Jess4163

I'm reading the novel (thank god I learned how to read mandarin) and although the production team/director's doing a brilliant job, for the most part, at respecting the source material and bringing justice to its world/characters, they do falter a bit when it comes to the FL (female lead) and several other female characters (mainly the minor antagonists).

The FL in the novel is not only brilliant and nuanced (author's very talented at crafting badass, 3 dimensional heroines), but her spirit's also an educated time traveler who was from modern times. This makes it completely believable that she's so knowledgeable in many different fields, yet lacks the ability to read archaic texts that's a staple amongst the nobility (she can read the majority of vernacular text).

In addition, since the novel FL never received parental love either before or after she transmigrated, she possesses a cynical attitude towards the world and tends to place herself in the role of an observer, rolling her eyes and poking fun at the shenanigans happening around her. Even with this jaded attitude, she still values sincerity and shows warmth to those who are genuinely kind to her.

This is a heroine who possesses high intelligence (has a flair for strategy and mechanics), practicality, wit, and dry humor all rolled up in one. She's the kind of relatable, mature, calm and collected heroine I dream about reading in a romance!
Her ultimate goal is to become independent and carefree, so many of her actions reflect that objective. All of her decisions are carefully weighed/considered in order to avoid being trapped in a life where she's unable to express her true self.

Due to censorship, the time travel aspect of our FL's character was stripped away and the director/script writers had to think of ways to best preserve the novel FL's attributes in a way that makes sense within the drama. Luckily, they retained most of her intelligence/street smarts, caution, and cynical attitude even when it stretches drama world logic from time to time, especially when it comes to her extensive vocabulary despite being truly uneducated.

The director also gave her some immature attributes since the drama her is no longer an older spirit inhabiting the body of a 15 yr. old. Her cynicism/distrust is due to being neglected by everyone including her parents and yet, because of her young age, she still yearns for motherly affection. She treats people who are kind to her with equal fervor/warmth, but sometimes goes too far when exacting revenge on those who wrong her. Despite all this, the drama FL was still established as someone mature for her age due to being abandoned by her parents and raised by an aunt-in-law who's a viper.

And up until recent episodes, I've been ecstatic at the way the drama creators have been faithfully showcasing the novel FL's nuances and character growth. Everything from her relationships with the people around her to her witnessing the atrocities of war contributed to her character growth. For the majority of part 1, the drama's been very successful at developing her into a believable, flesh and blood character.

One of my favorite scenes was the bridge incident because it allowed the FL to display flaws while staying true to her character. Her mistakes and subsequent stubbornness make her more human and yet, her character's actions were completely believable. Nothing she did was inconsistent with her character setup.

Everything I've seen for the majority of the first 27 episodes has led me to believe that the production crew's intentions are to faithfully adapt the novel's story/characters to the best of their ability. After reading parts of the novel, I approved of most of the changes in part 1 as they were all done in an effort to either streamline or elevate the drama.

The only ones I didn't care for were the increasing amount of bitch drama (esp. the one in the palace involving all the princesses ganging up on the FL, effectively turning her into a damsel who had to be saved by our swoonworthy ML) in the later part 1 episodes which weakened the FL and made all the other minor female characters into one-note caricatures instead of characters with nuance.

I also didn't like how the drama made the FL seem all flip-floppy after her blowup with the ML since right after she told him she didn't want him in her life, she immediately started reconsidering. No matter how nice he's been, it still doesn't change the fact that he practically forced her into an engagement out of the blue without consulting with her beforehand. She's a character who values free will and clearly hates being forced into doing anything. Due to his heavy-handed actions, she should only be at the "reluctantly accepting the engagement" phase. That montage that suggests she's falling for him kind of felt unnatural and rubbed me the wrong way.

Other than that, the majority of this drama, thus far, had been one full of nuanced characters and decent writing (being mainly faithful to the novel); I had been hoping it would avoid resorting to cheap tactics/tropes that cater to the lowest common denominator. Unfortunately, the latest episodes have been using one of my most hated drama tropes: Dumbing down the FL and other characters in order to elevate the ML.

