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The base story is delightfully silly. It centers on a clumsy young man who has been constantly failing to achieve his big dream of becoming a police officer. After some endless disappointment in every department of his life he decides to take part in an experiment that enhances his senses and abilities. I could say the drama is inspired by the movie Limitless but it is wonderfully embedded in the Korean rom-com recipe resulting in a cute mini-drama.
The main genre of the drama is romance, it revolves completely around the main couple and the idea of destined love. I could argue that the drama had a lot of untapped potential considering its fantasy sub-plot but it’s ok it wanted to focus on other things. Simultaneously I thoroughly enjoyed the dorky comedy and how straightforward and fast the whole drama was. I can definitely say that the drama used the limited time it had in the best way possible to demonstrate a simple but adorable, light-hearted and interesting story.
That being said, my favourite part of the drama was the strong life messages the drama offered. Notions like, “believe in yourself and work hard, your dreams will come true”, “never forget and always appreciate the people who are next to you through thick and thin and never disregard them, they love you for who you real are” as well as “never try to squeeze yourself in somebody else’s life, people who love you will find time for you” come easily to mind after watching this drama. At the same time i appreciated how there was some minor effort to breathe some life into the main characters making them relatable. It was meaningful yet very enjoyable and light.
The acting wasn’t anything spectacular but just right.
I’ve watched Yoo Shi Yoon before but, apparently, he barely left an impression since I didn’t remember him. Obviously, he suits such cute, borderline awkward characters a lot. He really shined in this role, he owned it and made the drama work. Loved watching him.
My first time watching Jo Soo Hyang, she wasn’t memorable really, but she was good enough. Kang Ki Young is just loveable and he deserves some main roles, his comedy skills are the best among young Korean actors, always a delight to watch him act.
Overall the drama, considering its short length, I’d say is recommendable for binge-watching. Simple, funny, cute, short with a story, it is bound to make you smile! Recommended to everyone especially rom-com fans. Nothing extraordinary here, but one doesn’t need anything extraordinary to have fun.
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The whole series is focused on the REAL historical and political story of more than a decade - the Meji revolution and restoration. You HAVE to be interested in history, otherwise you will not enjoy this.
There is no romance or drama or villains in the sense we drama-lovers are used to. You will get no romantic scenes or unrealistic depictions of anything. Even when the heroine marries, you will not see her kiss or ever know whether they"consumed" the marriage or whatever.
You can call this a very dry story, because it lacks the "extra fantastic spice", but because of this, it is very pure, too. The story blossoms like a flower and you get attached to its characters very slowly, but on a deep level, it's like you share their experiences with them, because you take part in so much and for such a long time. And believe me, when you enter the mid-20th episodes, it will be gutt-wrenching what you witness and what you know were real life events... (Byakkotai, Saigo Tanomo's female family, etc.). This drama is by no means something for the faint hearted - it shows what the Boshin war was like, without any gruesome scenes, but perfectly portraying the events of such.
I love history and although I knew already some background facts about the end of the Bakumatsu period, I have never seen anything where the historical and political development of the 1860s is presented in such a detailed way. I learned so much about the clan wars of those times. You can watch and at the same time google the characters (the names are displayed) - they're are real. Also, at the end of every episode there are a few minutes of documentation about historical sites that are connected to these events! What a bonus! The documentary character is emphasized by the voice of a woman, who in each episode will resume some events or political settings, thus giving us a better overview.
It is quite outstanding to see the plot from Aizu's perspective (because Yae is Aizu), because they were the ones protecting the Shogunate in the end. (For those who don't know how history went, I don't want to spoil what's going to happen, so I won't say more on the content). As many others I had the opinion that they were just conservative and against change, but this drama showed me that in fact, they were victims to overall circumstances, too.
The directing and scenery are top-nodge, it is as realistic as it can get. Like a veeery long historical movie. I am happy with the actors, with the exception of (sadly) the main actress! I find her acting too obvious and she depicts Yae in a naive, plain way that I don't like or see fitting. In the opening of each episode (which is by the way maybe the most beautiful I have ever seen, beating even that of Nirvana on Fire), Yae is clearly stated as the heroine in such an dramatic and elegant way, that it just doesn't fit her display in the episodes itself. But oh well, that's a comparatively minor letdown.
