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Not what I was expecting
I am not a fan of the short drama, and a vertically filmed drama? Even less a fan. However, I am a fan of the ML and so I specifically looked for it - I had wondered just why he would be in a two minute per episode, vertically filmed show, as these drama's are rarely done well, they are usually a B grade show with beginning actors. However, all in all this was pretty good.I found it on DramaBox, not under the name "Steal Her", which IS a better name, but under the name "Flames of Love and Lust", which has absolutely nothing to do with the drama in the least. But for anyone searching for this drama, look it up under the latter name.
Don't expect a lot of romance, AND the first scene is a r@ pe episode - they totally didn't need that in there- Regardless if he was drugged or not, leave it to the Chinese trope of having some type of aphrodisiac take over a person's cognitive ability. (I digress) But I am guessing they were trying to set the story up for the FL's growth. And that IS what this drama is about.
One of the best lines is when the ML explains to the the FL that no woman should live for a man. He also brings her out of her shell and gives her the chance to be herself again.
It is a happy ending for all who care about such, and even more bonus points to them -they do not leave this on a cliff hanger.
The story even touches on the tradition of feet binding, and how unfair the practice was, and then, how unfair women who had their feet bound were treated AFTER the practice went out of favor. That was a first in any C-Drama that I've seen. Bravo to the ML for agreeing to play in a drama that champions women's rights to such an extent.
This is a drama I actually MIGHT be tempted to re-watch, just to see if there are other nuggets that I missed.
I gave this high marks completely for the moral of the story
The acting. Very well done. -They did a great job for having to do their job of acting within the choppy short frames this type of drama sets as parameters. (again not a fan of this set up at all)
The actual story-line - Meh it was OK
The OST - once again, just OK
Production and Costuming - not bad
All in all, I enjoyed this short film, take it for what it's worth, don't expect a fully flushed out story without plot errors, after all it IS a two minute per episode short vertically filmed drama. However, the forward thinking, women are people too theme of this whole story IS one worth getting out.
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Gem of a Drama
This gem of a drama was fully worth the watch and I highly recommend this heartwarming tale.Overall I would say:
This short drama has a good story that is actually very well developed, a lovely romance, epic in nature as it spans a few lifetimes, the acting is very well executed, I thought the costuming was well done and the OST was lovely.
At first I was not too sure about the storyline, but the more episodes I watched the more invested I became. In fact, there were a few episodes that I think rank as some of my all time favorite scenes from any c-drama's, and that is saying something.
It is not full of the usual c-drama tropes nor cliché's and the romance is more sweet than anything. No over drawn out storyline, though my one criticism is that this being a short episode drama still had a few of the limitations that all short drama's seem to have, i.e. the under developed storyline and frequent jumps from one scene to the next. However, for the most part I am over looking this due to the very nature of it being a short drama and how well the storyline was developed and told for the majority of the episodes.
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Great Acting but the storyline?
Acting is great, the OST's are just beautiful. Love the production and visual effects but geesh the storyline!I.E. the writers overuse of miscommunication, don't ask, don't tell, I'm doing this for your own good and the evil jealous trope ......these just kept going and going. When one ended, another popped up and took it's place. - Never a dull moment.
Top it all off with the "I have to sacrifice myself for you and the good of all" over and over and over and not once a heartfelt confession on the FL's part. This is why I gave it an 8 star. I realize this type of story usually has to have the open ended gut wrenching sad ending. And while it was not a complete tear jerker of an ending, a plus in my book, I really dislike sad endings, this ending felt rather unsatisfying.
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Totally Cute, Fun short Rom-Com
Because of some of the negative comments and low reviews, I felt compelled to give my honest reaction to this sweet fun afternoon watch.No it's not long, therefore the character development just isn't there. How could it be. However it is absolutely adorable. The three boyfriends and their interactions had me cracking up on how much they looked like they were having fun in their roles and it showed.
The acting was very well done for such a short story. You had the usually melodramatic topes, evil crown prince, hidden hero husband playing the playboy. So the storyline was not unique. But what do you expect from a series that each episode only lasts like 10 minutes? Yet I thought the ML did such a good job, and never having seen him before I actually came on kisskh just to look him up and see if he had any other shows. In addition, I am looking forward to more from him.
