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This review may contain spoilers
A very decent drama about a dark, angsty, misunderstanding-fueled red-flag romance.
(I don't want to spoiler anyone, so click "read more" to view, if you want the quick and dirty summary of this show :P )>
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Mannn, it starts off with ML doing some really messed up shit to the FL. But it's all good, because she goes to great lengths to get even. And then mannnn does she do some messed up shit to him! Then they both feel very regretful, and kind of decide to do like a "do-over".
The kisses are decent, the show is kind of tame, but with a spicy kick. The ML and FL have mad chemistry, they look so freakin good together, and they both are great actors. They make such a good pair.
The other parts of this show are really on point. Acting by supporting cast, costumes and styling, music, direction, everything fits together very seamlessly and is so well done, that it's almost hypnotic how you get immersed and just want to keep watching another episode and another and another.... There were parts of the storyline that could have been made more clear, so it's kind of blocky and disjointed. But not too much, it's mainly fine. None of the dialogue really stands out as genius, but it flows nicely and there's no cringe.
This starts out as a toxic as hell romance, but it doesn't end as one. I guess you could say they get it all out of their system and become cured of their sadistic urges toward one another. There is an HE, but it's one of those last-minue HE's that isn't really super satisfying. But the bulk of the show itself is very satisfying, so..... you could see it as a trade-off.
I think it's mayyyybe rewatchable. If I decided one day to rewatch it, it would be for the ML and FL performances, and for the pretty ratcheted-up levels of angst combined with a pleasing dose of spice. The kiss scenes could have been better, but they also could have been a lot worse. This is a cut above the average short-length drama. Definitely worth a one-time watch at least.
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I do not say this lightly - TOTAL MASTERPIECE.
I have seen over 400 dramas. I have given a 10 to a drama only ONE time. But I will say unequivocally right now, that this is one of the best asian dramas of all time, and not only will I award it my second 10 ever, but if I could I would give it an 11.Learning To Love stands toe to toe with the heaviest hitters of drama like What Happened in Bali, A Million Stars Falling From the Sky, Meteor Garden, Goodbye My Princess, The Rose, Secret, Que Sera Sera, That Winter The Wind Blows, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Yanxi Palace, Kleun Cheewit, Chugakusei Nikki, or Rise of the Phoenixes. This is so good it's hard to put into words, but for the sake of leaving a review, I will try not to go on too much and keep this brief... while still conveying the insane degree to which this show is both A) a really effing good watch and B) an incredible work of art.
Where to even start....
The main theme of the story is refracted in a hundred tiny ways all throughout -- each character and each action kind of mirrors possible past or future or parallel lives of the other characters in this incredible kalidescope where you can see how any character could 'there but for the grace of god' be another character, and they all reflect aspects of eachother while retaining a deep and unique individuality at the same time. It's so gorgeous how it's all laid out, and how everything subtly connects to everything else. It's just poetry. Every aspect of this drama transcends the sum of its parts in a myriad of fractals that would be impossible for me to describe in less than 10k words, so I'll spare you. Suffice it to say, it is just so damn good.
This leads into mentioning the cinematography which was classic, beautiful, balanced, powerful. Cinematography that actually added it's own voice to the story, like a narrator's voice in a really good book. Plus, it has that throwback feel we all crave and miss so much from classic asian dramas. We all complain that "they don't make em like they used to". Well, this IS like they used to make 'em. So much so, that when they mentioned "covid" at one point, it kind of threw me off for a minute, because this drama feels so much like one of the really good older dramas.
(And can I just mention here that the ost/bgm is a SLAVE to the story. It serves ONLY to accent the emotions carried in the scene, and it is just as perfectly executed as every other part of this production.)
The characters - all of them - are compelling and SO well-acted. A flawless ensemble, led by two fantastic actors that deftly carry the story and convey so many emotions... this was impeccable casting, and impeccable acting. I haven't been this impressed in a long time. This is where imo it stands above even major classics like Rise of the Phoenixes... Kimura Fumino and Murakami Raul Maito are doing double the lifting compared to Chen Kun and Ni Ni in RotP. I almost can't find an equivalent to compare them to, and they deserve to be considered among some of the best performances of all time.
