This feels like it was made for tik tok or something because of how short it is and how long it takes for each…
I think this is the latest trend that nowadays city folks are rushing to work, busyness in life…so they came out with super short drama (ya I do think 2mins for an episode is too short!) Now it just feels like seeing visuals of a manga…bcos the scenes are fast, just like flipping a page of manga we can see the transition pretty quick…difference is the anesthetically pleasing images on our mobile screens (and yes some isn’t suitable for full laptop or tv viewing due to low budget production and vertically produced frames meant for handheld via mobile…but at times there are surprises whereby short drama but isn’t cheap production hence can have fair share of good background setting, attires, ornaments and supporting roles such as my recent watch of short time traveling period drama An Ancient Love Song, that’s 15mins per episode)
I haven’t finished this drama MRL yet but their emotions (really quick ones) and gazing of eyes to transpire messages of romance, hatred, etc is somehow decent for short drama but given the limited screen time there isn’t really any breather moments for audience to release our empathy with the characters. And of course for this short length, we couldn’t expect to have Oscar-award-winning-moments of walking down an aisle in the most graceful pace, or slow motion shots of hand gestures when picking up an ornament, long moments of gazing into thin air while expressing micro expressions, etc etc…lol…all is faster paced to match the 2mins per episode timeline🤭
Anyways, you’re right…the kisses are quite catchy and it does boost viewership and in some short dramas I’ve seen, they can be even more steamier moments than those long dramas (at least 45mins per episode) of 30 or 40 episodes but ended up only subtle expression of love (hand holding, eye gazing, quick peck on cheeks to signify love is in the air). So guess the society needs fast love drama, probably it’s also perks of the day to slot in daily lives…😂
If you wanna try short drama, can go for Provoke. It’s similar as this, with Republican era background setting, also about young girl married into family as stepmother but actual fell in love with the son…although she’s got hidden agenda for entering the family.
OMG…I didn’t realized it’s ongoing drama…now am stuck midway (usually am a binge watcher who finishes a drama within a day or two, marathon-ing to keep the drama momentum and awesome hype of watching it to the end!) Alas, it’s only until Episode 20 in most online website streaming…anyone got any idea how MDL showing it’s already aired until Episode 24…any source can pls share? Thanking in advance: )
A beautifully scripted love story…like how the fictional (I think it is a fiction as haven’t heard of these…
Reverse timeline in time traveling is a new concept for me…I mean some time travel dramas/ movies has it some portions of it too, but isn’t as captivating as this one that goes from beginning till ending with this reversal thingy.
It’s sad that ML first time traveling moment to FL timeline is somehow her last moments in life…and she couldn’t even see him from the large crowd below…so that makes her last seeing him during the Yuanqi incident which he thought she died there and then! And for FL to first seeing ML when she’s only 18yrs old was much sweeter…as their romance build up was mainly during scenes in this timeline. And these memories keep her going throughout her lifetime…aww…
But I didn’t quite understand how ML can still travel to meet FL in her child form time when he already lost the jade pendant. How come after making music with his flute he can time travel? If so easy, how come he didn’t just use his flute during other moment of need🤔 what’s the bell sound (like the shrine prayer bells) that when ML hearing it with little FL he got stunned for a second before resuming chatting with her…was it signify someone died or something happened in his own timeline (bcos at other scenes when he hears the alarming sound was himself in ambulance car being rescued for fainting in his own timeline…seems like he will collapse every time he enters FL’s period-era-timeline) that he needs to leave? Maybe anyone who have thoughts abt this can share it me?
A beautifully scripted love story…like how the fictional (I think it is a fiction as haven’t heard of these characters but I’m not a historian that can prove it anyways😂) history is unveiled throughout the episodes. It’s a short drama yet the story is well told, and acting is awesome and good (not edgy type of fighting but decent enough+nicely executed to tell the story) fighting scenes. Indeed unlikely for me as a romance-genre-cum-happy-ending-fan to watch a drama although knowing it’s not going to be a clear cut happy ending…but the reviews are good (and indeed it lived up to my expectations!) and worth the time watching it.
