I don't really know anything about cults, but after watching this drama, I want to stay as far away from them as frickin possible. They're horrifying. And the amount of nonsense people are willing to believe and devote themselves to is absolutely baffling and terrifying. *shivers* I personally would have had serious issue with ever forgiving my father after everything his devotion and brainwashing put his daughter, the female MC, through.
The only qualms I really had with this drama was the rushed ending. I would have really liked to have seen more than 15 minutes dedicated to bringing down the cult. I really needed that satisfaction of seeing the cult brought down in detail. A court hearing, and the leaders in prison - something more to feel a true sense of justice for all those people murdered and kept hostage. As well as a more detailed resolution for the female MC and her friends/saviors. I would have really loved to see something more substantial in regards to their friendship in the epilogue. The drama was building up for so long and the characters were working so hard to bring down the bad guys that only 15 minutes (seriously, 15 minutes compared to 16 hours) was not satisfying. I also felt that toward the last 3 episodes or so, things started to drag out a bit because they weren't wrapping things up and defeating the cult fast enough. *That* definitely dragged. I think a minimum of an entire episode (1 hour) dedicated to the resolution/aftermath of bringing down the cult would have improved the ending significantly.
Also, not really important, but a side question - when did they ever sleep??? Services were at dawn every day in addition to an evening service. Then everyone went around on adventures at night AND during the day, soooooo when did anyone sleep?
Anyways, I'm not sure if I'd ever recommend this drama to the average viewer. I watched it mostly to see Woo Do Hwan (who sadly didn't have nearly as much screen time I was hoping for, even though he was technically a main character). It was worth it seeing Woo Do Hwan for sure in his action scenes though! I think this drama would be good if it were to be watched and analyzed for a sociological and psychological perspectives.
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Humorous, Beautiful Romance, Super Cute, Fine Acting
I love this delightful drama. It is visually aesthetic, the plot is light but deadly, the romance is cute and satisfying, the acting is on spot and convincing, the comedy is oxymoronic and can be ironic, both male and female leads are good looking, and the second couple is adorable. This is a story about a group of young and talented musical instrumentalists coming together and forming a girl-only heavenly orchestra during the fictional Sheng Dynasty in ancient China. There, little fox meets old fox.Li Sasa (Bao Shang’en) is an excellent first seat pipa instrumentalist. One day while performing, she mysteriously time-travels back to 1,000 years ago. To return to her present life, she needs to divorce a man who mistreats his wife, Li Runiang, her other self, and then to seek out and marry Li Runiang’s true love. After divorcing her good-for-nothing husband and losing everything, Li Sasa is desperate to find shelter so that she can find Li Runiang’s lover. Impressed by her talent, she is taken in by Lu Jingnian (Wu Chengxu) who is in need of a pipa instrumentalist for his team to take part in a very important competition in front of the Emperor.
Lu Jingnian seems like a Casanova on the outside as he’s loved by all the girls in town and he’s very kind and nice to each one of them, and with his colorful and flowery outfits, he earns the nickname “flowery peacock” from Li Sasa. Lu Jingnian is also very intelligent, crafty and cunning, thereby is double named as “the old fox”. Bringing her present-day directness and smartness, Li Sasa seems like a “little fox” to Lu Jingnian. But behind that flamboyant façade, Lu Jingnian is a devoted man, just like his father who finds life meaningless when his wife dies, and follows her in death soon after.
Lu Jingnian has a noble but dangerous mission to accomplish. As he and Li Sasa encounter problems with their team members, mysteries and dangers, each time Li Sasa assists Lu Jingnian overcome the problems, and in turn, Lu Jingnian selflessly saves her multiple times. They fall deeply in love with each other. When Li Sasa realizes she will leave Lu Jingnian and back to her modern life one day, she’s torn. She knows Lu Jingnian would be devastated to lose her. What follows becomes very heartbreaking and the story is being told beautifully with coherent logic.
I must applaud these two very young actors, Bao Shang’en 20, Wu Chengxu 22. This is Wu Chengxu’s second drama playing the main lead and Bao Shang’en’s debut. Their acting is natural and very believable. Despite their relatively inexperience, they have worked hard and put up an excellent show, making viewers falling in love with the characters instantly.
