Action packed & incredibly romantic mystery
Wow the 1st half is so so good. The unimpressive/kinda boring opening credits are probably the only semi"bad" thing.The 2nd half is not as good as things escalate. The plot stretches to the limits of my plausibility meter but these gaps are quickly forgotten with the drama's fast pace. Although only 12 eps long this drama feels a bit longer - in a good way. The twists and turns make for an exciting ride with good closure touching on explaining everything before wrapping things up with a nice satisfying ending.
This drama was very well done and one of the most creatively told stories I've watched in a long time. Really fun to watch with well paced surprises throughout. This drama is very entertaining and action packed while still managing to be incredibly romantic. There are unexpected LOL comedic interactions and jealousy inducing romantic moments that would speed melt the hardest hearts.
Casting is impeccable. The acting is superb especially the ML. He is an exceptional artist. (I haven't watxhed him before but I'll be looking more of his dramas as I find the time.) He nails this character down from all angles. The delivery of some of his best lines are so breathtakingly smooth and swoonworthy. I'm not sure anyone else could replicate or do better. His domineering stares are GQ/Hugo Boss runway steamy while his vulnerable true self makes you melt all the same but for completely different reasons.
Great mix of good and bad relationships on display. I loved the couples and friend circles. I had zero issues with the main lead age gap. They looked so good together and they are both smart mature adults. Their chemistry was fire! Perfect balance of sugary sweet and red hot spice when they turn up the heat. Also, It was nice to see the FL wasn't dumbed down to some childlike character.
This story is told by a director with master skills. Eventhough you might be able to guess the main culprit half way, there is enough going on to keep you hooked.
The scriptwriting is never boring. You'll find unexpected humor, subtle double entendres, plus heartgriping declarations of love and pain. There are characters who must learn to bend and forgive those who may have wronged them to allow for some redemption and freedom. Others need to learn to be stronger, and more steadfast to almost being stubborn. Lessons on honesty and compassion are also key. Every conversation adds to the suspense and emotional intensity.
Cinematography, music and editing are all very good. Some really fun creative shots; all of them interesting and matching the stylish edgy vibe of the whole production. The visuals are high contrast layers of light (bright sunny lush forests and shining ballroom opulence) to sudden shades of grey and moonlit darkness. This parallells our journey as we are shown the multiple sides of each character. The drama keeps you guessing; who is a friend who is not? who is hurt? who is causing the pain? How far are they willing to go? Etc. Etc.
Highly recommend this.
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The emotional roller-coaster is well worth the ride
This drama is fresh and so different from the masses of cookie cutter C-dramas. This ML character is admirable but cautious and vulnerable (less cliche). The FL is spot on; beautifully broken and magnetic. Both are stubborn, passionate (at times) and overall just feel more real than most in Cdrama-land.Paced slower than average but never dull. Family, friendships, and romantic love are all touched on beautifully through various characters. The emotional roller-coaster is well worth the ride in this incredible drama. It has a realistic rise of tension from building connections in real time and flashback clues, warm moments of hope, then a misunderstanding, then a recovery, then devastating heartbreak then hope...keeping you wanting more, learning more, feeling more.
I found many moments that mirrored my own experiences. Some memories of regrets, some of love, new friendships, unexpected career choices, facing doubt and disappointment, arguments with my family, dealing with death, self doubt and fear, the feeling of living in autopilot, the paralysis when facing conflicting goals, I could go on.
Romantic pace is almost perfect. I say almost because there are a couple situations where I slightly question if the way it played out was inline with the characters and what they had gone thru. I understood and appreciated the characters and their journeys (speaking about main ones mostly here) but I also hated them when I saw them hold themselves or their relationships back. A second is all it takes for one regretful word, look or action to result in alot of pain.
The cast is spot in. I laughed and cried with these people. I don't do this often. If you're up for it, watch this. Facing death, separation and pain are consistent themes. It hits too hard for a friend of mine but it was perfect for me.
Ps. I found the setting, pace and main characters similar to Li Xians' other drama "Meet yourself". This drama is leaps and bounds better. Almost incomparable other than the overarching items above. I found the other drama dull and predictable. Liu Yi Fei was not interesting and too nice for a person who was also supposed to be dealing with a painful crossroad in her life. The main cp chemistry was also meh. (This one is 🔥.)
