I know its a short and that can cause ALL sorts of eating issues and choppy storyline - but this was one was particalaruy bad - just jumped to much and left waaayy too many plot holes. Ending is a mess and dont even get me started that the 2FL gets offsScott free - absolutely NO consequences for anything she did. And can we be done with the spoiled, rich girl who likes the guy - who has absolutely no interest in them, then can't take rejection and does all sorts of horrible things, Its a tired old trope. Same goes for the 2ML who gets obsessed with the FL after one meeting. Just makes me roll my eyes. Another FL character that was kind of ridiculous - what is it with this revenge thing - instead of trying to actually figure out what happen - goes right to - I am going to destroy this whole family -which, of course, is always the problem that she has got the story completely wrong - and, instead of finding out the truth first - she causes ALL sorts of problems - it makes my head hurt. cdramas have a real thing with blame first, punish first AND then find out what really happens later. Really only watching this for ML
this had potential and then just didnt get there. ML was good, FL was just ok (she is not my favorite and she needs to work on her kissing skills) What lost me the most though was all the abusive relationship shit that is romanticized here. FFS - he basally rapes her, sexually assaults her multiple times, throat chokes her multiple times - all under the guise of being the bad guy to not give himself away, trying to scare her off so she leaves, etc.. On the flip side - she tries to kill him multiple times, poisons him, tries to use her feminine wiles to get him to do shit ( I say try, because it just came across as creepy and not seductive at all) So, yeah - if you like highly toxic romances that they then try to turn into some romance for the ages crap - this may be for you. I also just hate this kind of FL character - not that bright, ragefull the point hat she can't use her brain (you would think after 5yrs - she could have some sense of rationality), easily manipulated, constantly making really bad decisions - just wanted to slap her through out of this. I mean, common - you lover stabs you and you dont think there is something fishy about that, no desire to find out why - just right to rage and I want to kill you! Girl has some serious anger management issues. Another crap Enid/=last episode - the usual rushed ending with a TON of plot holes.
One of those dramas that I realized half-way through was just not made for me. While I enjoyed watching SWL and ARP (who I thought carried the show) - the rest of it was just kind of 'meh' for me. The story just didnt grab me and I honestly didnt really care by the end. They kind of lost me early on with the whole evil clam - it was just beyond silly. I mean it had me laughing cause it was so ridiculous and I am not sure that is what they were going for. To then move on to the whole Bigfoot monster - I was just rolling my eyes at this point and this is when I realized that I was clearly not the audience for this drama. I was also a bit thrown by the FL at the beginning, cause I couldn't quite tell what they were going for here - she felt like a teenager and I was shocked to find out she is actually older than the ML - cause I thought she was only like 20 yrs old. I dont know if the VoiceOver is her actual voice (and while I was glad it was a baby-voice) - it just didnt seem to fit and made her feel way younger. There were other weird VoiceOver issues all the way through - the worst being the VoiceOver for the female villain towards the end - not even close! and why they have her speaking English made NO sense. This character was also a bit inconsistent - they bring her on as this amazing fighter - then she is constantly having to get saved/rescued. And dont even get me started on the whole split personality story line - just done so poorly. Then there was her adopted mom - who, at the end of the day is kind of responsible for this (along with so many other things). in typical asian mom fashion - she tries to get her daughter to just eat the guilt and move on instead of actually helping her deal with the trauma she just endured. The Mr Kun character also didnt work for me - he is supposed to be the 'expert' and yet, is never the one to really figure the important stuff out - he really is just a plot-ploy character. I also really hate it when they feel the need to throw in a romance, but then dont actually do anything with it. It was kind of weird - while definitely some chemistry (SWL and his smoldery eyes will get you every time) - the FL was kind of stiff on this front. It just wasn't necessary to the story. ok - gonna stop there, cause I could write a novel about all the things that were wrong with this script - which really just reinforces that I am not the audience for this.