Despite it’s short drama but surely isn’t looking low budget as the street deco & extra supporting casting as passerby & soldiers, etc characters on street, buildings, the attires, ornaments, horses, carriages, and all isn’t exactly cheap looking stuffs. Also worth mentioning despite short drama of 30mins+ but the intro of the drama just 20seconds+ which is okay (I’ve watched other short drama of 5mins but intro is 1full min of 5mins which is wasting time! lol) Editing is good as doesn’t feel rushing (time traveling genre is bound to be flash here and there but this is well edited that can follow the story) nor is it choppy unlike those 5mins per episode short short dramas.
I like how the chemistry of main leads, not exactly subtle love but this is period drama setting so their actions is good enough to showcase their love…like their loving expressions…sometimes they have secrets but couldn’t tell each other that kinda look but eventually revealed through their micro expressions. Few moments makes my eyes welled up and sniffing (nose blocked after teary!) away…😂
I didn’t notice previous works of FL (I’ve watched Fu Yao but didn’t notice her as supportive role though) but she’s beautiful in this drama (just like the ancient beauty feel!) and at few moments she looks like young version of Ady An + her big eyes a bit similar to Zhao Wei when younger times. Feels nice to see both main leads aesthetically pleasing and can act well : )
It’s sad this movie I couldn’t find it anywhere in my country’s cinema and neither was it online streaming…duno what’s the status of release. Hope LSK’s alleged drug use is false alarm…as recent investigation back in Nov 2023 shown negative results. He’s not my bias but most of his movies and drama is a good watch…was looking forward to this movie too. If anyone know where to catch this movie, kindly share ya. Thanks
I’m planning to watch but if this is the ending then I’m not going to invest my time on sad love story…pls…
Oh dear…it must’ve been really sad to end this way. I’m having a good weekend and planning to keep the happy spirit throughout while watching dramas with happy vibes…guess won’t be watching it anytime soon! Thankss for the heads up!🤣
This short drama is surprisingly good…both main leads have great passionate and sometimes steamy kisses, really can feel their love for each other growing day by day…this is the kind of romance scenes that explicitly shows how both individuals when love in the air couldn’t contain themselves when with each other! (Hahaha…have been watching quite a number of poster posing kisses—those lip touching but no feeling kiss—from short drama and didn’t realize there’s still such good chemistry for small scale production…thumbs up!)
Although small scale production, but the attire and background (although I do think this mansion lots a bit too familiar…maybe seen it in other short drama…probably the famously used scenes but it’s very okay to reproduce as it’s nice) is well produced and make-believable.
The supporting actors & actress also did their badass role well, to contribute to the overall background story…and liked how the script of the Big bad boss have a dark secret…on top of his dark role! How creative it is to end this way…
Some scenes are well edited to the extent I don’t think it’s small scale production…good angles taken! Although the ending was a bit rush (yea kinda hope more screen time for main leads to have more sweet moments together) but guess this is the best ending possible given the short time frame for it’s a short dramas. However, just hope they can save some time by not keep repeating scenes of younger years as a audience I can understand FL is the little girl from the start so needless to keep repeating those scenes, bcos I felt it’s short drama with lesser time to spent on those repeats.
Overall it’s a good watch, even the music/ background OST songs does help to bring the mood of the scenes. Hope to see more of such short drama that have good romance, twist at the ending, and most importantly for me is a happy ending after all (life is too grey/ bleak if another one of those sad ending stories😂 Sad stuffs can just derive from reality bites no need to watch a sad ending)! Haha
.....So it ends with him swinging on the swing with her dead body?
I’m planning to watch but if this is the ending then I’m not going to invest my time on sad love story…pls tell me if she’s going to be dead in this fantasy alternate world? Or are they together in another reality world ya?
