Revenge served sweet
This drama has a not quite new premise- very similar to Perfect Marriage Revenge. But, this drama is so well done, I didn't care! There is one trope that I hate when they have a smart character use, so not a perfect 10, but oh, so close! The casting is perfect, the character development is spot on, and they even wrapped it up with a cute, extended bow! Well worth the 16 episodes!Was this review helpful to you?
A bit of a sleeper!
This drama came to me off the tail of Pursuit of Jade. I loved that drama as so many did. Somehow this more recent costume drama satisfied a need I didn't realize I had. Set in the late 1900's, a time I remember fondly, this drama was a trip down memory lane, only in China! The costuming was spot on. The technology and building boom amidst a surge in capitalism was pitch perfect. Corruption, gangs... exactly what society faced all while trying to figure out how to get a piece. Chef's kiss! A strong female lead who uses her knowledge wisely, a supportive, equally wise male lead who would keep his woman in his sight no matter what, and a full supporting cast that rounded out the drama made this ensemble one for the books. A bit slice of life, a bit business, a solid but not showy romance make this the perfect watch when you are not sure what to watch. I'll be sure to watch again.Was this review helpful to you?
Just hit play
Only 8 short episodes (on Viki) and man did they all pack a punch! I've never seen this ML or FL before, but they were perfect. Add an adorable child actor and superb! Action, romance, humor, plot twists... it's all here! The description doesn't do it justice. One or two small things introduced that were left unsaid to drop it from a 10 but otherwise awesome!!! Just hit play and enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
Unplug your brain and enjoy!
Having just finished a heavy plot drama, I needed something lighter when I stumbled on this. No big names, no crazy sets, just compelling story telling. Were there plot holes? Yes. Was there some nice cast chemistry? Also yes. Was it a bit messy at times? Yes. Did I ever want to drop it? No. The story tackled a lot in 240 minutes, and I think that's where they missed the boat. A tighter script would have given this a 10. That said, grab a popcorn and binge!Was this review helpful to you?
A different take
This drama came out at a time when the concept of female generals in Chinese dramas was fairly unheard of. It took all the norms and threw them out the window. I loved that at the time! But I'm not convinced that it aged well. Highly entertaining if not over exaggerated. Loved it, not so much on the re-watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Perfect mini-drama
Coming in at 12 episodes, about one hour a piece, this drama packed a lot into its episodes. Binge watched this addictive drama and loved every second. No bloated cast, no loose ends, wrapped with a pretty bow! Could have gone full melo, but chose to walk the line well instead. Great cast, great music with a seeming not big budget. Based on a webtoon of the same name, it could also be compared to Marry My Husband (both Korean and Japanese versions.) Both originals came out in 2021. Well done either way. Give it a watch and enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
I hate to like this drama
Really about a 8.7. But couldn't in good faith give it a 9. A drama full of food porn with a scant side of romance. But not truly dramatic romance- emotional slow burn enemies to friends to romance. The first 20 episodes flew by, really great development of all characters. You could see the arcs building then it bloomed into a 15 different direction mess. After that, my finger stayed on the fast forward button. And was saved in the end. Sorta. I loved our leads. Thank you for all our Ethan fan service. I cried over tanghulu and can never unsee Boris doing the can-can. I hate to like this drama, but I did.Was this review helpful to you?
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Start to finish great!
So, I rewatched, on binge, this drama three times while airing. Each time I took a little something more from it! I paused to watch the whole thing until I had the time to deal with the unraveling I knew was coming. And I am so glad I did! This drama deserves nothing less than the stellar rating it is receiving. Beautifully cast, fantastically acted. Love, hate, rich, poor, black and white, right and wrong-and every shade of all things in between. It even paid homage to the book without needing to delve fully into it and losing the story it set out to tell. If I had to nit-pick, I would say that the exquisite world cut scenes could have been cut back to give the story a bit more character time at the end. I also know that the music was not loved by all, but thought it fit well for the emotions it needed to carry. Overall, my final binge, from start to finish, delivered the amazing story and characters I knew I would love. In fact, I many need to watch it again soon!Was this review helpful to you?
Strong leads, stronger pair!
I had to buy the VIP at iQiYi because the free episodes had me hooked. And I am not disappointed. Slightly episodic with a overarching plotline, this drama flew by. Imaging NCIS/CSI/Criminal minds meets costume period drama! Only a moment or two where I felt a drag, but nearly perfect. If you love a strong female lead, a stronger male lead who knows how to support his woman, you will love this drama. Lots of mystery, some intrigue and a perfect amount of romance. Just hit play and enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
The happiness and heartbreak of first love
This drama takes you on the journey of first love... the heart fluttering meetings, the heart wrenching misunderstandings. Meeting someone and wanting to run toward them, only to have them move. Until they realize that you were there all along. Well acted, well produced. Music that will stick with you. You'll grin. You'll tear up. You'll be happy with all of them in the end. Enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
Worth the tears, bring the tissues- Sister to Hidden Love
It took me a while to start this drama, something told me to hold off. I binged and dropped many dramas of various genres before I came back to this title. I found out that this was the big sister to Hidden Love which I highly enjoyed and then began appreciating this drama even more. This drama is profound, not a casual watch. It is emotionally charged from the beginning and it brings you in, wanting to know more. The longing glances, the hurt expressions, the twinkling eyes, the subtle changes in the background music, or different lighting and camera angles... The whole crew did an amazing job. As my roommate said upon sitting for 5 minutes to watch it as tears streamed down my face "Man! This is freaking good. I'm getting emotional and I'm not even invested!"If you are looking for a drama without contrived drama, if you understand that not everyone loves the same, if you are okay with exploring heavy topics in an emotionally raw fashion, if you love to see justice served but not without the injury first, if you love to see two people find, grow and love each other through it all then this may be the drama for you.
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Done just right
I started this drama because I wanted something lighter. Been on a bit on a Song Zu Er kick lately, so thought, "why not?" Though I have not watched Huang Zi Tao act before, I have to say- Wow. Just wow. He is the definition of "plastic surgery acting"- meaning, he becomes better looking the more he acts. The on screen chemistry is electric- from rival banter to loving embrace- just perfect. The plot remained consistent and engaging while the music helped carry instead of just being added. Just when I was getting itchy to skip, I was sucked back in. So refreshing to see a drama on the lighter side without losing itself to cliches and silly plot points. Exactly right for what it is. And if you do stay to the end, stay allllll the way to the end. Enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
I chase you, you chase me. But don't mess with us!
A perfect break from heavy costume/period dramas with this light rom/com. A little tropey but altogether fresh, sweet and funny. Perfectly broken up places that could have pulled it toward the melo side of political intrigue.Fabulous cast, with character growth. Lovely costuming.
Some say the last 3 episodes are off the rails, but for me they fit the characters. And the end seemed just right for our lovely couples.
Well balanced. Sit back, unplug your brain and enjoy!
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Knowing this was a prequel saved my heart
This story is slow and sweet to start. Our two leads say so much with their actions alone and that carries throughout the drama. A sometimes intense ride of conflict between love, country, and family, this drama makes full use of a relatively limited cast and sets/locations. Its soft and subtle until you realize your heart is being ripped out.That said, it was beautifully crafted, carefully constructed and fantastically acted. I just needed a tiny bit more for it to hit a 10. I am not likely to watch again only for my heart's sake. Thank goodness for reviews and knowing I had more of their story to watch in "Forever and Ever."
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