A well executed, beautifully depicted crime drama sprinkled with romance, humor, humanity
I started this drama based on a comment of a YouTuber when it was first released and am continually looking forward to each new episode release!Superb Storytelling:
This drama has been such a delight to watch as it is very well detailed and thought out. I truly feel like I am immersed in this faraway ancient time and learning with them the clues to every case as they unfold. It also draws out so many emotions of the human heart! Most of the characters are just not black and white one dimensional cookie cutters.
The director did a fine jobs taking us through each case, leaving little crumbs, weaving details from previous cases to current cases. Creating whole characters with backstories. We are left empathizing with characters and seeing that there is no black and white when it comes to the human heart. And while doing so, we also share in the FL’s own personal journey - it’s not just a game of winners versus losers.
**Please note that this drama is more of a "real" vs "fairytale" feel. There is a disturbing scene involving children even though nothing is scene that some viewers may want to avoid**
Scenery, set, costuming, and music:
How can I put it it? It’s been such a delight to see, to smell, to hear and experience the atmospheres and moods created. The costumes are exquisite and feel realistic as if they were of the time. For example, a very wealthy character (the most wealthy in the city) wore bright luxurious sheen purple outfits - not a color easily obtained in ancient times. The poorer common wore more muted colors with coarser, looser woven materials with hand sewn patches, hair dos are more realistic looking as well.
A lot of extra details help create the mood (visual language - borrowed from a fellow watcher). For example, there is a scene where people are preparing and celebrating the new year. Not only are the streets decked out for our eyes to see, but we can also feel and smell, and even taste the vibrant atmosphere. We see the skills in candy making and get a bit of a taste of it through our actors. Also displayed are noodle pulling, deep frying pulled dough, puppetry, dragons, drums, lanterns, performers doing some amazing shows. Children captivated by the shadow puppet show. Bustling crowds. At the Qi family household, we see a plethora of dishes served and the joy and warmth of a family gathering followed by an opera show. They didn’t need to go into such details but they chose to and it elevated the drama watching experience.
Music -
Oh my goodness, I didn’t pay attention at the beginning because it was so subtle I didn’t notice. However, as I continued to watch I discover how well the music and sound effects merged in with the story and enhanced the necessary moods. The fading in and out of the sounds and music were perfectly executed and timed even to specific words spoken and needed attention paid. The instruments used sounded wonderful. I can tell someone carefully and lovingly paid attention to every detail.
Acting -
Most of the actors, except the ML, are new faces to me but I’m sure they’ve been around for a while because their performances were superb. Subtle expressions, postures, actions, motions, gestures created interesting characters and interactions.
The Main Lead (Qi Meng Li) is the youngest son (2 very capable elder brothers) of a wealthy and powerful governor. He is like a naive foolish kid, raised with a silver spoon in a warm and loving family, without a care in the world, and sheltered all his life. He sets out to explore and experience the romanticized world that he’s been reading in his novels. The actor does a fine job portraying his character (even to our and the FL’s annoyance). However, we also see him grow and slowly mature as he interacts with the world and our FL and those around her.
The female lead - she is a very resolute and determined person with a very painful background that oppresses her but she works very hard to overcome it on her terms with her wits and smarts. Although she is a very upright person, she is also realistic, level minded, humble but not a doormat, smart but not condescending, no pretense. She’s a character admired by many and the actress is just great and conveying all this. The makeup is just right and not over the top ridiculous. Her determination sis admirable yet I don’t feel like a modern day female centric view is shoved in my face. It would be out of place like some other costume dramas I’ve watched. Also, the actress looks more mature which I thinks suits the character since she has faced so much hardships, suffering, and oppression.
I’ll spend some time mentioning the actor of the second male lead (He Peng) because his acting is just amazing. He plays a smart, gentle, educated scholar who earns his position as a magistrate of Linfen (a smaller town) purely on his own merits. His heart is to serve the country and the people and he stands his course even when it doesn’t benefit his career. However, he also has to tread carefully because his one backer is powerful not does not share his view of justice and compassion for the commoners . He is also under a LOT a lot of pressure from others and is a cautious character not always certain what to do when it comes to actions for his own future because he’s constantly considering all the factors. So he holds back a lot. This actor is amazing at portraying this character. I actually fell in love with his character and even wished he could be with our FL.