No worries I’ve found it dy…but this movie feels like many unspoken stuffs such as the teacher-student relationship taboo that’s not portrayed on screen yet subtly implied…
This isn’t the usual romcom that keeps heart fluttering and butterflies in stomach as we watched…but it’s decent and it grows on us. Having said that, it’s best to watch at one go (binge watch it!) else the feeling of urge to watch can be easily forgotten, that’s true for my case.
Didn’t quite know what is flawed in this production as the casting is good. FL is my favourite in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (WWWSK), Forecasting Love and Weather (FLAW), Healer, City Hunter, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and many more great works. ML wasn’t really my type of bias but given his character here is supposed to be a social phobia judge (need to be cautious and quiet person) so I think he’s acting still okay. 2ML i also haven’t watched him in other works, but I think he’s portrayed character here is okay as well. Guess all okay but just didn’t seem outstanding to make it a memorable watch.
The only thing is memorable is probably the concept of FL being a helper (rented bride or rented gf service) that is something I find it new service in the market. But of course, this isn’t those host service in Japan, her’s is more decent that really talks about helping others for a price for her survival.
However, certain parts of the drama is really weirdly executed in term of the script…Not to say needs to be all logical but in one scene whereby 2FL (the lawyer lady) was in lobby with FL & 2ML and ML just walked in, suddenly she blurted she has been married to this guy (ML) before. It feels very strange for 2FL is talking to her boss (2ML) and the poster fiancée (FL) for first time meeting here and there goes mentioning of past relationships as though that’s something to be brag about! Moreover she’s a lawyer who should be pro in confidentially not just for her clients but also should be practicing for herself. So strange when director just pop this relationship card out in the open like that!
There’s many other instances whereby the logics are thrown out of the door and it doesn’t help to create meaning in building audience pattern of thoughts about this drama. It feels weird really which is why I just continued watching until the end for PMY. However, this isn’t her best performance among all her A-listed dramas. And the chemistry is meh…didn’t enjoy the CP of this lead couple and at some point have second male lead syndrome! Although so, her chemistry with second lead wasn’t creating any heart racing feelings…it’s just he seems good natured and sad to be left alone without a partner/ gf.
Special mention 3ML (usually no one cares who’s the third level characters) but this character named Woo Gwang Nam (by KHS) was nice to watch. His portraying of FL’s bestie is sweet, acting not forceful at all. At some point, he seems more camera face (aesthetically pleasing) to watch at and am thinking why isn’t he acting as 2ML character! Lol
Touching…like how HK movie production back in those days always have good combination of humour (and yes most slapstick scenes nowadays is copy cat of the good old days…of cuz only those of us who are ‘ancient’ enough will know it…lol) and good meaning of the script. I rewatched this after two decades and still find the reason why Sammi Cheng & Lau Ching Wan are both top notch award winning actress and actors…their actings, the micro expression is just superb! ML isn’t handsome (not the kind of pretty Korean boys/ guys/ man) to begin with but his awesome acting steals the show, while Sammi is a well known hard worker in the industry of meticulous gained Diva recognition in music industry and acting world with her performance…
Good to watch & rewatch value is high. Even made me cry at the ending part (okay someone who can feel the emotions of the whole production if it’s well executed and touching to the extend) with the well meaning twist.
Chanced upon this on YouTube (YT)…but a bit difficult to watch there due to songs/ music copyrights the YT clip…
ML’s acting does have obvious improvement when the story unveils…he begins portraying the evil sibling character. Not only the hairstyle, props (spectacles, attire) is changed but noticeably the expressions as his brother character’s cunning wry chuckles, and eye expressions (眼神) also have some difference between the kinder main character. This is also what makes the short drama worth watching till the end of it.
