Meaningful, sweet n perfect CP feels
If you love the novel, you will love the drama. Everything follow closely, from flow of events to their dialogue. It's one of my fav from Gu Man.If you havnt read the novel, theres even more reason to watch. Because the plot wont fail you and because the cast are icing on the cake. In a nutshell. ML is someone calm, logical, and everything in his life is well thought out. In highschool he shot down FL's confession because he reason out they are unsuitable.
FL is someone with high EQ and a witty personality. When they meet online on a gaming platform and she uses her devious wit to meet ML in RL, thats when it opened the opportunity for ML to get to know her.
The story imo is beautiful and deep and even deprecatingly realistic.
1. Definition of success in life. Masses will say land a high paying job and make money. But is it for everyone?
2. Best student in school does not necessary make the most money. Depends on what you choose to pursue;
3. How many are willing to pursue their dream or achieve sth of national pride as the journey can be arduous and the reward isnt monetary;
4. A sensible reasoning is good in school and work but not with matters of the heart. This is the hard lesson ML learns. He missed out on the opportunity with FL with his logic and pride. He failed to factor other more important things. He would come to realise their lifeviews are similar and their contradictory personality is actually complementary.
Qiu Jing Jing is truly one of the lovelist FL. Her personality rivals her beauty. She admired YuTu not just his good looks, his intelligence, demenor and most of all his admirable dream. She herself is confident and works hard to try to connect to him, to be the best version of herself. Her hard work and sincerity did not reach him until 10years later. But shes not the wilting flower just because ML rejects her. Thats why i like her so much. Sad or not, she moves on and make do. With ML, she can be coquettish, cute and mischievious. She can be direct and frank too. I love her guts.
Sigh the story and the well written character is just really up my alley. Only sorry when live watching you keep wanting more episodes. I had to go back and binged the novel. Really easy to immerse into rabbit and cotton's love story..
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Turbulent, sweet & sour
*Heart house participants*The guys and girls who participated in this season are pretty good, in terms of inteligence, looks and personality.
*Compared with previous seasons*
A couple of them are really outgoing more so than previous seasons. And not overly focus on 1 person (like last season). I enjoyed seeing everyone's effort and growth.
*Heart signals*
There were indeed moments where someone's gesture for the other person was thoughtful and moving. Theres some thats fateful as in they share a common interest. Theres others that came about from effort and courage of putting yourself out there
*Format*
If you watch previous seasons you would find the later participants actually came a bit earlier this time around and I think thats good. Gives the later people time to get to know others.
*Panel*
Unfortunately they were the weakest of all seasons. Either their deductions or comments werent deep enough. Or sometimes they werent personal enough, and felt distant. Or not as colourful or funny as some previous panelists.
Lastly i hope cp fans or extreme fanatics would stop putting hurtful remarks on heart participants' weibo. Life including love is not the same for everyone. For some its simple and direct like Simon and his approach works. For others like Orange who is guarded and passive, her response or lack of is make or break to others. Noone is wrong. If its the right person, the timing would be right. Their happiness isnt limited to the show. Remember Fu Pei? She found her guy eventually, someone outside of the show. But the memories for the time they spend together here would always be special.
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Lonely enduring crush. Precious and painful. A bud that took a decade to bloom
Not your average story. Not your average female lead. Luo zi is a special character, you can say very intelligent and very silly. Both admirable and sad.Luo zi is a loner, who is indifferent to people around her and do not form attachment to people except her mom and cousin. Shes also proud and does not want pity. Holding on stubbornly to her crush, her like and eventually a love that she couldnt control. In her words, like being led on by the nose. In highschool she silently likes Sheng Huai Nan, watching his back figure, 7 steps behind. But he never sees her or notices her. Working hard to stand beside him, never materialise as fate wasnt by her side.
