I quite like Ever Night, although the story only started to really captivate me around the halfway mark of the series. The first part where Ning Que & Sang Sang were in Wei City was okay, but it got rather dry once the focus shifted to the politics within the palace.
Things I didn't like: 1. Characters/cast of those at Xi Ling & the palace took awhile to get used to. 2. Some abrupt transitions between scenes and awkward plot development (i.e. Ning Que's friend dying so suddenly - weren't they were gonna get revenge together?). 3. Sometimes, characters fade into the background, only to resurface awkwardly later. Some relationships between characters are also awkward, i.e. Sang Sang's with her birth parents. 4. Annoying characters like Long Qing. First, he was really arrogant so I thought he'd learn humility after his fall. But he just came back as a whiny brat and then went on to become an obsessed guy. Just thought his whiny scenes could be cut & be allocated for more Sang Sang & Ning Que scenes (this is scarce towards the end). 5. Each of those who challenged Ning Que and got defeated, will end up sending someone else to get revenge. I mean, once of twice is fine since it's a Wuxia drama, but it gets repetitive after that.
Things I like: 1. I really love Sang Sang as a character, she's so adorable! I love how she has absolute faith and trust in Ning Que and that despite being so innocent, she still gets cheeky with Ning Que and is strict once it comes to money. 2. Sang Sang & Ning Que's relationship. It took awhile for Ning Que to realise Sang Sang's importance to him, but I really like their relationship and how they interact with one another (especially since they've known each other for their whole lives). Although it broke my heart when it seemed like NQ liked the other girl, it was refreshing to see how SS & NQ's style of interaction didn't really change after he proposed. Usually, the new pair will act very couple-y but for them, they went on caring for each other as a family. 3. The academy & Ning Que's (and Sang Sang)'s relationship. I like how all the seniors looked after the two of them, because usually there'll be some sort of internal rivalry. 4. The protagonist is not the typical one where he/she is someone from a "good" family/royalty, which Ning Que also pointed out.
Anyway, Sang Sang died in the last episode, although it didn't seem real. So I searched for season 2, but... Arthur Chen won't be acting as Ning Que anymore, so I don't know if I'll watch it.
I really love the way Ling Yi Zhou dates on Xia Lin. He's super sweet and adorable. But other than that...
1. First half of the drama was okay - plot and character development was not too bad, especially the lead's budding romance. But that's it, it went downhill from there as too many events were squeezed in and Xia Lin's first kidnapping incident dragged on forever. 2. Transition between scenes are bad. I often find myself confused as it's rather abrupt. 3. Another thing I'm confused by is the timeline in the drama and the characters' ages. It starts off as FL at 21/22 and the ML27/29 (can't remember). Then later, there's a piece of paper that says ML's 31. Also, one of the first few episodes have me confused because characters were saying 2 years have passed, which was surprised abrupt and their age then didn't tally either. However, all the other mentions of time showed that these 2 years have yet to pass but the dialogues between the lead couple doesn't add up either. 4. Other than the romance scenes, the FL felt redundant. She seems to always be a damsel in distress. Also, with Yi Zhou, all the seemed to be doing is to cry or get upset whenever she finds out he lied or do something that she doesn't like. Except for the tie and trying to reconcile ML with his mum, she's more or less a prop of the show and only receives from the ML. 5. Bad acting, or maybe it's just the dubbing that makes it so weird. 6. No offense, but visual wise, the choice of cast could have been better. 7. There are some plot loopholes that aren't addressed. 8. Super rushed ending. I was hoping to see more lovey dovey scenes between the leads after all the drama they've been through.
It's not an awful drama, but the execution could have been much better. I don't think I'd have finished this, if if weren't for the scenes where Yi Zhou dotes on Xia Lin.
It's a really cute drama, and I love the leads together. Gu Wei Yi makes my heart flutter, especially when he was trying to court Situ Mo. He's really smart, but also so clueless about other things in life. As a couple, both of them complement each other really well!