The overall acting by other cast members is good with some more convincing than others. The costumes and interior wall decors are very colorful and beautiful which match well with all the exquisite classical instruments. The ensemble is picturesque, and it feels like looking at a historical painting.
My Verdict
I have absolutely enjoyed this under-the-radar drama. The classical ensemble reminds me of today’s the 12 Girls Band of China. Visually, it’s beautiful and the ancient music is soothing. The romance is cute and humorous, and the acting and story are better than my expectations. Though some scenes are cliché and tropey, I love how the writer uses idioms to express the musical terms, and how coherent the overall storyline and logical the plot are. Cheeky instrumental music with animal sounds are widely used to match the funny scenes. Red eye and fake dimple makeups for the girls take a bit of getting used to for me.
Sacrificing one's life for love seems romantic but unthinkable. Though many people continue to live a fruitful life when the love of their life dies, many also die with their loved ones simply out of broken heartedness. Here, the ending of the ancient lovers feels like the butterfly lovers to me. Having said that, this is not a sad ending story (read comments below for my interpretation of the ending).
Yes, this is a wonderful little gem not to be missed. Romance buffs will love this story. Strongly recommended.
BRAVO!
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This review may contain spoilers
Perfect!
Okay, I have (rarely) given a series 10 stars, but this one is on an entirely different level.I had to wait over 24 hours before I submitted my review, because I was so overcome by this series. But here we are. Here are my pros and cons:
PROS:
STORY: I'll admit it: I was skeptical after Episode 1. I wasn't sold on it, and wasn't sure if I even liked Tian, as I contemplated where the story might be going. I even considered dropping it. But I am SO happy I stuck with it. The story was flawless, and I am a better person after having watched it. I've rarely shed as many tears (sad and happy) watching any film or series, ever. The messages hit hard... and wonderfully.
ACTORS: In just about every BL series -- even if I've loved it -- there have been some actors (or characters) I've had issues with. But not here. Every single actor portrayed his/her role perfectly. Kudos to them all!
MIX AND EARTH: I've always liked Earth, from his previous portrayals, and had a feeling he had much more to offer than what he was given. Finally, here he was given a vehicle to show his major talent. And Mix! This may be the best actor I've ever seen in a BL, and gives a performance worthy to stand up against any actor in any genre. Just phenomenal.
MUSIC: One of the best soundtracks I've heard in any BL... consistently.
EARTH'S BODY: Okay, I'm being shallow... but, hello? I would lick frosting off of it. I'd do more than that.
CONS:
If you've read my previous reviews, you know that I'm always ready with the critiques. But not here, I have no real cons. Okay, I'll indulge a little bit:
THE FINAL KISS: It might have been nice to see a little more passion, after such a build up (tongues and all of that). But not a dealbreaker at all. We all were so happy and just want them to live happily ever after, don't we?
THE KIDS AFTER TWO YEARS: I'm REALLY grasping at straws here, but... after two years, wouldn't the kids have grown up a bit more? Obviously, the filming couldn't wait two years for a more realistic presentation. Adults don't change all that much in two years, but kids do. I'm thinking they could have had a little more mature looking hairstyles, to make the two year time difference a bit more believable.
But I'm nitpicking here. This series was as perfect as any series could be. It is, by far, #1 on my all time BL favorites. I would give it an 11 if I could.
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The movie is good, got me hooked all the time. Lu Han acting was pretty good, I wasn't expecting it haha
The female lead also did a great job, I felt her emotions and pain.
You should watch because is a really nice thriller and action.
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Fun to watch
I think this show deserves a better review. I actually really enjoyed watching it. Admittedly, a lot of the criticisms are true, the story is highly unrealistic, stretched thin, and uneven in many places. Some of the acting is not convincing, especially from some of the newer actors, though Claudia and Simon were both amazingly portrayed.In my opinion, what sets this series apart are primarily two things. First, they tried to create something fun, exciting and most of all entertaining. It's a comedy-drama that succeeds in making the audience smile most of the time and occasionally cry. The characters and situations are exaggerated beyond expectations, but it isn't meant to be taken too seriously, it's more like a comic book brought to life. The second thing that makes this series special is the styling. Lot's of bold, saturated colors, fast camera changes, energetic music. It's almost like watching a music video. To underline the styling, one of the characters is a free-runner, emphasizing the energy of the production. Everyone looks like they just walked off a fashion magazine photo shoot. One memorable scene is when the wealthy Jennista walks down her spiral staircase wearing an all black dress with a white cat in one arm, probably inspired by Vogue from the 1930s or 40s.