This has already happened during the palace bitch drama incident. In the novel, Wang Li tried to ignore the FL (she'd been burned before and knew she wasn't a match for her) and it was the FL who first provoked her. The 5th princess wanted to avenge Wang Li, but she never went further than kicking the FL's shoe before the ML intercepted. Even then, the FL's already thinking up a tactic to counter her so she probably never needed his help anyway.

But the drama somewhat weakened her and turned all the other females into plot device bitches who have nothing better to do than be the FL's foil all day, everyday. This was all in their attempt to set our FL up as the damsel in need of saving in order to elevate the ML's hotness. The hotness was achieved, but it came at the expense of all the other female characters. Our FL from the earlier episodes who effectively delegated orders, led around her subordinates, and held her own against the fake bandits wouldn't have needed saving in this particular incident. Sigh...

Now I'm hearing the latest episodes has a fire token incident involving the FL that doesn't happen in the novel. Lol, this doesn't just weaken our FL, it's making her plain stupid (lacking in common sense) and is completely at odds with her established smart character from part 1. Once again, the drama's using the cheap tactic of dumbing down the FL in order to prop up the ML. I don't understand why they painstakingly crafted the FL over the course of half the drama only to sacrifice her character simply as a means to make the ML look good? It's completely mindboggling because they never weakened the ML in order to elevate the FL in part 1 when the focus was completely on her. Our ML's been consistent this entire drama.

They didn't rely on this cheap trope in the first 20+ episodes, so why start now? Why are they okay with besmirching all of their hard work with the FL in almost half the drama? If this continues, these inconsistencies will turn her into more of a plot device than a nuanced character. None of her later brilliant feats will feel as natural if they keep sprinkling more of these "dumbing down the FL in order to emphasize the ML's appeal" moments in between. God, I hope this gets nipped in the bud soon!

I agree, but the lead couple's chemistry/relationship plotline was extremely strong that many people overlooked the egregious flaws. Remember, people tend to vote based on "feels" only and would often ignore the more objective drama elements (plot, story structure, script, production value, etc.) as long as they're satisfied with the one true pairing.

As for me, I try to balance out my ratings with a combination of objectivity/subjectivity. Hence, the highest rating I can give this drama is a 6/10. And that's only because the lead pairings' buildup/chemistry was one of my favorites (my bias is heavily at work here, lol). Even then, the overall drama just doesn't work due to the other three plotlines: Company threat, gangsters, and serial killer. Our leads had to share their plotline with the other three and the result was disastrous. Lol, the gangster/serial killer plots were such a mismatch to the romance that it felt like three different dramas (slapstick, horror, and romance).

I couldn't finish this drama the first time around and on my second, I fast-forwarded everything that didn't involve the OTP's romance. The production team had a goldmine OTP and really should have written the overall plot around their romance: Maybe explore the lore behind Bo Soon's powers and focus more on Min Hyuk's relationship with his family or the leads' passion for developing games while building up their relationship during this process. You'll have a much more cohesive drama this way. The gangsters/serial killer plots don't connect well with the romance and should never have made it in the script.

Oh well, at least the creators knew enough to give us plenty of sweet scenes between our swoon-worthy leads. Aside from their story, this drama really is a trainwreck.

Thanks, I tested to see if France would work and it did!

If you don't mind me asking, what region is the viki mandarin version available for viewing? Thanks!

I know...they rocked together and had electrifying chemistry. It's the kind where you really can't get enough of them together and would always clamor for more. People still remember their lakorns to this day because of their insane chemistry and acting chops, esp. for Aom. Tik's acting was at its best when he had Aom as his counterpart. I didn't notice any stiffness except when it came to heavily emotional scenes like that ending train scene where I would have liked to see him cry better. He's definitely not a natural crier like Ken (the best male crier) and Barry.

What made Tik and Aom's version memorable was their explosive chemistry and how both nailed their characters: Tik was absolutely perfect as the manly/devilishly cunning Kongpope and Aom was mesmerizing as the innocent/naive/strong Namneung who later grows into a fiercer/wiser woman due to her circumstances -the actress is also amazing at conveying emotion as she emotes extremely well. Both of them were dynamite on screen and were the first Thai drama couple I fell hard for.

