A Sizzling Fire Doused with Cold Water
My ratings are generous, but my review might not be. If there are hundreds of things that I loved about this show, then some glaring issues made me question it as well. Following are the reasons why I liked it a lot yet left unsatisfied.
Why will you like the show?
1) Unique Setup
This show is not like other c-dramas. The synopsis might make you feel that it's a cliche, but not really. The whole setup is unique. Majority of the show is set in Bangkok (man city), some parts of Canada and the rest in Nanjing. It has a rebellious world building, something that's usually missing in Cdramas. The boxing, racing, mechanic/garage axis gives it a flair different from usual modern cdramas shot in Beijing and Shanghai.
2) Same yet Different Characters
The main characters might read like classic shoujo manga. Cutesy mischievous teenage girl, capable hot rebellious boy. But somehow, the execution of these characters was pretty refreshing thanks to Esther and He Yu. Now, that doesn't mean that I love the extra childish antics of Esther. But I understand that it was the demand of the script and the director. Both these characters were refreshing to watch because these actors did a great job, so did their styling team and direction.
3) Insane Romance
The single reason why I would recommend people to watch it is for its romance. The chemistry is sizzling and refreshing. Despite censorship, the team did a fabulous job of conveying a hot romance with a star-crossed lover theme. These two are meant to be together, period. And the moment they decide to understand, accept and act upon these emotions, its an absolute treat for viewers. You will experience dragons let alone butterflies in your stomach.
4) HE FREAKING YU
I was shocked to realize that he's the same guy who acted in My Fated Boy. Talk about being a chameleon. You can tell he really got into shape and worked very hard on himself for this role. Most importantly, he is intoxicatingly charming. If he is on the screen, you will not be able to focus on anything but him. Its not just that he is extremely handsome, but he is acutely aware of how to use his charms. He is spectacular actor. And the biggest takeaway for every viewer of this show will be discovering him cos I know I will keep a look out for his future projects.
Why will you dislike the show?
1) Disaster Second Half
If the first half of the show was the finest premium Swiss chocolate, the second half was the synthetic stuff found in a local shop. There was a point when I was wondering if I was watching the same show. It's not that I wasn't prepared for the shift as it was written in the synopsis, its the execution of it all. You will feel frustrated about things that don't make sense. It diminished the star appeal of the show.
2) Ridiculous script & story
The overall story is fine, two siblings who are not blood related falling in love....accepting this change and realizing the full depth of their relationship. The first half does great justice to that. But there were so many writing/creative choices made by the makers in the show that will make you extremely angry. The so called tribulation that they go through for years in the second half was not sensible in anyway. It was just a stupid creative choice. The characters started behaving unlike them, the fl was shown with zero self esteem, the ml was not given a chance to redeem himself, its all just too much by the end. You would start missing the Bangkok arc.
All in all, its a good romantic show which the fans of the genre should definitely give a shot. But do not expect a perfect show. Enjoy it for what it is and for their romance. It has a great rewatch value with many memorable scenes and performances.
Why will you like the show?
1) Unique Setup
This show is not like other c-dramas. The synopsis might make you feel that it's a cliche, but not really. The whole setup is unique. Majority of the show is set in Bangkok (man city), some parts of Canada and the rest in Nanjing. It has a rebellious world building, something that's usually missing in Cdramas. The boxing, racing, mechanic/garage axis gives it a flair different from usual modern cdramas shot in Beijing and Shanghai.
2) Same yet Different Characters
The main characters might read like classic shoujo manga. Cutesy mischievous teenage girl, capable hot rebellious boy. But somehow, the execution of these characters was pretty refreshing thanks to Esther and He Yu. Now, that doesn't mean that I love the extra childish antics of Esther. But I understand that it was the demand of the script and the director. Both these characters were refreshing to watch because these actors did a great job, so did their styling team and direction.
3) Insane Romance
The single reason why I would recommend people to watch it is for its romance. The chemistry is sizzling and refreshing. Despite censorship, the team did a fabulous job of conveying a hot romance with a star-crossed lover theme. These two are meant to be together, period. And the moment they decide to understand, accept and act upon these emotions, its an absolute treat for viewers. You will experience dragons let alone butterflies in your stomach.
4) HE FREAKING YU
I was shocked to realize that he's the same guy who acted in My Fated Boy. Talk about being a chameleon. You can tell he really got into shape and worked very hard on himself for this role. Most importantly, he is intoxicatingly charming. If he is on the screen, you will not be able to focus on anything but him. Its not just that he is extremely handsome, but he is acutely aware of how to use his charms. He is spectacular actor. And the biggest takeaway for every viewer of this show will be discovering him cos I know I will keep a look out for his future projects.
Why will you dislike the show?
1) Disaster Second Half
If the first half of the show was the finest premium Swiss chocolate, the second half was the synthetic stuff found in a local shop. There was a point when I was wondering if I was watching the same show. It's not that I wasn't prepared for the shift as it was written in the synopsis, its the execution of it all. You will feel frustrated about things that don't make sense. It diminished the star appeal of the show.
2) Ridiculous script & story
The overall story is fine, two siblings who are not blood related falling in love....accepting this change and realizing the full depth of their relationship. The first half does great justice to that. But there were so many writing/creative choices made by the makers in the show that will make you extremely angry. The so called tribulation that they go through for years in the second half was not sensible in anyway. It was just a stupid creative choice. The characters started behaving unlike them, the fl was shown with zero self esteem, the ml was not given a chance to redeem himself, its all just too much by the end. You would start missing the Bangkok arc.
All in all, its a good romantic show which the fans of the genre should definitely give a shot. But do not expect a perfect show. Enjoy it for what it is and for their romance. It has a great rewatch value with many memorable scenes and performances.
Was this review helpful to you?
