Just confused with your term of "soaps" in #2... do you mean the daily Kdramas with many episodes?
Yes. I guess I call them soap operas like Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives. etc. Kocowa has films in soap opera style and the drama can run hundreds of episodes. The intro is even bubbling soap. It might be an old terminology but I still use it.
If there was a betting game on which of the Dramas listed here is overrated, my money would be on "Hidden Love".…
Hidden Love is what I call one Zhao Lusi glamour cdramas. Everyone is beautiful...lol. However...it had great acting truly and it did what it was supposed to do. Somehow I thought Leo Wu would have been more fun. Like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan for us older crew.
1. How many 2023-release dramas did you watch? I am a lightweight. Completed released 2023. Maybe 10...lol Blame Kocowa soap operas and older drama releases. I literally watched hundreds of episodes this year.
2. What country did you watch the most in 2023? Dramas...China. They are not playing around. Historical or fantasy...they can't be beat. They also have a huge range.
Soaps...Korea. This makes me laugh but I truly couldn't help my self.
3. What is your top drama listed in this article?
It's not finished but Lost You Forever S1. I truly thought cdramas lost this quality of work but it's up there with Ashes of Love and other greats.
4. What is your top drama NOT listed in this article?
Stand or Fall. Can't help it. I am a sucker for entourage dramas. Especially when they get the camaraderie right. Plus it made me laugh like crazy. ...I forgot Gen Z with Zhao Lu Si. One of her best works to date. Her back and forth with Wu Gang is incredible. This drama truly showed her incredible range.
5. How was your drama journey in 2023?
Be honest somewhat lackluster...hence soap operas and older releases. It seems like they are trying to meet a quota. It's great to translate a book to screen but books are vast and varied. Try something new. Even soundtracks fell off except for a few. I love soundtracks...they put me unto singers I never heard from before.
6. What is your wish or plan in dramaland in 2024?
First...pls stop having FL sing soundtracks put the professional singers on. Professional singers are amazing. Open the door for them internationally.
Second...don't be afraid to bring older actors into the fray. They bring depth and great young actors become greater actors. It's what I love the most from cdramas. Older actors incredible charisma combined with eager upcoming youth.
Third...cdramaland finish your sequels for goodness sakes. We are waiting.
BTW...love your website. Keeps me abreast of all available platforms. Whether we agree or disagree on a drama...we all share the love of asian cinema.
This drama is about Wu Gang and Zhao Lusi. China has incredible veteran actors and their dialoge was magnificent...hands down.
We do love our young romances but the foundation is not there without the elders. I always love the antics of elders in asian dramas. Grandpa and Grandma interaction was just as good. Love love grandpa who is senior brother to Tuo Tuo. You can come for the romance but that is to draw you into something great. You have to stay for senior nephew and Tuo Tuo. Its a beautiful relationship to watch. This drama is food for the soul.
Cdramas have more to offer than romances. They are trying to show another side to themselves. A drama that is similiar to this is the kdrama Born Rich...which everyone. adored. Try something different.
What makes this drama special compared to other school dramas? try watching it twice and dropping it on eps 3,…
So I know why you might drop it. Turning point for me was when the FL stands her ground against false accusations. BTW...its the same time Zhang Lu Rang truly sees who she is. Its when we all see who she truly is. She is worth sticking with...she has a backbone and strong resolution. Her and SuSu become great friends too.
Our ML has the patience of a Buddha but he never tries to change the FL...ever. Not once. He accepts her and some how their two worlds work.
The storyline also has great moments...which will have you cracking up. The school sports competion overall was hilarious. The school academic competion was good too. If you think that she is annoying him...the end tells you what he is thinking which was the surprise for the audience. You have to make it to the end to find out.
Following the crowd with this one, its an overall great story. You will love them. I swear I watch the high school cdramas for the prerequisite group fights...which they had. Its always hilarious. Production must laugh all day filming those scenes...lol.
BTW...the ending surprised me and no its not the happily ever after. The relationship is through the POV of the FL. However, the director flipped it on us and showed us the ML POV. You must watch to know how. Damn near had me crying...those scenes where the FL saw how he felt over their 10 year relationship. You got me. Its why we keep coming back to cdramas. Good job...nah great job.
I need to know...what does Elvis Han character do for a living...lol. I never watched a cdrama or kdrama without knowing what the male lead does for work. Its hilarious.
Um. As said in Episode 30, Cho-Yeong achieved Chisu. Yul did too, even quicker than her. Park Jin and Heo also…
Thanks for the reply...I picked up another kdrama 120 episodes ...so I won't be long. Its true Season 2 lacked action and thrills. I wasn't looking for sword fights and massive spells. That would have been nice though. What I was looking for was Naksu cunning demeanor. She is a master of people and situations. They removed that from season 2 which completely disappointed me. The best assasin knows how to make the situation work to their favor. Naksu spent alot of time in new dresses and lamenting about how her husband didn't like her. This was not his master and of course he didn't recognize her.
