This review may contain spoilers
Low Expectations with High Payout
I had no intention of watching this as the two leads aren't impressive in previous works. So I went into it with very low to zero expectations...and I was very pleasantly surprised! What really stood out was how well balanced the entire series was...from character development, main couple dynamic, pacing, and overall visual appeal. The lead female and supporting female characters were all very well written. It was refreshing that all the female characters were not portrayed as weak damsels in distress. They were strong intelligent and nurturing and this was accomplished without emasculating the male characters (which tends to happen with most dramas).
THE GOOD:
- The pacing was good - I rarely skipped (only because I was anxious to find out what happens next)
- The lead couple are very good looking and had really good chemistry. It's been awhile since I've seen an on-screen couple have such great chemistry that makes you yearn to see them onscreen together. You're invested in their relationship
- FL - This is hands down her best role ever. While she's stunningly gorgeous and exudes a bright naive charm, her acting in other series has been average and tends to lack chemistry w/ her MLs. She nailed this role in every way, and was able to exude strength, gentleness, humor, moral character but not in an unrealistic goody two shoes, pollyanna type.
- ML - This is the first time I've seen him in a lead role (saw him as 2nd ML in Love Between Fairy & Devil). His acting was solid with this role. Portrayed the typical stoic (and at times vicious) hero character, but was able to show tenderness towards those he loved.
- The family dynamic of the village was endearing, especially the elderly neighbor couple Mr. and Mrs. Zhao.
THE BAD:
- Not much, just some minor things...
- The ML (Yan Zheng) was literally recovering from injuries throughout the entire series, it was rather excessive
- Some unanswered loose ends: For example:
1. Yu Qian Qian (restaurant owner) confesses she "has a secret, she's from a far away place" but doesn't specify where? What was her true background other than rescuing the psychotic heir to the crown?
2. Li Huai An / Wen Kan (2nd ML) - why was he punished and sent into exile? He was a 'good guy' and always operated with integrity and also helped out the main lead couple, event against his grandfather's pressures.
Overall a very good series...and I'll likely rewatch it again.
THE GOOD:
- The pacing was good - I rarely skipped (only because I was anxious to find out what happens next)
- The lead couple are very good looking and had really good chemistry. It's been awhile since I've seen an on-screen couple have such great chemistry that makes you yearn to see them onscreen together. You're invested in their relationship
- FL - This is hands down her best role ever. While she's stunningly gorgeous and exudes a bright naive charm, her acting in other series has been average and tends to lack chemistry w/ her MLs. She nailed this role in every way, and was able to exude strength, gentleness, humor, moral character but not in an unrealistic goody two shoes, pollyanna type.
- ML - This is the first time I've seen him in a lead role (saw him as 2nd ML in Love Between Fairy & Devil). His acting was solid with this role. Portrayed the typical stoic (and at times vicious) hero character, but was able to show tenderness towards those he loved.
- The family dynamic of the village was endearing, especially the elderly neighbor couple Mr. and Mrs. Zhao.
THE BAD:
- Not much, just some minor things...
- The ML (Yan Zheng) was literally recovering from injuries throughout the entire series, it was rather excessive
- Some unanswered loose ends: For example:
1. Yu Qian Qian (restaurant owner) confesses she "has a secret, she's from a far away place" but doesn't specify where? What was her true background other than rescuing the psychotic heir to the crown?
2. Li Huai An / Wen Kan (2nd ML) - why was he punished and sent into exile? He was a 'good guy' and always operated with integrity and also helped out the main lead couple, event against his grandfather's pressures.
Overall a very good series...and I'll likely rewatch it again.
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