This review may contain spoilers
Equal Parts Scared and Excited
This drama… Oh, this drama. I don’t even know why I started this as I rarely watch present-day Chinese dramas, minis or otherwise, and most I do watch are because they have an actor I like. But I have to say, what a ride this has been. I would categorize this drama as a dark romance. The story has another one of those troupes where the male lead is basically screaming through his actions “I’m giving you trauma because I love you and want to protect you”. But this one had an added spiciness to it. A lot of it. Every time I read the title, I wondered if it was an analogy for us viewers to embrace the darkness of the show. This one definitely kept me wondering about my own moral compass…The male lead becomes more and more unhinged as the story moves forward. The word psycho kept popping up in my head every time he did something. I’ll be honest, this man both scared and excited me. I never thought WX, the female lead, was the brightest crayon in the box, but I didn’t think she was a dumbass either. That is until around episode 10, I changed my mind then. Her actions had become particularly sloppy and it was clear she was winging it. This is not a situation where you just “wing it”. The male lead kept having to save her. Although, he was also working against her. If he had communicated with her, she probably wouldn’t have done some many things without thinking them through. Am I giving her too much credit? I am. Their dynamic mostly screamed of abusive relationship and even for me, some things were hard to watch.
The acting… Okay, so the actress portraying the female lead was terrible. She had mostly one expression throughout the whole show and that was scared bunny. She was also very stiff. All of the characters, villains included, were cartoonish versions of what a well depicted character of their type would be. This includes the main leads, although the main lead actor did act really well in a few scenes. Ling Yuan, the “second male lead”, if he can even be called that, was also unhinged. He was also as obsessed with our male lead as I was. In one scene, he laments he has to buy his own chocolates, as if he went through a break up with Xu Zhe Qing. Which to be honest, he kind of did. You can have break ups with friends also and these break ups sometimes hurt more than one with a partner. Should that have been as funny as I found it? Probably not, but I was dying from laughter. Also, the OST was perfectly chosen for this show. The songs echoed possession and being possessed and of danger lurking in every corner. I enjoyed that very much as I felt it was fitting. The show also ends in what can be considered a cliffhanger, but it can also be considered as a "their adventures continue" and I don't need to actually see, but am happy to imagine it.
Did I think this was a masterpiece? Not at all. Was it entertaining? Yes. Also, Did I mention it was spaaaicy? Because it was. If you try to make sense of how things happen in this drama, you will get a headache. However, if you watch it for what it is, mindless fun, you'll be wheezing from laughing so much.
Note: If you have a hard time watching abusive relationships and possessive male leads on screen, it would be best to skip this one.
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Worth your time!
The series is still on-going but I’ll just drop my two cents here. I love this cdrama! I don’t know but I like this kind of trope. It’s cute, fresh and lovely to watch.Plot is well written- no unnecessary jump in the story. Cringey - sometimes but I guess.. that’s how cdrama is.
Actors, Yu Wen and Zi Qi’s chemistry is *chef’s kiss*. Loved that this is already their 2nd drama as couple! I love how this is kinda continuation with Once we get married- cos they literally have a son here.
Highly recommended to my fellow c-drama lovers out there! Worth your time! ❤️
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Maybe some people compared it to Kill me, Heal me, and let me just say that I have watched and completed KMHM before watching this, and yes I loved it. But although both dramas have DID as a theme, they're totally different.
I loved how Hyde, Jekyll and Me had another perspective on the subject. It's deep and actually addresses issues that had not been central in KMHM. Some people thought it was boring or nothing happening. Well let me just tell you this, this drama is all about the internal stuff going on! It's all about the people and their feelings and although nothing major is actually going on, it's all about the little changes that make you go from the situation in episode 1 to the ending. Some people also said that it was too long and could have been just 16 episodes. I disagree, all the steps were necessary, all the dialogues were necessary. For once, I actually thought the characters had a way of approaching the story logically. I don't understand what people don't like about HaNa, just think for a second if you were to be in her shoes. I thought she acted rationally (or emotionally but it MADE SENSE).
