Jenny park

? The Romance Was On But Went Off In The Middle ?

Question: are you here for pure romance and justice? Then you can watch from EP 1 to 28 and exit as soon as possible, but if you are not bent on the pure romance and justice then this review is not for you.. And you will have no problem watching to the end.

The series is masterful from ep 1 to 28, the chemistry is second to none and the FL was on a different level that you can't help forgetting the existence of time when watching her on the screen. Those episodes are the ones I saved on my device which I can rewach many times without getting bored...

#Importance notice 🔔

I gave any reviews with no bias and under this review, you get the most honest answer to whatever your curiosity on the romance Arc. And how the writer wants to manipulate and fed the audience with Lies while showing the opposite. You can check my bio to get a clear picture on how I write critiques on fiction with my standards and respect in relationship...

NOTE: this review is solely on the Romance Arc and the injustice done to the ML which is helpful to those who came for pure romance and justice. Other than that and the dramatic illogical ending, every other Aspect of the show are super good which you can judge from my star rating 🌟

#Quick info:

。First half of the show ::: FL and ML got more screen time (With A decisive FL)

。Sec. half of the show ::: FL and SML got more screen time (With An Indecisive FL)

。Throughout the show ::: Obsessive, Manipulative, Simpin, Stalker and Annorying Evil SML (With a manipulated Love Triangle)

。Marriage ::: SML and FL got married in Ep 30 in a forced marriage by the Evil SML which the FL shows no resistance to it.

。Star crossed and Fated Love Arc ::: The writer claimed this is a star crossed lovers and fated lovers Arc between the ML and FL. But is a lie, this is about the Evil SML and FL. They have been companions for generations of years in ambiguity.

。Injustice ::: The biggest injustice was done to the ML in this drama, all his heroic work and credit was given to the Evil-SML who was suddenly whitewashed from all his evil.. He was a last minute made up Artificial-Hero. An evil villain that is above consequences and retribution.... The writers force-feeded manipulated lies towards the audience...

。Ending EP 39 40 is not a Plot-Twist but Lies ::: A Dramatic ending with no existence of logics. What happened with the sudden Artificial-Hero (Evil SML) is not a plot Twist, is an utterly force-feeded manipulated lies against the audience, making us look stupid....... Waited for his deadly punishments for his evil, but the writer sudden made him a "misunderstood hero and misguided lover" in the last minutes.... Story for the kids 👎


⚠️____ EP 29 to 40 reviews specifically____⚠️

#Any Love Triangle?:

. FL's only realistic Feelings are only when she is with SML and her sympathy and care for him (she is comfortable with all intimate and ambiguous interactions with SML).... But Her interactions with ML seems fake and unrealistically forced,. No matter how they forced it on the screen, It looks absolutely Fake.
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. Even though the writer want to deceive us with no love triangle, but in reality this drama is a love triangle and the Relationship with FL and ML feels cheated due to FL's ambiguous interactions with SML... The atmospheric tension for romance became different whenever she's with SML

. This show is a good definition of (say the opposite and does the opposite)
On the way, Every thing the writer want to prove to the audience on the screen was totally lies... (force-feeding us with "white" when the real intension is "black") the illicit action and ambiguous interactions of the FL and SML says otherwise.
Especially in how the show portrayed the Evil-SML toxic behavior. Here's a clearer and more straightforward review:

#The Second Male Lead’s Dangerous Psycho Obsession:

. The SML wasn’t just a psycho jerk; his actions were dangerous and toxic. He committed terrible crimes including many evil deeds against the male lead (ML), who was a true Hero and supposed to be the true love interest of the female lead (FL).
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He does every stupid things out of jealousy and his obsessive love for FL, even though the serie wants to prove otherwise while whitewashing him, but his actions and emotions proved the opposite. And only kids will fall for those manipulated fed lies by the Writer.

. Instead of showing all his evil actions as unacceptable, the series tried to frame them as "Misunderstood Hero and misguided lover," in the guise of doing his Benevolent duty which was very misleading and contradicting from his evil actions.
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By doing this, the show made it seem like stalking, manipulation, lies, deception, framing and obsession could somehow be excused as Heroism and misguided love or Some made up last minute Artificial-Hero.

