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Excellent Friends-to-Lovers transition with a slow burn romance that's worth the wait in the end.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75“You Are My Lover Friend” is one of the few dramas that did the friends-to-lovers trope right. The transition is awkward, uncertain and slower than others I’ve seen. This gives a more realistic approach to this romance. Zhang Xin Cheng and Wang Yu Wen are perfect in their roles, and they have such great chemistry as friends and as lovers. On another note, I am a little surprised that business takes up quite a bit of screen time. I was expecting it to be more like “The Love You Give Me”. Some might find the plot draggy due to the slow romance and the business talk.
What I Like:
1. Friends-to-Lovers Transition/Main Romance
Instead of jumping from realizing one’s feelings -> a minute of uncertainty -> confession -> being lovers, “You Are My Lover Friend” took a more natural and slower approach. The realization of feelings took a while for both characters. Of course, there’s the more traditional approach of uncertainty, worrying that 13 years of friendship will go to waste if the romantic relationship doesn’t work out. This drama has those worries as well, but additionally, there’s the uncertainty after the confession, which is not quite an outward confession. Everything is so murky, as it should be. Did they really agree to be together, or not? Are they looking for the same kind of relationship, or not? From beginning to the end, it takes the leads a long time to finally be together. I think this slow burn romance is worth the wait. Once they are together, they are cute and fluffy, yet mature and supportive. They understand each other so well that they don’t need to say a word, the other will know something is not right. They communicate, they support unconditionally and they trust in their partners to not interfere with their work and decisions. They are the perfect dynamic duo in a relationship.
2. Friendship + Flashbacks
I love how the flashbacks are used in the epilogues. They don’t disrupt the flow of the present-day time but show us exactly how great these 4 friends were in high school. The flashbacks also correspond with what happened in the episode. Dramas like these usually show flashbacks over and over again, which could be annoying and repetitive. Instead, I look forward to them at the end of each episode. It’s actually quite lovely to see the main focus of their friendship is in the present-day timeline, and how they continue to be the best of friends. You can see how Jiang Shi Yan and Feng Wei Ran’s tight bond extends to their business partnerships. They might have different points of view, but when a company decision is made by Jiang Shi Yan, Feng Wei Ran does not question and just trusts his decision. Tang Yang and Jiang Yan An have the more typical sisterhood going on, though not as much of a focus than the friendship of the 4 of them.
3. Cheng Hui + Sheng Ni Na (2nd romance)
They are so cute together! I’m a big fan of Cheng Hui and it’s great to see him in this quirky role, a different kind of quirkiness than his role in “Will Love in Spring”. I love that he’s a man of few words and is blunt and sarcastic. It’s a nice contrast to Sheng Ni Na, whose profession as an actress shows that she’s more well-rounded and socially capable. I am actually very happy to see her not depicted as a spoiled actress, but a sensible and mature one. I love how Cheng Hui and Sheng Ni Na grow close together from a few initial pleasantries, to a few words, and quick texts, to cooking and bonding over food and stars. I wanted to see more of them together, but also thought this is just enough for me to be interested and intrigued by their story. OK, I take that back, I want a little bit more of them!
3. Tang Yang (FL)
Tang Yan is an example of how an independent, strong, mature woman can act without being mean and bossy. Tang Yang shows that she’s competent without being petty. She does not need to be saved by a man, and can stand on her own and fight with grace at work. She is righteous and will stand up for those who are mistreated.
4. Jiang Shi Yan (ML)
What a perfect boyfriend and a total green flag, who is not boring! I’ve seen enough boring green flags and he’s perfect yet interesting. Even in the first episode, there’s no way you can’t tell he’s in love with Tang Yang by how considerate and thoughtful he is. He always puts Yang Yang in the first place and does all he can so that he can be with her, without compromising his work. It is possible to have a male lead fall head over heels without losing his cool and losing himself. I also like his jealous pettiness.
5. Zhou Mo
There’s something about the character Zhou Mo, played by Wu Hao Chen, that I find very interesting and mysterious. He’s painted in a bad light, but I always thought there’s more to him than meets the eye. It’s not that I find Wu Hao Chen handsome, but there’s something about how he portrays this character that mesmerizes me, especially the fake smile and mask he put on.
6. Original Soundtrack
There are only a few songs in the OST and I like all of them. I am also glad the music is not overplayed and each song is played at the right time in the right mood. I couldn’t locate the songs on Spotify, if you find them, let me know!
What I Have Mixed Feelings:
1. Slow Burn romance
I think the drama could have been better if it was only about 24 episodes. The romance does take a long time to happen. It could have sped things up in the first 10 episodes, and started the transition a few episodes earlier. Luckily, the recognizing/questioning of feelings happens in the earlier episodes, otherwise, this will feel even more slow burn. There are also way too many near-kisses. Such a tease when you know both Zhang Xin Cheng and Wang Yu Wen are great kissers!
2.Business Plot
I wasn’t anticipating such a focus on the business. The lack of suspense and excitement makes the business side of things less interesting. There aren’t enough ups and downs to keep me interested throughout the whole drama. Coupled with a slower romance build up, 30 episodes seem too long for this drama. I also wanted to see the bad guys taken down in a more humiliating fashion. It’s not epic enough!
3. Jiang Yan An + Reng Wei Ran
Their married life is really fun to watch. This couple brings in a different kind of chaotic energy that is very hilarious in small doses. Unfortunately, their marriage problem came in like a whirlwind from the left field. That was not a fun side plot to watch and I wish the time was spent on the other couples, or cut to make the drama shorter.
Overall, I had a great time watching this drama. There are many likable characters (including the two fun moms!), good all around acting and chemistry between all characters. If you don’t mind a business plot and a slow burn romance, this is a good watch. Although I want the villains to end painfully, the drama does tie up the romances nicely with a fun wedding and dance to end on a positive note. My gut didn’t tell me to give this a 9+ rating, but because I like the friends-to-lovers trope and transition so much, I’m giving this a 0.25 bump to 8.75.
Completed: 10/13/2024 - Review #498
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Excellent acting & chemistry but a little long and not always exciting.
Wang Yi Bo probably attracted many viewers to “War of Faith”. Serious Chinese Republican era dramas are usually not very popular. However, I wish viewers who came for Wang Yi Bo would stay for the rest of the amazing cast members. I cannot stop praising how good the acting is in this drama.I watch this because of Wang Yang and Li Qin, and they are both AMAZING. It’s not a surprise that Wang Yang is excellent, as he’s a veteran who excels in any role he plays. I love him in “The Rebel” where he gave a similar vibe and acting performance as in “War of Faith”. I even watched the business rom-com “Stand or Fall” for him and Qin Lan. He’s charismatic, sexy and has screen presence. He’s the MVP of this drama.
