Suzie Queue

How to Mess Up a Good Thing

The story was promising. A tale of revenge with the most compelling of intentions, thrown off the tracks by 'true love'. The acting in this piece, with one glaring exception, was stellar! The ML played his role to perfection. The intensity of his hatred and desire for vengeance. The way he held on for dear life when he realized his feelings were changing - and he was falling in love. The confusion, the indecision, the turmoil... he did a great job bringing Yiting to life. The supporting players did a great job also. Their interactions, their emotions, drew the viewers in and made us a part of their struggles and their personal situations. I would have loved to know more of their own stories and see them developed more. I'm so glad the promise of happy endings for Yiting's brother and the best friend were given to us. I especially liked that the writers didn't just sugar coat the mother's wrongdoings - and even the bitchy ex-girlfriend got some measure of redemption.

Now as to what messed this drama up for me... I cannot determine whether the writers meant for the leading female character to be so dumb, or to act like a first-class fool. I get that she was supposed to have grown up spoiled and protected and naïve but come on! This girl behaved like a three-year-old (apologies to three-year-olds everywhere) for most of the series! If the actress was portraying clueless, she sure did a convincing job. Surely there was another way to make this character a little more appealing and a lot less annoying! Even if she started out dumb and stupid but grew up through adversity and pain and became a strong, independent, intelligent adult! At one point I was rooting for the bad guy to kidnap her and throw her over a cliff (we know that cliffs are never the 'end' in CDrama)... and frankly, I would have been ok with a happy ending for the ML without her! I have never not liked a FL character this much. She had ZERO redeeming qualities except maybe a little chemistry with the ML (but to be fair, even a rock would have chemistry with one as hot as him). I want to say I would take a look at other works of this actress, but if this one is any indication of her acting ability, no thanks!

Absolutely NO rewatch value, which is a shame for the other actors I liked so much, and the ML - but I will look at their other dramas to be fair and give them a chance.

Read More

More Finance - Not Romance

While this was a pretty good series, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped to. The story was just mediocre and stretched out a little too long for me with no real appeal (I'm always in it for the romance factor, folks) and this one was not even a slow burn. We almost missed the romance completely! However, almost at the end when we got our PDA fix, it was fleeting at best. There were noble deaths, but characters we lost, nonetheless. I'm all about Karma, and for me, there wasn't enough development in the characters who deserved comeuppance. A couple of the storylines felt incomplete or not explained as much as I would have liked so as to get the intent and see the impact on the overall story.

The actors delivered good performances, the relationships were relatable and believable. They gave us a gamut of emotions and tugged at our heartstrings. They made us love them, hate them, grieve with them, celebrate with them. There was obvious chemistry between the ML & FL, but for me, it was a pity that there was no sizzling romance (what I look for in the dramas I watch).

But the real star of this drama was Liu Xue Yi. I like this actor a lot. I have seen him in other productions, and love when he plays a good guy. He put in a stellar performance in this drama - making it possible to despise his character and not even feel bad when he met his end. As touching as it was meant to be, his evilness was etched in my mind because of the superb acting of Liu Xue Yi.

Rewatch? Probably not. Too many episodes with not enough romance for my liking. However, this was a good series, worth watching to the end.

Read More

Almost a masterpiece

But for the decimation by the censors, I would have given this drama a perfect score. The editing due to the new censorship guidelines bordered on massacre and made the story choppy. That being said, there were no unnecessary sidelines, no petty spats and tantrums. No brainless ninnies (if you don't count the FL's maid). And you could still get the gist of the story even with the obvious chops.

Wang He Di & Chen Yu Qi were great together. Even without the PDA and kissing scenes (which we, the viewers who watch for the romance want more of) their chemistry was evident, and the tenderness they managed to portray, endearing and believable. I was backing them all the way. It was refreshing to see a couple trust and believe in each other, still express doubt, anger, even jealousy, without the silly, immature pouting and mind-games. The supporting characters were awesome too. Even the evil characters were played to perfection. And here, I must single out possibly the best performance of the drama, by Peter Ho. As the fanatical emperor, he was totally hateful and deranged, terribly flawed and pitiable, without conscience or restraint - but still self-doubting and simple-minded at times. He was magnificent!

Some say the ending was rushed, but I think it was satisfying. I would have liked a little more closure for some of the characters, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I'm glad the bad guys got their comeuppance in the end - I'm happier that the lead couple lived happily ever after - but I still have lingering questions about some of the other characters I liked and got attached to. Oh well, guess you can't have everything!

This one is a definite re-watch.

Oh, and one more thing... Wang He Di's fight scenes. I'm not big on the technicality of action scenes, but boy! was he a thing of beauty to watch in some of those sequences. Truth be told, he's a thing of beauty no matter what he's doing, but... those fight scenes! Wow! This young man has a bright future ahead of him.