Didnt love, but didnt hate it. Mainly a script problem and not so great FL character. Script just doesnt flow well - not a bad idea - but it is messy - this could just be due to it being a short and bad editing - not sure. FL character - just had had it with her about half-way through and by the end - just did not care. I am not sure what they were going of with this character - beyond just a love interest. She had no depth, didnt really do much - usually this character would have a job of some sort - or being that she is the daughter of a general - be int he military - but, nope - she just hangs around all day. They introduce her as someone who can fight (kind of), get archery skills and is often talked about how she grew up in military camps with her dad - but, apparently - she learned nothing from this. Horrible strategist, constantly had to be rescued - got caught EVERY time she went sleuthing - EVERY TIME!. Acted on impulse without thinking through anything - and it always turned out horrible and usually injury to the ML. And then she does the noble sacrifice thing (which I hated because she basically just discounted/ignored all his sacrifices and pain he went through to save her) - now, it works out in the end (cause its a drama) - but she just wanted to do what she wanted and didnt care about the rest. She just was not the brightest bulb on the tree The actress who played her was ok - but not much depth there either - she basically spent the entire drama with this terse look on her face the whole time. Chemistry with leads was good - but horrible relationship - they didn't tell each other anything when they should and she kept running off doing stupid shit. She totally lost me when they do the obligatory separation arc - which was fine - but she was unnecessarily cruel. Could have done without the Huan Yan character - mostly, she just didn't really add anything to the story - kind of like an annoying fly buzzing around. Although I was also very unsatisfied with her ending - it was too easy. ML really carries this show - does a great job - hope he does more of this.
Just a hot, hot mess - and I know that some folks like the toxic, push-pull romance stories - but this really did cross the line with the multiple graping (not just once, but multiple times) - when you you move into physical, sexual violence - there is no coming back from that. That is on the script writer (whoever wrote this has some SERIOUS issue to work out) Beyond on that- just some really horrible inconsistent main characters, horrible 2ml Just not worth it,
not too bad for a short - quick and easy, Chemistry is good with the leads. Villains were little over the top - but typical villains. Give it go - you will probably like it.
Another one of those dramas that I had hopes for and then was just disappointed. Didnt hate it, but didnt love it either. Started off interesting - especially that parts where the Imugi discovers the world in a human body. The actor who plays the ML does a fantastic job playing the duel personalities. The actor who plays the King really stole the show Did not like the FL character (nor the actress playing the character - just not a lot of range - basically had the same look on her ace the entire show). The character was so milquetoast. No depth there at all. I found her to be completely uninteresting after a few episodes. Chemistry with leads was not that good. Gap's mom was wonderful Bromance with King and Gang Cheol was the best
Many actors play a younger character in Cdrama. I see in your drama list, you are a JOL fan. One very good example…
Yeah, its definitely a cdrama thing - i find it very odd and distracting. You are telling me a character is a certain age and then cast an actor/actress that is waaayy older than that - the visual doesnt match. I can mostly let it go - but sometimes its just too obvious 😊
well this is just a trashy hot mess - but kind of fun to watch. its the usual problem with shorts that it kind of jumps alot and huge plot holes due to editing down to make it a short - so, you just kind of have to go with it 2 of the most sadistic mothers (Li and Lin - boy howdy are they just cruel and vicious) good chemistry with leads - but its also weird cause of the whole sibling (albeit misunderstanding) thing- they really danced around with the whole incest thing - so that was awkward. If you like shorts - it's not horrible, good filler while. you wait for something else you want to watch.