The vibe of this drama has a very classic flavor, the emotional angst and tension is so palpable, so much happens in each episode, not a minute of screentime is wasted. Gives off an aura of 'A Million Stars Falling From The Sky'. And something really incredible happens as the episodes progress.... the story could end in so many different ways, or it could end on any scene itself and still be really really good. You know what's going to happen like a trainwreck in slow motion, and yet you don't actually know what's going to happen at ALL because there are so many possibilities for where the story could go, and as it hurtles toward it's inevitable ending, you still get the feeling like each new scene will hold some fresh magic in it. You get this incredible blend of dread and hope mixed together indistinguishably from one another, and it just relentlessly ratchets up and up through each episode as the possibilities for how it will end keep multiplying. Every character's psyche is peeled layer by painstaking layer and we are afraid and excited by what we will find at the core of each person. Each character is slowly and inexorably pushed towards their breaking point... the true selves they hide to the world have less and less room to hide... and it all feels so volatile and mysterious as you watch it unfold.
I cannot say enough good things about this drama, and I cannot possibly recc it more to anyone prepared for a serious watch. This is gripping and angsty and a little bit of a hard watch, but so so so freaking good. Nailed the ending. Actors are just so incredible here. So much heart and soul are in this.... it feels like a masterclass in what an asian drama is supposed to be.
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A fine spicy artisan cheese for red-flag ML lovers.
ML = Ryan Ren is a fireball of talented hotness. He has a devastating sanpaku stare, and knows how to strike the right tone between comedy and deadly sexy-serious, which is often a difficult balance for actors. He's amazing.FL = Li Xing Yao is a magical combination of sexy and cute, and she happens to also be an incredible actress. She is so natural on camera playing her role, that there are parts where she sounds like a RL person caught on hot mic.
THESE TWO BRING THE SPICE! If it had been two other lesser actors in these roles, the story would be unwatchable. If this drama is worth a watch at all, it's because the ML and FL are both total powerhouse actors that carried this piece of shit script across the finish line.
Director = Did a pretty damn quality job, for a short-length. Clean, attractive camerawork and an unrushed feeling as far as pacing. Great styling, solid bgm.
The Story = Cheese lovers rejoyce!!! This one's for you. Its just a silly thrill-ride. This isn't wall-to-wall insanity like My Lethal Man. It's just a light snack, and amuse-bouche if you will. But it's entertaining and sexaayyy.
The Weak Points: Firstly. They could have gone a little bit darker with the tone, because this ML is so smoldering and intense onscreen, they could have really bent the story a little bit more to the serious and obsessive side to highlight his strengths and match his energy. The FL carries an aura of sweetness that could have really juxtaposed to that well. They gave off a really good "devil/angel" vibe that they could have explored further and didn't. Secondly. The last episode got lazy. It's sort of OK, but mainly it's facepalm city.
The Strong Points: Breakout performances by both lead actors. The comedy plays well. The story moves along quickly, lending itself to a one-night binge session. The high spice level throughout the show is a nice change of pace from our usual c-drama fare. Great direction that turned a garbagey screenplay into a very watchable drama.
It was fun, and I'd do it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
What an absolute cowpie.
I will sum this bad boy up for you real fast.(Click "read more" so I don't spoiler any of the masochists who want to torture themselves on purpose.)
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Here goes.
Blahblahblah some republican era shit blah blah blahblah secret weapons cache. Blahblah blah blahblah gun points at FL, FL tied up and dragged and crying and strangled and thrown on the bed and yelled at blah blah blah. 2FL justwow blah blah fake pregnancy blah blah whatever some secret meetings and uniforms some army shit idk. Blahblahblah blah blah gratuitously shirtless ML doing some shit idk wound dressing or nonconsentual sexy time or drunken undressing blahblahblah.
WHAT, A FACE CHANGE SURGERY OMG blah blah and FL is like YOU LYING PIECE OF SHIT IM NEVER TALKING 2 U AGAIN. Blah blah crying crying getting drunk breaking glass coughing blood. Blah blah blah blah ML DIES.
Thats ok though because the peoples army lives on or some shit. And maybe if you close your eyes really tight and wish really hard, ML isnt dead though so hey.
THE END.
*Bad dubbing
*2FL is a mentally retarded narcissist with an underbite problem.
*Villain does the villain-laugh like literally after every sentence and its so cringe. Bro. Get a desk job and give up acting, srsly.
*I give it a generous 4.5 because at least it didn't put me to sleep 20 times.
*I would recc this to, say, a coworker I pretend to like because I have to, but who really deep down I don't like.
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I've seen 400+ dramas, and this is the only drama I've ever given a 10.
