Really? It felt kind of short to me because the plot's so tight with no filler. I'm greedy and wanted many more scenes between Li Ziwei and Huang Yuxuan in 1998 -my favorite time period of them!
Lol, I want to watch "Princess and I" with English subs sooo badly as it has almost everything I want in a romance:…
Yeah, I read the overall storyline on wiki and it gets very outlandish/ridiculous later on (typical for soap operas with 200+ episodes), but I generally adjust my drama viewing lenses anyway for makjang dramas.
I'm just relieved that Gino's character wasn't ruined after they started dragging everything out, though I did wish he didn't lose steam or at least reverted back to being relentless again near the end. I generally don't like it when previously possessive/obsessive MLs regress at the end. At the very least, I would wish for them to get over their slump and go back to being relentless/possessive again before the finish line.
OMG, I'm also a complete sucker for obsessive/possessive MLs in romances! But I also have additional standards: I hate MLs who let their FLs go, even if it's for their own good. This idealized way of loving is wonderful in real life, but I just don't find it exciting in a fictional romance. I also detest any form of noble idiocy (pushing the FL away for her own good because of whatever reason -illness, bankruptcy, etc..) committed by the ML.
My favorite romance MLs are ones who actively go after the FL no matter what and can never let them go for any reason. And if they do let them go, they'll quickly realize their mistake and go after them again on their own accord without encouragement from other people.
In other words, I love MLs who truly can't live without their FLs. If they can let them go, then they can live without them -realistic in real life, but in romanceland, I want the all-consuming, fantastical, and impossible love. Lol, I also like them best when they're powerful, ruthless or cold to everyone but the FL, and jealous/possessive.
Your list includes some of my absolute favorite dramas and MLs because they satisfy all of my above criteria. Saichon (GRGR)，Gongpope (RLSR 2002) and Domyouji/Dao Ming Si (HYD I/MG I -2001 version) are my favorite MLs in your list! All of them are relentless to the very end and both Saichon and Gongpope are also very powerful/independent, answering to no one with only the FL being their weakness (love it).
Here are some of my favorite dramas with MLs of this caliber that I haven't seen on your list (highly highly recommended -all are quality dramas too):
"Eternal Love/Ten Miles Peach Blossoms" -The ML in here is all-powerful and cold to everyone except the FL. He's the best cold, yet extremely passionate ML I've ever seen on screen -the actor's that good and his take on this "cold, yet hot only for FL" type of character is the best I've ever seen in my 20+ yrs of drama watching.
The ML can give up anything/sacrifice anything for the FL and chases after her like a bloodhound -he basically deceived her into marrying him by not disclosing anything about himself (his biggest fault is his tendency to keep everything to himself and shoulder all burdens). He tries to shield her from everything, but when all hell broke lose, he tries to protect her using the wrong method and it cost him.
What's even more attractive is how arrogant and cold he was before he met the FL -nothing and nobody can affect him. He's never loved anyone (there's a lady who stayed by his side since they were little and is obsessively in love with him, but he's extremely cold to her) and finds that emotion to be a nuisance. His 3rd uncle even said that though he's seen as "perfect" (crown prince status, extremely powerful and handsome) in everyone else's eyes, he's incomplete in his eyes because he lacks emotion/affection. Well, that all changes when he meets our h: She's the only one who can melt him and make him go crazy.
Seriously, this ML won't be able to live without his beloved FL. When he thought he lost her, he gave up on life and almost died. He also cries a lot because of her -I just want to hug him (love his manly tears). He also sees through all female machinations and is never fooled by "other women" tactics. The drama's so good at making us see everything from the perspective of both leads, unlike the book which just focuses on the FL's side. I totally felt the ML's desperate love and pain...swoon!!!
"New Tales of Gisaeng" -hero is both extremely handsome and one of the most passionate/devoted men I've ever seen. Before truly accepting his feelings for the heroine, he did something cruel, but ended up paying for it tenfold. It was both extremely satisfying and heartbreaking watching his torment over the heroine -she really gave it to him good! This was the angst I wanted and it built up to one of the most climactic/touching scenes I've ever witnessed in episode 33. I was thoroughly convinced that the hero couldn't live without his heroine.