This will be one of those drams that you will recommend to people who are just getting started with cdramas - a really good one, - done well, good story, great relationships with leads, paces well, beautiful costumes - just such a joy to watch. One of THE best enemies to lovers tropes out there. Chemistry for the leads was OFF.THE.CHARTS! Writers take note - this is how it is done. I am generally not of fan of the huge height difference obsessions that cdramas have - but this one worked for me (for the first time ever). I think what made it work is that she isn't childish. Usually when they do this - they try to make the FL all cutesy and perky- which usually just comes across as childish. Manman was none of those things - I and I LOVED it. She was fierce and intelligent - but with this quiet determination. Her presence matched the physical presence of the ML. They really did fit so well together. As a couple - they were both so complex - there was depth here. Both struggling with family grudge, familial discord, political intrigue all while discovering they have feelings that they both feel they shouldn't have (especially the ML). You really get to watch as they untangle all this, learn to communicate, learn to trust and ultimately to be in love. It was beautifully done. Now - here are my very minor annoyance. Lady Yulou and her birth mark - would have like a little more backstory on this - it just isn't flushed out enough. Didnt much care for Liu Yan character - he almost wasn't evil enough - just kind a pathetic guy who had daddy issues. What happened to Bi Zhi and Da Qiao child - it was just unclear What happens with Wei Lang was just unnecessary as usual - a rushed ending - this always make me kind of laugh - its like they totally forget along they way how they are going to wrap it up - so focused on building the story and then, oh crap - we only have 1 episodes to tie it all up and it never feels satisfying. But, I have seen much worse and doesnt detract from this at all.
XZ delivers an amazing performance - probably one of his best - worth it just for his performance. My only issue here is the usual, having an actor who is in their 30's play a character who is only 20yrs old - its pretty obvious he isn't 20 anymore (which is not a bad thing) - so those places where it falters are the places where he is supposed to come across as this youngin' and it just doesnt work - cause, its obvious he isn't anymore. But, you can let it slide, cause the rest of his character is great. This story is VERY slowed paced - so be prepared, it DRAGS. Honestly, it could have been at least 10 episodes shorter. The story is interesting and the thing that really keeps you watching is trying to figure out who the masked man is/3rd enemy. The Marquis villain - mostly done well. I kept not being sure if he was truly bad or not. And the whole parents clothes/skin in the basement made no sense and wasn't really explained why he had them. it just felt kind of inconsistent with his character - so could have seen the eunach villain doing this. The Eunuch villain - creepy as F*CK! Minister Zhao - also creepy - but it's the dead eyes that just gave me the heebie-jeebies. FL - really just a supporting character and mostly a plot ploy as a romantic interest for the ML. She wasn't bad - but it was an odd character. She is super-helpful at times and I did like that she was a smart, fierce woman - but they tempered it too much with her just being a brat (although this does go away after a bit, which I was happy with because I was starting to not like her at all). Goa Ming - he was wonderful and this relationship was so sweet, which made the end so much sadder. The boyhood friends - such a great addition. I loved the found family aspect of all of this.
I totally didn't why he didn't her make fake bronze fish?
Costuming was beautiful - simple, but spot on - I loved it. Cinematography was pretty good as well.
Not sure who was in charge of wigs - but ZX's wig just bugged me the whole time - too clean around the edges and it was obvious it was a wig - minor annoyance, but still bugged - lol!
Just wrapped this up and here is my take Its just mediocre - worth a watch if you like this genre and the ML (although not one of his better performances) The bigger fault is just a bad script and poor direction - cant really fault any one of the actors as this is what they were told to do - but it's predictable. Nothing new to see here. ML is handsome, but kind of stiff in this role. Preferred him in Everlasting Longing and looking forward to Seven Relics FL just did not do it for me. On the one hand - she is playing a character that is no more than 17yrs old - and you feel that (too much). I will say, I did appreciate that she did look like she was a teenager - too often they have actresses who are much older doing this role. Cause, for me - it just highlights how ridiculous it is that we would consider these young women adults. She too often felt like the teenager who thinks they are an adult - but they aren't. This was the whole vibe for me. She also spends too much of the drama being the damsel in distress, running head first into situations that she is wholly unprepared for (as would a teenager) - has no business being there, expect she is the main lead - these kinds of things just annoy the bejesus out of me - lazy, sloppy writing. At the same time, the writers want us to believe she is calm noble lady who, apparently, is a jewelry designer genius. This character was just so inconsistent throughout, it was hard to get behind her. She gets slightly better at the end - but by then, I really didnt care. Chemistry between leads was not that good - they just did not feel like loivers at all (more a sibling vibe) - and this is mostly due to the actress, clearly, not having a ton of experience here - maybe when she gets more mature - it will