However, am thinking what’s with their kisses…especially the ending one, nowadays Cdrama seems to adopt the approach of doing 360 degrees view of a kiss but it isn’t passionate at all! Just looking visually pleasing like those music videos style but couldn’t feel their romance (ending kiss should be the peak of their passion especially when the script is about their love being more important than life & death matter…) how can it be poster-like-kiss??🤔 As audience I feel kinda let down for the kiss in this romance genre short drama.🫣😅 Probably that’s the reason why generally most Kdrama (especially romance genre) still fairs better as it does makes butterflies in stomach whenever their kisses are well portrayed throughout the story from light version to medium to deep kisses when the story evolve/ progression to the extent the main leads seal their love together.
Chanced upon this on YouTube (YT)…but a bit difficult to watch there due to songs/ music copyrights the YT clip keep having mute sounds or overtly loud vocal audio disrupting the-already-less-than-watchable-clip. Suggest anyone interested can switch to Dramanice platform to watch it, but it’s raw (no English translations!)
Overall this short drama is bearable to watch as ML is visually pleasing, acting wasn’t exceptionally good but at the end last few episodes with a twist (see below for more spoiler if wanna know) does show his acting skills, and FL acting is okay too. For this length of total 105mins (including intro music and ending credit rolls) is okay acceptable for me since won’t spend too much time on it.
Some parts and parcel isn’t too details (such as first few scenes in Episode 1, how FL grab ML’s wrist to check on his pulse rate..even the positioning of her fingers is a bit off track—it should be much closer to the wrist instead of midway positioning of his forearms! This is based on my many experiences of watching Sinseh related drama and going for Chinese medical treatment myself! And also another part whereby ML using the cellophane tape method to check on fingerprints for the safety deposit box password…he already pressed so many attempts to open with his bare fingers (with no gloves!), how can his method of using the cellophane tape to detect previous user’s fingerprints can still work?? It would just capture both his and previous user’s fingerprints together!lol And why is the last few scenes whereby FL went back to ML’s evil mother but without her camouflage makeup on her beautiful face, even hairstyle also didn’t use the camouflage version…but yet the mother believed she’s still the ugly duckling character??! Not too sure if it’s the makeup artist on leave or the QC checking staff hadn’t noticed this part of the script’s logic is exposed!) This is sometimes the problem of small production house for short drama, the detailing work isn’t well executed to bring audience into believing the basic logics of actions and scenes choreographed.
1 
I haven’t finished this drama MRL yet but their emotions (really quick ones) and gazing of eyes to transpire messages of romance, hatred, etc is somehow decent for short drama but given the limited screen time there isn’t really any breather moments for audience to release our empathy with the characters. And of course for this short length, we couldn’t expect to have Oscar-award-winning-moments of walking down an aisle in the most graceful pace, or slow motion shots of hand gestures when picking up an ornament, long moments of gazing into thin air while expressing micro expressions, etc etc…lol…all is faster paced to match the 2mins per episode timeline🤭
Anyways, you’re right…the kisses are quite catchy and it does boost viewership and in some short dramas I’ve seen, they can be even more steamier moments than those long dramas (at least 45mins per episode) of 30 or 40 episodes but ended up only subtle expression of love (hand holding, eye gazing, quick peck on cheeks to signify love is in the air). So guess the society needs fast love drama, probably it’s also perks of the day to slot in daily lives…😂
If you wanna try short drama, can go for Provoke. It’s similar as this, with Republican era background setting, also about young girl married into family as stepmother but actual fell in love with the son…although she’s got hidden agenda for entering the family.
