1
First contemporary CDrama, really enjoyed it
==Breakdown==Background plot - 40%
Romance - 40%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good
Was the story perfect or grounded in reality? No. No, it was not. Not at all. Maybe not even a little.
Were some the situations and dialogue cringe? Yes. Certainly.
Was it also a lot of fun to watch? Yes. Yes, it absolutely was.
Listen, this was unserious fun. I watched it for Dylan Wang who seems to have chemistry with walls, cars, all humans, and oftentimes plastic bags. He's amazing. I haven't seen Meteor Garden yet, but it's up next and I'm excited. I hope it's more unserious fun where Dylan Wang demonstrates how to have fantastic chemistry with inanimate and animate objects. I hope he never stops making shows.
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Romance was 7.5, Bromance was a 10
==Breakdown==Background plot - 65%
Romance - 20%
Misc comedy - 15%
Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good
The romance was pretty good. The ML and FL had solid chemistry, but the ML's tragic story and his portrayal of it carried most of the show and took over / overwhelmed the romance.
However, the real star of this drama was the bromance between the two male leads. Their friendship and their scenes (and their friendship chemistry) stole the show. I ended up fast forwarding all scenes just to get to the friendship side story.
Of note, the overall plot is a little convoluted, but-- like I said-- the friendship plot completely charmed and made up for (mostly) the other deficiencies. Not that you asked, but I didn't care about or have a favorite of the two potential love interests for the friend male lead and, other than enriching his character, that part fell flat (for me).
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Difficult to rate
==Breakdown==Background plot - 45%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - Meh
Romantic chemistry - Good
Misc comedy - Meh
Production value - Fine
First, the ML and FL and their chemistry were pretty good. The rest of the cast did a good job with what they were given. But the story was uneven, funny moments felt super forced, and the dialogue was often stilted.
I love a good fantasy / sci-fi romance, and in a fantasy/fictional setting, I'm open to the idea of a robot / human love story, otherwise I wouldn't have watched this kdrama. But this drama never fully committed to the idea, and thus it suffered. I wonder if it was the director or the script writer who had a problem with the concept. It felt like the story kept apologizing for the idea which undercut the concept and left the end ultimately unsatisfying.
I want to compare this one to 'I am not a robot,' but don't want to give any spoilers. Basically, the difference between the two is that this one seemed embarrassed by its own premise and that one fully committed to the idea.
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Got tired of forcing myself to watch
==Breakdown==Background plot - 60%
Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Okay
Romantic chemistry -Very little
Misc comedy - Fine
Production value - Good
I really like both the leads in this drama (both the actor and actress) but I could not finish this. I felt no chemistry between them despite trying to force it over and over and over. The only time I got a sense of their potential was during the kissing scenes, strangely enough. There was just something INCREDIBLY BORING about the execution of this drama.
After thinking it over for a few days, I honestly think it was the line delivery, as strange as that sounds. There were these long pauses whenever the leads or villains delivered their lines and it made everything drag in an unnatural way. I wish Viki would let us watch shows on 2x speed because it likely would've greatly improved the watchability of this show.
It's too bad, because the story was interesting, as was the premise, and the actors were talented. But the stilted line delivery was THE WORST.
EDITED TO ADD: I checked out who the director was and now it all makes sense. I will avoid productions by this director from now on.
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Cozy and healing
==Breakdown==Background plot - 20%
Romance - 70%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - fine
Romantic chemistry - Amazing
Misc comedy - fine
Production value - Good
If you're looking for a cozy, sweet and sexy, lovely, feel-good drama, this one is it. The only reason it gets a 9.5 from me is because there is one plot element in the middle episodes that made me dislike the FL character for 2 episodes / made her appear petty and shallow. She somewhat redeemed herself, but the shadow of her actions never fully receded. (The kid in the hospital storyline... I was so irritated with her choices after that and thought she didn't deserve the ML; there's nothing wrong with being a single parent!!)
I will say, both leads in this drama are absolutely stunning. They're almost aggressively beautiful. I couldn't watch more than 1 episode at a time because it felt like an overdose of prettiness and sweetness. But 1-episode at the end of each day brought a smile to my face and was the perfect dose of this lovely drama.
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Well acted, terrible script, basic/unimaginative direction
==Breakdown==Background plot - 0%
Romance - 80%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - I'm not sure there was a plot...
Romantic chemistry - Great
Misc comedy - terrible
Production value - Good
I dropped after episode 8. The script completely went off the rails and the characters' actions no longer made any sense. I do enjoy these actors and will look forward to seeing them in different dramas. But life is too short for this hot mess.
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It's a romance first and foremost
==Breakdown==Background plot- 35%
Romance - 55%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Pretty good
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy -Good
Production value- Pretty good
Direction -Mixed bag
If you're looking for a war or historical epic, this isn't it. It isn't an epic at all, but rather a straight-forward romance. It's too bad, because it probably could have been an epic if they'd used the same director as 'The Double' or 'Fangs of Fortune,' or someone similar.
