The key to this drama is it's not the real world. It occurs in a world where everyone gets their happy ending, a good lawyer never loses in court, and you can sort out long held trauma and pain with a bit of a chat.
The drama I really wanted was between Kwon Jung Rok (Mr. Lawyer's) two law school friends -their romance was super interesting to me and hinted at real family obstacles, professional conflicts etc.
Instead the drama you get is between the sugary, sweet but somehow endearing and well-acted Oh Yoon Seo. Who has no family, no friends (besides her manager) and is basically a blank slate 'Mary Sue' and Mr. Lawyer who is grumpy but is but also sugary sweet at heart.
The cast looks like its having a lot of fun and will break character and burst out laughing at any moment.
Music is fine - can't think of a rewatch moment.
I have other criteria I score by:
Complex Themes - 6
(What holds all the characters together is a kindness and generosity of spirit even if they are completely different on the surface - and if you talk things out - all relationship problems can be overcome)
Character Growth - 6
(Oh Yoon Seo regains confidence after a bunch of hard knocks and becomes a bit more steelier and resilient than one would expect. Mr. Lawyer reveals that he actually is a big softy at heart in the first few episodes and then stalls as a character).
Nuanced Women -6
(There are a fair amount of women characters but they don't get a ton of screentime. Pluses are Oh Yoon Seo being a bit more multi-faceted than one would expect, and to the general camaraderie between female employees at the law office. Major minus points around the Lawyer Dan who I found completely unappealing).
Cinematography/Production Values - 6
(It's competent. But costuming is pretty lackluster, most scenes are shot in a few interior sets (the law office, one courtroom, and both the main character's flats.)
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Great Premise, Builds Addictively, But then . .
How can you tell the difference between true justice and unjustified revenge? When is it OK to forgive?The Rise of Phoenixes stays strong for the first 40 to 50 episodes or so...so many hours of entertainment that I can forgive the show for boxing itself into a corner and then spinning its wheels on how to finish. The premise is so intriguing, and so puzzling (how can they pull this off?) that it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are compelling, though there are far fewer characters than other historical dramas. The main characters are great. Ning Yi does mildly overact/do an eccentric sort of Johnny Depp type performance. Feng Zhiwei has plenty of personality and backstory, and the actress brings it to life. There is a lot of electricity between the two main leads in small gestures and looks, which had a really nice build. The friendship between Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan is also very well done.
The music works with the show, and there are definitely scenes that I will rewatch, though I'm not sure about watching it straight from beginning to end. There are many scenes that I like to revisit again.
I have other criteria I score by:
Complex Themes - 9
(The main theme of the show is forgiveness, justice and revenge. When do ends justify the means? When is forgiving someone betraying other principles?)
Character Growth -9
(The great tension of the show is how the characters rise to the challenge at first, how they become better coordinated, better leaders, smarter and more calculating, and then how they hit walls that cause their faith to shatter. Unfortunately, the show ends up getting stuck far before the finale and the growth stops)
Nuanced Women -6
(Feng Zhiwei is a great role - but she is it. There are very little other women in the show that act as more than plot devices or have much screen time).
Cinematography/Production Values - 10
(The costumes are really innovative, use beautiful textiles and fabrics, the sets are lavish, and there are some good exterior shots as well. There isn't as much martial arts as some, more army movements/storming a building/special effects of collapsing buildings)
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The strength of this drama lies in the relaxed, easy chemistry between the two leads and unique and touching themes about art, community and belonging. The first half has a lot of cute, comedic opposite attracts moments - but quickly falls into a ridiculous, dark conspiracy filled second half. Tons of rescuing/vowing protection scenes if you like those.
Again, the romantic chemistry was playful and great. The acting is competent, and you grow attached to the characters. But, there was a lot of over the top crassness/loudness to emphasize the class differences, plus cartoonish over acting from the villains.
Music was highly obvious in its cues and not particularly well done, and I'm not sure I'd rewatch. A few of those magical moments will linger on.
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I grade on other criteria as well
Themes: 9.5
For those who grew up 'on the outside looking in,' a person or two providing meaning in their lives can make all the difference. Families we chose can provide a feeling of belonging where blood family may fail. Art provides an ability to learn about ourselves and others, to connect to something greater than the personal minutiae of day to day lives. Money makes the world go round, but a life worth living is about connectedness beyond ourselves. Women face unique vulnerabilities as orphans/foster children.
