Wynndzofchange

Fierce But Soft

I’ve seen a lot of complaints about the FL not meeting the idealized version of what a woman disguised as a man in the military would look like. So let me address that first. Have you all looked at some of the soldiers and other actors in this and other wuxia style dramas? Some of the men would be blown away by a soft breeze were it not for their costume and play swords. Her voice is feminine, but many male vocalists that sing tenor or even soprano have feminine voices. Si what’s your beef? Just because you had a preconceived idea of what a female general should look like, you have decided this young actress doesn’t match your imagination. Yoy claim you want a strong female lead, but cry because her strength came from an abusive family, war, a narcissistic violent brother and the plotting court politician that wanted her life snuffed out…and she survived? What else do you want? Did you expect a manly voice and physique? Seriously?

My Review:

Frankly, I enjoyed this drama a great deal. The story was good. Yes there were holes, yes some things weren’t plausible in real life. But again - it is a STORY, not reality.

The chemistry between the leads was palpable. The ML’s eyes could be cold as ice and incredibly attractive once he found out how much he cared. I love also that the FL embraced her femininity when she was able to finally show the world who she was. Their character development as individuals and then as couple was very good. And when the ML was forced to deliver the edict from the jerk of an emporer who was manipulated by the 2ML, one could feel the pain his character had.

The floofy spoiled Chancellors daughter was rather ignorantly naive and spoiled. She lived in a world she created in her own mind in regards to others and the 2ML’s affections.

The villains were portrayed well. Bith tried to justify their choices and actions by shifting the blame to others and when they were eventually caught, it was still their delusions that came from their corrupted minds that poured out of their mouth.

The 2nd male lead annoyed me. While he had a pretty face, you could see the corruption and desire to get what he wanted (the FL) regardless of the cost - even to the point of manipulating the emporer into breaking their engagement. I detest a character that doesn’t take no for an answer and tries to force his way in.

The choreography of the fight scenes was very good. I didn’t see any wobbly swords, or fake blood spurting from wounds that hadn’t been inflicted yet. Of course things were exaggerated, but again, it’s a STORY.

The music was good, scenes were shot well, and the extras did a great job in the background.

Overall, I scored this a 10, because it was a good visual story and every scene was shot well.

If you haven’t watched it, throw out your expectations and just enjoy the STORY!

Read More

Just Be Honest

For a short episode drama, this wasn’t too bad.

The story had a lot of potential and could have been developed better had the episodes been at least 30 minutes, but being around 15 minutes an episode the script relied heavily on flashbacks.

Reality demonstrates that people don’t have a flashback to childhood memories every time someone says something to them, but this drama actually held the majority of the story fleshed out through that method of story telling.

The ML had an issue with the FL after he found out she lied about a lot of things since childhood, and even after she confessed the reasons behind her acts he refused to show compassion or empathy. The problem with his stance was that he lied too, but most of his lies were executed by keeping his mouth and feelings bottled up rather than being honest when he was asked about things.

Acting wasn’t too bad.Everyone played their parts well.

Semi-messy family dynamics story arc was used, and parents being absorbed in their own mess to properly teach their children was in that arc.

Music was alright, and there were humorous moments here and there.

Cinemetography was not the greatest as it seemed the close-ups were too close (like seeing the mustache hair trying to peek through the makeup on the ML), and a lot of the shots of the ocean were focused just a tad too far out.

Costuming had some issues. There were a couple of loose threads on the FL’s clothing - the worst being on the wedding dress that was back lit and it stood out in all its illuminated glory like a lighthouse on a foggy night. “Here I am!”

It’s a quick watch, and entertaining for the most part, but I didn’t find it so good that ai’d rewatch.

Gave it a 7 for effort and a semi-unique story line.

If you need a filler until your current watch drops more episodes, and don’t want anything heavy or involved to watch, this won’t hurt and will help burn through the lag.

Read More

Love is Patient, Love does not eek its own way

I gave this drama a 10 because it showed tge true meaning of what love is all about - committing one’s self to another person and working through problems together; it protects each other from harm and does not run away. It does not seek individual desires outside of that bond, and doesn’t keep score to prove who has done more.

