Overall - a fun quick watch. You aren't gonna get a lot of sizzle with the main leads - but they are cute. You will get more tension with the second couple (mostly, because they are a bit older and mature). The biggest reason I couldn't get all the way behind this was just the whole set up - she is still mad about this kid who pretended to be older than he was on online, she falls for him, then when she finally meets him - he confesses in a VERY awkward, teenagery move and she is embarrasses - she then humiliates him public and then holds a grudge for 10yrs. Yeah, no - get over yourself girlfriend. And this just dragged out for too long. Which then left us with the typical rushed ending. I also was NOT a big fan of the redemption of grandma - she abused this kid his whole life and with one swift 'I'm sorry' at the end and it's all forgiven. Not saying there shouldn't have a been a redemption arc for grandma - but there definitely needed to be more time spent there and she needed to work for it more. She was pretty awful.
This drama was kind of mixed bag for me. I mostly watched it for the ML - just love him and he has been fantastic in everything I have seen him so far - but the rest was just kind of 'meh' for me. Some of it was the pacing - stuff just dragged out for too long - this drama really could have been done in half the time. We spend the first 20 eps dealing with the FL and her angst about her ex (which I just had no time for after while - he was clearly awful and she should have kicked him to the curb a LONG time ago). Now - dont get me wrong - I get having trauma coming out of an emotionally abusive relationship - but it just never made sense. This is a character that had a super-supportive family and friends. SO it really comes down to the idea that she hated herself for bad choices she made - and that is what she couldn't let go of. Add in avoidance of conflict and that is really the crux of it. Once she does finally confront it all - then - BAM! - we immediately (like IMMEDIATELY) shift to a character that has an almost completely different personality and the last 17 eps are just them dating - this got kinda boring after a while. They tried to throw in some drama with her mom's cancer scare - but doesn't help, cause it just felt like contrived drama because we have to fill episodes. And, I get it - this is a typical FL character who overthinks, bottles up their emotions, everyone else's emotions are more important then mine until some soul-crushing event happens until they kind of get it (and I say that because of the mom story arc at the end where she is basically ready to give it all up AGAIN - thank GOD they all talked her out of it), no emotional EQ, immature for a 27/28yr old, timid, avoids conflict (which is why they bottle emotions - just creates vicious cycle) - which also Leeds to not communicating honestly - I lost track of how often her natural instinct was to lie when asked about things. She also just wasn't that interesting of a character - beside her angst and work and her parents - we dont really know that much else about her - there just wasn't much depth there - so. kind of boring. And I was particularly annoyed at the end when she makes 2 rather large life decisions and doesn't discuss them with her partner (internship and starting a business) - both of which she announces after-the-fact to him. Now - I know folks are going to argue that he didnt tell her about mom's cancer - but his job ethics and the patients request are what he his bound to before his GF REALLY hated the whole story when her ex comes back and basically stalks her at work and they put it on HER to deal with - not reprimanding the staff who are gossiping, no protecting her from this guy (mostly because the is rich) -so wrong! In the end - if you like the ML and you dont mind watch 20eps of a FL twisting themselves in knots over bad life choices and the 17 eps of watching two people date - you might like this. It ended up not to be my cup of tea.