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Well acted, well paced, beautifully put together.
Only 2 dull episodes in the middle (focused on the detailed telling of the conflicts they had to face.) These were unnecessary to me as I knew the general issue and felt that was enough, from there I just wanted to skip how they overcame it. Everything else was very well done for the mood of the drama.It is a slower paced series but with only 16 eps it goes by quickly. I delayed watching this as I thought it might be too dull or depressing. And it maybe for some people but I was in the right mood for this.
The leads are introverted and frustrating at times. Luckily they have a strong internal compass and they know well enough to pay attention to the small clues life gives us when we go astray. The story shares a little of the experiences they go through when they listen to themselves and when they feel external factors might have a better advice. This is a balance we all have to go through and for some of us introverts, it's incredibly challenging. This is especially true when those external voices are from parents or mentors whom we've learnt to trust or simply obey out of duty or lack of self-confidence.
I'm very pleased with how this plays out. The romantic chemistry is wonderful and moving. The cast was exceptional and I'll be looking forward to their future work.
Production, scrip and costume design all aligned well. I especially liked that the FL was not downplayed as dowdy or stereotypically nerdy (looking naturally beautiful with a classic style). She was human, sensitive, inexperienced but never a pushover. This actor's skill set is on full display.
Thank you for everyone's hard work on this. It was a pleasure watching this.
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Complex feelings explored. Not a light romance.
The partners of the main couple are epically frustrating. Idolization and / or possession are not the types of love that last. All reason is lost when jealousy and bitterness take over the broken hearted and insecure. This ultimately makes them irrational and unbearable. I can understand their hurt, but that doesn't make their actions or verbal attacks acceptable.The mains have their good and bad moments, as we all do. Their strength is found in their hearts. They are true to themselves thru out.
Life takes us to unpredictable places and situations, sometimes inexplicably bringing people into our lives whether we like it or not. It is what it is, and we have to face all of it honestly. You can only hope the person you fall in love with does the same and stays in love with you as long as you love them. This often isn't the case though & it's okay...life must go on and there will be someone else. (If you are patient and learn to give someone else a chance.) Even if it hurts, you need to learn when it's time to let go; then you should let go.
Listen to your heart, and your priorities will align. It might not be easy, but happiness will find you. This is the message I take from the drama.
Solid drama but a lot of angst, confusion, and pain. The drama is a rollercoaster to the very end but finishes on a positive note. Good watch if you have the capacity for a more realistic mature drama.
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What a ride! So many incredibly talented actors nicely packed in 1 drama.
Really well done. Brutal violence. Short story like format with each life experience. Fast and action packed.Really good cast of folks including the long list of special appearance & supporting actors. Epic mix of very talented people. A must watch for this reason alone. With the story telling format its easy to watch in short sittings (1 ep at a time) but you'll likely binge this list me.
Some parts are OTT with the blood or mind bending twists but thats the story they had to follow.
P1 IS BETTER thank Pt2 not sure why 2nd half is rated higher.
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Would love to see the mains together again in a better production...
Sadly the the story is choppy and not told well. So many holes as everyone says. The production team and backend folks should have done better. Only the casting director seemed to have had any skillful foresight and deeper insight for this project.The cast, especially the main actors are great. Lusi is young and just starting to build on her career so not as skilled as she is now but still very good. This is the same for Xu Kai. Hopefully they get cast again in another drama together. I would love to see them in something better. Love them both. I'd be happy if they even tried to do this story again with a new screenwriter, director and editor. (Random info I found interesting: the screenwriter and director was the same guy. He was roughly 30 yrs old at the making of this film. Little to no experience otherwise. I guess he had a lot of confidence in himself.)
Objectively, I don't recommend this movie. This being said because I like these types of characters, the general concept of the story, the actors and I have a poor memory; I will be rewatching this. I've watched this three times already and will likely watch this again if I get bored in a year or so.