#The Female Lead’s Poor Boundaries:

. From Ep 1 to 28: The FL was able to set a clear boundaries with the obsessive psycho by not sending any wrong signals to him. Making the first half of the serie outstanding and super fantastic with the leads-focus and electrifying chemistry ⚡

. From EP 29 to EP-40: The FL fell from the ladder and character inconsistency. Her response to the SML’s actions made things worse. Instead of setting clear boundaries or condemning his actions, she often sympathized with him and even supported him.
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For example, in episode 36, she allowed the SML to romance her face while she seems to be enjoying his romance. She also transferred half of her powers to him only just to heal his injuries (she can't afford to see him hurt), even when he had killed and hurt the ML and caused his immense suffering multiple times throughout 10,000 years.
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Her every decisions to help and care for the Evil SML, despite his terrible actions, felt unrealistic for some one who keep advocating how much she love the ML in her speech but does the opposite in her emotions and actions. Which begs the authencitic of her commitment in a relationship with ML

. Her grief and deep emotional cry-out in EP 40, when the Evil-SML dies in his Hypocritical Noble-Sacrifice, she showed a deep emotional connection to him, even though he had caused so much harm to ML who she claimed she love. This portrayal made her look indecisive and even confused about what she truly wanted, she didn't grieve this way when SML killed ML, in fact, she didn't grieve at all but still help SML and even married him.
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I don't want to talk about EP 29 30 where she shows no resistance against the forced marriage with SML after the ML died, they even had the audacity to call it "Marriage Funeral"... Oh yes! They are Officially married couple for completing the last bow in the Chinese marriage culture.

# Redemption Without Accountability and Injustice towards the ML

. One of the biggest flaws on the drama was how it handled the SML’s redemption. Throughout the serie, he was clearly the most veil evil villain, but at the last minutes, the story suddenly later tried to whitewash and present him as a "Noble misunderstood hero and misguided lover".
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He then Suddenly became An undercover hero sacrificing everyone including ML to save the world Oh! that's normal isn't? Yet another manipulated fed lies by the Writer while portraying the opposite.

. Instead of giving real consequences or regret for his evil actions, the SML’s redemption came from one dramatic, sacrificial Hypocritical Noble-Act that was supposed to make up for every evil things he had done.
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Such a Hypocritical Noble-Act of dying to save the FL and the world despite all his evil actions is an utterly nonsense and garbage move by the Writer. Logics was no where to be found...

. This ignored all the pain he have caused to the world, especially to the ML, who had suffered for 10,000 years because of him . The show failed to hold him accountable for his actions, making it seem like forgiveness didn’t require any real change or apology, just so he is a last minutes made up "Artificial Hero" and so be it. Every reason is justified.
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The injustice done to ML who is the real example of "Hero" was defeating and there was no retribution towards the master evil who have killed him multiple times through different reincarnational circles, only for the purpose of jealousy and his obsession towards the FL which the writer wants to blush to fool everyone by proving the otherwise.

#Confusing Love and Relationship Loyalty

The FL’s feelings were inconsistent and confusing throughout the 2nd half of series and At the same time, her affection for the ML only seemed clear when he was still "Xie Xue Chen(XXC)", making her love feel conditional and selective, debunking any true-meaning of reincarnated and fated love Arc. This left me unsure of who she truly loved, creating frustration instead of emotional depth.
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Ironically but the FL couldn't accept all the versions of the ML but she can accept SML in every form. Which is enough to prove she didn't truely love ML deeply the way she advocate it, is just the writer forcing things the opposite way.
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The biggest plot mess at the End and the dramatic illogical Ending will be highly remembered, the writer is the most laziest of all time.
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Overall FL's only realistic feelings on the screen are her sympathy with SML and the ambiguous Intimate interactions between them which she enjoys.. At this point who cares if she ended up together with ML, which is almost none because there was only 5 minutes happy ending after all this nonsense..