I appreciate story doesn’t dwell on milking unnecessary emotions from us. Yes, we feel for the different characters but in no way does it drag on and on.
Ok, if you’ve kept up this far, just go and watch it already. I don’t tend to write a review, especially while airing, unless it really left a strong positive impression on me.
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Realistic depiction of the complexities of Love
This is not just a typical plot based romantic drama with fluff and beautiful faces. Of course, it has beautiful faces (and I can’t wait to see Edward Chen, my newest crush, but I digress). After finishing the drama, I love it even more the when I started. This drama that leaves you thinking after each episode ends.This is a great study/exploration on human’s need for companionship, human shortfalls, human motivation, different views on what love means; basically the complexities of relationships/ love. In a way, every character has their own selfishness & shortfall that causes failures in their relationships. It feels realistic as we can think of a few people in our own lives who have similarities. We cannot be quick to judge anyone’s actions (except maybe a couple of characters) because they are imperfect humans just like us.
The quality of the production is top notch in my book. You feel the vibe of these cities they live in. The actors are fantastic. The way it’s directed is interesting and creative. It interjects skits that summarizes the theme of each episode.I appreciate how it uses symbolism (in stead of just narrating peoples thoughts) to depict a person’s character, or the MFL’s internal battle/thoughts with her conscience which is supposed to guide her but doesn’t always succeed nor is it always right. Each episode you learn a little more about each character and boy…..it changes how you view them. All the complexities make this drama a fun, interesting, and worthwhile watch.
I look forward to soak up my one episode a day.
Updated after finishing (below comments do not give away specific details but may give overall ending):
I bumped this drama up to a 10 for me due to enjoyment value.
This is an enjoyable self growth drama. Realistic. Three ladies with different backgrounds, motivations, and values. Neither one feels fulfilled in their current lives. As they embark on the journey of life seeking what they think will fulfill it, they discover what truly does with the support of true friendships. Love the various relationships portrayed, whether romantic, platonic , family, or professional. Love the growth of each character.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unique, inspiring drama with LOTS of eye candy
Just finished Wanna Be / Hello Model.This has been a unique, nice steady drama with very BEAUTIFUL tall people. FL -> gorgeous. ML -> so tall! SML -> tall and gorgeous! The chemistry between the main leads was amazing, they know how to passionately kiss but also tenderly care for one another. The audience really ends up rooting for them and sharing in the joys / pains /struggles throughout the drama.
What's great is that this is NOT a drama with LOTS of drama! haha... Of course it has drama, but is measured and feels more realistic we see what the characters experience, how they are affected, how they cope, how they encourage and support each other. There's the building and development of various friendships, old and new. There's no one nasty person who stays evil the whole time. Everyone is human with flaws and we learn to see whole of them - even characters who start off as unpleasant. By the end, they're not so bad, just human.
Main couple - their relationship grows and they really do support each other but in alignment with their personalities so it's not the way we would expect like in other dramas. Love how the male lead's character is not typical - very refreshing. The female lead is kinda badass. Both are bold and cool.
Costuming - some were great, some not so. But overall, very fashion. I am wondering whether some of the casts are actually models as well.
Overall, this is been a story of overcoming obstacles, self discovery and strength as well as working out relationships - plutonic, familial, romantic. I guess it is a healing drama and yes with a Happy Ending / Beginning...