On the other hand, Li Qin surprises me the most. I’ve seen her in many other dramas, but not the serious ones such as “The Youth Memories”. But I am a fan. I even watched’ Thousand Years for You” for Li Qin. Her acting performance exceeds my expectations. She plays a strong, underground Communist sniper/assassin. Then she turned around and became an elegant high society lady. There are quite a few emotional scenes where she had to control her emotions and others where she had to let it all out.
Wang Yang and Li Qin’s sibling relationship is the best relationship in the whole drama. They play off each other so well. They care and support each other, they bicker and joke. But in the second half of the drama, when things get serious and dangerous, they have a few very, very emotional scenes. It was hard to see them both wanting what’s best for China and its people, but have such different beliefs and ways of achieving that.
Another standout performance for me is from Zhang Tian Yang. I’ve seen many of his dramas but they are never memorable enough for me to remember him. I was reminded that he’s the emperor from “A Journey to Love” and that’s such a different role than the one in “War of Faith”. But what a great performance here as well, and he suddenly is in a role where he’s hot and sexy. LOL.
Of course, we have Wang Yi Bo. He’s also pretty solid in this drama and probably the best I’ve seen him. Though the drama centers around his character’s growth and journey, his performance did not stand out for me. He’s still pretty good, but this drama has such a big cast and everyone is so good that it’s hard to stand out.
The rest of the supporting cast, young and old, novice or veteran, are all amazing. In fact, I feel that I am constantly in awe of everyone’s acting, that I am not really paying attention to the plot as much. This is one of the rare Republican era dramas that focuses so much on the finance world and stock market. The spy stuff seems secondary to the business world. I personally feel that 38 episodes are too long. The drama is unable to hold my attention from start to end. I am more interested in individual characters and their relationships, more so than the bigger plot.
I also would not recommend you watching this if you are looking for romance. There are two established couples in the drama. This is not a romantic drama, but I do have to say the limited screen time that these two couples have, they are amazing. They are mature, supportive and they survive through tough times. These women are tough as nails and they are their men’s biggest supporters.
Here are some other areas I enjoy. I love the actors using their own voices and the live recording. The live recording really enhances the viewing pleasure in emotional scenes. There’s no rom-com skin smoothing or white filter. You see the natural looks, flaws and all. All the characters are intelligent. They do not make dumb decisions that are out of character, and you applaud them trying to outsmart each other. The villains are not cartoonish, they just have different interests and beliefs. You also do not hear the OST blasting songs at weird times. In fact, there’s an episode where I did not notice any music until the ending theme starts to play. This drama is full of meaningful conversations and dialogs, and you do need to pay attention to truly understand each character’s motives.
I would recommend this drama for its excellent acting and great production. Your enjoyment level probably depends on whether you are a fan of this genre and finance talks. It is also to be expected that there’s a lot of ‘propaganda’, but to me, it’s just telling China’s history and the rise of Communism. I think the drama is too long and the plot doesn’t keep me on the edge of my seat enough. Overall, it is a great drama and truly a War of Faith and Beliefs.
Completed: 4/21/2024 - Review #430
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Sweet, Fluffy, No-stress watch
Completed 12/31/2021Normally, I would not pick this drama to watch. However, I want to end 2021 on a sweet and stress-free note. Therefore, I intentionally choose "Sparkle Love" because I know it's going to be cute and sweet and fluffy. The premise seems interesting enough.
I would recommend this drama to those who like:
1. Super sweet and cute romance
2. Cliches - slow motion glances, accidental kisses, accidental hugs, accidental falling into someone
3. Pikachu!
4. Hot guys with nice bodies with a decent number of topless scenes
5. Decent amount of decent kisses
6. Male chases Female romances
Most of the characters in this drama are pretty likable. There isn't anyone annoying or frustrating. The acting is not bad either. I've seen Zhang Ling He (ML) previously in "Maiden Holmes" and "Love Crossed" and also Ling Mei Shi (FL) in "Love by Hypnotic". I would say their acting are on par to those previous roles. They are cute together and I root for their little romance. If you like kisses, these two leads do kiss quite a bit in this drama, before and after they get together. However, having seen their previous dramas, I am slightly disappointed in the kisses. I know they can do better than that! LOL.
For a quick 24-episode drama, the pacing is not bad. If you cut away the intro and ending themes, each episode is only about 30 mins long. It's a easy binge-watch to kill time. I would say most plot lines are pretty predictable. There are multiple couples/romances in the drama, and I don't think there's enough time to spend on each to make them great. I also question the fashion choices of our female lead. She's the one that dresses the worst out of everyone.
Overall, if you want something a simple, cute, and sweet, and doesn't mind cliches and a predictable plot...then go for it! Sometimes, we all need to watch one of these dramas to make us feel good and loved.
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Take Charge of your life and throw away some trash, with the support of a dreamy man
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75I did not watch the Korean version nor the webtoon. Therefore, this review is only based on “Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite”.
For a drama that is about revenge and changing one’s destiny, it has quite a slice-of-life tone to it, than my initial expectation of a dramatic one. It’s not good or bad, but just an observation. From a slice-of-life perspective, this version of “Marry My Husband” is paced really well. There’s something about it that it’s not thrill-inducing dramatic, yet you couldn’t stop hitting the “Play Next Episode” button. This is a strength!
But we all know we’re sitting in front of my screen because of Satoh Takeru, right? It can’t be just me.. LOL. Of course, he does not disappoint. His first scene is already showing him handsomely in a nice tailored suit and sexy eyes (but I love his turtle neck sweater and long winter coat look more). His character gave off a very cool/cold persona at first, but he warms up and eventually, you see a much warmer and caring side of him. That’s all shown via Takeru’s excellent acting and micro expressions. But this is not about him only. Koshiba Fuka is the star of the show. From playing a cancer patient, to a submissive and yes girl, to one who takes charge of her destiny… Fuka was amazing in every way. She also makes her character so likable that you can’t help but root for her. Opposite her as her best friend is Reina, played by Shiraishi Sei. She was just as amazing in switching her faces. Honestly, I thought she would be a lot more psychotic and insane, but maybe the Japanese version has downplayed that into creepiness and a more subtle mental tone. As for our second male lead, he’s just a selfish jerk. I think it’s easy to hate him because (sorry), I don’t find the actor attractive. If he’s as good-looking and charismatic as Takeru, it might be more interesting.