So, for you out there, who love history and are interested in the end of the Samurai-period, this is maybe the rarest drama-jewel out there. Let me know what you think.
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The grandiose nature of this drama can initially feel a tad overblown before you are engaged by the plot; every character is introduced on screen in each episode with text denoting their name and association to other characters or establishments, the music is mostly orchestral, with a good choice in The Eagles' "Desperado" thrown in, and sweeping overtures throughout the series give the whole thing a sense of huge importance. This, combined with the enthusiasm and respect of those who support the central character feels slightly false at first. Only very slightly.
This foundation is well laid, however, as the story that unfolds is so engaging, the enemy so cruel and terrible in the face of such unceasing, hopeless optimism, that anything less is scale would fail to support it through to the final climax.
The story is a sad one, but necessarily so. The characters who give the drama its light alleviate the pain of the circumstances forever falling upon them.
The acting is sublime, Kimura Takuya has not crafted such a reputation out of thin air after all, but for me it is Kitaoji Kinya's Manpyo Daisuke that steals the show, the nuances of his expression so readable whilst retaining the stone-faced airs of a powerful executive.
For me, whilst immediately impressed by the quality of the drama it needed an initial investment of time; I didn't feel compelled to watch episode after episode, although by episode 6 this feeling changed and I was very keen to progress with the story. Like all dramas that feel this way, the investment of time into a few well thought-out starting episodes, that do not spoil us with too much all at once and establish characters and circumstance evenly and with skill, is worth the payoff and more.
What's more, the social setting of 1960's Japan is interesting, a time of great transition for the country.
In regards to my average score for rewatch value, I hasten to add that my PTW is getting so long, it would have to be the most incredible drama for me to watch it again before deciding to watch anything else. Others may enjoy watching the same thing many times, but for me I am keen to try new things, so please don't let that put you off.
What's more, some scenes in this drama were so striking I am certain that they will be very clear in my memory for some time to come.
If I could give it a score out of 10 to recommend you watch it I'd give it a 10; it's good to see the serious and highly professional side of the drama world amongst all the dreamy good stuff that we all enjoy!
I urge you all to give this one a go!
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Suspense/ thriller
Be prepared to be enthralled by the spectacular acting of the talented Kim Hyun Joong carrying the weight of this monodrama from start to finish. It delves with the complexity of human raw emotions that was superbly encapsulated by KHJ. A must watch and highly recommended! A well deserved Best Acting Award in a Leading Role at the IIFA Spring 2020 film festival. The plot is intriguing and suspense-filled coupled with superb cinematography. A gripping storytelling from the get-go. Kudos to the whole production team.Was this review helpful to you?
Story
Oh My Geum Bi tells a beautiful story of affection, devotion, forgiveness, becoming a better person, letting go and growing up. It’s a very simple story about a little girl who suffers from a terminal illness and has a very bad history with abandonment while she’s thrown at the hands of a clueless swindler who doesn’t know what to do with her. The story is quite predictable but the key point here is the simplicity and the chemistry among the actors that makes this drama grow into something unexpectedly special.
But, what made Geum Bi so particular? It just felt so real.
We are all born perfect and beautiful, without a trace of hatred, meanness, deviousness avarice or anything similar; and yet slowly we become that and so much more, why? We are born perfect and instead of keeping that, we are belittling it to the point we are nothing like that masterpiece we once were.
People are defined by their experiences. We’ve all been through some kind of trauma while growing up, either at home (most usually) or at school, or even later, that made us think lowly of ourselves, hate ourselves, hurt ourselves, have social issues and be afraid of people, want to hurt them back ect. Something scarred us, ruined the purity and instead of covering that scar, help it heal, we build on it. We build our lives on all the shit that happened to us, and deep inside we stay in that moment forever and we start hurting each other thinking this is the only way to survive. What does it take for the harming to stop? It takes another perfect human being, a kid, to remind us what we actually were and what we lost.
Geum Bi gave me hope that there is a way for everyone to regain the lost happiness, the lost innocence, the lost positivity and purity. This is why Geum Bi was special because it showed that we are all perfect, but we’ve just… forgotten about it.