And it ended beautifully with a beautiful song -
Like a bird flying over a deserted wasteland
dreamed of too many what if's, what if you loved me too
Like a star falling, igniting the spark within
don't let us drift apart, like clouds meeting the sky
Oh, dream can we get a little closer
when the passion resurfaces
Let me be your shining point, finally standing before you
Daydreams come true, holding you in my heart
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Real life issues of marriage dealt with humour and fun
I binged this drama in a day as it was a breath of fresh air and change of pace to all the serious, angsty dramas currently airing.This drama is about a 30 something career woman dealing with the challenges of her marriage. I loved how the story pokes fun at everything yet at the same time, willing to bring out tender serious moments and challenges of daily life. So many humorous situations juxtaposed with warm touching scenes and irritating relatable scenes. I was busting out laughing (hospital scene, fairy tale story telling to niece scene) as well as giggling (pharmacist scenes) through all the experiences.
Cast are all wonderful actors. fL Ko Chia Yen is gorgeous and so humourous as a jaded, weary married feminist. ML Jasper Liu is our nice guy husband who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body but at the same time, annoyingly compliant to his mom’s coddling. Tseng Ching Hua (pharmacist) Shines as that caring, warm and sweet prince Charming that every girl dreams off (even I was swooning to his sweet smile. hahaha..). Fu Meng Bo (FL’s boss) is that lingering old flame from her past.
I really enjoyed this fun, heartwarming watch with the excellent acting and directing.
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Enjoyable comedy despite its flaws
Trophy? Yes. Melodramatic? Yes. Old fashion? Maybe, Yes, but it was still a fun romcom.What I enjoyed:
The lighthearted silliness and comedy. Even the over acting and unrealistic characters with bad hair were funny. I appreciated how it touched different types of romantic relationships, familial relationships, friendships, and motherhood.
Loved the bromance, the sisterhood, the brotherhood.
Loved the theme of forgiveness and understanding and support.
What was cringy:
the background music is pretty melodramatic and cringy.The product placement is very in your face and even incorporated into the drama. And the costuming is not always flattering to the actors. Feels like they really needed funding to make this drama because it was 40 episodes that probably could have been cut shorter.
In the later eps, the relationship between main CP was a bit draggy but the relationship between the second couple was nice and endearing.
Rewatching:
I would probably rewatch certain comedic scenes but not the entire drama.
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A beautiful, touching, heartfelt drama delving into human relationships, life, death, and humanity
I was expecting a nice fun romance but was blown away by the depth of this drama. After finishing it today, I thoroughly enjoyed this high quality, wonderfully acted, beautifully directed drama. The characters are rich and relatable. The issues they face and how they they react are realistic and relatable as well. The crew did a fabulous job juxtaposing the beautiful natural backdrop of the main characters’ hometown vs, the beautiful modern skyline of Shanghai. Not only did the drama capture the scenery but also the feel, community, culture, and customs of their hometown.I love how this drama takes the time and care to portray the various relationships and struggles of many characters. We can see the beautiful decades long bestie friendship between grandma and Ms Lin and how they grapple with the imminent reality that all of us will one day face. We see the push and pull between mom and kids who clearly love each other but struggle with their roles and expectations of each other. We see the siblings teasing each other but care and support each other like how loving siblings do. And of course, we see romantic love blossoming or bursting - with all the emotions that comes along when two individuals, each with their own set of baggage, learn how to work it out. So beautiful.
This leads me to the main focus of this drama, the romantic relationship between the main leads. Wow! Kudos to the actors on their superb acting. They were on fire! I love romantic comedies but I love rich deep interesting romantic comedies more. It was very rewarding to ride along with this couple’s journey, seeing them grow individually and towards each other, see them opening up and allowing their vulnerability to be exposed. And super enjoyable to see the fireworks between them.
I hope you give it a shot and enjoy it!
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Fantastic drama worthy of my time
This is a wonderful production. Acting is superb. Story is tight and clean. Music is actually good. I felt a connection to the characters, their struggles, their joy, their fears, their growth. Episodes ended with us wanting more. It’s not an idol drama so no slow motion cliques. So if you’re looking for that kind of romance and fairy tale ending, this is not it. If you want a good quality engaging drama with redemption/growth/friendship/love/ family/joy/sorrow/fun/struggles/humor, then get some snacks and enjoy the ride.Was this review helpful to you?