I am a vampire freak, who loves romances when they are dark, slow-burn, supernatural, obsessive, angsty and passionate. I love stories with an ML who is red-flag, possessive, controlling, antihero, badass, or morally gray. I like stories about demons, devils, gumihos, legendary beings... you get the idea.This drama isn't about vampires at all. But it's so close it might as well be. He looks, talks, acts, and thinks just like a vampire. All that's missing is the fangs and the superhuman abilities. And it's funny that a drama that is in no way about vampires, is the best vampire romance I've ever come across. It just satisfies my vamp-cravings so perfectly.
SoKP is deliciously slow burn. The best slow burn I know of besides Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre'. An unbelievable amount of patience is required to get to the payoff. But what a payoff. The fire that finally sets off is so hot that it permanently scarred my brain.
Aesthetics and color palate, styling and makeup and costumes... everyone in this drama was made to look incredible. Even the tertiary characters. I'm not saying everyone was stunningly model-hot. I'm saying they brought out each actor's best. This is true on an acting level as well. The directors and producers cared about each actor and actress, about their inner beauty and their natural talent shining through. The execution of this story was almost completely flawless. The casting was perfect in every way. Ling He is so excruciatingly gorgeous, and Bai Lu is beautiful beyond compare in her role here. Supporting cast was incredible and perfectly suited to their individual roles.
The political/intrigue part of the story was interesting, immersive, sufficiently complex to hold your attention, but not overly complex to make you feel muddled and mentally taxed as you watch.
I cannot recc this drama enough. HOWEVER. You will not like this drama if you fall into one of the following categories:
Looking for a green-flag ML---> this ML is morally gray, controlling, manipulative, forceful. There is some throat-grabbing and forced kisses as well.
Like to watch "boring stuff" on 2x and FFW'd during dramas regularly when your attention isn't engaged ---> this story requires your full attention, immersion, and patience in order to experience the full effect of the romance. It will not hold up to someone who is skipping or 2x-ing through parts, because you'll kill the pacing and atmosphere that needs to be established. You can skip some parts in episode 1 to get you going, but after that, I'd strongly advise against it.
This is a very special drama. You can never watch it for the first time twice. So, if you do decide to give this a chance, savor your first watch-through. Watch it on a dark, rainy weekend when you can binge it fully. with the lights out and some candles going or something, and let yourself get really into it. Happy viewing <3
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A respectable attempt at a remake, but misses the mark in some crucial ways.
The original Korean version of this story was already sort of short on actual substance. As a story it has very simple moving parts, and the engine that drives everything else is the magnetic fiery attraction between the ML and FL. It is the centerpiece of the drama. The Japanese version tamps down that fire, and lacks the same level of chemistry, which is a huge mistake, because it sucks what precious little substance there is right out of the story and leaves you feeling like you watched some empty avant garde show about nothing.Sure there's some chemistry in the Japanese version, and the ML and FL look like they could share a nice wicked kiss in an elevator or something. But in the Korean version, the ML and FL look like they are always 3 seconds away from leaping over the table and attacking eachother right there on the floor. This is a CRUCIAL difference in the shows. The whole POINT of it is that the ML is a player, and the FL makes him completely unable to be impartial or emotionally divorced from their insane attraction. She knocks him off his game, and he tries to hide that from her. Whereas in the Japanese version, the ML feels enigmatic and calculating, smooth and controlled. His eyes don't have that wild dark animal look for her. What he looks like is a womanizer who finds that the FL tugs at his heartstrings. That's a totally different dynamic, and one that doesn't work for this story.
So we have two totally different ML's. And we also have two totally different FL's -- In the Korean version, the FL is capable of seeing her world through the glasses of realism and caution, but at the end of the day she is a free spirit, and she is unconventional and independent. When she gives in to her attraction to the ML, it feels like she's liberating herself; shedding a restrictive part of herself that gives her pure relief and joy to take off... like she's flying. That's not the essence of the Japanese character's FL. When the Japanese FL gets together with the ML, it feels like she's driven by wild impulse that frightens her when she confronts it. She doesn't feel the sensation of flying, she feels the sensation of vertigo. She worries, she becomes insecure, she doubts herself and doubts him.
I can see how they tried to create a good artistic take on the original, but you can't make a story that's supposed to be about a wild powerful intense attraction, and then dial down the actual attraction between the ML and FL and expect to faithfully recreate the story. The Japanese version is "sexy" but that's not enough for this story. It needs pure fire to drive it, or else it loses its original meaning.