get better - but it did not work for me at all. The whole marriage contract thing was just dumb - mostly because she immediately (and I mean immediately) - writes the contract the night before their wedding and then completely forgets about it on their wedding night. She then constantly seems to completely forget about this contract (I blame the writers for this silliness). And then gets mad at the ML for adhering to the contract. It made no sense and was really just a bad plot ploy - luckily it doesnt last long. Shu and the bodyguard had the best chemistry Minmim and Zhang were just annoying (as a couple) - not a big fan of the constant bickering Loved her Dad Emperor and Dingbie had a great relationships and always happy to see an emperor that isn't a completely, feckless, egomaniacal fool - he was smart, handsome and a good person. Could have done without the whole, (albeit brief, thank god) Prince Wen silliness - there was just no need for that (and to be honest - she wasn't all that for him to justify his actions)
pretty darn good for a short. Well-paced story that stays on point - which is usually where shorts lose it - they go all haywire - but this stays the course. Main couple has great chemistry and it really shows what a mature, adult , married couple look like. And that bath scene is one for the ages! Totally worth a watch
not bad for a short. Some usual huge plot holes (like seriously, how does she not know about the tattoo). Chemistry with leads is pretty good. I don't know who the stylist was for the FL - but just stop - the short/short dresses, skirts and shorts on a woman who has NO thighs was not attractive. I dont normally like to comment on women's bodies - but this woman is dangerously thin and the outfits they chose for her, just highlighted this fact. Enjoyed the ML - I think this is the first tie I have seen him in a leading role - he did well FL was not my favorite - she is kind of stiff. It's not a bad filler while you are waiting on things to wrap up.
Just finished and not bad for a short. Good chemistry with leads. ML really does carry it. FL character is poorly written and make her so dumb too much of the time. Endings begs a second season - but you know they never will - which then makes it very unsatisfactory Preferred the 1st half over the 2nd - mostly because the FL gets extra dumb in the second half - just does not use her brain AT ALL and its incredibly frustrating to watch.
This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion - but I am on ep 15 and I am soooo bored. I generally like both the main actors and love fantasy dramas - but, man this is dragging for me. Tired of the FL being a constant damsel in distress and not very bright most of the time. Annoyed by both the leads sidekicks - seriously - is there some unwritten rule for cdramas that the sidekick has to be dumber than a box of rocks? At least the rabbit can fight. I think I am gonna have to put this on hold and come back to it. Also reading that there may be a season 2 - so I also dont want to have to wait FOREVER for that.
after finishing this - painfully so - I can see why this got low scores - it is just a horrible crafted story. I thought all the actors/actress were fine Costuming was good But man, the story just fell apart pretty quickly. The amnesia thing went on way, way too long with no real progression. This causes a number of problems. 1. it made the whole brother/sister dynamic go on for far too long that then made the romantic relationship part very weird/awkward when they do finally get there. 2. it made no sense that there wasn't more effort to try and help her get her memories back - he needed her to remember stuff to help solve his case - so it made no sense to just completely drop this aspect in the story. Then when she finally does - around ep 30 - she turns into this revenge crazed woman for bit - it just made NO sense. Also - there was no reason to not tell her somewhere along the way who she really was and what was going on - even before she regained her memories Ending was anti-climatic at best Typical stupid emperor who knows his son is evil - but won't do anything because 'he's my son!' Typical FL who makes friends with a guy and then is totally clueless that he likes her. To be fair - when he does finally confess - she rejects him, but it then goes the usual route - I have to tell you three times before it takes. Can folks just stop after the first no? Will say, I was appreciative he didnt go all cray-cray and they all stayed friends. He was very sweet and I do wish they had found a way to at least have him start liking someone else instead of him still just pining for her in the end. (cause, to be honest, she wasn't all that to begin with). The last 10 eps in particular just went completely off the rails - while a bit more action - just a complete and utter mess. Ending was just a complete let down and the whole groom snatching thing - was bad to begin with and I thought part of the reforms would be stop this - but, no - she does it again. Why she thinks this is cute when the last time you did it, it was pretty traumatic - your family kidnapped and drugged him - but hey, let's do it again. And everyone seems perfectly ok with this - kidnapping young men off the streets and trying to fleecer them to marry. If this was gender reversed we would be screaming bloody murder (and we do - cause it still happens) Prince Rui and Consort were the best couple - by far. You got to see them actually develop a relationship - it was very sweet. Main couple was very boring (for said reason above) Dissapointed we didnt get to see what happens with his Mother and Marshal Wei - this was also a very cute relationship Prince You and Tang Li - just f*cked up all the way around and while the ending was expected - it was not very clear what happens with her or rather, how it happens.