I was also surprised as I watched the middle episodes, the word “romantic” pops up in my head. If you read my reviews, you know I LOVE romance. But this is not a drama about cute and fluffy scenes or grand love confessions. That’s just not the drama for it and I know, yet I found the interaction between the leads very romantic. I am not going to lie, I do want more hand-holding, hugging and maybe one or two more kisses. But even without all that, their conversations about her ‘scheme’, the time they spent together at work events, or just talking about how to eat grapes…all feel very intimate and romantic to me. You know what, that’s what they call chemistry between the leads. It’s not burning with fire, it’s not sweet and fluffy like cotton candy, but it’s comforting, reassuring and satisfying. ML is just there, any time FL needs him. No grand gesture, but always there to accompany and support her on demand.
Last but not the least, this is an interesting plot of revenge. You want your husband to marry your best friend to get out of this horrible marriage? Cool! In a way, it also reminded me of the C-drama “Scent of Time” (it’s good and underrated!). But is it about revenge, or just wanting to finally take charge of your life. Maybe it’s more about not thinking and living like a victim, but knowing that you can take responsibility and live a better life when you put your heart and mind to it. Be more confident in yourself, recognize those who really are your friends, and dump all the trash who’s holding you back. Revenge is just a byproduct of FL’s journey to take charge of her life.
I had a very enjoyable time watching “Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite”. I binged all 10 episodes on a Saturday and was engaged throughout. With great acting, the second-life ‘revenge’ plot intertwines seamlessly with the romance plot. I was satisfied and was not disappointed by the high expectations that I had. However, since ratings are very subjective, and for some reason I can’t quite give this more than 8.75 (not quite a solid 9 but close). Something is missing and I don’t know what that is.
Completed: 7/27/2025 Review #607
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"Love like the Galaxy" is a highly anticipated historical drama in 2022 (my second most anticipated after "Who Rules the World") since we have two very popular young actors, Wu Lei and Zhao LuSi. Personally, I think Wu Lei and Zhao LuSi are a much better match than Zhao LuSi + Yang Yang or Wu Lei + Dilraba. Probably because they are of similar age and give off a young love vibe (instead of siblings). This family drama also reminded me a little of "The Story of Ming Lan" but a less serious version. I like the fact that the drama focuses on different relationships and not just romantic relationships.
However, as a romance lover, I was looking forward to the main couple's romantic journey. I am a little disappointed as it took them a very long time to meet and for us to see any sort of romantic development. In Part 1, our female lead, Cheng Shao Shang (CSS) attracted the attention of three young men. We see the sweet, young, puppy love between CSS and Lou Yao. Lou Yao is cute and all, but really just seems like a good buddy to hang out with. He will never be on equal footing with CSS. CSS picks him probably because she can walk all over him and can do whatever she wants (aka freedom!). Yuan Shen is the petty high school kid who likes to pester the girl that he likes. I also don't feel any real chemistry between CSS and Yuan Shen. I usually enjoy bickering between leads but not much here (well, he's technically not the male lead). We finally see CSS and Ling Bu Yi (LBY) together after about 10 episodes. That is one sloooww start of a romance. Unfortunately, scenes with the two of them together are far and between. For me, there isn't enough to justify LBY's love for CSS and the pacing of their story seems off. However, I expect to feel very differently in Part 2 and I am anticipating a lot of heartaches, longing and chemistry *fingers crossed*
A big part of the drama focuses on CSS's relationship with her mother. Although I understand where her mother is coming from, and the guilt she's feeling inside, it's really hard to see CSS not getting the affection from her mother. Mom is supposedly very smart. Why can't she see that the way she's treating CSS is not the right way to go? She's seen the relationship between CSS and her aunt, and should know that CSS is smart and sweet. Why is mom being so dumb here? I think we all know that being constantly compared to someone else hurts ones pride and self-confidence, esp. when your mother is the culprit. There are a few other annoying characters in this drama. Luckily, to me, they have not reached my boiling point yet, and I still find them to be tolerable since they also provide comedic relief, e.g. all those bitchy women and princesses.
My favorite character is Qi Qi, played by Zhang Yue. Qi Qi is so fun and cool, and I like her style. She doesn't care what you think of her nor take BS from anyone. She's the perfect BFF for CSS. I love it whenever she's there for CSS and protecting her from the other petty and bitchy ladies. There are many comedic moments throughout the drama. They are funny and yet not over-the-top. The humor doesn't distract from the main story or the feel of the drama. I hope this type of humor continues in Part 2 and it doesn't turn into a melodrama.
Zhao Lu Si does shine in "Love like the Galaxy", and she looks beautiful. Her character is smart and scheming and provided enough material to showcase her acting skills. On the other hand, Wu Lei has a little less to work with in Part 1. He looks great as the general but I wanted to see more of him, not just the stoic side. I do see glimpses of a different LBY towards the end. I love the awkward adorableness in the last couple episodes and look forward to seeing more in Part 2. One of my favorite parts of this drama is the confrontation between the leads in ep 27. I've been waiting for this. I want them to talk, to argue, to openly tell each other how they feel.
The production value seems pretty good. I believe this is a S+ production from Tencent. I don't remember any of the songs. That could mean they are not memorable or they are not overplayed, or both. Although the cinematography did not "wow" me, I do like the costumes, hairstyles, accessories, sets and props. Nothing looks flimsy or cheap, except for those big rocks they used for training in the Shang household. Those rocks look fake!
Part 1 is a good start to setup for the rest of the drama. I look forward to Part 2 and expect to like it even more.
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Flawed and Unlikeable Characters brought us Amazing Stories and Moments
*update*. I have a little time to process and am lowering the rating down to 9.0 instead of 9.5.Completed - 5/23/2022 - my love for Mr. Gu bumped the rating to 9.5
I am really surprised that I like this drama so much. I am never one to root for annoying and unlovable characters, and they never bring me joy. Slice-of-life dramas are a hit-or-miss to me as I often find them very slow. However, “My Liberation Notes” excels in telling amazing and touching stories of very flawed characters, and in the end, you grow to care for them. You should know what you are getting yourself into, in order to enjoy this drama. You either love it, or hate it. I can’t say I relate to the characters on a personal level or that they are ‘realistic’, but their stories touch me nonetheless. Thus, a rare high rating for me for a slow-paced, mature slice-of-life drama.
