Just wrapped this up and have to say - while I mostly enjoyed it, I was also a bit underwhelmed by it at the same time. While I enjoyed all the actors in it - the story just left me just kind of so-so. I enjoyed the twist of her going back to correct her mistakes - but hated that she never really grasps from the get-go that things have already changed and constantly thinks things and people are still the same as before (after repeatedly being proven that is not the case) So did not get the vibe of some great love between FL and Zhang Zhe at all - this felt more like a teenage crush, mixed with guilt - they also didn’t spend nearly enough time together for it to feel like any sort of romance. While I thought the two main leads had good chemistry - so could not get behind, what is basically sexual assault in their first two intimate interactions - NOT cool AT ALL and any attempt to try and romanticize this is just plain wrong! Also thought they should have gotten together MUCH sooner. - that you basically have to wait until the last 10 episodes is just not cool SO not cool what happens to Fangyou - she was probably one of the most pure characters and they do her sooo wrong in the end.
Quick, short drama that is not too bad - except for the last episode - just an episode on crack - the entire drama wrapped up in warp speed and just some seriously weird shit. Luckily, this is short ad quick,, if you need a space filler while waiting for other dramas to wrap up
This one surprised me - in a good way. In that it was a lot deeper than what it looks like on the outside - thought it was gonna a bit more light-hearted - but it takes on some serious family/domestic violence issues in a really good way. Kudos to all those involved in that story arc (especially the child actors - as that is tough material) This one had me smiling and then downright weeping at certain points. Just, such a well-done story My only negative was a bit over-the-top, life-lesson pontificating (some repeated too much) - but, overall, this is gem and worth the watch.
I didn't go into this with a lot of expectations - nut, even with that, I am shocked at how bad this is. Mostly, because they couldn't decide what they wanted to do and it was all over the place - characters that were just ridiculous and a plot (if you can call it that) - that was just so random all the time. Event he cameo from the leads of the just random and not connected to the story at all and was clearly just thrown in there to to and make fans happy. Not sure why they called this Strong Girl Namsoon - when so much of was really focused on her mom (and who the hell thought making her to be some bruce wayne/cat woman vigilante was a good idea should summarily be fired) So much f this drama was just dumb - not even clever - just stupid . They overplayed everyone’s schtick to the point of annoyance. I literally did not care about any of the characters by the the half-way point. And so annoyed that we never really find out how Namsoon went missing in Mongolia - just annoyed the bejesus out me through the whole show. Its a drama that couldn't decide if it wanted to be a rom-com, a crime series, a campy super-hero story or what And, can I just say - I did not enjoy the FL in the slightest and I cant tell if it was the actress I didnt like or the character - it was just bad all the way around. They made her so childish and she was such a one-note character that she wasn't interesting in the slightest. And why they chose to cut her hair into that awful bob - which just made her look even more childish is beyond me NO chemistry between leads whatsoever - mostly because they spend no real time here to develop a solid relationship Only really interesting character is the villian Overall - I would say - do not waste your time - especially if have any affinity to SWDBS
This is one of those dramas you want to like - has good potential and then you watch it and it's just so disappointing. They had good actors and a good idea and then just executed it so poorly. The biggest let down being the FL character (not the actress, the character) - she is introduced as a young child and is smart and courageous in the face of adversity (yeah! we love strong female characters!) - and then ski ahead and its like they completely forgot that this is how they introduced her and they turn her into this completely stupid character - she still has moment of being clever - but mostly she keeps doing all this dumb stuff that causes all sort of issues and just never seems to learn the lesson - its annoying. Really annoyed me with what they did with CP at the end - mostly because it was a complete 180 from his character - and it was so obviously just a plot ploy to extend the drama Now lets get a little to to that drama extension problem - the main crux of this story is the FL's revenge/seeking justice for her mom - but for some reason, they decided to wrap this up around ep34/35 - which then leaves 4-5 more episodes to go - so then you get these last two, completely new, weird story arcs that they have to rush through (and then leave the last one incomplete) It was all just a bit disappointing - you had beautiful costumes and good actors and then just failed on execution of a good story
I could write a lengthy critic of everything that is wrong - but, I am just going to leave it at - no, just dont bother. Horrible script, boring story and is only slightly saved at the end when the leads finally get together - but it takes waaayyy too long and you lose all interest by the time you get there.