Episode 21 - it’s within this compilation of 19 to 21:
https://m.bilibili.com/video/BV19u4y1M7Qz
Episode 22 to 24: https://m.bilibili.com/video/BV1894y1P7EA
There are some romantic steamy moments of main leads…
P.S. I don’t mind if it’s raw without subtitles
It’s sad that ML first time traveling moment to FL timeline is somehow her last moments in life…and she couldn’t even see him from the large crowd below…so that makes her last seeing him during the Yuanqi incident which he thought she died there and then! And for FL to first seeing ML when she’s only 18yrs old was much sweeter…as their romance build up was mainly during scenes in this timeline. And these memories keep her going throughout her lifetime…aww…
But I didn’t quite understand how ML can still travel to meet FL in her child form time when he already lost the jade pendant. How come after making music with his flute he can time travel? If so easy, how come he didn’t just use his flute during other moment of need🤔 what’s the bell sound (like the shrine prayer bells) that when ML hearing it with little FL he got stunned for a second before resuming chatting with her…was it signify someone died or something happened in his own timeline (bcos at other scenes when he hears the alarming sound was himself in ambulance car being rescued for fainting in his own timeline…seems like he will collapse every time he enters FL’s period-era-timeline) that he needs to leave? Maybe anyone who have thoughts abt this can share it me?
Despite it’s short drama but surely isn’t looking low budget as the street deco & extra supporting casting as passerby & soldiers, etc characters on street, buildings, the attires, ornaments, horses, carriages, and all isn’t exactly cheap looking stuffs. Also worth mentioning despite short drama of 30mins+ but the intro of the drama just 20seconds+ which is okay (I’ve watched other short drama of 5mins but intro is 1full min of 5mins which is wasting time! lol) Editing is good as doesn’t feel rushing (time traveling genre is bound to be flash here and there but this is well edited that can follow the story) nor is it choppy unlike those 5mins per episode short short dramas.
I like how the chemistry of main leads, not exactly subtle love but this is period drama setting so their actions is good enough to showcase their love…like their loving expressions…sometimes they have secrets but couldn’t tell each other that kinda look but eventually revealed through their micro expressions. Few moments makes my eyes welled up and sniffing (nose blocked after teary!) away…😂
I didn’t notice previous works of FL (I’ve watched Fu Yao but didn’t notice her as supportive role though) but she’s beautiful in this drama (just like the ancient beauty feel!) and at few moments she looks like young version of Ady An + her big eyes a bit similar to Zhao Wei when younger times. Feels nice to see both main leads aesthetically pleasing and can act well : )
*More spoilers below…read at your own risk ya😆
Although small scale production, but the attire and background (although I do think this mansion lots a bit too familiar…maybe seen it in other short drama…probably the famously used scenes but it’s very okay to reproduce as it’s nice) is well produced and make-believable.
The supporting actors & actress also did their badass role well, to contribute to the overall background story…and liked how the script of the Big bad boss have a dark secret…on top of his dark role! How creative it is to end this way…
Some scenes are well edited to the extent I don’t think it’s small scale production…good angles taken! Although the ending was a bit rush (yea kinda hope more screen time for main leads to have more sweet moments together) but guess this is the best ending possible given the short time frame for it’s a short dramas. However, just hope they can save some time by not keep repeating scenes of younger years as a audience I can understand FL is the little girl from the start so needless to keep repeating those scenes, bcos I felt it’s short drama with lesser time to spent on those repeats.
Overall it’s a good watch, even the music/ background OST songs does help to bring the mood of the scenes. Hope to see more of such short drama that have good romance, twist at the ending, and most importantly for me is a happy ending after all (life is too grey/ bleak if another one of those sad ending stories😂 Sad stuffs can just derive from reality bites no need to watch a sad ending)! Haha
Didn’t quite know what is flawed in this production as the casting is good. FL is my favourite in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (WWWSK), Forecasting Love and Weather (FLAW), Healer, City Hunter, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and many more great works. ML wasn’t really my type of bias but given his character here is supposed to be a social phobia judge (need to be cautious and quiet person) so I think he’s acting still okay. 2ML i also haven’t watched him in other works, but I think he’s portrayed character here is okay as well. Guess all okay but just didn’t seem outstanding to make it a memorable watch.