The actors played well in my opinion, but I guess everyone has their opinion. But it just doesn't make sense to me when people go crazy about a lame drama like Sensory Couple (Omg... at least in this one the police doesn't seem as incompetent, but I digress...) and bash out at something as awesome as Hyde, Jekyll and Me.
So the only recommendation I have is that you give this a try yourself (and we all know giving a chance to a drama means 5 episodes at least) and don't take into account all the negativity surrounding the ratings, which honestly I still do not get.
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This review may contain spoilers
Excellent drama about Love, Life and Career
At first I had my doubt since I'm the type of person who easily drop a drama. Moreover, I'm more into mystery, detective or thriller drama than slice-of life. But I love watching sport anime and I'm a fan of Wu Lei so I give this drama a chance. I watch it without any expectation and got surprised at how much I love this drama. I want to review the + and - of the drama, but then I realized that something that I think positive might be seen as negative by someone else. So I would just list things that I like and I don't like about this drama.Things that I like:
1. This is a drama with quote-worthy lines, have realistic description about work life & struggle, and problems in family
This drama is not only about love, but personal growth and people's effort to live the life that they want. The main theme is how love can make you be a better person. How love can give you courage, whether the courage to let go or the courage to start over.
2. I can identified myself with the protagonists & they make me want to root for them
This is the first thing that attract me to this drama. I can relate very much with the struggle of the female lead Liang You'an (LYA). As a working lady in my 30's I experience the same problems with her. Horrible bosses, no work-life balance, stagnant career, you name it. I was like, "why this is hit close to home?" Same as the female lead, I also have bad experience in love and everyone around me seems to have not-so-happy marriage, making me kind of afraid to meet the wrong partner and get married. But after watching this drama I think, "hey, maybe if I meet someone who is right for me, romantic relationship might work". I can also relate with the struggle of the male lead Song Sanchuan. I'm someone who excelled in my education, but I've faced several failures at work that sometimes make me lose confident in myself. I know how our state of mind can affect our performance and I found I'm rooting so much for SSC to overcome his struggle and develop his potential to its fullest.
3. The romance between SSC & LYA progress naturally with natural sweetness
I prefer drama with a relationship that progress naturally. Romance in this drama is not industrial saccarine, it's full of natural sweetness. Which I think is excellent and match my preference. But for people who love heavy romance drama with a lot of skinship, the sweet romance here might not evenly spread in every episode and they might need to patiently watch the love story unfold. The amount of sweet scenes are more in later episodes after SSC & LYA got together (start from episode 30). Those episodes are full of sugar.
3. Directing, script & overall production
I just love the cinematography in this drama. For example the scene after LYA reject SSC and show us how they separate that day in the parking lot (with LYA shown to slowly go away by car and SSC still standing there). The way the drama show the community where SSC live. They pay attention to show us every character's living condition. Even from the clothes we can see LYA's high-class clothes and SSC's middle class clothes and have a sense of the difference in their living condition.
4. Some of the supporting characters
There's a lot of lovely supporting characters in this drama. An Cong is a very nice father figure to SSC. I love how they bonded, bickered and love each other despite not having blood connection. LYA's best friend, Luo Nian, show us the stuggle of being a single mom. I'm surprised at how I can like Liang Tao. I hate her at first. But after I finally see her background and thoughts, I think I can see where she come from. The boys at the tennis club so supportive to SSC & I love their friendship.
5. Protagonist with no-nonesense attitude
In a lot of drama, I was frustated at how some of the protagonists act illogically and annoyed me. Make the same mistakes numerous times, childish, etc. Sometimes the protagonist here doing something that I don't like, but I still understand why they do it. This has a downside tho. Some people love protagonist who act silly & unpredictable, and character who act mature and sensible all the time might not seems interesting to some people. They might seems flat. But for me, I love this kind of no-nonesense protagonist.
6. The problems are resolved quickly
Some drama drag the problem for too long. Thankfully not in this drama. Every problem are resolved quickly and there's happiness in every episode. Just like life itself which sometimes challenging and sometimes fun.
