Minalapinou

Loved it ! Nothing was really doing ot for me lately in vertical land, I was dropping things left and right, when that happens I tend to go back to basics, and a classic gothic Beauty and the Beast retelling with a bulletproof cast and strong production values fitted the bill perfectly. It didn't disappoint, I watched it in one go, wished it was longer. At first glance it looks like a vampire romance but I insist, it's more a B&B retelling : he's a powerful but frightening cursed man in a big manor surrounded by roses and concerned butlers and maids, his rival is the real beast, she is the cure, etc. There is some vertical tropes like a fake evil bestie, wet dreams, forced kisses and the obligatory aphrodisiacs-induced sex (I really wished we got more scenes about their romance when they were younger and the seduction more natural, we were robbed), the usual toxic workplace dynamics, but overall I think the drama manages to be its own thing thanks to the dark fairytale aesthetic that didn't felt cheap (ZZD costumes were a bit extra and cosplay-ish but also fabulous, no complaints) and a focused plot that didn't meander in useless fillers. Zhu Xiao Xue was delightful, she looked like a doll and played her ingenue role well. I hear the frustration about the writing and the fact that some things could have been cleared faster and dangers avoided if the ML was more honest, but I think the drama's idea was to convey that he can't face her with the truth like when they were young but can't stay away either, torn between his desire and his wish to protect her by keeping her in the dark (the fake fiancee story is not a bad cover). Anyway, I ate it up.