Character Growth/Complex Growth: 6.5
You learn a lot of interesting, complex back stories about the characters as the show goes on, but there isn't much 'character growth' per se, so much as their moods ebbs and flows.
Complex Women/Interactions Between Women: 7.0
There was one really great connection and story between Dali and a museum employee regarding a woman's value and worth in the world. Otherwise, the women were fairly silo'd from each other and somewhat caricatures or one note. It was mainly Dali and 3 main male leads.
Cinematography/Production Values: 8.0
By now, most K dramas have very competent and high production values, staging and cinematography, and this one is no different. One or two ways they filmed some of the museum/art scenes were highly creative but otherwise it was all well-done but standard.
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Our two main characters Ji Min and Eun Ho are just naive children hiding in serious adult shells. Despite being highly competent ambitious sharks at work, once they have a crush they are willing to completely throw work aside to sneak glances. Despite Sun Ho being divorced with a 7 year old kid, and Ji Min being in her 30s, they are giddy at the prospect of holding hands.
Ji Min is the head recruiter at her own head hunting firm, and yet is portrayed as someone who feels awkward around other people, does not network or socialise, and has no idea how to build human relationships and so relies on Eun Ho to do that work for her. Eun Ho, who has been in an internal HR role for years and had so little a network that he had to rely on a childhood friend to get a job.
These are just some of the many contradictions that were built into these two characters. They are not interesting and complex contradictions, just contradictions that make no sense.
On top of that, the 'stories of the week' about the the candidates they are trying to recruit and place are similarly unrealistic, and the 'mysteries' of their pasts not particularly interesting.
Why watch this at all then? In the first few episodes, Eun Ho is quietly competent and protective. It's satisfying and intriguing to see him take care of Ji Min and softly fall for her in careful way, but once that initial tension resolves there is nothing left.
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Where did all the complexity, themes and fast moving plots go??? In this second half our Xiao Yao still feels lost and betrayed by Tushan Jing, a plot point that was already explored for multiple episodes last season. Just when you hope that you've seen the last of this story, he comes back and tries to revitalize the relationship again and she accepts!! Leading to more tiresome plots.
Meanwhile, Xiyan Cang Xuan and Xiang Liu take turns interfering and pining, interfering and pining as if they are both teenagers with no romance expertise and no power. Xiyan Cang Xuan is the most frustrating of all, he's taken wives and concubines and is apparently not going to have relations with them for their whole lives and make little moves to make Xiao Yao his wife? What's the end game there?
There's barely any mention of the politics of this world, or the wars between kingdoms in the first 11 episodes and so with the romances all stalled out, there really isn't any reason to watch this.
The first half was an excellent exploration of how to live your life after trauma and an exploration of what type of home and romance life you want to create for yourself post terrible experiences. This second half seems to miss all the insight and nuance.
I'm dropping.
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Thus far, Legend of White Snake is a series of moral parables or tales. At the centre, are Xu Xuan and Bai Su Zhen - one a human, the other a snake spirit/demon. Both kind, generous beings committed to living an upright and moral life.
Various characters try to corrupt them or bring them down but they stay steadfast. Indeed, so steadfast that there is not much interest or plot. Everything resolves in the same predictable manner. The actors - due to the script, direction, or their own talents show very little range.
Xiaoqing provides some comedic life and interest as a good hearted prankster. The colour palate of gray/white/green provides some lovely moments, and a contrast to many other Chinese dramas. But it does get a bit monotone after awhile.
I don't need my dramas to be full of operatic drama, alpha self-destructive heroes and vicious or saintly women. I truly was looking forward to a different model. But this is just too one note.
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Princess Weiyoung is determined to seek revenge for the killing of her entire family/clan. But what happens when she falls for the enemy?
I really liked the premise of this story - but at 23 episodes in - it got too repetitive. Princess Weiyong's 'stepfamily' abuse her and undercut her at every turn in incredibly obvious ways. Frankly, almost every character is out to get her.
The brave but bumbling love interest hurts as much as he helps. He can't understand that Princess Weiyong's family are abusive and that his own family is conspiring against them.
I liked that Princess Weiyoung rescues herself because everyone around her is incompetent...but it wasn't like her rescues were impressive or unique.
I grade on other criteria:
Complex Themes - 5
The only person who can rescue you is you. Judge people based on their actions not based on their family or reputation.
Character Growth -3
None that really stuck with me. Perhaps there is a twist later that changes the two main characters. I didn't get there. 3 points because the character Li Changru was really intriguing, complex, and the actress was able to show the layers of the character really well.