People complained about the last scene calling it weird. There was nothing weird about it.

He came downstairs and looked at the photos, then watched the video of her playing the piano because he was reminding himself. It was his way of keeping the amnesia under control and clinging to what he saw in the photos and hearing the song she wrote when they first met.

Music is pieerful and can reach places that words cannot. It can dig down past the clutter of confusion and panic and calm the heart and mind.

He may have sensed a reset coming at that time, based on his darting eye movements, but those photos, the music, his child and his wife steadied him and brought him back.

The greatest redemption was brought about by love, and when we make life and marriage all about romantic feelings, we miss out on the reward that faithfulness in all situations brings.

It is a beautiful love story.

Read More

Pretty Good

I’ll start off saying that if it wasn’t for the leads, this drama wouldn’t have received as high a score as I gave it. Initially I wanted to say the only thing that saved it was the music, but changed my mind after watching it all the way through.

The casting and acting for every role other than the leads felt like I was watching a middle school production. Editing was bad in several places and the supporting cast was super weak.

I could tell from the first appearance of the ML’s brother that he was the villain. His smile was too fake, his praise and friendliness was artificial. He had no concept of how to look genuine but be a slime ball. His wife was a little better, but not much. She was too obvious.

The FL’s ex, who happened to be the ML’s cousin was just a terrible actor. You could tell he was nervous by his aggressively over-acted “passion”. His kisses were forced and awkward. Every kiss scene with him looked like he probably gave the women a swollen lip because he crashed into them repeatedly.

Even the ML and FL’s grandfathers were extremely awkward.

I preface this by saying that I apologize if something had happened to this actor to cause speech issues. I am saying this S someone who has no knowledge of his oersonal life experiences but you could hardly understand him as his words were so slurred and blended together (kudos to those who managed to extract anything intelligible from his speaking).

The ML’s grandfather was supposed to be a domineering retired CEO but he was more like a bullied student who relied on a practiced false bravado enforced by his clicking cane shoe tapping.

There was bad editing as well as sound effects. For example, the scene where the ML steps out from behind a tree that the FL is looking at straight on and his shoes are making noise on dirt and grass. And just before he steps out from behind the tree, the camera had shown noone behind the tree as they showed her looking at it. Tgen the scene where the FL was in the “forbidden” bedroom and had picked up a framed photo to look at. initially it was facing the wall opposite the headboard. But when she put it down it was facing the bed. When they showed the FL leaving the room the photo was back to its original position even though she hadn’t touched it again.

Like I said, the leads carried this drama. The script seemed to be pretty well done for a short episode drama, but there was a lot of time spent on reminiscing the past in the last few episodes. So the production fell a little short also.

The leads were very cute together and seemed to have good chemistry. Their acting didn’t feel forced or awkward. Their physical contact wasn’t uncomfortable to watch, but seemed like they truly had affection for each other. Their facial and eye expressions were also on point.

If half of the cast had been left out, they still would have carried the rest on their performances.

Even though this review seems negative, I actually enjoyed it even though I am not a fan of short dramas. If you take anything away from this review, take this:

Watch the drama. Toss aside logical thought for a while and enjoy the leads. It’s really not that bad.

Read More

Drop Your Prejudice At The Door

I say to drop your prejudice at the door because of the negative comments and reviews that some have expressed as being disappointing because it didn’t meat their expectations in the way the lead couples story ended.

The story was good - not always written well, and not always focused on the title, but it was decent.

I was hoping for a drama that was focused more on the men’s perception of love, but a lot of time was spent on the females themselves. Hu Yitisn’s character had a beautiful introduction and background details to the story and each little clip was very eloquent and touching. His character was that of the Editir in Chief for a paper magazine, and he portrayed this role of a quirky, detail oriented creative perfectly. He was wise, comforting yet straightforward, and balanced that out with the playfulness of being as he said early on, an adult man with the attitude of a teenager (osraphrased).

The FL was bubbly, innocent, very quick tempered and incredibly stubborn to the point of hurting the ML. She worried and ruminated on assumptions she made in regards to the ML rather than speaking to him directly. She gave everyone opportunities to explain and listened to them and judged wisely - yet when it came to the ML she jumped to conclusions and judgements faster than a kangaroo fleeing predators in the wild. I will give her credit, that once she got the stupid out of her thoughts she was able to see the truth.