Keep in mind that it starts out rather slow and doesn't become a downward roller coaster ride until episode 16 where the hero "digs his own grave." From then on, you will witness his downfall as he comes to realize how much the heroine means to him and what he has lost. He then trails after the heroine like a bloodhound, determined to win her back, but our heroine will not budge. Forgiveness takes a long time and our hero is in for a world of pain for many episodes -can't say he didn't deserve it, lol. Happy drama watching and hope you become as emotionally involved as I was.
Here's a clip that gives you a taste of the leads' intense relationship:
"Romance of Tiger and Rose" -very well-executed drama with a witty script about a screenwriter FL who time travels into her own script and tries to survive to the end without being killed...love the story and leads in this and I also fell hard for the ML, "Han Shuo." He's the type of hero I love the most: Ruthless, powerful, hot/charismatic, but only soft towards the heroine and never commits noble idiocy (push her away for her own good, etc.). Keep in mind that the overall tone of this drama is more comedic, though there is some heavier angst later on.
"Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani":
I became so addicted/obsessed with the OTP in this Indian drama. I’m normally unable to stomach Indian romance serials because very few are subbed and they’re often filled with ridiculous plots, unbearable evil people scheming, and no endpoint (story keeps on going until it loses popularity, often at the detriment of its characters/narrative).
But the leads’ love story and incredible chemistry make the show very much worth watching. Despite the issues I had (FL constantly victimized, the horrendously written ex fiancée who comes in much later, and rushed ending), the OTP's passionate romance and the ML’s possessiveness/determination to be with the FL at all costs completely won me over! Love their professor student dynamics -so hot!
I loved how the series’ main focus is on the leads’ character growth/love story instead of evil people scheming (thank god). And even when there are some schemes, they get resolved very quickly instead of being dragged out for dozens of episodes.
I also love how almost none of the antagonists are one dimensional caricatures (except the ex fiancée, but she doesn't really come in until after 100 episodes) and that the show balances them out with quite a few likable supporting characters. In fact, the two most powerful antagonists (ML's oldest uncle/aunt) are both weak to the ML due to their love/care for him. They would never harm him. It's awesome how much power the ML wields and how capable he is at resolving difficult situations!
And aside from the last 10 episodes, the series never forgets that the love story is front/center and what a love story it is: After it starts coming into play around episode 64 when he first gets jealous, the ML’s denial/ observation phase and jealous scenes are one of the best I’ve ever seen! Certainly had me squealing like a fan girl!
The ML gives off Mr. Darcy vibes and I can’t get enough of him and the FL’s scenes. Their chemistry is intoxicating!!! I had the ride of my life watching this hot, powerful professor who's always been in control of himself and disdainful of love (views it as a weakness after seeing its harmful effects on his dad) becoming increasingly unhinged/irrational due to his growing feelings for his student. She challenges/gets under his skin like nothing else. It's so much fun watching him constantly be bewildered by these alien feelings and shoot himself in the foot whenever he gets jealous. His growing possessiveness and uncontrollable jealousy later results in him being brought to his knees by the FL. Without her, he's a dead man.
My favorite scenes are when he saves the FL from goons and the aftermath, when he insults her due to his jealousy and later apologizes (resorting to stalking/kidnapping, lol), when his sister-in-law teases him about his feelings, and his revelation that he may possibly be in love (got grilled by his family about what he seeks in a life partner and he lists off qualities only to realize that he’s describing the FL -his facial expressions were priceless and the song/montage made the scene absolutely magical). And of course, all the jealous scenes, lol. He loses it every time he sees the FL with the police officer 2nd ML (awesome lovable character too).
Truly one of the best MLs ever and he's extremely hot/swoonworthy. He has so much chemistry with the FL that I just can't get enough of their relationship. He truly gives me the feeling that life won't exist without his FL. Upon falling hard, he'll never give up on the FL and will prioritize her over everything (love how he handles his troublesome family). Lol, also love how he constantly needs to be close to her and can't stand being away. No matter how cool/confident he is, the moment his FL's in trouble, he just loses it.
Of course this series is far from perfect and has its issues. One is the fact that the FL is victimized too much (after running away and getting admitted to the ML's college, it seems she’s constantly a damsel in distress and is unable to resolve anything on her own without help from the ML and his parents). She’s also a little too nosy and that got on my nerves. But she does become more mature/independent later on and overall, I do like her and really admire her resolve/determination to seek higher education and fight for gender equality. I also love how clueless she is whenever the ML acts irrational due to his growing feelings/jealousy. Lol, he barks at her and she's thoroughly confused, thinking he's bipolar. So entertaining to watch...
