Enjoyable ride spoiled by dampener ending
Contrary to many of the reviews I saw for this drama, I found it an enjoyable ride, pretty watchable, not so much for the plot (which is known, fairly cliched) but for the performances--of all the main cast.The children were adorable and all 3 acted really well.
It was also fun to see a number of popular K drama actors in their younger selves in this show.
Lim Yoon A acted really well and I didn't see much difference in her acting here from her recent show Bon Apetit that i had fairly liked.
Despite the age gap, the chemistry between the ML and FL was believable to me, and given the fact that it is a relatively older show. The ML looks his age and actually looks handsome in many shots.
Overall I had found the drama watchable and i did not skip any scene...till Ep 14, that is.
Ep 15 onwards the show was unnecessarily prolonged with the re-appearance of the dead mother and it was considerably difficult to digest. But the last episode really was a dampener. FL goes away for a year and after all the build up of great rapport between ML and the children, that is totally thrown into the winds and it ends with the ML and FL shaking hands.
And, it appears as if the last bit of the show was hurriedly written and shot to just wrap up things.
And it was a huge dampener.
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Tropey but fun and bingeworthy
This show is ridden with tropes and cliches but yet manages to make itself bingeworthy.The plot is simple, the ending predictable but the execution is what makes the show count. There are a few unexpected developments that add to the show's interest.
Having watched "Marry my Husband"(South Korea) I had almost anticipated ML also returning in time like the FL. But it was pleasant nonetheless, and made some of the earlier developments between the ML and FL more believable and logical too. I loved the fact that there was no unnecessary break up between the leads; the show also managed to show a healthy and organic growth of the relationship between the ML and FL. But being a 12 episode show it packed in a lot of ups and downs and unexpected moments in the narrative; the Secretary Kim for example or the teacher Jamie. I loved how the FL was embraced by her in-laws.
The acting of the main cast was great and overall it was a good looking cast; but I loved the characterisation more: the character of Do Na the ML's sister, the Granny, the ML's mother and antagonists, specially Jung Hye.The FL's growth from ep 1 to ep 12 and her eventual realisation that she did not return from the dead to take revenge but actually to know herself, to grow herself was satisfying.
Despite knowing how the show would progress (villains and heroes-wise) it was satisfying to see the leads' victories, esp that of the FL.
Of course, last episode seemed insipid somehow but as I had devoted so many hours to binge watch, I did not complain.
One last thing, the ML was a legit green flag. Not to speak of the fact that Sung Hoon is so good looking; there are many moments esp with Yi Joo (FL) when he is just smoldering the screen despite the pretty unflattering clothes he gets to wear on the show.
Overall a fun one-time watch.
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Mini C-Drama extended to full length one with more budget
The leads' chemistry is unmistakable and probably that is what kept me hooked onto the show for 13 episodes--the ML's smouldering look and his overall performance is sincere, so is FL's--I actually like Esther Yu.But the plotline is convoluted and not necessarily in the good way--it seems to be going nowhere and though individual scenes are nice--there doesn't seem to be any story arc that might want me to keep watching the show--when there are other shows (korean as well as chinese) with better plotlines waiting for me to watch.
After a point--the show reminded me of the mini c-dramas with a hot male lead--fight sequences--etc. but the sets show limited budget--compared to which this show does have bigger budget and the cinematography isn't bad. Probably given the length of each episode, the makers could have made this a 10 episode show or an 11 one at most.
To use an analogy from the show itself, the show's progress is like the patterns the FL makes when she learns how to 'drift'--high speed and potentially exciting but staying in the same place running not in circles but in oblong shapes.
The songs are good and I like several of the side characters and definitely the leads' performances but that alone cannot save the show.
So sadly I had to drop this show.
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different shades of relationships
Though I have watched till episode 18, and I don't know how it will turn out in the later episodes, I felt like writing this review"Double Happiness" is one of those rare modern C-dramas that quietly sneaks up on you with its emotional authenticity, grounded storytelling, and endearing characters. What sets this drama apart is the variety of relationships it explores.
From young love to second marriages, parental bonds to sibling bonds, the drama does an excellent job of portraying a wide range of relationships, each with its own struggles, missteps, breakthroughs, and dynamics. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top conflicts or villains; though the FL's ex husband behaves like a psychotic character in places that is understandable given the pressure he is in (in life) and the realisation of his wife's infidelity that hurts his male ego. The show reflects on how people naturally clash, grow, forgive, and change over time.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is how it handles marriage, not as a romantic ideal, but as a daily, evolving partnership. We see couples grappling with communication issues, financial stress, in-laws, co-parenting. Though the overall tone is of warmth, the writing doesn’t sugarcoat the compromises or hard conversations, nor shy away from celebrating the small victories and quiet acts of love that can sustain a marriage.