And what stylist dressed these actors, it's completely god-awful.
Korean version = better version
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Unique story that could have been reworked into a great drama with more time and attention.
People are comparing this to 50 Shades, but they're not all that alike, at least in terms of plot. The reason why it reminds people of 50 Shades is because it's the same type of spice (overtones of S&M), similar color palate and styling (black/white/gray, expensive and spartan interiors, simple & classic styles for hair and wardrobe), and an extremely controlling ML.But where 50 Shades' story focuses more on the relationship itself, and the growth of the characters, this story does not. Deep Love Love Again reminds me more of Secret or My Lethal Man, with pretty outrageous plotlines and characters. It seems like it might borrow some of it's inspiration from the classic story 'La Femme Nikita'.
It wasn't bad at all. The actors were exemplary and their chemistry was fire. But it just had too many shortcomings to rise above mediocre. For starters, the story was laid out in a disjointed way. It was meant to be mysterious and keep you guessing, but it missed the mark and turned out simply confusing. It was meant to reflect S&M tastes in spice, but the characters don't have enough depth and consistency to create a good S&M relationship. There are some loose ends that never get wrapped up. The dialogue is too sparse, vague, and devoid of emotional content.
These are technical issues that could have been remedied with enough time for the scriptwriters to go back over it and fix it, but all projects are on a budget and a schedule, and I'm sure they just ran out of time to polish the story. But the basic plotline is solid.... moreso than many dime-a-dozen short length dramas. And the aesthetic is different than what you usually see in a mini c-drama, which was refreshing. None of the problems with this drama had anything to do with the actors, who all gave excellent performances and were very well cast.
There was a decent level of spice, but even so, it should have been spicier. It was a decent one-time watch, and the plot deserves to be recycled into a longer drama by someone who can actually make it shine.
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If a plate of scrambled eggs wrote a screenplay, it would have written this.
You may or may not have fun watching this one. But you'll probably have fun talking about it in the comments.So many things don't really make sense. So. Many. Things. Where to even start.
You will be confronted on many levels by this drama. It begins with an ML who is supposed to be "almost 30".... being played by an actor who is 47. That is an 18 year age difference. Some say the ML is hot and manly. That is up to you to decide. But we can safely say there is something strange going on in his neck area, and his hair makes him look like an ancient chinese car salesman. Maybe that will bother you. Maybe it wont. Who knows.
Then you will be confronted by a 2ML who you will have to decide if you ship. Will you think he's Simpy McSimperson, an NPC with no real character of his own, who is annoying and stupid and serves no real purpose in the show? Or will you think he's sexylicious, and the FL's only real friend, and she's stupid for not running off with him to live a live of banditry in the woods? There is no telling, you'd just have to find out for yourself.
Then you will be confronted by the way the ML treats the FL. Is he manly and protective with reasons of his own for doing what he does? Or is he stockholming the FL and being a spineless passive aggressive douchebag? That's up to you to decide.
You will also be confronted by ML/FL kiss scenes. Will you think they are fiery and electric? Or will you think they are disturbing and strange. There is only one way to find out, and that's to see it for yourself.
And then... you will be confronted by plot holes. Lots of them. You could make a game out of it.... how many plot holes did YOU find? Five? Ten? Twelve? Winner gets bragging rights. You will likewise be confronted with a mind boggling amount of scheming and villainy. Sometimes you will not understand why a character did what they did or said what they said. Does anyone have the answers to clear your confusion? Perhaps. Or perhaps not.
I can say, the styling was really phoned-in and lo-effort. There were some scenes where I was looking at the dotted pattern along the wigline on ML closeups. I can also say that there is an abundance of overacting. It's not THAT bad, but it's there. Many actors and actresses on this drama were overacting to one degree or another. For some, it was just a hint of overacting, like the FL. For others on the supporting cast, the overacting was really quite much. And that's fine, I don't really mind that so much if other factors are present. But just so you know going in... this is less of an understated, subtle drama.... and more of a thrill-ride drama. I guess what you'd expect from 30-min episodes, really. Let's just say these performances aren't winning any awards, know what I'm sayin. It's meant more for fun, and not for serious viewing. If you go into this one very serious-minded.... you are going to have a BAD time. But if you go in to watch just for fun.... who knows what kind of time you'll have.
