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Short on Angst, Long on Charm
The ML was played masterfully by Wallace Huo. He depicted a man newly turned 40, set in his ways, and encumbered by neurodivergence. ML was brilliant, but he was hampered by his OCD, his lack of filter when he spoke, and his inability to read social signals. He had learned to navigate life by isolation, the protection and intervention of his business partner, and the defensive speech he used to keep people at arm's length.Zhu Zhu depicted an older woman successful in her profession who was unwilling to settle for the sake of marriage, no matter the pressures society and her father placed upon her.
What unfolded was a mature love story. Some might find it slow and lacking in the romance department, but I was fascinated with ML's journey and evolution. Wallace Huo fleshed out a character I will long remember, and he did it in a stylish and heartwarming manner. Unlike so many dramas that have disappointed me, it managed to have a sweet and satisfying ending.
I quibbled with myself over the rating, but my enjoyment of Huo's character made me come back to rate the drama higher.
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This review may contain spoilers
Abuse is Never Right, No Matter the Victim
I've watched Bai Jing Ting and Tian Xi Wei in other dramas and enjoyed them. I liked them in this drama, too (their relationship was sweet), but my pleasure was tempered by two unfortunate premises.I understand the desire to rewrite history in an heroic manner, but the sort of feminist retrofitting of rigid history undermines the actual hardships women had to endure in those times. That a handful of concubines would be allowed to undermine a society without dire consequences to themselves and their families is unreasonable.
I could accept the wish-fulfillment fantasy of sisterhood easily changing society; this isn't a documentary, after all. However, I couldn't stomach the spousal abuse. Third Prince was despised, and rightly so, for his womanizing and treating his wife and concubines as property. Yet, when he realized the error of his ways and tried to make amends, he was still treated with disrespect. It was understandable that Shang Guan Jing was resentful at her forced marriage to the 5th Prince. He was dim-witted and his mouth said things his brain didn't always mean, but that was no excuse for Shang Guan's physical and mental abuse of him. Why is it acceptable to beat a man and leave huge, horrific bruises on him? He'd grown up abused, and he accepted it gratefully from his wife. I found that extremely sad and distasteful. As much as I liked the character of the tough, feisty Shang Guan, there is never an excuse for a stronger person to beat on a weaker one, no matter the sex.
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It's Hard to Condense 1,350 Minutes down to 103
I can't be objective, because I watched the drama, and it fleshed out the story in a way the movie can't. This is the Cliff Notes version. Without Yang Yang.Angelababy is anime pretty. I hadn't watched anything with her before, although many of the supporting actors were familiar (waves to Tan Song Yun and Li Xian).
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Professors Fall in Love
I despise lies, manipulation, and playing with people's lives, so it was difficult for me to fully appreciate the drama when BOTH sets of the destined pairs were deep in deception.The Good: Esther Yu and Vin Zhang had amazing chemistry. The ML was masterful at slowly warming to the FL's tactics. The FL was the right blend of silly and smart to be able to bypass the ML's defenses and win him over. Both actors made the drama watchable. I know many find Esther Yu's baby voice and melodramatics irritating, but she reminds me of my baby sister (only not quite as hyper), and I find her entertaining. I also liked the professions depicted: ornithology and botany. The FL's styling was perfect for a beauty blogger.
The Bad: The secondary couple should have had their story cut in half (at least). Ideally, they wouldn't have had much screen time. The constant captions reminding the viewer that the birds were CGI and no animals were harmed during production were distracting. Flash those notices at the beginning of an episode; viewers are intelligent enough to realize you didn't mass kill a bunch of birds for the story. Also, the bird-stealing gang storyline was cringeworthy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Started with a Nice Twist on Cold CEO as a Woman But Floundered in Cliches Afterward
Love triangles, misunderstandings galore that lasted too long and often didn't make sense, noble idiocy, freaking six-year skip in another country with no contact, rich CEO forcing a contract marriage, childhood friends turned adult romance, scheming stepmother, controlling father, skeevy adopted brother, evil board members, and childhood traumas. Other than amnesia, I think this drama had most of the tropes covered. The one twist was the CEO was a woman, and her forced partner was a man.The good: As the powerful CEO, FL's office wear was haute couture and sizzling, especially the black/white ensembles. And those handbags! Nice. Oddly, when she returned home, she'd change into frumpy housewife dresses in ghastly shades of muted corpse.