Read More

What an absolute waste of time!

The premise of this story was initially interesting. I kept waiting (hoping) for the characters to develop. They never did. The only one who was worth watching and who was not a complete airhead was the warrior woman who had the most tragic end to her story. I had such hopes for her. The FL was underwhelming - neither intelligent nor independent - just vapid and shallow. The businesswoman/inventor was boring and predictable. The other spoiled brat concubine obsessing over the emperor was a wailing ninny - irritating as hell! Most entertaining character in this show? Eunuch Wu! I kid you not!

There really wasn't any point to the story - the characters were doing the same silly things: crying, screaming, eating, being childish and just plain annoying. The ML was complacent and long-suffering. There was no romantic value to lead couple's story at all - they were almost like siblings. This story was very disappointing because of the absence of romance.

This isn't even worth a second look let alone a rewatch. What a waste of time, money, and actors.

Read More

Instant Fatherhood

Most important of note, the sound on this series was CRAP! It was off more than it was on. Fortunately for me, I use English subtitles, so I was able to follow along, but I prefer to have the dialogue going and to be able to hear the sound effects. So, the rating I gave it took a hit because of that.

The story was a little weak - I couldn't figure out how the heck the FL got pregnant in the first place... well, I know 'how' - I just wish they had made the explanation a little clearer with a plausible story. That being said, the chemistry between the FL & the ML made up for it. I found her to be more than a little annoying in the beginning, but thankfully she managed to chill by mid-series. The supporting actors and their stories were entertaining too - although I found the second couple quite annoying - she was a shrew, and he was a wimp! And the kid! I tried to like him, but he was more bratty than cute. Loved the 4 'bodyguards' and am glad my favorite one got the girl. Also, I was happy the other official guy found love at last too.

Good weekend watching - and there are some very tender moments throughout which tugged at my heart. If it wasn't for the crappy sound, I would probably have watched this again... but if it's the same cutting out more than in, I would have to be pretty desperate.

Loved the ML, btw. I despised his character in Love & Redemption, but he definitely plays the handsome hero really well. He was just drop dead gorgeous in his military costumes - and I am looking for his other shows just to enjoy the eye candy.

Read More

Couldn't stop watching

History is often cruel. Stories have to end the way they did in real life, and that doesn't always equate to an enjoyable story. I was so disgusted so many times in this series, but I kept coming back. I couldn't help myself. In the end it was worth it. I kept trying to find out ahead of time what the deal was with this series, but everything was very vague. Now I can say it is worth it to watch right to the end because they tie up a lot of loose ends.

The acting was pretty good in this drama - and although not every couple has a happy ending, the romance was realistic too. Not overdone and fake and the chemistry was really believable.

It's a long, drawn-out story - and I got confused with some of the characters at times and keeping up with who was doing what - but I concentrated on the main characters and their story arcs a lot more than the history and the politics. Will I rewatch? Probably not - but I did bookmark the episodes that had the sweetest moments and the little twists that I liked, and will probably go back and watch.

Read More

Worth the Wait and Effort

I waited a long time for the ML & FL to take the plunge, and boy was it worth it! This was my very first CD and I am hooked forever now. The costumes, set design, mannerisms and cultural settings - breathtaking! It transports you back to a time when there were rules and customs and honor (even though some of it was pretty weird and pretty warped). I loved this drama. The chemistry between the lovers was so real and believable. I will watch it again and again. Some of those characters were so evil it was cringe-worthy (in a good way) and it was nice to see them get their karma.

Loved the music too. The opening theme and the closing music, but most especially the love song.

I was a little disappointed that the final episode felt a little rushed - and left too much undone, or loosely tied up. I would have liked a little more detail, a little more closure. But I suppose a happy ending is a happy ending.

Read More

A whole heap of nothing!

This drama seemed to have had potential, but the writers dropped the ball big time!

The characters might have been interesting, even appealing. The acting was semi-decent (if you don't count the FL - her character was an airhead!) The relationships should have been developed better - and what the hell was that ending!? After being loyal and constant for the entire series, the two main guys bail and jump ship with not so much as a believable farewell. And the two female leads - what? End up spending eternity together but we don't understand who or why?

So much time was wasted with the inedible cooking plot, and an assassin with more delusion than brains or talent. So many wasted opportunities for relationship developments. With such crappy writing and no real flow, rhyme or reason to the storyline, this ended up being a hodgepodge of possibilities and maybes and a whole lot of nothing.

Save your time! Skip this one.

Read More

An Example of the Worst Kind of Screenwriting

If you are able to make it through 33 episodes (albeit short format) without giving up in disgust, then the last episode might redeem this drama. The ML's performance, his assistant, and marginally the mother contributed to helping the story to survive. Even a couple of the 'villains' managed to be convincing in the badly written roles all these actors were given. To be fair, the worst role was the FL's character - so this is not a critique of the actress' skills, but of the part she was given to play.