# Problematic Messaging and Conclusion

To sum up things, The 2nd half of the serie couldn't tell a satisfying or meaningful love storytelling. It did not provide justice for the characters, especially the ML, and sent troubling messages about love and forgiveness.
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By excusing harmful behavior and justifying all the evil actions of the SML and his unhealthy manipulated-relationships while at the same time misleading and denying the true-meaning of what is showing to the audience, the show missed the chance to tell a powerful and positive love storytelling.
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In the end, the series did not only just failed in romance Arc but also damaging in its portrayal of relationships and personal accountability. Which left me frustrating with psychological disorder. Justice for the ML!!! ⚖️ ⚖️

Tips ::: you might want to read the extended spoilers...
Direct-Links to important extended (spoilers) under this review comment area 🤗🤗
1) https://kisskh.at/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20419488
2) https://kisskh.at/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20412406

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Expectation beyond Expectations with some downsides..

Just finished this drama and this is how I feel about it and ENDING 39 40:

FL Unclear Feelings between the Leads

EP 39 Ending::: I actually hate EP 39 ending, it was too ambiguous because it just seems that the FL is confused about her own feelings due to how she grieved when SML died... It just seems to me that she wants to have two men at the same time..
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I gave her the benefit of doubt in the middle of the series for not knowing that SML loves her while keeping his token of love with her, which he have indirectly told her that the token is for his future wife to be..
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She proved me wrong when she returned the token upon hearing that SML is about to marry Luo ge's sister which she felt sad in her emotions by persuading SML not to do so. She told SML that she's returning the token of love to him to give to his new wife, proven that she knows the meaning of the token... But I still overlooked those ambiguous scene in the middle as i chose not to take it serious...

But EP 39 proved me wrong again when she grieved like she wants to die with SML. afterwards she then accepted his token of love again and put it around her waist while replacing ML token. Very cherishing isn't?.., which means she now agrees to be his wife even after death as she already knows the meaning of the token.
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So even though she sacrificed to save the ML but it made me feel like she died to accompany SML. Because her grieve over SML death and her emotional depth aligns to that. So overall, I can say that she do care for him more than a friend both in the middle of the serie and ep 39 ending which Futher proves she has feelings for him..

EP 40 ending::: This ending was perfect in my opinion as there was indeed no ambiguity, and I do love that she founded the ML in the last minutes given us a happy ending.
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In terms of pure romance between the lead, I can say that the first half of the story is the best and more convincing...

Obsessive and annoying SFL

I was very annoyed with the obsessive 2FL but I was very glad that ML was able to set a clear boundaries and didn't feed her wet dreams.. Even though there was some ambiguous moments I found uncomfortable, but those moments was when the ML are unconscious in her tricks haha. I just hate how close she was to ML in her arms during his unconsciousness moments...
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Overall the ML is very clear about what he wants and who he needs throughout the series without giving us a mix feeling like FL who seems to like SML... So I just realized that this obsessive psychos in any drama can be lest annoying if they are not getting what they wants. The way ML set clear boundaries with the 2FL anytime she was lost in her delusion, made me laughing at her instead of angry hahaha 😂

Perfect SML

I also love the SML in this show, in fact this is my first time I love SML this much. He is too good to be a demon haha. She loved the FL but also understood she is already in a relationship without stepping his boundaries...
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His only wish was when FL got bored with ML and chooses him willingly.. He's not forcing his feelings on her but are ready to help her in distress without even letting her know.. This is pure love. No emotional blackmailing like other SML in many dramas.. I just wished they had paired him with someone and give him his happy ending because he deserves it.

Sacrificing Beloved Ones for Righteous Cause

. Honestly I'm not a fan of this trope of sacrificing beloved ones to save the world, I hate this trope with passion, even though I surposed to understand there is no choice rather than killing beloved ones. Hence I'm not blaming anyone or anything here. I just don't like this trope no matter what reasons they came up with..
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Overall, this is not a Hypothetical self righteous cause which I disgust most. The reasons here for sacrifice are still justifiable though, but I just don't like this trope of saving the world at the cost of a beloved ones for any reason at all, is not my cup of tea..

ML Duty Over Romance

I don't like this type of dutiful ML who choose duty over love especially in the immortal realm where he was very cold to FL at the beginning, I just hate those moments with passion but I was later relieved when he chooses to open up to his feelings and defend her,
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I love the lead chemistry in the first half . But their chemistry in 2nd half wasn't engaging at all, the kisses made me feeling a 2nd hand embarrassment haha... So but I blame that on the ML who chooses duty over love.

