He Fanxing is figuring out what she wants from life and relationships - to be true to herself or societal/community approval. But, once it appeared all 40+ episodes would be He Fanxing stumbling around unsure, I considered dropping the show . . .
Positives: When He Fanxing and Yuan Song (young love interest) shared a screen there is great energy, and you could see why they are drawn to each other. There is surprisingly little screen time devoted to Yuan Song, and there's a lot more that could be done with the character. . .
Negatives: Ye Luming (older love interest) has 'red flags' written all over him from the start. He lies, stalks her, ingrates himself with her parents, is very physical and grabby, and uses all the pressure in the world. This is excused as just being an alpha/domineering CEO, but his hostility toward women that cry and fantasising/dreaming about stabbing them was a bridge too far. Once I realized he was staying on through the show, I stopped wanting to watch . . .
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This review may contain spoilers
You can find love in unexpected places . . . but do you want to?Due to hijinks, Qin Shi and Yang Hua decide to pretend to be husband and wife. They both 'could do worse' and are attractive . . and so why not move from fake to real? The suspense comes from Qin Shi being a known quantity, but Yang Hua is a mystery to the audience, why does he know so much about finance? why does he have such an odd attitude towards relationships? What makes him tick?
It's not the most compelling plot, but there is an eagerness in seeing him finally lose his cool, or revealing some of the mysteries of the past.
But, I am dropping this series because I absolutely can't stand the secondary couple. They are both miserable, but the woman doesn't want to let go, and the man is incapable on his own. The family tries to encourage the woman to stay as she is a steadying, good influence on him and the family business. This is the story of every dysfunctional relationship ever, and by all accounts has been going on for years . . . what are we supposed to be learning from this? It's beyond the we fight and make up phase.
They are showing every single sign of a completely failed relationship, physical violence, emotional and/perhaps sexual cheating, demeaning and derisive comments about each others characters. It may turn out that there is a relationship lesson down the line, but for now it seems to hint that they are some sort of Romeo and Juliet, instead of a couple who should have split up years ago before people got hurt. I started skipping their scenes, but the pros are small and cons large for this series, and it's time to give up.
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I loved the premise of this. Two people whose marriage soured and ambitions failed are given a second chance to do it all over again. It's especially sweet and interesting that Pei Wen Xuan, our male lead, is clearly head over heels in love with our head strong, somewhat enfiruatiing, highly capable female lead Princess Li Rong.
But after the initial action paced 10 episodes, the plot curdles. Pei Wen Xuan and Li Rong's romance does not progress. The court political plots are all the same and add no tension. The secondary romance has a lot of potential, but then one half is sent off for a bunch of episodes.
This is the first C-Drama in quite awhile were I was excited and addicted to keep watching, but everything fizzled out. I'm dropping . . .
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Unlike other vampire/immortal concepts, Kim Shin looks 40, acts 40 and he has the power and wealth of someone who is 40. Meanwhile, Ji Eun Tak looks 17, acts 17 and she has no power or wealth at all to her name.
The fact that Ji Eun Tak is world-weary due to a traumatic life, and Kim Shin is currently on a playful/mid-life crisis streak does not solve this fundamental problem. All the cinematography and production budget in the world couldn't solve this problem.
I really liked the character of Wang Yeo (the grim reaper), and his scenes somewhat redeemed the show for me. . . but not by enough.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes - 3
In fairness to the show, I didn't watch far enough to see any complex themes. But, in the first five episodes it is your typical vampire/immortal romance (except more highly morally problematic than normal). There were hints of complexity developing.
Character Growth -3
Not up to the point I watched.
Nuanced Women -7
Ji Eun Tak is competent in her wise beyond her years but still has bursts of childishness. (The burst of childishness did NOT help with the romance hinted aspects).
Cinematography/Production Values - 10
It's really really gorgeous, with lots of real life sets and large production values.
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I knew from the first episode this show probably was not for me. I kept watching because 'secret longing' is a favorite character trope of mine, and if this show had a defining theme it's 'secret longing.'
But, even all the yearning and pained glances, couldn't keep me watching this. The conflicts are highly typical from the school portion: 'failure to communicate' 'absentee parents' and 'being looked down for being poor' and the adult portion: 'failure to communicate' 'insecurities and jealousies regarding failure/success.'
There's a lot of nostalgia for their school years that feels unearned. Indeed the flashbacks pick moments from all five years of their relationship and yet don't show any relationship development. No stray touches or being able to communicate in an easier way; there's no sense that the relationship was ever lived in.
A five year 'everyday relationship' is more than studying and a few school pranks and awkward and stilted interactions. But that's all we got in five hours, five hours is double the length of a movie!
Perhaps for some, the warm familiarity and predictability paired with better budget and cinematography is enough. For me, it felt too much like drifting without a compass.
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I gave this a chance because I really appreciated Joy of Life's production and cinematography even though I couldn't get into the plot. Yet, here I am again, bored. There is no tension.