A few things to know before delving into the drama:
- This drama is not a happy drama, but has unforgettable comedic moments.
- Does not give you warm and fluffy romantic feelings - but has moments that make you smile.
- You will find the characters annoying in the beginning, or maybe throughout the drama.
- The drama uses a lot of silence - gives viewers the time to feel and breathe.
- Dialogues and Monologues can provoke deep thoughts (even during silly, comedic moments).
“My Liberation Notes” focuses on the three Yeong siblings and their family.
Yeom Ki Jung - The eldest of the three siblings, Ki Jung is probably my least favorite sibling. I find her annoying and that feeling subsides a little in the middle of the drama, but in the end, I still dislike her the most. As someone who is 40 years old, she acts very immaturely. However, you can say that she portrays a hopeless romantic beautifully, as there are many people out there who are just like her - want to be crazily in love with the most perfect person. But after you reach a certain point, you become desperate enough to want to just be with anyone. She wears her heart on her sleeves, displays all her emotions outwardly and uncontrollably. Her story has a strong focus on romance and her relationship with Jo Tae Hoon. In the end, I still am not sure they are the right fit for each other, and if Tae Hoon can really give Ki Jung what she wants.
Yeom Chang Hee - the brother who I am most annoyed with in the beginning. But he’s also the one that has grown the most and I root for him in the end. Chang Hee is loud and can’t help but criticize everyone and everything. He gives off a lot of negative energy. However, his crazy outbursts also have a lot of insightful truths. You realize he actually is really smart, although life hasn’t gone his way. His casual and funny conversations with his buddies often enlighten us with important life lessons. He also provides a lot of comic relief, especially when it comes to his relationship with Mr. Gu. The way he looks up to Mr. Gu, even though technically they are not close at all, is quite fascinating and hilarious. Chang Hee’s story focuses more on his career than the other two siblings. He might not seem dependable, but as he said, he’s psychic. He’s always somewhere at the right place and the right time, up until the last scene for him in the drama. I am happy for him.
Yeom Mi Jung - the youngest of the siblings and the one that probably has the most screen time due to his relationship with Mr. Gu. Mi Jung is just one weird, lonely, depressed and dysfunctional human being. I am not sure if such a person really exists in real life (one that has ALL of her traits). The drama does get into stories about her family, career and relationships. Although I do not relate to her at any level, her story is fascinating to me, maybe because we are just so different. We barely hear her talk in the first few episodes. But once she starts to open up to Mr. Gu, WOW, fascinating and weird stuff comes out of her mouth, unfiltered. Her conversations with Mr. Gu are to die for. They are just so unique and profound in a way. I am glad she met Mr. Gu.
Gu Ja Gyeong - the mysterious Mr. Gu is so attractive and ruggedly sexy that I can’t take my eyes off him. There’s just something about him or how Son Seok Koo plays this character. His aloofness, smirks, and endearing glances at Mi Jung totally melt my heart. This manly man has to be one of my favorite K-drama characters of all time. He’s so quiet for most of the dramas, but the microexpressions on his face speak volumes. His silence with different characters does not seem awkward at all, but just how things are supposed to be this quiet with him. Mr. Gu is the perfect soulmate for Mi Jung. They are on the same wavelength and just understand each other so well, even though they come from very different backgrounds. In the last episode, I wish for a happy ending for him and Mi Jung, but I can’t help expecting he’s going to die either because of his work or alcoholism.
This review is getting long. But let me just say that the acting is top notch here for all actors. I’ve seen Lee Min Ki and Kim Ji Won in many of their previous works, but they are so different here. Big props to them for branching and doing such a great job. Everything feels so real in this drama - no fancy clothes, makeup, or beautiful smooth skin. Commuting to work and worrying about missing the last train is hard. There are many great dynamics between different characters, especially the Liberation Club.
Other Random Observations:
1. The word “Worship” has a whole new meaning.
2. Mr. Gu looks hot in fancy suits and dirty clothes - I kept on waiting to see him topless. LOL
3. Weird stories such as pick-up girl and frogs are highlights of the show.
4. The depressed and serious vibes can change all of a sudden due to very memorable comedic moments.
5. Mr. Gu and his club scenes are probably my least favorite moments of this drama.
6. Did I mention I ❤️ Mr. Gu? 😍
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This review may contain spoilers
Great acting, beautiful cinematography, great OST but with plot holes and inconsistent pacing
10/26/2021 - 7.75 rounding up to 8.0This is a very interesting drama to write a review about. The expectations were so high when it's first announced but it might not have lived up to the expectations. I was happy to watch a fantasy, sageuk as we don't see them often. It has a great cast and a lovely OST. Maybe because I've been watching many long, historical/fantasy C-dramas, I am fine with the pacing of the show.
Plot: The general plot is interesting with different elements of Korean folklore, fantasy, good vs evil, and of course, romance. However, the drama seems to have forgotten some of the side storylines that they introduced and never go back to tell us more. For example, how did ML become the richest man as an astrologer with no family support? It doesn't quite make sense. I would like to know how ML's bodyguard came to follow him, and what's the backstory of the gisaeng who wanted the king and the royal family dead. Although I like the happy ending for the leads, it does seem a little anti-climatic. Do we really need to end it with the palace power struggle and give us an open ending? Why waste the last few minutes on those bad guys still hunting down FL?
Art/Painting: I thoroughly enjoy learning and watching the painting contests. The paintings are all beautiful and it's interesting to see how each painter interprets the poems. Even with FL painting the royal portrait, it's amazing to see the amount of details needed - each stroke needed to paint the hair, beard, wrinkles, and patterns on the robe. Big props to the artists who were hired to do all the work.
Romance: We all know that our main leads are the destined pair, so 2ML doesn't stand a chance. I do enjoy the chemistry between the leads. However, I would love to see the romance focused more of their initial attraction and romance as adults before they realized their childhood connection. They had such great chemistry then when they're still getting to know each other. I don't believe that one-time childhood encounter is strong enough to be the foundation of their romance, even if they're destined to be together. There's also quite a bit of back-and-forth from ML whether he should leave FL alone or not. I guess love is hard and it's easy to sway. I also don't quite appreciate the many slow mo romantic scenes, or slow mo scenes in general. I think that's why the pacing seems somewhat off.