Someone Is going to call me rude because I respect your opinion but from everything I just read this troupe wasn't…
it wasn't how they met that bothered me- I was pretty clear when I started that they met in high school and were desk mates ( was at least happy they didnt do the dumb thing of having a childhood connection) - its was about how they handled her dealing with her trauma and that its just takes the right man loving her that she can be healed - that is not how this kind of trauma is healed and it bugged me. Also felt it went on for far too long. All that being said - I didnt hate, but, yeah, just didnt do it for me
I am sure this will be an upopular opinion - but it's mine, so no need to get all up-in-arms. But this just did not do it for me. I always can tell when a drama is not for me when I start taking notes on all the things that annoy me - and I had quite a few when I was done with this. It started out kind of ruined because I wait until a drama is done before watching as I like to just experience it all the way through and not wait on episodes - so netizens had already given way the plot and all the good scenes before I event got here - so that kinda sucked. I also felt like I had experienced this FL character already in another drama - just couldn't put my finger on it - but the FL who had childhood trauma that made her detached and its the love of the ML who saves her - yeah, no - this just doesn't work for me. Especially given the trauma she had suffered, that she never seeks help (beyond seeing a doctor of her sleep disorder, which is then just chocked up to too much stress, instead of severe trauma). I also just felt so manipulated into having empathy for this FL character and it takes waaaay too long for her to start doing something about her situation. But, even by ep 31 she is still feeling sorry for herself and boohoo - no-one loves me. Yeah, I pretty much just wanted to shake some sense into her for most of this series. I haven't quiet been able to put my finger on it - but this FL character just bothered me - didnt enjoy her all that much at all (and, yes, I get her historical trauma) The ML is a saint of patience and I do like that he gets she has trauma early on - even her best friends (who she has known since kindergarten) - didnt get it. I also did like that she doesn't go back to her mom and they didnt do the typical redemption plot with this. This woman was horrendous (typical cdrama mom). Like that the aunt and uncle got their comeuppance (again, we usually get some sort to f redemption plot here - so, yay! to the writers for that) Did not care for the Zhi Zhi character - much better version in Hidden Love. Mostly because she did feel way too childish in this one. So could have completely done without the stupid plot of the childhood friend who has a crush, but the FL has no idea - just happy they didnt drag it out and that he comes to her aid in the end. Second couple wasn't really necessary and this led to the whole older couple story - just all so disconnected to the main story. And can we please stop with the trope of the besties for the main couple have to get together as well - they do this in almost EVERY romance drama - modern, historical or otherwise - it is just not needed AT ALL.
Didnt love it, but didnt hate it and was worth at least one watch. Like Go Sa Ru the best - loyal and honest until the end Like that the four friends stayed friends and ended up together at the end Main couple was just kind of - meh! Could have done without the whole love triangle thing. Waited waaaay to long for main couple to find out true indents of each other - but glad that when they do it doesn't cause a huge conflict I think the biggest flaw is the indecision as to whether this was a comedy or a drama. Starts out as a comedy and if they had just run with that - it would have been fine. But then they change course to make it a drama. And while I did find this part more interesting - you dont really get to that until the second half and then its a bit of a mess.
I mostly like this and worth a watch. What I like: What is probably the most poignant and meaningful part of this drama is the relationship between the ML and his brother - this alone made it worth it. They did a wonderful portrayal of someone living with depression and loss. Loved that they didnt have the leads have some sort of connection as children - just two adults who met and fell in love Liked what they did with the second couple. What didnt quite work for me was was the FL's 'trauma' - yes, her dad was kind of an absent parent and he dies in an accident - but to turn this into 'no one loves me ' or they love me and then leave (which also comes form her dog dying and her neighbor friend moving) was kind of ridiculous. I did appreciate that she does finally regocnise at the very end that her mother had always been there and loved her - so it was really about her father not loving her in the way she wanted to - not that he didnt love her. It just wasn't big enough of a trauma to make her be the way she was (in my opinion) Hated the 2FL - she chases the guy from the beginning, he falls for her, she follows him around and does everything without complaint. Then, after 7 yrs breaks up with him out of the blue and then disappears without a trace - only to come back, out of the blue, to bug him to work on her movie. Then proceeds to tell him they broke up because he didnt pay enough attention to her - he was too self-centered. Puts it all on him after she NEVER said a word the entire time they were together. I was like - nope, not all on him. She doesn't once apologize or own her own actions. Thats not to say he doesn't have some responsibility - but he cant read her mind and if she isn't going to say anything - that's on her. Was happy they went their separate ways.