All the major (even minor characters, like the assistant in the Remarriage Agency) are good looking. The leads are not just easy on the eyes but also likeable and layered. They’re both idealistic without being unrealistic. Their chemistry feels lived-in rather than theatrical, which adds to the authenticity of their relationship.
While it’s still a drama, "Double Happiness" keeps things fairly grounded in modern-day life—career struggles, divorce, widowhood, childcare, emotional struggles, and changing gender roles all make an appearance. Yet it manages to be hopeful and uplifting without glossing over reality.
of course, I will wait to see how the drama evolves in the next episodes.
Edit: i decided to come back to the show after quite a gap and found I did not find it appealing, despite liking the actors who played the ML and FL. I had seen Han Gang in Street Dance of China and really liked his personality but somehow the show felt draggy once i came back to watch it. I am dropping it at ep 20 for now. who knows, I might want to come back to it later, watch it anew and like the show.
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Surprisingly Original
This show came as quite a surprise--I had loved "A Dream within a Dream" and this show surfaced when i was checking recommendations for a similar kind of drama. I had already watched "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy" before i watched ADWAD and had absolutely loved the philosophical underpinnings as well as meta-elements of that show. Hence, watching Fortune Writer a similar show even if in a shorter version, I knew there were big shoes to fill. And the show did not entirely disappoint. Yes, the leads of Fortune Writer (FW) need to polish their acting chops further--especially the ML whose pouty baby face oddly reminded me of my 12 year old niece, and despite the fact that he is good looking he seemed to have one expression pasted on his face for most of the scenes--the show still manages to keep the audience engaged throughout its run precisely because of the very good plotline and screenplay. The metanarrative was wonderful. True, I have not really watched any of the chinese historical martial art shows but having watched and loved ADWAD and LGIEF I was already aware of the possible tropes and cliches that such historical shows probably have but watching FW I got a clearer picture and realised how commercial indian shows that I used to watch long ago too had similar cliches (the accidental fall, the accidental kiss, the hiding in bathroom, etc.).To cut the long story short, I loved the intelligent writing of the show and realised that it went into dark corners that the two bigger shows (ADWAD and LGIEF) too did not touch upon fully. The FL's character is refreshingly original--she is vicious and manipulative but unabashedly so, in her own words she does so to safeguard herself. The ML's character too is grey--just that he doesn't feel ruthless despite the constant glare in most scenes. Many of the side characters resort to 'actng' ie the kind of actors we see esp in mini-dramas whose acting is so manufactured that you realise they are acting. And yet, I would appreciate the show for its brave content, its wonderful OST--even in english translations the song felt meaningful. The sets were nice so were the clothes and the show really goes into dark spaces.
On hindsight I am glad I came across this show which due to its length could be finished in one sitting.
I hope the writers and makers of this show come up with similar meaningful shows in future.
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A Surprisingly Enjoyable Show
I stumbled upon this drama quite unexpectedly and honestly, after the first episode, rather by the end of the first episode was ready to drop it. But then, almost as a second thought I went on to watch episode 2 and then 3 and after that was hooked onto the drama. Although there are some expected coincidences that look manufactured and at times, the ML despite being a superstar is able to roam around freely almost without anyone noticing, what has endeared to me the most is the performances. The ML has excellent comic timing and is actually a very good actor--given that the lead actor plays an actor who has average acting skills early on in the drama and who evolves as an actor over the course of the drama. There is one scene particularly when he compares his performances in his earlier films/shows and enacts before his girlfriend how he should have done that scene or how he would do it now. There are 3 layers of acting involved here--one the actor who plays the ML, two the ML who is playing a lead (betrayed lover, police officer, etc.) in some movie/drama that is shown on screen, and three the ML who is comparing his performances on screen with performances before his girlfriend (the FL). Besides there are several other scenes of the characters that are actors acting on screen which gives an element of metanarrative to the narrative of the drama.Apart from performances, the character of the supportive father of the FL is a relatively unconventional role; someone who would not believe his daughter's ex-boyfriend despite him being a favourite student of his.
And then, the writing. It may not appear at first glance but this show has some intelligent writing going on. Especially with the dialogues--that are hilarious and heartfelt.
The biggest weakness of the drama to me is the 1D villains.though the twist of the female villain character towards the end is unexpected and one feels bad for her. The male antagonist does not seem to have any major subtext and his villainy seems more of a plot device for the ML to shine.