Things that I don't like:
1. Some supporting characters.
While I do think there's a lot of lovely supporting characters here, there's also a lot who are annoying. I know the screenwriter flesh out their story because she want to send a message. For example, Jiang Jie the horrible ex-boss of LYA. I understand what the screenwriter want to show with his story, but it doesn't mean I care and I still wish his screentime is reduced.
2. I feel like they can simplified some side story and make the drama more compact. Some parts feels a little bit draggy for me, particularly when it show the story of the characters that I don't really care about like what I said in poin 1 above. There's also some product placement in this drama. While it's not annoying at all and placed nicely, but I still notice that it's product placement.
Overall, I really recommend this drama to everyone. I give 10 for actings because I really like how natural they portray the characters. You need to watch this drama, particularly if you like:
- urban/slice of life/sport drama
- sweet romance
- deep talk
I'm not recommending this drama for people who are:
- too young. I don't expect teenager to relate with the struggle portrayed in this drama.
- expecting heavy romance or a relationship that has bloom/intimate from the start. The romance in this drama is sweet but that's not the only focus here. It's also a drama about life & career. This drama also aired on national TV so they remove the hot scenes and make it tame.
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I didnt know what I was expecting
honestly I went into this not knowing what to expect but pure comedy gold was not it. is it absolutely ridiculous? yes. yes it is. but I think that’s what I like about it. sometimes we just need that over the top, sometimes cringy, ridiculous, and sweet stories to remind us to not be so serious and just enjoy it for what it is.also, I love that we are getting representation of the disability community, and so far it seems like it’s done well. plus it is already pulled an assortment of feelings out of me so I’m eager to see what else this series will bring.
I also really liked the MCs there is something different about them that pulls me in. sure we’ve got some of the rich spoiled kid, but he went deeper than that in my opinion. he wasn’t totally helpless. I also enjoy that we don’t have the” whoa is me” stereotype that we sometimes get with a character who has a disability. instead he’s pretty badass and strands up for himself and others. 10/10 for the relationship between him and his parents.
truly, I had no idea what to expect when I started this but I’m here for what is sure to be a wild ride. we really are blessed in 2024 with some amazing BLs and I don’t think this one will disappoint.
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I guess you can say that I'm thrilled and charmed by the simplicity of the drama. There isn't much new to the plot, in general, but you see a lot of freshness in how they approach the subject. Either Jin Hyuk found a drama that appears to ideally fit to his own character, or they changed it a bit to fit him, because he is superb in it.
Jin Hyuk has an ability to play characters, that seems simple and lighthearted, at the same time, being incredibly deep and sophisticated. I think this is the main charm in this drama. He plays his role perfectly and at the same time gives depth to the plot, writers have given him to play.
I do believe that either people see this drama and can't get enough of it, or they will dismiss it for being too simple and easy. But at a closer look, you love it more than (almost) any other.
Also have to give production crew a thumbs up. The choice of actors is pretty darn good and as I am usually pretty negative in my reviews about female leads, which usually appears in me not posting about them at all.. :) But this time I have to say.. I'm impressed.
Ha Yoon is at her strongest in here. In 'Fight for my way', she made an impression as a great actress, who could really play a part I'd enjoy, in an emotional drama. I was right, she's perfect for this, in this. She makes me smile and she frustrates me.. and she makes me feel her emotions, and relate to her life..
Everyone, the writers, producers, the actors. Have done a great job on this project(will do). Can't wait to watch it until to the end. Hope to feel surprised a bit, but whichever way the plot goes, I'm sure I'm gonna love it until it ends.
(BTW) Not sure about this remark.. But I really do like Hoya only, when he's dancing.. I've seen some, or a lot of his acting. But somehow.. his character, wherever he plays.. has not gotten a lot of recognition from me. He plays well, but I don't like him as an actor. As a dancer, sure.. I could watch him for a long time :D
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Everything in it, was a masterpiece, shining gold, with almost no flaws in it! it keeps you attached to it, wanting to know more, wanting to know what will happen, will they break up? Will she stay? you don't know, you have to watch it, and most of the times it will keep your jaw dropped, every time, my jaw would drop for a whole minute, functioning what had just happened, there were many situations, their endings, never even crossed my mind!
