too.
Watch it for the supporting cast & story.
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Almost worked
The cast was amazing and I've always loved Park Shin Hye. She's so talented with her singing, acting and she can pull off badass stunts convincingly!! That being said it took me a while to finish the series even with quite a few characters I loved:1. FL lead's dad
2. Asia Mart Boss
3. Agent with an obsession to kill FL
4. ML's bodyguard
What worked?
1. Cast / Acting solid from supporting characters to even the young girls that played earlier version of the FL
2. Action packed - stunts were solid (minus some CGI background)
3. interesting characters - could've been more though
4. Set - Beautiful set from the home view of the city to the bunker. High budget
What didn't work for me:
1. Story telling - somehow didn't captivate me. The never ending circles didn't really work
2. Romance - between the leads, am I the only one that felt like they didn't have much romance chemistry? Don't get me wrong ML is a great actor and I loved him in "Stranger" but I didn't feel them 2 worked.
Happy I finished it finally.
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Almost worked
This drama had potential to be so much better especial with the ML. Li Hong Yi is a talented actor, too pretty in some angles, handsome in others but his portray of this character is superb.What worked:
1. ML character and acting. Great match to the story
2. Romantic comedy theme. Subtle flirting, love/hate relationship, no cliche overload
3. 2nd lead Girl -- She's cute, not the typical backstabbing character
What didn't work:
1. FL - I didn't think the casting was right for the role. She's 33 but looked way older (by Asian standards)
2. FL character - complete mismatch. If one goes through that much "tragic" events no way would she act like the younger self
3. 2nd Lead ex bf - liked the 10 year later version over 1 comment? Not believable
4. Lack of interesting supporting side characters
Honestly the only reason to watch this is for the ML.
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Dad of the Year
This drama explores the best of the best of human nature but also the disgusting side. I just started this drama and already hooked. I did have to skip all the long dialogue of the nagging neighbors & relatives that feel the need to judge. Whole reason why I don't watch many modern C-dramas.The dad who opens the noodle shop is a saint who end up taking care of 3 kids. Then there's the godfather cop who is also a great character as well.
I wish they spent a little more time on the little kids versions as they are all so adorable.
Its so sad that adult issues impacted the kids early on and as the kids grow you can see the personalities develop still overshadowed by the abandonment. I love how the 2nd brother helps the dad so much knowing how lucky he is to be raised by him.
The older brother is much more introverted that loves taking care of Jian Jian, the carefree hyperactive girl.
I love the personality dynamics of the three as they navigate through life and the changed feelings.
However I do wish the drama is more realistic in that none of them really went through relationships. The older brother is almost 30 and still zero relationship history.
Must skip characters:
ML 1 : Grandma
ML 1: CRAZY mom. TOXIC
ML 2 Little Older Bro: Biological butt dad
ML 2 Little Older Bro: Aunt <---- same lines every time
FL's smart GF: MOM <--- What's w/ these redic parents?
FL's pretty GF: MOM <---- not as many lines but not less annoying
As the story develops, you'll see the impact and hurt each person faces. There are so many great outstanding performances.
However the ending felt rushed. Side characters didn't wrap up their stories really. Could've used a few more episodes. This is where 40 episodes felt not enough for a change.
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Strong cast 100% bais
I can't say I loved the story as there are plenty parts where I didn't agree with the logic flow. Some of the twists weren't really compelling either. However, the story is still above average crime dramas, and I loved the concept of arson + murder investigations.Mainly I watched this for: Actor Dai Xu!!!!!
I try to watch every drama of his ever since his 2017 drama Burning Ice. I love his voice, his micro expressions, & he's execution of every character. Such an underrated actor IMO.
Leon Zhang is also consistent in his acting.
The bromance between the 2 was one of my favorite part. Well worth watching if you are fan of any of the actors however it definitely did not need to be 38 episodes.
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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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