Years past meeting him again, the feelings hadnt gone away. The diary writing restarts, documenting her every moment, experience and feeling when she sees him. This time having interacted with her, Sheng Huai Nan found this girl peculiar and interesting and engaging. One whose brain and wit are both equally sharp. But he didnt understand why theres a wield anger and sometimes blatant ignorance towards him. Shes someone he couldnt see through, yet wanted to get close to understand. But when they got closer, his ex reappears to frame and smear her. The one who interupted their fate before has come once again to intervene.
Plotwise I would stop commenting and leave it for you to watch. I scored this high because of all the feelings it invoke, because Luozi is so relatable, because i believe love especially unrequited is both beautiful and painful. And its truly captured in this drama. Their dialogues are often intelligent, thought provoking and memorable. It is not your average sweet college love. Theres the frustration and real anger. Theres the confusion and uncertainty. Theres the pride and the fear. I also enjoy how multi dimensional both ML and FL are. Narcissism and sarcasm.
I watched this lastyear and recently rewatch after reading the novel. I urge you to watch. Both actors were unknown to me but they bring the characthers to life. Dont expect perfection, flawed characters and almost melancholy touch. Word of warning: It may illicit a lot of feelings and personal memories.
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Story: Started off interesting and promising but slowly loosing traction, messy plotlines. I find i slowly dont care. On paper the plot should have worked but maybe not stretch out to 32 episodes and problem of execution?
Acting: Its a beautiful cast with surprise guest appearance of Angela Z. The acting was ok for me. But chemistry between the 2 leads was touch and go. I couldnt really tell when they start falling for each other. I didn't like Danson T's role either, abit too pitiful and some of his irked or surprise expression (widen eyes and mouth agap) was recycled from when i last saw him on Murphy's Law of love. Pity cause i do like him.
Rewatch value: Seeing as watching the first time round i had to force myself to finish.. safe to say i wont rewatch
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Pretty but bland
PlotEp 1 to 10: Quite a breeze watching. FL was cute.
Ep 11 to 30+: Quite forgettable, didnt register much. I skipped quite alot cz it was boring, oacing and development wise
Issues: The directing and writing focuses on the pretty and this makes the story quite dull. They nvr focus on the sad n difficulties of FL, her mon and bro's sickness in the right intensity..so although its there, it fails to resonate. The growth of FL again although its there it lacks focus. There should hav been more thoughts to develop FL and her ring of friends better. On romance section, I dont know if its considered slow burn.. but intensity of their feelings again couldnt feel it cz it was not written and develop properly. Lack of skinship is not the problem; theres lots of other C dramas that can convey beautiful love between leads without kisses etc. You just dont feel it here
Acting: If you watch BTS (behind the scenes), you would know director works closely with actors (esp the young cast) to work out how to convey the message in each scene. So i will blame the director in how the acting was carried out. JJY is not a new actress, acting wise she hasnt progress or regress from Legend of Yun Xi but as YunXi she was much more memorable. SWL this was his first drama that i watch, i previously watch him as a dorky teen/campus guy in a film..he was better there. The direction and his character here was flat..and boring. He didnt bring any extra on the table. The other 2 male leads had a more colourful character and hence was much more memorable.
Cinematography and costume etc were all nice. I just wish there was more depth where it matters! Story! And not an after thought.
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From episode 2 onwards this drama was so engaging and its charm and unique take along with a brilliant cast quickly becomes addictive. Initially you find plain Hae Young to be quite pitiful. You find Do Kyeong to be cold and even a little hateful. But as the story unfolds and the push pull between them as well as fate throwing them together you start to care about them as individuals learning to heal and then rooting them as a couple.
Hae Young goes down in K drama history as one of the best female character, not because shes strong or badass but because of her fearless and even shamelessly adorkable way she throws herself wholeheartedly in love. Despite being burn after being dumped a day before her wedding, she promised the next time she will love wholeheartedly. Needless to say wearing ones heart on the sleeves means embarrassment, sometimes disappointment and more heartache. But these are also the qualities that attracted Do Kyung who although initially guilt ridden becomes fascinated and even disarmed by Hae Young's frank and direct nature.