The bad: It was hard to believe the motivation of the bad guy. It was even harder to believe that after all his planning and scheming that he made peace at the end.
I liked the leads, but I found the love stories of the two other eventual couples (who were involved in multiple love triangles until the very end) were tedious, repetitive, and distracting.
*MAJOR SPOILER to follow*
I'm glad this is fiction, because if someone had stolen the first five years of my baby's life—something I could never get back—I'd find that unforgivable. I'd jettison 99.99% of drama relationships. I find myself mumbling, "I'd never put up with that!"
The time skip was atrocious, but the supernatural ending with dead sister was worse. Why didn't she show up 16 years earlier and save everyone all the trauma and destruction? I enjoy fantasy and supernatural elements if they're introduced early and follow the drama's parameters, but it's a cheap trick to inject them at the end of a long drama.
TL; DR: Started well and with sizzle, meandered in the middle, and fizzled out at the end. The leads were watchable, but the script failed them.
I added an extra half star for FL's styling as the CEO at the beginning of the drama.
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A Healing Drama
FL faced pressures with work, her boyfriend, and her brother. When a major event happened, she decided to drop out of the rat race. She gave up niceties for the luxury of time.This drama resonated with me, as my choices haven't always been culturally normal. It was freeing, as an adult, when I realized I got to choose what I deemed important; I chose to disregard what was important to others, because that would never make me happy. If an out-of-print book at a used bookstore brought more joy than a designer handbag, what was the purpose of trying to fit in with the crowd that thought otherwise?
Lest the viewers are led to believe this is a fluffy drama, let me warn it deals with heavy issues: murder, suicide, violence, and trauma. Even so, the FL and ML remained true to themselves, retaining loving spirits and quiet dignity. Some believe "strong" people rant, rave, and push people around. On the contrary, truly strong people are able to preserve their character through horrible situations. They don't allow circumstances to alter their inner selves.
At only 10 hours long, Summer Strike is short and sweet, but keep the box of tissues handy. Grief is counterbalanced by the warm and wonderful relationships of the townspeople.
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Be Yourself; Outer Appearances Don't Change the Inner Self
My first impression was the drama was too silly, but I grew to enjoy the nonsense. Later, I was uncomfortable with the FL as it was repeatedly said how kind she was, but her actions were particularly cruel and thoughtless to one person. As the story progressed, I began to appreciate the friendships and ensuing humor, especially of the supporting cast.The message that everyone is uniquely beautiful, though true, was hammered at a bit too hard. Although I appreciated the sentiment, a lighter touch would have been more effective.
The FL had low self-esteem initially, but she sabotaged herself with her attitude, poor grooming, lack of makeup on a face with acne, and wearing a hoodie to a job interview with a company that dealt in fashion. Her "transformation" at the end of the drama was more about confidence and self-love which resulted in proper hygiene and maintenance.
A bouncy OST complemented the drama, and some nice writing delivered well by the actors distinguished this from run of the mill romcoms.
Filter finished well with no long time skips or a loved one leaving the country for a few years to improve themselves. That's a rarity for current romances, it seems! The visuals were a treat. Favorite scenes were the Rainbow Stairway (located in Meijingyuan Town, China: https://www.reddit.com/r/cdramasfans/comments/1j7upwv/behind_the_scenes_the_making_of_the_iconic/), and the ML and FL hiding in a school archive room with thousands of books stacked behind them. I also love when a drama teaches me something new and fantastic. The ML gave the FL a box of Prince Rupert's Drops, a group of tadpole shaped colored glass. PRDs are harder than steel and practically impervious at their bead end, but they are incredibly fragile at the tail-shaped tip. The entire thing can shatter with mere finger pressure. It was a fitting metaphor concerning relationships. For incorporating unique aspects into the drama, my appreciation is given to the creators. As a result, my viewing afterglow reflects a higher rating.
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A Different Kind of Female Lead
This FL wasn't toothpick thin or ravishingly beautiful. Most would deem her average, but I adored her. She was naive but nobody's fool; forgiving but had firm boundaries; timid but brave when situations demanded; smart and talented but humble; and was her own person while conforming to what was expected of her. I loved that although she made the effort to wear a dress when her friend pointed out she wasn't very feminine, she also felt comfortable putting the ML's head on her shoulder and patting his head consolingly or just picking him up and twirling him around when she was happy. She was the epitome of true womanhood in her caring attitude, kindness, protectiveness, and nurturing spirit. Society gets it all wrong in believing femininity is about cute hair, high heels, and jewelry. Those are accessories, not the true attributes of a woman. I so loved this character and her sweet relationship with the ML. Their teasing interactions and true caring for one another were a delight to watch.The draw of the drama was the loving and mature romance between the leads. However, I'm not sure the couple should remain together, because they were a magnet for life-threatening situations. Seriously! Someone was forever getting kidnapped, stabbed, or blown up with those two around!