What is it about these writers than insist on portraying women as brainless, immature, ridiculously shy and seemingly naive? Do Chinese women really admire these simpering, juvenile, childish stereotypes? They giggle and hide and overact to the point of ridicule. The costumers dress these women like children, which only adds to the cringey feel of the characters behaving like, looking like children - with these handsome, older male leads. It borders on almost perverted at times, especially in the romantic scenes where the ML is more aggressive, and the FL behaves like a child.

When the FL is written in this light, adding the trope of drinking till the character is wasted and almost unconscious, waking up in some man's (usually the ML) bed, and not remembering anything of the night before is an equally disturbing trend.

We, the viewers, long for well-written storylines that utilize the talents of so many of these actors/actresses. We welcome and relish positive stereotypes and realistic and intriguing plots that draw us in, not disgust nor disappoint. It seems to be getting worse in these mini dramas and micro dramas and that is a real disservice to the Chinese Drama genre and in particular, women.

I certainly cannot imagine that I watched the same drama that most of these reviews refer to. Except for that last episode that offered a modicum of dignity to the story, the FL's character in rest of the episodes was almost embarrassing to watch.

Read More

47 Episodes of Flashbacks

This drama had only two things going for it. An ensemble cast who did a great job bringing their characters to life - and a gorgeous ML.

The writing was passable, but the series was drawn out by too many useless and unnecessary flashbacks. 47 episodes were really excessive. I used my fast forward button a lot. Too many police meetings and briefings, and too many musings by the villain. Those were getting really boring!

Best parts of this drama were the friendships. Jianguo, Xiao Shuai, Zhou Li, & Zi Guang - and their relationship with Uncle Guo. FL's dads - Hu Yu Jin & Huang Zhen Wu, and the young squad members.

William Chan did a great job with a character that wasn't really written well. Loved the fight scenes and just looking at him in general. They could not get him clean-shaven quickly enough for me, but he rocked the manbun!

Probably the smartest officer of the bunch, and the one who really deserved better than he got in the end, was Han Jin. Easy on the eyes as well - he always managed to inject some intelligence in their intelligence.

Finally, the FL. Normally. I don't mind Ma Si Chun. I've seen her in other things - but this one was underwhelming because of the character she was given to play and how really poorly written it was. Police can't afford to be careless or impetuous or unruly. She was just all over the place and then sulking when chastised or screwed things up. And how wishy washy was she in her relationship with the ML!? One minute she is all lovey dovey, the next she's accusing him, arresting him, interrogating him, and treating him like a criminal. Girlfriend like that? No thanks! So sorry - the romance sizzle fizzled with her character. What a waste of a sexy, gorgeous ML!

I was really looking forward to a good story, with enough time to tell it and tell it well. What a let-down. No rewatch for me, thanks. Once is punishment enough. I'll find a shorter drama with Chan in it for eye candy.

Read More

What the hell kind of ending was that!?

I hate going into these dramas with absolutely no warning that the writer/director is going to throw in a complete cliff hanger at the end without even a hint that there will be a continuation. Ironically, the story was not bad, and the acting was pretty convincing. The writing was choppy at best - and there are so many loose ends left hanging that none of the story arcs got tied up or even explained.

The ML was fantastic - the FL just meh. The two villains were convincing and good-looking. The FL character's family's story was left hanging. Her mother's story was left hanging.

What a mess! Hopefully anyone who is looking to watch this drama will be forewarned. It's a waste of time since there is no resolution or any kind of wrap up at the end. The only reason I rated this as much as I did was the acting.

Read More

A Grown-Up Love Story

No silly, giggling females - hooray! No stone-faced male fending off unwanted advances then falling for the silliness. The relationship between the lead couple was refreshingly mature, even though there was supposed to be a big age difference between them, I really didn't notice it. The development of their romance was so satisfying, and I totally agree with another review I read, that the banter was entertaining, witty, and even a little suggestive in parts. Loved it! This actress is not one of my favorites, but she did a good job in this drama.

I liked the camaraderie of the Lord and his two aides Zhimo and Zhi Jian. I wish that Juli had been a little more romantic with Zhimo, however. She was just short of being the silly character I find annoying in these dramas, but she was quite endearing. The first dowager empress was just evil, and I couldn't wait for her to get her comeuppance. The members of the court were, as in all these dramas, ignorant as hell! Princess Roujia - the character I hated the most was superbly played by Wang Li Kun. She really was perfect for this part. My heart broke for Shen Jing Hong - he gave everything for love and got precious little in return. I loved the young emperor and wished he could have ended up a little happier and not quite so alone. The cast really did a great job even with the little side groups.

