This review may contain spoilers
Genuine, Healing, and Full of Unconditional Love
I'm going to potentially bristle some hairs, and say that the extent one can appreciate this drama is a fairly good measure of one's maturity, emotional intelligence, and depth of empathy. It is not for every viewer, and I especially would not recommend it to viewers who are younger (mid-20s and under) or those who are simply looking for a good time.
I commend this drama's entire team for creating a masterpiece that delves so fearlessly into incredibly difficult topics. As a viewer, you physically feel the discomfort because the scenes do not shy away from taking you along as our FL endures abuse on multiple fronts. This drama can trigger intense emotions in the viewer - in the most painfully beautiful way, it shatters your heart but then brings it back together, stronger and healed.
The soundtrack is absolutely insane. This is hands down in my Top 3 for Chinese drama soundtracks, because wow. Gorgeous tracks, with a star-studded list of artists, that complemented the drama scenes so well. The cinematography was stunning as well. Nothing was overdone, but there was a clear sense of artistic flair that I really appreciated simply because it was beautiful. (Frankly, this drama is depressing enough without a more dark and gritty visual style.)
This is one slow burn. It doesn't drag, but I highly recommend you take the time to slowly savour the entirety of each episode. Each one is set up with the same formula: a snippet from the past, a time jump to the present, and a cute bonus scene before the ending credits. It's like a satisfying 3-course meal every time!
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I want to defend the Hong Kong arc because it was widely discussed, with many viewers being discontent with it because it didn't "make sense". Those who had similar experiences, and/or share avoidant attachment tendencies like the FL, will not see anything amiss. If anything, the Hong Kong arc made perfect sense. The point was not for the plot to be logical. It was to send the FL on a trajectory of healing and was vital for how both her character and the main relationship progressed. Seriously. The people behind this drama knew EXACTLY what they were doing, and they executed it brilliantly. Kudos.
I commend this drama's entire team for creating a masterpiece that delves so fearlessly into incredibly difficult topics. As a viewer, you physically feel the discomfort because the scenes do not shy away from taking you along as our FL endures abuse on multiple fronts. This drama can trigger intense emotions in the viewer - in the most painfully beautiful way, it shatters your heart but then brings it back together, stronger and healed.
The soundtrack is absolutely insane. This is hands down in my Top 3 for Chinese drama soundtracks, because wow. Gorgeous tracks, with a star-studded list of artists, that complemented the drama scenes so well. The cinematography was stunning as well. Nothing was overdone, but there was a clear sense of artistic flair that I really appreciated simply because it was beautiful. (Frankly, this drama is depressing enough without a more dark and gritty visual style.)
This is one slow burn. It doesn't drag, but I highly recommend you take the time to slowly savour the entirety of each episode. Each one is set up with the same formula: a snippet from the past, a time jump to the present, and a cute bonus scene before the ending credits. It's like a satisfying 3-course meal every time!
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I want to defend the Hong Kong arc because it was widely discussed, with many viewers being discontent with it because it didn't "make sense". Those who had similar experiences, and/or share avoidant attachment tendencies like the FL, will not see anything amiss. If anything, the Hong Kong arc made perfect sense. The point was not for the plot to be logical. It was to send the FL on a trajectory of healing and was vital for how both her character and the main relationship progressed. Seriously. The people behind this drama knew EXACTLY what they were doing, and they executed it brilliantly. Kudos.
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