I added a half star for a FL who wasn't cut from the same old drama pattern.
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Must Watch One and Only First
To fully appreciate Forever and Ever, it's recommended to watch One and Only first: https://kisskh.at/63781-love-your-bones-forever-2. The prequel drama contained the tragic love affair of Zhou Shen Chen and Shi Yi; their story was continued as a possible reincarnation of the lovers (or a dream, according to Chinese censors) in Forever and Ever. There are numerous references to the prequel: original Shi Yi lost her voice, present Shi Yi was a voice actress; present Shi Yi is afraid of heights and has an aversion to red (which viewers of OaO will understand!); both wore red sequins for a wedding; and both liked light blue clothing.One and Only was filled with angst, but Forever and Ever started so sweetly that I thought I'd get to add it to my Fluffy or Low Angst list. Later episodes got darker and became more melodramatic, so it lost its standing as lighter fare.
I find it regrettable when a drama changes its tone midway. The beginning of Forever and Ever was perfect for romance lovers and those who don't like sadness or angst. The latter part changed significantly, and the viewer was forced to sit through numerous sad songs with tears running down people's faces. About the only tragedy that the drama avoided, although I'm sure the writers seriously contemplated it, was the affliction of amnesia. My pleas of, "please, please, please, no amnesia!" were answered. Those who love a sweet slow-burn romance may not like the latter part, and those who enjoy melodrama may find the beginning boring.
In the prequel, Zhou Sheng Chen was noble general, with regal bearing and a quiet, commanding presence. In FaE, Zou Sheng Chen was a nerdy dweeb (or dweeby nerd) as a chemistry professor. Shi Yi's character stayed more true to the original as an elegant, sweet low-key woman with all the talents and attributes of her former self (art, literature, and music).
The relationship of the ML and FL was tender and sweet, although initially extremely awkward. Actually, the awkwardness was cute and endearing. Their daily interactions were some of the most mature and realistic I've seen in a drama. I'd love to see a similar romance that doesn't turn melodramatic, if anyone has suggestions. Give me two people who believe in one another, don't allow outsiders to wedge between them, and work out their issues together like Zhou Sheng Chen and Shi Yi.
I generally don't rate a rewatch high, but there was depth and purpose in much of what happened in FaE. There were so many Easter eggs connected to the prequel, that I'm sure I missed many. A rewatch would help solidify which characters related to the past, too.
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Just When You Start to Love Them, They Change
I was initially annoyed when Season 2 introduced a new character in place of Kang I Na, but as time went on, I warmed to Cho Eun and eventually embraced her with open arms (I'm sorry to see this was the only role the actress Choi A Ra ever played; she was endearing as Cho Eun). Ryu Hwa Young as Kang I Na made some guest appearances which eased the transition and was a treat for the viewer. I was less accepting of the actress change for Yoo Eun Jae. It was jarring to have a new face for an old character, but I placated myself by acknowledging she was my least favorite girl in the house; it would have been far worse if Park Eun Bin had been substituted in her role as Song Ji Won. Still, it would have been a mercy for viewers if the actress had been given a new character to play, and Yoo Eun Jae had been eliminated completely from the show. That would have preserved the sweet nature of Yun Jong Yeol from season one, who was transformed into someone unrecognizable in season two. He deserved better.I was still in my grumpy "begrudging the actress changes" phase for the initial episode, and I was certain everything I'd enjoyed about season one was being destroyed in season two. The first season had realistic humor, but the second season started slapstick silly with ridiculous driving and a happenstance serial killer. I was sure my rating was going to be significantly lower for the second season, but, as the plots progressed, the drama won me back, somewhat.
Park Eun Bin gave a compelling performance as Song Ji Won. Her interactions with Im Seon Min (played by Son Seung Won) were warm and natural—a delight to view.
Again, the OST was appropriate and fun.