I had to give this a 9.5 - Acting was pretty darn good and Storyline was just a fun afternoon watch. In the end, I was left with quite a few laughs and an overall happy feeling.
WeTv is where I watched this, terrible translations btw, and yet even that didn't detract from the complete experience. It was just what I was looking for to pass a few hours.
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This is a Gem
This was one of the cutest short drama's, I did not expect how good this was. Wow, do not look at that low rating- so under rated.This is a GEM.
It IS a short drama, so don't go looking for deep, completed plot, but for all that the acting is great, the OST was sweet - it fit the script.
The script so cute and fun! Loved how well written it was, especially for a short.
To top it all off there was great chemistry and such a sweet ending.
So grab your favorite comfy chair, pop that popcorn and enjoy a binge worthy few hours :-)
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Absolute Gem
This is an absolute gem of a show.Pro's: The acting is amazing,
The story is actually really good.
AND DANG it is full of sweet spicy moments.
Fantastic FL she is daring, independent, no wilting flower and she stays consistent throughout the series in being smart, kind as well as true to character. I loved that.
In my opinion there are two main ML leads, and they are both just charming. Of course there is the ONE main love in the end but hey, the episodes with the two guys - OMGosh - the re-watch value on just those episodes, the chemistry between all three actors - You can not get better than this.
The OST - It's kind of cute too. It fits.
Con's: Whoever edited this wonderful show should be blacklisted. I mean really. Take a gem and cut it up to almost un-watchable. Make it so confusing, that I had to find someone who did a play by play synopsis to piece together a few of the episodes. And a few times, the addition of filters - OH GEESH. Editing nightmare. Just because you CAN does not mean you SHOULD. LOL
Moreover, you can easily tell ALOT was cut out of this show. Edited down and condensed.
The reason I think this: The story did not feel rushed to me but just ....... well, all of the sudden - CUT. This drama must have been, at least originally, a good 30 to 36 episodes (my speculation), but for some reason it aired with only 16 episodes. AND each episode was reduced down to play ONLY 30 minutes in length. However, when comparing drama's of the same type, an episode is normally a good 45 minutes at least.
These cuts had no transition, no explanation, and resulted in huge gaps within the story AND timeline. Things were just "missing" that you could clearly tell SHOULD have, or originally WERE in the story by the half told or start of a story line that well just ...ended and left you wondering what?
It is rather like the train wreck of an introduction that they gave for this cute drama. NOT EVEN close to what the drama is about. It makes me wonder if someone WANTED to ruin or downgrade this show.
Therefore, I highly recommend this cute drama. Get ready to just have a FUN time. Enjoy it for the GEM it is. Just ignore the MASSACARE of an editing job, I did, in fact it made it even more unique.
Someday, maybe a full length UNCUT version will make it's way to drama land. I would be one of the first to sign up for that.
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Surprisingly Good
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did.The Pro's
The acting was fabulous by the whole cast. The story was very well written and engaging even the ending was one of the best wrap ups from a C-Drama that I've yet to find. Even though there was one part at the ending that had me roll my eyes -the "cliché" was just too much ;-) - but it fit, never the less.
Recently I happened to watch a short documentary about the Japanese invasion into Asia and China during the early 1900's. I had no idea that documentary would deepen my understanding of the events surrounding this drama. However, I do not believe it's necessary to know this background but it did give me greater appreciation.
The OST's were beautiful and the whole production was top notch.
For the Con's:
There were a few holes in the storyline, and maybe a few editing blunders. But not enough for me to give this any less than a 10.
All in all, this is not my usual drama to choose to watch. However, this drama will be at the top of my list as one of the best I have ever watched.
Well worth the time.
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I would watch this again, loved every minute
I rarely find a show that I could watch twice. However, this show is one. I laughed, I cryed, I smiled, I was even surprised. Loved every minute. Loved the story, loved the acting by all the cast, loved the OST and the set was nicely done, the set had the feel of being in a theater production, I didn't mind it at all, consistent and it all fit. the only thing that would have made it better would have been to give a bit more of an explanation on the conclusion, to wrap things up a bit cleaner. But still I loved the conclusion anyway.Was this review helpful to you?