God what an amazing cast, and what made the drama even more and more amazing, was the story, how did they came up with this story? Wish there were even more points than a 10 here. The music, like a melody with each situation, fitted very very veeeerrry well! their acting was greaaaattttttttt and Xiao Le I am officially obsessed with him, how he smiles, the way he says Mu Cheng, ahhhhh I just wanna hug him =""""""""( also, his acting was astonishing comparing to his age, he's also sooo cute, and added to the drama a very large quantity of cuteness.
It's rewatching value is a definite 10, no matter how many time I'll watch it in the future, I don't think I'll ever be bored =D
Just a little advice, be sure to watch this drama when you have several days of freedom, cause believe me you'll be stuck with your laptop in these days till you watch the last minute of this drama, it just take you out of reality a bit, and enters you a world of drama, so much DRAMA by the way, and romance =""")))) Ahh they're so cute together
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This review may contain spoilers
I was immediately enthusiastic. It is exciting. Intelligent. Complex. Stylish. Cinematic. Touching.
In "Secret Boutique", the boutique itself is actually not the main focus, but rather its boss. With what her boutique secretly offer she has made herself irreplaceable for the established upper circles of society .- An eye-catcher: Kim Sun-a as Jenny Jang in always exquisite, stylish fashion and with sunglasses that are extravagant in every lighting condition. She acts mostly calm, controlled, superior, with a poker face and in every situation a suitable solution to the problem.
- A joy: Go Min-si as an intelligent Baduk (Go) player and equal strategist who suddenly stumbles into Jenny Jang's team.
- A ray of hope: The fact that this KDrama lives on the many powerful female leads. Three Jaebeol ladies (!) included. The 'men' here tend to be tame shepherd dogs in the service of 'their' ladies...
I was immediately enthusiastic about "Secret Boutique". The KDrama is exciting. Intelligent. Complex. Stylish in the high-end segment. Often almost cinematic in light, colors, camera and set design. And despite all the sublime arrogance, sophistication and need for (self)control, it is also touching. Human traits are presented not only abysmal. A warming grounding in cordiality comes along with the characters around the Go player Lee Hyeon-ji.
Calling the story of "Secret Boutique" a romance wouldn't be appropriate. Feelings still play an important role - here and there and over there, too. Deep feelings no less. Nothing is shallow here. But primarily I would describe the KDrama as the exciting story of a revenge campaign. A story about the (emotional) price of such a vendetta. In addition, an intriguing story about the unfair, corrupt and criminal machinations of the greedy rich, who unscrupulously go over dead bodies, too. A compassionate story that offers insight into the very particular structure of the Jaebeol empires, which channel their power within the family (at the expense of trust, warmth and closeness). A touching story about love and loyalty. Also about how roles, norms and social structures as well as an ambitious ego hurt your own heart. In addition, the KDrama came up with a profound punchline that takes the Jaebeol worldview to the point of absurdity: the Jaebeol daughters, who are so convinced of their elitist, inherited noblesse and who consider themselves so much more valuable due to their lineage, actually do not have any Jaebeol-blood at all ... "Secret Boutique" portrays all of its drama characters in a complex, multi-faceted and tangibly human way.
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I've seen 400+ dramas, and this is the only drama I've ever given a 10.
I am a vampire freak, who loves romances when they are dark, slow-burn, supernatural, obsessive, angsty and passionate. I love stories with an ML who is red-flag, possessive, controlling, antihero, badass, or morally gray. I like stories about demons, devils, gumihos, legendary beings... you get the idea.This drama isn't about vampires at all. But it's so close it might as well be. He looks, talks, acts, and thinks just like a vampire. All that's missing is the fangs and the superhuman abilities. And it's funny that a drama that is in no way about vampires, is the best vampire romance I've ever come across. It just satisfies my vamp-cravings so perfectly.
SoKP is deliciously slow burn. The best slow burn I know of besides Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre'. An unbelievable amount of patience is required to get to the payoff. But what a payoff. The fire that finally sets off is so hot that it permanently scarred my brain.