Jin Beyeon the ancient priestess who she shared bodies barely manifested but she had ancient wisedom at a young age. I expected this to manifest more in Season 2 as well. They skimmed it to concentrate on her mother...Why? True season 2 was more romantic and about recognition as a couple. However, we must also face ourselves as individuals and our past. Her past should not have been glossed over. She's an anti hero. We needed closure. I love a good love story ...I pressed rewind on Start Up kdrama ...way too many times. However, I expected more depth to her and Jin Beyeon story ...for me it wasn't there.
I had no problem with the actress change because she was established in Season 1 as Naksu. I am surprised how accepting some are of Naksu depowering. She is described as one of the most powerful mages ...prodigy which led her to be the most powerful assasin. If you saw her face, that was the last thing you'll see. Season 1 gave us a ruthless, witty and intelligent Naksu who was deeply frustrated that she was consigned to a weak body. Most of us fell for her when she poisoned Jank Uk without mercy just to get to the objective. No apologies necessary...just thank her later. Without her body her machinations were legendary, people were shocked by her actions and she didn't understand why they couldn't see things her way. She was right...and she was. Season 2 this Naksu was nowhere to be found. What happened?...
So we go to Jin Beyeon, the almighty priestess...also a childhood prodigy. A sage that the world hasn't seen in hundreds of years. Her powers are so divine that she can end the world as we know it. Fine Naksu now is Jin Beyeon...her powers also nowhere to be found. None...what happened?
This is the elephant in the room...the greatest mage assasin...the greatess priestess was NOT great at all. Why? ...Why mention how powerful she is every single episode and never give her any power at all. I stuck it out hoping desperately we would see something of Naksu and way more of Jin Beyeon...even if she laid down her sword and retired ...just something to acknowledge her years as a warrior. Nothing. I expected more ...Naksu/Jin Beyeon are the great mages in a room full of great mages. So what happened?...
Do we just let it go because it's a kdrama and their dramas suck? Nah...I'm not letting them off the hook for such bad character development . That was bad. Kdramas are better than this. We saw it in Season 1. This is not the actors fault. They were great. They worked with what they had and they did well. I hope to see them again...just not this drama. It's done.
So I honestly can't wait for this to end...sigh. I'm bored... Who knew I would miss an old fashioned Empress dowager? The Empress should be shamed her scheming sucks...no wonder her sons are dumb. So when are more people dying?...Just saying the show lacks morbidity. It's not menacing at all. BTW...healthy competition is good for the soul but incessant competition is a sign of insecurities...hmm When will they be comfortable enough with each other to stop competing? He's revealed his innermost desires and she can't even tell him who she is...
This is about a future Emperor and Empress that unite the six states...right? If not...then what the heck are we watching? So far no one is willing to bend the knee. To conquer the states he has to kill 6 kings and 4 princes including his family. It can be done. Emperor Qin did. As of now I just see romance and subpar scheming. Fuyao did this better and was more fun and better written. Yang and Zhao are holding this script together with their sheer beauty. Even if they are crowned King and Queen of the six states in 20 plus episodes...I won't believe it...hmm Too bad
Their counterparts Dilraba and Allen also have a wuxia out...I'm checking that out as well. Right now I'm leaning towards a Fish called Allen...
This is my second Chinese special forces drama. They are trending...so expect more. It was very good in the mental health POV which is extremely current. A soldier's mental health cannot be ignored. Military tactics...hmm. Very different from Western special operations dramas...ie Americans or British. It was even different from the other cdrama...hmm
However...can we truly say they gave a current and factual view of their special ops tactics. They tend not to be too revealing. I guess we'll see with the other similar cdramas. What I do love is the camaraderie. The last few spec ops dramas...great casting...good job.
Hilarious...so many comments. So I know Jeremy Tsui from Legends of Dugus. He was brilliant in that drama and the villain. His presence was amazingly powerful. He stole the show. Since then, he's everywhere. However, female leads tend to become overshadowed by him. Wallace Hao had the same problem until they placed him with alpha females.
I will say this is the first FL since Ady An I liked...However I could be biased because I really liked her in Miss Truth. It's all about the eyes. Some of these leads have no emotion in their eyes....vapid look. This FL has strong intelligent eyes...so I will like whatever she does. She's another Zhou...how ironic. I think she'll be fine.
Does the drama run long...yes? However, when Ming Wei acknowledged her brother I couldn't help tearing up. They are a beautiful extented family flaws and all. Plus this is the best chemistry I've seen from Jeremy. Great job...whether you liked or hated it. At least you've seen it unlike some of his previous works.
I am a lightweight. Completed released 2023. Maybe 10...lol Blame Kocowa soap operas and older drama releases. I literally watched hundreds of episodes this year.
2. What country did you watch the most in 2023?
Dramas...China. They are not playing around. Historical or fantasy...they can't be beat. They also have a huge range.
Soaps...Korea. This makes me laugh but I truly couldn't help my self.
3. What is your top drama listed in this article?
It's not finished but Lost You Forever S1. I truly thought cdramas lost this quality of work but it's up there with Ashes of Love and other greats.
4. What is your top drama NOT listed in this article?
Stand or Fall. Can't help it. I am a sucker for entourage dramas. Especially when they get the camaraderie right. Plus it made me laugh like crazy.
