spicyeggroll

Low-key shook at how much I enjoyed this drama

The fact that I watched this in a day without fast forwarding,,, that's never happened to me, lol.
There were so many things going against this drama when I first stumbled upon it, and I've been avoiding it ever since. They include:
- Multiple seasons (I get so tired after 30 episode dramas, I don't even know how I could last 3 seasons)
- Time-travel/different lifetimes aren't my jam (I thought this show had reincarnations for some reason (it doesn't), but that also isn't my jam either. After struggling through Eternal Love (TMOPB), I tend to avoid romances in different lifetimes)
- Body-swapping between the FL (at first I was worried they would both fall in love with the ML... nah. That doesn't happen)
- Random YouTube clips of this drama that I stumbled upon were weird (they really didn't do the story justice lmao)
BUT one day I was like "why don't we give it a go?" just because I realized the FL was Liang Jie, who I really liked in The Day of Becoming You (another body-swap!). And y'all... once I started, I couldn't stop.

PROS
❀ Romance, romance, romance | I think I fell in love with this drama because it's wholeheartedly devoted to the main couple's romance. There's a bittersweet secondary romance that's between the other character in the FL's body that I thought would be annoying (not a fan of tragic second couples - cough @ Fake Princess), but I actually enjoyed their storyline and thought it added depth to the whole throne-seeking storyline.
The main couple had excellent chemistry and were so darn cute together. Think, modern-day spunky heroine trapped in ancient times x stoic, doubtful, and suspicious 8th prince who has his hands full with his new wife. Cue the antics!! There's the typical historical cdrama tropes like jealous childhood friend, jealous other prince, fight for the throne, awesome servants of the main leads, plotting/conspiracy, sus empress dowager, and all that jazz. Sometimes I get tired of this court intrigue but I like the way it was written in The Eternal Love! It reads kind of similar to Chinese webnovels, with satisfying face-slaps (they aren't afraid of getting people to die/escape death lmao), one-dimensional villains that our main characters outsmart, and the main leads working together to navigate the conspiracies. We stan a couple team in ancient China!!
❀ The way it mish-mashes different genres | Alright, so I came in knowing about the time-travel into another woman's body, which made it become a historical cdrama, but after ep 20 it turned into a xuanhuan?? It was honestly so shocking and the plot twists got me gasping in bed. I don't want to delve into it too much because I feel like it'll ruin future watchers' enjoyment, but I have to say, as a fantasy lover I REALLY liked where that storyline went. Granted, it made for some lackluster exposition near the end full of dialogue, but it also added so much depth to the story. Shook!!
❀ I kinda liked every character | Whether it was the competent emperor, scheming palace ladies, 14th prince (love him!), ML's bodyguard, FL's maid, and even the other personality sharing the body with the FL,,, I liked them all. At first I kept thinking the other personality was a heartbroken pig teammate (she's more calm and reserved than the FL so it's really easy to see when they switch), but she ends up being pretty understanding and helpful. It's rare in a cdrama where I like all the characters, and I think the way they divided the screentime was perfect and kept me engaged without skipping scenes. (Especially since I'm the type to skip over secondary plotlines just to see the main couple bahaha)
❀ Well-rounded acting from FL | Although Liang Jie's character comes off as more child-ish than what I'm used to (after watching The Day of Becoming You), I was still impressed by the way she handled two personalities. I can tell her acting got better since this drama too! The ML's character was pretty straight-faced the whole time so he didn't really make an impression on me, but boyyyy can he kiss. Ooh lala. I think romantic moments in this drama were leveled up with his directness (heehee).

CONS
✕ It's all fluff/fun, not much depth | If you're looking for complex palace intrigue and twisty schemes, look elsewhere. The politics are fairly simple and, like I mentioned, very reminiscent of webnovels. I haven't read the novel this show was based on, but from my experience historical webnovels and manhua are more about satisfying face-slaps and triumphant main characters than deep schemes. I guess I would define it as "light in historical, heavy in romance, medium in comedy."
✕ Misunderstanding level: 4/10 | ALSO high-key shook at how few misunderstandings happen in this drama. I guess because of the main couple's devoted love for each other, there leaves little room for misunderstandings. I feel like half of this rating comes from the inherent misunderstandings of the plot (eg., confusing Xiaotan with Tan'er), while the remaining half were misunderstandings from noble actions. The best part is that the show resolves them quickly ( a couple of episodes at most) and doesn't use those misunderstandings as major plot devices.

OVERALL
I'm so glad I came in with no (almost low) expectations!! I fell in love with the main couple and can't wait to see how they fare in season 2 (which apparently people like more than season 1, woohoo). I can definitely understand the hype with this drama and recommend it for romance-lovers in general. I love how the main couple stay true to each other from beginning to end, no matter what time, space, or dimension they're in, and despite the complex turns the story takes. Truly an eternal love!

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Spunky, energetic barista x awkward, unsociable architect from high school to college

Youth drama at its finest! I love how this show stayed true to its warm, endearing tone from beginning to end. Every potential enemy turns into a friend. The main lead were childhood friends turned high school sweethearts turned college couple. Their best friends also have a similar progression. Everyone gets happy endings as they wrap up high school and everyone managed to pursue their dreams while staying together.
It's a feel-good, unrealistic yet heartwarming rendition of young adult years.

PROS
❀ Main leads are a team from beginning to end | I picked up this drama for the ML actually, despite not being the biggest fan of youth dramas, because I wanted to see how the show portrayed his social anxiety disorder. It was awesome to see him slowly open up with the help of the feisty FL (I love how they call her Rui Ge, like older bro), while he on the other hand helped the FL with her studies and getting into college. They're a team, through and through, and their bond remains tight throughout the show.
I've become a fan of the actress for the FL. I love how full of energy she is, how she would randomly dance, and how she was comfortable with grandiose actions. I feel like she really got into her role! The ML was like a little puppy, especially when he opened up. I don't think the role itself needed much from the actor, but his face was really good at exuding those puppy vibes.
Romance-wise, their chemistry is sweet and like the rosy blushes of first love; their relationship is innocent and naive. There's a lot of interrupted kisses (lol, maybe like 5+?), but the kisses near the end are sugary sweet and satisfying.
❀ Cute secondary characters that I really liked | The FL's best friends are loud-and-proud Cheng Er Luo and studious actress Zhao Yi Shu. While wary of the ML's unwillingness to open up at first, they gradually become friends and understand each other. Cheng Er Luo ends up calling the ML "Nan idol," lmao. There's a couple of other sweet couples (diligent diplomat Yang Yu Fei x bad boy/slacker Liu Bin; fierce coach x well-read coffee house owner) that light up the screen as well. And one of the wittiest characters of the cast was Chen Hao, the FL's younger half-brother. He was so cheeky!
❀ Nostalgic school moments that make you want to re-live teen years | From setting off fireworks during evening study period to cheering on your friend at basketball practice after school, Meeting You really encapsulates the best times of high school and college. Even studying for the college entrance exams is a team effort that, while stressful, remains light in tone.
❀ Sha-la-la-la OST that matched the light tone of the drama | It's a shame the YT audio has such poor quality (they would take away background music during scenes, I guess for copyright reasons?), which really killed the vibe. But I'm listening to the full OST as I write this review, and it's really cute! Makes me feel like a high schooler again.
❀ Awesome adult characters | From the supportive moms to the devoted teachers, all the adults passed the vibe check in this drama. Love, love, loved their limited screen time and interactions with the young group. 10/10 great role models.

