Charlie C

I noticed from my limited C-drama viewing experience a few really, really good secondary characters' actors who outshone the main ones. It's always a surprise when they suddenly pop up, out of nowhere. But then, I know ,they'll give good performances. I root and cheer for them!

I feel the exact same! With "Fireworks" but also some other Chinese series that I really enjoyed.

No matter how good these dramas are, I can see that there are certain intentions, messages and directions being pushed - that's the idealised part.

Then come the people like Jun Cheng and his father and mother. Admittedly, I found them somewhat irritating at the start. Then, I realised: I know people like them in real life. So this is the reflective part.

I also think, idealisation or pushes are not all ill-intended, for example here. But I do see the down sides of it, looking at more capitalistic societies. I hope that people would be intrigued and curious enough to think and discuss among themselves to shed lights on any given situations and make their own conclusions and choices. The production and writers can only do so much, especially not dictating anything (that'd be bad...) By providing a space for thoughts and conversations, I think they have already done a good job.

For the reflective part, I thought to myself: This is important too. Because maybe someone will see themselves in this and adjust to be more open, patient and better. That's why I thought this series is quite crowd-pleasing. I also think the writers handled their conflicts well with the development of the storyline. Is it a bit naive and rosy-glasses? Yes. But it's in good faith.

Thank you for sharing with me! :D I intend to write some in my review. I guess I'll just link up to our comments here.

Edit: I must add that the pieces I've read from the Chinese viewers regarding the finance/investment are quite China-specific and "Fireworks"-specific. I like learning more about these kinds of things, not just the Western lenses and happenings.

So, time will tell. Or we can keep sharing and telling ourselves haha

I'm a fan of Rian Johnson too. "Looper" introduced me to the time-loop genre (even though my friend was begging me to watch it because I wasn't fan of sci-fi back then). You don't know how glad, astounded and pleased I was when I found and watched "Reset"!

Edit: And I think the world of detective/mystery/suspense/thriller is forever grateful for Agatha Christie :D

Yeah, I only realised recently too haha. I think it's a good thing when it comes to giving recommendations for instance.

You wrote most of what I thought but too lazy to share hahaha. Thank you.

His character was memorable. Thank you for sharing.

Hi. I looked at your Watched List, I think you'll enjoy this one seeing you also like "How Dare You", "Mobius" and "Reset". I think, you'll enjoy the humour, but also the serious and driven backbone of this story.

Don't worry about the ratings or other people. If you're curious and like Wang Chu Ran, give it a go and see for yourself :D

Thank you both for sharing!

I think it definitely deserves 7-something rating.

I believe some of the reasons including the AI face-swapping, the romance expectation (which turned out to be work-and-friendship focused), and Jun Cheng and Dang Yu's storyline.

Nevertheless, those who enjoy and pay attention to it really appreciate the story, plot, characterisation, and finer details (including some more technical depth of the finance world). No matter what, it is a really good series.

I agree. I have been reading up some analysis from fans. It's really interesting to learn more in-depth what they were doing/dealing with part-by-part and how it's all connected. More respect to the writers and production.

2 is an adequate number, my friend, haha.

I don't read Agatha Christie. Neither have I watched any film adaptations. I'm a fan of the "Knives Out" series though, does that count?

Thank you for sharing! Have a well-deserved kick back this weekend.

I second ShadowBloom. The popularity and rating in China often differ from that of international fans. There aren't many series that get similar evaluations when I compare between MDL and Douban.

Wow, that's great news. Do you know their time slot?

I think it makes sense. Besides the fact that it's a well-made series, "Fireworks" also has proper explainations, societal reflections and messages for young people about work and life, especially work and ethics.

I think ratings can be misleading, even ones from critics. But it's an unavoidable black hole. I'm pretty sure there are great series that I have missed because of ratings.
So, if I find something interesting, I just have to see (even a couple of episodes) and decide for myself.

I also don't mind and think it makes sense.

I understand that it focuses more on the work/professional life, besides the light-hearted bickering/bantering and friendship-building at home. But I would love to learn more about their inner feelings and thoughts on relationship and family. Li Fei was hesitant, thinking that marriage was a big commitment. I would love to have that aspect explored for both of our leads.

Still, I'm very pleased to have find such a gem of a series.

No, no, please continue. I really, really like your passion. I'm drawn to people with enthusiasm, strong interest and passion. I really appreciate you sharing with me. I'm glad to have watched "Fireworks" with everyone here and commenting with you :D

Yes, "Under the Skin". I like thriller and suspense. When I'm in my head space, I'll definitely check it out.
I tried "Filter" but couldn't get through the first episode... even though it has high scores here and on Douban.
LMLMV is the love something series right? I also looked at it and saw it has some comedy and loads of food scene. I think it's already on my PTW.
Even though I don't plan to watch "My Journey To You", I heard it was very popular.
The historical drama is the one with Yang Zi, right? I also skip cause costume drama that focuses on romance isn't my cup of tea haha.

I'll definitely check out his future drama after this, especially comedy. I haven't watched his detective one (on my PTW). I heard it's good. And he recently finished one costume drama, I believe.

I also enjoy the OST. They fit the scenes so well, musically and lyrically.

I rarely watch credits. But this series I do. Because (1) the show and the actors are so good and (2) that LYN's song is chef's kiss, it actually hooked me onto the ending credit. (I think I avoid credits because of spoilers...)

I also check the statistics daily. (It's interesting and unique to the Chinese drama community.) Whenever "Fireworks" gets anything, be it characters, heat or TV share, then finding fellow viewers' comments, I'm just delighted.
I know it's a network series. Still, I hope it will gain more views on the two platforms. It's such a good feel-good series, I hope it reaches more people :D