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Funny, fun, romantic, and beautiful
This is on my rewatch list. Just finished the series for a 2x time. Found it funnier than the 1st time thru. Literally lol numerous times. Quirky bits and piece that purposely makes fun of itself and ensures no one gets too serious. Don't look for historical accuracy or realism here. Just go along for the ride and you'll have a blast.Some annoying side stories and not much screen time of them being an actual couple but the build up is beautiful. Significant growth and development for the ML.
The last few eps were confusing and had too much unnecessary stuff going in then the last ep seemed rushed. Other than that, it's a happy ending story with minimal annoying side people.
Exceptionally good visual production. Beautiful people, backgrounds, sets and costumes.
Acting is excellent with the exception of the 2nd ML. Riley is cute and fun but seems overly dramatic with some of his facial expressions. Loved the child actors interacting with Neo.
Lastly, no real kisses just a couple scenes with their lips touching. I guess I need to see more romantic dramas with Neo and see if he's like this all the time or maybe it was just poor direction. Despite this, this show is a dreamy fantasy love story that's a feast for the eyes.
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Interesting bits and pieces but mostly slow and boring
Sorry, can't finish this one. I've really enjoyed other drama by these 2 mains but this one falls flat for me. Feels contrived and uber slow. I see romatic gestures, words and actions; where he says some sweet things, je is very dedicated, straightforward, and captured with love of first sight. But as another reviewer said... "Leo Wu so stiff & expressionless, like he doesn't know what to do with his character, trying to portray someone deeply pained [and unknowingly lovestruck] but not quite getting it." He comes across creepy with stalker vibe looks. He's slightly less creepy once they start dating but still the questioning of her relationships and outings - without talking to her directly, showing up unannounced cuz of jealously or inconveniencing others or borrowing to put up a false sense of self (i.e. you can barely afford to eat out or travel but you cull favors to let her think you have no limits or issues) is not great in my opinion. Honestly comes out more later but I'm already bored so will leave it as is for now. If I ever finish this and feel otherwise I'll come back to update this review.For now, I'll wait for Leo's next project. Still a big fan of his, just not a fan of this drama.
The FL is talented and much more likable and prettier here than she was in her previous dramas but still finding her abit dull. She's cute and all but something - not sure what keeps me from being a true fan. I liked Princess Royale alot and enjoyed one of her 1st lead roles in ALTCFL. She's so surprisingly young. She has alot of potential for her age.
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow, complicated and overly dramatic
Mains slow mending relationship. The FLs purposeful lack of clarity for some significant hurt she caused and further extending misunderstandings was very disappointing and unnecessary. Her excuses for not being more clear and honest earlier was not reasonable.Although there is some chemistry after years apart, I wouldnt have forgave her with her running away for years. Hoping for forgiveness and another try without any explanation is pretty bold move and completely unbelievable. Also shocking that even after she had no plans to explain anything she persisted and ony explaining when she ws forced too. Trust has to be built it is not an entitlement.
Add serial killers, rando bad guys plus good guys with poor judgement the show goes into a sharp decline in my books. The crazy and/or possibly just evil dudes are annoying and got too much air time. Not sure if the screenwriter wanted us care about the people or just kept things basic you see how the crime solving plaays out
Plausibility of the plot and characters is very low.
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Incredibly well done and creative.
One of my all time favorite dramas. Everyone was fantastic. The story was told in a really interesting way little to no clichés in this but so touching. This has everything from very scary moments, laugh your ass off koments, tearful heartbreak moments to breathtaking steamy moments. Everyone is slightly broken in different ways (as we all are) but they find a way to come together choosing to see the light more than the darkness in eachother.Was this review helpful to you?
Cute couple. Strong relationship with little nonsense.
My first review on MDL...this show was so underrated. I loved so much about it. I did read the controversies and complaints. To me the issues were either very minor and more funny than truly concerning (e.g. criticism about her shoes or his clothes) or they were behind the scenes personal issues that should not have impacted reviews and score of the drama itself. As a fan of the leads, I felt sad that they didn't get the full praise this deserved and we didn't as much of the extra side interviews and fun content had they promoted this normally. This is on my constant rewatch list. So many beautiful scenes. And the BTS clips were so funny. I know chances are low but I still really hope they'll do another one together.Was this review helpful to you?