In an interesting twist on the typical love story, here it's the men who are pure, innocent and devoted to their lovers while the women are fighting and generally making a fool of themselves. It's nice to see the stereotypes switched around.
If you're on the fence about whether or not to watch it, just watch the first 15-20 minutes or so. You will get a feel for the style of the show. It doesn't get any better - or worse - after that.
I would love to see the production team create a new season, though perhaps with new characters.
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This review may contain spoilers
Legal Rommates
THRC was “supposed” to be a story about a upcoming star instructor who got pregnant and entered into a marriage contract with a guy and later they fall in love. 100% of everyone who tuned in to this expected that kind of story. Instead we got a rising young instructor who gets pregnant enters into a marriage contract and then becomes the second lead because her baby daddy and his nonexistent issues came first.This show had potential. If only the writer hadn’t gone and smoked that cheap ass pot or whatever it is they smoke. To come up with one of the most stupid nonsensical stories ever. So many storylines were started and like magic they abracadabraed out of existence.
Examples:
-Yeon Doo’s career before and after the baby
-The shared baby between her uncle and TaeKyungs brother & sister-in-law (shaman’s vision)
-SeJin’s revenge on the Gong family for making her family feel like shit
- SooKyum’s mom’s absence for majority of her life
- BongNim and SeJin’s dad possible romance
- The weird resemblance of YuMyeong’s ex Jay and DongWook which was extremely weird I might add
ummmmm I think I’m forgetting something else……what is it?🤔🤔🤔🤔Oh yes!! The relationship/chemistry between Yeon Doo and Taekyung.
It very clear that this writer caught some form of amnesia or writers stroke cause they clearly opened more plot lines than a DC Comic TV series and forgot to close them.
Another thing that got on my nerve was that as a writer you’re supposed to not be biased and not have favorite’s. Clearly this writer missed Writer’s 101 class. That wretched character Kim JunHa became the main lead over night and everything that was done worked in his favor. With the way he was written you’d think this writer hated happy endings.
As the weeks went by TRHC went from a show that solved problems by episode 2 or 3 to a show that dragged issues out for the next 5-10 episodes then solve then either 2 minutes into the show or right before it ends.
And don’t get me started on the lack of chemistry between the main leads. Their marriage progressed from fake to real and only stayed real on paper. For the entire series they were roommates. The most intimacy they’ve had can be counted on one hand. You’d think that for a show based around fake marriage there’ll be loads of lovey dovey I’m falling for you stuff.
I’ve seen my fair share of weekend dramas and honestly after YLAG (Young Lady and Gentleman) I’d sworn off them. But I’ll rather take the amnesia plot lines in YLAG than this crap show. The only character that I liked was Haneul. She made the show better.
To any future watchers of this circus freak of a mess show…..please I beg of you with everything that exist DO NOT watch this show! Even if you’re curious pick any show…better yet take a deep dive into the comments and you’ll see for yourself what I mean. We all hated it with a passion.
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Where lays the line between good and evil?
As someone who's a fan of the novel and hugely loved the audio drama and anime adaptation, you can say that I have HIGH expectations for this drama. Cause with such great adaptations already exists, the bar will be extra high. Especially since live actions do not have a great reputation, so I am gonna be straight to the point. There were parts that are terrible, there were parts that deserve to be praised, but overall, it's a worth it drama to watch.Before I start with my review, I will answer a few questions that I've seen people struggling with before deciding to watch it or not. If you do not have this struggle, you can just skip these and immediately go to my review
*The plot is confusing, is this a romance story or not?*
I can't say this enough, but this drama ain't a romance story! This drama/novel is much more than that. This story is about the life of Wei Wuxian and the world he lives in. Romance might be a part of his life, but it ain't everything. The original novel maybe had about 20% (which is also extremely loved by fans), but that's it. There is romance, but it is not the main point of the story! This story is about the boundary between good and evil. Where exactly is the line between these two categories and is Wei Wuxian who is considered to be the most dangerous and evil person in history really as evil as people claim him to be? We'll follow his story in his previous life, his life after his reincarnation and follow his adventure what has happened between the 16 years he was "Dead".
