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Emotionally Weak.
Started watching this because of Zhou Yiran and Chen Duling. Their acting and chemistry was alright but the drama is weak in terms of tugging heartstrings and keeping me on the edge of my seat.Started off as strong and intriguing, revenge dramas are one of my favourite but I did not particularly feel statisfied with this one. While yes, Chu Zhao lived a second life to get her revenge but it is missing the satisfying element whereby the perpetrator realises his/her's wrongdoings and regrets their actions. In the 2nd life, Xiao Xun had not done anything to Chu Zhao yet. His death did not evoke much emotion for me.
The political moves versus each other was good at first but it got boring and made me uninterested halfway through. So much talk yet so little actions. Too much plotting against each other back and forth. The political plotting became the main attention/plot instead of her revenge towards Xiao Xun.
Fight scenes were great, but could be better. Some of the fight scenes felt a little sloppy, could be due to camera work or how it was executed.
The romance started off good, loved the teasing back and forth and tension between the main leads, but somehow it dissipates when the drama shifts its attention to the plotting. Xie Yanlai was just obeying every single order from Chu Zhao. The romance began to lack here onwards. There was also not much character development during the drama.
Some things that I appreciate was how strong and smart Chu Zhao. She knew how to navigate in the court, I wish we were shown more on how she learned to be very smart and critical about her moves upon becoming the 'Grand Princess'.
There was also so much potential for Xie Yanlai's character development but the drama did not tapped on that.
Overall, the drama's a good watch but I wouldn't say its the best. Its decent at most, good if you need a filler drama inbetween.
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Amazing Chemistry.
Love the 90s aesthetic, I think this drama nailed the vibes and the era of the 90s. It was very cool and interesting to see old phones, houses, way of life then. The OST was perfectly matched with the aesthetic of the drama and complimented the different scenes.Story wise, the first about half of the episode till about ep20, was very engaging. As an audience it kept me wanting more; to know, learn and understand more about the main character's dynamics, family and the relationship that they had with each other. It was refreshing as the story begins with the most realistic plot that includes broken family issues, abuse and poverty. Which I think is quite rare in modern dramas lately.
After ep20+ onwards, it got a bit dry. While the tax part is crucial in the storyline, I feel like the romance/relationship growth between the ML and FL was not portrayed well. Thus, it made me felt disengaged/bored while watching at some point.
While I understand the FL is trying to get the ML to understand that she's no longer a kid that needs protection all the time (therefore there's friction here and there), the drama did not portray well on whether the ML understood FL's POV. Basically his 'growth' as a character was not shown well.
Towards the end, I think it was quite well done, their relationship, feelings towards each other. It was nice to also see their dating era. This brings me to the chemistry between the main leads.
SWL and ZJY had an amazing chemistry together. Despite my feedback about the lack of portrayal of the male lead's growth, I could feel how much Chen Yi cared for Miao Jing. It doesn't make sense how selfless he was with her but then again love itself does not make sense.
Despite the drama lacking at some parts, their chemistry outshined. Both of them suits each other so well and it was endearing to see them on screen. Their acting was good, which was important as this drama was emotionally heavy at times. Honestly, need another drama of them playing as leads again!
Overall, I enjoyed watching this drama. Would recommend if you want something refreshing and realistic.
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Amazing overall —but confusing politics
Finally caved in and started watching this to understand what's the hype is all about. These are what stood out to me the most overall.In the beginning of the drama, it was a good introduction to Changyu's background and her personality as a 19 year old girl, surviving based off butchering pigs for herself and her sister Changning.
The first half of the drama has my heart. It was so wholesome and intriguing which made me curious to see more of the FL and ML. As Yan Zheng and Changyu became closer, emotions and love began to blossom without them realising.
Then the angst era came. When Yan Zheng has to leave, still hiding his identity, he could not deny his feelings for her. And honestly, props to Changyu for slapping him after that uninvited kiss. At this point, while I understand Yan Zheng's reasons, Changyu's feelings and reactions are valid too. He was leaving yet he kissed her. One thing I liked about this drama was that Yan Zheng later apologised for the kiss later on in the story.
Changyu's decision to enter the army to find him showed how strong her feelings was for Yan Zheng, even if she had not explicitly said it. The angst hit again when Changyu found out his identity.
I have to admit, the angst was really well written and executed in the drama. It did not felt draggy to the point as an audience you feel frustrated. In this drama, the angst was necessary for character and relationship development between each other.
This brings me to the pacing of the story. I had never once felt that it was too rushed or draggy. It was paced perfectly. As the romance and story unfolds, the romance part was perfect. The actions, OST and the acting of both ML and FL was amazing.
The only thing that I wished could've been better was when the drama began to introduce the political issues. It was confusing as I could not identify the main problem or what and why are the different villains acting in such manner. I could not differentiate which characters are from which clan in the beginning.
As the story continues to unfold, I could only then started to have an 'Aha!' moment, finally figuring out piece by piece.
Cinematography wise, everything was so beautifully filmed. The fight scenes was executed perfectly, and it was really cool to see Changyu in action as someon who loves a strong FL.
The ending was good, but has some loopholes. It highlights the possibility of Qian Qian being a time traveller, and was she the reason that everyone who had died in Lin'an to be alive again? Did she went back in time to prevent the massacre from happening?
The end credits was a nice touch. It was wholesome to see how things would've turned out in another life.
Overall, I enjoyed this drama. The plot, action and romance was well done. However, the political side and the explanation of the ending could've been better. I'd recommend watching this drama!
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Lighthearted Drama
Managed to finish watching this within 3 days! Been watching heavy dramas, this was a perfect lighthearted drama that I was looking for. I started watching with no expectations.The story plot was pretty good, simple yet interesting enough to keep you watching. Even during the 'heavy' parts, it did not felt too emotionally draining. But because there's only 10 episodes, it does feel a little rush as some parts were just skimmed through.
Acting wise, started watching this because of Lee Jun-young, been a fan of his dramas and acting for awhile. He delivers the comedy and romance perfectly. Although during the 'heavy' scenes, I could not seem to get too into it. This could be because of the pacing of the story. But as it is kind of a light drama, I think its alright.
For the female lead, her acting was good, nothing extraordinary. Some parts especially with her family background and issues did made me tear up a little. Other than that, it was decent.
The ending of the drama was a little abrupt for me. I had expected to see more scenes after the ML and FL had gotten together. But this could be due to the 10 ep limit that this drama has.
Overall, I enjoyed it. If you're looking for something light yet a little comedic, this is the drama you're looking for!
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