this has parts I enjoyed and many parts I did not - luckily it goes fast and you can skip through a lot of it without losing the thread of the story. Mostly just skip through the Tuner and Lele scenes and your re good. I enjoyed the main couples relationship - once there, minus the kissing scenes - so bad! The Pangu setting was fun - but this went on waaaay too long - especially the early parts, which were mostly about getting the leads together. This mostly annoyed me because it was supposed to be about getting the ML out of his coma and she kept coming to Pangu acting like they were on dates - which is what dragged this part out. Once they got together and got back to figuring out the problem - it got a little more interesting. Wort parts: Feng Lin's bad hair extensions in Pangu - jeebus - what was that! Yuner character - just an annoying brat that I just did not care about AT ALL and couldn't even be upset when she gets dumped - was actually looking forward to her getting her come-upance - wish it had happened sooner and they had just dumbed this character. Lele - another character that I had ZERO empathy or interest for and also wished she had come to senses sooner - she really was just pitiful and kind of pointless to the story. Liked Dog Hunter and wished they had had better story for him instead of being Lele's lapdog - unrequited love. This pairing was also a pretty apt description of an enabling/addict relationship - he was the enabler and she was the addict. Ridiculous white steaks in Director Zhang's hair - the man is in his 50/60's and running a major corporation - just made him look ridiculous. Basically - except for the main leads - everyone else's story is about unrequited/one-sided/obsessive love - its one thing to have 1 person like that in a story - but the whole lot of them?!?
Another FL character that was kind of ridiculous - what is it with this revenge thing - instead of trying to actually figure out what happen - goes right to - I am going to destroy this whole family -which, of course, is always the problem that she has got the story completely wrong - and, instead of finding out the truth first - she causes ALL sorts of problems - it makes my head hurt. cdramas have a real thing with blame first, punish first AND then find out what really happens later.
Really only watching this for ML
ML was good, FL was just ok (she is not my favorite and she needs to work on her kissing skills)
What lost me the most though was all the abusive relationship shit that is romanticized here.
FFS - he basally rapes her, sexually assaults her multiple times, throat chokes her multiple times - all under the guise of being the bad guy to not give himself away, trying to scare her off so she leaves, etc..
On the flip side - she tries to kill him multiple times, poisons him, tries to use her feminine wiles to get him to do shit ( I say try, because it just came across as creepy and not seductive at all)
So, yeah - if you like highly toxic romances that they then try to turn into some romance for the ages crap - this may be for you.
I also just hate this kind of FL character - not that bright, ragefull the point hat she can't use her brain (you would think after 5yrs - she could have some sense of rationality), easily manipulated, constantly making really bad decisions - just wanted to slap her through out of this.
I mean, common - you lover stabs you and you dont think there is something fishy about that, no desire to find out why - just right to rage and I want to kill you! Girl has some serious anger management issues.
Another crap Enid/=last episode - the usual rushed ending with a TON of plot holes.
They kind of lost me early on with the whole evil clam - it was just beyond silly. I mean it had me laughing cause it was so ridiculous and I am not sure that is what they were going for. To then move on to the whole Bigfoot monster - I was just rolling my eyes at this point and this is when I realized that I was clearly not the audience for this drama.
I was also a bit thrown by the FL at the beginning, cause I couldn't quite tell what they were going for here - she felt like a teenager and I was shocked to find out she is actually older than the ML - cause I thought she was only like 20 yrs old. I dont know if the VoiceOver is her actual voice (and while I was glad it was a baby-voice) - it just didnt seem to fit and made her feel way younger.