Fun and Cute
This is just a Fun and Cute romance, even the villian is cute lol, though villian's got to be protagonists, however, after reading the comment section I am completely surprised, I mean realy what everyone was expecting, the acting was cute, the story has adorable moments and dang... Mike He.... enough said... when he smiles he's just 🥰 , so no, don't expect deep, but grab the popcorn, 🍿and enjoy a light hearted, sweet, above all cute show. This is one of the few shows I don't mind watching a second time.Was this review helpful to you?
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Cute Little Drama
Haters gonna hate....If you listen to some of the reviews on here, you will miss some really good shows. Actually it WAS because of the very very low reviews and extra criticisms that I decided to take it up. I figured if it really were all that bad, being a short, VERY short drama, I could always drop it but some of the comments had me so intrigued that I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Overall, this played out like a college level production. Actors need to learn somewhere right? All in all it was not that bad, there were plot holes, yes, but what do you expect from short episodes? Whoever believes that a short drama of say 9 minutes per episode, would NOT have storyline left out or choppy area's hasn't been watching many short drama's. It's the rare breed of short drama that can tell a full story in the allotted really well. It happens, but in all the short drama's I've binged I can ONLY think of maybe two. I digress, back to this show....
The story was well written. Your typical Cinderella trope and yet it was surprisingly fresh.
The Acting was not bad. Not beginning actors, they still have a ways to go, but not bad overall. Moreover, they all relate together well. The actors had some chemistry, rather cute really, like I said, think of it as a College or even High School production and not something from a high budget media company - It might even have been someone's learning project, again, everyone has to start somewhere.
And then my very favorite find of this show...
THE MUSIC - The main OST is ok nothing to wright home about. However, in many of the scenes where the main couple are having a lovey longing heartfelt moment what can be heard playing melodiously in the background? None other than the theme song from "Somewhere in Time"! The 1980 film with Christopher Reeve and Jayne Seymore - LOL Love that so much! I about fell out of my chair. One of my favorite all time movies. - Now they do not use a very large section of the music and this section does not play for long, therefore, copyright is not going to be a problem, but it was enough to give me nostalgia. It actually fit perfectly in and gave a very nice touch - but that could be the nostalgia talking.
The story has a twist, I was NOT expecting that one - like OMGosh! Now that is something, I am sure others can relate, after a few hundred shows and before I started watching drama's I've read over a thousand books in MANY genre's, therefore, a plot twist that I was NOT expecting - oh ya, that WAS something. (Sorry to give you a heads up)
And that twist lead to an ending that ....well...... I LIKE happy endings, but quite frankly I am not sure if the ending was a continuation of the story or wishful dreaming. - I am a bit invested still, and rather teary about what I WANT it to be.
It is a fun watch, not too deep and don't expect perfection.
For my rating: It's a Popcorn and Dr. Pepper drama
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What a FUN Drama
I just had to write a review for this fun drama. It is a short drama, and from the very get go you can tell it is not meant to be one of those deep soul searching, kill your heart and leave you hanging stories. I mean really, the bad guy comes to meet the family with his own background musicians playing behind him LOL. I about died!There were so many moments that had me rolling. And the thing is, I normally stay away from body swap stories. I usually find them too far fetched and rather cringe worthy - even though I like the fantasy and time travel genre'. However, here the whole premise was very well done. I loved the the chemistry between the ML and FL, sweet and spicy. The time she literally feeds him water - whew, get your fan out it gets a bit heated.
Overall, This is a light hearted fun story to enjoy for the night. So get your popcorn out and just enjoy!
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Really good drama, Same ol' What the... Ending
This drama has so much going for it. I normally steer clear of short drama's, they always leave so much out, feel choppy, and I find I am rather let down and rather annoyed by the short episodes and having to click onto the next scene cutting off at least five minutes of introduction and exit credits each time. However, I really like this ML, he can act. He is by far one of the BEST actors. Therefore, unless the story is an absolute wreck because the script writers are in the wrong carrier, he can pull the story through.In fact I believe all the actors did a very good job, you have the usual c-tropes, with a few interesting twists that a longer running time could have really made use of.