CONS
✕ A relationship that toed the line with co-dependency | I was low-key surprised at some of the dialogue that happened between the leads. I mentioned before that it was nice seeing the FL bring the ML out of his shell while the ML helped tutor the FL, but when people (namely, parents) wanted to separate them, the answer was a firm, "no." FL might not get into this university suitable for the ML's future? ML's answer: "I'm not going." FL gets an opportunity to go to Italy to hone her coffee-making skills but that means leaving the ML? FL's answer: "I'm not leaving." If not for the coincidential plot points that allowed the main couple to stay together the entire drama, I shudder to think of how the couple would have sacrificed potential futures for each other. Not to say you can't, as this is a nuanced discussion that people have to have, but the drama never took the steps to start that conversation. It retained its singular focus of "we won't be split up again" from beginning to end. On one side, it's testimony of the main leads' devotion (very nice!). On the other, it toes the line of some head-scratching as you begin to think about potential co-dependency. The solution? Don't think too deep about it.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 for the main couple, 4/10 for second couple | Xia Rui and Nan Xi are solid from beginning to end. They trust each other even through rumors and other external interference. Cheng Er Luo and Zhao Yi Shu (the second couple) take a much longer time getting together. He's dense af, she's missing her opportunities to confess. Their relationship was sweet at first but got a bit overdone when they went to college.

OVERALL
While I have mostly positive things to say about this drama, it stays on the superficial side. This is a positive, as the tone is light-hearted and fluffy (no need for angst to enter the equation), but it also makes it a bit difficult to keep the engagement going. I found myself watching scenes in 1.5x-2x speed out of sheer impatience. So while the show didn't have too much depth, that's exactly how it should be enjoyed. I still recommend it though, for a youth drama that's more romance than coming-of-age, highlighting the fun times of young adulthood rather than the struggles.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Fast-paced and Cute with a capital "C"

Shanai Marriage Honey was the perfect translation of a shoujo manga into a live action drama. The romance is fast-paced and rushed (especially in the beginning), and while you don't really see the leads "fall in love" with each other, their interactions as they work out being a married couple are sooo Cute.

PROS
❀ If you're in a romantic mood, this show hits the spot | It truly highlights the normal stuff a married couple does, such as acting cute at the workplace, kissing/fade-to-black bed scenes (heehee), and all that romance jazz. I love how because of the length of the show, you don't have to wait HOURS to get to the couples' confession and the lovey-dovey interactions.
❀ Main leads had great chemistry | Wowww this actress has the most adorable smile. I like how the narrative highlights the thoughts of the couple, including their worries and assumptions of being married. The ML is your charming, popular-in-the-office kinda dude, while the FL is a happy-go-lucky, sometimes wily but mostly sweet accountant. They work great with each other and all the romance scenes are sizzling with cuteness and chemistry. Both actors were super nice to look at which is always a plus!
❀ Short length of the show was perfect for me | I'm the type to get tired of 30+ episode shows (and even 30 episodes is a stretch), so Shanai Marriage Honey, at 7 episodes (~25 min each), was sugary sweet, simple, and the perfect length for a quick romance story to love.
❀ Happy ending, of course | How could it not be?

CONS
✕ Misunderstanding level: 2/10 | Very small misunderstandings happen (maybe a couple of them?) and are resolved within the episode, aka within 20 minutes lol. Overall the couple has pretty good communication and the FL especially is pro-active about her feelings. Love that.

OVERALL
It's the perfect, happy marriage kind of show if you're in a romantic mood. Lovable characters and limited cast make for a tight-knit romcom that'll make your heart smile. Plus, it's easily bingeable and won't take too many hours out of your day.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Medical + military + slice of life = romance drama all in one

While the synopsis of You Are My Hero caught my attention, the length stopped me from starting it. Fear not though, the writers keep your attention from the beginning all the way to ep 40 through events such as earthquakes, toxic workplaces (in the hospital), cute secondary couples, and more. I really loved this drama and recommend it for contemporary drama watchers!

PROS
❀ Lovable leads and couples that you want to root for | While the three main couples (there are four, but the other one is much more minor) have different backgrounds, you want to root for all the characters to get together and find their happiness! The themes of each couple go like this:
1. Mi Ka x Xing Ke Lei: Throughout the series they take turns saving each other, as one is a doctor and one is in the special police force. I love this balance! While their romance wasn't steamy, it was sweet all the same. Both of them are in their first relationships as well, so except a lot of blushing and not knowing what to do when it comes to relationships.
2. Ruan Qing Xia x Shu Wen Bo | City girl/popular reporter meets country himbo who's heartfelt but a tad ignorant. I thought this pair was sugary sweet and loved their chemistry. Fair warning that for this couple there IS a second ML that is also really nice and wholeheartedly devoted, lol, but Xia's loyalty to Shu Wen Bo stays true.
3. Xing Ke Yao x Dr. Shao | LOVE this mature couple, who's on the older side compared to the other couples, and getting their second-chance relationship. Dr. Shao's character is terse/strict yet kind-hearted while Xing Ke Yao, who is Xing Ke Lei's older sister, is savage and straightforward. They were together when they studied abroad and broke up, but neither forgot the other. With the help of friends, they slowly grow closer after meeting each other again in China!
❀ Slice of life energy when it comes to communication and trust | This translates to very little misunderstandings, and although there is some miscommunication going on, the couples learn and grow from those events.
❀ Highlighting frontline workers | When the earthquake event happens (around the teens episodes), it was thrilling to see all the characters step up and work to save earthquake victims. Sometimes they were a team, sometimes they were doing their own department's things. But the whole time, the cast was being pro-active in saving lives in such an intense emergency.
❀ Cute romances and chemistry | I really loved Sandra Ma's character as a hardworking neurosurgeon and her interactions with Bai Jing Ting's character who was in the special police force. While both had busy jobs, they were understanding of one another and flexible when it came to their relationship. Not much skinship or kisses (maybe a couple throughout the series), but their silly and relaxed interactions were so sweet and always brought a smile to my face. They had great chemistry and in general the acting was really well done!

CONS
✕ The second couple (Ruan Qing Xia x Shu Wen Bo) got a little iffy at times | I like how RQX is the chaser in this relationship, but I feel like their conflict was dragged on a bit in the drama. That is, SWB felt as if he wasn't good enough for her, even though she's open about chasing after him, and keeps rejecting her. It got tiring at some points, and RQX's chase was annoying at others. I felt bad for both characters throughout the chase, BUT when they do land on the same page it's really sweet and satisfying to see. I just think it could have dragged less, lol. (Also, I love how the nickname for SWB is "piece of wood," because he's a little dense when it comes to relationships.)
✕ 40 episodes became too long for me... | I don't think the show dragged the 40 episodes out, as there was also some form of conflict that needed to be addressed throughout the series, but I personally didn't have the stamina to keep up with 40 eps. I think when it comes to contemporary romances, 30 eps is my limit haha (and 24 is the sweet spot!). Nonetheless, it helped that the plot never got boring. I think I was just exhausted since I basically binged the series in a couple of days. If I spread the episodes out more, this might have been less of a problem.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 3/10 | They happen but are discussed and fixed because the characters are written as proper adults. This goes for all couples. Nothing that will drag or make watchers annoyed.

