AValtierra

I may be a little addicted to C-Dramas, and this one's very good. I came here to comment because I was surprised to see it being torn up so savagely. First, to appreciate the plot, you need to understand that the supporting roles sum up to a whole bunch of very flawed characters. There is a strong theme that runs through the drama that good people do bad things, and sometimes they find someone who loves them in spite of it all. There is a also a theatrical element to the cinematography, at times giving the feel of a burlesque, musical, or film noir piece. In addition, certain plot elements are unapologetically far-fetched, such as the FL's extraordinary sense of taste, her cousin's overnight fish gutting, and the lengths characters will go to for revenge. Initially, I was a little concerned about whether the series could pull off a romance between an immature, annoying girl and a stern, experienced man who is struggling with his own demons. As it turns out, their story develops slowly and sweetly throughout the drama. Theirs is a deeply affectionate and playful relationship, only perhaps lacking an element of passion to give the outcome long-term credibility. Ethan Juan is, of course, a treat for the eyes. The kind yet fiery disposition of the FL's uncle plus the affectionate banter between her parents are elements that add depth and contrast to the web of subplots. Bottom line, this drama is well worth watching, as long as the viewer can appreciate its plot complexity, imperfect characterization, and quirky brand of humor.