Tanky Toon

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.

Another drama about a celebrity and a commoner. Not necessarily an anti-fan but a non-fan. Add to this a dash of the supernatural, body-swapping,and you get a tropey drama. Stephen Zhang and Liang Jie were brilliant as the aloof idol Jiang Yi and the spritely entertainment reporter Yu Sheng. Their meticulous performance continues when they were purportedly inhabiting the other's body. What made me give this drama less than a full mark are a variety of factors. For one, the pacing is uneven, very slow in some parts, and quick to escalate on others. Secondly, the supporting characters had their own backstory and also, their own selfish agendas where I cannot feel for any of them, aside perhaps from Yu Sheng's parents. The second pairing is not a pairing at all, and it seems the writers tried just to grasp at straws to make the 2nd couple feasible. And finally, the most glaring error is the last 5 minutes of the drama, which threw the whole narrative into whack, and hence unforgivable in my eyes.

I thought that no C-drama that would rival my fave, The Untamed, but WOH is giving The Untamed a run for its money. The world building may not be as complex as The Untamed, but there's no shortage of duplicitious and intricate plot twists. Secondary characters are also well-fleshed out and are important figures in their own right. Fighting scenes and cinematography are also breath-taking. But I think what pushes this drama to the top are our Male leads.Soulmates Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing have an adorable push-and-pull kind of relationship, and magnified by the flirtatious gestures of Gong Jun and the stoic expressions of Zhang Zhe Han. I am amazed at these productions adapted from same-sex works, how they were able to skirt Chinese censorship but yet manage to drop hints, whether by slight touches, lingering eye contact or subtle references to source material. But also because of the censorship, tension between two characters needed to be nuanced and left to the imagination. It is a great way to bring mainstream and BL viewers under one roof.

I truly enjoyed this forbidden love story. From the intricate plot, to the cinematography to the acting prowess. Deemed as the "rebellious" Zhou Sheng Chen, Ren Jia Lun was perfect as the emotionally-stunted Master/warrior. While Bai Lu played the mute heroine with controlled grace and avoided becoming the clingy damsel in distress. Both leads effortlessly portrayed the pining and longing between them with subtle yet impactful gestures as they maneuver the political climate that prevented them from acknowledging their feelings for each other. Other characters gave credence in their roles as support or as obstacle to the lead characters' journey. The twists and turns in this drama, that culminated in its ending, were so well-woven that the sequel to this was unnecessary.

Yes. She is supposed to be the Ha Yeon that Yeon Seok was seeking.

I speak both Mandarin and Cantonese and the mouth movements in this drama correspond to them speaking in Mandarin. Yes, you would think that low budget dramas would do away with re-dubbing, especially if they are not broadcasting in Mainland China and are mostly for international viewers who would primarily not know difference in accents.

This won't air in China unless people there have VPN access. Regarding dubbing, Most Chinese productions, regardless of what kind it is, are re-dubbed by professional voice actors due to many reasons, but primarily due the fact that China has a multitude of dialects, that differ from region to region, town to town, so to keep the consistency and to make sure that most Chinese speakers are able to understand, voice actors use standard Mandarin where
accents and inflections are eliminated.

Also Official Twitter and also director based in Beijing.
https://twitter.com/InYourHeartBL?t=eIlSyoFsV5uoWxxKojVYOw&s=09

And several official Chinese sites, including Baidu, Chinese version of Wiki/Google lists the show as produced by Mainland China

https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%9C%A8%E4%BD%A0%E5%BF%83%E4%B9%8B%E6%89%80%E5%90%91%E7%9A%84%E5%9C%B0%E6%96%B9/56203393

Also Official Twitter and also director based in Beijing.
https://twitter.com/InYourHeartBL?t=eIlSyoFsV5uoWxxKojVYOw&s=09

And several official Chinese sites, including Baidu, Chinese version of Wiki/Google lists the show as produced by Mainland China

https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%9C%A8%E4%BD%A0%E5%BF%83%E4%B9%8B%E6%89%80%E5%90%91%E7%9A%84%E5%9C%B0%E6%96%B9/56203393

Also Official Twitter and also director based in Beijing.
https://twitter.com/InYourHeartBL?t=eIlSyoFsV5uoWxxKojVYOw&s=09

And several official Chinese sites, including Baidu, Chinese version of Wiki/Google lists the show as produced by Mainland China

https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%9C%A8%E4%BD%A0%E5%BF%83%E4%B9%8B%E6%89%80%E5%90%91%E7%9A%84%E5%9C%B0%E6%96%B9/56203393

Also Official Twitter and also director based on Beijing.
https://twitter.com/InYourHeartBL?t=eIlSyoFsV5uoWxxKojVYOw&s=09

And several official Chinese sites, including Baidu, Chinese version of Wiki/Google lists the show as produced by Mainland China

https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%9C%A8%E4%BD%A0%E5%BF%83%E4%B9%8B%E6%89%80%E5%90%91%E7%9A%84%E5%9C%B0%E6%96%B9/56203393

This is not an HK drama. The China tag is correct as this is produced by the same company as Capture Lover which is also a Chinese production. Also, the credits in the beginning says that it is presented by three Beijing culture companies. If this is a HK drama, the language will also be primarily in Cantonese and not traditional Mandarin. Independent productions are able to slip by NRTA and SAPP as long they do not broadcast in Mainland China, so often times it can show up on Viki and/or Gagaoolala especially if they offer titles based upon region.

This is not an HK drama. The China tag is correct as this is produced by the same company as Capture Lover which is also a Chinese production. Also, the credits in the beginning says that it is presented by three Beijing culture companies. If this is a HK drama, the language will also be primarily in Cantonese and not traditional Mandarin. Independent productions are able to slip by NRTA and SAPP as long they do not broadcast in Mainland China, so often times it can show up on Viki and/or Gagaoolala especially if they offer titles based upon region.

You are correct that this is not an HK drama. The China tag is correct as this is produced by the same company as Capture Lover which is also a Chinese production. Also, the credits in the beginning says that it is presented by three Beijing culture companies. If this is a HK drama, the language will also be primarily in Cantonese and not traditional Mandarin. Independent productions are able to slip by NRTA and SAPP as long they do not broadcast in Mainland China, so often times it can show up on Viki and/or Gagaoolala especially if they offer titles based upon region.

This is not an HK drama. The China tag is correct as this is produced by the same company as Capture Lover which is also a Chinese production. Also, the credits in the beginning says that it is presented by three Beijing culture companies. If this is a HK drama, the language will also be primarily in Cantonese and not traditional Mandarin. Independent productions are able to slip by NRTA and SAPP as long they do not broadcast in Mainland China, so often times it can show up on Viki and/or Gagaoolala especially if they offer titles based upon region.

Why? Why? Tang Xue could have just told her boyfriend, "I'm sorry I have to help Yu Yan for a few days/time, and I can't tell you what it's about but you have to trust me." So simple and could have avoided a lot of things. And Yu bing will be more inclined to believe her than just ignoring his calls. So simple.

FL dad. Also SML mom.