Cykodramaqueen

Supporting casts were better than Main Leads LOL

A light and fluffy drama about Esports, training in the team, its struggles & ups and downs; and of course falling in love. Lots of sweet moments & kisses between the two leads, but what made the show for me was the rest of the teammates, coach and manager. They each had their specific trademark and unique characters which you will grow to love.

The gaming aspect of it was great to watch. I loved how in the middle of the game, the audience would be sucked into the game and be in the midst of the battle itself. The graphics and animation is superb and out of this world and this is another highlight for me. Two thumbs up!

Now comes some blaring factors that did not sit too well with me. [SPOILER AHEAD]
1) Lu Si Cheng and how he treated the girl he likes. Just like what Jin Yang said- he’s like a kindergarten kid who likes the girl by bullying and pulling her hair. Yes that’s how I felt in the first half of the show when he was so called pursuing her. He called her names, bullied her and was rude. When he confessed, he only gave her two hours to decide because he had to know if he could get a good night’s sleep. What the?!!
2) When Tong Yao was harassed & assaulted by Xu Tai Lun in the corridor- she bit his arm in self defence to set herself free. For that, the captain scolded and punished her by locking her out of the base camp for the rest of the day. And wouldn’t let her have her dinner until she ‘realised’ her mistake. ###!%*>*!?## What the heck??? In my opinion she did the right thing and the captain shld have been protecting her instead of punishing. Stupid.
3) When Tong Yao received the threatening package from the Anti-Fan.. and the upper management of ZGDX wanted her to apologise to the perpetrator instead of finding out the truth and protecting your team members???!!! What lousy team managers and sponsors. Instead the captain had to do it himself which affected his own training and game.
[END SPOILER]

Yeah, these factors just didn’t sit well with me. As for the acting, I’m sorry to say I didn’t think the two leads were that great, especially FL Cheng Xiao. To me she couldn’t act at all. (And who wears a sweater and short shorts to an interview??) Best supporting actor goes to Chubby! :):)

Apparently the show is getting a lot of negative feedback from netizens, particularly from the esports industry. I also noticed in the show, they were drinking a lot of RIO at the beginning, (product placement), but not as much in the later half. Tsk tsk...

The last episode was very intense and I loved it!! The battle song was hilarious, and it was nice the script gave Smiling the victory end. I also loved how Ai Jia climbed to the audience to kiss Jin Yang (lovely 2nd couple). Too bad the last kiss on the stage was cut :( Generally had a feel-good ending.

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Waaaay too looonggg!!! UGH!

This could have been a great, inspiring drama if not for a few blaring factors:
1) Stupid break up scene✔️
2) Too many side characters and side plots✔️
3) Too many episodes ie became repetitive and going in circles✔️
4) Love triangle or quadrangle ✔️

Ok this is what I liked:
It’s a sports drama. So I really like the training aspects, the games, the competition, the stress, the ups and downs, the emotions, the struggles- all were very real. Sometimes it got too emotional and had too many pep talks, but it was ok. Looks like the actors could skate really well too :)

The love story between Li Yubing and Tang Xue- I also liked. From being bullies to falling in love. I especially liked Epi 26 where he professed his love for her in front of the whole crowd at the ice rink! Very man :):) What I did not like was as usual- lack of communication which led to a break up. In my opinion, Tang Xue was the one at fault for not being honest. She herself hates being lied to, and she yet she lied to her bf and stood him up many times! Although she couldn’t tell the real reason, she didn’t have to lie and stand him up. What did you expect him to think and react??

All the other side couples/ storyline were too much- I practically skipped all the scenes about Huanhuan & bf, the other roommate and Deng, any scene regarding veterinary, some scenes of the coaches bickering, oh and the most irritating Zhou Ran and Bian Cheng!! Can’t stand the way she talks- just wanna slap her! It was a very predictable storyline so even though I skipped quite a bit, I didn’t miss much.

There were a few good moral and life lessons to learn which I did appreciate. It made me tear at some scenes too. And I liked the ending where they acknowledged all the past medalists for China in the Winter games. Bravo!