Nuanced Women -3
Li Changru is a real fascinating character, but the rest are Cinderella story caricatures.
Cinematography/Production Values - 6
Every once in awhile, there will be a really gorgeous cinematic take, but generally the costumes, makeup and hair look a bit garish and cheap. Cinematography is mostly serviceable - just captures long shots and reaction shots.
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Let's start with the good: 1) High production values, great costume design, attractive actors 2) Our immortal character is a more immature Puck/Peter Pan and loses his powers first episode - making this a more relationship of equals than other dramas.
Otherwise, this is just a bunch of ideas thrown into a script, with unfortunately little chemistry between the actors, little depth of character development or themes, and of course the ever-present serial killer storyline. There is no redemption to be found in the secondary characters or plots and the jokes/humor heavy handed.
This is a pitch or story concept with the director and writers desperately trying to stretch this out over 16 long episodes. At one point in the story, our main male lead gives a review 'boring all the way to the end.' I couldn't agree more.
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At the start, there is the typical powerful war god and the naive, powerless sprite/goddess. Except, this powerful war god looks and acts far far older than the naive powerless sprite. He is cold, authoritarian and acts more like mentor than love interest, and the powerless sprite stumbles earnestly along without a clue. 30 episodes later - this dynamic has not altered.
What's worse, the secondary plot in the 'demon' 'dark power' kingdom (they wear black/red costumes) is truly boring and the lead actor for that plot has very little charisma (he just walks around doing bad things or being in shock) .
This is a shame because the actors are quite good. Indeed, the actress who plays Ling Xi- I loved in the Rise of Phoenixes.
The music is fine, - I would not rewatch.
*Note the production values are top notch with lovely costuming and design, but the show isn't particularly cinematic and they rely a lot on sound stages/fixed sets.
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Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae steals the show as the ideal traditional romantic male. Putting our main character's safety above his own, being strong, handsome, and famous while still earnest, honest and sentimental. Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol has great chemistry with him, but her character and acting is a bit one note on its own.
This drama will go down as one of my all time favorite romances, but unfortunately not one of my favorite shows overall. The premise of a 'groundhogs day' is somewhat unique to start, but there's a lot here rehashed from the K-Drama plot bin including serial killers, slapstick comedy about working class people, etc. as the scenario repeats, and repeats, and repeats it starts to wear thin.
BUT YET! I could watch Ryu Sun-Jae being in love with Im Sol for 50 episodes if need be, that's how good the romance is here. It's worth a watch despite the flaws. Music is strong and there's some scenes worth a rewatch.
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In this drama, at the 2/3 mark, the couple is not any closer together than where they started - just misunderstandings, and miscommunications abounding. Not a slow burn more I wanted to force the main couple into a room and lock the door until they hash it out.
The budget is low and as with all skating dramas it's very very hard to suspend your disbelief. The frequent cutaways to stunt doubles or filming 'tricks' on solid ground with the camera moving around them were decently done but not inspiring.
The one highlight was Wang An Yu as Shao Bei Sheng. For once, we have a joyful, lighthearted hero that can show up with emotional intensity and protectiveness instead of your typical ice cold statue that melts 2/3's through. I thought the storyline with his mother was a highlight and salvaged an otherwise unremarkable drama.
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Chu Xuan Ji and Yu Si Feng are enemies turned lovers in lifetime after lifetime. While the mythology and creativity of the world, and the different lifetimes are intriguing, there is no huge change in character growth or plot dynamics 40 episodes in. Chu Xuan Ji and Yu Si Feng are caught between their duties to their family/clan and their love and over and over and over again the same pattern repeats . .
The actor who plays Yu Si Feng is an excellent mix of intensity, brooding, with a bit of playfulness. Chu Xuan Ji has more of a split personality: innocent and hapless or arrogant and powerful. Everyone else dramatically overacts.
Music is fine, I would not rewatch. I grade on other criterias well:
Themes: 7.5
Elders can be misguided and not know what is best. Appearances can be deceiving: what's on the surface does not always reveal ones true character. Love that support, cherishes and empowers is far superior to love that suffocates and controls.
Character Growth/Development: 5.0
Yu Si Feng warms up a bit, and Chu Xuan Ji reveals her 'powerful' side every couple episodes, but that's about it.
Complex women/relationships: 7.0
Chu Xuan Ji does have relationships with an 'aunt,' her sister and friends she meets along the way. They do mostly talk about men or act as plot devices, but they do exist.