The other major issue is the ML's ex (he never loved her) that appeared at the very beginning and is later brought back after 100 episodes. Her character is nonsensical and horrendously written: No other antagonist is as much of a caricature as she is; she's like the cockroach that just won't go away and is always interrupting the leads. This drama really didn't need her antics (ML's uncle and aunt are enough of an obstacle) as the leads' passionate moments are all we really need (too much chemistry) and what's worse, she's such a badly written character (absolute abomination) that I can't take her seriously at all. She keeps lurking around despite the number of times the ML makes it clear that he only loves the FL and will never be with her. After all those rejections/humiliations, no girl could possibly continue hovering around. She's an absolute joke of a character and I later FF'd all her scenes.
But issues aside, the love story is absolutely worth the watch (can FF everything else esp. ex fiancee scenes after episode 104) and the leads have plenty of scenes together as their love story is the central focus. The ML's later possessiveness, persistence (never gives up on her and never resorts to noble idiocy), and need for the FL gave me heart palpatations! I'm haunted by them and can't get enough...here's a fanmade mv featuring my favorite Ost song, "Jo Tera Howega":
If interested, you can watch the drama here (186 episodes total, but they're 20min each, so really a 62 episode drama if each is one hr. long; 3rd server CAJITA TOP is the fastest):
I want to watch GOT TO BELIEVE so badly,just waiting for the first 100 episodes to get subbed.
Lol, I want to watch "Princess and I" with English subs sooo badly as it has almost everything I want in a romance: Possessive ML who falls first for the FL and is pretty much relentless to the very end; strong FL who takes a long time to fall for the ML and reasonably rejects him, creating delicious tension. Ooh, I love a good unrequited romance where the FL doesn't fall for the ML for a long time because it prolongs the courtship stage, which is my favorite part in a romance. Plus, I watched a few raw scenes with the leads and their chemistry is just on another level! I love the way the ML gazes at the FL and all his micro expressions: The dude gazes like nothing else and is very expressive!
It's so ironic that all the series that made Kathniel famous like "Growing Up," "Princess and I," and "Got to Believe" aren't subbed and the seemingly more lackluster ones like "La Luna Sangre" and "Pangako Sa 'Yo" are all subbed just because they're more recent. But I haven't really seen anybody really rave about them unlike the other three earlier series that garnered legions of fans.
"Pangako Sa 'Yo" seems to have a more traditional rich guy/poor girl love story (my preference in a romance) going on, but the plot also makes it sound like the leads are more on the weak/helpless side of things, being yanked by the main revenge arc with little control (not attractive to me all). Have you seen it? Ugh...I hate how this is pretty much the only long romantic series of Kathniel's that's completely subbed. The rest are either all movies or too short and I'm really in the mood for a long, epic romance drama of theirs. I know I'll get guaranteed magical chemistry and soulful gazes!
He loved ex no doubt about that but he fell much harder than the FL I don't think he loved Rin as much as FL (Ta)…
Wow, thanks for your detailed response! Yeah, Mark and Yaya do have amazing chemistry, but I'd never watch "Kluen Cheewit" because the entire storyline is a complete turnoff for me. Mark in there seems to love his ex deeply and it seems like he never did love the FL more than his ex.
The entire drama mainly seems to be about the FL's redemption and the ML's journey to forgiveness rather than him falling obsessively in love with the FL. That's just not an enticing or romantic storyline for me. I didn't even really enjoy the earlier Kdrama version of that storyline called "Secret" and in there, the ML does become obsessed with the FL.
I love obsessive and relentless MLs in romances, so the ML in this drama seems right up my alley! I also don't mind FLs who's slow to fall in love or rejects the ML repeatedly as long as she's reasonable. In fact, if the character writing's decent, I prefer slow burn romances where the ML keeps chasing and the FL keeps running, lol! I love it when the ML's the more active one: I generally dislike passive MLs in romances where the FL does more of the chasing.
Also, does the ML in here ever give up or commit noble idiocy (push the FL away for any reason: Illness, for her own good, etc.)? That's one of my biggest pet peeves in romances! I hate it when previously possessive MLs go through a rough patch and end up hurting or pushing away the FL because they think it's for "her own good." All my favorite MLs will go after their FLs no matter what and can't live without them.
In addition, is the ML powerful and independent -I understand the FL's the richer one, but I also hope the ML's capable and independent? Thanks again for patiently answering all my questions!