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They Get By with a Little Help from Their Friends
Hello, My Twenties! is a coming of age tale of young women living together in a share house. The interactions between the five women are warm and caring, with the occasional spat and temporary wars based on misunderstandings, different personalities, and the usual friction caused by living together.The giggles, friendships, and aegyo helped soften the extremely difficult topics the show presented: poverty, crushing guilt, violence, prostitution, murder, sexual harassment, and all sorts of trauma. K-dramas have the unique ability to present darkness with a gut punch but follow it with a warm human hug. Some could grumble that each trouble was presented simply and solved readily, but the drama was only 12 episodes long (and 14 for the second season), and it wasn't meant to be overly melodramatic or realistic. Let's face it: if a handful of women suffered all that under one roof, the Belle Epoque should have been burned to the ground as a cursed house! Instead, the focus was on endurance and survival by relying on one's self but by being willing to accept help and support from others.
It's unfortunate that the first character the viewer was introduced to was Yoo Eun Jae, who was the most bland and trying character. Thankfully, characters Song Ji Won and Kang I Na were captivating. Park Eun Bin was pure effervescence as Ji Won; I need to watch more of her work.
The OST is especially appropriate for the drama, following the highs and lows of youth with bouncy songs interspersed with slow, reflective music.
I added a half star for Park Eun Bin and the OST.
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This review may contain spoilers
Supporting Cast Stole the Show
L&R introduced me to some wonderful characters. Hao Chen was the self-righteous ruler of the heavens, covering up his fear, resentment, and covetous nature with a beautiful face and pretty words. Teng She, with his head movements and sibilant speech, was perfection as a snake beast. Wu Tong was dark and menacing, but he managed to evoke my sympathy, although not nearly enough to overcome my repulsion!I've got to admit that the supporting cast carried this drama for me, as I wasn't invested in the FL (she was easily manipulated and didn't trust the man she claimed to love) or the ML (he was self-sacrificing to the point of not having his own identity).
As for the bad, there was a heavy ratio of angst to bliss. The misunderstandings were epically bad. There were so many instances where one sentence of explanation would have changed the entire outcome, but lazy writing struck again! It was frustrating to watch the ML lie to the FL, then feel all butt-hurt when she believed his lies.
I added a half star for the supporting characters and a nice OST.
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Hou Ming Hao is Anime Pretty
I enjoyed the initial push and pull of the leads trying to outsmart and outmaneuver one another in charming and amusing ways. Both leads were attractive and exuded chemistry with one another.Once they knew one another, the drama suffered a bit in trying to manufacture conflict that wasn't sensible and only served to pad the episode. Noble idiocy struck often and hard. Misunderstandings abounded when just one sentence could have cleared everything up. Thankfully, the leads started to work together and actually communicate without massively lying to one another, but it was frustrating getting to that point.
The OST was good, the costumes were attractive, and the cast was beautiful.
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Sweet, Wealthy Mother of ML Breaks the Mold
The drama was short and sweet. It touched on childhood trauma, medical illness, and evil capitalists, but it stayed light and concentrated on the relationship of the stoic ML and the bubbly FL. Due to its mini-status, it didn't have time to do in-depth stories or be innovative. Having said that, the ML's mother was a breath of fresh air. She was supportive of the FL to the point of pushing their relationship. No fat envelopes of money or water dashed in the face! This mother removed the extra sleeping bag on a camping trip and brought out photos of the FL cavorting with the ML to show to his fiancée. That's worth an extra half star from me.Was this review helpful to you?
It's Good Until It Goes Horribly Bad, But I'm Not Mad
I don't expect as much from itty-bitty series, so I grade on a curve. The drama started well, and I thought I was going to be pleasantly surprised. Midway through, it began to meander and not always make sense, but I was still entertained and rooting for the beleaguered couple. I considered it one of the better itty-bitty dramas: the leads were appealing, and the story was engaging. Then the last episode hit, and things got bizarre in a hurry. I can only speculate that drugs and a preschooler were involved with coming up with that finish.Director: "Hey kid, what would make a cool ending?"
Kid: "Make a lady eat centipedes! And she'll grow Wolverine claws. Her name is BLACK WOLF. Good, huh? She's a bad guy and will fight the good guys with her claws and ninja powers!"
Director: "Sounds super cool! There's no budget for a fight scene, though. How about I do a story time with Black Wolf instead?"
Kid: "Boring! Does Black Wolf die in the fight?"
Director: "For some reason unknown to anyone, Black Wolf must have been defeated, and now she is the Story Time Lady."
Kid: "That's stupid."
The kid is right. That was stupid. Stupid ending for a drama that started out well. The leads deserved better.
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