SLOW, melo writing with insecure leads
There seems to be an ongoing trend of trio or quadruple women-centric stories in C dramaland. Comparisons have been made by many users with the recently finished Nothing but thirty and newly aired To Dear Myself.*What’s striking*
The four female leads are besties in the best sense. There are no misunderstandings or petty quarrel (like Twenty Your Live On, which was more coming of age). Here Yi He, Ding Ding, Karen and Ren Ran are very supportive of each other and spends time with each other- to an envious extent. The girls communicate over drinks, partying together, exercise sessions, heart to heart sessions, etc. Theres a running tagline that men can be gone after awhile but best friends are forever.
The four ladies friendship and their woes in love are the common ground. While all 4 are very different in character and background, you would come to realise half way through the drama that all of them are very insecure in their relationships. Most of this can be attributed to the current men in their lives.
Issues
The drama tries to project this as growth through navigating struggles in life and love, evident in the narration of every epilogue. However the writing of this drama drags alot, in a way it amplifies the problems in both the characters’ issue and their lack of resolve. This makes it too tiresome and the ladies to stay in a pitiful state for too long. Eg. YiHe (portrayed by Victoria Song) is happy, chatty and optimistic person but in love she hides her true self, stays in her bubble while constantly doubting her boyfriend who keeps a lot of secrets from her. She does not comfront and goes in circles in her love life for over 2/3 of the drama. When she finally admits she hates the person she becomes when she is with him..im like Sis, I’ve been waiting forever for you to see clearly. Similarly RenRan who appears the fiercest and hardiest, but this CEO is pinning over a man who cant prioritise her. Karen perhaps have the most poignant storyline, divorced, single-mother, ex-husband who is selfish, mother with terminal illness. She goes into a relationship with a limit, makes decisions on her own and resigned to never marrying again. DingDing, a rich second generation has a much more bland story that i find not as engaging.
Overall i would say the writing of this drama makes it a little too melo for too long and too many instances. I find it a shame that they didnt utilise more characters that had more oomph and more chemistry. YiHe and Chen Nan’s story should have developed better and sooner, so that their time later could be fledged out. The same with RenRan and YouTing. I can do with less scenes from Sam, Lu Hao, Ma Ke.. all these dudes don’t deserve their time OR MINE.
Acting wise Victoria Song and Frida Li stands out for me. They have some powerful scenes.
Music wise i didn’t pay much attention with the exception of the chorus of opening theme was nice.
In the end i used this as a filler drama for filling in my time waiting for new episodes from other currently airing dramas that I’m pursuing. Will not be rewatching either.
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That hopeful melo fairytale
Do we understand even when we communicate?🩷 Nuanced romance
💛 Timidity vs spontaneity
❤️ FL falls first ML falls harder
🧡 Slow-burn but heartfelt
💜 warm and sad and surprising
This was an ingenuous take on language, translation and how we comprehend others based on whats said but what of those left unsaid. And our leads, both Mu Hee and Ho Jin spoke plenty with just their eyes.
Though the story haf some dip in energy but it was carried through by the strong performance of the actors. They made you believe when 2 beings who approach life very differently found attracted to each other. The tension. The mood. That yearning for love and romance. The scenery, the breathtaking aurora. All made for a very cinematic and memorable watch.
Excellent production. May we hope more of this calibre from Netflix.
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I can say the journey watching was worthwhile. Yet i felt a bit let down by the ending.
The other thing is both male leads and female leads are great actors. They both fit their roles. Female lead has a beautiful infectuous smile and adorable like the cat she could turn to. Male lead was nice to see him thaw and trust in female lead. Their affectionate scenes were great but the more intimate ones like kissing werent done well.. not sure if its a directing issue.