Unfortunately, this newer version just doesn't do it for me. I gave it a chance and ended up dropping because Push, despite his good looks, just isn't as manly as Tik and tends to be clownish when I want to see Kongpope's devilish/macho side. He lacks that CEO/overpowering aura. But, the biggest problem is the leading lady and her lackluster acting skills. I was fine with her innocent expressions in the beginning, but later on when the drama required heavy emotional acting, she completely falls flat. I couldn't take her blank, one note innocent expressions anymore. She made Neung appear weak while Aom, in the old version, made her fierce/strong. I wish they selected a better actress for the role.

Only positive thing I'll say is the leads in this newer version do have good chemistry. In fact, their chemistry was what kept me watching up until the wedding reveal scene where the lead actress failed to deliver the emotions required for that pivotal scene. All I got from her was her weak, innocent crying and this lip pout that I got sick of seeing. When it was clear to me that this type of acting wasn't going to stop, I couldn't take it anymore and dropped the drama.

This was the first Thai series I wanted to watch because of the leads' chemistry way back in 2008 when Jam Loey Rak blew up (I was more interested in RLSR, lol). I was hooked on the leads' chemistry (their first meeting where the FL sprayed the ML with water blew me away due to the heat/sparks btw them) and was so desperate that I watched raws due to the unavailability of subs.

Tik and Aom's acting/chemistry was out of this world and is the foundation of this drama! The lead actress in the 2015 new version can't compare to Aom and I ended up dropping the drama due to her one note acting. She can play innocent well, but isn't convincing at all once she's required to transition into a more mature/jaded woman who smartens up. On the other hand, Aom's transition into a wiser/more vengeful female who gives it to the ML good was absolutely mesmerizing to watch!

Ending is tragic though as Jang Dong Gun's character dies...

Watched this one dubbed in Mandarin 15+ years ago: This was one of Jang Dong Gun's best roles in terms of character complexity. I loved his character, but he wasn't a good lover/boyfriend. He was really cruel to the FL and wasn't worthy of her devotion to him.

That said, this series showcased a lot of Jang Dong Gun's acting capabilities and is the best reason to watch as his character, Su Hyung, is truly memorable. The drama was also well-paced and riveting to watch.

I heard about this series and it would make for a good "villain obsessed with heroine" series, but is it subbed in English? Thanks...

Thanks for the responses! I hate hate noble idiocy esp. on the part of the hero, so please let me know if the hero, upon falling in love with the heroine, pushes her away for any reason? Thanks!

I'm curious about this drama since I've been hearing LOTS of great things about it. How's the romance tho? Who chases who? Any noble idiocy/pushing away? Who loves who more? Thx

Lol, real life is a completely different ballpark! SF is the ideal type of man in real life. But in romantic fiction, I love stalkerific, yandere guys because, when executed well, it's more intense/exciting to watch for me. Haha, I like my romances to be as intense/obsessive as possible, but only when the production, script, and acting's all decent. If the drama's of poor quality, then I won't like it no matter what.

L&R, no matter how you spin it, is just an overall quality drama. I don't even have to like the story or drama (luckily I loved it), but can still admit it's well-crafted and the production team really put effort into the script, even if it's not perfect.

This was a great "villain obsessively in love with FL" drama. Enjoyed it a great deal years ago and loved Ron Ng in this. Not the best actor, but he has charisma and I loved that he was the ultimate big bad who happens to be crazily in love with the FL!

Really loved the secondary male lead (might as well be the male lead as he had just as many scenes), Ho Tung, in here: I found him really hot/charismatic and loved his unrequited love for the female lead! I watched this drama years ago just for their scenes and it was so worth it!

Actually, the production team for this was different from Eternal Love/Ten Miles. If it had been done by the same team/director, the drama most likely would have been superior.

Oh, I don’t have a problem with the way SF’s written as his characterization makes sense. I found all his actions to befit his personality, but that doesn’t mean I have to love his character type. I like SF as a character, but his overall personality is just not my cup of tea in a romance. That’s ok though, because everyone has different tastes when it comes to favorite types of male leads.

I just happen to prefer more aggressive and brazen male leads like YH, Han Shuo, and Chengyin. All characters who’ll stop at nothing to make the FL theirs and never pushed her away for her own good. It’s all a matter of opinion. I generally avoid romances where the ML, upon falling in love, pushes the female lead away for any reason.