Her character was frustrating and very selfabsorbed. Yet she was also capable of great compassion and warmth. I think most of her issues stemmed from overthinking and a low self esteem. So low that she kept everyone at arms length and tried to shoulder everything herself.

The 2FL/ML were initially odd. Tgey were the typical get physical first then get to know each other couple with a poor FL background and a rich 2nd gen ML whose mother that could not speak quietly or politely. She was a bully with a bank account and social status that tried to drive them apart. The ML had incredible control of being able to put his emotions of the role not only on his face, but his eyes as well.

The 2nd FL was annoying to me at first, even when her background came out she held people with money in a box assuming the 2ML was incapable of bringing her happiness or loving her long term.

The 3rd couple (husband and wife) were a mix of toxic soup. The husband was a notorious flirt, and the wife was a dominating distrustful person that only cared about her goals while holding her husband as an emotional hostage to her demands. She was constantly pushing her expectations, beating him with her suspicious theories and manipulating his friends into reporting things to her. Unfortunately, she figured out her mistakes after their divorce and even though she initially changed her behavior, little peeks of her attitude was returning.

The fourth couple ended up getting a LOT of screen time - almost to the point of leaving the Fml/fl very little time to resolve their breakup into a happy ending.

The ‘noble’ detachment of the 4ml from the 4fl was understandable - he battled feeling like he was betraying his late wife, his own feelings, and being manipulated by the 2ML and the girls mother (who is also the 2ML’s mother.

The 4fl was an annoying creature. Self-centered, headstrong, manipulative, crafty and downright aggressive in her pursuit of the 4mL at times. Her character was w remedy immature and very very spoiled. She could be very mature and handle work tasks professionally and quickly, but then turn into a whiney princess having a temper tantrum in a bar with a bottle of spirits the next. Her whiney voice when she was in princess mode was beyond annoying.

The 4ml was the stoic, self absorbed grieving husband of a woman who had passed way years ago. He was a lawyer and very capable of being tough and decisive within a case he had, but had no backbone to stand up on his own behalf. He was afraid of another relationship that might end in separation, afraid of his friend, the 2ml) ending their friendship, and refused to move on in a healthy way from his wife’s passing. So instead of facing things head on, he ‘nobly’ chose to push the 4fl away. I really hate that trope… its over used and not noble at all. In fact, it is exceedingly selfish and inconsiderate.

Tge appearance of the 1ML ex-girlfriend and her attempt to separate the leads was annoying but necessary. The ML couldn’t proceed into a relationship with the 1fl without removing tge emotional trauma left in his ex. I found it good that once they saw her at her exhibit, she was never heard from / seen again, and was a good shadow of how much influence she had in the ML’s heart after that.

Now…HYT was excellent in this role. He was able to show the depth of emotion he needed with facial expressions that mirrored the pain and happiness in his eyes. He seems to have matured a great deal and his already commanding screen presence
multiplued exponentially. He did an excellent job in this role. It was refreshing to see him being playful with his friends and the FL, serious at work, a stoic businessman and a loyal friend. He was quite handsome in his suits and yet a simple man who could dress casually and enjoy football game at home, or go to a cyber cafe to play video games with his friends. I am looking to seeing more from him soon.

Tge good news is, that even after all the trials and testing of each couple they ended up well.

And who can be unhappy with an OST sung by Liu Yuning?? icing on the cake!

So even though many people complained about the lack of chemistry between the couples, I found it realistic. A relationship that has gone through ups and downs, difficulty and hardship is very different than that of one soaking in fluffy clouds and candy hearts floating around. People have to learn to let go of their self obsession and learn to work together as a couple, and while this drama didn’t end up as many expected, they all came out with a bond forged together by those trials and into a healthy partnership where mutual support and respect inds them together.

Drop the expectations, and enjoy the story. 😎

Read More

Unusual Ending But Still Worth The Watch

There’s been a lot of disappointed comments about this drama because of the way it ended. Contrary to being disappointed, I actually liked the ending of this story.