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Not as good as 10

Many reviews are giving it 10s but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. And here’s why:
1. Storyline
What I liked- Yes the storyline and plot was very interesting. A Swat special police and a doctor- not the typical CEO/ employee, rich man/poor girl/ tall guy /short girl, handsome/cute nonsense.
What I didn’t like- some parts were boring! If it was intense like Grey’s Anatomy or thrilling suspense like 24, man that would be awesome. But the background episodes on their “daily lives” were just yawnnnn and slow. The first episode was captivating, was quite engrossed until episode 5. Up until around episode 20-21, it was engaging. Unfortunately the latter half was just a lot of skipping.

2. Romance
Sigh... many said their chemistry was fantastic. I’m sorry but I could not agree. Before they actually dated, I felt their connection was more intense. But after they started dating , I felt Xing Kelei and Mi Ka were more like BFFs or like a married couple of 10 years. Laughing and understanding, but not enough tingling za-Za-zing you would normally have as a new couple. To me the romance development was disappointing.

3. Too long
It dragged on for 40 episodes. Could have done with maybe only 25-30? Between episodes 22-38 it was repetitive and not very interesting. The last two episodes were great with the bus hostage situation. Ending was meh... not that I wanted to see a wedding, but felt rather abrupt.

I haven’t watched DOTS, so I’m not making any comparisons at all. Should you watch this drama? Yes give it a go. But don’t expect much...

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Very sweet and highly recommended

From the first episode to the last, it was simply captivating and yet sweet at the same time. I’m sure most have had the all too familiar storyline of having a crush on your older brother’s friend at 13/14yo. I know I did;) and that crush became my first bf at 18yo! Sadly though it didn’t last haha.

Sang zhi had a crush, which turned into a very real liking , going to great lengths to be with him, and it eventually worked out for her. I absolutely loved the young actress at 14yo- she had a natural talent. Sang zhi at 14 was very outspoken and confident, so I’m not sure why at 17, she became rather quiet and reserved. That didn’t really make sense to me. Maybe the writers wanted to portray how she grew as a person in university. But still, her character development didn’t seem to jive.

ML Duan Jiaxu was extremely well acted by Chen Zheyuan. Minimalistic change of facial expressions, his eye connections and how he moves his mouth- all very convincing and engaging. Oh his tears!! [Spoiler- the scene where he spoke to his comatose state father, and after that when SZ hugged him.. OMG it was SO TOUCHING!!! Cried and cried) Well done CZY… a very promising career awaits you!

Storyline was beautifully written. Initially I was a bit concerned on how she would let him know about her feelings, then how he would turn from seeing her as a little sister to looking at her as a woman. The writers did a good job with that transition. Many many good principles and morals to learn from the storyline too; and how SZ handled the “other woman” and her friend aka her supervisor was admirable and so matured.

As for the romance development- also very very good pace, good chemistry, LOTS AND LOTS of PDA :):):) although the kissing was a bitttt forced I felt. ZLS has kissed many many of her male costars ;) so maybe .. idk haha. I’m expecting too much? Lol. But YES!! From the accidental kiss, to the first light touch kiss, to holding hands to the roller-skating kiss etc etc.. plenty to look forward to;)

Definitely highly recommended for a youth drama! Simply enjoy this one:)

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Annoying supporting casts

Check out Instagram account Cykodramaqueen for video clips of this drama:)

I liked the development of both leads Lu Jing and LIANG Chen. Both were smart and intelligent, and talented in their respective fields. They were both dressed very well, especially in Chanel, Valentino and Balenciaga. Their romance from not knowing their identities in the game to getting engaged- it was mature and well done. Their chemistry was good too, with many kissing scenes ;)

I loved the OST and the cinematography- very well done. I also loved the gaming aspect of it- with Lin Yi playing the Asian James Bond! The FL in the game was annoying though- cos she couldn’t even throw a grenade properly. The make belief concerts, singing and violin/ guitar playing was quite fake- too obviously fake. It would be better for actors to act the skills that they can? I read that Lin Yi is majoring in Ballroom Dancing- it would be nice to see him dance.