One last thing, i found it particularly interesting that it was the SML and the SFL whose story had a greater arc (and possibility of arc of) evolution than the ML and FL. But, this again, I found a pleasant departure as in many cases there was a strong possibility that the story arc of the second leads would be the main plot and that of the main leads would be the secondary plot. In any case, the two second leads are almost treated at par (in terms of screen time and space) as the two leads. The SML even had a back story that made the union of the SML and SFL even more heartfelt. The bond among all the 5 characters--the ML, FL, SML,SFL and the Manager is beautiful and feels real and organic.
Overall, to me this was a good show, an enjoyable one--of course with some tropes and cliches and a 1D villain--despite the main plot being paper thin. After the 3rd episode especially there was not a dull moment in the show. All actors acted their parts well and this show has good rewatch value.
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow Burn Romance and Second Chances at Life
Shine on Me(SOM) has been a quietly engaging watch so far. I’m enjoying its slow-burn approach and the steady, unhurried pace of its storytelling. Though it is yet to be one of the best dramas for me, there are flashes of genuinely wonderful moments that linger, especially in the way ML pursues the FL with a rare unpretentiousness and also the family dynamics that are portrayed. Those relationships feel reminiscent of You Are My Glory, and while I absolutely love Yu Tu and Qiao Jingjing as a couple, SOM somehow keeps nudging me back into YAMG nostalgia rather than fully eclipsing it.One of the drama’s interesting aspects is its second male lead. The SML here has narrative weight, and it’s hard not to feel for him even while consistently rooting for the ML. His insecurities feel integral to who he is—not entirely unjustified—and it’s clear the story is intentionally framing him as someone who “misses out” on being the ML in life, not because he lacks worth, but because of timing, fear, and self-doubt. In contrast, despite having his own demons to battle the ML (Yinsen) is secure in his space when it comes to his love for the FL. Yu Tu struggled with insecurities owing to his not being financially that stable in YAMG in the initial part and it is Jingjing's re-entry into his life that makes him realise how much he loves working for the outer space. While Yu Tu took the chance the third time in YAMG, in SOM it is almost as if we are seeing an alternate narrative of how a good looking, genius, aloof hero battling insecurities misses out on real happiness (Zhuang Xu). And so, midway in the drama's journey, you cannot help feeling bad for him too and like I said above, while rooting for the ML who so deserves the FL, rather whom the FL deserves so well as they are actually of similar natures, I also would hope Zhuang has his own happy closure in the drama.
I also loved Jiang Rui, the younger brother. His moments—particularly at the Changbai Mountain resort, where he tries to stand up for his sister—add warmth and emotional grounding to the story.
I appreciate that none of the characters are painted in pure black or white. Their greyer shades make them feel human, flawed, and believable.
For now, I’m content to wait and see how the story unfolds, hoping it leans fully into the emotional depth it’s been quietly building.
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This review may contain spoilers
Putting on hold from ep 9
I had been enjoying the ride of this show since ep 1. Loving the performance of the 3 leads, specially the actor who plays James. I think he is a genius actor who we need to see more in lead roles. The terrific acting has been carrying the show on its able shoulders, so much so that despite the obvious suspension of disbelief required at many places, the show(the con-acts) seemed believable. I loved the painter-arc and the beauty-product tycoon arcs. They were thoroughly enjoyable.But ep 9 suddenly felt disappointing with the introduction of the seafood tycoon arc and to be honest i dropped the episode halfway through . Somehow, the pattern of the show felt as if it was turning monotonous.
It feels almost as if the team intends to show us the scum of each profession.
I have kept the show on hold for now.
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watch for good looking leads
Vin Zhang is the only good thing in the show. i like esther yu in other shows, not here. improbable plot.great production and the discussion on finding a solution to malaria is great, i like the research aspect of it, also that the professions of the leads are different--FL is also an ornithologist but chooses to pursue being an influencer, but the ugly duckling/stunning beauty difference is never apparent.
also the SML and SFL individual are fine but their story takes too much of screentime unnecessarily.
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Worth giving a shot (aka my entry point to C-Pop and modern Chinese music)
I had watched snatches of this drama a year ago, back then, I did not find anything appealing and had dropped the drama early on. But I had loved the songs and started listening to Huang Z.Tao and C-Pop music IRL. In fact, in many ways this show was my entry point to modern Chinese music.But this time, I decided to give the show a second try and now have completed till episode 29. Of course, shall not deny, after a few episodes, I started skipping many of the scenes between the two female VPs of Star Entertainment and the President and his wife(who is also a former singing superstar). But it is equally true that these separate story arcs (side plots) are used to show how these characters take decisions that have an impact on the main characters of the show. And from that point of view including all that does not seem unreasonable,though I would still say that the VP Ma character and extra-marital affair angle with the President hiding his illness from his wife were totally unnecessary and avoidable.Not having those scenes would have made the narrative tighter.