The fight scenes were directed quite well, however.
Now, if you're looking for a good historical romance, this is quite good. The chemistry between the leads is excellent and was consistently the only reason I kept watching. Since I watch CDramas for the romance, this bumps up my rating from a 7.5 to an 8.5 (because the romance / chemistry was THAT good).
Overall, watch if you love romantic CDramas. Skip if you don't.
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The best part was the flashback to the teenager romance
==Breakdown==Background plot - 40%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 25%
Background plot - boring
Romantic chemistry -
---Adult couple: Ranging from tepid to really bad
---Teenagers: ON FIRE
Misc comedy - boring
Production value - fine
I just didn't believe the romance between the adults, especially when the teenager version of the story was so incredibly good.
Another reviewer said the adult section of the story was like when a baker forgets to add sugar to the recipe and I would say a better analogy for this disappointing drama would be that the baker forgot to add baking soda (or other leavening agent). I know these two actors are capable of having romantic chemistry with other actors, but they had none with each other, and since this was a romance the entire modern storyline felt flat. I started watching this show when it was airing but then stopped and never thought about picking it back up. I just don't have the time or energy to watch the last two episodes.
The teenager / flashback portion of the romance was just the opposite. It was *FIRE* and I highly suggest y'all go check out youtube video compilations of that part of the story. Everything about it was truly excellent and the two young actors who played the parts should be given a new drama ASAP!!
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The problems are the script and direction
==Breakdown==Background plot - 50%
Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - Bad
Romantic chemistry - Good
Misc comedy - Meh
Production value - Fine
The actors did their best, I'm convinced the ML actor would have chemistry with a turnip, and the premise for the story is pretty good (and had the potential to be great if given to the right team) but the script and direction were just plain bad.
The pacing was off and the script didn't make any sense. Maybe writer was trying to maintain an air of mystery by being purposefully confusing, but it just came across as a jumbled mess, nothing made sense. People had reactions that were unrealistic, too much or too little given what was happening on screen (I blame the director for this disconnect, he/she are responsible for translating the emotions in the script for the audience, the actors only do what they're told by the director in terms of reaction.)
Perhaps this drama could have been saved if either the direction or the script had been halfway decent. Unfortunately, two wrongs don't make a right. It's such a shame! I really like the actors and was looking forward to this one.
:-(
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I guess I'm one of those people who need someone to root for
This incredible cast was wasted. I'm so disappointed. I had high hopes. That first episode with Kim Soo Hyun being drunk and crying about being cute, I thought, "This show is going to be so good!!" The first episode didn't hook me, but I thought for sure it was just a slow start and would get better.Well, after 6 episodes, it was a complete slog. I tried. I really, really did. It took me 5 days to finish episode 6, I kept finding reasons to do other things. Not even Kim Soo Hyun could keep me engaged, and that makes me so sad. This was his first drama in YEARS. I feel cheated.
The issue was the story, I think...
Actually, I'm not sure. The overall story was interesting. I'll probably look up a spoiler review to find out what happens.
You know what I think the problem was? I had no one to root for. I didn't *like* anyone except the villain (and I only liked the villain because his scenes didn't put me to sleep). I didn't care what happened to any of the other main characters, they were so boring. I probably would've ended up rooting for the bad guy if I'd continued (because at least he was entertaining to watch).
Oh well.
I hope Kim Soo Hyun's next drama is better. :-\
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I don't know why I waited so long to watch this one
==Breakdown==Background plot - 15%
Romance - 70%
Misc comedy - 15%
Background plot - Interesting
Romantic chemistry - Cute, then great, then AMAZING
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good
In summary: This drama is for those of you who want to watch a low-stakes, low-angst, lovely and fulfilling love story where the main plot is the romance. If I had to compare it to another drama, I'd compare it to 'The Best Thing' with Zhang Ling He. Both stories are about green flag cinnamon roles who are the quiet, thoughtful type, love to cook, are both doctors, and both fall ass-over-ankles in love with the FL almost from the very beginning.
I think I was put off by some of the reviews that called this one boring or "no plot," ect. ect. The simple fact is, this is a love story and the love story is the main plot. The background plot is set against the world of voice dubbing and traditional / classic Chinese music, which I found interesting since-- other than audiobooks and video games-- voice artists in the USA aren't as big of a deal as they are in China.
But back to the main plot, which is the slow but extremely endearing love story between the two main characters. Again, like 'The Best Thing,' this is a slow burn (with even less angst than 'The Best Thing'). The tension between them hooks you right away; they don't really interact much at the start (in person), yet the tension is already there. When they get together, the romantic scenes are done very well, with actual kissing rather than those weird fish-kisses that dominate CDramas.