OVERALL
This was the first contemporary romance Chinese drama I've seen in YEARS, and it was a great one to start out with. The three powerful couples were composed of lovable characters and the production really allowed the actors to shine, despite it being 40 episodes. Definitely recommended!

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Modern meets history in this goofy romcom with a lovable cast

I originally watched this because I saw it contained similar elements to The Romance of Tiger and Rose (main couple goes from modern to historical times, FL goes back as a villainess while the actual "heroine" spirals, etc), but I think I like this one more! The historical plot is better written, imo, and the leads are more likable. It probably helped that they started off in a relationship and it only grew throughout the series.

PROS
❀ Loveee the OST and soundtrack | I'm obsessed with the opening song, which is so light and fluffy and romantic and a perfect reflection of the drama's tone. I thought the writers did a wonderful job mixing the historical with modern elements, which showcased for some hilarious scenes (ex: playing Beethoven's 5th on the zither when the cast was trying to join a music competition, dancing the tango for the competition, etc).
❀ Understanding FL and loving ML | Even though in the beginning of the drama, the main couple's relationship was strained due to Tu Si Yi's (the ML) fame as a musician, the FL stayed strong and devoted when she went into the VR game to get him back (and despite a lot of obstacles). I loved her upstanding attitude and thought the actress did a wonderful job with her role. Despite the ML losing his memories for a bit in the drama, you can still see his love towards Zheng Zheng (the FL) even though he doesn't quite understand it. It was sweet seeing him "fall in love" again and their reconciliation when he regains his memories.
❀ Lots of side couples to root for | And the fact that they all get happy endings in the last episode... *chefs kiss* We love to see it. Even the villain (second prince) is more hilarious than evil; you really can't take him seriously. Superficial plus... but all the actors/actresses were gorgeous too hehe.
❀ In general, each episode brought a smile to my face | Seriously, some of the characters' antics were so funny (especially the second side couple with TSY's lil sis and Cui Xun). If you don't take this drama seriously (which you shouldn't, going in), you'll be left with all the warm fuzzies each episode.
❀ Wonderful happy ending in the modern times | In To Get Her, the main couple is trying to get back home ToGetHer (get it?) and make awesome relationships along the way (although technically I guess the rest of the game characters are NPCs, lol). The length of 30 episodes was perfect to keep the plot tight and flowing. It's light-hearted, playful, and features lovable characters.

CONS
✕ VR game details were underutilized | I think the scriptwriters got a little lazy with the video game component. You reallyyy have to suspend reality to let the details for the VR game slide by (which is fine, since this is a romcom and not a scifi, but they could have done so much more imo). After the FL goes into the game and looks at her stats, there's not much "game-related" options that happen. She gets some random skills here and there that didn't add to the plot and the explanation for getting their consciousness back by beating the game was a bit iffy. Not a big deal, but kind of a lost opportunity.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 1/10 | Not much in this drama... I'm adding a point though, for the inherent nature of the plot where the ML lost his memories and wasn't in the know for a bit. There were also small misunderstandings in their relationship in the modern time, which were resolved quickly. None of those "I pushed him away for XYZ" or "she didn't know why I did XYZ for her own good" misunderstandings that last for episodes.

OVERALL
Hilarity + couples you want to root for + low stakes game = fun romcom that'll leave you smiling.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Supposed to be inspirational but falls flat

First - kudos to the actress/director Jia Ling for managing to lose 100 lbs in a year! I don't blame her for wanting to make money/get popular from it too in the form of a movie. I feel like fans seem to be divided on the whole weight loss stuff but good for her on getting more healthy. A Lululemon deal doesn't hurt at the end of the journey either, lol. So get that bag sis.

For the movie itself:
PROS
❀ Character growth
In the beginning, we see Le Ying essentially get bullied by everyone in her life. She's a people pleaser and thinks about others before herself - even to her own detriment. Her sister walked all over her, her best friend and ex-boyfriend walked all over her (and cheated in the meantime), and even her lover/coach walked all over her in the end. Boxing was the one thing though that she genuinely wanted to do for HERSELF. Getting into that ring and having a sparring session. She stayed strong in that regard and eventually got her goal in the end. One might think that winning the boxing match is her goal, but I think a more subtle - and important - goal is the ability to say no. And I enjoyed how that manifested at the end of the movie.

❀ Decent cinematography
I really liked the filters they used - it almost reminded me of a Wes Anderson color scheme. The shots were done pretty well and the boxing match was great. I heard that they consulted with an actual famous female boxer on that scene and it shows.

CONS
✕ Anticlimactic ending
I know I went off about the character growth lol but I thought the results of the boxing match would have been more... inspirational, I guess. This is probably the American in me lol. You kind of end it with an "all that and for what?" thought. I mean, obviously for the MC's own internal growth. But it makes it less powerful when the physical reality doesn't match the mental. I think maybe, they were aiming for a match like in Rocky where the journey is what matters, not the outcome. Basically if you give it your all then it doesn't matter what happens. But for some reason it doesn't feel as satisfying. Yes, she discovered her self-worth in the end, but I feel like she was so abused/mistreated in the beginning that the trade-off doesn't really match.

OVERALL
YOLO is one of those movies where right after I ended, I was like "this all?" But after sitting with the message, I started to appreciate it more. Is it inspiring? It's supposed to be, yes. It didn't quite reach the mark for me, though, although I can still appreciate the intent.

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Female lead that I ended up falling out of love with...

I initially liked the first 2 ep as it featured a cold and cliche general, funny and outgoing female lead, and lovable side characters (there's side couples EVERYWHERE. At least 4 by the point I dropped the series). I love the romance-centric theme of General's Lady and how the leads fall in love quickly and have great screen time together. BUT. It got a bit boring for me so I decided to read recaps of the rest of the episodes - lol.
Satisfying/sweet ending, but I don't think it was worth it to watch the last 10 or so episodes (especially since I was watching it in 2x speed).

PROS
❀ Sweetly/sickingly romantic | Like I said, there are side couples everywhere lol, and the main couple gets together pretty quickly. (The FL confesses in the first couple of episodes and the ML follows after another couple of episodes. Out of 30 episodes, they are officially a couple with reciprocating feelings in the first 10 episodes.) I liked this deeply romantic plot and how their love was emphasized throughout the story. BUT. At what cost?? (More on that in the CONS section)
❀ Pretty set and outfits | The visuals were aesthetically pleasing.
❀ Satisfying face-slapping | As the drama takes place a bit in the FL's family home, there are some cunning concubines/sisters she has to deal with. I loveee reading about family feuds and seeing the FL overcome abusive households, which happens in this drama. BUT I also feel like the abusers were let off a bit too nicely.