...I forgot Gen Z with Zhao Lu Si. One of her best works to date. Her back and forth with Wu Gang is incredible. This drama truly showed her incredible range.
5. How was your drama journey in 2023?
Be honest somewhat lackluster...hence soap operas and older releases. It seems like they are trying to meet a quota. It's great to translate a book to screen but books are vast and varied. Try something new. Even soundtracks fell off except for a few. I love soundtracks...they put me unto singers I never heard from before.
6. What is your wish or plan in dramaland in 2024?
First...pls stop having FL sing soundtracks put the professional singers on. Professional singers are amazing. Open the door for them internationally.
Second...don't be afraid to bring older actors into the fray. They bring depth and great young actors become greater actors. It's what I love the most from cdramas. Older actors incredible charisma combined with eager upcoming youth.
Third...cdramaland finish your sequels for goodness sakes. We are waiting.
BTW...love your website. Keeps me abreast of all available platforms. Whether we agree or disagree on a drama...we all share the love of asian cinema.
We do love our young romances but the foundation is not there without the elders. I always love the antics of elders in asian dramas. Grandpa and Grandma interaction was just as good. Love love grandpa who is senior brother to Tuo Tuo. You can come for the romance but that is to draw you into something great. You have to stay for senior nephew and Tuo Tuo. Its a beautiful relationship to watch. This drama is food for the soul.
Cdramas have more to offer than romances. They are trying to show another side to themselves. A drama that is similiar to this is the kdrama Born Rich...which everyone. adored. Try something different.
Our ML has the patience of a Buddha but he never tries to change the FL...ever. Not once. He accepts her and some how their two worlds work.
The storyline also has great moments...which will have you cracking up. The school sports competion overall was hilarious. The school academic competion was good too. If you think that she is annoying him...the end tells you what he is thinking which was the surprise for the audience. You have to make it to the end to find out.
BTW...the ending surprised me and no its not the happily ever after. The relationship is through the POV of the FL. However, the director flipped it on us and showed us the ML POV. You must watch to know how. Damn near had me crying...those scenes where the FL saw how he felt over their 10 year relationship. You got me. Its why we keep coming back to cdramas. Good job...nah great job.
Jin Beyeon the ancient priestess who she shared bodies barely manifested but she had ancient wisedom at a young age. I expected this to manifest more in Season 2 as well. They skimmed it to concentrate on her mother...Why? True season 2 was more romantic and about recognition as a couple. However, we must also face ourselves as individuals and our past. Her past should not have been glossed over. She's an anti hero. We needed closure. I love a good love story ...I pressed rewind on Start Up kdrama ...way too many times. However, I expected more depth to her and Jin Beyeon story ...for me it wasn't there.
So we go to Jin Beyeon, the almighty priestess...also a childhood prodigy. A sage that the world hasn't seen in hundreds of years. Her powers are so divine that she can end the world as we know it. Fine Naksu now is Jin Beyeon...her powers also nowhere to be found. None...what happened?
This is the elephant in the room...the greatest mage assasin...the greatess priestess was NOT great at all. Why? ...Why mention how powerful she is every single episode and never give her any power at all. I stuck it out hoping desperately we would see something of Naksu and way more of Jin Beyeon...even if she laid down her sword and retired ...just something to acknowledge her years as a warrior. Nothing. I expected more ...Naksu/Jin Beyeon are the great mages in a room full of great mages. So what happened?...
Do we just let it go because it's a kdrama and their dramas suck? Nah...I'm not letting them off the hook for such bad character development . That was bad. Kdramas are better than this. We saw it in Season 1. This is not the actors fault. They were great. They worked with what they had and they did well. I hope to see them again...just not this drama. It's done.
This is about a future Emperor and Empress that unite the six states...right? If not...then what the heck are we watching? So far no one is willing to bend the knee. To conquer the states he has to kill 6 kings and 4 princes including his family. It can be done. Emperor Qin did. As of now I just see romance and subpar scheming. Fuyao did this better and was more fun and better written. Yang and Zhao are holding this script together with their sheer beauty. Even if they are crowned King and Queen of the six states in 20 plus episodes...I won't believe it...hmm Too bad
Their counterparts Dilraba and Allen also have a wuxia out...I'm checking that out as well. Right now I'm leaning towards a Fish called Allen...
However...can we truly say they gave a current and factual view of their special ops tactics. They tend not to be too revealing. I guess we'll see with the other similar cdramas. What I do love is the camaraderie. The last few spec ops dramas...great casting...good job.
I will say this is the first FL since Ady An I liked...However I could be biased because I really liked her in Miss Truth. It's all about the eyes. Some of these leads have no emotion in their eyes....vapid look. This FL has strong intelligent eyes...so I will like whatever she does. She's another Zhou...how ironic. I think she'll be fine.
Does the drama run long...yes? However, when Ming Wei acknowledged her brother I couldn't help tearing up. They are a beautiful extented family flaws and all. Plus this is the best chemistry I've seen from Jeremy. Great job...whether you liked or hated it. At least you've seen it unlike some of his previous works.