I enjoyed the development of their characters during their mutual dream, it was preparing them for what should have been from the beginning, rather than making the wrong choice from their youth on. Their shared dream gave them hope to fight back when things got difficult instead of surrendering to the problems that arose. The dream cleared their minds of the nonsense and put them on the right path.

I enjoy the ML’s acting. He is quite talented and needs more roles like this. Support characters are fine, but he is capable of so much more, and I Hope he is able to get better roles after this.

The FL was equally talented and she is absolutely beautiful. Her character switch from a young girl with her head in cotton candy colored heart shaped clouds of love into the confident, intelligent woman who tackled things head on and with her partner actually is more inspiring than being pampered and treated like a canary in a guilded cage like many C-dramas portray women. She embodied what a strong woman’s character looks like.

The development of the leads relationship in the dream was also very well done. It wasn’t all fluff and acquiescing of the male to make the FL happy. He was a leader by example, he had strong morals, was patient and let the people on his team develop and use their strengths to do amazing things in their field.

I think people were disappointed that it really wasn’t a fantasy come true because it was a dream as they were stuck in the dream itself. And, when they woke up from the dream it was a shock, and were bound by analysis paralysis trying to figure out why it happened, yet ignored the last few minutes of the final episode.

The elevator they originally got on was closed down - meaning what happened in the past would not be happening again. The dream was a set up for the dream to become reality.

When the FL was able to get on the elevator they both knew what would be happening from that moment forward, and when the elevator bounced they both reached for each others hand, and that act let each of them know that they remembered what happpened during their dream.

Rather than continuing down their separate paths, they would face difficulties together and the life they shared in the dream was real, not a actually a dream that would vanish.

I personally found the ending quite satisfactory because it was the start of their shared dreamscape coming to life.

It was disappointing to see the FL’s brother so destitute at the end, but also gave hope that the relationship he was so invested in still had a chance. Even though he was not comatose with his sister, his trajectory was changed for the better because the leads had changed.

The only thing that they didn’t give away at the end was the outcome of the 2ML. But after thinking about it, maybe that’s because he never should have been there in the first place.

So if you are wondering whether or not to watch this drama because of the comments and disappointed ending reviews, I suggest you watch it. It’s good - acting, story, cast, directing, script, OST. All those elements combined were beautifully wrapped up in hands united in love and mutual respect.

Read More

Fluff and Stuff

Let me address my annoyances which didn’t affect my rating too much. The acting skill between the ML and FL (who played Su E Huang in Prisoner of Beauty) was mismatched. She portrayed this role very well and was quite endearing. She was believable in the role and okayed it well in all aspects.

The ML’s role was a domineering CEO with OCD and other personality quirks due to his high IQ and PTSD from childhood trauma. He couldn’t have survived in business with his abusive behavior in other countries as they claim he came from. It’s understandable that he has high standards, and his mental health issues caused him a lot of problems - but his verbal abuse and overly domineering behavior were too exaggerated. There was a lot of over-acting done on his part. His redeeming bits came through scenes where he let his emotions reach his eyes. This helped with what I found to be a rather stiff and uneducated portrayal of someone of high intelligence and a mental health issue. Of course, this could also be attributed to directing, so that may not be entirely his fault.

There was also the issue of him always going to his neurologist for advice on mental health issues. Smart man can’t differentiate between nerves and psychological issues? That arc in the story was hard to swallow.

And…one of my pet peeves in dubbed scenes is the fake breathing through the mouth. It was used a lot in this drama.

Now the review:

I found the story rather unique with the return of the amnesia after intimacy. But, they never really tied up why his mothers attempted suicide had anything to do with that. They rushed past it when he finally remembered the past he had with the FL. That was either left out, censored out or left in the cutting room floor.

Aside from the loopholes and annoyances, they story was fluffy, had a lot of funny interactions with the supporting cast (especially the other employees in the CEO’s office).

The ending episodes were also odd. All the big plans for the wedding, but she didn’t wear the dress he got her?