If you like this genre of drama - it’s worth a watch. But, dont have high expectations of it All of the actors/actresses did fine in their roles - it really is a script/directing issues that give this drama problems ML is probably the most likable/fun character - but that mostly comes from him being the most mature character and actor on the main group- you can clearly see the difference of the adult in the room as opposed to all the others. Moxi was fun - to a point - the whole stubborn, petulant, teenager schtick got old, REAL fast and there isn’t much character development for her until the very end. The long-drawn out pining of the teenage sweethearts just went on toooo long. Her cousin character - just, completely useless and you will find yourself throwing things at your screen or yelling at it whenever she is there - cause, my god, was she annoying. “Romance’ of main leads - this was weird. I felt they were clearly a better match than Moxi and JW - but they dragged this out in so many weird ways - especially the whole forced marriage/captivity thing - if they were going to do this - dont romanticize it ffs - do it as a short story arc, separate them and THEN have them get together - , but no, instead, let’s romanticize Stockholm syndrome - it was just weird. And for love of all that is holy writers and directors - it is 2023 - STOP with the forced kissing scenes - its just offensive at this point.
Lordy - that was a mess. Not sure what’s the director and writer were smoking when they made this - but, just, no. I would only say watch this if you are craving some BinBin time (although not one of his better dramas) - otherwise, I wouldn’t bother - you will be confused and frustrated through most of this
This is just one hot mess of a drama - all the way through. I primarily only stuck around because of ML So did not like the FL at all in this - cannot stand when they have a actor/actress who are way to old for the character - FL was supposed to be around 18yrs old being played by a 37 year old woman and it was painfully clear - she did not pull this off at all. I hadn’t seen this FL in anything else - so it may have just been the direction and how this character was written - but I found her quite obnoxious through most of it, not very clever at all and did not get AT ALL why any of these men would be so smitten with her Villains were just mediocre, at best and soooo annoyed that the the crazy, obsessed Qing Yan didn’t have ANY repercussions for her horrific behavior and is actually rewarded in the end - and, as a supportive role character - she had way too much airtime - almost equivalent to the leads Story really goes off the rails about half-way through and a horrible crap ending Really disturbed by comments on Viki and here of people rooting for DFS - the man was a complete psychopath, abuser and manipulator - this is not what love is at all - it was creepy and its disturbing how everyone is trying to romanticize his behavior So, unless, you really just want some BinBin time - skip this
Finally finished this and man, what a disappointment. I came to this because of ML - had been watching him in a bunch of other things and enjoyed him. While he did not disappoint - the rest of it did. Super-angsty - almost too much. Super-draggy through a lot of it - to the point that I just didn’t care anymore Have to say - I just dont care for this actress all that much - have seen her in a bunch of other things and she just does not appeal to me - but that’s just me. Soooo did not care about secondary love story - just a complete waist of time HATED that that there is no real accountability for his mom and all the truly, horrible things she did and that they even try and redeem her and try to make her the victim in the end. She caused so much physical and emotional harm to so many people - it was truly unforgivable. Weird time-jump/rushed ending Unnecessary war drama at the end And, seriously, how many times they made the ml have near-death experiences was just overkill
Just wrapped this up and here is my take Interesting concept - just executed poorly Weird pacing that is either too fast or too slow in all the wrong places Confusing in so man places and an inconstant FL character - I mean dear lord, she goes to second timeline and her whole purpose is to find the pebbles, not tell anyone who she is and stay away from Ling. I get that staying away from Ling is not going to happen - but she pretty much gives away her identity to everybody and she spends little to no time looking for the pebbles (most were found by others and given to her) - instead she spends an inordinate amount of time getting caught up in other people’s business. One minute she is the brilliant strategist and tough as nails and the next she is giving away the store because she feels bad (the whole saintly, martyr complex thing) I likes the leads - although not a lot of sizzle to them - they work, but you aren’t going to get a ton of spark here (and another FL who doesn’t know how to kiss properly) Ending feels rushed after dragging out second timeline FOREVER. Plot holes all over the place Some of the best costuming in a series I have seen (except that horrendous psychedelic, rainbow outfit they put her in for way too long)