*Will we see gay romance or not?*
I've seen so many people (especially guys) who avoided to watch the anime or this drama because they are afraid to see gay romance. I also believe there are a lot of people who are hesitating to watch it cause they want to see gay romance and are afraid that Chinese censorship will ruin it. I can tell you that both sides have nothing, literally NOTHING to be worried about. Wei Wuxian was bisexual in the novel and is STILL bisexual in the drama, but will not have a romantic relationship with any guys. However there is fan service here and there (Basically everywhere) for those who loved the novel and you can see them clearly if you pay attention to the details, you'll easily recognize them if you have read that the novel. So yeah, those who do not want to see romance, you'll be fine. I mean there are some twilight longing stares once in a while, but you can just go forward a few seconds or just easily ignore them. And for those who want to see romance, you'll find plenty enough hints, cute moments and fan service in the drama to survive. And with plenty I really mean PLENTY. So no matter if you want to watch it for the gay romance or avoided for the same reason. JUST WATCH IT!
*REVIEW*
*Plot* 8.5
I'm gonna be honest, the first 6 episodes were just terrible. It was bad, like REALLY bad. But that was exactly why I enjoyed it with popcorn and all. I was enjoying dissing it so much. I would have rated it a 6 MAX. However, after episode 6, it actually becomes okay. After episode 10, it actually becomes fun and after episode 13, you won't be able to stop anymore, cause suddenly it becomes SOOOO good and it doesn't stop there. It just went up so fast and it doesn't seem to stop till the end. I hesitated for a long time if I should rate it so high, but the plot just gets better and better. I might have even given a 10 if the first 6 episodes weren't so bad. So if you think you can survive a good laugher about a crappy plot for some episode before you get in the rollercoaster of emotions and addiction. Give it a try. But if you really can't stand the horrible acting, just read a summary somewhere and just start from episode 10 LOL. I was surprised how loyal they manage to be to the novel and the novel is definitely 10 worthy! It really shows how much effort they put in and even if they are lacking here and there, the moment you get used to it, you just can't pull yourself out of the story anymore.
*Acting* 8.5
I'll put aside about how much they were alike to the original novel and judge them purely on their acting. Some actors did a REALLY good job, some actors become better over time and some just stay awkward and terrible till the end.
Amazing actors like Wei Wuxian, Shijie and Wen Chao were just wonderful! They are such great actors and my cry moments were all given to them. They made me completely forget about the outside world and just pulled me into theirs.
Some actors were really awkward at first but gradually becomes better and better over time. Actors like Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng. Lan Wangji REALLY showed a lot of difference between episode 1 and episode 6. It was as if he suddenly understood his character and just immediately went to perfect, despite being so awkward at the beginning. Actors like Lan Xichen, I couldn't stand them at all at first, but when I got used to them, it was actually not that bad (Perhaps due to my impression of them in the novel). And there's also Jiang Cheng. Oh my boy, he is actually a pretty good actor... except when he cries? Yeah, I immediately went back to reality and actually had to hold back my laughter at really emotional scenes due to him. It DID become better and I actually feel kind of proud of the actor as well (Despite knowing nothing about the actor), but like I said it all becomes better the further you are in the plot
AND there are actors who were terrible till the end. Actors like Jin Zixuan, Wen Qing and Xue Yang. I'm so sorry, but I can't focus when you guys act. I'm glad that they aren't big roles, cause it was really distracting to see them act.
So yeah, there were terrible actors and really good ones. If it wasn't due to most of the actors becoming significantly better over time, I think I would have only given a 7 MAX for the great actors out there, but over time it will become better and some terrible actors will also die at some point so LOL.
