LOVE
I can already say the rewatch value is high because I am not even sure how many times I've rewatched this drama from episode 1.This is probably one of those dramas that I think is near close to being perfect. I had high expectations for this drama, and it definitely has not disappointed. I will add that the script is very layered, it takes maybe 6 or so episodes for the drama to pick up (however when I rewatched it after having an idea of the bigger picture, even those first few slower episodes were wildly interesting to me). Plus each time you rewatch, you catch more details, more connections and analyzing the complex characters in this drama and their motivations is something that is deeply satisfying. The drama does have arc's (and each arc may feature some characters more than others) and new and interesting characters are introduced throughout the drama to build the plot in a meticulous way.
The cast is superb. I think this is one of the top 3 dramas for me in terms of where every single character from the main cast, to supporting cast to even minor roles has played their characters to perfection. The direction, attention to detail, cinematography, sound editing, sets, costumes, lighting, fight scenes and the music scores are amazing.
The chemistry between the two main leads is out of this world. Even the simplest scene with them in it just takes my breath away. One other thing I would mention about this drama is that this is the only Chinese costume drama where I haven't skipped forward some parts, and this is one of the only dramas that has made me feel EVERY emotion as a viewer watching. There is no wasted air time and its like a roller coaster ride of joy, tragedy, humour, fascination, shock, anger, embarrassment, butterflies etc.
Definitely give this a chance and stick with it prior to the slower build at the start. It is so worth it <3
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Awesome Drama
This drama has a special place in my heart, I was introduced to Zhao Lusi through The Long Ballad (and I loved her acting in that and I thought she was ridiculously pretty). So while that was airing I went to look at her previous dramas and this was the one that grabbed my attention first and its also the drama that made me fall in love with her.I think the fact that acting in this drama is amazing both by Zhao Lusi and Lin Shen goes without saying, but it also has a nice romance drama plot without too many overbearing cliches. I love the focus on cooking and how they filmed her career/passion as a chef. I thought the two main leads had amazing chemistry and the actor being a bit older than her added to the gravitas he brought to his role as a heir to a business conglomerate (I've seen younger actors take on these types of roles and it comes across very unbelievable, over the top or child like). I also loved how he brought maturity to their relationship and Lusy of course bought the perfect amount of cheerfulness, positivity and comedy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lovely Drama
This drama was interesting because i'm typically not a fan of dramas where there is identity misunderstandings/cross dressing (unless its genuinely a part of the characters identity to be gender fluid or trans, it feels dishonest to me). I think I saw this drama on some kind of recommended watch list and gave it a go and fell in love with it.First and foremost this was filmed while the main female actress was still I think quite young (so there isn't many intimate scenes or even a solid kissing scene). BUT what is so refreshing about this drama is the endearing and beautiful friendship that develops between the main leads, the comedy that is woven into the story, the sad back story of the female lead and why she's had to lead a life as a boy and of course the love story between the two leads. To me their love felt young but very fresh like light spring rain and very believable. They had good chemistry and the plot itself was also interesting and not overbearingly inundated with drama and conspiracies. Also the production of this drama was beautiful and had lovely costumes etc.
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A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College
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Cute but Kind of Drags
This drama was very cute. But the unfortunate part is that the second half of it where the plot turns to solving this huge conspiracy really drags on.Pros:
- Acting was great and the cast is adorable. There is lots of funny moments and I think everyone played their roles well.
- A good amount of humour sprinkled throughout
- The main couple had decent chemistry (their scenes were cute and funny to watch)
- I loved the original plot of having a female centric drama -> where the female lead challenges societal norms at the time
- I liked the sets, costumes etc.
- The first half of the drama does have rewatch value for me.
Cons:
- The second half of the drama I felt moved away from the romance and I would have liked to see their romance play out more as their story developed.
- The second half of the plot also dragged and the story lost some interest.
But I would still recommend this drama, at least the first half of it because it is an adorable love story and I really liked watching the MFL and ML fall for each other.
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This review may contain spoilers
Its become a comfort drama for me
When this first came out, I was so disappointed that we got so little footage of their reunion. I loved these two so much I wanted to see them happy together again, I wanted their wedding and a snapshot into their lives after.But now almost a year later, I've rewatched it at least 3 times. The way they are able to depict falling head over heels in love, the heart break, the yearning when they are around each other, the depth of quiet emotions. Its all so beautiful.
The story is also not easy to predict. It unfolds slowly so you aren't sure who to blame for the breakup, as you get information in piece meal ways, but the story is written so delicately. I can see how desperately they love each other, even when they are apart, and it reminds of of the special kind of love that I think is probably very rare to find in the world - two people who stay crazy about each other until they get old and grey. Thats how I imagine these two. It was frustrating at times watching the male leads inability to express how much he loved the female lead, but..... it becomes easier to understand after we learn about his mom.
I think this will continue to be a drama I watch again and again, just because I haven't seen two actors portray love so genuinely before, and they are so darn gorgeous together.
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