I have to take a moment to call out the ML, Mo Qing Cheng played by Tan Jian Ci. Goodness, this man's voice is incredible, and his eyes are incredibly expressive. I would say he's not conventionally super-hot (like Zhang Ling He's otherworldly, indisputable good looks). But, there's something about Tan Jian Ci that's. . . I guess the word would be 'sensual.' He reminds me of Luo Yun Xi. It's like he's constantly undressing the FL with his eyes (and not in a creepy way).
There's this one scene where (they haven't met in person yet) the FL and ML are voice messaging each other via phone back and forth. All he says (like, 4 times in a row) are different variations / intonations of "Mmm..." and it was the first time I've felt all hot around the neck just hearing someone say "Mmm." For real, it was magical.
Generally, I like Zhou Ye in most of her works and she did a good job here. Both characters were inexperienced romantically, but mature / practical otherwise, so the 7 year age gap felt very natural. As a complete aside, I do think Zhou Ye tends to pick the same character to play over and over, so I'm looking forward to seeing her in something with more grit (because I do think she's more than capable of rising to the occasion) thus I'm looking forward to seeing her in Legend of the Female General soon.
ANYWAY, if you want to fall in love with a love story without all the messy dramatic or toxic parts, this one is for you. Highly recommend.
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Excellent
==Breakdown==Background plot - 25%
Romance - 60%
Misc comedy - 15%
Background plot - Pretty good
Romantic chemistry - EXCELLENT
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good
I don't think I had to fast forward more than 5% of this drama, which-- for me-- is basically nothing. Sometimes when the villain appeared, I skipped a few seconds ahead. She repeated herself quite a bit.
The main couple is magnetic. The progression of their relationship felt realistic and was a joy to watch. The side stories in each episode (of helping talented people find a good professional fit for their skills) was also enjoyable. The second couple was very cute and I would've liked more screen time for them; I hope the actors are in another drama together. I didn't even mind the kids' storyline! They were adorable and added a great element to the overall plot. The only reason this show doesn't get a 10/10 is because I wasn't absolutely obsessed with it while watching it and didn't have a problem waiting between episodes.
Loved this one and will likely re-watch my favorite scenes.
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It was fine
I'm coming to realize that most Cdramas have a lot of filler scenes (and this ultimately keeps them from being highly rated--in general-- by me).The main couple had AMAZING chemistry and were BY FAR the best part of the show. Unfortunately, they just didn't have many scenes together.
The primary focus of the show is the heroine's family and their never ending drama / dynamics. I wasn't super interested in this storyline, but parts were okay / enjoyable. If the romance / main couple had been given as much screen time as the family, I think I would've rate this drama much higher.
Anyway, it's not really a romance. And it was fine for what it was.
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Premise and set up are great, chemistry (early on) is phenomenal. Doesn't quite stick the landing
Other reviews cover the storyline and what you can expect from the script, production values, etc. So I'm just going to give you my overall thoughts.The problem with setting up an addictive, shocking premise in a story is how to stick the landing. When the stakes are so high, viewers tune in to find out (how in the world) everything could possibly work out for these characters in the end. Sometimes, like Flower of Evil, everything builds beautifully until the very end. The problems are solved too easily and with too little ramifications for the main characters, which ultimately feels like a letdown because you realized the stakes were never actually that high. However, this show leading up to the end was so good, I cut the ending some slack.
Lee Joon Gi was phenomenal the whole show, start to finish.
Moon Chae Won was also great, but her performance started to feel a little too wide-eyed and naive toward the end. I needed something more from her, a bigger, more adult reaction. She didn't quite deliver.
The chemistry between the ML and FL was great 90% of the time, but-- again-- toward the end it faltered, and their scenes lacked the earlier crackling electricity. It's almost like, when they got to the heavy stuff, they felt less comfortable acting together.
Overall, I really, really liked it.
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Loved some parts, disappointed by the lack of certain (closure) scenes
As I mentioned in my review of part 1: First, I have to mention the cast. This cast makes me want to go back to my previous reviews and reduce the star rating I've given to other dramas' casting. The casting in the drama is SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!! I wish there were a once-in-a-decade "11 stars" option. Every single role was cast perfectly and the actors were perfection in their roles. Seriously, I have never watched a better cast drama than this. And a special shout out to the dude who played the emperor. He was an absolutely delight and perfect in his role.Some parts of this drama were OUTSTANDING, and some were bitterly disappointing. I agree with other reviewers who said sections were extremely draggy. I'd say 40% of this second season was unnecessary slow-motion scenes and reaction shots. This I might've forgiven if the ending didn't feel rushed / unfinished. I was so disappointed in the ending-- especially since so much time was given to pointless side-stories-- that I knocked off 3 stars.
Worse, the ending makes me not want to re-watch any part of this drama again, it'll only remind me of what scenes weren't included (ultimately).
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