This was just awful and I blame the director and writers for this. My overruling thought through most of it was that whoever wrote and directed this really has a very low opinion of women. This has to be one of the worst FL characters out there - she was self-absorbed, childish, playing games all the time (in the name of trying to ‘cute’ - it wasnt) - she is the extreme extrovert that just sucks all the energy out of the room. Everything centered around her (with a few exceptions). The amount of energy everyone around her had to use in order to deal with all her shenanigans was just exhausting to watch. I only stuck with it because I like the ML actor. Last two episodes felt like an after thought and the whole pregnancy thing was just dumb - like so dumb! Add in the decision to make her talk like a child most of the time - again, thinking this is what being cute is - instead it just made her seem like a real ditz. She overreacts to everything - good and bad and then makes everyone deal with her mess. No thank you! Another couple where I could not, for the life me, understand why he would be attracted to her at all. Annoying younger sister - although she ends up having the best character development - but not until late in the show BF who gave the worst advice and the girl colleague character who was suppposed to be the ‘villain’ was just bad. I would say - you only want to put up with this nonsense if you like the actor who plays the ML - otherwise, dont waist your time.
Another cdrama that had a good premise of a story, but somewhat failed in execution. Too many contrived plot lines that had super-obvious answers to them - but had to make it seem complicated in order to have ‘drama’ Another FML that is way too immature - down to the frumpy dress (I mean come on - she is supposed to be a professional reporter and she is running around like she is still in high school - and that damn poney-tail!), always jumping to the wrong conclusion without much thought, quick to her temper and just, basically a brat in the first half. In the second half - she becomes the scared girl who keeps running away and causing all sorts of emotional trauma. It become so much about taking care of her emotionally and she really didnt care how anyone else felt - so a HUGE emotional imbalance in this relationship. I honestly did not get AT ALL why this man would be attracted to this immature woman - so they didnt really work for me as a couple. And some advice to the actress - if you are going to do anymore romantic part - learn to pucker your damn lips when you kiss! This is a joint activity after all.
This drama was about 50/50 for me. Mostly stuck through this for the ML - just love him! And when his character becomes the cat demon - wowzers - - that look was stunning and he played it so well. FML was just kind of ‘meh’ for me - was just happy they didn’t make her do the baby-talk thing. She was best during the Cang Hai portion - when she was a good strong female character - the rest of the time this character was kind of annoying - doing the typical - I have to go save him/cant be parted from him clinginess thing, which inevitably leads to creating all sorts of problems cause there isn’t really much she can do. I also had a hard time with this character right out of the gate - lying, scheming and cheating and then not taking responsibility when she gets caught (literally keeps scheming to get out of the responsibility part) - so I had zero respect for the character from the get-go so it took a long time to even warm up to her. She was ok by the end - but not my favorite FML by far. I also hate the narrative in stories of running off to ‘save’ the love interest, but then don’t tell them cause you think you are protecting them - it bugs me because it takes the other persons agency away and letting them make their own choices - the idea that they wold know better for that person - just irritates me to no end Typical jealous brother who has daddy issues who then becomes crazy. I will give the actor props for playing this role well - that low-toned, monotoned voice was super-creepy
If watching two grown adults behave like children for most of a drama is something you enjoy - then go ahead - otherwise, I would not recommend this as you will be perpetually annoyed for most of it. I came to this because I had watched the ML in a few historical dramas and he was fantastic - wanted to try something modern. I also was a bit hesitant when I discovered that Esther Yu was in this (just cannot stand the baby talk speaking style they often make her do) - and, honestly, I should have dropped it - but I just have this thing for finishing dramas when I start them. While the ML does behave like a petulant pre-pubescent teen for most of the first half - he does mature and you do see better character development for him On the other hand - the FL just felt like a perpetual 8 yr old through most if it. Mostly due to this idea that directors and writers have that making women be ‘cute’ means making them talk like children, pouting and crying to get their way and just generally acting like a child. I dont put this on the actress - cause I know she can speak and act like a normal adult (watch My Journey to You) - but they went overboard on this one and it was just really off-putting to me. The second couple ends up being a bit more interesting - at least they behave like actual adults (and the SML needs to main romantic role - that boy knows how to kiss!) I, personally didnt care much for the office drama - its pretty standard
Just finished this - and, dear lord, my brain hurts with how dumb and cringy this was - what a hot mess of a script. Leads are still good together after Mysterious Love - but didnt get how this was a sequel to that beyond the leads. Could have done without the the secondary love triangle and totally felt the wrong couple ended up together - just could have done without the whole story line and ended up fast forwarding though most of it. ML definitely got better in this one, but felt FL got worse - so, a break even on that front. Sooooo did not buy she was an idol (or wanna be idol)- she came across as just too old.