What I didn’t like:
1) SML - so so so annoying. I skipped most of his scenes
2) Ma Shan Shan SFL- also so so so pathetic. Until the end I still don’t get why she was so hung up on her ex bf till she can’t even move on after so many years?
3) Love rival- Jia Yun (cringe..) His looks alone was cringe.
4) Lu Jing roommates - man... so immature and stupid.

I don’t know why the producers made all the supporting cast so annoying and immature. They could have done with less and maybe cut from 31 to 25 episodes and just focus on the main leads?

Also, the last episode of the plane turbulence- completely unnecessary! Like what... you need another 10mins to fill in the gap? Sigh... otherwise it would have been a great show.

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Not what I expected :(

Seeing a lot of mixed and extreme reviews on this S2 Sigh… not what I expected at all. Yes- we all wanted the badass assassin, probably not fully back to her old self but definitely not this priestess with divine powers but can’t even cross the river without help! Sorry to say.. I did like the idea of JBY and Naksu sharing the body, but I really really wanted more from Naksu.

The storyline and pace was a little draggy. It focused too much on Naksu and Jang Uk finding each other and falling in love all over again. Probably not the best main plot for a season 2. I wanted to see more conspiracy theories, more slashing of swords and fighting, more mages using and abusing their powers… but 80% of the time was lovey dovey and humorous scenes. Don’t get me wrong- I loved the relationship between the Crown Prince and his turtle! ;);)

Anyhow, S1 was better for me, but I preferred Go Youn Jung as the FL. :)

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Intense kissing scenes and chemistry but.....

Production of this drama was quite poor, sorry to say. All the voices and sound were dubbed, and editing was sloppy. The plot and base storyline was actually good, that’s why I gave it a 7. It had some thriller/ mystery/ romance elements but the flow was just... meh. The plot twist towards the end was also extremely predictable.

The main characters were interesting, but unfortunately I don’t think the actors pulled it off. (Sorry!) Their chemistry was good though, and the kissing scenes were intense. Actually that was what got me to watch this after seeing some snippets online :):) However, the drama itself fell short of what I thought would be a good one. The SFL was plain annoying, and the second couple lacked chemistry.

The few songs in the OST were quite nice. I’ve already added to my Spotify list :) A special shout out to Productive Procrastination for subbing this in English :) There were also some deleted couple scenes which you can find online ;)

Watch it if you’re in between dramas. It’s a short one - 16 episodes and 30mins each. Don’t expect too much, just enjoy the chemistry ;)

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Good leads chemistry, bad side plots

First of all, just know that you will finish this drama solely because the ML is SO HOTTTT!!! Lol… seriously. Can’t get enough. His role, his character, his chemistry with FL.. sizzling!! I’m not entirely sure Janice Wu suited this FL role. There were times she tried to act cute but it didn’t jive w me…

The romance between ML and FL was off the charts. Very good from the beginning. The kind where they met when they were in high school, got separated, met online but didn’t know it, meet again much later and STILL - there is the undeniable attraction! (Spoiler- they only get together in Ep 20 but the anticipation was well worth it with the scene of their first kiss!! You can watch it on my Instagram;) ) Lots of cute, PDA, kissing hugging pull her close kind of scenes.. Third parties were not an issue. There was almost a break up for your own good, but it didn’t really last.

Now the PROBLEM with this drama was- everything else!! Hahahaha.. seriously.
1) The office at Velin- so boring!! All the office / business talk boring. The bitchy boss trying to back stab, ok a little interesting.
2) The side couple Gao Leng and Chen Shu- skipped and ff ALL OF IT. Pls writers- we are not interested.

The grandpa was kinda cute- he had a special relationship w his granddaughter. The last 10 episodes shifted and evolved quite a bit, and it did get a little more interesting. The ending was a bit weird. How long did she have to wait from the time she found the ring till he proposed? I couldn’t tell, it was too rushed. And the fact that they had to be apart from each other so often… not that great. But I suppose that’s life.

Yes yes YES!! Watch this and just FF all the boring parts ;)

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‘‘Twas good until it wasn’t

It’s one of those Kdramas where there’s a lot of bickering and Aigoo and aishhh and whyyyy and shouting and hitting… very typical Kdrama , which I’m not particularly fond of.