Xu Feng Nian, our main lead, is destined for triumph, and the show makes this clear from the beginning. Clever, strategic and good hearted, beneath a playful exterior is a deeply capable person. Determined to be a 'better man,' than his father he twists and turns to avoid his fate to inherit his legacy as a military leader and martial arts talent.
What is the point of watching? Perhaps for some, there is satisfaction in watching a world where everything has a reason, and talent paired with a good heart always wins in the end.
There is good acting, lots of memorable side characters and very high production values . . . but bland themes and no tension do not hold my interest.
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If you are hoping for quite dark, twisted soul to the bad boy, with lots of tortured twists and turns, this isn't for you. He's 'bad' in the sense that he races cars and knows martial arts, but he has good morals, ethics, and takes care of everyone the whole way through. There is no doubt that he is a good soul trying to navigate a difficult situation.
Our good girl is a heart of gold good girl but one with enough of a bite to be endearing. Sweet and naive, but competent enough in martial arts, racing cars, and not backing down from a fight to be a competent match for our bad boy.
The plot is repetitive. Car chase scenes without the huge investment of say Fast & the Furious, get boring after awhile - they can't afford to risk the cars, get the stunt drivers, or invest in the visual graphics needed to do truly cool car stunt effects.
Worst of all: the bad boy/good girl tension drops out rapidly because well . . he isn't a bad boy. There's no reason for her to stay away from him, and he spills the truth of his situation fairly easily.
The chemistry, especially the physical chemistry between the leads is amazing, and I feel like if the plotting had more tension in it it could be a rewarding watch. I kept this on the back burner for a slow period thinking I could pick it up again . . . but I can't the plot just isn't holding my interest.
I'm dropping.
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I love vampire romances due to the fact that the vampire presents one face, but behind that face is centuries of secret pain and history. This show operates on a similar concept, except I couldn't buy in. I'm not sure whether it was due to the acting, script or combination of both.
Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah have little chemistry and feel like they are from two different dramas. Lee Dong Wook plays his character playfully, exaggerated and a bit campy, whereas Jo Bo Ah plays like she is in a very serious teen supernatural show constantly overwhelmed.
It didn't help that the production values, cinematography, and action scenes were all a bit lackluster and unattractive and there just wasn't anything to keep my interest. . . .
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The female lead, incompetent and thoughtless, but very brave and tries hard is a character I'd rather not see again. I kept having to stop and take a deep breath at how many times she did the obvious wrong or careless thing and often ended up needing rescuing. It's the type of thing where she announces a life or death secret right where everyone can hear, where she jumps in and ends up ruining the mission instead of going and getting help as she was asked to do etc. etc.
I am a big fan of rescue scenes. A man sacrificing himself or something he wants most for the woman he loves is one of my top romantic tropes - but not this way.
The love triangle was great, the backdrop of WWI an important reminder of tumultuous and violent times and what it means to try and make a difference. The costumes, makeup, sets and historical items and/or replicas were incredibly well done.
It's a shame, but I'm dropping.
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If you are in the mood for a silly action cop show, with a side of buddy romance, this is an entertaining watch. There's lots of humor and an over the top villain, coupled with a mix of action/horror/mystery and the time enjoyably passes.
Props also to the main characters being normal people, and the evil character being a power hungry, unbalanced, corrupt panderer and enabler of the wealthy. Also! A hint of lgbtq romance amongst the side characters.
In the end though, like many other dramas, this drags at the end with a lot of nonsensical plot, especially the last 3 episodes. I loyally watched it to the end, as little has entertained me as much, but you really could stop at episode 10.
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This review may contain spoilers
Everyone loses everything . . . Touching characters and heartfelt acting are the reason to watch. In the first 10 or so episodes, we spend a lot of nostalgic 'golden' time, experience the innocence and courage of youth. Hae Soo inspires the brothers to hope that palace life could be different, and you the foolish audience member begins to hope too . . .
But, by the end, the show is racing through a Wikipedia of historical events with Hae Soo barely present. Scenes are chopped and spliced until the plot turns into simply everyone loses everything. Objectively, there's lots wrong with the show not just the plot, the themes are unclear, action scenes weak, and perhaps worst of all the romance between Hae Soo and 4th prince on paper is underdeveloped, toxic and not particularly inspiring. Despite the mess, the strength of the chemistry and the acting kept me watching.
It is worth sticking it out for some key touching moments: Hae Soo's song becoming a legendary classic sung throughout the land or the 14th prince revealing his commitment and deep love for Hae Soo all along.
Does this drama deserve it's legendary status? Overall no . . . but I'm glad I watched. These characters are going to live on in my head for years to come. And that made this drama a rare and precious watching experience.
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Modern love storylines often suffer from a lot of unrealistic danger, whereas historical/fantasy storylines often suffer from outdated romance ideals. So, what if you combine them?
This drama concept isn't new, but it's very well done. The leads have great chemistry, the plot is fast moving, there's lots of protectiveness/rescuing/sacrificing scenes blended with a lot of humor. As with all great dramas, I was reluctant to leave the characters and universe behind.