Along with this romance, we have bromance between Do Kyung and bestfriend Jin Sang, Do Kyung and brother Park Hoon and Do Kyung and his sound team workers. All generated good vibes and laughs. Then theres the family love of Hae Young and her wonderful parents who make you cry and feels the warmth of family like you've been hugged. Finally you get a second romance of noona Soo Kyung and Jin Sang. So this drama is full of heart.
What further separates this drama is the out of this world chemistry between Hyo Jin and Eric.They share shy smiles, lover's embrace and sweet to sizzling kisses. Most of all they look really comfortable and believable. I enjoy all the simple moments of them together like walks on the beach, cuddle in front of the tv watch movies and cooking for each other. Theres some cheesiness but it wasnt too bad.
By the end of this drama i still have the warm fuzzies. The biggest take away message is to live with no regrets, like today is your last day. The impeding death visions allowed Do Kyung to open up and learn to love. His character has the most growth.
Honestly after episode 11 and the extension decision, the drama did lose some of its groove and spark. But episode 17 and 18 really lifts it back up along with my spirits.
In terms of ost theres quite a few tracks that are memorable, touching and suit the scenes.
In terms of picture this drama had some of the most beautiful cinematography. Spring is captured in full beauty.
In terms of sound because Do Kyeong is a sound director (what an awesome job) it also makes me appreciate that element.
In terms of clothing, i thought Hae Young's wardrobe kept improving. And like she says love makes her prettier.
In terms of hair, finally Do kyung gel up his hair in the last scene. He looks hotter that way instead of bangs
Rewatch value is high and thats a big plus in my book since i seldom rewatch but theres too many wonderful scenes in this drama. The plot is not without flaws and the characters aren't perfect but then is life ever perfect. This drama just push alot of the right buttons for me. Its a matter of taste but to me theres really a good balance of many things but still emphasizing the beauty of love. Sometimes its that simple: make your loved ones happyn and you are happy.
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Leads that liven up the story
A theme that could have been mundane but saved by weaving it seamlessly with the interaction and sparks between reunited village neighbours played by real life friends Song Yun and Xiao Bai.The objective of the story is meaningful and meant to highlight the plights of rural areas and villages and the need for the young generation to step up and make a change to drive the progress and economics for villagers and their livelihood. Again this type of story may not be everyone's cup of tea. However the direction and execution of the story makes it more palatable and interesting.
Personally i have waited for the leads' pairing. And they did not disappoint. In chinese I could say seeing them sparring or interacting is very 舒服.. very comforting to the eyes. It helps that Xiao Bai's character Xiao Dong is a little immature with quirks and full of personality. While Song Yun's Si Qi is mature, confident and decisive and loves to mess with Xiao Dong.
Given the length, do binge over a weekend. You wont be disappointed.
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I. All the things i like:
1. Characters that are not one dimensional and actually has development and growth as the drama proceeds
2. Female lead thats direct, bold, somtimes outrageous and flirty too without being obnoxious (great departure fr d usual).
3. Male lead that is strong but not invicible, smart, serious at times but also approachable amd charming (i like rather than typical stoic type)
4. Some supporting leads that have tbeir own story, depth and well crafted character that you get to know and have an afinity to
5. If you like time travel. This one is pretty solid. You actually see how the present her properly enter the ancient timeline. I like its tied to the blood moon (This phenomena actually happened 12hrs before i wrote)
6. Double identity secrecy for both leads gives double the story and intrigue
7. No useless damsel. But a female who is a survival and utilise her cooking skills
8. Hightlight gender inequality. And that females can have guy friends.
9. Some very quirky scenes, some that makes you smike and laughed aloud. Ofcourse some sweet, some tender and moving scenes that are memorable to me
9. Finally on the love line. She was initially charmed by his good looks, lol salivate over his bod. While she intriques him and fall for her over time. But its a love thats tested by circumstances, secrecy, lies, half truths, and people around them