The only thing is memorable is probably the concept of FL being a helper (rented bride or rented gf service) that is something I find it new service in the market. But of course, this isn’t those host service in Japan, her’s is more decent that really talks about helping others for a price for her survival.
However, certain parts of the drama is really weirdly executed in term of the script…Not to say needs to be all logical but in one scene whereby 2FL (the lawyer lady) was in lobby with FL & 2ML and ML just walked in, suddenly she blurted she has been married to this guy (ML) before. It feels very strange for 2FL is talking to her boss (2ML) and the poster fiancée (FL) for first time meeting here and there goes mentioning of past relationships as though that’s something to be brag about! Moreover she’s a lawyer who should be pro in confidentially not just for her clients but also should be practicing for herself. So strange when director just pop this relationship card out in the open like that!
There’s many other instances whereby the logics are thrown out of the door and it doesn’t help to create meaning in building audience pattern of thoughts about this drama. It feels weird really which is why I just continued watching until the end for PMY. However, this isn’t her best performance among all her A-listed dramas. And the chemistry is meh…didn’t enjoy the CP of this lead couple and at some point have second male lead syndrome! Although so, her chemistry with second lead wasn’t creating any heart racing feelings…it’s just he seems good natured and sad to be left alone without a partner/ gf.
Special mention 3ML (usually no one cares who’s the third level characters) but this character named Woo Gwang Nam (by KHS) was nice to watch. His portraying of FL’s bestie is sweet, acting not forceful at all. At some point, he seems more camera face (aesthetically pleasing) to watch at and am thinking why isn’t he acting as 2ML character! Lol
Good to watch & rewatch value is high. Even made me cry at the ending part (okay someone who can feel the emotions of the whole production if it’s well executed and touching to the extend) with the well meaning twist.
However, am thinking what’s with their kisses…especially the ending one, nowadays Cdrama seems to adopt the approach of doing 360 degrees view of a kiss but it isn’t passionate at all! Just looking visually pleasing like those music videos style but couldn’t feel their romance (ending kiss should be the peak of their passion especially when the script is about their love being more important than life & death matter…) how can it be poster-like-kiss??🤔 As audience I feel kinda let down for the kiss in this romance genre short drama.🫣😅 Probably that’s the reason why generally most Kdrama (especially romance genre) still fairs better as it does makes butterflies in stomach whenever their kisses are well portrayed throughout the story from light version to medium to deep kisses when the story evolve/ progression to the extent the main leads seal their love together.
Overall this short drama is bearable to watch as ML is visually pleasing, acting wasn’t exceptionally good but at the end last few episodes with a twist (see below for more spoiler if wanna know) does show his acting skills, and FL acting is okay too. For this length of total 105mins (including intro music and ending credit rolls) is okay acceptable for me since won’t spend too much time on it.
Some parts and parcel isn’t too details (such as first few scenes in Episode 1, how FL grab ML’s wrist to check on his pulse rate..even the positioning of her fingers is a bit off track—it should be much closer to the wrist instead of midway positioning of his forearms! This is based on my many experiences of watching Sinseh related drama and going for Chinese medical treatment myself! And also another part whereby ML using the cellophane tape method to check on fingerprints for the safety deposit box password…he already pressed so many attempts to open with his bare fingers (with no gloves!), how can his method of using the cellophane tape to detect previous user’s fingerprints can still work?? It would just capture both his and previous user’s fingerprints together!lol And why is the last few scenes whereby FL went back to ML’s evil mother but without her camouflage makeup on her beautiful face, even hairstyle also didn’t use the camouflage version…but yet the mother believed she’s still the ugly duckling character??! Not too sure if it’s the makeup artist on leave or the QC checking staff hadn’t noticed this part of the script’s logic is exposed!) This is sometimes the problem of small production house for short drama, the detailing work isn’t well executed to bring audience into believing the basic logics of actions and scenes choreographed.