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Easy breezy love after marriage
✅️ Super adorable FL✅️ Romance after marriage
✅️ Sweet love story
✅️ Understanding parents
✅️ No abuse or dog blood scenes
✅️ No 3rd wheel /love triangle
For a short vertical drama, this one was nice by staying simple, sweet but not saccharine sweet. Theres other versions of this story but i find the actress in this version, the cutest and make the FL character vibrant, energetic but still believable. Just under 2hr on YT, its really a breezy watch ❤️
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Dark, heart wrenching, visual treat
✅️ Fast-paced✅️ Aesthetics
✅️ Historical
✅️ Wuxia with fantasy elements
✅️ Intrique
✅️ Revenge and Retribution
This drama checked all the above. So if thats the genre and plots you prefer, this is the drama to watch.
Zhao Yi Qin continues his streak as a dark hero, this time equipped with S-tier level of sword fighting. Post betrayal and near death, the ML is also the antagonist. Seething with anger, the first few episodes are of him looking at the FL with thinly vieled disgust. Spoiler alert is some physical and verbal threats made to FL, that can be a red flag for some viewers.
As is part of the main plot, ML comes to know that the past happening was not as straightforward as he thought. FL who had amnesia also slowly faced with the happenings of the past. It can only be said that fate and the evil people are the reason to their suffering. Its starkly harsh and cruel.
If preference for sweet or vanilla romance, proceed with caution. This might not be for you.
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Best season so far
9 participants. 5 lads and 4 beauties. 1 house. Multiple personalities and background in Shanghai.First, I would say this season the casting director did their job. Not jus scandal free participants, but good attitude, successful, good-looking, hard working peeps and very tall males. The bar's been raised, makes me very worried for next season.
Without spoiling anything, the dynamics between guys and girls, among the guys and among the girls are nice. Nothing catty or rude. You honestly feel they bond and are comfortable towards the end of the show.
In terms of the panel, Angelababy return. She didnt do much last season but this season she seemed more open in sharing. Lee Seung Hyun was interesting, hes more direct and he doesnt hide what he feels, all on his facial expression. Guest panel Chen Li Nong was funny.
I like the girls of this season, different in personality and demeanor. Wan Yi and Qiu Yi are my favorites. Girls who can speak their mind, has good EQ, level-headed, considerate to others and overall comfortable on the eyes.
Fav guys would be Yang Yang, Zhong Lun and Geng Yuan. The former two are more shy and slow on conveying themselves. Geng Yuan has a direct, CEO style that works well with the girl hes interested in.
Last episode has me tearing. Theres some truly moving actions by the participants. Im a sucker for those who knows how they feel, are loyal and only have eyes for that special person. I too hope the ones who found each other thru this show, reap a bountiful and lasting relationship.
My only complaint is wishing for an extra 2 episodes, hoping the participants had more time together. Pls if you watch raw, every week theres an extra clip, cut scenese that didnt make the episode. Some are worth watching too.
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Solid plot, 2 sets of romance, 5 friends
Worth starting inspite of the tropes? Yes.Worth the time for 32 episodes? Yes, most of the time.
Things worth mentioning:
- Both ML and SML are steadfast and sure in their love. For SML its sort of love at first sight. PS: ML and SML have diff love interest, which is refreshing
- ML is wise, just and does not covet power.
- FL is observant and skilled at problem and crime solving
- FL has a lower EQ and initially close off due to prolonged staying as a loner
- ML initially appeared flamboyant and despite some post war trauma and eye injury, he is a warm person, quick to smile.
- ML is very attentive and tender to FL. Yet he balances between supporting her with trust and pride and protecting her from harm
- SFL is a bright and straight forward person. Not afraid to take intiative and unpretentious. She is also skilled in poison and alternate medicine.
- Both romance arc was nice
- FL's backstory is poignant and i feel for her. This makes her dancing scene pretty moving.
- Friendship among the 5 of them was gem and this was thankfully retained til the end. Teenager FeiYan was a great character too.
- Other secondary characters that are very likable like the da ren that helps Qi prince and the princess.
Deduction in score cause of some issues:
- Issues with pacing even though overall the plot is good and looseends were tied. But i felt they steamroll the first 5 to 6 episodes. Progress a little too rapidly. Would have been more organic and natural if they allow their interactions to progress steadily. This caused the romance arc to hit a plateau too early. By ep 20 there is a stagnant feel as it loses steam. Hence theres a lack of addicitve feel. ( For comparison: I hav previously watch a historical drama and did not lose that addictive must watch feel for 46episodes.)