About the Ning Que/Sang Sang relationship being too lopsided in his favor, S2 will stupefy you with the truth,…
its not about being equal/worthy. While she turns out to be a goddess - she behaves like his daughter/maid/sibling and he is her parent/master/brother - there was nothing that said romantic partner with these two. They kind of force it with the whole marriage thing in season 2 (and man was that whole marriage/wedding night thing awkward) - it just isn't that kind of relationship.
About the Ning Que/Sang Sang relationship being too lopsided in his favor, S2 will stupefy you with the truth,…
I watched season 2 and it didn't change my opinion of this relationship at all and HATED the whole marriage thing. Not sure what you mean by it will stupefy me??
one of those dramas that kind of lands in the middle - not bad, but not great. Another FL that isn't all that likeable for most of the drama (part of this has to with actress - she is just kind of stone-faced and not a whole lot of range in emotions) - character itself is not that appealing (to me) - hyper focused on business and that is really all she cares about. Although I do find it funny that they have to make her an 'expert' in so many things - a business genius, weapons manufacturer/designer, textiles/dye expert - it was a bit much. I mostly lost it when she says she could spot the poison in the tea because she is so familiar with dyes from her families textile business - come on writers! Romance definitely feels VERY one-sided for most of this drama - as usual, FL doesn't come around until she thinks ML has died and then finally gives in (which isn't until almost the end in this drama) - just wanted to roll my eyes. I also have to laugh at the constant idea in dramas that couples have sex once and bam! they are pregnant - so ridiculous! Story was somewhat interesting and if you like this genre - definitely worth a watch. Writers totally failed in the ending - while happy - it was VERY unsatisfactory. 1. Didnt show the babies (and everyone shocked she has had twins - cause when we left off just knew she was pregnant and then we skip ahead a whole year and now there are two of them) and the weirdest convo about splitting them - dear lord they aren't even 6 months old yet. It was just too cold (although in-line with her character) - just very off-putting. also, because the main couple themselves have been separated - and this is the very first convo - it was just weird. 3 - no consequences for both the kings and their abhorrent behavior. 3 - ending for Qi Min and Lou Zi Zhou. All just bad. Could have really done without the whole crazy princess - she didnt really add anything beyond annoyance. And the whole pairing of her with Qi Min and trying to make this some sort of love story was just awful. The girl was a bit mentally unhinged. And while they try to make us sympathize with her because of her backstory - it just didnt excuse her behavior in the slightest. And more annoyed at everyone around her who just lets her run amuck because they feel bad for her. If you are going to watch - just ff through these parts - it doesn't affect the story in the slightest.
This is not going to be a popular comment - but it is my impression after having just finished it. It's not bad - but it's not great either. If you like this genre - definitely worth a watch - but it's a pretty standard xanxia story with all the usual tropes. I did enjoy most of the costuming and good ensemble cast - again, not great, but good. Love the ML - he did a great job and I look forward to seeing him in other things. Can we please pair him with a FL who is closer to his own age next time? FL was just ok for me - enojyed her the most as Mu Quingge - not so much as Ran Ran - just a bit too immature for me. I so, SO do not like master/disciple relationships - its a whole power dynamic thing that just bothers me. It's especially bothersome when she comes back because is twice her age at this point and much more evident that she is a child/student (I know, I know, its her second life, but she doesn't know that and gets crush on her teacher - its just not right) Their chemistry was also just ok -a gain, better when she is Mu Quingge and while sufficient kissing scenes - I just did not feel the sizzle ( I think a large part of this is the FL is only 22yrs old - so not a lot of experience with this). Again, just my thoughts after watching and give it a go if you like this genre - its not bad.
UGH - didn't realize this was only part 1 - now left very unsatisfied - I hate waiting! It's a good story and the two leads are fantastic (probably some of the best work by both of them) - but I can almost guarantee, whatever is in store for season 2 - they could have done all in 1 season. Probably will move to more direct palace intrigue story and the actual development of a romance between the leads. My only real problem was the usual FL character who is myopically focused on business/money and her own emotions and completely oblivious to the ML's emotions (some of it intentional as she clearly doesn't want to admit feelings) - but it just got very stale and repetitive after a while. Beautiful filmed, amazing costume (although I dont much care for the makeup/hair style of this era) Totally worth a watch.
