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?!?
I just started this and the storyline is so confusing. And from reading the comments - if I am reading this correctly - they actually made Chong Guang the 2ML?? That is just creepy if that is correct. He was already old when he was revived, found her as a child, stuck her in a mountain and now I read he tries to marry her at some point - gross! Happy to be corrected if I am reading that wrong.
Just finished this and would say I mostly enjoyed. It's one of those, didn't LOVE it, but didnt hate it either. My favorite relationship was between the ML and the Prince Heng Yang - I thought I was gonna hate it cause they started down the love-triangle path - but so not where it ended up. Instead - once of the best ending/breakups with FL and Heng Yang - writers - take note, this is how it should be. And then the bromance with Hang Yang and the ML was just the best! Only regret is that they didnt find a good woman for Heng Yang in the end. I wanted to like the main couple - all the elements were there - mostly. There was some good chemistry - but the battering/bickering got a bit old after a while - they literally couldn't have a single conversation without it turning into fight. Everything became a game of win or lose - either about admitting something first, getting caught in a scheme or giving in - and this is just about ego and pride (more so for the FL than the ML - I dont think she ever apologized for anything she did wrong). Would also add - while sufficient kissing scenes - FL actress needs to work on her kissing skills - I say this for ALOT of these dramas - this is an interactive action - lips should be moving. At one point she goes to kiss him on the cheek and she doesnt even pucker her lips - it was basically a face plant on his cheek - it's just weird. That being said - the kisses between Prince Shang Yi and Yang Ling were en worse - soooo awkward! I so wanted to like the FL (and I mostly did) - she was feisty and clever and straightforward (mostly - for some reason she loses this when it comes to the Heng Yang - will get this later). But she was also prideful, narcissistic, never owns her mistakes and kind of mean to the ML when she didnt need to be. Now - I see debate on the relationship between the FL and Heng Yang here in the comments - was she using him or not. The answer is, most definitely yes. She even says so - it was all about having him protect her from Fan Qing. The problem becomes - as in most of her schemes - she is so myopically focused on her scheme she doesnt see the impact on the people around her and she really doesnt care about how they feel about it - she is just focused on the result and not the process. Hence - she doesnt see the whole problem coming down the pike with Heng Yang that others see from a mile away. Then when the problem does arrive - it was uncharacteristic of her to not just take it head on and she gets all wishy-washy about for a bit. Luckily, she finally does and it is one of the best breakups in a cdrama. Now once you get past all this first half silliness and everyone is sorted - it was fun to watch them all plot together to take down he bad guys
oof - just finished this and it was not a fun ride. This had to have been one of the more annoying cdramas I have watched recently. The story had potential and I am a fan of Gong Jun - but that almost wasn't enough. Now it wasn't bad enough for me to drop it - but, maybe I should have. This is mostly a story and character problem. Story was just too nonsensical in too many places - it's clear whoever wrote this has NO understanding of hypnotherapy or counseling or any of it. I get it s drama and I dont expect it to be 100% realistic - but it at least has to be plausible. From the FL trying unethically get access to her friends medical data, to her convincing him to use his techniques on her friend (which he gets chastised for using his job for personal reasons) to even the idea that a love advice blogger would be treating patients without any formal training or certification (she literally only had 1 semester of classes under her belt by this point) - then the ultimate - doing hypnotherapy on him in the car! There was so much wrong with this - not only was she his intern and his student - they were dating at this point - talk about no ethical standards what-so-ever! OK - now let's get to the stylist - why-oh-why! cant they dress FL's well? both her and her besties, Lou Lou - just horrendous! Bad hair (both of them - Lou Lous stupid top-knot and bad perm, the FL's horrible bangs), bad clothes (that plethora mini skirt and those shorts - ugh!) and what was up with huge, sparkly earrings all the time! The guys dont get off here - the 2ML villain and the suits that were two sizes too small - the pants that were too short with the dress shoes and no socks plus the suit jackets that were too small - really bad look. On the other side - the ML - suits that were way too big. But, my biggest annoyance, by far, was the FL character - was pretty much throwing my hands up at her throughout the whole drama. I get she was supposed to be the more free-spirited gal who brings the introvert out of his shell - but she was just ridiculous and unprofessional most of the time. No sense of boundaries, constantly making a mess for the ML where she then goes begging for forgiveness (but then keeps doing it and he keeps letting her - gah!). But, it really was the whole set up for this character - a love advice blogger turned psychologist. As pointed out MANY times in the drama - she is the grand love advice blogger with NO relationship experience AT ALL. And then BAM! get a few tips form the ML , read a few books, take a class - and then let you treat patients - um, NO! She stumbles into the counseling office because she is trying to illegally access her friends medical data (because for some reason - she cant just go ask), uses her boss wechat account (without his permission) to sign up for this class while she is sleuthing and then she makes him go - then bails on him, she was absolutely clueless about the people around her (bf, school friend, 2ML) - there was just such a level of dumbness about her that was so irritating - I could have bought it a bit if she were a teenager - but this is a woman in mid-twenties ffs. And this goes on and on through 16 episodes to then tie it up at the end where she applies for this overseas program and doesnt tell him - gets accepted and then is afraid to tell him - it just made NO sense.