There were other weird VoiceOver issues all the way through - the worst being the VoiceOver for the female villain towards the end - not even close! and why they have her speaking English made NO sense.
This character was also a bit inconsistent - they bring her on as this amazing fighter - then she is constantly having to get saved/rescued. And dont even get me started on the whole split personality story line - just done so poorly.
Then there was her adopted mom - who, at the end of the day is kind of responsible for this (along with so many other things). in typical asian mom fashion - she tries to get her daughter to just eat the guilt and move on instead of actually helping her deal with the trauma she just endured.
The Mr Kun character also didnt work for me - he is supposed to be the 'expert' and yet, is never the one to really figure the important stuff out - he really is just a plot-ploy character.
I also really hate it when they feel the need to throw in a romance, but then dont actually do anything with it. It was kind of weird - while definitely some chemistry (SWL and his smoldery eyes will get you every time) - the FL was kind of stiff on this front. It just wasn't necessary to the story.
ok - gonna stop there, cause I could write a novel about all the things that were wrong with this script - which really just reinforces that I am not the audience for this.
Mainly a script problem and not so great FL character.
Script just doesnt flow well - not a bad idea - but it is messy - this could just be due to it being a short and bad editing - not sure.
FL character - just had had it with her about half-way through and by the end - just did not care. I am not sure what they were going of with this character - beyond just a love interest. She had no depth, didnt really do much - usually this character would have a job of some sort - or being that she is the daughter of a general - be int he military - but, nope - she just hangs around all day. They introduce her as someone who can fight (kind of), get archery skills and is often talked about how she grew up in military camps with her dad - but, apparently - she learned nothing from this. Horrible strategist, constantly had to be rescued - got caught EVERY time she went sleuthing - EVERY TIME!. Acted on impulse without thinking through anything - and it always turned out horrible and usually injury to the ML. And then she does the noble sacrifice thing (which I hated because she basically just discounted/ignored all his sacrifices and pain he went through to save her) - now, it works out in the end (cause its a drama) - but she just wanted to do what she wanted and didnt care about the rest. She just was not the brightest bulb on the tree
The actress who played her was ok - but not much depth there either - she basically spent the entire drama with this terse look on her face the whole time.
Chemistry with leads was good - but horrible relationship - they didn't tell each other anything when they should and she kept running off doing stupid shit. She totally lost me when they do the obligatory separation arc - which was fine - but she was unnecessarily cruel.
Could have done without the Huan Yan character - mostly, she just didn't really add anything to the story - kind of like an annoying fly buzzing around. Although I was also very unsatisfied with her ending - it was too easy.
ML really carries this show - does a great job - hope he does more of this.
That is on the script writer (whoever wrote this has some SERIOUS issue to work out)
Beyond on that- just some really horrible inconsistent main characters, horrible 2ml
Just not worth it,
The actor who plays the ML does a fantastic job playing the duel personalities.
The actor who plays the King really stole the show
Did not like the FL character (nor the actress playing the character - just not a lot of range - basically had the same look on her ace the entire show). The character was so milquetoast. No depth there at all. I found her to be completely uninteresting after a few episodes.
Chemistry with leads was not that good.
Gap's mom was wonderful
Bromance with King and Gang Cheol was the best
its the usual problem with shorts that it kind of jumps alot and huge plot holes due to editing down to make it a short - so, you just kind of have to go with it
2 of the most sadistic mothers (Li and Lin - boy howdy are they just cruel and vicious)
good chemistry with leads - but its also weird cause of the whole sibling (albeit misunderstanding) thing- they really danced around with the whole incest thing - so that was awkward.
If you like shorts - it's not horrible, good filler while. you wait for something else you want to watch.
One of THE best enemies to lovers tropes out there.
Chemistry for the leads was OFF.THE.CHARTS! Writers take note - this is how it is done.
I am generally not of fan of the huge height difference obsessions that cdramas have - but this one worked for me (for the first time ever). I think what made it work is that she isn't childish. Usually when they do this - they try to make the FL all cutesy and perky- which usually just comes across as childish. Manman was none of those things - I and I LOVED it. She was fierce and intelligent - but with this quiet determination. Her presence matched the physical presence of the ML. They really did fit so well together.