Acting: The biggest strengths of this drama is the cast and their great acting. It's no surprise that the veteran actors are great. Our young leads also did a very respectable job and I believe in their joy and heartaches. I am a fan of Kim Yoo Jung when she played the younger FL in "Moon Embracing the Sun". I am happy to see that she's grown up to be such a fine actress and I've enjoyed her acting here. I haven't seen any of her modern dramas though. I've seen Ahn Hyo Seop in "13 but 17" and also "Dr. Romantic 2". He has definitely grown as an actor as well, and this might be his best performance I've seen him. I've seen Gong Mjung in "Be Melodramatic" and honestly, I don't remember him at all. I also like his acting here, though he's not used well in the second half of the drama. However, I am especially impressed with our villain second prince, Kwak Shi Yang. What a great performance by him that I feel bad for his suffering because of Ma Wang.
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Innocent and Sweet. A perfect Happy December drama to de-stress.
“School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To” is the perfect stress-relief and happy drama to watch in December. It’s cozy, charming, adorable and a breath of fresh air.It’s easy to get into the cliche “Four Heavenly Kings” trope and have these guys be stand-offish and full of themselves. Yet, we have four guys who are friendly dorks who are just like any normal teenagers. They just so happen to be very handsome.
It’s also easy to have a drama about first love with shy, naive characters who don't utter a word and always look like they’re the victim. But no, Hioki might be a little shy and starstruck, but he’s open with his feelings and is not afraid to ask questions, or answer Watarai’s questions.
Although nothing earth-shattering and out-of-the-ordinary happened here, this drama captures first love very shyly and sweetly. We have the guessing of feelings, a little insecurity, but with large doses of sweet caring actions, shy but smitten looks and most importantly, honest communication.
If you are looking for a fluffy and relaxing watch, “School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To” is the perfect choice. But if you are looking for something unique and exciting, this is not it. You might be bored to death with the slow pace. For me, I am in need of happiness, so it fits the bill.
Completed: 12/20/2025 Review #653
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Watch for the Uniqueness of Omegaverse and the Fun & Meticulous Manipulation
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75Where do I begin with this first somewhat major production of omegaverse in an Asian BL drama? It is definitely interesting. Is this drama perfect? Hell No! Is it interesting? Definitely. I would recommend “ABO Desire” to you if you are interested in checking out these characters in the omegaverse and get to know the characteristics of Enigmas, Alphas, Omegas and Betas. However, if you are looking for a great BL drama, this is not it.
Plot + Pacing
It all starts with Hua Yong’s obsession with Sheng Shao You. You will be amazed at the lengths he went to in order to make Shao You fall in love and be obsessed with him. Hua Yong’s manipulation is the best part of the drama. The meticulous planning of his scheme from years ago, his research of Shao You’s likes and dislikes in everything, to the ‘training’ he has to go through to turn himself to be one ‘worthy’ of Shao You. It was delicious just watching that all reveal. Of course, this wouldn’t be as good without Huang Xing’s acting. He’s the star of the show, because the rest of the actors aren’t that good. The pacing of the drama is uneven though. There are so many episodes where nothing really happened. The plot is not advancing and you are stuck in a loop of repeated manipulation. Then a couple episodes kicked in and more interesting storylines help move past the repetitiveness. I would have liked more on why Shen Wen Lang is at odds with his father, thus hating all Omegas. I also want a deeper dive into Shen Wen Lang and Hua Yong’s interesting friendship which involves some family backstories. But I think the most complaints from viewers will be coming from the last episode. There’s such great anticipation but all we got is a rushed and chopped up ending with multiple time jumps. The last episode tries to jam so many important events into one. I may not be a big fan of the novel ending of Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang, but it can’t be this messed up storyline involving a father that should not appear on my screen. As viewers, we see how much Gao Tu went through in his life, we want to see him happy (with or without Shen Wen Lang). Is he living a happy life in the end? Maybe, but we wouldn’t know coz not much was shown. Oh, one more thing… the boring business and drug talk. So insignificant but took up so much of the dialog.
Acting
The acting is not good overall. Huang Xing is an interesting Hua Yong. He’s great, especially when you see him switch between good and evil and vice versa ( you also see his wardrobe change from white and black). The manipulation would not be so fun if not for some good acting. The next best actor is probably Li Pei En, who plays the beloved Gao Tu. He’s also the most experienced out of the four main actors, and has acted in bigger productions. It’s unfortunate the drama did not give him much to work with. Unfortunately, Qui Ding Jie’s acting isn’t that great as Sheng Shao You, and he’s not that much of a novice. He’s been in enough dramas that I wish he was better. Being the top S Alpha, he’s not charismatic enough. He’s been in many other mini dramas, I think I need to watch one of them to see if he’s better in it than this one. For a first acting assignment, the inexperience really shows for Jiang Heng. He is really not good at all. Luckily, he’s in such a popular drama that viewers probably won’t criticize him too much because we are all watching this for the omegaverse. If Jiang Heng’s performance is in another production, he will not be getting cheers in concerts. The rest of the supporting cast is average but a few of the very minor roles are pretty bad.
Romance
Yes, a lot more screen time is dedicated to Hua Yong and Shao Yao. I have no problem with that since they are the main leads. I do understand viewers wanting to see more of Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang, because their romance could be very interesting. Besides, Gao Tu is so beloved, we want to see Wen Lang suffer and pine for him and then they all have a big happy ending. Did we really get that? Well, I won’t spoil it for you. But romance is strong in this drama. If you are a romance lover, this is for you. We have a toxic and manipulative main romance that you wonder why you are rooting for them. When Hua Yong and Shao Yao got all lovey-dovey, I felt rather weird after following their journey. I can’t deny I might have had a little smile on my face in the last few episodes, but it's still weird. And you know what, the kisses could have been better. They are too mild. On the other hand, we have a 10-year unrequited love from Gao Tu. There were so many times I was screaming (internally) that he should quit his job and leave Wen Lang. I want that knucklehead Wen Lang to suffer and then chase after Gao Tu in the middle of the drama. Did I get what I wanted? Maybe, and maybe not.
Production
When this drama is so popular and everyone is talking about it, I almost forgot this is a low budget production. I want to be lenient but I can’t deny there are many things that bug me. I hate the makeup, especially for Qiu Ding Jie/Sheng Shao You. He’s so pale and girly that I can’t see him as a bossy S Alpha. The dubbing also bugs me and makes the acting even worse. I think the actors use their own voices (and I like that) but oftentimes they are out of sync with their lips, or they are not annunciating their words clearly. There have been complaints about the lighting of the drama. You know, the scenes when the consummation happened and they claimed they couldn’t see the faces when the room was so bright? That was quite laughable. But the cherry on the top (as in the worst) is the sudden voice of a narrator out of the blue, and the narration from these bystanders telling me what is happening. The drama fails to show us what is actually going on and has to rely on others (not the main characters) to tell us. To end on a positive note, I do love the songs in this drama. The main theme song is catchy whether it’s the group version or the female version. It fits the mysteriousness of the omegaverse.