- The makeup on SuCi especially her lipstick did not make sense since shes suppose to desperately hide her gender
- Emperor and later the dowager were characters that was very 1d. While the villain who was after power sadly only has that in his life.
Overall in spite of the usual tropes of cross dressing, tragic past, underwater kiss- the whole plot was mostly well thoughtout. It is serious in most cases and doesnt count as fluff drama. It doesnt have the soul searing romance feel that it could be. The acting was ok, not bad at all but wouldnt say amazing either. Sebrina's resting face have a same-ness expression. But other emotions she can still potray. Zhang Ling He is a newbie and while he's still alittle green; he manage to be charismatic and not wooden. The two were believable and manage to be non-cringey but again not out of the park chemistry imo. Was a good drama to binge-watch.
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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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This review may contain spoilers
Story: Romace-centric set in the palace but different from your usual C - drama. The romance is always the main plot. Not so much on politics or war strategy or palace politics or concubines fighting. Which is why it's my cup of tea and I love it when arranged marriage results in dislike turning to attraction turning to loveBut I do find it to be not very refine (rough around the edges). The theme of male soul in female body while interesting might not be for everyone
Costumes.: Mostly a miss. Qi Sheng's mostly were ok until he don war armour paired with 3quarter pants and that translucent outfit.. What were the costume people thinking? Pengpeng clothes.. Maybe I'm prudish I prefer the ones that are more covered up. The green one bordered on vulgar.
- Spoiler-
Love a lot of romantic scenes that were touching and memoeable
When he explain himself and clear up that it wasn't love with 2nd brother's wife. I had alot of respect for him here
When he admitted later that each time he wasn't testing her he was betting that she would choose him and he would be the one she can rely on. So man
When he said he don't wan an empress, he wants a wife to be by his side and he wanted her while heart, not half.
When she woke from her nightmare and realise she has fallen in love with her unborn baby
When she was in the mud pit searching for the antidote for him
When she final admitted she loves him
All these parts are worth rewatchin.
My advise is watch Ep 1 to 35, skip 36 and watch the 3rd ending
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Deceptively comical on serious dark theme
At the fringe of society. Forgotten. Uncared for. Alone. Depressed. HopelessThis is a societal theme that is very real, seldom addressed and rarely depicted in drama. Often cause its a theme that can be suffocating to watch. But here comes a director and script taking it on from a totally unexpected angle. From the opening theme to the nonchalant narration as well as inner monologues comes a dark comedy of two individuals who are "lucky".
When Mi Chong meets Zhi Liao who was fated to disrupt his 'plans', he found an unexpected will to live. While Zhi Liao finally found a sliver of warmth that she she hadnt had since she left home.
The storytelling lulls you into a sense of languid. Its only by mid of ep7 when it suddenly picks up. And for the leads it is good there found and have each other. No man is an island. And together they have a hopeful future.
Highlight is not just the interesting direction but also the impressive acting from the leads especialy Vivienne. While Leon Leong has notched his best work thus far.
Be warn though depressive themes of suicide attempts and references to sexual assault.
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Learn with and from the Qiaos
Cry, Ache, Smile and Laugh with the Qiaos through their tragic childhood, struggling adolescence, mistakes, ill fated relationships. But they weather through it all, being always present for each other.Your blood pressure may shoot up because of Qiao senior- the irresponsible and mostly selfish father. You may find fault in the many short sighted decisions and choices the Qiao siblings make. But after finishing 36episodes you will only come to envy them. The siblings embody the term 'blood is thicker than water'. Of what true family is. On the outside it seems so dysfunctional, the 5 children akeen to orphan after their mother's passing. But eldest Yi Chen step in filling the role of father and mother. Even as they bicker, disagree, argue or fight, they love each other.