Also, details are important especially when the ML was a control freak and OCD. The fake flowers in the arch (the white mums near the top and the weird daisy) inserted in the white leaves and blossoms were droopy and poorly placed. It might be something I alone would notice, as I have been in stage designs for productions and been a floral designer for over 30 years. What started as a unique venue was totally ruined in my eyes by the careless placement and poor quality.

Still, it was a nice watch if you’re looking for fluff with little angst, and can switch off the part if your brain that reasons things through

Would I watch it again? Maybe. But not for a good long time.

Read More

Facing Difficulies With Courage

I usually don’t watch many college-age sports themed dramas, but I was looking for something fluffy and not filled with angst and chose this one. Much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it.

As I said, I don’t normally watch this genre and the reason is my feet get twitchy, my hands get sweaty and it feels like I am participating from the bleachers 😂

I’ve read comments about how long it took the ML to ‘get over’ the loss of his friend, and zi find that rather irritating because these people have probably never experienced having someone they care about die in front of them. It is a horrible experience - I know this is fact because I have lived it. It’s not something you can just ‘get over’ or overcome quickly. Especially when you don’t allow yourself to grieve like the ML did. It’s traumatic emotionally and physically. His stoic “long face” was there to block anyone from getting close to him so he didn’t have to feel that type of loss and pain again.

The beautiful thing about this drama is that the showed everyone has their problems and dreams and even though things were hard, they eventually dropped their”I’m fine” masks and were able to bond as friends and teammates.

Therewere annoying characters, obnoxiously narsicistic jerks, people with family dynamic issues, fearful of failure and many more. They all eventually managed to overcome their issues and develop into healthy people.

There was a hint of romance which is typical of college scenarios, but the main focus was the tug-of-war team.

By working through their own problems and trying to establish a sport club on their campus they learned what things are important and to let go of things that hindered them.

Of course there were odd things included, and logic holes in the storyline. But despite those things, this is a nice watch if you’re into building strong relationships even in difficulties. No running or hiding, but eventually working toward mutual interests and goals.

Read More

Strong Women Supportive Men

I watched this primarily to see LYN in his first ML role and I have to say he did a much better job than many who have managed to get out of the support cast lane and into a lead role.

It was pretty cool to see him stretch his wings as an actor and show off his roots as a cook and live streamer.

This drama is basically about 3 older (as in their 30’s) women who seemed to have been caught up in all the politicking, compromising and being shelved by a chauvinistic society that assumes women are better off married and raising babies rather than doing hard things.

LYN and 3 other men have been scammed by the FL’s husband out of a lot money which puts their family and businesses at risk. These four men decide to get their money back only to find that their money has disappeared with the FL’s husband.

So while she is taking care of her young son, fending off phone calls, and finding out her position at work is at risk, this motley bunch of men descend upon her home and make demands.

As the story progresses the leads form a friendship and the ML alls in love.

Of course, no drama is complete without understandings and miscommunication which is what happens with the other two women. One is too frank and has no filter when it comes to being diplomatic and kind yet she has a heart of gold. The other comes from a humble background and makes all kinds of plans to manipulate people and things to her advantage.

All three of these women and their love interests eventually work out their problems and learn that what we think is living our best life is nothing more than a lie tied with a pretty bow. They grow individually, in their careers and personal lives.

It’s a frustrating a times, but generally a heartwarming story about letting go of childish expectations and learning what contentment and love are all about.

Read More

Almost

This drama is usually why I don’t watch these short episode offerings. Giant holes, over-acting, leads who have little chemistry, and a lot of abusive treatment of women that gets swallowed or ignored completely.

First let me say that the ML has outstanding visuals. Truly. Out standing. They played on that a lot.

There was very little chemistry between the ML and FL. It was kind of like watching two introverts trying to get to know each other in a room full of strangers who were staring at them. The ML is a voracious kisser and the FL does the dead fish lip kiss for the most part. I was awkward to watch.

The excessive use of the ML’s name by the FL about drove me crazy. Every other sentence (insert his name) was used in the FL’s dialogue. I could be wrong, but even in countries where honorifics are used the use of (insert his name) was over the top. (insert his name)

I will give the ML credit. He had the angry revenge filled stare down to a tee and did a good job initially when he has his ‘heart of stone’, but the second that happened the script and production ruined his vendetta seeking persona and turned him into an overly emotional 12 year old in one quick episode.