Music was competent, and while endearing, I'm not sure I'd ever be tempted to rewatch.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes - 5
The clumsy (though well-intended) theme is exploring equality in gender roles for both society and relationships. The better executed themes are around learning to be your authentic self and trusting others, as well as what makes a kind and generous person.
Character Growth - 7.5
Both main leads grow and change as a result of the relationship and are transformed as people by the change from a fake relationship to a real one. The rest of the characters are fairly fixed, and second sister's character development is sudden and clumsy.
Complex Female Characters - 8
There's lots of relationships between women, women in leadership roles, and women with complex personalities. The city leader was a great blend of calculating and cruel vs. protective and generous
Production - 7
It did not get in the way. Limited sets and shooting outdoors, everything was shot fairly straight on, costuming was lower budget but in good taste.
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The set-up and mythology is very different and fun to watch. From the idea of a ghost inn, to a goddess with many avatars/faces, to the beauty & the beast type romance with the genders switched. I was blown away for the first eight episodes.
But, while the historical plots tie up nicely, the modern storylines were wrapped up quickly with no real suspense making the last couple episodes complete filler.
As to actors/characters, two of the main female characters are complex and multifaceted: Jang Man-Wol and the Goddess Mago. But, the main male character Koo Chan-Seong is especially flat and uninspiring as the person who always does the right thing.
The music fits well with the show, but it doesn't linger in my memory. There were no special scenes that I feel the need to rewatch.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes: 7.0
The biggest letdown of the show. The theme is letting go leads to peace, and you should do it, even if terrible things happened to you while alive. But there isn't a complex inspection of this, forgiveness is just always the right thing to do - and always works out for the characters that do it.
Character Growth: 8.0
The transition from vengeful to letting go is especially touching for Jang Man-Wol, the housekeeper and the receptionist. It's a shame that Koo Chan-Seong gets no complexity or real transition at all. There are also very short, abrupt plot points for the bartender, Sanchez, and Lee Mi-Ra.
Complex Female Characters: 10.0
Jang Man-Wol is great playing vengeful and cynical, with a romantic heart. She is fascinating throughout the show as she develops increasing humour and sensitivity. A very well-rounded character. The housekeeper and the Goddess Mago also have great complexity. Indeed, generally the female characters and storyline were much better developed and well-rounded then the male ones.
Cinematography/Production Values: 10.0
It's gorgeous. Truly the most beautiful TV show I may have ever seen, the colour palette is vibrant and unusual, the clothes budget for Jang Man-Wol must have been unlimited, and there's a beautiful use of camera angles, movements and framing. It has a very stylistic, fairy-tale feel.
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The plot has an intriguing premise with the split personality element. But in practice the plot is: Overly-serious protective male lead, with spirited, loud female lead - what fun! (and it was fun - and addictive).
The main leads are what makes this show worth watching. Despite the overacting, they are endearing to watch, show some range, and are very at ease with each other. You believe that they are in a relationship together with lots of little looks and gestures.
I also liked the friendship between the maid Jing Xin and Qu Xiaotan.
The music, surprisingly, is pretty good esp. the end credits song.
Warning: There's definitely some ethical issues surrounding Qu Xiaotan's use of Qu Tan'er's body that are somewhat laughed off.
I score by other criteria as well:
Complex Themes - 3
(There could have been a lot of complex themes regarding two people sharing one body - but they don't really touch on that. There is no real theme besides be a good person and be loyal to who you love)
Character Growth -7
(As the show goes on, the main actors and characters do show some range, and the split personality part is done well)
Nuanced Women -7
(Lots of points for strong female friendship, but otherwise .. what nuance?)
Cinematography/Production Values - 3
(No money was spent, the costumes are terrible, there's only a few sets. The only reason this isn't a '1' is the producers/director seemed to realise their own budget limitations. )
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This is a really fun, unique premise and world. 2 friends from the outer borders make their way to the capital city to make their fortune.
In 60 episodes, however, it only barely starts .. . the show spends too much time on the multiple worlds and their hundreds of characters instead of really building and focusing on the main relationships.
My main issue is that Sang Sang was standout actor and character for me in this series, and she gets barely any screen time. Instead, there's more side characters than one can keep track of (including 12 spiritual siblings), plus a whole host of other characters from class mates, to mentors, to an emperor and various inner palace politics.
In addition, a lot of the quests are 'mental' quests, where one just watches the main character scrunch his brow a lot and stumble around - which isn't particularly appealing.
Other Criteria I score by
Complex Themes - 5
(There may be more in Season 2, but in Season 1 not so much. Some small themes of being true to who you are, and not being confused by fancy words/wealth/sophistication).
Character Growth -5
(None really, our main characters act the same in the beginning as they do at the end, but there's some hints this will not be true by Season 2)
Nuanced Women -6
(Though there's lots of women, none of the women get enough screen time to form a really nuanced portrayal, except Sang Sang - and even she is only beginning to show different sides of her personality.)
Cinematography/Production Values - 9
(This is beautifully done, a good mix of CGI and real world scenery, well choreographed fight scenes etc. It's not as aesthetically pretty as say Yanxi Palace or Rise of the Phoenixes, but it's a big budget done well).
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