He loved ex no doubt about that but he fell much harder than the FL I don't think he loved Rin as much as FL (Ta)…
Thanks so much for your quick response! I just hate romances where the ML loved deeply in the past and it's not clear who he loves more...generally avoid past love romances in general, but I may make an exception for this one because the leads seem to have HOT chemistry and you make it sound like the ML loves the FL much more. The drama also has pretty good reviews for the most part and the writing doesn't seem to go off a cliff like it usually does in many other lakorns. I only heard it gets dragged out too much for the last 4 episodes...
Hey, loved your review and loved Aum's acting in "Prajan Lai Payak" despite the drama going downhill later on.
The only thing preventing me from diving into this drama is the whole past girlfriend backstory: I usually hate romances where the ML (male lead) had a past love. So, did the ML in this drama love his ex deeply and does he clearly fall much harder for the FL in comparison? I hope he was never madly in love with his ex and loves the FL much more...thanks again in advance!
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
Yeah, doesn't sound like the kind of angst I like or fun to watch in any way...I guess I'll form my own opinion if I manage to get that far. I'm very picky and drop dramas easily if I don't find the writing/characters/execution believable enough depending on the genre it's depicting. I'll also drop instantly if I don't see enough hot chemistry btw the leads. Thanks again for patiently answering all my questions!
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
I guess I can accept the giving up part only if the ML believes the Orchid and goddess are truly two different people and he's only in love with one of them. Because if they're the same person, with only the lack of memories differentiating them, then I'll be disappointed he decided to give up at one point.
I think I remember you recommending TMOPB to me and it became my no 1 fave drama of all time. I think you will…
Lol, that's a huge relief to hear the FL's actually wise and smart! Hopefully I'll be able to tolerate her voice because I heard several people actually dropped the show because they couldn't get used to the way she sounds.
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
Dang, that's kind of disheartening to hear...but at least the FL didn't say cruel things to the ML about never loving him or similar BS. I HATE that the most...
I think I remember you recommending TMOPB to me and it became my no 1 fave drama of all time. I think you will…
Yeah, I recognize your name! Glad you enjoyed this drama -I'm still hesitant because I'm tired of bubbly/naive FLs. But if the writing's decent and the romance has the kind of dynamics I want (powerful, relentless ML who's the more active one and never gives up on being with the FL), I'll probably give it a fair shot. Thanks again for revealing some crucial details!
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
Thanks so much for your very detailed response! That doesn't sound too bad (at least they don't actively hurt each other mentally), so although I hate this writing trope, I may still try out the drama.
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
Thanks so much for your response! After committing noble idiocy, does the ML come around on his own and go after the FL again without input from others? Or did the FL have to go after him herself? Sorry for the questions, but noble idiocy (esp. when committed by the ML) is one of my biggest pet peeves and I generally avoid romances with this trope.
I will make exceptions if the ML realizes his mistake and actively goes after the FL again on his own accord. But if it take the FL or others to get through to him, then I won't even bother watching. Thanks again for answering all my questions!
Am at 27 i think.. and ML is very active even before he realizes his love for FL...FL supports and stays with…
Thanks for your response! Does the ML fall first and is he the more active one in their relationship? Once you finish all 36 episodes, if it's possible, can you let me know if the ML stays active/passionate instead of losing steam/giving up/committing noble idiocy? Thanks so much in advance!
One question: Is the ML the more active one when it comes to the romance? I tend to avoid romances where the FL does the chasing or falls first and the ML's more passive. Is the ML in this one more passionate and shameless in his pursuit similar to Ye Hua from "Ten Miles..."?
Does he ever give up, lose steam, or commit noble idiocy (pushes the FL away for any reason -illness, to "protect her," etc.)? Thanks in advance!
I gave it a 5 rating because I got annoyed with how the FL acted after finding out that he survived from the jump.…
You're absolutely right that the reconciliation between the leads was forced and thoroughly unbelievable based on the FL's established character. It made no sense for the FL to reconcile with the ML so easily from just two near death experiences when she was unable to accept him despite him nearly dying after falling off a cliff 5 yrs. ago.
She's somebody with severe abandonment issues, so the ML pushing her away the way he did crippled her mentally. It would have taken a lot more than a few "almost dying" scenarios for her to get back together with him. She'd fight hard to make sure he's safe, but would never have gotten back together unless he took drastic measures to get through to her like I heard he did in the novel. But the director/writers took the lazy/cheapest route and in doing so, made the leads act out of character and neutered the romance for me in the end.