Aesthetics and color palate, styling and makeup and costumes... everyone in this drama was made to look incredible. Even the tertiary characters. I'm not saying everyone was stunningly model-hot. I'm saying they brought out each actor's best. This is true on an acting level as well. The directors and producers cared about each actor and actress, about their inner beauty and their natural talent shining through. The execution of this story was almost completely flawless. The casting was perfect in every way. Ling He is so excruciatingly gorgeous, and Bai Lu is beautiful beyond compare in her role here. Supporting cast was incredible and perfectly suited to their individual roles.
The political/intrigue part of the story was interesting, immersive, sufficiently complex to hold your attention, but not overly complex to make you feel muddled and mentally taxed as you watch.
I cannot recc this drama enough. HOWEVER. You will not like this drama if you fall into one of the following categories:
Looking for a green-flag ML---> this ML is morally gray, controlling, manipulative, forceful. There is some throat-grabbing and forced kisses as well.
Like to watch "boring stuff" on 2x and FFW'd during dramas regularly when your attention isn't engaged ---> this story requires your full attention, immersion, and patience in order to experience the full effect of the romance. It will not hold up to someone who is skipping or 2x-ing through parts, because you'll kill the pacing and atmosphere that needs to be established. You can skip some parts in episode 1 to get you going, but after that, I'd strongly advise against it.
This is a very special drama. You can never watch it for the first time twice. So, if you do decide to give this a chance, savor your first watch-through. Watch it on a dark, rainy weekend when you can binge it fully. with the lights out and some candles going or something, and let yourself get really into it. Happy viewing <3
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Whoever is in need of a light comedy should watch this. Expect many hilarious moments. Nagase Tomoya is very expressive, you'll most likely burst into laughter at the mere sight of him. However, expect some depth too. They handle serious matters as well: redefining one's life, learning about true love and friendship, surpassing one's limits. These are all expressed very well and they transition smoothly into and out of the humour. You'll find some very touching moments too, but that's definitely not the defining theme of the drama. It's almost entirely comical. And despite basing itself on serious matters, it manages to stay light enough to be enjoyable as pure comedy.
Acting: I was quite surprised actually. Given the obscurity of this drama I thought they would probably have a bunch of mediocre actors, but these kids are brilliant! They exceeded my expectations. Almost all of them anyway.
Music: It was SPLENDID. I fell in love with the ending theme from the very first second. And the music throughout the show is also very entertaining; it goes well with each scene and just lifts your spirits. For a pretty underrated drama, the music was exquisite. Too good to ignore. It wasn't just a soundtrack, it was a lot more powerful. In some scenes my attention was actually stolen by the music than the action.
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A GEM of C-Dramas! Made Me Smile, Laugh, Blush & feel the Spirit of E-Sports Players!
"Whether it's E-sports or Her, I just want to Love what I really Love" – Lu Si Cheng.
Ohh I loved this Sentence! All released trailers were quite eye-catching. I was drawn to the drama later after a few (around 8/10) episodes were already Aired as my friends here kept on discussing about it. First of all I love the genre 'Comedy' and let me tell you that this drama definitely has a good comic plot. Simple activities in the Drama are made Funny with perfect dialogues & expressions. Almost all characters are loveable… of course, excluding those few negative ones. The Drama Enters the light Rom-Com category too. 31 Eps doesn't seem draggy here. They suit the Concept of the Drama.
Initial Thoughts of the show —
Just the Ep 1 is enough to make you drawn to watch later part of the show. There was obviously no romance genre in the initial episodes so, 'comedy' & 'e-sports' theme rules the drama completely. The Visuals of the drama is something that I should definitely mention. I can't guarantee for everyone but I was very Busy looking at those handsome faces. "A Bickering Couple" this is how Lu Si Cheng & Tong Yao can be defined in the starting episodes. They will bicker & make us smile over them in almost Every Episode!
Story —
Kind of the typical story for the main couple that they will bicker & turn friends slowly then get together. E-sports is the main focused theme. So, there will be many matches & competitions. It will revolve around the main players of main teams (i.e. ZGDX, YQCB, CK, TAT). There are several other teams mentioned too but for once/twice only. The drama will show how some players can get parents' support while some cannot. Different problems faced by a E-sports player like getting hand injuries, facing social issues, impression on fans – maintaining their perfect image, how online comments can affect their performance, coping with personal issues while being a good player etc. One thing that I can confidently say is you are gonna love the Team "ZGDX" & their bonding.