I consider this drama a very heavy and depressing melodrama. I wouldn’t recommend marathoning if you’re a softie like me. Getting attached to the characters came way faster than expected, every character has a sad story, a trauma of some sorts if you may, that directed their life completely. Geum bi helps them work through these issues and see their selves in a whole new positive light. It’s amazing to want to change for a special person, isn’t it?
Best part of the drama is the character development. Geum Bi founds herself in the midst of crazy situations and scary self-obsessed people. And yet, being her flawless perfect self as a kid she finds a way to pass that light to them, inspire and motivate them to become better, and they thrive; inspirational and beautiful in every way.
Another amazing part of the drama was the family bond. The fact that blood is only the loosest way to define family and that people who love you will stick with your through thick and thin no matter what. They are out there; it’s time we found them!
The drama is full with heart-warming and extremely meaningful moments, outdoors among grown-ups, in the house as a family and at the school between kids. It shocked me how kids even with their silly beefs and complaints they would stick to each other when it’s needed, they are considerate and helpful expecting no compensation while grown-ups would only scheme and plot against each other no matter what. Why? The drama puts everything in perspective. It is incredible and worth noting to mention how Geum Bi changes literally everyone around her with the way she acts. And this was enough for me to overlook some convenient or inconsistent writing here and there.
During the later episodes we get to see how difficult it is to live with a person with special needs and the drama overall sends a strong and meaningful message against discrimination of the inclusive.
There is some subtle comedic relief thrown in there to relieve the tension, but don’t expect much.
Lastly, another thing I enjoyed was the genuine effort to make the backstories intense. There were some plot twists, some of them expected some not, but what I want to point out is the good writing here. There wasn’t a dull moment while everything had a meaning.
Geum Bi taught me the meaning of true deep unconditional love, what it looks like and what it can do. True love doesn’t need to be romantic to change you, to reinvent and enlighten you. I sincerely hope we all get to find our Geum Bi in this life.
Acting
Heo Jung Eum won best young actress award in KBS drama awards 2016. She deserved it and that is all I’m gonna say here. Brilliant, flawless and immaculate isn’t enough to describe it. Hope we can see more of her in the future
Oh Ji Ho is a good actor, and I think he was chosen for this role because of the impeccable chemistry he had with Heo Jung Eum. It was really magical. Father-daughter feels were so real. He was good at his comedic scenes and quite emotional when he needed to be. Overall a spectacular performance.
Park Ji Hee is firstly very beautiful and secondly she has this “broken mother” aura to her therefore being a perfect fit for this role. Second time I’m seeing her in a drama and I didn’t regret a moment of it. Emotional, dramatic, motherly and loving she had it all.
Oh Yoon Ah was exceptionally good at her role as well, as well as my personal favourite Lee Ji Hoon.
Kid actor Park Min Soo left a strong impression as well.
Overall the full cast was amazing and memorable.
Recommend/Rewatch
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to every melodrama fan. People who are into depressing stuff that feature terminal illnesses ect, you’ll love this. Family drama lovers, viewers who enjoy incredible character developments I call out to you. This is not a drama to be missed. However it can be pretty depressing, so bear that in mind. I will definitely rewatch this in the future because it was beautiful, but so heartbreaking, it’s gonna take a while.
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In short "Double Mints" is a manga project that projects as a fantasy to a forbidden world in which it does not enter, but it is strongly impressed that the film is a reality and a terrain with more realistic brushstrokes.
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In this drama, at least after watching it, I learned some things that can be applied in the real life world.
The actors and actresses acted pretty well there. I actually didn’t encounter the main female character acted before? She actually did very well as a main character in this drama. Oh well, looking forward to see her act again in the future, hope she could act more.
Overall, this drama is good, short and simple. Able to meet my desired romance criteria. If you are interested in high romance drama, why not try this? I believe you would like this as well :).
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An amazingly well done Sci-Fi movie!!