Another thing I like is how the female lead that's paired with a smart guy isn't dumb or clueless. Situ Mo has her own voice and dreams, which I thought was a refreshing change. However, in the initial part when she still liked Fu Pei, it didn't seem like she was as independent. Then again, I don't like the part when she like Fu Pei & vice-versa because it was kinda draggy and Fu Pei was such a douche. The only good thing that came out of it how Fu Pei's actions just pushed Situ Mo closer to Wei Yi, and we got to see how sweet Wei Yi got.
Although it has a similar vibe to A Love So Beautiful, the focus here seems to be mostly, if only, on the main couple. It felt like the (love) lives of Wei Yi & Situ Mo and Fu Pei & Wang Shang are on a separate timeline. Whereas in ALSB, it was all nicely woven together and we got to see the group of them grow as friends and not only as a couple.
I love everything about this drama - the costumes, set and the cinematography - they're all really awesome. The leads are also really good together, and my heart breaks whenever Chang An does something for Wan Mei. Just thought that Chang An and Wan Mei might have a happy ending but... Also, the last few minutes made me confused about the SML and Yue Ying's life thereafter.
When the drama was airing, no one knew what the ending was like. Everyone was speculating: Was it going to follow…
Yeah, I agree with you. The ending was done very nicely despite the circumstances and I'm also having trouble getting it off my mind after finishing the last episode.
This drama took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Plot wise, the politics and romance between the leads are good. The development of the story and each character's growth/change were nicely excuted. The only thing was that I didn't really expect it to be a tragedy so...
Along the way, I still had hopes the leads will get their happy ending. At least for a while. Like, after both regain their memories and they get a brief but happy scene for a while. I really like them as a pair and the female lead really grew on me. I wasn't expecting Xiao Feng to die, but I can't deny that it was kinda fitting as a closure to the whole drama. Maybe, they'll have their happy ending in another place.
P.S. the bloody scenes are probably one of the most gory ones I've seen for this genre of dramas.
I couldn't stop comparing this with the drama version. As much as I like Jing Bo Ran, Yang Yang fits Xiao Nai's role much better.
Also, maybe because this is the movie version of a drama, the scenes and characters weren't well developed, probably due to the time constraint. That said, changes are inevitable but some didn't sit too well with me. For instance, this Xiao Nai isn't as formidable as the drama's and rather than seeing Xiao Nai and Weiwei growing as a couple, the movie seems to focus slightly more on the latter which takes the awe off Xiao Nai. This, just didn't seem right with me.
It's slow-paced but I can't wait for Tae Oh to realize he likes Song Yi. Do Hyun just doesn't do it for me and I've seen SML with similar dispositions so... Just waiting for the remaining episodes to be released.
I was looking forward to this because of Ariel and the expectation grew because of Vin. The general plot is pretty interesting but the execution of the story started going downhill from the middle of the series.
Ever since Bu Qi got "reborn" as Zhu Zhu, she doesn't have as much interaction with Chen Yu. As such, they really have limited scenes together which doesn't really show the progression of their relationship. It went from Bu Qi dying to them being a couple automatically the next time they met. In fact, during the period Chen Yu was working with Liu Qing Wu, they gave a more couple vibe (even though we know it's impossible). At the same time, Dong Fang Shi and Zhu Zhu had such good chemistry with Bu Qi and there was depth to their interactions. Although I like Vin, I couldn't help to start rooting for Dong Fang Shi. The only moments Chen Yu seems to have some "life" in the later half of the show, are the scenes which has Dong Fang Shi with Bu Qi. Sadly, those are very rare.
Sure, Dong Fang Shi isn't the male lead and isn't completely good. But I thought Bu Qi's attitude towards him was a bit extreme towards the end. She didn't display her wits nor her kind heart and she has been growing more petty towards the end. I thought that was another drawback. While I understand that circumstances help define who we are, I thought these new traits in Bu Qi are unlikable.
Although Chen Yu didn't die, I'm a little disappointed with the ending because it felt a little rushed. I was hoping for a longer reunion between the two leads.