But the heart of the whole drama for me - Liu Yan. I absolutely love Feng Shao Feng. This sexy, mature, regal, confident character is perfect for him. He plays right into the heart of this lead role. I loved every scene with him and Jing Tian (Mu Zhuohua) - he was so tender and loving and expressive. I love this actor and could watch him all day long! Let me correct myself - I loved every scene with HIM! *wink*

Now, the thing that almost spoiled this series for me. The makeup was dreadful - it made the actors look pasty and washed out. The extra thick and dark eyebrows stood out glaringly because the faces were so shockingly white. The make up on the women looked garish. And the lighting was terrible also. With such a beautiful OST, such great performances by the actors, and a reasonably interesting and compelling story, those two elements really spoiled the aesthetics.

40 episodes was a little much - but it didn't drag too badly, and I didn't use fast-forward near as much as I thought I would. I probably wouldn't rewatch because of the length, but if I did (to get some FSF eye candy) I would probably fast forward through the unnecessary parts just to see him.

Read More

A Love That Breaks Your Heart

I don't like sad endings, so I came into this drama ready to dislike it. However, the story was so well-told, and the characters just wrapped themselves around my heart, especially the lead couple. The ML was captivating, and the FL was courageous and endearing, and their love story tugged at every heartstring. I loved the SML and the SFL - and would have loved a happier ending for them though I can't quite figure out what their ending was with all the changes in fortune as a result of going back and forth in time.

I really liked how the story was told. The writer(s) did a wonderful job, and the director also. It isn't often these days that I give credit to the writers or the directors, but in this case, a job well done! Despite being only fourteen episodes and of shorter durations, there wasn't any time wasted or needless fillers.

All told, this was a masterful piece. Again, despite the tragedy of the situations. Although I rated this a fair re-watch value, I don't think my heart could take it again. I will remember this couple and their love story with affection.

Read More

Almost Perfect

This was one of the better productions I have watched in a very long time.

The writer did a very good job in telling the stories of these three women. The director managed to convey the emotions and the upheavals of life situations that we all either have experienced ourselves or have seen someone in our circle experience them. The actors did a phenomenal job bringing their characters to life. The characters, flaws and all, were so relatable that even when you wanted to hate them, you could find some shred of empathy for them and understand their actions in the wider perspective.

While I liked the three main characters, what I appreciated about all of them was that they were not perfect and the way the drama is written allows them those imperfections. The male characters too, were imperfect and their actions sometimes evoking a strong response - but they too were only human in the big scheme of things. If I had to choose a 'favorite' character of the female leads, it would be Gu Jia. Tong Yao brought Gu Jia to life and made her into every woman who has ever strived and sacrificed for her family, and who gave of herself almost too completely. She still was able to admit her own fault in the demise of her marriage, and I think that is the real gem of the writing. There were no 'perfect' people in this drama, least of all the character Xu Huan Shan, but his is the character that I had hoped could pull off a happy ending for this couple. No such luck, as his ultimate growth needed to come from his understanding that he needed to give Gu Jia her freedom to realize her dreams and ambitions. Still, I liked this couple a lot.

I promised myself I would highlight my very favorite moment in this series. Can we talk about how Gu Jia went all Mama Bear on those moms and smacked the crap out of them?! No shrinking violet, that one- not when her kid was harmed or threatened. And she wasn't intimidated by the 'other women' at all. I loved that!

Finally, that tag at the end about continuation... I'd like to know more about that. Is there a Season Two in the works? Will we know more about these women's lives and what happens to them in the future? I really hope so. It would be a fitting end to the series. If I had one fault to find with this first season, it would be that the wrap up was a little hasty for me - a lot of time was wasted on other irrelevant things and some parts of the last episode felt like they had run out of time. Also, 43 episodes was too long because there was a lot of 'fillers' in between the main story arcs which seemed to waste time. Still, I rated this drama the way I did because it really was one of the better productions I have seen, and the acting was the real reason for that.

Hoping for Season 2!!!!

Read More

All About Gao Hanyu and Song Yanfei

I wanted to like this drama so much. I love the ML - Gao Han Yu is so attractive. The chemistry between the lead couple was electric but wasted by the screenwriter and the director. The second couple was underwhelming even though the SML was so charming and sweet, the SFL totally turned me off. I Was rooting for him to get his ex!

The story didn't make a lot of sense in parts. The continuity of the story arcs was choppy at best. There were several loose ends and plot holes.

This could have been such a sweet romance drama. Aside from the chemistry between the leads, there was pretty much nothing else. The opportunity to sidestep the censors and give us some PDA was sadly squandered. Maybe the director and the writer were sleeping when they were filming this.

I am hoping this lead couple will start together in many more dramas to come.

I might rewatch if I was bored and desperately needing a little eye candy, but only for Gao Han Yu.

Read More