My favorite sibling is San Li. There's something about her quiet, shy, reserved character that makes me ache for her when shes hurt but doesnt voice it out. A near tragedy nearly ruined her and make her fearful of men. But thank God, He gave her an honest, simple man in the form of Yi Ding. I find quite alot of the men here are simple, sometimes a bit slow but adorably innocent. Er Qiang, the second bro as well as Qi Qi the youngest are the same. The same character that others can easily take advantage of. Then theres Si Mei who have her head in the clouds and is unrealistic in her approach to love and life. But you will find she is very similar to her eldest bro who she is arguably closest with. Stubborn as a mule.
The acting is spot on. Bai Yu and Rachel Mao doesnt disappoint. Lareina Song suprise me with her performance. Truly couldnt fault anyone. Stellar cast.
The drama is aptly named. That 'bond' that wouldnt and couldnt be broken. Every meal time scene where they sit together..Im reminded to cherish family times. How they rally around each other when something bad happens, including childbirth, injury, and even under quarantine together durng SARS outbreak. It makes you feel it will be alright even if the sky falls down because they all have each other's back.
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Sidenote i was surprise to google it was Olivia. Same gal in Ode to Joy and When a snail falls in love. Looks so diff with the change in harstyle.
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Back to the drama it started off really well. Initially the romance between se kyung and seung jo was cute. But the writing makes it that it was hard to root for se kyung and then somewhere along they abandon the illness part of seung jo which I thought made no sense. The other 2 supporting's cast character was equally uninspiring and doesn't invoke me to care about them either.
So all in all the scriptwriter ruined the drama and Cinderella spin of it. Waste of MGY's acting talent too.
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Palatable pass time
There were things that worked and things that didnt.It started off on an intriguing note. A FL who has some street smarts and toughen through having to make a living to support her and her childlike father. And a ML in an authority position who is wise, sharp with hidden cunning.
Then it gets ruined by how things and people are so obvious, compound with evil female and a pacing thats hard to follow. You get a ML who first catches the FL as a possible accomplice and linked to a wanted man of the state to fallen in love and proposing before we hit the middle of the drama. There's this uneveness of which its directed and written that makes it hard for me to stay on. Its like sitting in a car on fast speed then brake n bam and start again. The kind of jolt thats not welcome and makes me lose interest. I actually went to watch something and come back to it..telling myself to finish.
The things that worked is the ML-FL pairing. They look good together and for the most part their interaction is easy on the eyes. They are both physically comfortable with each other so theres no awkward kiss scenes. I'm not familiar with FL but she gives off a friendly, naturally cute vibe. Her emotional scenes has room for improvement. Then there's ML. I think this is the 3rd drama I've seen him in and he has grown a tad. But i still get this borderline greasy feel when he's delivering his lines or when he stares at people. Im not sure if it's overacting but personally felt some parts need dialing down.
Lastly for all they have gone through I didnt enjoy how the last episode is written. Did ML not understand how precious life and love is..I was like.. come on man! This hits the nail again that the plot needs work. I really dont particularly like this screenwriter. Putting up a redflag for me, really..
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A regurgitated concept that failed to materialise
The drama from the way its written, the screenplay and the direction kept me feeling its a regurgitated mess from the writer's mind. Literally like she was in a pensive mood, staring out the window on a rainy day, thinking of life and death.The fantasy bits were to suit the whim of creating a helpless deity that meddles with people's fate and a doom whose mundane life of endless days and night to bring doom. The way it is written creating an unusually emotionally strong FL and an interesting meeting with Doom that then spirals out to nothing. FL's brother and aunt was never fleshed out to give the family arc that the FL is supposedly protective of. They were just there for the writer's machinations.
The other triangle was even more pointless. Other than sharing the same office space as FL, it felt like 2 different sets of drama and story in one setting. Worse off, it wasnt interesting and I dont care about them.
As with many other people's thoughts, I thought the casts were wasted. ML in a few bts clips was asked to remain expressionless..iys like taking the soul out of a soulful actor. FL should probably take a break from Fantasy genre. I love her to bits and hope she rebounds with a better movie/drama next time.
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