I will say, right off the bat - I enjoy both the lead actor/actress. But I can see why this got bad reviews or people were mixed about it. When you write a FL who is solely unlikeable through most of the drama - it makes it hard. it doesn't matter that her 'rage at the world' was justifiable given her childhood trauma - but it just wasn't presented well and they didnt do enough to make you sympathize with her. She was just mean (instead of just broken)and that never plays well. The script is disjointed in too many places - the timeline with what happens to her mom gets confusing, the 'redemption' and end love story of his mom was not ok, what exactly is his mom and her dad's relationship, a little too much time spent flashing back to their childhood (although, the child actress is fantastic!). It got super-messy, which didnt help an already flawed drama. I was also thrown off by the fact that a bunch of her bullying backstory was because she looked 'different' - they show her as an adult with lighter hair and eyes, but, as a child she had dark hair and eyes and didnt look all that different from anyone else (minus the freckles - which she then didnt have as an adult) - so that disconnected and it was a HUGE part of her backstory. This was also one of those stories where the real solution for this FL character was to go get a good therapist - she had low self-esteem/self-love issues, death of her mother which she felt responsible for, anger management issues, doesn't know how to process her feelings, etc...- you dont just solve these with love - I know this doesn't make it as dramatic as love healing her - but it's just not realistic or healthy. And could you have a main couple with a more unhealthy relationship?? that whole opening sequence of having sex with him and then leaving was just awful - but really does set the whole tone of how she just did what she wanted, only really cared about her feelings and he just did whatever she wanted - he was kind of doormat (which he also does with his mother). She is one of those exhausting people where they have to deal with their emotions right then and there and everyone else just needs to deal with it And, until she is done - no one else can move. She really was that angry eight year old (which was kind of the point) - but it's just exhausting to watch. At least as a child I can have some sympathy because they are a child - not so much when its a full-grown adult.
Not bad, but cant say I loved it. ML's costume were amazing - especially the velvety ones. I generally like Bai Lu - but she was just ok in this for me Really wish they would stop having 30yr old actresses trying to play 18/20 yr old characters - it just does not translate well - I dont care how great an actor/actress they are - its pretty obvious they aren't that young. Will never understand the need to kill off all the main leads family and friends so they are left alone at the end - just dont get it at all. Did appreciate there isn't any stupid love triangle and they do communicate pretty well - but, in the end, the evil guy is evil because he couldn't get the girl - such an overdone trope.
meh - it was ok. Started off good, got super-draggy through the middle (especially the part where she goes back to remember what happened - this took WAAAYYY too long) and then a rushed ending - you know, the usual cdrama. Thought the leads were great and they had great chemistry. Really good FL (for most if it - got a little off track towards the end) - strong, decisive, playful, smart - loved her! Story was just all over the place, especially confusing at the end - mostly due to the rushed nature of it. They do that thing of staying too long in a partiucaulr story arc that didnt d=need that much time and then not enough time to end it properly.
The biggest reason I couldn't get all the way behind this was just the whole set up - she is still mad about this kid who pretended to be older than he was on online, she falls for him, then when she finally meets him - he confesses in a VERY awkward, teenagery move and she is embarrasses - she then humiliates him public and then holds a grudge for 10yrs. Yeah, no - get over yourself girlfriend. And this just dragged out for too long. Which then left us with the typical rushed ending.
I also was NOT a big fan of the redemption of grandma - she abused this kid his whole life and with one swift 'I'm sorry' at the end and it's all forgiven. Not saying there shouldn't have a been a redemption arc for grandma - but there definitely needed to be more time spent there and she needed to work for it more. She was pretty awful.
Some of it was the pacing - stuff just dragged out for too long - this drama really could have been done in half the time.