Wow, this was epic. I didn't expect too much from a movie that is basically a promotion and introduction for a debuting boygroup, but this movie became one of my favorites. The story was intriguing from the very first minute and you got to see the future, the past, and the present that all lead up to a fascinating timeline.The production was incredible. The quality of this was seriously so high, I was blown away. It has nothing to do with Kpop or an entertainment company, it is a really well executed movie that includes tragic scenes that made me tear up, well done action, fighting and supernatural scenes, funny scenes that made me smile and you got slice of life as well! The soundtrack was fitting, the effects were great (the only thing bothering me was that talking plush bear...but whatever).
The actors were amazing, too! Of course the focus was on the P1Harmony boys, and they truly did an awesome job. As far as I know, it's their first time acting and each one of them smashed it! Nevertheless, the other actors got their limelight as well, and they made this whole movie so enjoyable and realistic. Every character was interesting and got portrayed perfectly, and it makes me want to know more about them and their story.
Now really, I am not praising this because I am a fan of P1Harmony (who literally did their debut AFTER this movie, so I did not even know them when watching). Actually, that's the only thing that i dislike about this movie: that it's seemingly only for promoting their debut. Like, give me more of the movie, of that story, of all the different characters!!
I love this so much, and I am not quite satisfied with the end, because it leaves so many things open. I hope that this movie will be continued, because it has so much potential.
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His character here is so endearing, this drama could have just as well been entitled "Falling for Min Ho" and it would have mirrored my sentiments exactly – though I realize the pun with Sung Jung meaning Innocence would have gone lost. The way Min Ho's character is written is clever enough, but it's the actor's rendition that makes him so darn adorable. I can easily picture a director instruct his actors to show surprise, anger, sadness, joy, but in the end it is always the actors who decide how to bring these emotions to life. Min Ho's reactions are almost never what one would expect, his movements and even the intonation of the voice took me by surprise more than once, never failing to express what it was meant to, though.
What I personally found irresistible, is the way he would think things over, make his own personal connections and deductions and blurt out the conclusion with the utmost candor, leaving the poor people around him totally confused. Not to mention his appearance, a mixture between a kid with temper tantrums and a pale man who's either just got out of bed or is in dire need to go back to it. Not exactly the general idea of a romantic hero, on paper. And yet, he's the kind of man I would fall in love with in real life… wait, I atone: he's the kind of man I HAVE fallen in love with in real life and even married (minus the heart condition, the whole revenge/business stuff and the Korean language. Details). So you may now understand and perhaps forgive my passionate bias.
Since this is a drama review and not Jung Kyung Ho's – wait, did I tell you I love this actor? – I suppose I should address the rest of the cast too. Kim So Yeon is a talented actress I've known and liked before. Her role here is very well acted, very believable; possibly, a little too… by the book. It's as though in an attempt at staying as true as possible to her character, she forgot to be that character. Sung Jung is lovable, loyal and intelligent and if only this script had given her the opportunity to be a little more lively, we could have enjoyed a sizzling love story, instead of a very cute one. But I suppose that was the original intent, so I won't complain.
If chemistry has to be, then I thought there was quite a lot between Jung Kyung Ho and his nemesis Yoon Hyun Min. Since these two have worked together before as best friends in Cruel City, it was great fun to see them stand one opposite the other as enemies. Their steady, verbal arm wrestling made up for some of my favourite scenes. The character of Lee Jun Hee is like a dog in the manger, who doesn't eat vegetables, but doesn't want anyone else to eat it either. While I hated him for his actions, his motivations made him into a pathetic man. To quote Min Ho's words: "You do not live to be able to gain something..., you live to take things from other people. Is there any happiness in this?". Really, how measly is that?
The most touching moments in the drama are those involving fathers, Ma Tae Seok in primis, and the funniest the ones with Detective Ok Hyun and Secretary Woo Shik, aka Wendy and Tinkerbell. What an improbable, hilarious pairing!
The music is like the rest of the drama: very cute. Not something which would stand alone, but rightly chosen for the feel of the drama.
All in all, I laughed a lot, I fell in love with the male lead, I was highly entertained, grew very fond of all the characters, was sad to say goodbye to them and had a lot to talk about for the reasons mentioned above. I don't ask a rom-com for anything more.
Recommended to everyone, I'm definitely going to watch it again in the future.
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I would definitely recommend this to anyone. A beautiful drama that really made me think and contemplate for some time after completing it.