CONS
✕ The trade-off between romance and misunderstandings... | Okay, the thing about the romance is that you have obstacles to overcome romantic conflict, right? There's way too many for me in this drama to continue watching. Most of the conflicts arise from miscommunication/misunderstandings, and after reading recaps of the next episodes I saw it continued down the line. No thank you from this watcher.
✕ Wasn't feeling the 2 leads | I already wrote off the ML in the beginning because he literally has no personality, lol, other than being a military general and loving his wife, but I was super disappointed in the FL. The actress herself was hilarious and, imo, did the role well (she wasn't annoying in the beginning despite her antics), but I got tired of those machinations after 10+ episodes. She's not the brightest bulb, but she's also not dumb. She's just... there. In the beginning, she was quick-witted despite not having many skills and straightforward. As the pair fall in love, she starts scheming behind her husband's back (very inconsequential but also annoying things) and basically not contributing to anything. The bulk of the face-slapping with her own family was initiated by the ML (her plan with the new concubine was a small redemption). She just gave off very classic shoujo anime main character energy. The ML's character is hard to work with already, but the actor's stone-cold face didn't help. His lack of emotions was almost comical, and this stayed true to the end (as I ended up skipping to see the last episode). I mean yeah, he smiled sometimes, but I kinda need more than a couple of smiles to make me like the character... lol. He definitely becomes a devoted general husband, don't get me wrong, but his face didn't match his actions.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 7/10 | There weren't big misunderstandings in the grand scheme of the couple's love but it's still present. Even though the misunderstandings were about small things they were cringey and I had to skip through them. Chinese dramas really love to make use of the "innocuous yet grating for the sake of angst" situation, and this one was no different.

OVERALL
In essence, I had high expectations for General's Lady after the comical first couple of episodes, paired with my favorite tropes. (Tropes being: cold ML/heartwarming FL, FL gets married off to 'demonic' general instead of another girl (Beauty and the Beast energy), FL comes from mean family (Cinderella energy), etc.) BUT I should have known better, because along with those tropes came 2010 drama energy, where the girl is 80% of the time in need of getting saved, and the romantic plotline obliterates most of the characters' common sense. Which is fine! But hun, this was aired in 2020 and at this point of my life I'm ready for better romcoms than what we've had for the past 10 years.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Couples who grow together STAY together!!! and end up saving the country along the way

If I could rewind time to rewatch this whole series again, I would do it right now.

I was so excited for DESTINED I even broke out my rusty Mandarin to try reading the webnovel it was based on (Chang Feng Du, or "Long Wind Crossing") before the series even aired. (Turns out my Mandarin was a bit too rusty lol.)

If you're a fan of:
- a heartfelt couple who goes through THICK AND THIN together to solve problems and save civilians
- intricate political schemes featuring a 3-dimensional, cunning villain who's easy on the eyes
- host of side characters that brighten up the screen
- diverse genres from war time, palace intrigue, business start-ups, to even slice-of-life and rom-com
- and main characters that go through amazing growth throughout the series,
Then this drama is right up your alley!!

PROS
❀ This couple is my new gold standard for historical dramas
No misunderstandings, unnecessary break-ups, and over-the-top arguments/bickering. JUST mutual affection and understanding, riding the same frequency, passionate embraces, staunch devotion, and growing with each other. The ML Gu Jiusi is at first a carefree dandy, but you can see that he's still soft-hearted and caring, which sets his character up for huge potential. The FL Liu Yuru is getting ready for an engagement as per the young ladies of the time period, but in the series she blossoms into more than those expectations. I adored how both leads inspired the other to go beyond what society expected of them. For GJS, it was maturing past his playboy tendencies to become an official that brought peace to the people, and for LYR it was seeking a surprise passion: business.
Their interactions were so sweet! I love how LYR turned her accidental marriage into something productive and pushed her husband out of his comfort level. On the other hand, GJS's open mind and natural intelligence also sparked new drive and passion into his wife's heart. Individually, they became dependable and strong. Together, they were a gold star team.
Their romance took up a good portion of the story and hooks you in with satisfying character development from the get-go. After the first 10 episodes or so, underhanded scheming upends their lives as they grow more into their roles to save the family.
OH! I also loved their kiss scenes :)) not to mention the couple looked gorgeous together.

❀ The side characters had significant depth
I love how the show focused on side characters as much as the main leads. Relationships of all types are featured: romance, bromance, sismance, revengemance (lol?), and more. The biggest shout outs I have are:
- Pan Xuan and General Zhou's bromance: one that transcends beyond official positions
- Zhou Ye x Ye Shian x Gu Jiusi's bromance: I literally pump my fist whenever I see them working together in court
- Liu Yuru x Ye Yun x Qin Wan Zhi's sismance: I love how each of them are capable in different ways (businesswoman, physician, and female general!)
- Luo Zi Shang as the villain and his subordinates: this villain!! He's smart and he knows it. Manipulating everyone everywhere he goes. But with his backstory and how the actor portrays him, you CAN'T help but feel as if he deserved more. Obviously too late with his evildoings, but you can't help but think: "what if?" in terms of his upbringing and situation. One of my favorite villains to date.
- Jiang He, GJS's maternal uncle: another intelligent character with hidden depths. I love how he was introduced and integrated into the story, as well as his role in wrapping everything up.
- GJS's mom and LYR's mommance: lol sismance but they're in-laws. Both strong women in their own unique ways.

❀ Everyone was casted really well
I loved Bai Jing Ting in You Are My Hero and Reset, and he was AMAZING in this historical piece. His facial expressions - especially towards the beginning - were hilarious as he acted as a carefree dandy. Later down the episodes, even though his character matures and starts to command attention both in the palace and on the battlefield, he still retains some of that playfulness. Song Yi's character also grows from a demure lady to a smart businesswoman (after trials and tribulations), and she executes that transformation really well. At first her dub was a bit sweet/sing-songy to me, but I got used to it as it matched her character. Liu Xue Yi as the villain was stellar as well - even though he was super evil I felt for him. I really did. And not just because of his sad backstory and good-looking face, lol.

❀ Really enjoyed the plot execution
Although I know there was deviation from the book, I love how the storyline pans out. I thought everything was revealed naturally and methodically, and the storyline was tight from beginning to end (meaning - no unnecessary fillers). You looking for a Chinese drama with minimal plot holes? You came to the right place. The writers did a great job tying up loose ends, in my opinion. You get to see the outcome of all the major characters and the final conclusion - which did have tragic moments as per unspoken historical Cdrama rule - was ultimately fulfilling. I literally felt like I had withdrawals after I finished the last episode.
As for the plot, we get to enjoy a host of genres: first we see a rom-com background where two seemingly different people end up together. Then, tragedy strikes and they walk through fire together to save their family and rebuild from scratch, lending a slice-of-life feel. LYR is building her business while GJS enters the government as a lowly yamen runner. As he works his way up (literally climbs the official ladder through numerous achievements and plans), we get introduced to war and much more action. Finally, the main leads make it to the capital and the show continues in a palace setting as everything leading up to this moment gets revealed.