Even the bad guys (with the exception of the hired assassin with the ball cap) were overacted and sadly missed the mark by a mile.

The only surprise to me was the real villain in the drama. Sister was a nut case and she played it well for the most part. Either the script or directing had her wound up to display her crazy mind way too early and didn’t giver her enough space to truly express her twisted mind as she could have.

There were also issues with the hit and run scene of the ML’s former housekeeper. When the ML went to spot in the road where she was hit, the bl**d stain was orange. its shape was oval. Bl**d gets dark when exposed to oxygen, not orange, and especially not on hot pavement. And puddles aren’t perfectly shaped. AND…if a person is hit by a heavy object flying down the road at them they aren’t going to collapse is a semi-fetal position still clutching their purse. If a scene like this must be included, there are better ways to display it.

The OST was a bit monotonous too. The same few lines over and over throughout every episode.

On a second positive note, I will have to keep an eye out for more dramas with Dai Gao Zheng (ml). I saw him in Rainkissed Fate previously. He has the potential to be a good actor if he can get some good scripts sent his way.

Read More

Plot Twists and Intrigue

The first thing I want to mention about this drama is that it will grab your attention and not let go. Every single solitary episode captured your mind and had you cheering for the ML.

It was particularly refreshing to see that he was able to think on his feet when he faced obstacles and succeed when it looked like he was losing.

I also found it applaud worthy that the script writer kept him front and center and his character was not overshadowed by the FL. She was his support, and even though she tried to manipulate him onto her side, so to speak, he stayed true to his task.

I was also impressed by the integration and role of every support cast character. Every single one of them added to the story and did not detract from the story.

Every line in the script, every set, the costumes and buildings were an impeccably situated to add depth and authenticity to the drama without becoming a distraction.

Fight scenes were well done and the correography was very well done. It was also nice to see that the ML’s role of being a scholarly personality was not incorporated into being a martial artist as well. He had people on his side that helped him in that aspect which allowed his character to shine for the brilliance of his mind and not physical prowess.

It was also nice to see a role where the revenge side of the ML was separate from the kind and generous person he was - and not to become cruel and violent.

This is definitely a drama worth watching if you want something different from the typical palace intrigue and politics.

Read More

Who Mocks This Man?

Before I leave my thoughts, I wanted to say that the people who claimed Liu Yuning was trying to gain popularity by taking this role (as if he didn’t have to audition for the role) with ShiShi as the FL, and mo led his acting skills are nothing more than keyboard warriors. I have not seen anything he has been in where he did not perform brilliantly.

Also, sad ending. Be prepared is all I will say.

Everything about this drama was top-notch. Every character was portrayed extremely well, from the bit parts to the supporting cast and main characters. Everyone was impressive.

The story was well scripted, casting was perfect and the OST was very very good. I liked the modernization of traditional music and the addition of electric guitars.

The female rolls were written extremely well. Strong, determined and all pushed through their difficulties and cultural differences and still managed to live in a society that treated women like livestock. And, they were awesome in their professions and positions. They fought back and demanded respect - and they got it. It was nice to see them develop and not simp around with tears and pouty lips or screaming temper tantrums.

I could go on and on, but honestly, there’s not a whole lot I can say other than WATCH THIS!

Read More

WOW

All I can say is that this drama was incredible from start to finish.

I was captivated in episode 1 and every episode thereafter became more complex, more interesting and kept my attention the entire time.

Tan Jianci has elevated himself to an incredibly talented and diverse actor in this drama. Every bit of confusion, sadness, anger and hopelessness was not only on his face, but in his eyes and body language. One particular episode truly allowed him to break out of the ‘nice guy’ role he usually plays in his work, and had me completely entranced with his complexity and charisma. I wont spoil it by elaborating, just be prepared for an incredible performance. I hope the critics who have said he’s not a good actor feel shamed for those words now.

The other leads and supporting cast also did fabulously. They all had their quirks and shortcomings, but work together so well by bringing their talents and gifting to the work of investigating and finding the truth behind crimes.