It's all mixed up. It's kind of mindless. Plot and logistics of things are pretty nebulous. Ending was kind of.... shall we say conversation-inspiring. Will you like it? Maybe. Or.... maybe not. I am reminded of a Blackadder quote by Lord Talbert Buxomley: "This drama talks like a plate of beans negotiating it's way out of a cow's digestive system." And I think that says it best, really.
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Not your typical republican-era drama -- in a good way.
This is a stylish and well-produced binge watch, with a fabulous ML, and an FL that compliments him well. Unlike most republican era short length dramas, this one actually has quite a few funny and cute moments woven into it. Although its technically a revenge story, the focus is really more on the main characters' friends and family in a way that makes the journey of the ML and FL rather satisfying to watch.The spice is not quite what you'd expect from a republican-era short, but it's still brings plenty of heat, and the kiss scenes are very very decent.
Overall I found this a well balanced show, with elements of humor, danger, action, intrigue, and sweetness. It was a little bit fluffy, and a little bit fiery. One thing it was not, was heavy. So you won't want to go into this with a super serious mindset, it's meant to be something of a light watch.
The only issue I had with it was the way the last few episodes kind of get a little bit weird. But it's not that bad, the ending is still good basically.
I enjoyed it greatly, and I'd recc it to anyone looking for a good binge as a break between longer, heavier dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
Awesome acting, directing & music meets tired plot with cop-out ending.
Wow the acting was so good, especially considering many scenes were probably difficult to stay in character, due to cgi or cheesy script. But ML and FL were truly believable with awesome chemistry. Directing was really good, everything was beautiful, sexy and exciting. Music elevated the scenes and pulled the story into cohesion. Costumes and makeup were budget-excellent.But the plot is cliche af, and the story/script are loaded with cheese. This could have been overlooked if the ending was satisfying, but it isnt. So very worth one watch, but idk about a rewatch though.
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THE STORY IS SPICY, AND THE DELIVERY IS DAMN HOT!
This drama is LIT. But don't be fooled by the hype, this isn't a one size fits all crowd-pleaser. It's a love-it-or-hate-it.You will have a bad time with this drama if:
*You're uncomfortable with pseudo-incest dramas
*You can't stand FL's babydoll brand of coquettishness
*You go in with high expectations that this is going to be some kind of Lighter & Princess or Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love
You will have a good time with this if:
*You go into it knowing that you're watching basically a pimped out on steroids version of a short-length c-drama scorcher.
* Your standards are "I hope it's at least as good as Embrace In The Dark Night"
* You like it when your dramas play up the "dark ML/ light FL" dynamic
If this sounds like your scene, then this is what you will get:
DARK FIRE DONE RIGHT. This is the most clutch point you need to know about this drama.... it has a kinky side. If you can't handle taboo/dark/forbidden/morally gray stuff, you gonna dislike this show. ML and FL are not blood related. But he fed her her first bottle when she was a baby, they show a flashback scene of it. Mkay. And that's the basic foundational dynamic. He played an outsized role in raising her for the first half of her life. Now that the two of them are of-age, they are semi-cohabitating alone together, and their father is ambivalent about it. He probably wanted to see them get together from the time she was born. There's a scene where ML goes to her parent-day at school. It's like that.
Now add another layer: They take it to the next level with the innocent/badboy dynamics here. They dress her up in barettes and little girl dresses and corsets and frills with porcelain perfect skin and she does the babydoll thing. They put him in black hoodies, old ripped up metallica tees, leather, black raver pants, and he almost never cracks a smile or loses his cool.
Not only that, but seen through a green-flag lens, he's allowing his attraction to her to drag her down into a life full of risks and crime and danger, throw away her future education and career prospects, and tie her down without any real way of supporting her. And he's practically her brother.
If all of that bothers you, this is not your drama. For some of us, this dynamic is completely lit. And we don't get enough of our kind of romance stories. You green flaggers have so many dramas to choose from, we don't. Our romance stories always have to do so much extra to make it past censors and find a good script and get funding. Well this one's for us, not for you! We like it DARK!
Now that the green-flaggers have been scared off, let me just say to everyone still interested even after all that: Waaaahhhhhh they nailed it!!!