1994 was more similar to 1988, in terms of plot and the guess-who-becomes-the-FL's-husband game. It was a different feel from 1997, but still as enjoyable. But I've got to say, the first few episodes are quite boring. Don't worry, it gets better.
I adored the friendship the seven of them have. It's so brutally honest, yet so sincere. They were what you call friends who are like family, and I hope to experience this in my life too. It made me smile when I finally realised that it's the same actor and actress acting as the FL's parents. They've grown on me a lot, so watching 1994 gave me a cozy feeling.
I know Chil Bong's the sweet and good guy. He's really nice, but I was rooting for Na Jung and "Trash" even it seemed impossible for them anymore (thank goodness, this isn't the case). Trash and Na Jung just had more history and story which made their relationship more real. Their familiarity with each other, and how they struggled as their relationship changed from family to lovers just won me over. I thought this was executed very well.
I was super happy when the 1997's cast appeared. As this is my last reply drama, seeing them gave me somewhat of a closure to this series which made 1994 all the more bittersweet. I don't think I'll ever find a drama that tugs at my heartstrings so much again. The cast was good, the story was real and I guess parts of it are relatable to us audience, even if we grew up in another era. I sincerely thank all who was involved in the production of the Reply series!
P.S. Watched this on Netflix, and it actually gave me some spoilers so I was rather annoyed. The translator sometimes included the guys' names, when you're supposed to be guessing who is the ML. Also, there was one mention whereby ML's name is Tae Joon, not Jae Joon so I was blindly looking for a Tae Joon. Thanks, translator.
Chanced upon this on YouTube, it was a pleasant surprise when I saw Wallace Huo and Darren Wang (!!) in it.
But I really enjoyed this movie. Nini was really pretty and the movie has such a beautiful message. Thank you, for reminding us that the best version of ourselves is when we are being who we are, instead of molding ourselves to be who others want us to be.
Just thought that a slightly longer ending would be nice. Although unlikely, I was rooting for Liang Xia to be with Yan Yan so it was a pity that Yan Yan let go of her so easily.
As a standalone movie, I guess it was okay except that scenes was rushed (since they're making the movie version of the drama). I mainly decided to watch this because of Darren Wang. Acting wise, I think there are rooms for improvement.
However, as a fan of the Taiwanese version (It Started with a Kiss), it was nowhere near the standard of the original one. I tried hard not to compare the two, but I can't help but be disappointed by this movie version (sorry, Darren Wang).
A lot of the elements that I love about ISWAK was missing here. The main one being Xiang Qin's interaction with Zhi Shu's family, especially his mother and Yu Shu. But asides from his mum appearing in one or two scenes, there wasn't any interaction between Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu's family. This, was disappointing. Without this, FILAFK seemed like any other romance movies.
Cast wise, Jelly Lin's acting didn't sit too well with me. I think she acted better in Mermaid. Xiang Qin isn't smart, but Jelly trying to act cute/dumb just seemed forced. Actually, the same kinda applies for Zhi Shu's mum here. Lastly, it was just weird to see Christopher Lee in it.
It is almost impossible for a remake to be as good as the original, but there were just too many things lacking here. I think Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin probably ruined me for any other remakes.
Just rewatched this. It's still as good and captivating after all these years.
However, I have a question - why did Yang Myung have to die? Also, I was just thinking how Kim Yoo Jung (who played the young Yeon Woo) was a better fit for Yeon Woo's character. Han Ga In's okay, but she just didn't give me the same feeling. Other than this, everything else was good. Really good.
I love this series, it was full of laughter and the actors were really good! I've watched Reply 1988, so I don't know why it took me so long to watch this.
Nothing against him, but I didn't like Tae Woong liking Si Won. He brought so much heartache to Yoon Jae. Just wished that there was more Si Won and Yoon Jae scenes, because they're really adorable as a couple! Their portrayal as a couple is really cute and fresh, unlike any other I've seen. I'm missing them already.