*Music* 9
Up till now, I've not seen anyone complain about the OST's, cause they are all REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD. Everyone even has their own character theme song and the lyrics are all related to the plot. Even if you end up not able to finish the drama, I'm sure you will keep at least the ending track with you, cause the songs are THAT good! One little thing that could be a bit distracting is the fact that their movement on the instrument are not in sync with the music LOL.
*Rewatch Value* 9.5
I have barely dramas that I rewatch, but this drama, this story, it makes you think about a lot of things in real life as well. Even if you do not completely rewatch it, there are just certain scenes, certain episodes that you WILL rewatch again. For emotional reasons or to experience things, you have not realized before.
*Overall* 9
I was actually planning to only give it an 8.5, but the plot just becomes better and better and I couldn't help but increase my rating every single week. However, I will not give it a 10. Some of the acting and first 6 episodes are still terrible. You cannot ignore them
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This review may contain spoilers
Masterpiece of 2024!
I began watching this drama for Jang Ki Yong after loving him in "My Roommate is a Gumiho" - 2021. It didn't took long before I started watching the drama not for him, but because of how amazing it was. Let's discuss all aspects:Storyline:
The plot is beautiful. It all goes amazingly and the bond between the leads is something quite new in the drama world. I get a different vibe in comparison to other dramas.
The superpowers plot is not overdone, and greatly written. Something I really liked is the bond between Ina and Gwiju especially in ep 9. And Ina and Junwoo are such cuties !!! <3
Characters:
Besides the villan mother we do have great character development. I like how Donghee and the grandma are finally realizing the price of their past actions and doing some growing up. Dahee was first presented as a negative character, but we quickly learned she's a sweetheart as well. Her bond with Ina is a pleasure to watch. And her with Gwiju... again I really like their relationship.
OST:
Thumbs up to Lee Sora's OST. <3
Acting/Cast:
The acting is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Especially Jang Ki Yong's in ep 10 accident. It looked extremely real and natural. Chun Woo-hee is slowly becoming a favorite of mine. She's doing a great job. Also Claudia Kim and So-e are showstealers. I am glad we can see Caludia's gorgeous visuals in the end! And MOON WOOJIN!!! I first watched him in "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?" and was shook when I saw him again in "Castaway Diva". I really enjoy watching him act. I am sure he'll become an amazing actor as an adult. Can't wait to see him portray adult roles in the future.
Overall:
Give it a try, you might find yourself enjoying the drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
Everybody can't stop bashing on the drama. Guys, make your own advice and watch the drama, then if you don't like it, drop it. But don't ask people to not watch it. For me, The drama was fine. An advanced reincarnation's concept. (similar to Goblin)
It's about :
-strong love
-jealousy,
- memories,
-hard life conditions,
- how far people are ready to go to be rich, why being rich ?
- travel , time travel,
-adventures
- work's life, work's motivation..
-and to love forever
The drama is so rich ! How can you hate it that much. Yea, I agree , the drama don't deserve a 8/10 but at least a 7/10. It's not honest to give it a 1/10 or 3.
The show started strong ! But was finally slow, sometimes complicated. The characters were well done ! Shin Se Kyung improve a lot, her chemisty with Kim Rae Won was not a joke.
The end was pretty interesting, he choose to live forever to keep her with him. I really loved the end.
As Goblin the drama was about Love through the time , and the Ost were pretty good !
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"Even where the evil has been buried, flowers can still bloom" Writer Yoo Jung Hee
One thing I love about this drama is the pace. Up to episode 11, I was so shook all the things I predicted that will happen has already happened, and as I watched more episodes, I realised how they didn't seem to drag a single thing! And I feel like that's really different to other kdramas. After episode 11, all the emotions just began piling up together. The audience felt, nervous, thrilled, angry, shocked, sad and happy. I remember how many times I started to cry at this point and I don't even remember the last time I cred to a drama too!I also keep saying this numerous times but this drama is just phenomenal. It's so unique. So beautiful. A masterpiece. There is so much good content yet they structured everything so neatly! Just perfect! I love every single character, even the guy who played as the villain. I gotta say, they have the most admirable female lead ever - she shows professionalism, care, patience, love, compassion, embracement. And the male lead! Initially, he's so complicating to understand but over time, we realise how special and genuine of a person he is. He doesn't understand feelings but he can still feel them. Feelings play a big role in his character. Together, they make a beautiful and extraordinary couple.
