The rating is gradually increasing. But, you're right, it deserves much better on MDL. There is definitely a preference for cdramas with romance here, particularly costume, and there is nothing wrong that. I also sometimes forget that the ratings system has become a little warped on MDL. It doesn't seem to function as a proper 10 point system, where roughly the following would apply...
●8+ (Very good // Masterpiece) ●6 - 7.9 (Solid // Above average // Good) ●4.5 - 5.9 (Below average // Average // Solid) ●Anything lower should be the varying degrees of awful.
So, essentially, everyone tries to keep the drama they're watching at around 8+. If it slips into the 7s or lower, it has fallen into the abyss.
It sort of creates an incentive to inflate your ratings. For example, if I take two random films that I enjoy - Vampire's Kiss (1988) and GWTW (1939). The first is a bizarre, oddball cult classic. The second is undoubtedly a timeless masterpiece. I'd typically rate the first around 6.5. Even though I love the film. The latter I'd put around the 8.5 - 10 mark. I love both personally, but they don't belong in the same strata in terms of achievement. On MDL a rating of 6.5 would seem to indicate that I hate the show / movie. When in reality, it's the complete opposite. Hence, the temptation to make that 6.5 an 8+ instead.
Just watched a short of Mai Mai (ZZ) in the gym working the bag, sparring an instructor, getting beaten, and getting back up. Very intense. She won't quit.
I've absolutely loved every minute of this show so far. Everyone has put in their best work. Not long to go, the finish line is in sight. I just really hope in that time frame they can deliver the perfect ending the show deserves. I feel like China is really starting to get the hang of how to make high quality modern dramas. They've nailed costume / fantasy, and are now making strides in modern.
Am I the only one who feels that the most heartbreaking characters are Fu Ling, Ching Zhao, and Qi Feng? 😭😭
Add Tian Huo to the list, and I agree. I'm hoping for some happy endings, but sacrifice is a reoccurring theme here. This story constantly seems to find another level of excitement and heartache... On a side note, Lulu's lady in red is a little spectacular. Stunning! Stunning!
Dramas that are the most human and real are always the best. Human villains are simply more terrifying than cartoonish…
Agreed. To some degree the father here contributes to creating the conditions for ZZ's running away from home. Their whole family dynamic has become unhealthy. The mother is under pressure to be the perfect mother and ZZ is under pressure to be the perfect student. Instead of playing an active role and helping to alleviate pressures, and de-escalate tensions, he played a passive role and allowed it to reach the breaking point. It's correct to see him as a big part of the problem.
The director, writers, and actors did a really good job creating an authentic family unit coming apart at the seams, setting the stage for ZZ to flee.
Chinese moms and their inability to show their love in a healthy way 🤦♂️. Zhen Zhen, despite running…
Dramas that are the most human and real are always the best. Human villains are simply more terrifying than cartoonish entities of pure darkness and evil.
The relationships here are strained by circumstances both physical and imagined / perceived, some in the present and some in the past, they lend themselves to great dramatic moments.
I actually love the very human dynamic between ZZ and her mother, for example. It's the very real fusion of the irrational and rational that makes it so relatable and impactful. In many ways they both misunderstand each other, and are both to blame for the falling out between them. The viewer can see it from both perspectives. ZZ feeling unloved, unappreciated and under the weight of unrealistic expectations. Her mother feeling that ZZ doesn't appreciate or understand the sacrifices and hard work that has gone into providing the opportunities she has. been given.
There is an interesting generational element at play, too. It's very likely that the China her mother grew up in is quite different from the current one ZZ is being raised in (2000s timeline). In other words, her mother was shaped in a very different environment. Btw, I'm not excusing her behaviour towards her daughter. I was just pointing out that as things escalated they both became irrational actors which is very human and understandable. In a state of anger they were irrationally seeking to hurt each other. Then, in a state of calm, rational and remorseful. But they were hindered by an irrational inability to apologise and amend the trajectory of their relationship. They ultimately accelerated towards a point of no return.
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
●8+ (Very good // Masterpiece)
●6 - 7.9 (Solid // Above average // Good)
●4.5 - 5.9 (Below average // Average // Solid)
●Anything lower should be the varying degrees of awful.
So, essentially, everyone tries to keep the drama they're watching at around 8+. If it slips into the 7s or lower, it has fallen into the abyss.
It sort of creates an incentive to inflate your ratings. For example, if I take two random films that I enjoy - Vampire's Kiss (1988) and GWTW (1939). The first is a bizarre, oddball cult classic. The second is undoubtedly a timeless masterpiece. I'd typically rate the first around 6.5. Even though I love the film. The latter I'd put around the 8.5 - 10 mark. I love both personally, but they don't belong in the same strata in terms of achievement. On MDL a rating of 6.5 would seem to indicate that I hate the show / movie. When in reality, it's the complete opposite. Hence, the temptation to make that 6.5 an 8+ instead.
PS... Thanks for the link, I enjoyed the Ai Mi story on that site. 😊
The director, writers, and actors did a really good job creating an authentic family unit coming apart at the seams, setting the stage for ZZ to flee.
The relationships here are strained by circumstances both physical and imagined / perceived, some in the present and some in the past, they lend themselves to great dramatic moments.
I actually love the very human dynamic between ZZ and her mother, for example. It's the very real fusion of the irrational and rational that makes it so relatable and impactful. In many ways they both misunderstand each other, and are both to blame for the falling out between them. The viewer can see it from both perspectives. ZZ feeling unloved, unappreciated and under the weight of unrealistic expectations. Her mother feeling that ZZ doesn't appreciate or understand the sacrifices and hard work that has gone into providing the opportunities she has. been given.
There is an interesting generational element at play, too. It's very likely that the China her mother grew up in is quite different from the current one ZZ is being raised in (2000s timeline). In other words, her mother was shaped in a very different environment. Btw, I'm not excusing her behaviour towards her daughter. I was just pointing out that as things escalated they both became irrational actors which is very human and understandable. In a state of anger they were irrationally seeking to hurt each other. Then, in a state of calm, rational and remorseful. But they were hindered by an irrational inability to apologise and amend the trajectory of their relationship. They ultimately accelerated towards a point of no return.