Lol, purely objectively, part 2 of this drama should have gotten a 7-7.5/10 due to all the major issues I stated in my review. But, I can't ignore my HUGE bias for the characters and world and that's what inflated the score to an 8.5. It is too high and a very generous rating, which I can freely admit to. But hey, my bias still didn't stop me from calling out all the issues I had with it.
I'm just relieved that Gino's character wasn't ruined after they started dragging everything out, though I did wish he didn't lose steam or at least reverted back to being relentless again near the end. I generally don't like it when previously possessive/obsessive MLs regress at the end. At the very least, I would wish for them to get over their slump and go back to being relentless/possessive again before the finish line.
My favorite romance MLs are ones who actively go after the FL no matter what and can never let them go for any reason. And if they do let them go, they'll quickly realize their mistake and go after them again on their own accord without encouragement from other people.
In other words, I love MLs who truly can't live without their FLs. If they can let them go, then they can live without them -realistic in real life, but in romanceland, I want the all-consuming, fantastical, and impossible love. Lol, I also like them best when they're powerful, ruthless or cold to everyone but the FL, and jealous/possessive.
Your list includes some of my absolute favorite dramas and MLs because they satisfy all of my above criteria. Saichon (GRGR)，Gongpope (RLSR 2002) and Domyouji/Dao Ming Si (HYD I/MG I -2001 version) are my favorite MLs in your list! All of them are relentless to the very end and both Saichon and Gongpope are also very powerful/independent, answering to no one with only the FL being their weakness (love it).
Here are some of my favorite dramas with MLs of this caliber that I haven't seen on your list (highly highly recommended -all are quality dramas too):
"Eternal Love/Ten Miles Peach Blossoms" -The ML in here is all-powerful and cold to everyone except the FL. He's the best cold, yet extremely passionate ML I've ever seen on screen -the actor's that good and his take on this "cold, yet hot only for FL" type of character is the best I've ever seen in my 20+ yrs of drama watching.
The ML can give up anything/sacrifice anything for the FL and chases after her like a bloodhound -he basically deceived her into marrying him by not disclosing anything about himself (his biggest fault is his tendency to keep everything to himself and shoulder all burdens). He tries to shield her from everything, but when all hell broke lose, he tries to protect her using the wrong method and it cost him.
What's even more attractive is how arrogant and cold he was before he met the FL -nothing and nobody can affect him. He's never loved anyone (there's a lady who stayed by his side since they were little and is obsessively in love with him, but he's extremely cold to her) and finds that emotion to be a nuisance. His 3rd uncle even said that though he's seen as "perfect" (crown prince status, extremely powerful and handsome) in everyone else's eyes, he's incomplete in his eyes because he lacks emotion/affection. Well, that all changes when he meets our h: She's the only one who can melt him and make him go crazy.
Seriously, this ML won't be able to live without his beloved FL. When he thought he lost her, he gave up on life and almost died. He also cries a lot because of her -I just want to hug him (love his manly tears). He also sees through all female machinations and is never fooled by "other women" tactics. The drama's so good at making us see everything from the perspective of both leads, unlike the book which just focuses on the FL's side. I totally felt the ML's desperate love and pain...swoon!!!
"New Tales of Gisaeng" -hero is both extremely handsome and one of the most passionate/devoted men I've ever seen. Before truly accepting his feelings for the heroine, he did something cruel, but ended up paying for it tenfold. It was both extremely satisfying and heartbreaking watching his torment over the heroine -she really gave it to him good! This was the angst I wanted and it built up to one of the most climactic/touching scenes I've ever witnessed in episode 33. I was thoroughly convinced that the hero couldn't live without his heroine.
Keep in mind that it starts out rather slow and doesn't become a downward roller coaster ride until episode 16 where the hero "digs his own grave." From then on, you will witness his downfall as he comes to realize how much the heroine means to him and what he has lost. He then trails after the heroine like a bloodhound, determined to win her back, but our heroine will not budge. Forgiveness takes a long time and our hero is in for a world of pain for many episodes -can't say he didn't deserve it, lol. Happy drama watching and hope you become as emotionally involved as I was.
Here's a clip that gives you a taste of the leads' intense relationship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ZkPalWR3Y&ab_channel=WindzOz (the montage is heartwrenching...)