Oh and it gets better.
The actors/actresses portrayed their character soooo well, it's crazy how talent everyone is. I always thought Lee Joon Gi (hyunso/heesung) was amazing but this drama just made me realize that all over again. Also, I never really noticed Moon Chae Won (jiwon) but here, she did exceptionally well. I could feel the motherliness in her.
The most beautiful yet unique love story I've ever encountered out of my 5 years watching kdrama . Even if you don't like romantic or crime stories, I bet you'll get touched by this one.
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A Well Made Thriller
Simply Awaken was a really good drama to watch. Not unfamiliar or a new different kind of a story narration but here it has a quite decent balance in both thrilling and emotional scenes which was very interesting to see. The genres were completely stick into mainly three Mystery, thriller and a bit of fantasy. and there were no unwanted or forced romance or anything like that.In The past few years Nam Goong Min Made a big impact in drama industry he was particularly very selective for his works. Especially his last 2 works before this. He is one of the most promising actor we have now. And he has done it again here as well. His performance will be one of the main highlight of this whole show, Just awesome, Very smoothly handled a very complicated role which was outstanding.
Coming to the story and screenplay, by the way i don't want to look further into that part because you can read the synopsis and find the plot and all, but as i mentioned earlier they have a good balance in every aspects so its a kind of a very interesting screenplay also it makes logical.
Also one of the good thing that there was a very good finale Episode which so many other dramas failed to make, but here they done it brilliantly includes a very satisfying Climax also . Nothing more or less needed then that. Overall if you are a thriller fan awaken will be a best choice for you. I loved every bit of this drama without any boring. Try it
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This review may contain spoilers
*****This Reviews contains SPOILERS****I discovered Korean dramas after discovering and falling in love with Rain in 2010. I've seen many a k-drama and Misty is now the best drama I have seen in my 8-year k-drama life. IMO, it is perfection from the beginning to the last frame.
Every episode of this masterpiece is brilliantly written and acted. From a super compelling who-dun-it to complex, multi layered relationships. not only betweeen Go Hye Ran and Kang Tae Wook, but between Go Hye Ran and her younger rival Ha Ji Won, her boss/director, a female colleague, the protagonist Kevin Lee, and the devoted Byun Woo Hyun. Kang Ki-Joon, the tenacious homicide investigator, is one of the very best of the great supporting cast. This is a mature, sophisticated, complex, suspenseful drama that tackles marital strife, revenge, obsession, freedom of speech, corruption, class, justice, and workplace politics. I feel privileged to have seen it and I LOVED THE ENDING.
While everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, I find many drama lovers' need for some bullshit happy ending idiotic and infantile. The ending of Misty is 100% consistent with the narrative of the 15 episodes that got us there. I mean, did you really think they were going to move overseas and live happily-ever-after given ALL that occurred? Seriously, WTF did these people complaining about the ending expect? IMO, it really could not have ended better or any other way without compromising its integrity and greatness.
Again, best drama I have ever seen and I have no idea what I am going to watch next. CANNOT RECOMMEND HIGHLY ENOUGH.
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PM: a jewel produced through the lens of art and aesthetics.
Shakespeare wouldn't feel embarrassed signing this brilliant series. Really Perfect!Many have tried to reduce and drag PM into a small, unfounded discussion about misogyny, when what is really in scene are the dichotomies of human nature, light and darkness. What is most curious about this criticism is that it is an unequivocally matriarchal story in which men, naturally arrogant and oppressive as a reflection of the education and culture of the time, when they get married, they become docile husbands to their wives, all of whom are very strong-willed women. This transformation does not harm the dignity of men, but balances the forces between man and woman.
The series manages to bring together all human virtues, innocence, honor, compassion, generosity, in counterpoint with villainy, misunderstandings, family intrigues, compromising pasts, murders, revenge. I identify, in PM, traces of Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies. But if you ask me how similar these works are, the answer is simple. Shakespeare's work builds plots exploring virtues, human flaws, intrigues and surprising twists, whose stage is the intra-family and palace life, of society in all its shades. Perfect Match has the same atmosphere.