I enjoyed the twist of her going back to correct her mistakes - but hated that she never really grasps from the get-go that things have already changed and constantly thinks things and people are still the same as before (after repeatedly being proven that is not the case)
So did not get the vibe of some great love between FL and Zhang Zhe at all - this felt more like a teenage crush, mixed with guilt - they also didn’t spend nearly enough time together for it to feel like any sort of romance.
While I thought the two main leads had good chemistry - so could not get behind, what is basically sexual assault in their first two intimate interactions - NOT cool AT ALL and any attempt to try and romanticize this is just plain wrong!
Also thought they should have gotten together MUCH sooner. - that you basically have to wait until the last 10 episodes is just not cool
SO not cool what happens to Fangyou - she was probably one of the most pure characters and they do her sooo wrong in the end.
This one had me smiling and then downright weeping at certain points. Just, such a well-done story
My only negative was a bit over-the-top, life-lesson pontificating (some repeated too much) - but, overall, this is gem and worth the watch.
Mostly, because they couldn't decide what they wanted to do and it was all over the place - characters that were just ridiculous and a plot (if you can call it that) - that was just so random all the time. Event he cameo from the leads of the just random and not connected to the story at all and was clearly just thrown in there to to and make fans happy.
Not sure why they called this Strong Girl Namsoon - when so much of was really focused on her mom (and who the hell thought making her to be some bruce wayne/cat woman vigilante was a good idea should summarily be fired)
So much f this drama was just dumb - not even clever - just stupid . They overplayed everyone’s schtick to the point of annoyance. I literally did not care about any of the characters by the the half-way point.
And so annoyed that we never really find out how Namsoon went missing in Mongolia - just annoyed the bejesus out me through the whole show.
Its a drama that couldn't decide if it wanted to be a rom-com, a crime series, a campy super-hero story or what
And, can I just say - I did not enjoy the FL in the slightest and I cant tell if it was the actress I didnt like or the character - it was just bad all the way around. They made her so childish and she was such a one-note character that she wasn't interesting in the slightest. And why they chose to cut her hair into that awful bob - which just made her look even more childish is beyond me
NO chemistry between leads whatsoever - mostly because they spend no real time here to develop a solid relationship
Only really interesting character is the villian
Overall - I would say - do not waste your time - especially if have any affinity to SWDBS
The biggest let down being the FL character (not the actress, the character) - she is introduced as a young child and is smart and courageous in the face of adversity (yeah! we love strong female characters!) - and then ski ahead and its like they completely forgot that this is how they introduced her and they turn her into this completely stupid character - she still has moment of being clever - but mostly she keeps doing all this dumb stuff that causes all sort of issues and just never seems to learn the lesson - its annoying.