Yes, FL is doing babydoll. But the way she does it here is ***justified by the script***, and feels genuine compared to many other FL's who try to do babydoll and fail. Her EQ is high. She is often quiet, shy, or demure. But she is very clever, and often her silence is her shield. She uses it to stop and think things out carefully on her own before she acts. She also has a precocious, brave, independent side. She is unafraid in many situations: She unflinchingly navigates during car chases and she takes it upon herself to learn to drive racecars, she jumps in to melees and kicks bad guys' asses, she can stand alone in the center of a crowd of intimidating people in an unfamiliar situation and keep her cool no problem. Without asking anyone's permission, she enrolls herself in school, and she insists on getting her way when something is important to her. She is actually a strong personality. That's why she can *afford* to act so soft and sweet and innocent. She is NOT a doormat, and she is NOT infantile or helpless.
ML is stoic, protective, secretive, and is tortured by a constant low-grade guilt that comes from knowing that having a thing for the girl you fed bottles to as an infant is basically deviant. Yet that guilt is always wrestling in his mind with another part of him that is fierce and unapologetic in his desire for her. And he is a total shitkicker. He's always banged up, bruised up, covered in dirt, sweat or blood.
It goes so much harder and darker than Hidden Love, and with NO groomy aftertaste.
EXCELLENT FASHION. The hair. The clothes. The shoes. The makeup. The sets. The way they portray Thailand. The color palatte. The dialogue. The extras. The cars. The people involved in creating the aesthetics for this show really had their shit together. Coture + thrift store = HOT. There is always a contrast and a seamless melding between rich and poor, having everything and having nothing. It feels authentic. Everything has it's own beauty. Extras and side characters are treated right by stylists, and full justice is done for the script.
CARS! I love how the topic of the drama is not treated as just a pretext for romance and fight scenes. It's treated like it's an important part of the story. This makes cars sexy and interesting, and gets you so involved with the racing scenes in a way that reminds me of Days of Thunder, F&F, or Rush. And yet it is still a *romance*. It doesn't look like some male person's testosterone and car fanaticism muscled out the softer and more romantic side of the story. It's a completely seamless blend of both.
This drama kicks the sh*t out of Fast and Furious, Need for Speed, and Mia Culpa. It also kicks the sh*t out of almost every other badboy ML romance out there, and in this sense, just as far as 'ultimate badboy' characters go, ranks among some of the best with stories like SOPK, WDBTD, EITDN, LOTEOD, MLM, and TTEOTM.
9,5/10
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Way better than your average short-length C-drama...
Style is devastatingly on point. Wardrobes are so beautiful, and that's exceedingly rare for a c-drama. Actors are HAWT, and actresses are cute and sexy. Settings and aesthetics are satisfyingly luxe and gorgeous with sumptuous colors.... (really REALLY amazing achievement considering I'm sure they had budget constraints). Ep 1 WHIPS you into the story immediately. Pacing is really good. Chemistry is fire. Kilig? Yes. Spice? Yes. And oh my GOD it is so. frikkin. FUNNY.Issues ---> the pacing is almost too fast because you just want to slowww down and enjoy every second of it..... the subtitles are really rough going..... some of the soundtrack is buffed out because it's like a youtube thing or whatever... and the basic plot they build off (writer gets sucked into their own drama, and slowly realizes that the villain is actually the ML), is pretty tired in current year. Finally, the biggest problem imo.... not enough kisses. I think there's only 2 or 3 kiss scenes, and they are pretty decent. But considering this couple's chemistry and the fact that it's a short length series, there should be more.
Definitely worth a watch, and likely a rewatch too.
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Best acting I've ever seen from Luo Zheng
Since the first time I saw Luo Zheng in a drama, I've been fascinated by his looks. That strange blend of alien and sexy. His onscreen personality seemed so odd and awkward, yet also sweet. And at the same time, he pulls off some really dark twisted comedy sometimes that's both creepy and hilarious. So many facets to his personality, he is much more than the strange sexy alien he appears at first.I'll watch anything he's in. Past few years he's managed to break out of the CEO romance ML he'd been typecast into. At first I liked this, because I wanted to see him in other roles. But his roles have been wildly experimental, and I haven't always liked them. This is another experimental drama, and it starts off confusing as hell. In fact I had no idea what was going on until maybe ep 13-15.... It's *that* kind of drama.
However, if you just let the drama take you where it's going to take you and let your logics sit back and relax, eventually these characters start to become more and more vivid, they take on more and more depth. The actors are giving really good performances, and the screenplay's dialogue is intelligent, multilayered, and psychologically adept to the point that sometimes a few lines of dialogue will transcend into something approaching true art. The settings and wardrobes are thoughtful, deliberate and restrained, as is the OST/BGM.