The one spoiler is that the ending is definitely an open ending leading the viewer to believe a season 3 is out there and believe me, it will be another gripping series.

*****WATCH THIS!!!!!*****

Read More

From Boy to Man

I am more impressed with Xu Kai than ever before after watching this drama. Even waiting a little while to gather my thoughts, I am still at a loss for words in regards to his skills.

Let’s go through the production. Fir the most part the scenery, stunts, buildings and battles were well done. There were a few wobbly swords, a couple of pre-sword strike dye pouch bursts, and awkward extras in the battle scenes, but not in every scene, so they were negligible. The Candyland trees on the plains were a bit much, but they did lend a bit of sweetness to the story between the leads. And the fake horses with the yellow eyes were laughable - and it’s obvious that they are used because a lot of the up-close scenes looked like they were on rocking horses.

The rest of the scenery was beautiful and each location added depth to the scenes rather than detracting from it.

There are a few characters that were so annoying I almost fast forwarded through the scenes they were in. Tge Emporer and his sons were like watching clowns crawl out of a smart car in front of an oncoming train. Cringey bad characters.

Lady Gu (aka the silk stalker stuck in her imaginary world was just as unpleasant as the ML’s father and siblings. She feigned her purity of heart, while colluding with her father the traitor to eliminate the FL. As if her crazy self was even qualified to be something she couldn’t handle. Her annoying maid had a voice like a mosquito and was just as whiney.

Now that they’re out of the way, I can talk about the story.

The script writer did a very good job setting up scenes and the profession from one to the next. The transitions were smooth without a lot if repeat from the previous episode in the first few minutes.

The characters were all brought to life by each actor (even the annoying ones). I was also surprised to see that Liu Yuning had such a small roll, however, he pulled the quirky character off in his usual professional way. He should have had more screen time!

No on to Xu Kai’s performance. It didn’t matter if the scene called for martial arts, war scenes, or anything else for that matter. His eyes, facial expressions and movement was flawless. In one scene where he was angry that emotion was not only on his face, but his neck started turning red. I the last could of episodes, he was heart broken and it was all over his face, in his voice and reflected in his voice. There were two particularly poignant scenes where his body was shaking with fear and his crying was powerfully portrayed. So much so that I had tears streaming down my face and not just sitting in my eyes. He also did fabulously with the martial arts stunts.

The FL was an excellent choice for thar roll. She was tough being a general in the army, but put her in a beautiful silk dress and she carried off the sweet girl who could turn into a sword bearing guardian of the underdogs. She was an excellent actress for this role. She too performed extremely well in the martial arts scenes.

The music was pretty good. I am certain I heard Xu Kai’s singing voice several times.

Overall, this was a great drama, and well worth the 40 episode watch. It will be on my watch again list, that’s for certain.

It’s worth the cringey characters. Watch it, you won’t be disappointed!

Read More

Products, crazy teacher, know it all best friend and more products.

This is my 3rd watch. And Johnny Huang is still sexy - he exudes masculinity in whatever role he plays, and this drama is no exception.

This drama was good but infuriationgly annoying. 1. The mothers - “its for your own good” excuse for manipulation, control and emotional entrapment to force their children into doing what they want them to do. Such as breaking into the FL’s apartment in order to spy on her and going through cabinets and drawers. The kids do almost anything to make the parent happy regardless of the consequences for their lives and tolerate their bad behavior. I realize it may be a cultural practice, but it’s still annoying. And still going into their childs home and rifling through their papers and belongings when the child is living outside of the home? Ridiculously manipulative.
2. That stupid ringtone.
3. The advertising of products. Every.Single.Scene.
4. The FL’s overbearing best friend who acts as if one must “do things my way or we arent friends any more’. Her incredible sense of assuming she is right about everyone and everything when all she does is speculate. And the way she treats 53 is like shes talking to a slave rather than someone she cares about.
5. The second half of the drama focusing on the 2ML and 2FL, and adding in bits and pieces of the FL and ML.

Good things:
Development of the ML and FL individually and as a couple. Their chemistry was on fire, and they looked and behaved like a real couple.

The story line between them could have been developed further to the point where they eventually worked together and combined efforts to make their mark on the world.

Read More