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Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3: To Changan
20 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Don't Miss This: Must Watch! Highly Recommended!
A gentle heads-up upfront: this piece touches on my overall journey through the three seasons. My aim isn’t to reveal surprises, but to share the feelings this series evoked the questions it raised, the emotional connections I made, and the reasons I’ve become deeply attached to the story. This is my personal reflection from the very first episode of S1 to the end of S3, and I want to convey why this is a series you simply have to watch. 10/10 for me.Season 1: The Start – When I Knew I’d Found Something Special
It all began in (2022), on a quiet evening while browsing for something new. Little did I know that the next 36 episodes would mark the start of a journey I would follow for years. Season 1 deftly introduced Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming two men of contrasting personalities, yet their partnership would become the beating heart of the entire series.
Lu was every bit the warrior: as deputy minister of the Grand Court of Justice, he wielded a sharp sword and an even sharper sense of justice, often leading him into precarious situations. Su, in contrast, was a registrar of cleverness, possessing a quick tongue and a gift for uncovering secrets he solved cases not with force, but with keen observation and wit. Together, they navigated mysteries that seamlessly blended the supernatural with the deeply human. I was immediately drawn in by how the narrative explored the complexities of human nature, set against the backdrop of a richly realized historical period.
One of the moments that resonated most from S1’s finale involved Lu and Su confronting an impossible choice between loyalty and duty. The scene where they stood together, refusing to compromise their values, remains etched in my mind. It was at this point that I recognized this was far more than just a costume drama; it was a profound exploration of courage, integrity, and the strength of true friendship. The final scene, with the pair vowing to continue their fight for what’s right, left me eagerly anticipating what was to come.
Season 2: To the West – When the Story Grew Richer
When S2 arrived in (2024), I felt a sense of nervous anticipation. Could it possibly live up to the magic of S1? Within the opening minutes of the first episode, all my doubts vanished. Under the direction of Bai Shan, this 40-episode arc transported Lu and Su on a perilous journey to the western regions of the Tang during Emperor Ruizong’s reign. The empire remained grand and prosperous, but beneath the surface, dark forces stirred, and strange incidents plagued the countryside.
One of the storylines that struck me most deeply involved a village terrorized by a “shadow demon.” As Lu and Su investigated, they unearthed a tragic truth regarding the pain and injustice that can drive people to desperate measures. The narrative served as a potent reminder that the most terrifying entities aren't always the supernatural, but the very real demons that reside within the human heart.
Season 2 also injected fresh energy into the team with the introduction of new faces. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Lu was forced to confront a personal crisis when a secret from his past threatened to unravel his world. Throughout it all, Su remained steadfast, their bond of friendship deepening with each obstacle they overcame. By the season's end, with the duo setting their sights back on Chang’an, I was convinced that the series was only continuing to ascend.
Season 3: To Chang’an – And Then Came S3
And then came S3 (2025) a chapter that captured everything I loved about the series and elevated it to unprecedented heights. Under the direction of Ju Xingmao, this 40-episode season brought Lu and Su back to the capital, where they were tasked with escorting a golden peach tribute from the Kingdom of Kang. What initially appeared as a straightforward assignment soon spiraled into something far more intricate: Chang’an was in a state of turmoil, with political intrigue permeating every corner of the city.
The team established their base at the Sushan Inn, covertly transforming it into an intelligence hub, and initiated a “citywide investigation model” to tackle a series of bizarre cases. What I found particularly compelling was how each case subtly connected to a larger, overarching political mystery, ensnaring our protagonists in a web of deceit that placed their friends, families, and even their own lives in grave peril. The emotional stakes were raised to an unbearable level, and the finale, while tinged with tragedy, felt like a perfect culmination of all that had come before.
Despite the heavy price they paid in their relentless pursuit of justice, Lu and Su once again stood overlooking Chang’an, this time as the city embarked on its path to recovery. Their unwavering commitment to protecting the people of the Tang remained unshaken, and while the future may hold uncertainty, their unity in facing it was never in doubt.