I made an exception with “Love and Redemption” because the external plot was really good/engaging. It had more to offer than just the romance.

Absolutely, both are incredible dramas that's deserving of success/recognition. Whichever one you prefer is purely a matter of preference and less about overall drama quality. IMO, both succeeded in the areas they were amazing for:

"Love and Redemption" had both an internal epic romance as well as an external complex plot that's just as important and the drama overall succeeded in delivering both even if the last six episodes were a bit rushed.

"TMPB" focused mainly on the epic love story btw Ye Hua and BQ and completely succeeded at delivering that.

I also thought both dramas made full use of their respective 50+ episodes and neither had much filler at all. I found their scripts to be well-written/executed (for the most part) and loved the production teams/overall direction. I only wish more adaptations can follow their example and be treated with just as much respect, love, and care.

@eliteles1

MLs show love differently: Both YH and SF love just as deeply and make huge sacrifices, but there's definitely differences in the way they express their love since their characters aren't the same.

SF, whenever he thinks XJ likes someone else, tends to over-analyze/think the worst (when he initially assumed XJ likes 6th brother and that time he caught her comforting 6th brother in the cave). As a result, he starts backing off and acting cold until she gets all confrontational (luckily XJ often takes the initiative and always wants to be around him). To me, SF's the type that will go after the girl he likes as long as he thinks she's single, but if she likes someone else, he'll back off and love her from afar. That's also deep , undying, love, but not the kind I love the most in a romance. Many love this type of love as it's most ideal, but in fictional romance, I prefer the shameless, "bind the FL to me no matter," possessive/obsessive love as it's more exciting to watch. This is my personal subjective preference and in no way undermines the depth of SF's love for XJ, which is as immense as YH's.

YH, on the other hand, even when he thought BQ likes Mo Yuan, continued to bulldoze his way into her life and would grab at any opportunity to get together with her. He never backs off for any reason. Even though he, similar to SF, also likes to take on all burdens without explaining anything, he also won't allow anything to get in the way of spending more time with BQ. Even when he was trying to hide his injuries from her, he still never distanced himself and always wanted her by his side. IMO, his way of expressing his affections, even when he's feeling insecure, is more aggressive and alpha.

Overall, I loved both dramas for different reasons: "Love and Redemption" had the best plot (well-executed too) I've ever seen in a Xianxia series and that was what mainly kept me hooked, along with my favorite supporting characters: Tengshe and Wuzhiqi. I also really enjoyed the leads' chemistry and while their romance was also epic, it's not my favorite type (this is purely subjective).

"TMPB" gave me my preferred epic romance (simple romance plot that was well-executed): Leads with explosive chemistry, a calm/mature FL, and a ML who was powerful, hot, relentless when it came to chasing after the FL, and never committed noble idiocy (push her away for her own good, etc.). It gave me everything I wanted in a romance and executed it in a way where it's impossible to beat in my eyes. Mark Chao's performance as Ye Hua is too skilled/unforgettable. He's an expert at eye expressions: To this day, I have yet to see another actor capable of emoting so much passion while portraying an icy cold character. Not only that, he also portrayed my favorite type of ML in a romance. What can I say, I'm a complete sucker for the obsessive/possessive MLs who will never let the FL go and won't ever push her away for any reason (fatal illness/injury, bankruptcy, etc. -nothing keeps him away) lol. And Ye Hua fits that to a "T!"

Both are really well-crafted dramas that each accomplished their purpose. It’s really a matter of taste: Love and Redemption has a much more complex plot while TMPB is really all about the love story btw YH and BQ.

From a purely romantic standpoint, I still prefer the love story in TMPB. I love BQ’s mature/calm personality and especially loved how aggressive/shameless YH was in his pursuit of her.

Si Feng, however deeply he loved Xuanji, is not the aggressive/shameless type that’ll chase the FL no matter what. He’s more sacrificial and passive in comparison to YH.

I just happen to prefer bold, aggressive MLs who go after their FLs no matter what and will never commit noble idiocy. MLs like Ye Hua, Han Shuo (Romance of Tiger and Rose), and Chengyin (Goodbye my Princess). This is my subjective preference :)