Do I recommend “ABO Desire”? Maybe if you are interested in the subject matter and want to see what the hype is about. But I won’t recommend it if you are looking for a high quality drama (BL or not). This is one of the very few dramas I watch while it’s airing and I had a good time watching it. The drama might not be great objectively, but the entertainment value is high for me. Despite complaining about every single category I listed about, I don’t think I can rate this too low. Not quite hit the 8.0 category because of some objective misses, but fun enough to warrant a 7.75. At least I enjoy this more than “Revenged Love”.
Completed: 10/11/2025 Review #632
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The Heart wants what the Heart wants - and my heart wants Ryusei
I am reviewing “The Shapes of Love” as its standalone drama. I have not watched the original webtoon or watched the Korean “Nevertheless” (just clips of the drama here and there).I had a very enjoyable time watching this. It has a very Japanese feel to it with the cinematography, melancholy tone and appropriate use of silence to let viewers feel the emotions. It also doesn’t hurt that Yokohama Ryusei is extremely hot and sexy, so much more so than pretty boy Song Kang. But then, Ryusei played a guest teacher and Song Kang was a student.
I also like the actress, Minami Sara’s portrayal of the female lead Miu. Miu feels very Japanese, the type of character who is reserved and observant, but yet would speak up and push back when needed. The leads have excellent chemistry together. Their scenes in the first half of the drama are sizzling even without touching. Ren/Ryusei’s intense and sexy gazes are mesmerizing and he’s not afraid to go in and kiss. But Sara reciprocated with just enough emotions in her eyes to attract our male lead.
The Korean version has the adorable Chae Jong Hyeop fighting for the female lead’s affection. That would be a tough choice, you know Sang Kang vs Chae Jong Hyeop (LOL). But in the Japanese version, Ruki (played by Sano Reo) has no fighting chance. It’s quite obvious that Miu has no interest in him, and sorry to say that, Sano Reo just can’t beat Ryusei or Chae Jong Hyeop in the looks department. So, definitely no second-lead syndrome on my end.
Although the drama is less than 4 hours long, I do feel that it’s enough to tell the whole story of the main romance. I didn’t feel like I needed more, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use a few more great kisses or cute scenes. But it's just enough without feeling draggy. However, since there are storylines/relationships with the supporting cast, those romances do feel a little short and not very interesting.
The second half has a much more melodramatic tone, compared to the sexy energy in the first half. I’m not an artist and can’t resonate with their struggles but I can be understanding. There’s also a lot of voiceover for each character sharing their inner thoughts and emptiness. I heard/read the word “Nevertheless” quite often. In the end, the heart wants what the heart wants. Either you go all in, or not, and hope for the best. Miu pours her heart and emotions into her art to document ‘the moment’, so I really like the title of her Art Festival piece. I hope the message goes straight to Ren’s heart.
From my point of view, I would recommend you to check out “The Shapes of Love” if you are like me and have not watched the webtoon or the Korean version. Going into this with no expectation might surprise you. If you are familiar with Japanese dramas’ short and concise format and with a more melancholic tone, you might like this as well. And of course, why wouldn’t you watch it for the sexy Yokohama Ryusei??
Completed: 2/8/2025 - Review #541
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Complex characters, good acting but very slow-paced without much happening
My expectations of “The On1y One” were quite high due to the comments and reviews I’ve heard. Unfortunately, it might not have met what I was hoping for. It was still a pretty good drama, especially the acting of the cast. But if I have to compare it to my recent favorite, ‘The Time of Fever’, it’s not up to that level of enjoyment for me.What I Like:
1. Main Acting
I will complain about the ages of the main leads, but maybe a younger cast might not be able to deliver such nuanced acting. Liu Dong Qin is an experienced actor, and even though he looks way too old to be 18 (he’s 30 in real life), he was able to portray Sheng Wang really well. Benjamin Tsang was a surprise since he’s quite new to the industry. He only started acting in 2023 but his Jiang Tian is so believable. The perceptive, contemplative and longing looks he has for Sheng Wang really deliver all the emotions with few words.
2. Sheng Wang + Jiang Tian
Two very different teenagers who have nothing alike are able to find comfort in each other. Sheng Wang is a lonely boy, who wants to be surrounded by friends, but is afraid to owe a favor. He’s rich, spoiled and picky but has a good heart. Jiang Tian, on the other hand, had a tough upbringing, never had a place to truly call home. Knowing he never unpacked his suitcase pains me. He’s used to being left behind and has built a tall wall around him, so he will never be abandoned again. Both of these characterizations and how they become close to each other is beautifully written. This is also the strength of the drama. Romance is secondary, but how these two individuals grow is central.
3. The Moments
I love all of Jiang Tian’s moments. He’s a man of few words, and these moments give us an inside look of how he really feels. I might complain about the flashback, but the first moment when Sheng Wang called out his name, is significant and symbolic of their relationship. Jiang Tian is my favorite character. He appears tough, but he can never truly say “no” to Sheng Wang.
What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:
1. Age
First look at Liu Dong Qin, and I thought he’s way too old to play the part. I don’t think I was ever able to get past these feelings, even though he was acting young and pouty.
2. Pacing + Flashbacks
12 episodes are way too long for this drama without much going on. The pacing is already slow and when you add on the constant flashbacks, it feels even slower. Though I enjoy the writing of the main leads character development and their relationship, nothing much really happened. The drama could have spent more time on the other side stories. Season 2 was not even announced or may not be in the works when season 1 was written. But it’s written as if it’s dragging its feet and hoping for a second season.
3. Side Plots/Characters
While the banter between Pepper and Gao Tian Yang is cute and fun, the crush Pepper has on one of the main leads could be more obvious and developed better. The love triangle between the teachers happened towards the latter half of the drama, and could use more screen time and a stronger focus. I want to know and see more of the two teachers’ background stories (one is not enough), instead of just telling me they were close. Is the kidnapping really necessary? The only NC scene of the drama felt out of place. All of the kisses in the drama are very G-rated, described as “4 lips touching together.” The NC scene feels like fan service because this is considered a BL, so we need some sex? It’s longer than necessary to tell the story.