As a couple - they were both so complex - there was depth here. Both struggling with family grudge, familial discord, political intrigue all while discovering they have feelings that they both feel they shouldn't have (especially the ML). You really get to watch as they untangle all this, learn to communicate, learn to trust and ultimately to be in love. It was beautifully done.
Now - here are my very minor annoyance.
Lady Yulou and her birth mark - would have like a little more backstory on this - it just isn't flushed out enough.
Didnt much care for Liu Yan character - he almost wasn't evil enough - just kind a pathetic guy who had daddy issues.
What happened to Bi Zhi and Da Qiao child - it was just unclear
What happens with Wei Lang was just unnecessary
as usual - a rushed ending - this always make me kind of laugh - its like they totally forget along they way how they are going to wrap it up - so focused on building the story and then, oh crap - we only have 1 episodes to tie it all up and it never feels satisfying. But, I have seen much worse and doesnt detract from this at all.
XZ delivers an amazing performance - probably one of his best - worth it just for his performance.
My only issue here is the usual, having an actor who is in their 30's play a character who is only 20yrs old - its pretty obvious he isn't 20 anymore (which is not a bad thing) - so those places where it falters are the places where he is supposed to come across as this youngin' and it just doesnt work - cause, its obvious he isn't anymore. But, you can let it slide, cause the rest of his character is great.
This story is VERY slowed paced - so be prepared, it DRAGS. Honestly, it could have been at least 10 episodes shorter.
The story is interesting and the thing that really keeps you watching is trying to figure out who the masked man is/3rd enemy.
The Marquis villain - mostly done well. I kept not being sure if he was truly bad or not. And the whole parents clothes/skin in the basement made no sense and wasn't really explained why he had them. it just felt kind of inconsistent with his character - so could have seen the eunach villain doing this.
The Eunuch villain - creepy as F*CK!
Minister Zhao - also creepy - but it's the dead eyes that just gave me the heebie-jeebies.
FL - really just a supporting character and mostly a plot ploy as a romantic interest for the ML. She wasn't bad - but it was an odd character. She is super-helpful at times and I did like that she was a smart, fierce woman - but they tempered it too much with her just being a brat (although this does go away after a bit, which I was happy with because I was starting to not like her at all).
Goa Ming - he was wonderful and this relationship was so sweet, which made the end so much sadder.
The boyhood friends - such a great addition. I loved the found family aspect of all of this.
I totally didn't why he didn't her make fake bronze fish?
Costuming was beautiful - simple, but spot on - I loved it.
Cinematography was pretty good as well.
Not sure who was in charge of wigs - but ZX's wig just bugged me the whole time - too clean around the edges and it was obvious it was a wig - minor annoyance, but still bugged - lol!
Its just mediocre - worth a watch if you like this genre and the ML (although not one of his better performances)
The bigger fault is just a bad script and poor direction - cant really fault any one of the actors as this is what they were told to do - but it's predictable. Nothing new to see here.
ML is handsome, but kind of stiff in this role. Preferred him in Everlasting Longing and looking forward to Seven Relics
FL just did not do it for me. On the one hand - she is playing a character that is no more than 17yrs old - and you feel that (too much). I will say, I did appreciate that she did look like she was a teenager - too often they have actresses who are much older doing this role. Cause, for me - it just highlights how ridiculous it is that we would consider these young women adults. She too often felt like the teenager who thinks they are an adult - but they aren't. This was the whole vibe for me.
She also spends too much of the drama being the damsel in distress, running head first into situations that she is wholly unprepared for (as would a teenager) - has no business being there, expect she is the main lead - these kinds of things just annoy the bejesus out of me - lazy, sloppy writing. At the same time, the writers want us to believe she is calm noble lady who, apparently, is a jewelry designer genius. This character was just so inconsistent throughout, it was hard to get behind her.
She gets slightly better at the end - but by then, I really didnt care.