❀ Subtle message of female empowerment
I feel like many Cdramas try to push feminist ideals in your face and end up getting a bad rep. DESTINED doesn't have that focus; rather, the feminist ideals are naturally integrated in the story and characters. GJS - literally greenest flag to have ever flown - is open-minded and not afraid to call people out.
- Why would you have filial piety if your father doesn't deserve it? -> A statement he makes that LYR is shocked about, but ends up applying to her own situation.
- Who says that women can't do what men do? -> GJS's message that inspires LYR to find her own passion rather than living for the sake of her husband.
- Women from all sorts of life: from LYR's birth mom to her friend that takes a stand in her hostage situation to the antagonist team's brothel owner who also takes control of her own life, each woman is depicted with quiet strength and resilience.
In terms of female empowerment, this drama does an amazing job in "showing" those ideals rather than just "telling" the audience.

CONS
✕ I can't really think of anything huge under the haze of my overall love for this drama, but some weaker plot points include:
- 2ML/villain's obsession with the FL: I know Asian dramas tend to oversell childhood friends but even the flashbacks weren't strong enough to supplement his attachment to her
- how our main couple never caught a break after they established themselves: it was literally one conflict after another lol. I didn't mind it but I can see why folks get tired after ep 30ish since the series starts dialing up the palace drama and politics.

OVERALL
DESTINED balances multiple genres really well, but at its heart is a young couple who goes through obstacles and end up growing as individuals while saving people. Along the way, they gather a colorful crew of loyal friends who become the pillars of the nation. While the FL and her business does take a step back in the latter quarter to make room for the ML's kingmaker moves in the palace, she still supports and supplements him. At the end of the day, they were certainly destined for each other.

Brb, about to rewatch it now ;)

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More slice-of-life, please!!

YESSS transmigrating to the past as a stepmother!! While this is a pretty fresh concept in Cdrama-land, I've been reading Cnovels with this premise for years. And you would be surprised how much revenge and action these writers can fit in a "slice-of-life".

A FARMER'S FORTUNE is sweet, cute, and a quick watch at 15-min episodes. That makes the total runtime around 6 hours, which honestly makes it great as a bite-sized piece of enjoyment. We start with our FL in the present, struggling to reclaim her ancestral property from her scheming brother and sister-in-law, and just aggravated with the family rule that properties get handed down to males. So while she's lamenting to her ancestors, of course she knocks someone's altar down and gets transported back in time... as his stepmother?!

This story was so, so, so cute. If you enjoy slice-of-life historical dramas then this will be up your alley. The villains' schemes are countered pretty smoothly but they put up enough of a fight to make the plot engaging. The side characters have heart, and there are unexpected twists surrounding the ML as well. Also I love love love child-raising stories!! It's not too deep in this short drama series but the kids do play a big role in the story and are very likeable as well.

Things to look forward to:
❀ Sweet and hardworking FL who has to turn everyone's opinion of her as an evil stepmother to someone who cares about her kids
❀ Mysterious but supportive ML who ends up respecting (and ofc loving) the FL despite initial wariness
❀ Super cute kids!! And love the character development of the older brother
❀ Silly antagonists who keep the pot stirring
❀ Soft and tender romance with a pretty natural, smooth progression

✕ The only con I would say is a meh ending - it's happy and satisfying but too quick to fully even enjoy before it ends.
BUT honestly since it ends on a good note I can't complain too much.

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Uplifting women's voices and how they don't need no man

Women-oriented show that highlights how past a wife, concubine, and servant's title are mothers, sisters, and daughters who have their own talents, aspirations, and goals.

BLOSSOMS IN ADVERSITY has this theme at its forefront from the initial scene, where a young Hua Zhi saves a ship in a storm by bravely climbing up the mast and letting the sail down. If you're a fan of:
- Wholesome family dynamics
- Cute and angst-free romances
- Intelligent, business-minded FL
- Seeing main characters starting from the bottom and working their way up,
Then this drama is for you!

PROS
❀ Family at that heart of the show
While this show has many other plot points going on (some palace dealings, several romantic lines, etc), at its heart is the Hua family women and their relationships. I thought I would get bored with the family drama, but I think the show did an excellent job in highlighting all the different characters' strengths and weaknesses. I especially appreciated the growth we see in all the women from when they first get kicked out of the capital to when they come back, stronger than ever. At first, they only wanted a man to rely on. With the guidance of Hua Zhi and the Hua matriarch (grandmother), the women started to stand on their own two feet - no men needed. Hua Zhi (FL) leads to family to success by starting various business ventures and gaining allies (and enemies) along the way.
While I was worried all the different characters would be confusing, the family is not that complex and quite easy to follow. They were also quite likeable and thus I didn't find myself fast forwarding past any of their scenes. I feel like it takes great writing to get me invested in heavy family dynamics, and BLOSSOMS IN ADVERSITY hit the mark.

❀ Highlighting the strength of women in different situations
Whether it's with an abusive husband, stuck in a trap of six other concubines, or marrying into a treacherous family, I enjoyed how the show was still able to highlight the perils and obstacles of the various Hua women. While this doesn't mean that everyone has a glorious comeback and comes out victorious (in fact, there are some tragedies that happen), I still appreciated how the show explored the different plights of women during the time period.

❀ Mature(?) romance that is straightforward and sweet
I put mature with a question mark because I'm a bit conflicted in my analysis of the overall romance. At face value, it's very sweet and to-the-point. Gu Yan Xi (ML) encounters the FL after traveling back from the North and is impressed by her lack of fear towards him and intelligent dialogue. He gives her good advice while she navigates her family drama and is a solid shoulder to lean on. The only issue is that his other identity is the Commander of the Security Bureau, which has a deadly reputation. Between the couple, this is *actually* a non-issue as the FL is quite understanding of his double identity and even his confession to his identity (at the ep 20 mark) is met with a calm response (as she had a feeling already). With this regard, I feel like the romance is mature and steady.
The plot point that gives me pause is how the ML handled his inner conflict of choosing the FL vs choosing the emperor (who he sees as a father figure). I feel like we never really get resolution on this from his character, but rather the resolution is forced on us via plot. See, throughout the entire show the ML is the backbone of the emperor's Security Bureau and rooting out rebels, but he's also the FL's companion and supporter. Towards the end the emperor kind of makes him choose between the two by giving the FL a hard time which becomes the core of the break-up (happens at ep 33, but they get back together in ep 36 also it was a soft break-up anyway lol). I never felt like the ML took a solid stance in this regard which makes me hesitate to say this is a *mature* romance - rather, the writing makes it so there aren't huge conflicts between the leads.
HOWEVER, I did like the candid dialogue that Hua Zhi and Gu Yan Xi had about not having misunderstandings/miscommunications. So that is certainly a point towards the maturity. (And every drama should have that convo!!) I guess I'm just flip-flopping in my analysis lol.

❀ Awesome fight scenes
One of the reviewers said the ML had fists of fury and they weren't wrong!! Lol while there weren't many action-dominated scenes, the few that were there were all stellar. Especially the choreo for the ML - his punches got me cheering him on. Of note, I thought the assassin x cooking competition scene in ep 28 had fire filming and execution.