"Romance of Tiger and Rose" -very well-executed drama with a witty script about a screenwriter FL who time travels into her own script and tries to survive to the end without being killed...love the story and leads in this and I also fell hard for the ML, "Han Shuo." He's the type of hero I love the most: Ruthless, powerful, hot/charismatic, but only soft towards the heroine and never commits noble idiocy (push her away for her own good, etc.). Keep in mind that the overall tone of this drama is more comedic, though there is some heavier angst later on.
"Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani":
I became so addicted/obsessed with the OTP in this Indian drama. I’m normally unable to stomach Indian romance serials because very few are subbed and they’re often filled with ridiculous plots, unbearable evil people scheming, and no endpoint (story keeps on going until it loses popularity, often at the detriment of its characters/narrative).
But the leads’ love story and incredible chemistry make the show very much worth watching. Despite the issues I had (FL constantly victimized, the horrendously written ex fiancée who comes in much later, and rushed ending), the OTP's passionate romance and the ML’s possessiveness/determination to be with the FL at all costs completely won me over! Love their professor student dynamics -so hot!
I loved how the series’ main focus is on the leads’ character growth/love story instead of evil people scheming (thank god). And even when there are some schemes, they get resolved very quickly instead of being dragged out for dozens of episodes.
I also love how almost none of the antagonists are one dimensional caricatures (except the ex fiancée, but she doesn't really come in until after 100 episodes) and that the show balances them out with quite a few likable supporting characters. In fact, the two most powerful antagonists (ML's oldest uncle/aunt) are both weak to the ML due to their love/care for him. They would never harm him. It's awesome how much power the ML wields and how capable he is at resolving difficult situations!
And aside from the last 10 episodes, the series never forgets that the love story is front/center and what a love story it is: After it starts coming into play around episode 64 when he first gets jealous, the ML’s denial/ observation phase and jealous scenes are one of the best I’ve ever seen! Certainly had me squealing like a fan girl!
The ML gives off Mr. Darcy vibes and I can’t get enough of him and the FL’s scenes. Their chemistry is intoxicating!!! I had the ride of my life watching this hot, powerful professor who's always been in control of himself and disdainful of love (views it as a weakness after seeing its harmful effects on his dad) becoming increasingly unhinged/irrational due to his growing feelings for his student. She challenges/gets under his skin like nothing else. It's so much fun watching him constantly be bewildered by these alien feelings and shoot himself in the foot whenever he gets jealous. His growing possessiveness and uncontrollable jealousy later results in him being brought to his knees by the FL. Without her, he's a dead man.
My favorite scenes are when he saves the FL from goons and the aftermath, when he insults her due to his jealousy and later apologizes (resorting to stalking/kidnapping, lol), when his sister-in-law teases him about his feelings, and his revelation that he may possibly be in love (got grilled by his family about what he seeks in a life partner and he lists off qualities only to realize that he’s describing the FL -his facial expressions were priceless and the song/montage made the scene absolutely magical). And of course, all the jealous scenes, lol. He loses it every time he sees the FL with the police officer 2nd ML (awesome lovable character too).
Truly one of the best MLs ever and he's extremely hot/swoonworthy. He has so much chemistry with the FL that I just can't get enough of their relationship. He truly gives me the feeling that life won't exist without his FL. Upon falling hard, he'll never give up on the FL and will prioritize her over everything (love how he handles his troublesome family). Lol, also love how he constantly needs to be close to her and can't stand being away. No matter how cool/confident he is, the moment his FL's in trouble, he just loses it.
Of course this series is far from perfect and has its issues. One is the fact that the FL is victimized too much (after running away and getting admitted to the ML's college, it seems she’s constantly a damsel in distress and is unable to resolve anything on her own without help from the ML and his parents). She’s also a little too nosy and that got on my nerves. But she does become more mature/independent later on and overall, I do like her and really admire her resolve/determination to seek higher education and fight for gender equality. I also love how clueless she is whenever the ML acts irrational due to his growing feelings/jealousy. Lol, he barks at her and she's thoroughly confused, thinking he's bipolar. So entertaining to watch...
The other major issue is the ML's ex (he never loved her) that appeared at the very beginning and is later brought back after 100 episodes. Her character is nonsensical and horrendously written: No other antagonist is as much of a caricature as she is; she's like the cockroach that just won't go away and is always interrupting the leads. This drama really didn't need her antics (ML's uncle and aunt are enough of an obstacle) as the leads' passionate moments are all we really need (too much chemistry) and what's worse, she's such a badly written character (absolute abomination) that I can't take her seriously at all. She keeps lurking around despite the number of times the ML makes it clear that he only loves the FL and will never be with her. After all those rejections/humiliations, no girl could possibly continue hovering around. She's an absolute joke of a character and I later FF'd all her scenes.