This drama reminded me of the those I used to watch as a child. Idols aren't cast and the storyline was more realistic. It was enjoyable and nostalgic.
I like the main couple, Han Mi Mo and Song Soo Hyeok, especially in the initial episodes. But once Mi Mo started darting Goo Hae Joon, it just got reeeeally draggy. Those scenes were hard to watch, and it was only bearable because of Soo Hyuk. I'm also slightly disappointed because I was hoping for more lovey-dovey scenes between the two after their conflicts were resolved.
I also like Baek Da Jeong and her husband. I can see where she's coming from, but I don't agree with her actions (she pushes her husband away then refuses to sign the divorce paper when it's served). Thus I really admire her husband, and it's also because of him that I was rooting for the pair.
This is just my opinion, but I thought Hong Ae Ran didn't add much to the story. I understand that she portrays another kind of life for former idols, but it wasn't really substantial. Rather than Ae Ran, I had thought there'd be more coverage on Mi Mo's rival, Goo Seul Ah, since Mi Mo's boyfriend cheated on her with Seul Ah. But the issue was just brushed off.
Still, the four women had their respective happy endings and it was a nice closure. Overall, it's still an okay drama to watch.
Things I didn't like:
1. Characters/cast of those at Xi Ling & the palace took awhile to get used to.
2. Some abrupt transitions between scenes and awkward plot development (i.e. Ning Que's friend dying so suddenly - weren't they were gonna get revenge together?).
3. Sometimes, characters fade into the background, only to resurface awkwardly later. Some relationships between characters are also awkward, i.e. Sang Sang's with her birth parents.
4. Annoying characters like Long Qing. First, he was really arrogant so I thought he'd learn humility after his fall. But he just came back as a whiny brat and then went on to become an obsessed guy. Just thought his whiny scenes could be cut & be allocated for more Sang Sang & Ning Que scenes (this is scarce towards the end).
5. Each of those who challenged Ning Que and got defeated, will end up sending someone else to get revenge. I mean, once of twice is fine since it's a Wuxia drama, but it gets repetitive after that.
Things I like:
1. I really love Sang Sang as a character, she's so adorable! I love how she has absolute faith and trust in Ning Que and that despite being so innocent, she still gets cheeky with Ning Que and is strict once it comes to money.
2. Sang Sang & Ning Que's relationship. It took awhile for Ning Que to realise Sang Sang's importance to him, but I really like their relationship and how they interact with one another (especially since they've known each other for their whole lives). Although it broke my heart when it seemed like NQ liked the other girl, it was refreshing to see how SS & NQ's style of interaction didn't really change after he proposed. Usually, the new pair will act very couple-y but for them, they went on caring for each other as a family.
3. The academy & Ning Que's (and Sang Sang)'s relationship. I like how all the seniors looked after the two of them, because usually there'll be some sort of internal rivalry.
4. The protagonist is not the typical one where he/she is someone from a "good" family/royalty, which Ning Que also pointed out.
Anyway, Sang Sang died in the last episode, although it didn't seem real. So I searched for season 2, but... Arthur Chen won't be acting as Ning Que anymore, so I don't know if I'll watch it.
1. First half of the drama was okay - plot and character development was not too bad, especially the lead's budding romance. But that's it, it went downhill from there as too many events were squeezed in and Xia Lin's first kidnapping incident dragged on forever.
2. Transition between scenes are bad. I often find myself confused as it's rather abrupt.
3. Another thing I'm confused by is the timeline in the drama and the characters' ages. It starts off as FL at 21/22 and the ML27/29 (can't remember). Then later, there's a piece of paper that says ML's 31. Also, one of the first few episodes have me confused because characters were saying 2 years have passed, which was surprised abrupt and their age then didn't tally either. However, all the other mentions of time showed that these 2 years have yet to pass but the dialogues between the lead couple doesn't add up either.
