Shortly coming on the heels of watching Killer and Healer, this drama probably did not meet my expectations. If I had watched this first, since it was released prior K&H, it could be a different story, but I did not. For this drama, the eye-candy did help, because it is probably the main reason why I finished this show the other being curiosity. The drama tried to pass off as an intricate who-done-it, but it ended up convoluting the story. There are glaring plot holes and illogical set-ups (not sure if the drama's fault or the way the book was written). The show tried to also incorporate some romance but fails due to the stalky FML.
I love the juxtaposition of the real world and game world and how the characters act in either of them. Yang Yang is a dreamboat and the other characters are mostly easy on the eyes. I also love the brewing bromance between KO and Hao Mei. Watch it for all the elements: plot, characters, costumes, scenery, pacing, romance...and it will not disappoint. Only downside is the lackluster kissing skills of female lead but Yang Yang could kiss a tree and it will still look hot.
This sprawling historical saga spanning thousands of years, is rich and luscious in its story-telling. The war, the love, the tribulations among the immortals and mortals are depicted with detail. Characters and plot are not one-dimensional. Most of them are easy on the eyes, even the villains. It would have been a 10 for me if it weren't for the female characters in the story, being given less redeeming qualities than their male counterparts. The female characters (even the good ones) are shown as duplicitous at worst, and unreasonably obstinate at best. While the male characters come across as the more forgiving, and more understanding partners. It was nice to see role reversals even at that time - the man cooking for the woman even if he was the crown prince, but this does not negate the fact that the women were given a harsher brush stroke. Bonus: if you don't even like the story, Mark Chao's acting is worth the 58 episode watch.
The characters are fun and loveable, especially the female lead. The story is a reverse ugly duckling where a beautiful and rich girl pretends to be an ugly and poor one who manages to capture the heart of the prince with her disguise. Overall a light and fun romcom that is enjoyable to watch., except for the annoying girl who doesn't know when to quit and then gets on my nerves.
The first half started out strong. I liked a lot of the characters (both main and supporting), then the FL Jin Mi started grating on my nerves. She blames all her actions on others despite apologizing for them and people keep making excuses for her. If she weren't the main FL, she would probably be the same as the villainous 2nd FL. It just depends on perspective. Surprisingly, I liked the good-turned-bad, illegitimate-prince-turned-heavenly-emperor the most. Run Yu is a very complex character and Luo Yun Xi delivers as the long-suffering, eldest brother who was always expected to do the right thing yet his step mother keeps assuming the worse of him. He's like Cinderella, if Cinderella were to exact revenge on those who hurt them. We can't all be perfect. I thought this drama would equal or even surpass TMOPB/EL but it suffered from being too ambitious on the back end of the story and it is no fault of the cast because most of them are amazing.
The first two episodes were cringey for me as I dislike women chasing men so blatantly, and especially I wasn't sold on the female character looking awkward at the same time. The drama progressed better after the first few episodes then the characters, especially the male ones became more endearing. It's a heartwarming story about chasing your dreams, sacrifices, friendship and family.
It's a sweet story about two lovers who reunited after almost 10 years of being separated due to different circumstances. The drama has their moments, and its heartwarming, but I'm only invested in the main couple's story-line. It's very slow pacing prevented me from enjoying the drama as I felt this could have 10 episodes less and would still manage to convey the crux of the story. I was more invested in the book that this drama is based on, about the true story of the author and her husband.
Light and fluffy romantic story that finally has its leads not at polar opposites. Hate those stories about most popular, handsome, smartest guy falling for the dumbest, weakest girl in school (I blame you ISWAK!) They got one end of the spectrum, with a genius but socially awkward scientist paired with a girl who has some brains on her head. No desperate clinginess from the female character which is a bonus. Although, the second couple annoys me, because they "settled" into the relationship after being rejected by their love interests. Otherwise, cute drama.
I can't say enough how much I love this drama. I just wish it was longer! Started out confusing because of so many characters, and the CGI could be better but the story trumps all of the flaws the drama could have. Its very meaty as it has everything: romance, revenge, family, tragedy, friendship, politics, melodrama, comedy, all the genres you can think of, this one has it. This drama kept me at the edge of my seat and the fighting scenes and cinematography were magnificent. The romantic subtext between the two male leads was palpable as the actors were able to portray their emotions through tonal nuances and facial expressions. The rest of the cast, even the secondary ones have the acting chops to support the drama.
I like the Male Lead character quite a lot, despite that he is not my usual cup of tea. Lin Yu Shen portrays the stiff, rigid businessman quite adorably. The banter that ensues between the FL & ML are engaging and their antics humorous. The secondary characters however, seem over-the-top for me and as comedic relief, failed on their end. If you are a foodie, this may be a good show to watch.
Gender-bender drama that is very tropey. Only watched it out of curiosity, pretty engaging only because of Darren Chen who is easy on the eyes. FL is better suited as a boy than as a girl. You have to suspend your disbelief for this drama in order to enjoy it. A guilty pleasure watch only if you have the time.