We spend the first 20 eps dealing with the FL and her angst about her ex (which I just had no time for after while - he was clearly awful and she should have kicked him to the curb a LONG time ago). Now - dont get me wrong - I get having trauma coming out of an emotionally abusive relationship - but it just never made sense. This is a character that had a super-supportive family and friends. SO it really comes down to the idea that she hated herself for bad choices she made - and that is what she couldn't let go of. Add in avoidance of conflict and that is really the crux of it. Once she does finally confront it all - then - BAM! - we immediately (like IMMEDIATELY) shift to a character that has an almost completely different personality and the last 17 eps are just them dating - this got kinda boring after a while. They tried to throw in some drama with her mom's cancer scare - but doesn't help, cause it just felt like contrived drama because we have to fill episodes.
And, I get it - this is a typical FL character who overthinks, bottles up their emotions, everyone else's emotions are more important then mine until some soul-crushing event happens until they kind of get it (and I say that because of the mom story arc at the end where she is basically ready to give it all up AGAIN - thank GOD they all talked her out of it), no emotional EQ, immature for a 27/28yr old, timid, avoids conflict (which is why they bottle emotions - just creates vicious cycle) - which also Leeds to not communicating honestly - I lost track of how often her natural instinct was to lie when asked about things. She also just wasn't that interesting of a character - beside her angst and work and her parents - we dont really know that much else about her - there just wasn't much depth there - so. kind of boring. And I was particularly annoyed at the end when she makes 2 rather large life decisions and doesn't discuss them with her partner (internship and starting a business) - both of which she announces after-the-fact to him.
Now - I know folks are going to argue that he didnt tell her about mom's cancer - but his job ethics and the patients request are what he his bound to before his GF
REALLY hated the whole story when her ex comes back and basically stalks her at work and they put it on HER to deal with - not reprimanding the staff who are gossiping, no protecting her from this guy (mostly because the is rich) -so wrong!
In the end - if you like the ML and you dont mind watch 20eps of a FL twisting themselves in knots over bad life choices and the 17 eps of watching two people date - you might like this. It ended up not to be my cup of tea.
It started out kind of ruined because I wait until a drama is done before watching as I like to just experience it all the way through and not wait on episodes - so netizens had already given way the plot and all the good scenes before I event got here - so that kinda sucked.
I also felt like I had experienced this FL character already in another drama - just couldn't put my finger on it - but the FL who had childhood trauma that made her detached and its the love of the ML who saves her - yeah, no - this just doesn't work for me. Especially given the trauma she had suffered, that she never seeks help (beyond seeing a doctor of her sleep disorder, which is then just chocked up to too much stress, instead of severe trauma). I also just felt so manipulated into having empathy for this FL character and it takes waaaay too long for her to start doing something about her situation. But, even by ep 31 she is still feeling sorry for herself and boohoo - no-one loves me. Yeah, I pretty much just wanted to shake some sense into her for most of this series. I haven't quiet been able to put my finger on it - but this FL character just bothered me - didnt enjoy her all that much at all (and, yes, I get her historical trauma)
The ML is a saint of patience and I do like that he gets she has trauma early on - even her best friends (who she has known since kindergarten) - didnt get it.
I also did like that she doesn't go back to her mom and they didnt do the typical redemption plot with this. This woman was horrendous (typical cdrama mom). Like that the aunt and uncle got their comeuppance (again, we usually get some sort to f redemption plot here - so, yay! to the writers for that)
Did not care for the Zhi Zhi character - much better version in Hidden Love. Mostly because she did feel way too childish in this one.
So could have completely done without the stupid plot of the childhood friend who has a crush, but the FL has no idea - just happy they didnt drag it out and that he comes to her aid in the end.
Second couple wasn't really necessary and this led to the whole older couple story - just all so disconnected to the main story. And can we please stop with the trope of the besties for the main couple have to get together as well - they do this in almost EVERY romance drama - modern, historical or otherwise - it is just not needed AT ALL.