There’s a lot to love about this drama, it just didn’t meet my expectations. I will recommend this if you enjoy a slow burn relationship (not necessary romance) with complex characters. The drama is an easy watch and very character-driven. But if you enjoy a more plot-driven drama, this might not be it for you.
Completed: 10/21/2024 - Review #500
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Only for those looking for romance and nothing else.
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75If you are looking for a pure romantic comedy, then “Cinderella at 2 AM” is for you. The whole drama focuses on the relationship between Yun Seo (FL) and Ju Wong (ML). There’s a little bit about family relationships but for the most part, it’s romance all the way. Is that a good thing or not? Well, it depends what you are looking for. I am a romance lover, but I find the drama lacking in plot. I was more invested in the first half of the drama and loving the romance. But towards the second half, I was looking for more than what the drama could give me.
Having said that, Moon Sang Min is just too adorable. I am actually watching this for him (and because I am looking for a stress-free fluffy romance). Moon Sang Min pouts like an adorable (but very clingy) puppy. But when he stands tall with his 3-piece suit on, he’s a lovely sight. His visuals deserve a solid 8.0 rating. Can you tell I might have a tiny crush on him? LOL.
I am glad “Cinderella at 2 AM” doesn’t focus on the age gap, since I am not a big fan of noona romance. However, visually, you can see Moon Sang Min is younger than Shin Hyun Been. Their chemistry is good though. Their cute scenes make me giggle, and their struggles to stay away from each other hurt me as well. I love that ML is happy just from watching FL being happy, and that he’s willing to try things he doesn’t like because of her, and end up finding new hobbies and likes. The acting is decent and their story is fun….up until I found it a little repetitive with the back-and-forth. I understand it’s not easy to break up when you still love each other. The wishy-washy behavior is totally understandable, it just doesn’t give me a fun watching experience.
The secondary couple is odd yet interesting and lovable at the same time. It’s quite interesting seeing how Seo Si Won and Lee Min Jin fall in love. It provides some more comedic moments.
The two sets of siblings have very different dynamics, and I love them both. The work colleagues though, are borderline annoying and over-the-top.
“Cinderella at 2 AM” is a decent rom-com if you are in the mood for it. It doesn’t take itself seriously and oftentimes makes fun of drama cliches and tropes. But if you are looking for something with substance, then this is not it.
Completed: 9/27/2024 - Review #491
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Strong focus on romance with likable characters; Underrated because ML is not handsome.
It’s quite unfortunate/unfair that “Once and Forever” is rated so low and mainly due to viewers not liking the male lead, Zhang Yi Shan, and think he’s ugly. He might be miscast but it’s only because I think he looks too old for the part, not because he’s not handsome enough. Having said that, his acting is great and has great chemistry with Guan Xiao Tong. They are so fun as best friends (love their bickering), while also super adorable when they finally become a couple. I never wanted Xie Qiao (FL) to be with Yang Cheng. Yang Cheng is such a bland character and Fan Cheng Cheng’s acting is not good either. I have rooted for Qin Chuan (ML) since the first episode. It hurts me when I see him hurting.I also like all the characters. There’s only one annoying girl in the earlier episodes where her obsessive pursuit of ML annoys me. Other than that, there are many likable and layered characters. The 4 roomies are different yet get along so well. It’s rare to see a college drama where there's no jealousy or argument between them. I enjoy seeing them grow from innocent 18-year-olds, to independent strong women. Their journeys are different but each is given just enough time for me to care about. Let’s not forget the sassy sister, Qin Qian. She’s so badass! She loves so passionately.
This drama has a very strong focus on romance, especially during the college days. If you are not a romance lover, this might not be as fun. There are multiple couples and their romantic journeys are all very different. I wish the kisses were better though. I enjoy each of them and really hope they all have their happy-ever-after. But alas, this is not a fairytale and I can’t say more without spoiling it. But we have two Mr. Green Flags in this drama. Qin Chuan might not be perfect, but he’s the perfect boyfriend. His love for Xie Qiao never wavers and is always there for her. His love is demonstrated through actions. He Xiao Zhou is more of a fairytale prince. He’s gentle and kind, studious and hardworking, considerate and never complains about life's hardships. He’s too good to be true. Additionally, I’ve seen Ye Xiao Wei in other dramas before but this is the one I find most attractive. Maybe because he’s a walking green flag.
The acting is pretty good in this drama, except for Fang Cheng Cheng who is less experienced than others. I really enjoy the acting of Zhang Yi Shan (as ML), Guan Xiao Tong (as FL), Li Xi Rui (as sassy big sis) and Jiang Pei Yao (as rich girl). I am also glad to see all actors use their own voices and there’s live recording. The Beijing accent (I think) is quite pronounced especially for Zhang Yi Shan and Guan Xiao Tong, but this all just adds more flavor to the drama as it’s set in Beijing.
But this drama is not without its fault. I think it’s just a little too long at 35 episodes. Not much really happened during the college days aside from romances. The plot dragged a little in the middle but the pace is picked back up in the last 5-8 episodes. There’s quite a lot of English spoken in this drama. I give props to the actors for practicing their lines and their pronunciation is actually better than I expected. However, when the drama was set in England and no British accent was to be heard, I thought everything happened in New York. Others have also commented that US bills were used when the characters were supposed to be in Canada. There are a lot of inconsistencies when it comes to what happened outside of China. There’s also a surprising amount of subtle and non-subtle Chinese pride/propaganda in this drama. It’s not as much as other military or rescue dramas, but more than I expected in a retro, slice-of-life drama. I also find it hard to tell time. During college days, the drama will show us the year and month. But mid-way through the drama, it becomes harder to tell if months or years have passed. I really need to pay attention to the dialogs.
Overall, this is not a bad drama. It really deserves a much higher rating than 7.0. If you like the friends-to-lovers trope, or are a romance lover, this is a decent watch. But nothing really too exciting happens and there isn’t any plot twist. Though the male lead is not handsome, the ladies are all pretty and the other guys aren’t bad! Lastly, I didn’t watch the prequel nor read the novel.
Completed: 12/22/2023 - Review #384
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Decent rom-com for fans of Xu Lu and Miles Wei
Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75For the most part, “Hello, I’m at Your Service” is a fun and light drama. The best part about is the chemistry and the romance between Dong Dong En (FL) and Lou Yan (ML) and their story is the central plot. Mixed with this fun romance are the business side of things and the relationships of the different characters. Not a serious business drama, so don't be deterred if you don't like business stories.