In the center of all this is Luo Zheng's performance, where he displays a depth - and range - of emotion that honestly I didn't even know he had in him. Especially after that one he did where he played a steelworker, omg what even was that. His projects lately have not been instilling a confidence in me that his career is thriving. But this drama is probably (so far) the highlight of his career in terms of acting. It shows he deserves to be taken very seriously, not just as a hot weird lookin CEO ML, but as a talented actor in his own right.
As much as I'd love to see him back in another CEO romance (or indeed anything that's fluffy/dark) he can do more than just that. This script showcased his abilities as an actor, but it's not the funnest watch. It's a very "make you think" watch, very artsy. I'm optimistic now about what Luo Zheng's future holds because he's shown he can take on bigger and more adventurous projects.
This would not have been possible without the FL Zhao Yao Ke and other supporting characters being able to match his pace and tone, and bring the script to life, and they did such an incredible job... If I were involved with the creation of this project, I'd be very proud of it. It's not the best drama out there. It's unassuming, quiet, it takes it's time to leave it's impressions on you. It is understated and deals with heavier subjects like spousal abuse, rage, victimhood, divorce, miscarriage, fame, obsession, heartbreak, etc. But despite not being a candidate for Drama of the Year, imo it would be a valid and interesting submission to Cannes. It has artistic merit, and it has sexy Luo Zheng giving a really amazing performance.
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OK for a Republican Era drama, but don't expect miracles, just great kiss scenes & a decent story.
I tend to find RE c-dramas usually have incredibly boring plots, but this screenplay was better than average because they kept the story simple, and didn't write main characters that go over the top and say or do implausible things that make it hard to relate to them. I wouldn't say it's the most engaging story ever, but I followed along without wanting to skip around, and for my standards that's def above average.ML is the best part about this drama, as is usual for him. Zi Xian is a powerful onscreen force, capable of believable emotions and deep piercing stares or soft affectionate gazes, who can breathe life into his characters and convince you they're real, and who can kiss probably better than anyone in c-dramaland... and as such it's a challenge for actors and directors to keep up with him.
The 2ML actor really stood out, being able to match ZX's onscreen charisma. This was something of a breakout performance for him, and I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of him in the future, not just because he has a gorgeous babyface, but also because he brings a lot of energy to his characters and seems to be a natural acting talent.
FL and 2FL were not spectacular, but they were good, and at no point did they wreck the vibe of the show, or become annoying.... although whoever the costume designer who dressed them is, they should be fired and never work in c-dramas again. These ladies are beautiful, and they deserve better than to be dressed in velvet drapery and vinyl tablecloths.
Supporting characters were really pretty bad.... you get your typical side-character overacting for the mostpart, although the Japanese villain was played well, I think. The bgm and ost were really incredibly standard-sounding, but at least the songs never drowned out the emotions or dialogue in the scenes they were playing over. I think the direction and editing were decent, but a little too blocky and disjointed to really create a truly addictive flow for the viewer. If you combine all these factors together (boilerplate ost, hammy supporting cast, silly clothing choices, choppy editing), the impression it leaves is of a "typical Republican Era drama".
However because of the ML and 2ML, the easy and un-confusing pace of the story, and the satisfactory ending, I think this is one of those shows that's at the top of the pile when it comes to it's genre. Above average.
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This review may contain spoilers
Racy kiss scene and good actors can't rescue this slapdash drama.
Theres a slight ending spoiler in this review, just fair warning....❤
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The plot was "not bad". I didnt like the vague open ended tragedy-ish vibe of the ending, but the story itself was kind of creative and had some fresh twists.
Screenwriters took that creative plot and doused it in mediocrity. Director took that mediocre script, and used it to make a drama that looks like they spent about a week shooting scenes for. Everything seems really loose n fast as far as direction: Actors lacked conviction of their characters, had not developed chemistry with one another, performances were tepid, action scenes were boring, sets and costumes were extremely 'typical'.... the director didn't care.
Then in the middle of this snoozer, theres a kinda racy love scene, with a french kiss and everything! But (and I cant believe i'm saying this) it wasn't really that hot. It was just curious and odd. Because it felt like the lead-up to it wasn't really there. ML/FL don't feel like they have much chemistry going with eachother. Once again, I blame the director, because both of these actors ARE capable of better, more electric performances. But no one can do their job when theyre being rushed, and that includes actors too.
What an absolute waste of a french kiss, my goodness.
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