Dori_G

I love the dads as well! Both characters are loving and supportive of the kids. They are flawed and realistic, but very admirable.

To start, I loved the original web novel and was really looking forward to this adaptation. Unfortunately, the drama has turned out to be a total drag with the additional of unnecessary villains and side stories. The leads are really sweet together, but their scenes are interspersed with all this annoying filler material. I completely agree with KanLe below that it's an OK show if you've got nothing else to watch.

I don't know if they have an translated version of the book. I've started listening to the audio book in its original Chinese version. The tone of the book much more serious than the TV show, so you should set your expectations before you start. So far, the book and the show have the same major plot points, but there are many variations in details of the characters and smaller events.

It's based on a different novel written by a different author. But the premise and many of the historical characters are the same. It's typical of Chinese movie/TV/literary market for there to be works that are very similar.

I read the book a while ago... but I seem to recall that Feng Jiu leaves a book for Dong Hua on his pillow

The title is a direct translation of the Chinese title and references a scene in the story. The term "pillow book" also references ancient Chinese erotica, but I don't believe that is it's primary purpose in this case.

I love the fact that the writers gave the K&K team members distinct personalities. I used to be "mother hen" to a group of 20-something male software engineers, so I completely get how HSY can get frustrated with their tricks and procrastination. These interactions really make HSY a three dimensional character instead of the typical cold, repressed ML.

Totally agree that the awkward first love/relationship scenes are cute and realistic. I especially like scene where HSY buys birthday presents for TN.

@alila I totally agree with your comments about FC having been deal the cruelest fate. I'm listening to the audio book of the original Chinese web novel while watching the tv series. His character is even more tragic in the novel and he did even more for RL than the TV show portrays. I'm halfway through the show and getting really annoyed with RL's coldness toward her husband. She doesn't even try to be a good wife in any way and comes off as spoiled and bitchy.

Just started watching last night and I'm already on ep 16! I love the soundtrack. All the lyrics are so romantic and just perfect the scenes.

Sandra's character is described as "middled-aged"? Oh I feel so old...

Thank you so much for this article! I've learned a lot from your explanation and examples. I'm sure I've picked on some of the intended results from viewing them, but never had the chance to really analyze my reaction to certain scenes. Now I can keep an eye out for those types of framing techniques.

i cried just watching the OST videos hahaha

Yup. It was 2nd prince who staged the assassination of the crown prince.

Minoucha I totally get what you are saying about POV. I think they are trying to show that ML is inherently a good and kind person who regrets what he has been forced to do in order to survive. There's that moment when FL is trying save him from quicksand and he expresses how sorry he is that he's tricking her from the start. I did notice that FL expressed romantic feelings toward shifu in the beginning, which is very different from the book. This makes what happens even worse because both ML and shifu know that they are pushing her toward unhappiness in order to achieve their family's goals.

Thanks so much for the detailed review of this show! I have been hesitant to try it since the 2008 Hu Ge version was so bad. I still remember watching the cheesy 1983 HK version (Felix Wong) as a little kid, and as bad as that version is there's still quite a bit of nostalgic value to it. I'll have to give this one a try since it is so true to the book.

That scene should be when she has recovered her memory and is completely devastated that she is married to her blood enemy.

I didn't like ML from the book either. he seems so duplicitous and emotionally manipulative. when I read the book, I honestly couldn't understand why she fell in love with him after they got married. I just started the show and even from ep 1 I can tell they changed the story from the book. The TV show is definitely trying to make ML a more likeable character. It's 52 episodes, so I hope the show develops his character in a different way...

I'm on ep 4 and enjoying the playfulness of their interactions. We've agreed on a bunch of other series, so I'm glad to see you're enjoying this one. ^_^

Glad to hear that. I hope ZBB gets the girl this time.

Ariel is 10 years older than ZBB IRL. So their chemistry and romance seems realistic?