❀ Rare moment where I LOVED the music
The opening theme immediately got me HOOKED. It's so triumphant, adventurous, and catchy. Whenever that theme came on I knew something good was gonna happen in the story, lol. I also like the reprise they made of the theme that's purely instrumental. It was giving Bridgerton vibes and just added to the overall atmosphere.

❀ The way everyone started coupling up around the ep 30ish mark
It was so cute what the heck!! Everyone was so easy to root for and it made the overall happy ending very satisfying to see.

CONS
✕ Weak palace drama
While I enjoyed how the palace drama gave us a chance to see more of the ML's backstory and ACTION(!!), the overall plotline was weak and felt nonsensical. At some point I was just waiting for the emperor to d*e so that anyone(!!) could take the throne after him. For real. I feel like this weak palace plot exacerbated my side-eye at the ML because I wasn't convinced he had to be as loyal to the throne as he was. The final conflict wasn't even instigated by our leads, they just had a (helping) hand in it. Because of the ML x emperor loyalty though, I didn't feel as if the ML had time to grow. Like, he "made his own decisions" in certain scenes towards the end but it wasn't as resolute as it could have been, since he was still juggling both sides (his lover aka the FL vs the emperor aka his father figure) towards the very end.

✕ ML frozen face
I expected this going in but it's actually so noticeable it's funny. The ML actor (Hu Yi Tian) is TALL and HAWT, don't get me wrong. Major eye candy. And his smiles make everything worth it. The only problem is his stoic face for 97% of his screen time. I *feel* like the actor was trying to do some micro-expressions with his eyes, but I wasn't really seeing it. Will eye candiness (I mean come on, he looks SO good with that curly flowing hair) make up for frozen face syndrome? It will for me. I feel like the writers did well with making his actions speak for themselves.

✕ Misunderstanding level: 0/10
ML has hidden identity but it wasn't a huge misunderstanding or major issue.

OVERALL
This drama will leave you with all the warm, fuzzy feelings. ALL the characters (except the emperor who is shown to be cowardly from the get-go) are immensely likeable and fun to watch. You'll fall in love with not only the main couple and their stalwart support of one another, but also the beautiful female relationships that blossom in this drama. I feel like Zhang Jing Yi (FL actress) always does a great job with strong FLs and this historical piece was no different. I guess she does step into Mary Sue territory at times, but she also learned from her elders quite a bit (especially towards the beginning) to get her foundation set up. Nonetheless, BLOSSOMS IN ADVERSITY truly highlights the power of family when worst comes to worst, and how one can utilize that love and power to climb back from adversity.

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Sweet, light historical romcom with endearing ships

If you're looking for a lighter Cdrama without too much angst but lots of couples, I recommend this one!

It features:
- Sismance between two girls as they head towards unlikely marriages
- Physically strong and direct FL x "sickly" but intelligent ML
- Scholarly, quick-witted second couple FL x loyal, military second couple ML
- Light scheming both within the family and within the palace
- Sweet storyline that doesn't require too much thought

PROS
❀ Couples EVERYWHERE and they are all so cute
In order of screen time, it would probably be: (if my memory serves correct)
1. Li Yu Hu x Qi Tian Lei: main couple that work together to save the family from a scheming cousin. I loveeed the scenes where they practiced martial arts together hehe.
2. Du Bing Yan x Yuan Bu Qu: second couple that (also) work together to defeat the enemies at the border. She dresses up as a male physician to help out while he's the beloved general at the camp.
3. Princess Chang Ping x Sha Ping Wei: they're both the younger side couple that the show devotes some extra time towards. He's the lieutenant/right hand man of Yuan Bu Qu while she's the princess engaged to the general.
4. Liu Ruo Qian x Shu Da Niang: (I THINK that's her name...) basically the older couple that gets reunited after a fight. Teacher Liu is pretty much everyone's master/sensei/godfather/mentor/fortune-teller/shipper/matchmaker in the story LOL
5. Yan Sheng x Ji Jing Tang: another younger side couple between the apothecary's son and ML's family member that helps them out
6. Empress x Liu's senior brother: additional tale of a past romance and the empress getting closure about it
I like how the romances were the main highlight of the drama and it doesn't shy away from them. They develop quite quickly and the couples stay true to each other. By ep 8, the main 2 couples have already confessed and we get some kissing scenes already hehe. I would have to note, the romances are all super wholesome and lean towards the "cutesy" theme rather than anything sensual or deep. It matches the drama's theme since everything stays light, but I wanted to let future viewers know so they have the right expectations going in.

❀ Interesting (enough) side conflicts
Again, there isn't anything too deep with any of the schemes going on but it keeps viewers watching. The first couple has to deal with an instigator in the house (the ML's cousin) while the second couple has to deal with getting approval for their marriage after the general gets promoted and catches the eye of the empress. The drama's overall theme is pretty low-stakes though, so I wouldn't say these conflicts are *gripping*; they're good for a light watch to see the couples succeed despite all odds. Also it's cute how all the characters help each other out.
However, I would highlight that viewers shouldn't come in with high expectations when it comes to how the schemes pan out because there's a good bit of deus ex machina where someone pops out of nowhere to "save the day."

CONS
✕ Uneven distribution of screen time
The drama pretty much goes all in on one couple over another, but I think it would have been more enjoyable to see more equal parts of each as each episode continues. For example, we focus more on the first couple towards the beginning and I low key forgot about the second couple, lol. I would have been a more attentive watcher if the show decided to split the couples more evenly - or at least not wholly focus on just one couple for an extended period of time. This would have kept me engaged on all the characters equally.

✕ Second couple could have been more
While I liked this couple, I feel like their lack of screen time hindered their relationship. First, we never figure out why the general had two past wives (rip to this dropped plot point). Second, they have to deal with this empress for SO many episodes which had them separate for a while (rip to their relationship development). I feel like their relationship had potential that just wasn't utilized.

✕ Misunderstanding level: 2/10
Happy to report that the bride mix-up storyline doesn't drag too long and the grooms figure things out pretty quickly lol. The couples are true to each other from beginning to end.

OVERALL
I think this drama checks all the boxes for a light, historical romcom that'll leave viewers satisfied. Although nothing particularly makes WRONG CARRIAGE, RIGHT GROOM a "stand-out," the happy ending and journey towards it (featuring all the cute couples) make it worth the watch.

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Heartfelt historical romance with a bickering couple and a storyline full of righteousness and valor

I hope everyone can find their Wonderland of Love <3

I saw this recommended on a TikTok with "strong FLs in C-dramas" and it definitely did not disappoint! This was also my first drama with the ever-popular Xu Kai and I think they really highlighted his acting skills (especially the grief/crying scenes). If you like very romantic historical dramas, you're in for a treat. There's a lot of scenes between the main leads (LOTS of kissing too hehe) while they deal with an unstable court regime, a missing crown grandson, and invaders along the border. I thought that the opening music matched the couple's energy: heroic and righteous from beginning to end.

The storyline starts with both leads having a playful back-and-forth with their armies on the line during a time of rebellion and turmoil, as the emperor's family is almost all annihilated and a general took control. Midway through, the environment shifts from the battlefield and war to court intrigue and tricky politics. I do think the war strategies were at the forefront of the conflict in the show compared to any palace drama, which was refreshing and fun.