I was glad I gave this tropey drama a chance, as I'm not into ISWAK vibes (cold but smart man, warm but clueless woman). But their story was too sweet (without being too saccharine) to pass up. Miles Wei does justice to his character, an upright, socially-awkward and emotionally-stunted university professor. And so hot too boot! Xu Ruo Han manages to portray the naïve, "unfortunate" student without pissing me off, by being too whiney or clingey as other "dumb FLs" ought to come across. Together, they make an adorable couple who navigates through their contractual marriage and growing feelings for each other. Their marriage of convenience is mostly due in part of the ML's grandfather (a great supporting character!) whose dying wish is to see his grandson happily married, and circumstances led to Yun Shu as the chosen wife. Other supporting characters are also well-fleshed out, including the secondary coupling of the ML's Best friend and FL's sister. The love rivals in this drama weren't hateful and even the "villain" of the story (FL's cousin) served as a catalyst to bring the two MCs together. All in all a cute Rom-com that includes steamy kisses.
I was interested at first until the actions of the FL towards the second half of the drama irked me. Her self-righteousness became overbearing, and I don't think it's the fault of the actress. Just the way the characters are written are mostly one-dimensional, particularly the side characters. Towards the end I have very little love left to what could have been a good drama. Loose ends are forcibly tied and I didn't like the way how the "bad" characters ended up getting redemption, and some even receiving praise for the necessity of them being mean. I guess I should be more forgiving and carry with the thought that there are no bad people, just bad decisions made by people, but somehow this didn't fly with me in this drama.
This is the second drama I've seen of Rosy Zhao; her popularity as a young and up-coming actress is solidified by her acting prowess. She fits the bill of the female character who can be quirky and serious at the same time. Ryan Ding tries his best to catch up with the female lead and plays the love-lorn villain-turned hero decently enough. I like the well-roundedness and multi-dimensional characters in the drama, despite some of the show's plot holes that try to pin them down. Not sure what I need to say more about this drama, except that it is a delight to watch and I am excited to see the sequel if it is the same cast. Hopefully, this time set in the modern era.
This is really a refreshing drama despite its youth theme, normally they are so cringey to view for older viewers like me, but it goes deeper than highshool romance. Not a fan of slice-of-life, I am impressed at how the show treated family relationships, childhood friendships and teenage drama. The social teen group are comprised of characters that are multi-dimensional, with their own flaws, but their tenacity to wade through their problems are endearing. They came across as being more mature than even some of the adults in the drama. Despite only in her mid-teens when filming, Ancy Deng's performance is on point. The decision to cast her in spite of her age is a wise one: because teens should be played by teens, and not by older actors who may not necessarily have that youthful naivete. I read reviews that many were disappointed there wasn't a kiss scene in a romance drama (due to Deng's minor status, and her age gap with the ML), but it should not detract from the story.
I was unsure about the reviews regarding this drama, whether it was inflated due to the bromance, but it was only a small aspect of it. Sure the eye candy helped, but what carried the drama are the intricate plot, the actor's strong performances, and the world building. The characters, even the secondary and villainous, are multi-dimensional. Sure there maybe some plot holes, but if you do not over-think the drama like I do, it is an entertaining watch.
The premise looked interesting as I liked the tropey, online/anonymous meet-cute between an idol and her fan. But the drama was bogged down by numerous factors. 1) The second story line between the supporting characters were cringey at best. I couldn't stand the woe-is-me outlook of Ma Shan Shan, and the annoying persistence of Su Bin Yu. 2) The love-triangle among the MCs and the SML is a no-contest, and unless you are okay with "Daddy" vibes, Ding Jia Yun just gave me the creeps. And the wardrobe they put on him didn't help matters, that he looked like a wash-down, trying-hard Elvis impersonator with sequined, sparkly, and leather clothes. 3) The rest of the supporting characters are one-dimensional and hardly worth noting. 4) The in-game sequences were cute at first but went overboard as the story goes along. Only positives I can see in this drama aside from the OST, is the cinematography. While there is chemistry between the leads, they were not enough to hold this drama up together.
I would have given this drama a lower score if it hadn't been for the amazing chemistry between Xing Fei and Tang Xiao Tian who carried most of the show. The premise of a boy crushing on a girl for over 20 years despite not having been together for most of their lives was interesting; however, it was less credible for me IRL. But keeping in mind this is a drama after all, I had to suspend disbelief, like I did with Wen Rang and Cheng Cheng's relationship. The episodes could be cut in half and still convey the same story. A lot of filler scenes especially towards the last few episodes.
2 
I was more invested in the book that this drama is based on, about the true story of the author and her husband.
Not sure what I need to say more about this drama, except that it is a delight to watch and I am excited to see the sequel if it is the same cast. Hopefully, this time set in the modern era.