Most Characters seem Legit & Reasonable. They have their own background Story. But considering it's a 31 Eps Drama, I still think that some background about characters could have been shown in a detailed way rather than showing Team Meals again & again. I mean it's quite clear that they are a team, they live in the same base camp & they will have meals together & yeah I agree that most of the funny moments are shown while their meal scenes only. They tried to balance it but still…
Considering E-sports, the makers have done a good research & portrayed it in the drama in a really organized way. This drama kind of reminds us of another C-Drama "Go Go Squid". If you have seen it, you can relate this Drama to it. But I have to tell you that FLs of noth dramas are entirely different.
The amount of Kiss scenes in the drama was really unexpected. According to me there were too many of them but they were Cute. It was also unexpected how 'Lu Si Cheng' turned from a Teasing Man to a Flirting man. I mean he will just keep you blushing in the whole 2nd half the drama.
Now, it's time to Move on to My personal Favorite Characters from the Drama —
• Fatty (lol just thinking about his expressions makes me laugh & he got the Perfect timing to be in the right place in the wrong time. I mean he can always witness most of the embarrassing scenes & then his reactions are just Epic lol).
• Lu Si Cheng (How can someone not fall in love with this character! Ooh the change in him in the later half of the drama is just… But this alone do not makes him my Fav. It's about his straightforwardness & ideals. His statements were always up to the mark if either he was guiding his teammates as the Captain or he was scolding them. He was not partial. It may seem that he was just favouring Tong Yao but later on, his original intentions will be revealed that were quite genuine).
Acting/Cast —
Considering all BTS videos that I have seen on the drama. All characters have really worked hard from practicing games to correct finger movements in the keyboard… from fingers in keyboard while playing to Expressions management on the face according to the match that they are losing or winning. All roles of E-sports players did a good job in it!!
Main Characters ~ Lu Si Cheng (played by Xu Kai) was perfect for this role. He's so tall that he can call anyone "Shorty" , then his leader role matches his personality too. I am quite shocked that this is actually his first modern drama. He's def. a good actor considering that. Tong Yao ( Cheng Xiao ) was portrayed beautifully. She has a Cute Face but can perform a strong character. She has really improved in acting. Members of ZGDX –
•Lao Mao (Kevin Xiao)
•Lu Yue (Yao Chi),
•Fatty (Sun Kai),
•K (Gao Han),
•God Ming (Yalkun Merxat) &
•Xuao Rui (Cui Shao Yang) …… are all Awesome Characters & they could create that funny atmosphere becoz of their awesome acting.
… Ai Jia (Zhou Yiran), Chen Jin Yang (Rachel Wang) form the 2nd couple who look cute as 2nd Leads.
Everyone performed their roles nicely!
Rewatch value —
I am sure I will rewatch this drama later just because it's so Funny & can easily bring smile in my face… so this drama holds a big rewatch value for me, which is quite Rare.
Music —
I am sure the creators invested quite a lot in the songs as there are some songs sang by pretty famous C-Pop groups + there is a long list of songs. most of the songs represent their competitiveness & power. The upbeats & strong vibes in the songs are really cool.
The OSTs —
♪Everytime♪ …… [by WayV. I would say the best among all of them. I love the energy & power of the song! Perfect for me!]
♪Warrior♪ …… [by SEVENTEEN. It's energetic & suits that competitive environment in E-sports]
♪Heroes♪ …… [by Air League Band. It's the theme song for ZGDX team. Powerful!]
♪Soulmate♪ …… [by Xu Kai & Cheng Xiao. A romantic song for the duo sang by them only which is Perfect]
♪Running to you♪ …… [by Angela Cheng.]
♪Follow the Light♪ …… [by Chen Zhouxuan of BonBon Girls 303]
♪Edge♪ …… [by Naomi Wang. Unexpectedly, I like listening to it again & again "We won't Cry, Nooo" ]
♪Signs of You♪ …… [by Zhai Xiaowen ft. FrankiD]
♪Before Dawn♪ …… [by Gao Han]
♪Facade♪ …… [by Joker Xue]
Out of these, "Everytime" & "Edge" joined my Favorite list & "Heroes" was pretty good too.