I DO LIKE the essence of the storyline- which is centred around mother Eun Mi and daughter Jin Hee. Each episode started with a little prologue of their lives years ago- how she got pregnant, how tough it was, how Jin Hee grew up as a child etc.. but again, the bickering and shouting were just too much to handle. There were also many soppy moments talking about love and life. I do like the dynamics and tacit understanding between mother and daughter. It was very unique and admirable, no matter how “broken” it was.

The romance was nothing really… just like a flittering speck of dust. Hahaha… so don’t expect anything at all. There is only one kiss- but the build up to it and the after effects will disappoint, lol. The last few episodes were quite meaningful, I teared quite a bit but then again I also Ff quite a bit. The crime and mystery aspect as so-so, just passing episodes I guess.

Shout out to both FL leads though. Their acting were commendable and both did well.

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Sorry, but it’s not good

I love both the main leads, esp Cha Eun Woo (who doesn’t??) but this drama just fell flat!!

It was interesting the first few episodes, then it got draggy, then it just got boring towards the last few episodes, like a bit necessary plot line cum trying to reach 14 episodes. Imagine after one year of dating (!!!!) they’re still trying to hide their relationship!! Does that even make sense? Great actors, they shld have chosen better scripts. As for the dog storyline, it was ok until it wasn’t. When the uncle was in human form but can’t talk and barking like a dog, that’s when I knew this was going downhill.

But the silver lining is, we get the visuals of CEW, and some nice kiss scenes ;)

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Skipped a lot

Some parts of the storyline was engaging. Twins having their own experiences and separate lives, back story from teenagers to adulthood in their 30s. The only parts I found engaging was Miji pretending to be Mirae in the office workplace, and her work related issues.

The parts of Mirae working in the strawberry farm; the mother scenes with her friends and Hosu’s mother- ALL SKIPPED! Yes, didn’t find that interesting at all. Towards the second half, PBY’s acting got very annoying with her whining and talking through her nasal passage! Eeshh, had to skip her as well. I like Jin young, esp from Yumi Cells, but this drama was just too typical and boring.

This year Cdramas are doing it for me. The Prisoner of Beauty is a very good one. Try that;)

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The only drama where I wished had MORE episodes :):)

Yes it has all the usual cliches - accidental fall and kiss✔️, contract bf/gf then really falling in love✔️, pretending to be someone else on a blind date✔️, rich guy CEO normal girl from “poor” family✔️, crazy colleagues✔️... maybe the one cliche it didn’t have was the bitchy ex or the love rival?! BUT!! Even with all the cliches, this drama is SO SO GOOD!!

1) It has only 12 episodes, so the pace is really fast. This is the first drama that I wished was longer!!! 2) It’s super hilarious- slapstick comedy as well as witty humour. 3) The four main leads have such awesome chemistry and VISUALS!! They look so good! 4) The romance between both couples is so sweet and done just exactly right! 5) The side characters are NOT AT ALL boring! I’ve seen so many dramas where the supporting casts are so annoying or such a let down. These support casts are great and funny!!

It really really is an epic rom-com. The ratings nationwide in SKorea is the highest! It has only two episodes left so if you have been contemplating, start now!! Highly highly recommended :):):)

Update: the final episode was just too rushed. Was expecting more after all the hype and build up from the entire series. There should have been a few more to wrap it up nicely. :(

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I wished it was better ;)

Epi 1-2.. a little dull as they introduced the characters. Epi3-5- very dramatic and lots of angst as both FL and ML navigate through a tough break up. But they start finding comfort with one another ;) After that the story becomes more interesting and engaging. We get to Epi 11 and it was the best! Very promising with our leads finding love again, romance blooming etc.. then boom! Back to square one? Uncertainty and lack of understanding. Both are pretty matured so there was good communication. Just beating around the bush. Tbh I didn’t really like the so called confession scene by the ML in the final episode. It’s true to his character yes, but come on! We all wanted that big gesture of love and romance!! Was a tad disappointed

Anyhow, some funny funny lol scenes here and there. The married couple were relatable, and the younger couple were a little annoying but still bearable. I wouldn’t say it’s a true blue Rom-Com , but definitely a light hearted nice one to watch. :)

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