Like Go Sa Ru the best - loyal and honest until the end
Like that the four friends stayed friends and ended up together at the end
Main couple was just kind of - meh! Could have done without the whole love triangle thing.
Waited waaaay to long for main couple to find out true indents of each other - but glad that when they do it doesn't cause a huge conflict
I think the biggest flaw is the indecision as to whether this was a comedy or a drama. Starts out as a comedy and if they had just run with that - it would have been fine. But then they change course to make it a drama. And while I did find this part more interesting - you dont really get to that until the second half and then its a bit of a mess.
What I like:
What is probably the most poignant and meaningful part of this drama is the relationship between the ML and his brother - this alone made it worth it. They did a wonderful portrayal of someone living with depression and loss.
Loved that they didnt have the leads have some sort of connection as children - just two adults who met and fell in love
Liked what they did with the second couple.
What didnt quite work for me was was the FL's 'trauma' - yes, her dad was kind of an absent parent and he dies in an accident - but to turn this into 'no one loves me ' or they love me and then leave (which also comes form her dog dying and her neighbor friend moving) was kind of ridiculous. I did appreciate that she does finally regocnise at the very end that her mother had always been there and loved her - so it was really about her father not loving her in the way she wanted to - not that he didnt love her. It just wasn't big enough of a trauma to make her be the way she was (in my opinion)
Hated the 2FL - she chases the guy from the beginning, he falls for her, she follows him around and does everything without complaint. Then, after 7 yrs breaks up with him out of the blue and then disappears without a trace - only to come back, out of the blue, to bug him to work on her movie. Then proceeds to tell him they broke up because he didnt pay enough attention to her - he was too self-centered. Puts it all on him after she NEVER said a word the entire time they were together. I was like - nope, not all on him. She doesn't once apologize or own her own actions. Thats not to say he doesn't have some responsibility - but he cant read her mind and if she isn't going to say anything - that's on her. Was happy they went their separate ways.
While she turns out to be a goddess - she behaves like his daughter/maid/sibling and he is her parent/master/brother - there was nothing that said romantic partner with these two. They kind of force it with the whole marriage thing in season 2 (and man was that whole marriage/wedding night thing awkward) - it just isn't that kind of relationship.
Another FL that isn't all that likeable for most of the drama (part of this has to with actress - she is just kind of stone-faced and not a whole lot of range in emotions) - character itself is not that appealing (to me) - hyper focused on business and that is really all she cares about. Although I do find it funny that they have to make her an 'expert' in so many things - a business genius, weapons manufacturer/designer, textiles/dye expert - it was a bit much. I mostly lost it when she says she could spot the poison in the tea because she is so familiar with dyes from her families textile business - come on writers!
Romance definitely feels VERY one-sided for most of this drama - as usual, FL doesn't come around until she thinks ML has died and then finally gives in (which isn't until almost the end in this drama) - just wanted to roll my eyes.
I also have to laugh at the constant idea in dramas that couples have sex once and bam! they are pregnant - so ridiculous!
Story was somewhat interesting and if you like this genre - definitely worth a watch.
Writers totally failed in the ending - while happy - it was VERY unsatisfactory. 1. Didnt show the babies (and everyone shocked she has had twins - cause when we left off just knew she was pregnant and then we skip ahead a whole year and now there are two of them) and the weirdest convo about splitting them - dear lord they aren't even 6 months old yet. It was just too cold (although in-line with her character) - just very off-putting. also, because the main couple themselves have been separated - and this is the very first convo - it was just weird. 3 - no consequences for both the kings and their abhorrent behavior. 3 - ending for Qi Min and Lou Zi Zhou. All just bad.
Could have really done without the whole crazy princess - she didnt really add anything beyond annoyance. And the whole pairing of her with Qi Min and trying to make this some sort of love story was just awful. The girl was a bit mentally unhinged. And while they try to make us sympathize with her because of her backstory - it just didnt excuse her behavior in the slightest. And more annoyed at everyone around her who just lets her run amuck because they feel bad for her. If you are going to watch - just ff through these parts - it doesn't affect the story in the slightest.