Chemistry between leads was not that good - they just did not feel like loivers at all (more a sibling vibe) - and this is mostly due to the actress, clearly, not having a ton of experience here - maybe when she gets more mature - it will get better - but it did not work for me at all.
The whole marriage contract thing was just dumb - mostly because she immediately (and I mean immediately) - writes the contract the night before their wedding and then completely forgets about it on their wedding night. She then constantly seems to completely forget about this contract (I blame the writers for this silliness). And then gets mad at the ML for adhering to the contract. It made no sense and was really just a bad plot ploy - luckily it doesnt last long.
Shu and the bodyguard had the best chemistry
Minmim and Zhang were just annoying (as a couple) - not a big fan of the constant bickering
Loved her Dad
Emperor and Dingbie had a great relationships and always happy to see an emperor that isn't a completely, feckless, egomaniacal fool - he was smart, handsome and a good person.
Could have done without the whole, (albeit brief, thank god) Prince Wen silliness - there was just no need for that (and to be honest - she wasn't all that for him to justify his actions)
Main couple has great chemistry and it really shows what a mature, adult , married couple look like. And that bath scene is one for the ages!
Totally worth a watch
I don't know who the stylist was for the FL - but just stop - the short/short dresses, skirts and shorts on a woman who has NO thighs was not attractive. I dont normally like to comment on women's bodies - but this woman is dangerously thin and the outfits they chose for her, just highlighted this fact.
Enjoyed the ML - I think this is the first tie I have seen him in a leading role - he did well
FL was not my favorite - she is kind of stiff.
It's not a bad filler while you are waiting on things to wrap up.
FL character is poorly written and make her so dumb too much of the time.
Endings begs a second season - but you know they never will - which then makes it very unsatisfactory
Preferred the 1st half over the 2nd - mostly because the FL gets extra dumb in the second half - just does not use her brain AT ALL and its incredibly frustrating to watch.
I think I am gonna have to put this on hold and come back to it.
Also reading that there may be a season 2 - so I also dont want to have to wait FOREVER for that.
I thought all the actors/actress were fine
Costuming was good
But man, the story just fell apart pretty quickly.
The amnesia thing went on way, way too long with no real progression. This causes a number of problems. 1. it made the whole brother/sister dynamic go on for far too long that then made the romantic relationship part very weird/awkward when they do finally get there. 2. it made no sense that there wasn't more effort to try and help her get her memories back - he needed her to remember stuff to help solve his case - so it made no sense to just completely drop this aspect in the story. Then when she finally does - around ep 30 - she turns into this revenge crazed woman for bit - it just made NO sense.
Also - there was no reason to not tell her somewhere along the way who she really was and what was going on - even before she regained her memories
Ending was anti-climatic at best
Typical stupid emperor who knows his son is evil - but won't do anything because 'he's my son!'
Typical FL who makes friends with a guy and then is totally clueless that he likes her. To be fair - when he does finally confess - she rejects him, but it then goes the usual route - I have to tell you three times before it takes. Can folks just stop after the first no? Will say, I was appreciative he didnt go all cray-cray and they all stayed friends. He was very sweet and I do wish they had found a way to at least have him start liking someone else instead of him still just pining for her in the end. (cause, to be honest, she wasn't all that to begin with).
The last 10 eps in particular just went completely off the rails - while a bit more action - just a complete and utter mess. Ending was just a complete let down and the whole groom snatching thing - was bad to begin with and I thought part of the reforms would be stop this - but, no - she does it again. Why she thinks this is cute when the last time you did it, it was pretty traumatic - your family kidnapped and drugged him - but hey, let's do it again. And everyone seems perfectly ok with this - kidnapping young men off the streets and trying to fleecer them to marry. If this was gender reversed we would be screaming bloody murder (and we do - cause it still happens)
Prince Rui and Consort were the best couple - by far. You got to see them actually develop a relationship - it was very sweet.
Main couple was very boring (for said reason above)
Dissapointed we didnt get to see what happens with his Mother and Marshal Wei - this was also a very cute relationship
Prince You and Tang Li - just f*cked up all the way around and while the ending was expected - it was not very clear what happens with her or rather, how it happens.