The plot has the merit of, from a single thread (the Li family), weaving an intricate network that begins at home and expands to other layers of society, until reaching the powerful.
The series is a light and very fun comedy, with a dynamic rhythm that unfolds in many twists. Like all comedy, it also has its space for tears, whether in lyrical scenes that address the sensitive side of human beings, or in scenes that bring out the painful side of life.
The PM scenes are constructed with theatrical logic, in small spaces and intimate actions, such as the garden, the rooms, the meals, even palatial and noble environments, is framed in a small spatial perspective, giving the feeling of proximity that we have in the theater. I also highlight the theatrical way of acting of three burlesque characters in particular: Madam Li (Ni Hong Jie), Le Shan (Huangyang Tian Tian) and Fan Liang Han (Huang Cheng Chi), with their facial and body expressions, vocalization, reactions, gestures, temperaments, performed with exaggeration, exacerbation, are theatrical concepts that enrich the characters' dynamics and color the narrative. The scene cuts resemble the curtain closing. This combination takes us into the scene, as a local spectator.
I could not fail to mention the first daughter Shou Hua in the context of the non-negotiable defense of woman's dignity. This character does not seem to be understood in her human greatness, and this incomprehension has made her the target of many unfair criticisms, since what some viewers consider to be resentment, grudge, inability to love is, in fact, the non-negotiable defense of woman's dgnity. Shou Hua has a monastic aura and deserves to be understood as a woman who asserts her dignity at a time when women were nullified and according to the law of the time, they were worth less than men. The ironic detail of this criticism made against Shou Hua is that precisely the women who accuse the series of misogeny are the ones who most criticize this character who gives stature and dignity to women. In my opinion, she is the best-crafted and most beautiful character in the series. It is very rare for series to portray women with this depth and delicacy.
The family is the microorganism that constitutes society, PM shows these entrails with mastery. PM is a precious mosaic of microstories that involve a sophisticated cocktail of successes and mistakes inherent to life that gain dimension and life of their own in the expansion of family ties. These microstories have no other theme than virtues and human miseries. In this complex cocktail, everything related to human behavior is on the screen.
In addition to PM having visual beauty, with photography that offers aesthetic pleasure, its narrative interweaves the best of Chinese literature (present not only in quotations from works, but in the deep and delicate universe of Chinese Poetry, recited throughout the series), painting, philosophy. This artistic conception amplifies the beauty of PM's messages.
PM portrays the daily lives of ordinary people, like us. The seesaw of the characters' human flaws and virtues oscillates, and this gives grace and life to the plot, but at the same time, it leaves open the possibility of everyone redeeming themselves.
Why should we be such strict judges? We all deserve this chance.
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No time to die.
I have never watched a Chinese drama quite like Joy of Life. It Is pure entertainment, a heady, masculine cocktail of science fiction, political intrigue, espionage, martial arts and laugh out loud comedy. A dying young man laments his life cut short before he experiences the joy of life. He finds himself reborn an infant in another time with intact memories of the 21st century. Raised by his grandmother, this cunning, cynical know-all kid is expertly schooled in martial arts by his uncle Wushu (pun fully intended) and in medicine by a deadly poison master. Summoned to the capital by his distant father, Fan Xian sets off eagerly, anticipating the beginning of his carefree, happy existence. But his glee is short lived as someone wants to kill him dead. He finds himself saddled with a political marriage he is hell bent on squirming out of and his mother's legacy - control over immense wealth and the incredibly powerful Oversight Bureau. This is at odds with his desire to indulge in joyful pursuits and worse, catapults him right in the middle of a power struggle between two princes. Soon it appears as if everyone wants him dead. But Fan Xian literally has no time to die as he is swept away by a whirlwind of timeless secrets, murky political conspiracies, shocking betrayals and sinister encounters with opaque characters that could be friend or foe.Fan Xian is the central, core character that the plot revolves around;, there isn't really a female lead or a second lead. Fan Xian is a smart, ruthless and cunning rascal with very strong survival instincts who is not about to let anyone short change him of his second chance. His life philosophy and indifference to common inducements stymies family, friend and foe alike, leaving them at a complete loss as to how to motivate or manipulate him. Unlike his mysterious mother, a woman beyond her time, lofty aspirations like changing the world in the pursuit of social justice couldn't be further from Fan Xian's more self oriented goals. Until the world changes him when someone with joy of life shows him that there are things worth giving one's life to protect. This moves Fan Xian unaccountably, makes him do things against his nature and better judgement, it stays with him and forces him into the fray, to risk his life for what he wishes to protect. This pivotal moment and how it sparks a growing flame adds a defining dimension and substance to Fan Xian, one of the best written, most layered and entertaining characters I have come across in a long time.