PROS:
❀ Main couple with stellar chemistry and dialogue
I loved the scenes between A'Ying and Li Ni, from the very beginning where they were after the same thing (provisions for their respective armies) to the end where they worked together as a couple to squash rebels. Their chemistry was fire from the very beginning and the flirting never stopped from there, lol. The couple dynamics were giving stubborn general's daughter x playful nobleman. Neither of them were invested in the fight for court power but were thrown into the game due to the incompotent people around them, such as Li Ni's cowardly father and brothers. I love how they were on the same frequency for most of the drama, knowing what the other thought and going along with their plans. They both respected each other's wit and characters immensely, and the dialogue always emphasized that. In terms of an equal relationship, this one takes the cake. ALSO, I'm very happy with their ending as a couple and how the show took time to reach that conclusion.
As individuals, I thought their characterizations stayed true throughout the story. Even though Li Ni didn't want to crown prince role and favored a simple lifestyle on the border, he recognized what he needed to do after the huge betrayal scene. Even still, he remained stalwart and upstanding even in the midst of scheming ministers. A'Ying is like the rest of her family - tsundere at heart. She may seem quite cold at times, but she actually has a soft heart. Together, they get along best when they fight/bicker (lol). Shout out to the choreography of them fighting/battling together, because that was always a feast for the eyes.

❀ Interesting side characters that added a lot of depth
From the torn Crown Princess (what a heartbreaking character!) to the brother-in-arms from Loulan Pass (my favorite comic relief), I really appreciated the extra characters. The only ones I didn't like were the second leads, lol. More on that in the con section. Oh also, Taozi and Erduo were the cutest :)

❀ Giving Art of War energy
I enjoyed the heavy emphasis on military strategy over any palace intrigue. A lot of the plans talked about knowing when to attack and when to retreat, which people to use as your allies, when to ambush the enemy, etc. I thought it kept the storyline exciting and the action non-stop.

❀ Them costumes though...
Flashy and gorgeous. Especially Li Ni's outfits... that man looks fine in everything. Also loved his hairdo as well lol. They did an amazing job with making A'Ying look heroic in her military gear too! It created a great juxtaposition when she dressed up as a noble lady.

CONS:
✕ Second leads were kinda weird
I forgot their names so I'm just going to label them as 2ML and 2FL. Both had odd characterizations that were reductive and trite. Also both of them started out decent but ended up getting super obsessed over our main leads which made for lazy writing. Both stand no chance in the romance game.
The 2ML was A'Ying's adoptive brother who wanted to get together with him, but she only saw as an older brother. I thought their separation would allow him to come back even more heroic and helpful in the Cui Army cause, but he just fell into the dark side.
The 2FL was a court lady that Li Ni randomly saved and she got obsessed with him ever since, going back to her father to scheme him into marrying her. At first I was like, "ooh she's kind of smart despite being a court lady that was kicked out of her home," but instead of leveraging that plotline to create character depth, her development stunted at falling in love with Li Ni who never ever gave her hints.
This wouldn't even be a con if it weren't for their obsessive scheming getting into the way of the leads. Like let them be!!

✕ A'Ying could get pretty stubborn at times
This is part of her character, but she could give a good sulk like no other. Thankfully, Li Ni is 10/10 at apologizing and I love a good grovel when I see one (even if it's sometimes not needed LOL). This didn't hinder my enjoyment but sometimes I was like, girl can you just let it go :,)) Thankfully their make-up scenes were 20/10!!

✕ Misunderstandings: 3/10
Nothing major that I can think of. It was more like minor understandings in the beginning when they were both figuring out each other's identities and character. Any break-ups and arguments were short-lived between them and they made up pretty often. I loveeeed their romantic dates in the midst of the war and fights breaking out lol.

OVERALL
If you're looking for a valiant couple who work together for the sake of bringing peace to the people, this show is for you. There's plenty of action, and even more romance, to enjoy. The male lead is protective and sweet, the female lead is headstrong and gallant. Both of them stand brave in the midst of chaotic times and strive to protect the ones they love. While the show was 40 episodes, I never felt bored and the satisfying ending made my heart all warm. The symbolism of Le You Yuan (Wonderland) will leave viewers hopeful about their own wonderland of love.

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A must-see to complete this couple's story

Thank you Productive Procrastination for the translations!
This movie is a sequel and continuation of where the story left off in Puppet Prince, which you should watch first. The story in this movie is set three years after Puppet Prince, where the FL is trying to save the ML from his vegetative state. It honestly was more frustrating than the first movie, but not gonna lie the twist near the end got me. Did it absolve the frustrating bits beforehand? Somewhat... but in general I wasn't here for the angst done to the FL.

PROS
❀ The FL remains as optimistic, fun, and good-hearted as always | In my review of the first movie I noted how hesitant I was about the FL, but I ended up really liking her, and in this movie she stays great! I love how determined she was to save the ML and to regain his memories. When she realized she was overstepping her boundaries, she steps back. She's also smart and capable though, and ends up figuring things out on her own despite people going against her. We stan a heroine who knows kung-fu and uses her brain!
❀ Those twists near the end got me | The first 45 minutes got me low key upset, lol. I felt like the FL deserved so much better and there were more romantic scenes between the ML and the 2FL villainess. BUT the plot was saved by those twists near the end. I like how everything was fast-paced so watchers get to figure out the bad guys along with the main characters. I think both movies were unpredictable in some ways which really turned the storyline for the better. My only complaint is all that angst leading up to the twist.

CONS
✕ Not a huge fan of the amnesia plot | I guess you can't expect an epic Chinese story without an amnesia plot (/sob... why must they be like this). Anyway, this amnesia trope was hard to watch in this movie because the ML felt so cold towards the FL who had only the best of intentions. Like - sir!!! But future watchers should have more faith in him (at least more than I did, lol), because there are ~reasons~ why frustrating things happen. Y'all's patience will be rewarded. :')
✕ Not a fan of how much screen time they spent on the ice puppet | At one point I felt like I was watching a totally new couple (with the ice puppet as the FL) and my eyes rolled so hard. There's a limit to how many scenes I can bear where the actual FL's feelings get stomped on!! They even gave the ice puppet a flashback scene. All in all she was a pretty annoying character but at least she had good character development.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 9/10 | Bruh, even *I* as the watcher was misunderstanding the ML. All in the name of noble sacrifice.

OVERALL
Sad to report that while this is about the romance between the couple from Puppet Prince, there aren't romantic scenes surrounding them. I mean, the feelings are still there, but they're too busy trying to save the other (lmao). I'd say watch this if you're okay with investing a bit over 2 hours for both movies. The story is still pretty exciting (a lot is fit in these movies) and while I would have liked more ~romance~, at least we get a happy ending for our main leads.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Fell asleep in first half but second half took a 180 turn

I watched this movie in four parts... lol the first three times, I kept falling asleep. Nothing was really happening, it was boring, and I had to get my friend to recap for me. Thank goodness my friend kept prodding me to finish it, because halfway through the movie literally goes from 0 to 105. It's all action, gore, fighting, and the main lead being OP af. If you like seeing the protagonist beat up foes, this one's for you. Story-wise, though, there's a lot missing.
(Also, one of the reasons she made me watch was to see Da Mi and Woo Shik before Our Beloved Summer aired lol. I like both actors - they have young faces and bring refreshing emotions to the screen.)