My Journey: Why It Never Let Me Down
Having followed "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" from its inaugural season to its culmination, I can confidently say that it’s a series that has profoundly resonated with me. Not a single episode has disappointed. The writing is both intelligent and deeply moving, skillfully interweaving elements of mystery, fantasy, and history in a manner that feels both fresh and authentic. Each case is meticulously crafted to keep viewers guessing, yet it’s the characters themselves who truly elevate the narrative to unforgettable heights.
The friendship between Lu and Su serves as the very foundation of the series, and witnessing its evolution over the course of three seasons, from cautious alliance to unwavering brotherhood, is an absolute joy. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, with each character contributing their distinct voice and unique story to the ensemble. The production values are simply breathtaking: from the intricate costumes to the stunning sets and the captivating cinematography, the Tang Dynasty is brought to life in a way that truly transports you into the world alongside the characters.
However, what truly distinguishes "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" is its underlying message. In a world that often feels shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, this series serves as a potent reminder that justice, compassion, and friendship are values worth fighting for. It demonstrates that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary feats when they unite, and that even amidst the darkest of times, hope can always prevail.
Each time I revisit the series, I discover something new to appreciate a subtle line of dialogue I previously missed, a detail in the set design that enhances the atmosphere, an emotion I didn’t fully grasp upon first viewing. It’s this depth and complexity that makes it the kind of series that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection and stirring emotions in unexpected ways. It serves as a potent reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
The Magic That Awaits – Don’t Miss This
Throughout this review, I’ve touched upon some of the pivotal moments from my personal journey with "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," but there remains a wealth of untold stories waiting to be discovered. There are emotional crescendos that will leave you breathless and adventures that will keep you on the very edge of your seat. Each season stands as a remarkable journey in its own right, but when viewed collectively, they form a complete and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final episode.
I can say with absolute certainty that this is a series you will cherish. It will elicit gasps of surprise, cheers of triumph, and moments of profound emotional connection. It will immerse you in its world, forge deep bonds with its characters, and leave you feeling utterly and completely fulfilled. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama to anyone seeking a story that is both thrilling and meaningful it’s a true gem that deserves every ounce of praise it receives. Don’t miss this.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama has everything in the right dose. I'm in love with so many aspects of this drama that the pros do outweigh the cons.OST:-
THEY NEED TO BE ON SPOTIFY. THEY ARE AMAZING. I LOVE THE SONGS.
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Acting: -
||Pros||
Both the leads and the side characters are relatively new to acting but all of them did an amazing job. The side characters are pretty good. Even the guy playing the villain has his comic relief moments which are genuinely hilarious.
||Cons||
The male lead needs to work on frowning less sometimes and the female lead needs to work on smiling less sometimes, but these are not something that can hinder your experience. Just remind you that they are inexperienced.
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Story line:-
||Pros||
Here is where I have to disagree with a lot of people. Many people complain about how contemporary modern c-dramas don't get the essence of the setting that the characters are put into. But in this case, the writer stayed true to the setting from the beginning till the end. I learned so much about how the clothing, fashion and manufacturing factories work. Like the content of the dialogues and the proceeding of the events are something that truly does happen in the business world. And it's a nice way to learn something new.
{Disclaimer: I am not a business person and have never done anything more business-y then statistics and general economics. The contents seem legitimate based on my limited research]
||Cons||
For some people the information about the ways companies run can be an overload of information.
The writer also resorted to take ideas from a variety of plot lines that are quite noticeable (though well mashed up and it doesn't lose pace). Especially, the beginning of the drama is very similar to the beginning of a South Indian and its adapted Bollywood movie, Ghajini.
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Romance/Chemistry:-
||Pros||
The lead couple had an amazing chemistry on-screen. From the first episode when Luo Tian Yi walks into Chu Chu's office, and the way he was looking at her, I was a goner. AND THEY DO KISS. [Disclaimer: Not Western style but they aren't statues either. Somewhere in between.]
||Cons||
Their chemistry is too fatal to my heart.
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Character/Character development:-
||Pros||
This is where the show gives me the cherry on the top of this already well endowed cake.