Cinematography/Production values: 7.0
Shows in this style (see Ashes of Love) are attempting a kind of deliberate, 2010 era video-game type CGI and it works decently well here. I wouldn't say there was anything shockingly beautiful or unique. Action scenes were competent but not particularly innovative.
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The plot keeps you guessing - it's part murder detective mystery drama paired with historical family/court intrigue romantic drama with a side dash of 'learn about the tea industry.' There were multiple times, in a good way, where both in terms of plot and themes, I was like where are they going with all of this??
The uniqueness of the murder mysteries and family intrigues genuinely make it interesting to sort out 'who done it.' Not only are our main characters intelligent but the side characters and villains are intelligent too and run from a bit problematic all the way to complete monsters which makes for interesting viewing. The banter and dialogue here can be quite wry and the humor dry in very clever ways.
I'm a big fan of equal partner romances and this one speaks to challenging the old generation into forging a new type of partnership. Not misandrist nor misogynist but something wholly new. But, if you were hoping for a romance centered drama the romance scenes drop out pretty heavily 1/2 way through.
Acting is quite limited in range but very much works for the personalities and plots of the drama. The main couple plays most things with a straight face with a small smile, wink, clenched jaw, or twist of a aring to indicate that there is more going on underneath. I want to give a nod to the costumes which were much better than most dramas at this budget level.
It was entertaining, worth the watch, and it was nice to see some new plots and themes in genres that have gotten quite repetitive and one note. It's worth a try.
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In the first half, the enemies to lovers plot is extremely satisfying. Hua Zhi and Gu Yan Xi are both earnest characters trying to do their best and find some happiness despite the emperor and fate standing in their way. There's also a lot of endearing scenes as the women of the Hua family band together and become resilient and independent.
But in the second half the plot grinds to a halt. The emperor is not suited for ruling during peace time, and there is no way he will forgive Hua's family. Of course, Hua Zhi and Gu Yan Xi would never rebel, so they just . . . wait for him to change his mind ??? If you were hoping for political intrigue and machinations, there are none to be found.
The acting overall is so-so (Gu Yan Xi needs a lot of music and effects to be intimidating), but the chemistry between the primary couple and the secondary couple both is excellent. I was cheering both couples on and it's the only reason I kept watching the show. The music is fairly good nothing here to really rewatch.
In the end, there is no complexity of themes or plots, but I appreciated the emphasis on women being independent, and I enjoyed the romantic chemistry.
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This review may contain spoilers
The mix of romance, action, drama and comedy are excellent but slowly the plot bloats and pace slows . . At the start, the romance with power games and the switching of who rescued who was a lot of fun. The main couple were fully fleshed out with clear motivations and back stories, and you bought the tension between them. In addition, who doesn't like the secret hero who is destined for greatness? By the end, though, the pacing seemed really off and bloated at 20 episodes. The older generation of mages got a lot of screen time and largely were boring and onenote. The villain also got a lot of screen time and was more annoying or slimy than compelling.
There were a few standout actors as the episodes went on. Both, Lee Jae Wook and Jung So Min were excellent at both the comedy and drama and had an endearing softer, buddy romance. In addition, there was a few standout side characters that did a lot with their roles mainly Seo Yul 'Autumn,' the Crown Prince, and Maidservant Kim. Shoutout to Master Lee as well.
The music was fine and worked well esp. with action scenes, there may be an occasional scene I'd rewatch esp. the more comedic or fun points.
I grade on other elements as well:
Complex themes: 7.5
Talented people can be motivated in different ways - don't hold talent back just because they can't learn steadily and linearly. No one is immune from greed - elders included. Being grounded in human relationships and human costs makes you less likely to succumb to fights of power.
Character Growth and Development: 8.5
By the end, the characters have to wrestle with whether they buy into the values they held at the beginning. Our main male character struggles with this the least, and fairly quickly realizes he cares much more for those who have helped and believed in him than any sort of ideological battle, but for most of the other characters it is a struggle.
Complex Women/Women centered plots: 6.5
This was abnormally bad for a show in 2022. While there were great women characters (indeed the female secondary villian was much more interesting than the male villian) none of them shared meaningful screen time with each other except to move plots forwards.
Cinematography/Production Values: 8.0
The fights scenes were thrilling and had an excellent musical score to them and were of high quality. There's a good amount of shooting outdoors by water or trees. The sets, costume etc. however were only average.
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