Pretty darn good for a short - they usually try to do it all and it just ends up chaotic, but they stayed with just one storyline and it flowed really well. Good chemistry with leads, good villain and while I prefer HE's (and they could have done that here) - it kind of worked - just not necessary. I dont like that she doesnt find out who she really is - really the only flaw in this for me. Totally with a watch.
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.
My favorite relationship was between the ML and the Prince Heng Yang - I thought I was gonna hate it cause they started down the love-triangle path - but so not where it ended up. Instead - once of the best ending/breakups with FL and Heng Yang - writers - take note, this is how it should be. And then the bromance with Hang Yang and the ML was just the best! Only regret is that they didnt find a good woman for Heng Yang in the end.
I wanted to like the main couple - all the elements were there - mostly. There was some good chemistry - but the battering/bickering got a bit old after a while - they literally couldn't have a single conversation without it turning into fight. Everything became a game of win or lose - either about admitting something first, getting caught in a scheme or giving in - and this is just about ego and pride (more so for the FL than the ML - I dont think she ever apologized for anything she did wrong). Would also add - while sufficient kissing scenes - FL actress needs to work on her kissing skills - I say this for ALOT of these dramas - this is an interactive action - lips should be moving. At one point she goes to kiss him on the cheek and she doesnt even pucker her lips - it was basically a face plant on his cheek - it's just weird. That being said - the kisses between Prince Shang Yi and Yang Ling were en worse - soooo awkward!
I so wanted to like the FL (and I mostly did) - she was feisty and clever and straightforward (mostly - for some reason she loses this when it comes to the Heng Yang - will get this later). But she was also prideful, narcissistic, never owns her mistakes and kind of mean to the ML when she didnt need to be.
Now - I see debate on the relationship between the FL and Heng Yang here in the comments - was she using him or not. The answer is, most definitely yes. She even says so - it was all about having him protect her from Fan Qing. The problem becomes - as in most of her schemes - she is so myopically focused on her scheme she doesnt see the impact on the people around her and she really doesnt care about how they feel about it - she is just focused on the result and not the process. Hence - she doesnt see the whole problem coming down the pike with Heng Yang that others see from a mile away. Then when the problem does arrive - it was uncharacteristic of her to not just take it head on and she gets all wishy-washy about for a bit. Luckily, she finally does and it is one of the best breakups in a cdrama.
Now once you get past all this first half silliness and everyone is sorted - it was fun to watch them all plot together to take down he bad guys
The story had potential and I am a fan of Gong Jun - but that almost wasn't enough. Now it wasn't bad enough for me to drop it - but, maybe I should have.
This is mostly a story and character problem.
Story was just too nonsensical in too many places - it's clear whoever wrote this has NO understanding of hypnotherapy or counseling or any of it. I get it s drama and I dont expect it to be 100% realistic - but it at least has to be plausible. From the FL trying unethically get access to her friends medical data, to her convincing him to use his techniques on her friend (which he gets chastised for using his job for personal reasons) to even the idea that a love advice blogger would be treating patients without any formal training or certification (she literally only had 1 semester of classes under her belt by this point) - then the ultimate - doing hypnotherapy on him in the car! There was so much wrong with this - not only was she his intern and his student - they were dating at this point - talk about no ethical standards what-so-ever!
OK - now let's get to the stylist - why-oh-why! cant they dress FL's well? both her and her besties, Lou Lou - just horrendous! Bad hair (both of them - Lou Lous stupid top-knot and bad perm, the FL's horrible bangs), bad clothes (that plethora mini skirt and those shorts - ugh!) and what was up with huge, sparkly earrings all the time!
The guys dont get off here - the 2ML villain and the suits that were two sizes too small - the pants that were too short with the dress shoes and no socks plus the suit jackets that were too small - really bad look. On the other side - the ML - suits that were way too big.
But, my biggest annoyance, by far, was the FL character - was pretty much throwing my hands up at her throughout the whole drama. I get she was supposed to be the more free-spirited gal who brings the introvert out of his shell - but she was just ridiculous and unprofessional most of the time. No sense of boundaries, constantly making a mess for the ML where she then goes begging for forgiveness (but then keeps doing it and he keeps letting her - gah!). But, it really was the whole set up for this character - a love advice blogger turned psychologist. As pointed out MANY times in the drama - she is the grand love advice blogger with NO relationship experience AT ALL. And then BAM! get a few tips form the ML , read a few books, take a class - and then let you treat patients - um, NO!
She stumbles into the counseling office because she is trying to illegally access her friends medical data (because for some reason - she cant just go ask), uses her boss wechat account (without his permission) to sign up for this class while she is sleuthing and then she makes him go - then bails on him, she was absolutely clueless about the people around her (bf, school friend, 2ML) - there was just such a level of dumbness about her that was so irritating - I could have bought it a bit if she were a teenager - but this is a woman in mid-twenties ffs.
And this goes on and on through 16 episodes to then tie it up at the end where she applies for this overseas program and doesnt tell him - gets accepted and then is afraid to tell him - it just made NO sense.
Totally with a watch.