Main Leads:
As mentioned, Xu Lu and Miles Wei have great chemistry together. They make this drama watchable with their acting and the healthy relationship that they have. Dong Dong En is an account executive that would do anything to please her customer, Party A. Whatever Party A wants and at any time of the day, she delivers. Miles Wei is a typical C-drama CEO. He was cool and calm in the beginning but slowly evolved into a great, warm and adorable love interest and boyfriend. Their fun interaction in the first half of the drama creates a lot of comedic moments (which to some might be a little over-the-top). But if you just go with the ride, you can see Xu Lu and Miles Wei have a lot of fun playing their respective roles. Once they get together, Lou Yuan is especially cute and adorable. They have honest and open communication. Lou Yuan is one of the rare CEOs who openly declares his love in sincerity to everyone, expresses his feelings and always says the right thing (though his words don’t always touch my heart for some reason). He’s the perfect boyfriend. Dong Dong En, on the other hand, is a little more reserved in this relationship and yet she’s the one with the supposedly bigger personality. She’s more cautious because of the disparity of their social status and their business relationship. She’s the one in the driver’s seat in the relationship. It’s been a long time since I saw such a dynamic in a romantic comedy, and I appreciate that.
Supporting Cast:
I enjoy the side story between Wang Zi Jian and Cao Ya. It’s nothing earth shattering because we’ve seen such second lead romance in many romantic comedies. However, it’s nice to see a pair of successful individuals get together when one is a supposedly playboy and the other is an independent, career woman. The different characters at both companies, Peony and 82, are fun and endearing. There isn’t anyone too annoying and most of them are very supportive and caring individuals. ML’s mom is fun and loud. FL’s parents are caring yet protective, but not too unreasonable. At least we have nice parents in a C-drama. The ‘villain’ is OK. The character is not very well developed as a ‘villain’ but I can understand the animosity towards the leads. The only side character I couldn’t stand was introduced towards the last ¼ of the drama. Let’s say she was introduced to cause trouble for our main couple, since everything is going so swimmingly well and we just need drama.
Acting:
Xu Lu and Miles Wei really have no trouble playing their respective roles. These are not difficult characters to play and they are both very experienced actors. Their performances are to be expected. Everyone else did their job right. I would not say there’s anyone that stands out for me to praise, nor anyone that stands out for me to criticize.
Business Plot:
If you don’t like business stories, this drama isn’t too bad. A lot does happen at the two companies, but business talks are minimal and not difficult to understand. The stories revolve mainly around the characters and their relationships in the business world. But towards the last ¼ of the drama, the business plot does kick up a notch to wrap up the ‘villain’s’ story. I was actually quite bored during this part of the drama and might have fallen asleep a little. For a 24-episode drama, the pacing is good right until the very end for me when I lose my focus. This is partly due to the business plot and the introduction of a character I don’t care for. But compared to recent office romance dramas, the romance is central to this drama, and not the business.
Overall, I would recommend this drama if you are fans of Xu Lu and Miles Wei, or if you are looking for something light and funny. The comedy might be a little too much for some in the beginning with Xu Lu’s character. But it tones down after a while. “Hello, I’m at Your Service” is not an exceptional drama and definitely not a must-watch. I have a good enough time watching this, except towards the end when I got a little bored and distracted. Because of this, I am rating this a 7.75 instead of a solid 8.0.
Completed: 10/6/2023 - Review #363
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Slice-of-Life Drama - Women Power and the Friendliest and Most supportive female characters ever!
As many have reviewed and commented, “New Life Begins” is a special drama. A drama that is full of positivity, humor, lovely sismance, hilarious bromance and friendships. In fact, the drama has so many cool, independent and friendly female characters that I actually feel slightly weird watching it. I kept on expecting something bad is going to come from the left field and derail this happy choo choo train. This is what happens when I watch too many C-dramas with too many evil and jealous second female leads.I was skeptical to try this drama out because comedies are a hit-or-miss to me. I am not a fan of over-the-top and slapstick comedy. I am glad I gave it a shot. The comedic moments are funny and not overly dramatic. I really had a great time watching it and laughing with and at the characters. It’s rare to see such a big cast with so many characters that you love. I want to hang out with all of them.
“New Life Begins” is more of a slice-of-life drama than a romance. In fact, the main romance is so slow-burn that I was getting a little bit disappointed. Curb your expectations if you think you will get many sweet and fluffy scenes. Even though the main leads are a couple for a very long time, they act like friends for most of the drama. I wish they would sprinkle some more sweetness throughout the drama, and not wait till the last 5 episodes.
But if you are into female friendships, sismance and strong women, this is the drama for me. There are many female characters with very distinct and interesting personalities. You will surely find someone to root for. This is a drama about girl power. I actually want to see more of the female business owners and not only the restaurant. The drama talks about some sort of Women Chamber of Commerce, a school, postpartum mother’s care and education, martial arts academy teaching self-defense, etc. But these are not shown but only mentioned in passing. I hope they have cut down on some of the palace politics and fight for the crown, and spend more time on the different kingdoms and businesses. The drama changes its lighthearted tone to a more serious tone in the middle and it lasts too long.
The political plot is nothing special, if you’ve seen enough Chinese historical drama. We have princes fighting for the King’s attention and for the crown, the King trying to balance the power of all the princes, and sad childhood and background stories of growing up in the palace. The best part is probably the interesting personalities of the princes and their bromance.
The acting is pretty good. I was worried I might not like the female lead, but she turns out to be smart and very likable. I actually enjoy Bai Jing Ting’s scenes when he is at home and acts all shy and awkward. Unfortunately, I don’t get the princely charisma from him.
This is a perfect drama to watch to relieve stress. Nothing is too serious or angsty, and there’s plenty of humor. You will definitely find someone you like and want to root for. We have a collection of amazing and supportive women in this drama.
Other Random Observations:
1. Did they sneak in a same-sex couple in this drama?
2. 7th Prince and his wife have so few scenes, but their shy and awkward personalities are a scene stealer for me. They are so cute!
3. It’s my personal pet peeve, but I don’t like the way Tian Xi Wei (FL) speaks. Her speech is choppy and sounds like she’s mumbling a few words out instead of complete sentences.
4. I am glad the actors use their own voices, but the post-production dubbing is just OK.
5. Love all the food scenes!
Completed: 12/17/2022 - 500th drama!
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