Conclusion

Overall I do enjoyed this show and it delivered more than my expectations. I love every single character and also the 2nd couple which I'm not going to illustrate.
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Bin Bin is an embodiment of acting-perfection.. Nailing 3 personality is nothing short of masterful. He Futher proved my expectations of him beyond.
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The FL was also good, I love her especially in the first half, some people here dislike her acting but I love, I'm only dissatisfied with her unclear ambiguous feelings towards the SML... I overlooked them because it wasn't over-played by the Writer, but I can't overlook it in EP 39 ending lol..
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As for the Psycho 2FL, I'm happy she died at the end and get her retribution.. Even though her suicide death doesn't make sense to me.. She have been obsessed with ML throughout the series but suddenly can't accept the Evil ML version lol

Star Rating Of different ending ep 39 and 40 🌟

. For EP 40 ending, I would rate this show 8.6 ..
Reason :: Even though I don't like the sacrifice of beloved ones for righteous cause, but I partially overlook it for not being Hypocritical.. And finally because of the last minute happy ending.
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. For EP 39 ending, I would rate this show 7.0 .. Reason is because of the abrupt ambiguous feelings of FL towards SML, that made her her unsure of what she wants. That made me very uncomfortable and cringed..

My preferred rating 8.6 🌟 EP 40 ending, let me pretend ep 39 never existed ✅

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A Masterpiece of Chinese Historical Drama

"Blossom" is a 2024 drama that tells a story of rebirth and redemption. The show follows Dou Zhao, who, after a life full of betrayal and loss, gets a second chance to change her fate. The plot mixes romance, mystery, and political intrigue in an engaging and emotional way. It avoids unnecessary drama between the main characters, focusing instead on their mutual respect and teamwork. Each episode builds the story steadily without feeling rushed or slow.

Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui deliver strong, natural performances. Meng Zi Yi, as Dou Zhao(FL), shows a deep transformation from a wounded woman to a clever strategist. Li Yun Rui plays Song Mo(ML), a fair but troubled general, adding depth to his character. Their on-screen chemistry makes their scenes very touching and powerful, and the supporting cast adds even more detail to the story.

The visuals of "Blossom" are stunning, capturing the spirit of the Ming dynasty with detailed costumes and sets. The cinematography, with its artistic framing and symbolic use of purple, enhances the storytelling. The first episode sets a high standard with its dramatic and beautifully shot scenes.

The original soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly matching the mood and elevating key moments in the drama.

While there are a few pacing issues towards the end and some minor changes from the original book that might disappoint certain fans, these are small problems compared to the drama’s many strengths.

Overall, "Blossom" is a great example of what Chinese historical dramas can achieve. It entertains, leaves a lasting impression, and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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An unconvincing Winter tale

I decided to write my review about this Drama after my several efforts to convince myself to keep watching.

Plot and Pacing:

. The series started very promising; A detective and an anesthesiologist reuniting after 8 years of breakup, they were entangled in a serial murder investigation and a past love story.
. But unfortunately, the plot quickly becomes its own worst enemy.

.There are too much time spent on the rekindling romance which feels clichéd and lacks spark.
.The mystery aspect, which should have been a compelling backbone, is introduced with potential but then fells in a manner that feels underwhelming.
.losing focus on the central investigation, which leads to my disjointed viewing experience .

Character Development:

.The characters are perhaps the most disappointing element to me.
.Jiang Chengyi (ML) was supposed to be a dedicated detective, yet his portrayal was very incompetent and often lacks depth, with his professional life being overshadowed by his pursuit and simp of Lu Yan(FL) who wants to be left alone. Let me just call him "lover boy" and he's good at nothing else.

.Lu Yan (FL), on the other hand, is an intriguing character with the best emotions, but the series fails to delve into her psychological or emotional journey caused by her dead friend (Deng Man).
. The supporting cast, including characters like Deng Man, are thinly written, serving more as plot devices than as individuals with their own narratives or growth arcs.