This serpentine political chronicle satirizes the ruthlessness of man's ambitions and how it coincides with life's cruel and random vagaries. Most of the characters, including Fan Xian are scheming, ruthless, violent, deceitful and utilitarian. Bad things happen to good people, actions have consequences, people die, forgiveness and justice are not always possible. This underlying dark tone with its bitter notes and philosophical questions is so artfully disguised by the wit and humor that drenches this drama that it easily passes off as a comedy. The entire tone of a scene or a conversation can just shift with a bizarre interruption or a non-sequitur mundane question or digression that shouldn't even be funny but somehow is. The wit and comedy from clever word puns to baffling allusions to 21st century concepts are not merely for laughter's sake they are intended to hint at character traits, hidden motives and unspoken truths. The plot is action packed with many twists and is littered with thrilling martial arts encounters where moments of imminent peril can be unexpectedly broken by well timed comic relief.
To put it simply Zhang Ruoyun simply owns the character Fan Xian, it is unimaginable that anyone else can pull off this jaded, irreverent, manipulative and utterly irresistible rogue in such a compelling way. Even though this is not much of a romance, Fan Xian seems to have an affinity for and way with women that recalls Jin Yong's lascivious and vile Wei Xiaobao but in today's day and age, it is only acceptable that he is limited to one true love. From his hilarious sidekick the venal and wily Wang Qinian to his riotous siblings Sizhe and Rou Rou to his numerous antagonists, Fan Xian is surrounded by exceptionally well cast supporting characters that are properly fleshed out and have agency and free will. My personal favorite is of course the emperor, who is the best example how this drama dazzles with the art of the unexpected. I was completely nonplussed to see an emperor slither around in dishabille; with escaped hair tendrils and in oddly sensuous low cut nightgowns that flaunt his tanned bare chest. I was right there with Fan Xian in refusing to kowtow to such a slob and surprised he didn't have to leave a thumb or two behind as a result. Multiple clues to one of the big plot twists hide in plain site, from the oddly misplaced pieces of wardrobe and styling to the borderline goofy, eclectic 1980s subtly Latin background music. The unique and creative combination of casual (much dialed down) violence, cartoonish character traits, strange props, out of genre music, and the odd wit and humor in mundane dialogues reminds me of Tarantino, something I did not at all expect here.
This is of course just the first of three seasons. And I must admit I dropped this after 5 episodes when it was airing. I don't even remember why I didn't like it at all at the time. On my second attempt, I was addicted from the first episode and enjoyed almost every minute of it. I do think that the Bei Qi arc was not at the same level of the first arc, which set a very high bar. I was less invested in the characters in the Bei Qi arc and I found Xiao En's big reveal too long winded and his giant secret overly built up. One of the main roles in this arc is very poorly acted and noticeably several notches below the level of the rest of the veteran cast. The actor tried so obviously to be opaque and inscrutable that I pinned them as a backstabber right away. Their fixed wooden stare failed to connect with Fan Xian at any level and in several scenes I felt like Fan Xian was talking to a mannequin or to himself. This made it look like after being so smart and distrustful for so long, Fan Xian inexplicably let his guard down way too easily. Into the final moments of the last episode Fan Xian continued to be dumbed down and was pretty much thrown under the bus to force that completely unnecessary ending "shocker" that I could see coming a mile away.
The biggest drawback of this drama is of course the long wait for season 2, which still has not even started shooting as of May 2021. However, this shouldn't hold you back from watching this now due to its high rewatch value. I rate this a 9.5 for now but it has a potential to be upgraded to a 10.0 if the next two seasons deliver.
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