But issues aside, the love story is absolutely worth the watch (can FF everything else esp. ex fiancee scenes after episode 104) and the leads have plenty of scenes together as their love story is the central focus. The ML's later possessiveness, persistence (never gives up on her and never resorts to noble idiocy), and need for the FL gave me heart palpatations! I'm haunted by them and can't get enough...here's a fanmade mv featuring my favorite Ost song, "Jo Tera Howega":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaEj1mUmyes&ab_channel=Can%27tStopWatching
If interested, you can watch the drama here (186 episodes total, but they're 20min each, so really a 62 episode drama if each is one hr. long; 3rd server CAJITA TOP is the fastest):
https://wlext.is/series/shaurya-aur-anokhi-ki-kahani/
It's so ironic that all the series that made Kathniel famous like "Growing Up," "Princess and I," and "Got to Believe" aren't subbed and the seemingly more lackluster ones like "La Luna Sangre" and "Pangako Sa 'Yo" are all subbed just because they're more recent. But I haven't really seen anybody really rave about them unlike the other three earlier series that garnered legions of fans.
"Pangako Sa 'Yo" seems to have a more traditional rich guy/poor girl love story (my preference in a romance) going on, but the plot also makes it sound like the leads are more on the weak/helpless side of things, being yanked by the main revenge arc with little control (not attractive to me all). Have you seen it? Ugh...I hate how this is pretty much the only long romantic series of Kathniel's that's completely subbed. The rest are either all movies or too short and I'm really in the mood for a long, epic romance drama of theirs. I know I'll get guaranteed magical chemistry and soulful gazes!
The entire drama mainly seems to be about the FL's redemption and the ML's journey to forgiveness rather than him falling obsessively in love with the FL. That's just not an enticing or romantic storyline for me. I didn't even really enjoy the earlier Kdrama version of that storyline called "Secret" and in there, the ML does become obsessed with the FL.
I love obsessive and relentless MLs in romances, so the ML in this drama seems right up my alley! I also don't mind FLs who's slow to fall in love or rejects the ML repeatedly as long as she's reasonable. In fact, if the character writing's decent, I prefer slow burn romances where the ML keeps chasing and the FL keeps running, lol! I love it when the ML's the more active one: I generally dislike passive MLs in romances where the FL does more of the chasing.
Also, does the ML in here ever give up or commit noble idiocy (push the FL away for any reason: Illness, for her own good, etc.)? That's one of my biggest pet peeves in romances! I hate it when previously possessive MLs go through a rough patch and end up hurting or pushing away the FL because they think it's for "her own good." All my favorite MLs will go after their FLs no matter what and can't live without them.
In addition, is the ML powerful and independent -I understand the FL's the richer one, but I also hope the ML's capable and independent? Thanks again for patiently answering all my questions!
The only thing preventing me from diving into this drama is the whole past girlfriend backstory: I usually hate romances where the ML (male lead) had a past love. So, did the ML in this drama love his ex deeply and does he clearly fall much harder for the FL in comparison? I hope he was never madly in love with his ex and loves the FL much more...thanks again in advance!
I will make exceptions if the ML realizes his mistake and actively goes after the FL again on his own accord. But if it take the FL or others to get through to him, then I won't even bother watching. Thanks again for answering all my questions!
Does he ever give up, lose steam, or commit noble idiocy (pushes the FL away for any reason -illness, to "protect her," etc.)? Thanks in advance!
She's somebody with severe abandonment issues, so the ML pushing her away the way he did crippled her mentally. It would have taken a lot more than a few "almost dying" scenarios for her to get back together with him. She'd fight hard to make sure he's safe, but would never have gotten back together unless he took drastic measures to get through to her like I heard he did in the novel. But the director/writers took the lazy/cheapest route and in doing so, made the leads act out of character and neutered the romance for me in the end.
Lol, purely objectively, part 2 of this drama should have gotten a 7-7.5/10 due to all the major issues I stated in my review. But, I can't ignore my HUGE bias for the characters and world and that's what inflated the score to an 8.5. It is too high and a very generous rating, which I can freely admit to. But hey, my bias still didn't stop me from calling out all the issues I had with it.