4. Other than the romance scenes, the FL felt redundant. She seems to always be a damsel in distress. Also, with Yi Zhou, all the seemed to be doing is to cry or get upset whenever she finds out he lied or do something that she doesn't like. Except for the tie and trying to reconcile ML with his mum, she's more or less a prop of the show and only receives from the ML.
5. Bad acting, or maybe it's just the dubbing that makes it so weird.
6. No offense, but visual wise, the choice of cast could have been better.
7. There are some plot loopholes that aren't addressed.
8. Super rushed ending. I was hoping to see more lovey dovey scenes between the leads after all the drama they've been through.
It's not an awful drama, but the execution could have been much better. I don't think I'd have finished this, if if weren't for the scenes where Yi Zhou dotes on Xia Lin.
Another thing I like is how the female lead that's paired with a smart guy isn't dumb or clueless. Situ Mo has her own voice and dreams, which I thought was a refreshing change. However, in the initial part when she still liked Fu Pei, it didn't seem like she was as independent. Then again, I don't like the part when she like Fu Pei & vice-versa because it was kinda draggy and Fu Pei was such a douche. The only good thing that came out of it how Fu Pei's actions just pushed Situ Mo closer to Wei Yi, and we got to see how sweet Wei Yi got.
Although it has a similar vibe to A Love So Beautiful, the focus here seems to be mostly, if only, on the main couple. It felt like the (love) lives of Wei Yi & Situ Mo and Fu Pei & Wang Shang are on a separate timeline. Whereas in ALSB, it was all nicely woven together and we got to see the group of them grow as friends and not only as a couple.
Anyway, I just finished "Goodbye My Princess". The ending is really tragic, but i really like the leads. Do you have any other rec? Thanks!
Along the way, I still had hopes the leads will get their happy ending. At least for a while. Like, after both regain their memories and they get a brief but happy scene for a while. I really like them as a pair and the female lead really grew on me. I wasn't expecting Xiao Feng to die, but I can't deny that it was kinda fitting as a closure to the whole drama. Maybe, they'll have their happy ending in another place.
P.S. the bloody scenes are probably one of the most gory ones I've seen for this genre of dramas.
Also, maybe because this is the movie version of a drama, the scenes and characters weren't well developed, probably due to the time constraint. That said, changes are inevitable but some didn't sit too well with me. For instance, this Xiao Nai isn't as formidable as the drama's and rather than seeing Xiao Nai and Weiwei growing as a couple, the movie seems to focus slightly more on the latter which takes the awe off Xiao Nai. This, just didn't seem right with me.
Ever since Bu Qi got "reborn" as Zhu Zhu, she doesn't have as much interaction with Chen Yu. As such, they really have limited scenes together which doesn't really show the progression of their relationship. It went from Bu Qi dying to them being a couple automatically the next time they met. In fact, during the period Chen Yu was working with Liu Qing Wu, they gave a more couple vibe (even though we know it's impossible). At the same time, Dong Fang Shi and Zhu Zhu had such good chemistry with Bu Qi and there was depth to their interactions. Although I like Vin, I couldn't help to start rooting for Dong Fang Shi. The only moments Chen Yu seems to have some "life" in the later half of the show, are the scenes which has Dong Fang Shi with Bu Qi. Sadly, those are very rare.
Sure, Dong Fang Shi isn't the male lead and isn't completely good. But I thought Bu Qi's attitude towards him was a bit extreme towards the end. She didn't display her wits nor her kind heart and she has been growing more petty towards the end. I thought that was another drawback. While I understand that circumstances help define who we are, I thought these new traits in Bu Qi are unlikable.
Although Chen Yu didn't die, I'm a little disappointed with the ending because it felt a little rushed. I was hoping for a longer reunion between the two leads.
I adored the friendship the seven of them have. It's so brutally honest, yet so sincere. They were what you call friends who are like family, and I hope to experience this in my life too. It made me smile when I finally realised that it's the same actor and actress acting as the FL's parents. They've grown on me a lot, so watching 1994 gave me a cozy feeling.
