This review may contain spoilers
An intricate slow-burn revenge drama with an oustanding CP | Loving Grandmother <3
"What has the world come to? The pure, loyal, and upright people are forced to continuously scheme just to get by." - Nanny Chang
I was in the middle of watching this drama, totally enjoying the leads' chemistry when I suddenly got reminded who Feng Shao Feng is...my divorced CP. Dang!
I feel like it has been a long while since I watched a slow-paced slice of life drama like this; and I'm not gonna lie, it took me back to those days when productions took drama-making more seriously compared to how it is today. The quality of this drama alone is proof of how fast the market has changed for the past several years, and it's sad to think about how careless and rushed dramas are done nowadays.
I want to give credit to this drama for giving me the striking and satisfying slow-burn sensation I haven't felt in a long while. It offered well-structured characters and plot twists that clearly represented the daily life struggles of women during the primeval days in the most realistic and fascinating way.
Sheng Minglan's story from childhood to adulthood was excellently narrated, with moderate pacing that was neither too fast nor too slow, making it feel as if we were really growing up with her. The recounting of her sufferings was thoughtfully selected, with each scene effectively showing how she was molded and evolved into the person she is. The scenes are thoroughly and skillfully chosen, arranged to reveal her growth: from a witty little girl to an obedient and cautious teenager, and finally, to a meticulous and prudent young adult who showcases her well-hidden talents. She is a truly compelling character—one you can't help loving for her wonderful and amazing qualities. She's observant, analytical, and strategic when it comes to her plans, and her executions have always been intricate and accurate, making sure that they hit her target. This embodies her forbearance and resolute attitude when it comes to her goals and objectives.
The show started to get really interesting when she was given the chance to manage the household. Imagine going from being deprived of daily necessities to managing the entire household! That is what I consider her 'Rise of the Oppressed' moment, which commenced her real story and signaled the start of her grand revenge scheme. What I truly love about her are her tendencies to incite grand and twisted plots to seek justice and revenge for her loved ones. She shows no mercy to those she deems beyond salvation and worthy of punishment. Episode 64 specially got me crying. When her grandmother thanked her for managing the poisoning situation very well. That scene made me realize how amazing it is to have a doting and loving grandma like that.
Lastly, I guess I just want to say that I am happy that all the major antagonists ended up dying, a fate they well-deserved for the evil deeds they'd done. I'm also grateful that we got a rather peaceful and warm ending. Seeing the Sheng family reuniting with their spouses, with a hint of reconciliation with Molan, touched my heart. Nothing really beats familial support and unity.
"In usual days, you're tolerant about everything. But when pushed to a dead end, you would fight all out and let everyone just perish with you." - Sheng Old Madaam
Story - 10, What I truly love about this drama is its cohesive and clear plot. From the beginning till the end, it managed to keep the story going without having any noticeable major plot holes, and all the plot devices were efficiently utilized.
Acting/Cast - 10, I love the cast and the leads' chemistry is just on another level. Now I understand why they (Shaofeng & Liying) ended up getting married. FSF has this warm and fun vibe that made me wonder who the hell will not fall in love with a man like that? He's a walking chemistry!
Music - 10, I think they used a total of 2-3 songs on this drama and all of them sounds fine to me. I'm giving this a perfect score since neither of the songs nor sound effects put me off even once.
Rewatch Value - 10, Definitely! I'm in love with Minglan and Tingye's story; I wouldn't mind watching it again. It is highly recommended.
Overall - 10, I'm considering/categorizing this as a classic just based on how dramas are done today. This show brought me back to the good old days when people used to take drama-making seriously. This drama is a testament to how well dramas were made five or so years ago, compared to today's productions.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
I was in the middle of watching this drama, totally enjoying the leads' chemistry when I suddenly got reminded who Feng Shao Feng is...my divorced CP. Dang!
I feel like it has been a long while since I watched a slow-paced slice of life drama like this; and I'm not gonna lie, it took me back to those days when productions took drama-making more seriously compared to how it is today. The quality of this drama alone is proof of how fast the market has changed for the past several years, and it's sad to think about how careless and rushed dramas are done nowadays.
I want to give credit to this drama for giving me the striking and satisfying slow-burn sensation I haven't felt in a long while. It offered well-structured characters and plot twists that clearly represented the daily life struggles of women during the primeval days in the most realistic and fascinating way.
Sheng Minglan's story from childhood to adulthood was excellently narrated, with moderate pacing that was neither too fast nor too slow, making it feel as if we were really growing up with her. The recounting of her sufferings was thoughtfully selected, with each scene effectively showing how she was molded and evolved into the person she is. The scenes are thoroughly and skillfully chosen, arranged to reveal her growth: from a witty little girl to an obedient and cautious teenager, and finally, to a meticulous and prudent young adult who showcases her well-hidden talents. She is a truly compelling character—one you can't help loving for her wonderful and amazing qualities. She's observant, analytical, and strategic when it comes to her plans, and her executions have always been intricate and accurate, making sure that they hit her target. This embodies her forbearance and resolute attitude when it comes to her goals and objectives.
The show started to get really interesting when she was given the chance to manage the household. Imagine going from being deprived of daily necessities to managing the entire household! That is what I consider her 'Rise of the Oppressed' moment, which commenced her real story and signaled the start of her grand revenge scheme. What I truly love about her are her tendencies to incite grand and twisted plots to seek justice and revenge for her loved ones. She shows no mercy to those she deems beyond salvation and worthy of punishment. Episode 64 specially got me crying. When her grandmother thanked her for managing the poisoning situation very well. That scene made me realize how amazing it is to have a doting and loving grandma like that.
Lastly, I guess I just want to say that I am happy that all the major antagonists ended up dying, a fate they well-deserved for the evil deeds they'd done. I'm also grateful that we got a rather peaceful and warm ending. Seeing the Sheng family reuniting with their spouses, with a hint of reconciliation with Molan, touched my heart. Nothing really beats familial support and unity.
"In usual days, you're tolerant about everything. But when pushed to a dead end, you would fight all out and let everyone just perish with you." - Sheng Old Madaam
Story - 10, What I truly love about this drama is its cohesive and clear plot. From the beginning till the end, it managed to keep the story going without having any noticeable major plot holes, and all the plot devices were efficiently utilized.
Acting/Cast - 10, I love the cast and the leads' chemistry is just on another level. Now I understand why they (Shaofeng & Liying) ended up getting married. FSF has this warm and fun vibe that made me wonder who the hell will not fall in love with a man like that? He's a walking chemistry!
Music - 10, I think they used a total of 2-3 songs on this drama and all of them sounds fine to me. I'm giving this a perfect score since neither of the songs nor sound effects put me off even once.
Rewatch Value - 10, Definitely! I'm in love with Minglan and Tingye's story; I wouldn't mind watching it again. It is highly recommended.
Overall - 10, I'm considering/categorizing this as a classic just based on how dramas are done today. This show brought me back to the good old days when people used to take drama-making seriously. This drama is a testament to how well dramas were made five or so years ago, compared to today's productions.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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