10. Villains that arent villains. Some antiheroes that i form an attachment to.
II. Things i dont care
1. Some characters that are total plot device and a few evil women that i dislike way too much that i fastforwarded their scenes
2. Really quite a bit of misunderstanding of which a few took awhile to be resolved
3. Some evil peeps took way too long for their downfall
4. Female lead's costume, a few especially first half that wasnt tasteful and bit distracting
5. Ost was alright but nothing to write home about
6. Plot dragged a little before we hit the middle of the drama before regaining traction and then again slowed before finale
Overall this drama was a notch above quite a few historical C dramas and im glad to have randomly chose it to watch and end my drama drought.
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Each other's happy pill
"RangRang" I sure will miss hearing FL calling out to ML. Seriously best youth romance Ive watched in awhile.FL's love is so unreserved, unpretentious and passionately sincere. I love how ML has always felt her sincerity and his gaze never left her face. This has the best development in terms of first meet to actual start of relationship. Big green flag in how healthy their relationship is. How I wish all FL in other dramas can take a leaf out of Zaizai's book. You can be sweet and direct without being greasy or annoying. Great selfawareness and always given so much positivity to ML.
Infact I find the drama adaptation to be even better than the novel. Director has removed some of their conundrums and I believe its better without them.
Last but not least, second leads were thoroughly cute too. Their friend GuanFang and his grandma tugs at my heartstrings.
Im already rewatching just as soon as I completed this drama. Thats how lovely it is and how much its worth spending time with my fav characters.
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This review may contain spoilers
I ponder quite awhile to decide a fair rating.If you love family dramas with good cast and dont mind meddlesome mom in law. This is a good cup of tea
If you love romantic dramas of the fluffy or light hearted type u need to reconsider.
I consider a long while whether to watch or not aft readin sypnopsis because i hated third party home wreckers. But i still gave in aft watching glimpses of the drama on tv. Stephy Qi's Du la la just really draws me in. A good actress and i love her character too. She's someone who found her love and committed to starting her marriage life with husband Wang wei and juggle her career in HR. She's respectful of her mom in law but try not to be a push over. I m sold on her chemistry with her onscreen husband. Their interactions are realistic. Husband and wife who are comfortable with each other, communicate, support each other and some good natured jabs too. Once in awhile Wang wei does something romantic too. Like a match made in heaven.
Trouble comes with his mum's student, also a long time family friend who insinuated herself into their lives. My tolerance for this "xiao san" aka third party, is really low and she had a lot of screen time. Because shes also La la's rival at work.
Honestly this drama i watch 30 to 35% of total running time because i couldnt stomach the mom in law and the 3rd party. Although i must say early on i admire how La la and Wang wei worked hard for their relationship. She had insticts and was frank with her husband on this. I also love that Wang wei never jump to conclusions when the ex boyfriend appear. He had a mature conversation asking for her explanation. Ep 38 when they sat down to address how to handle their problems were also very mature n nice.
#Small spoiler-
Their marriage to me was very realistic. Initially they can overcome the meddlesome mother but when the 3rd party purposefully drives a wedge in plus difficulties at work causes too much stress and eventually a rift and loss of trust.. The break up was eventual.
##
Love the ost played at the end of the episode. I thk its sung by Stephy Qi herself.
7.5 is my generous score because as usual like most C dramas it suffered mid series problem of dragging out problems and angst. Means i skip alot.
The ending *minor spoiler alert* although wrapped up well wasnt satisfying enough.. I felt the 2 otps need another 5mins of screentime together.
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Highschool love breaking through the norms!
Characterization that breakthroughs the stereotypes we tend to get with youth and school dramas. Refreshing!Here's a FL who isn't dumb/airhead or super intelligent. There's no unsightly hairstyle or dump-down clothes. In fact you get a pretty female with nice long hair that suits her and clothes that suit her age and is pretty to look at. Then that goddess image has a backstory too. For FL has come back from the city to her hometown and like a typical teenage she covets in wanting to be loved, admired and centre of attention instead of being a wallflower or side character. Then comes the character development.