I know Chil Bong's the sweet and good guy. He's really nice, but I was rooting for Na Jung and "Trash" even it seemed impossible for them anymore (thank goodness, this isn't the case). Trash and Na Jung just had more history and story which made their relationship more real. Their familiarity with each other, and how they struggled as their relationship changed from family to lovers just won me over. I thought this was executed very well.
I was super happy when the 1997's cast appeared. As this is my last reply drama, seeing them gave me somewhat of a closure to this series which made 1994 all the more bittersweet. I don't think I'll ever find a drama that tugs at my heartstrings so much again. The cast was good, the story was real and I guess parts of it are relatable to us audience, even if we grew up in another era. I sincerely thank all who was involved in the production of the Reply series!
P.S. Watched this on Netflix, and it actually gave me some spoilers so I was rather annoyed. The translator sometimes included the guys' names, when you're supposed to be guessing who is the ML. Also, there was one mention whereby ML's name is Tae Joon, not Jae Joon so I was blindly looking for a Tae Joon. Thanks, translator.
But I really enjoyed this movie. Nini was really pretty and the movie has such a beautiful message. Thank you, for reminding us that the best version of ourselves is when we are being who we are, instead of molding ourselves to be who others want us to be.
Just thought that a slightly longer ending would be nice. Although unlikely, I was rooting for Liang Xia to be with Yan Yan so it was a pity that Yan Yan let go of her so easily.
However, as a fan of the Taiwanese version (It Started with a Kiss), it was nowhere near the standard of the original one. I tried hard not to compare the two, but I can't help but be disappointed by this movie version (sorry, Darren Wang).
A lot of the elements that I love about ISWAK was missing here. The main one being Xiang Qin's interaction with Zhi Shu's family, especially his mother and Yu Shu. But asides from his mum appearing in one or two scenes, there wasn't any interaction between Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu's family. This, was disappointing. Without this, FILAFK seemed like any other romance movies.
Cast wise, Jelly Lin's acting didn't sit too well with me. I think she acted better in Mermaid. Xiang Qin isn't smart, but Jelly trying to act cute/dumb just seemed forced. Actually, the same kinda applies for Zhi Shu's mum here. Lastly, it was just weird to see Christopher Lee in it.
It is almost impossible for a remake to be as good as the original, but there were just too many things lacking here. I think Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin probably ruined me for any other remakes.
However, I have a question - why did Yang Myung have to die? Also, I was just thinking how Kim Yoo Jung (who played the young Yeon Woo) was a better fit for Yeon Woo's character. Han Ga In's okay, but she just didn't give me the same feeling. Other than this, everything else was good. Really good.
Nothing against him, but I didn't like Tae Woong liking Si Won. He brought so much heartache to Yoon Jae. Just wished that there was more Si Won and Yoon Jae scenes, because they're really adorable as a couple! Their portrayal as a couple is really cute and fresh, unlike any other I've seen. I'm missing them already.
I like the main couple, Han Mi Mo and Song Soo Hyeok, especially in the initial episodes. But once Mi Mo started darting Goo Hae Joon, it just got reeeeally draggy. Those scenes were hard to watch, and it was only bearable because of Soo Hyuk. I'm also slightly disappointed because I was hoping for more lovey-dovey scenes between the two after their conflicts were resolved.
I also like Baek Da Jeong and her husband. I can see where she's coming from, but I don't agree with her actions (she pushes her husband away then refuses to sign the divorce paper when it's served). Thus I really admire her husband, and it's also because of him that I was rooting for the pair.
This is just my opinion, but I thought Hong Ae Ran didn't add much to the story. I understand that she portrays another kind of life for former idols, but it wasn't really substantial. Rather than Ae Ran, I had thought there'd be more coverage on Mi Mo's rival, Goo Seul Ah, since Mi Mo's boyfriend cheated on her with Seul Ah. But the issue was just brushed off.
Still, the four women had their respective happy endings and it was a nice closure. Overall, it's still an okay drama to watch.