Romantic Elements:

. The central romance, meant to be the heart of "Love Song in Winter," is yet another place where the drama particularly fails to me.
. The chemistry between the leads feels forced, with their interactions often falling into predictable patterns such coincidence meet.

. The drama falls in the trap of this tired "tropes" such as; constant coincidental meetings and misunderstandings, which do little to advance leads relationships or emotional depth.
. The ML's pathetically shadowing of the female lead who constantly disrespect and trashed him, makes him to look absolutely stupid.

Production Quality:

. While visually "Love Song in Winter" has moments of beauty, capturing the essence of winter, the overall execution lacks the intensity needed for both the romantic and suspenseful elements.
. The direction sometimes fails to build suspense, and the background score or "love song" of the drama is forgettable, not enhancing the emotional or dramatic moments as it should be.

Conclusion:

To me, "Love Song in Winter" is a missed opportunity. It's bogged down by predictable storytelling and lackluster character development with annoying ML who keep stalking and invading the privacy of the heroine who have rejected him multiple times.

For those seeking a drama where love and mystery intertwine effectively, I wouldn't really recommend but however you can always try it out since everyone has different taste.. This was just my opinion and believe me, I was really pissed off with the incompetent and lover-boy ML.

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Crappie and illogical storyline

I'm giving this drama 7 star 🌟
First of all let me highlight what I love about this drama.

1) The OST: I'm in awe with the amazing OST which left me mesmerizing, I can say that this drama has the best OST this 2024

2)The Visuals: I love the visual effects of this drama which makes each an every character extremely beautiful and gave them a wonderful visual on the screen. I applaud it for that. And all the characters did a great job.

Here are my dislike and dissatisfaction of this drama.

1) The ml: I feel like the way the ml who was portrayed of being the most powerful celestial creature in this show was overly over hyped.

Reason being because i couldn't feel the aura of a supreme being in him in the screen.
His fight potential as a powerful demon was totally inferior compared to other characters in the show. Like I was rooting to see him unleash that powerful force as he was portrayed to be but was disappointed. Some may come and justify it with many backstory reasons but that doesn't change the fact. We just didn't feel his majestic power in the screen.

Secondly, the ml efforts to cracks jokes when things are getting serious Offs me, like that will just make me lose my appetite of watching for a while or just fast-forward such ridiculous parts.

Thirdly, the ml who is obviously a demon lord being portrayed as a benevolent like Devine-God isn't my cup of tea,
like I'm not into such type of a demon character unless he was portrayed as a devine God.
I only accept a gray demon character and not some sort of God-like character who will be a sacrificial lamb to save the world.
Even if he wants to do so is fine but his character should always maintain gray vibe and not always act all time Holy like a Catholic priest hahaha.

2) The storyline: I think the storyline fails to differentiate the difference between mortal and immortal being. Like I will just get confused when a lowly humans can easily subdue demons who has a supernatural power.

This drama Over hyped humans abilities and limitations against a celestial being.

Secondary the parallel world in this drama sucks, I was expecting the Wilderness to be a distinct realm of demons which is different from human realm and also a place where living human can't go while still alive.

Overall, this drama fails to separate the difference between men and immortal being by giving a mare mortal the ability to subdue and precide over immortal being which is totally ridiculous and illogical to me.

I know I should accept the plot as it is but such an illogical stories are meant to entertain kids and insult Adult IQ and I'm not passive about that.

In this drama, human and demon were just mixed that you will now wonder which is immortal being lol.

I know this is xianxia genre drama but the drama direction was obviously defining Xuanhuan genre which is why everything was contradicted.

In most xianxia genre, only human who was possessed by celestial power can come in contact or challenge demon. And most type of demon in xianxia are human who are possessed by demon. Or some sort demonic Godly weapons and sword.

Unlike in Xuanhuan that portrays direct demon or god.

This whole theory was why this drama fail woefully in this aspect.

Chinese dramas in category of "Wuxia, xianxia or Xuanhuan" revolves around chinese culture and traditions and if any Director or writers who change this definition to something scientifical theories and logic with morden norms, then is no longer a Chinese drama but a Western style drama.

That's my take I hope that helps.

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