Conclusion —
A Good News! That If you have made up your mind to watch this drama, all episodes are already available free in YouTube legally in "Youku" & the songs are already released in the channel "NSM Group". So, basically there is no barrier. I have mentioned all my thoughts on the drama now. so, if you ask me – Should I watch this? I would say "Definitely Yes" cause I didn't regret watching it at all. Infact, I enjoyed it wholeheartedly!
*Yet again, watching/not watching is your call*
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Abs-olutely Fabulous!
I rarely watch modern romance dramas but the lure of a mystery piqued my attention. And within minutes, I was sold at the first eyeful of Tsao Yuning's absolutely fabulous abs. Yes, this is one of those dramas that makes me embrace my shallow self. Because this dude is one sexy beast with the kind of tanned, toned, intensely masculine smoking hotness that reduces me to a speechless, foolishly grinning, puddle of drool.Five years ago, aspiring actress Ruan Nianchu is at the wrong place at the wrong time and falls headlong into a hairy situation. She falls for a dangerous stranger who saves her life, evidently at the cost of his own. A hopeless romantic and optimist, she can't forget him and looks for him in countless blind dates. He reappears with a hidden agenda as Li Teng, as mysterious, intimidating and possessive as ever. The air literally sizzles between this couple who are now my gold standard for onscreen chemistry. There is no mistaking the intense longing and physical attraction between the two. The slow build up to the kiss scenes that usually starts with him invading her personal space and circling her is very hot. And yes, they go all in for the kisses, there are no birds involved. Its a good thing this is only 16 episodes cause my TV was in danger of burning out from the heat even with my air-con cranked up to the max.
I really like the way each episode opens with a flashback that reveals a bit more of the backstory. It is very effective in establishing the depth and substance of the feelings between Li Teng and Ruan Nianchu very early on and it adds to the sense of intrigue around what happened 5 years ago. Underneath it all, the plot is simple but fast paced and interesting even though it does have an its been done before feeling. The villains have rather boring motives and the final villain is revealed the moment they are dropped into the plot which is a bit clumsy.
I found the second couple to be a sheer delight. At surface they are a bit cliche but the kid is hilarious and mixes up their story in a good way. And Li Teng's camaraderie and loyalty to his sexy Men in Black like team of operatives is both cool and heartwarming at the same time.
Overall I rate this very entertaining watch an 7.5 even though its unlikely to turn me into a fan of this genre. I must confess that if Tsao Yuning flaunted his magnificent chest and fab abs just a few more times, I would have abandoned all standards and slapped one of my rare 10.0s on this one. If nothing else, I had several lbs of water weight loss from all that drooling.
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This is the best adaptation of the Legend of the Condor Heroes. Many may disagree because the storyline did not follow exactly as what was written by Louis in his novels. However, this is a modern interpretation of his novels with depth added into it.
I like it that more focus is given to the evil character and explains why he became evil. I like it that more depth was given to the main character's struggles. I am a personal fan of Hu Ge. Anyone who is a lover of wuxia knows Hu Ge. In this drama, he fully and successfully depicted the character and feelings of the often honest and naive Guo Jing. I am also a fan of Yuan Hong who did a brilliant job playing the evil character. Traditionally, viewers and readers will curse Yang Kang (the evil character) for his betrayal but in this version, it actually shows why Yang Kang betrayed his family and friends and you actually will get to sympathise with him. At the end when he dies, you will feel sorry for him. In this aspect, Legend of the Condor Heroes 2003 has successfully engaged the viewers.
I love the OSTs and the meaning of the words in the OSTs. Life is full of struggles and you are often pushed to make decisions you do not want to make. Both Guo Jing and Yang Kang experience this but the difference between both is the choice they make and the strength/integrity of their characters. Who would have thought that wuxia will not only provide you action, entertainment and romance, but life's lessons as well?? Watch this. You will not be disappointed!
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