Really annoyed me with what they did with CP at the end - mostly because it was a complete 180 from his character - and it was so obviously just a plot ploy to extend the drama
Now lets get a little to to that drama extension problem - the main crux of this story is the FL's revenge/seeking justice for her mom - but for some reason, they decided to wrap this up around ep34/35 - which then leaves 4-5 more episodes to go - so then you get these last two, completely new, weird story arcs that they have to rush through (and then leave the last one incomplete)
It was all just a bit disappointing - you had beautiful costumes and good actors and then just failed on execution of a good story
All of the actors/actresses did fine in their roles - it really is a script/directing issues that give this drama problems
ML is probably the most likable/fun character - but that mostly comes from him being the most mature character and actor on the main group- you can clearly see the difference of the adult in the room as opposed to all the others.
Moxi was fun - to a point - the whole stubborn, petulant, teenager schtick got old, REAL fast and there isn’t much character development for her until the very end.
The long-drawn out pining of the teenage sweethearts just went on toooo long.
Her cousin character - just, completely useless and you will find yourself throwing things at your screen or yelling at it whenever she is there - cause, my god, was she annoying.
“Romance’ of main leads - this was weird. I felt they were clearly a better match than Moxi and JW - but they dragged this out in so many weird ways - especially the whole forced marriage/captivity thing - if they were going to do this - dont romanticize it ffs - do it as a short story arc, separate them and THEN have them get together - , but no, instead, let’s romanticize Stockholm syndrome - it was just weird.
And for love of all that is holy writers and directors - it is 2023 - STOP with the forced kissing scenes - its just offensive at this point.
I would only say watch this if you are craving some BinBin time (although not one of his better dramas) - otherwise, I wouldn’t bother - you will be confused and frustrated through most of this
I primarily only stuck around because of ML
So did not like the FL at all in this - cannot stand when they have a actor/actress who are way to old for the character - FL was supposed to be around 18yrs old being played by a 37 year old woman and it was painfully clear - she did not pull this off at all.
I hadn’t seen this FL in anything else - so it may have just been the direction and how this character was written - but I found her quite obnoxious through most of it, not very clever at all and did not get AT ALL why any of these men would be so smitten with her
Villains were just mediocre, at best and soooo annoyed that the the crazy, obsessed Qing Yan didn’t have ANY repercussions for her horrific behavior and is actually rewarded in the end - and, as a supportive role character - she had way too much airtime - almost equivalent to the leads
Story really goes off the rails about half-way through and a horrible crap ending
Really disturbed by comments on Viki and here of people rooting for DFS - the man was a complete psychopath, abuser and manipulator - this is not what love is at all - it was creepy and its disturbing how everyone is trying to romanticize his behavior
So, unless, you really just want some BinBin time - skip this
Super-angsty - almost too much. Super-draggy through a lot of it - to the point that I just didn’t care anymore
Have to say - I just dont care for this actress all that much - have seen her in a bunch of other things and she just does not appeal to me - but that’s just me.
Soooo did not care about secondary love story - just a complete waist of time
HATED that that there is no real accountability for his mom and all the truly, horrible things she did and that they even try and redeem her and try to make her the victim in the end. She caused so much physical and emotional harm to so many people - it was truly unforgivable.
Weird time-jump/rushed ending
Unnecessary war drama at the end
And, seriously, how many times they made the ml have near-death experiences was just overkill
Interesting concept - just executed poorly
Weird pacing that is either too fast or too slow in all the wrong places
Confusing in so man places and an inconstant FL character - I mean dear lord, she goes to second timeline and her whole purpose is to find the pebbles, not tell anyone who she is and stay away from Ling. I get that staying away from Ling is not going to happen - but she pretty much gives away her identity to everybody and she spends little to no time looking for the pebbles (most were found by others and given to her) - instead she spends an inordinate amount of time getting caught up in other people’s business. One minute she is the brilliant strategist and tough as nails and the next she is giving away the store because she feels bad (the whole saintly, martyr complex thing)
I likes the leads - although not a lot of sizzle to them - they work, but you aren’t going to get a ton of spark here (and another FL who doesn’t know how to kiss properly)
Ending feels rushed after dragging out second timeline FOREVER.