ML isnt your typical one either- neither high cold or super sunny. He's your regular guy with good looks but has a secret identity nobody knew. Additionally he has a backstory regarding his family. When it comes to FL, they meet again after FL left for the city when young. ML still holds on to their childhood memories that meant a lot to him. There was a misunderstanding too that gets unraveled 1/3 into the drama.
The child actors are cute! I wait every episode to see flashbacks of the child versions.
The drama has a nice mix of 3 things.
1. Theme of finding oneself and being real - I really like how ML encourages FL to be herself, and not the act she has to put up to be perfect
2. Friendships and family - I love FL's friendship with her deskmate. I love FL's dad too
3. Romance - not only is it done well with limited cliche; im surprise how romantic it comes across- from language of mint, to the garden and the blue tears in the sea
Lastly, it's also peppered with reminded that its highschool and FL is a teenager- enters the visualisation of drama queen in almost all teenage girls- complete with black and white version talking in her head.
It's been a really easy breezy watch and you might be surprise with how much you like it.
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Love transcending time and timeslips
✅️ Nostalgic kdrama feels✅️ Leads bursting with chemistry
✅️ Lots of gushing, blushing romance
✅️ Unexpected plottwists
✅️ Lovely OSTs
✅️ Beautifully shot scenes
✅️ LOL comedic moments
If you thought you are in for the usual fluff, then you're mistaken.
For all the cute previews and fluff fanservice, you find someone stick a hand in your chest and squeezed your heart. First was Im Sol after she lost mobility. The helplessness and lost of hope. Then theres ML and his depression. Lots of teary heart wrenching moments. You will ache for them.
Then my greatest surprise was the curveball at the last 5mins of ep2. Didnt see that coming. That was d ML point of view I didnt know I needed but was so glad director/writer gave us this. Then theres the onpoint acting. Always a fan of Kim Hye Yoon. We wouldnt be this hook without the good acting and the leads' chemistry.
In an afterthought, I just realised its like reading a novel with an epic love story. Theres the sweet romance build up that makes yoi giddy and reminds you of first love. But then theres the grittier bits, heavy emotion from darned fate and stakes against the CP. You watch your leads struggle but ultimately their hearts lead to each other. You feel healed in the knowledge that there's this kind of love.
Ps: Have bumped up the ratings. Its hard for a drama to hold my interest and make me a fan of their love. Even rarer that it has such a high rewatch value
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A precious journey through youth
Plot:Have you thought how it would be to meet your mum in her youth? This is a precious opportunity the daughter who was miserable and lonely growing up with a single mom..gets to experience.
And through this she gets to experience the beauty of friendship and young love. And the important lesson that life in the end is made up of experiences good and bad. And that sometimes to live is to savor the moment, the now, the journey and not so much the ending.
This drama was a rare precious gem. That instead of the usual travel back time plot, the writer had a clear message to deliver. It manages to be warm amd endearing, sweet and touching, realistic if not poignant.
Acting:
The leads were all new to me. But a good script and in the hands of a good PD, they were all believable in their role. Amy Chen in particular was really good.
Verdict:
Dont sleep on this drama. It deserves to be watched. It had that nostalgic touch and the time spend with the teen mom- daughter duo Qin Tong and Jin Bu and their friends plus love interests was really worth it.
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I like the simplicity of their story. From strangers to acquaintance to meal buddies.
I also like the message within that love comes in many forms from fireworks and heart beating faster to comfortable relationship where one can share thoughts and feelings and being there for each other. The chemistry is good too. The only negative i wish the 2 otps have like another 15mins of screentime after the reconciliation.
Just to mention i did try several other episodes but found i couldnt immerse myself into it like i did with episode 1.
Ps you can watch without subs on maplestage
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