I am really liking the ML, FL and SML performances. Especially the interactions between the ML and FL seem realistic and organic and I am enjoying every bit of their scenes. The SML's character struggles are evident and on restrospect though he comes across as the ideal guy, there are enough hints dropped from early on that his smiles are mostly from hi lips and not from his heart(as the ML says in one of the later episodes) and that he is indeed a grey character. The ML's characterisation is rounded and he comes across as extremely likeable as the episodes progress. Also his family --his relation with his father and sister and the hint of his father's second chance at life--are pleasant additions.
The music and thrust on music is the USP of the show for me and I am waiting to see how the remaining episodes unfold.
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The Philosophical Undertones Impressed me!
I have not watched period chinese or korean dramas before as period dramas are not my thing; but i am decidedly enjoying this show. I am halfway through and there are several things i am liking:i. the characterisation of the ML, who is emotionally damaged and has his inner turmoils to handle and hence comes off as gruff and un-trusting as that is his psychological defence mechanism, not to add that he does face identity crisis over his identity of a half-human and half-demon but his gradual softening is heartwarming
ii. the philosophical undertones; there are a few episodes that i absolutely loved--the one with the water demon for instance when the audience and Miaomiao both come face to face with Mu Sheng's demonic side , or the one when the four leads tackle dowager consort Zhao in her dreams, or the episode when inside Qilian mountain the main leads confront their inner nightmares
iii. the attempt the show increasingly makes of deconstructing the human/demon binary
iv. the CGI--terrific. really adds sheen to the narrative
v. the attire, really attracted to the traditional attires and fabrics
vi. the meta-ness of the narrative, specially from Miaomiao's perspective
I am only halfway through but i am really liking the show and waiting for the other half to unfold.
Edit: I completed the show and it did not disappoint.
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While the show had its charm, it ultimately couldn't hold my attention. The handsome male lead and surprisingly realistic gym scenes were definite highlights—it’s rare to see fitness depicted with this much authenticity in a rom-com setting. The show balanced hilarious, over-the-top humour with heartfelt moments in the beginning, and when it clicked, it clicked.
However, that spark wasn’t consistent. The tone started to feel forced, and what initially felt like conscious exaggeration for comedic effect eventually became repetitive and boring. The female lead, despite being written as quirky and passionate, just didn’t land emotionally for me—something about her lacked appeal or depth. It felt like the story was trying to do a lot without fully committing to any of its threads.
Overall, it was a fun concept with a strong start, but to me it was a missed opportunity in execution. With tighter writing and more balanced character dynamics, this could have been a standout.
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paper thin plot saved by good performances
I loved the first two episodes but by episode 3 the paper thin plot seemed too evident. Still I watched till ep 5.This is definitely a well made show in terms of production and acting but the tropes are all too common; especially after watching and loving "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy" this show seems a few shades poorer.
From ep 4 i started fast forwarding scenes and by the end of ep 5 i knew i did not want to watch it any further.
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nothing new except the Male Lead's charm
The show has a common premise and one does not go into the show with high expectattions. despite that, however, it is watchable. primarily because of the main lead who is good looking and acts well. there are a few places which take us by pleasant surprise but one should not expect anything majorly surprising. As it is a short series, things happen fast in the show.Edit: dropped the show at episode 10 because I realised i did not want to waste time with a show like this
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kicking up a real tempest!
This show kicks up a real tempest as it navigates the murky waters (and unfortunately considerably real waters) of the South Asian geopolitics. To a great extent this show felt like any of the top tier shows we have been used to in American Television/Cinema. But the nicest part is that the show does not ape the West in any way; it still feels Asian, grounded, South Korean even, if i may say(though I am a non-Korean). The cinematography and colour pallettes deserve special mention as the soundtrack. The narrative is interesting, specially each of the main characters dreaming about being someone else (someone they hold dear to themselves). However,it is the acting department that scores the highest for me. The relationship between the leads is crackling. Each single actor delivers a stellar performance.It is true, though last 2 episodes specially ep 9 feel very rushed and everything seems to come to an end way too smoothly and swiftly, but i strongly believe that is an opening for S2 of the show. In 2012 a Hindi-language film called Gangs of Wasseypur was made and released as a 2 part-film. Based on coal mafia in northern-central India, the film (parts 1 and 2) had a total runtime of 5 hours 19 minutes. Though the premise and treatment are very very different, somehow the end of Tempest reminded me of the way Gangs of Wasseypur part 1 ended. Open-ended with a lot of possibilities. Therefore, here's hoping Tempest also has a part 2, rather Season 2.
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