I thought the OST was actually lovely, and the costuming was nicely done.
The story is actually quite good, well written for the most part, although being a short drama, it is choppy.
However, the ending. Can I just rant. I am truly hoping that this is just a styling phase and that whoever keeps encouraging the open ended, sad/poignant endings for these writers and studios will get some happy pills, or maybe go for a hike in nature to soak up some sun to brighten their views on life. And while this ending thankfully, does not ruin the drama like some endings do (I am sure we all can name a few if not more REALLY crappy endings that just tank the viewing pleasure of any drama, in ANY genre) , this ending leaves the viewer thinking this soooo COULD have been better had it JUST had an ending that was fitting.
All in all though, I would say this is worth the watch. And maybe someday the ML will get more full length drama's. Here's to hopping.
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I'm Torn
Hmm I'm rather torn. The acting is good. The story was nice. But I just felt the overall theme was rather vanilla. There were a few times I wanted to see the ML grow a little with emotional awareness. Always hinting at being jealous, and most of the time very unreasonably. Then He had a double standard in keeping emotional information from the FL but expecting to have her be totally open with him.To move away and yet never call her, what he promised to meet her then found out he was moving so he just left? He couldn't say "I just found out my family is moving tonight, I can't make it?" NO he had to make it seem like she was the cause of him leaving because he needed to get away from her.
Then a few years later he found her online, worked to get to know her as a gamer but didn't disclose who he was, yet HE knew who she was, then because of "personal issues" he dumps her painfully yet all he needed to do was tell her what was going on. Then years later he tells her she broke it off when he clearly texted to leave, without even meeting. Ok OK. I could go on and on.
There were other scenarios that the authors of this story placed him in to make him seem like he was this self sacrificing victim that had to do everything himself and "oh hey look how he keeps it all to himself so as not to burden anyone" UGG
Its not the Acting, not the overall story- its was the one character flaw in the ML. Literally made me want to get him therapy.
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Good Acting - But the Story?
Oh geesh - I persevered until episode 21. But I gave up!
I couldn't handle the whining foot stomping childish FL, SFL... well ALL and ANY Female in this drama is portrayed like they are some spoiled adolescent child. Their interactions are conducted as if the ALL the men in this drama are speaking to spoiled, STUPID, not just innocent but flat out STUPID girls with NOTHING but air between their ears.
This is including the Mother, the Mother-In-Law, and of course ALL her sisters. Maybe the assassin is the ONLY one not written to act this way- she doesn't have much screen time.
I've heard that Asian men actually LIKE it when their girlfriend plays the stupid, innocent spoiled rotten child, pulling on their cloths, whining acting - I guess as I looked it up the romanization of the Chinese word , Sa Jiao - BUT THIS show takes it to the extreme and has every woman acting like she is some type of infantile brainless wonder - I felt myself loosing IQ points!
The men on the other hand - The writers made them: intelligent and studious, domineering yet benevolent, long suffering and yet powerful - oh and don't forget pure and chaste, as apposed to the lecherous FL who finds herself the one who instigates compromising situations.
Then throw in every other over used over worked plot twist and dramatic trope - evil female cousin trope you took my man, you will pay... and the poor tragic brother trope, I love you so much but you love...sigh...HIM.... I will leave but support you to the end - and the evil lord pulling all the strings trope, who JUST HAPPENS to be the absolute best at manipulating everyone OHHH geesh I could go on and ON!
The OST was ok, not bad but not fantastic either.
To be fair, all the actors did a great job in their roles, this IS a good drama acting wise. It is just the rest of it that ends it for me.
The storyline is your typical melodrama - and while I usually enjoy these type of light fluffy stories and I usually overlook plot holes and inconsistencies in this type of drama and just try to enjoy, by episode 21 with only 8 episodes left and almost 45 min per episode and yet another trope getting introduced with all the other tropes not yet flushed out and the gender bias over kill - I finally called it quits.
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