Plot holes all over the place
Some of the best costuming in a series I have seen (except that horrendous psychedelic, rainbow outfit they put her in for way too long)
This has to be one of the worst FL characters out there - she was self-absorbed, childish, playing games all the time (in the name of trying to ‘cute’ - it wasnt) - she is the extreme extrovert that just sucks all the energy out of the room. Everything centered around her (with a few exceptions). The amount of energy everyone around her had to use in order to deal with all her shenanigans was just exhausting to watch. I only stuck with it because I like the ML actor. Last two episodes felt like an after thought and the whole pregnancy thing was just dumb - like so dumb!
Add in the decision to make her talk like a child most of the time - again, thinking this is what being cute is - instead it just made her seem like a real ditz. She overreacts to everything - good and bad and then makes everyone deal with her mess. No thank you! Another couple where I could not, for the life me, understand why he would be attracted to her at all.
Annoying younger sister - although she ends up having the best character development - but not until late in the show
BF who gave the worst advice and the girl colleague character who was suppposed to be the ‘villain’ was just bad.
I would say - you only want to put up with this nonsense if you like the actor who plays the ML - otherwise, dont waist your time.
Another FML that is way too immature - down to the frumpy dress (I mean come on - she is supposed to be a professional reporter and she is running around like she is still in high school - and that damn poney-tail!), always jumping to the wrong conclusion without much thought, quick to her temper and just, basically a brat in the first half. In the second half - she becomes the scared girl who keeps running away and causing all sorts of emotional trauma. It become so much about taking care of her emotionally and she really didnt care how anyone else felt - so a HUGE emotional imbalance in this relationship. I honestly did not get AT ALL why this man would be attracted to this immature woman - so they didnt really work for me as a couple. And some advice to the actress - if you are going to do anymore romantic part - learn to pucker your damn lips when you kiss! This is a joint activity after all.
FML was just kind of ‘meh’ for me - was just happy they didn’t make her do the baby-talk thing. She was best during the Cang Hai portion - when she was a good strong female character - the rest of the time this character was kind of annoying - doing the typical - I have to go save him/cant be parted from him clinginess thing, which inevitably leads to creating all sorts of problems cause there isn’t really much she can do. I also had a hard time with this character right out of the gate - lying, scheming and cheating and then not taking responsibility when she gets caught (literally keeps scheming to get out of the responsibility part) - so I had zero respect for the character from the get-go so it took a long time to even warm up to her. She was ok by the end - but not my favorite FML by far.
I also hate the narrative in stories of running off to ‘save’ the love interest, but then don’t tell them cause you think you are protecting them - it bugs me because it takes the other persons agency away and letting them make their own choices - the idea that they wold know better for that person - just irritates me to no end
Typical jealous brother who has daddy issues who then becomes crazy. I will give the actor props for playing this role well - that low-toned, monotoned voice was super-creepy
I came to this because I had watched the ML in a few historical dramas and he was fantastic - wanted to try something modern. I also was a bit hesitant when I discovered that Esther Yu was in this (just cannot stand the baby talk speaking style they often make her do) - and, honestly, I should have dropped it - but I just have this thing for finishing dramas when I start them.
While the ML does behave like a petulant pre-pubescent teen for most of the first half - he does mature and you do see better character development for him
On the other hand - the FL just felt like a perpetual 8 yr old through most if it. Mostly due to this idea that directors and writers have that making women be ‘cute’ means making them talk like children, pouting and crying to get their way and just generally acting like a child. I dont put this on the actress - cause I know she can speak and act like a normal adult (watch My Journey to You) - but they went overboard on this one and it was just really off-putting to me.
The second couple ends up being a bit more interesting - at least they behave like actual adults (and the SML needs to main romantic role - that boy knows how to kiss!)
I, personally didnt care much for the office drama - its pretty standard
Leads are still good together after Mysterious Love - but didnt get how this was a sequel to that beyond the leads.
Could have done without the the secondary love triangle and totally felt the wrong couple ended up together - just could have done without the whole story line and ended up fast forwarding though most of it.
ML definitely got better in this one, but felt FL got worse - so, a break even on that front.
Sooooo did not buy she was an idol (or wanna be idol)- she came across as just too old.