It's not bad - but it's not great either. If you like this genre - definitely worth a watch - but it's a pretty standard xanxia story with all the usual tropes.
I did enjoy most of the costuming and good ensemble cast - again, not great, but good.
Love the ML - he did a great job and I look forward to seeing him in other things. Can we please pair him with a FL who is closer to his own age next time?
FL was just ok for me - enojyed her the most as Mu Quingge - not so much as Ran Ran - just a bit too immature for me.
I so, SO do not like master/disciple relationships - its a whole power dynamic thing that just bothers me. It's especially bothersome when she comes back because is twice her age at this point and much more evident that she is a child/student (I know, I know, its her second life, but she doesn't know that and gets crush on her teacher - its just not right)
Their chemistry was also just ok -a gain, better when she is Mu Quingge and while sufficient kissing scenes - I just did not feel the sizzle ( I think a large part of this is the FL is only 22yrs old - so not a lot of experience with this).
Again, just my thoughts after watching and give it a go if you like this genre - its not bad.
It's a good story and the two leads are fantastic (probably some of the best work by both of them) - but I can almost guarantee, whatever is in store for season 2 - they could have done all in 1 season. Probably will move to more direct palace intrigue story and the actual development of a romance between the leads.
My only real problem was the usual FL character who is myopically focused on business/money and her own emotions and completely oblivious to the ML's emotions (some of it intentional as she clearly doesn't want to admit feelings) - but it just got very stale and repetitive after a while.
Beautiful filmed, amazing costume (although I dont much care for the makeup/hair style of this era)
Totally worth a watch.
The script is disjointed in too many places - the timeline with what happens to her mom gets confusing, the 'redemption' and end love story of his mom was not ok, what exactly is his mom and her dad's relationship, a little too much time spent flashing back to their childhood (although, the child actress is fantastic!). It got super-messy, which didnt help an already flawed drama.
I was also thrown off by the fact that a bunch of her bullying backstory was because she looked 'different' - they show her as an adult with lighter hair and eyes, but, as a child she had dark hair and eyes and didnt look all that different from anyone else (minus the freckles - which she then didnt have as an adult) - so that disconnected and it was a HUGE part of her backstory.
This was also one of those stories where the real solution for this FL character was to go get a good therapist - she had low self-esteem/self-love issues, death of her mother which she felt responsible for, anger management issues, doesn't know how to process her feelings, etc...- you dont just solve these with love - I know this doesn't make it as dramatic as love healing her - but it's just not realistic or healthy.
And could you have a main couple with a more unhealthy relationship?? that whole opening sequence of having sex with him and then leaving was just awful - but really does set the whole tone of how she just did what she wanted, only really cared about her feelings and he just did whatever she wanted - he was kind of doormat (which he also does with his mother).
She is one of those exhausting people where they have to deal with their emotions right then and there and everyone else just needs to deal with it And, until she is done - no one else can move. She really was that angry eight year old (which was kind of the point) - but it's just exhausting to watch. At least as a child I can have some sympathy because they are a child - not so much when its a full-grown adult.
ML's costume were amazing - especially the velvety ones.
I generally like Bai Lu - but she was just ok in this for me
Really wish they would stop having 30yr old actresses trying to play 18/20 yr old characters - it just does not translate well - I dont care how great an actor/actress they are - its pretty obvious they aren't that young.
Will never understand the need to kill off all the main leads family and friends so they are left alone at the end - just dont get it at all.
Did appreciate there isn't any stupid love triangle and they do communicate pretty well - but, in the end, the evil guy is evil because he couldn't get the girl - such an overdone trope.
Thought the leads were great and they had great chemistry.
Really good FL (for most if it - got a little off track towards the end) - strong, decisive, playful, smart - loved her!
Story was just all over the place, especially confusing at the end - mostly due to the rushed nature of it. They do that thing of staying too long in a partiucaulr story arc that didnt d=need that much time and then not enough time to end it properly.