PROS
❀ Good introduction to the actors | I haven't watched Itaewon Class but Kim Da Mi left an impression on lots of people and she did a good job in this movie too. Even though her character was written very lazily, she still managed to give off very intelligent and savage vibes for her character. Woo Shik was great in Parasite and in The Witch, he plays the lunatic working for the evil scientist quite well. Honestly, I'm impressed with how well he expressed the character because his lines bordered on cringe sometimes. The Witch is a testimony that movies can be successful, despite poor writing, due to the execution of the actors and the producer.
❀ Fun action, especially towards the end | Once everything gets out in the open by the middle of the movie, the action is non-stop. You basically watch the main character Goo Ja Yun beat all the bad guys up in a very satisfying way. The production quality for the action was eye-catching and vibrant, which makes up for all the boring scenes in the beginning. Like I said, the movie goes from 0 (nothing big happening) to 105 (a LOT of things happening) lol. So if you're struggling while watching, try to push through to reach that middle part.

CONS
✕ Really sloppy writing | This movie takes the idea of "genetically engineered superhuman children" and... that's it. Lol. It doesn't progress past the vague idea of one of the superhuman children turning against the researchers and nothing is deep. Main character Ja Yun wants to live and protect her foster parents. That means getting rid of the people after her. Solution? Kill those people. I'm a huge fan of sci-fi and have seen this vague storyline done 10+ times through Western books/movies/etc. The Witch: Subversion doesn't offer anything new, unfortunately, nor does it stand out against the myriad of stories with the same theme. The story doesn't have depth, the characters barely have depth, and the superhuman plot is not used to its potential. Everything about this movie just screams "shallow."

OVERALL
Honestly I feel like you shouldn't watch it until Part 2 comes out. Part 1 ends in a cliffhanger, there's barely a storyline going on, and the characters felt like caricatures. The reasons I kept watching were 1) my friend basically forcing me and 2) the main actors. The action towards the end and the female lead kicking ass make it worth the watch, but everything else is a hazy memory in my mind.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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It felt like I was watching poorly-written fanfiction of season 1

Came into this season right after binging and loving season 1. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed season 1, but season 2 shocked me again with how much I /didn't/ like it. All the enjoyable things about season 1 was pretty much gone, and the only theme that carried over was the main couple's intense romance that everyone loves. I feel like they not only butchered Tan-er's character from a smart, capable heroine who solved the puzzles with her partner to stale paint in the background, but also Mo Yi Huai's character where they made him cannon fodder for the sake of the plot. Instead of the characters being pro-active in dealing with antagonistic schemes like season 1, they were passive and reactive. I dunno, season 2 lost a lot of its charm and I don't think I'll follow the couple's story into season 3 since it seems like the same thing, rinse and repeat.

PROS
❀ Romance, romance, romance | Just like season 1, at the core focus of this drama is the main couple Tan'er and Mo Lian Cheng. Even though one of Mo Lian Cheng's love rival is literally a past version of himself (seemingly in a different dimension), the main couple stays true to each other. The way they reconciled Mo Lian Cheng's different selves was... okay. I guess the only way they could have ended that plot point. I know some other viewers weren't a fan (based on YT comments LOL) but I thought it was fine. At that point in the story, I was speeding through and could care less.
❀ I liked the modern setting in the first couple of episodes | To be honest, it would have been refreshing to keep the story but in modern settings. But the writers said "nah" and decided to rehash all the characters and premises of season 1. Original, much??? (/s)
❀ Still love the supporting characters | Tan-er's maid, MLC's bodyguard, and his younger brother prince are my fave.

CONS - caution bc I be ranting in here
✕ The way they butchered Tan-er's character | In season 1, I love how she worked with Mo Liang Chen and even Qu Xiao Tan to figure out the antagonists' schemes and get back at them. She was smart, and even though she was a little obnoxious, at the end of the way she got things done. In this season, only the obnoxious part of her character carried through. She barely did anything in terms of plot (most of the action was Mo Liang Chen trying to get a happy ending for this dimension and his fam), and her plans usually backfired (with the exception of like, 1, towards the end lmao). She wasn't annoying, per se, but she wasn't helpful for anything outside of the main romance. It was really disappointing to see a smart (and kind of powerful, with the orb magic!) FL regress into the same ol' same ol' Chinese historical heroine that runs around doing nothing and having dudes fall in love with her for doing nothing.
✕ The way they butchered Mo Yi Huai's character | Loved his bittersweet character in season 1, but in this season he's crazy. His character is inconsistent (in one scene he's obsessed with and 'loves' Tan-er, in another scene he laughs at her trying to seduce him) (Granted, he knows she has something up her sleeve but still homeboy really acted like he hated her), his motives are dodgy, and in general he gets pulled like the wind in whatever direction the writers want him to take. I'm tired of Chinese drama writers making villains mentally ill/obsessive... it's not only lazy, but leaves a bad taste in my mouth. We in the 21st century, surely we can think up of better villains? Anyway, all his charm and pure love in season 1 gets thrown out the window and he regresses into the stereotypical obsessive/possessive villain who will do anything, at all costs, to get a woman. Sigh.
✕ From pro-active to reactive | Like I said, the scheming/court intrigue became frustrating in this one with the characters finding things out last minute and figuring out a way to fix things. The crux of the problem was Mo Liang Chen trying to save his older bro (who the writers must hate as a character bc they always be doing him dirty) and because of that, tries not to stir stuff up. Oh, but other people be stirring stuff up. So MLC's there to act as a janitor and sweep everything into rights... until he can't. And shit hits the fan. And now they have a BIGGER mess to clean up. And as a viewer I'm done and skipping scenes.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 4+/10 | I honestly don't remember since I finished this a couple weeks ago but definitely more than the first season. Mo Liang Chen has Tan-er in CIRCLES with him acting as himself, being himself but in an earlier time/different dimension, and acting as himself with a mask aka lookin like another dude. To be honest, I couldn't keep up with the actor switching roles and I don't think he did a good job. I had to constantly read the YT comments to figure out if it was the OG Mo Liang Chen or the new one. Comments be like "ohh he's colder as the new MLC and much sweeter as the OG one" and I was like "who???" bc they both be having the same ":|" expression. The FL was confused, I was confused as a viewer, and in general the execution was Very Messy (TM).

OVERALL
The Eternal Love lost its charm for me. I really don't understand why this season is some viewers' faves - maybe bc of the unnecessary angst that was created? Season 1 was fun and fresh, season 2 was the opposite. We got reuse, reduce, recycled characters/background, romance that felt cheapened (especially with Tan-er losing ALL her memories of season 1. Like she gains a little back but not the whole thing, it seemed like (although it was not clearly showed)), and heavily wasted potential on plot elements. I feel like I should have skipped this season and went directly to season 3. Nevertheless, I'll be taking a break on this series before moving on (if I do so at all).

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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