The lead couple not only has an amazing chemistry but also a HEALTHY & MATURE RELATIONSHIP. Can you believe a c-drama having that? This is the second time after Love O2O that I have seen such a couple. However, I would claim that this couple is much better due to other aspects. They RESPECT each other and give each other the FREEDOM to do what is right for their career. No one is "unnecessarily jealous" to show that they "care and are in love".
This show deals with a few sexist and discriminating side characters (Luo Tian Yi's extended family), but they deal with the issue quite well, letting Luo Tian Yi's character be such a reassuring person and supporting Chu Chu even through his hormone. [Disclaimer: Some would say that is what he is supposed to do, and I agree but how often do you see a c-drama lead who is not overbearing, obsessive and forceful... NEVER!!!]. He gives Chu Chu his wholehearted support for what she wants to do for her career and fights any evils coming her way with her. Not for her, but with her. And when time comes and he needs help and support, she helps him too. A very WELL-RESPECTING and BALANCED couple.
||Cons||
Of course the sexist comments would leave a sour taste in your mouth. And the story has a very frustrating, manipulative, but comic and stupid villain who helps the story line progress so beware... He is gonna stay till the end.
BEST CHARACTER: Chu Chu's Mom, Luo Tian Yi
WORST CHARACTER: Luo Tian Yi's Uncle.
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Overall:-
I would love to watch other works from these actors and actresses. They have talent and visual. The story line progressed at an intermediate pace which was never frustrating or annoying in any way.
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1Wonderful Engaging Production
This is a through and through wuxia drama like in the old days with a mixture of seriousness and playfulness. Some scenes and dialogues are hilarious with simple, childish logic but I have thoroughly enjoyed the series. Being only 24 episodes long, every scene is a clue and every sentence can be a cue. The pace is perfect without any fillers. The scenes and dialogues are funny but without crassness. It has an Agatha Christie vibe, like gatherings of people who have all become suspects of a murder, and the case is solved by the process of elimination.The names of the characters are so funny and oxymoron - Jian Buzhi literally means "don't know a thing" but he's the brain; Zhao Wohuan literally means "I'll pay for everything" but he doesn't have a dime; Sima Dang literally means "take it as a dead horse" but he's the fastest person on earth; and there are many more names as such. The introduction of the Ming Yue (Miranda Ma) character was somber but then it starts to play the Beethoven Moonlight sonata for the background music because Ming Yue literally means "bright moon", and I laughed till I cried; it's just so hilarious and I love it.
There are many combatant sword fighting scenes with beautiful wuxia acrobatic moves, "qing gong", "nei gong" (inner energy), flying daggers and secret weapons. After each case is being solved, another different group of people re-gather and another mystery begins. All the mysteries and murders eventually tie to the bigger scheme of the overall mystery which is eventually revealed in the final episode.
The costumes of the characters are pretty basic except for Jian Buzhi who wears the most beautiful ropes with vibrant colors and patterns, and furs. His costumes make him stands out in the crowd of people whom he is constantly being surrounded by, and that's a very clever use of the costumes.
I love the bromance (if you want to call that) and romance in this drama; the bromance is good but the romance is greater. In fact, there are two main romantic couples in this story. Character development and the acting cast are fabulous. Everyone's acting is indeed very good, especially by Wang Yan Yang who portrays Zhao Wohuan. In fact, he's my favorite character. Despite physically well developed, he has a very innocent pure mind and always stands up for the weak. Wang Yan Yang's portrayal is absolutely amazing.
I also love how each episode ends. The editing is remarkable with the episodes cleverly end just before the revelation of the murderers or the next secrets, keeping the viewers suspended and hooked on to the story for the next episode. Just when you think all the mysteries are solved and the ending is nigh, an unexpected twist comes and blows my mind off. It's so wonderfully done and sets the expectation for a next season.
Yes, strongly recommended. A drama well done in every sense. TWO THUMBS UP!
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Watch 1-2 skip to 16 and watch ..if there was an award for most awful lead this FL can easily win
First 16 episodes practically nothing happened he find the woman who took holy bead five year ago kidnap her and keep her in his kingdom .. obtaining beads need true love so all for the first 16 episodes he is trying to convince her to marry him ..while she is trying every silliest trick to run away ..After Ep 16 plot starts to take it's shape ..
The drama is written poorly on FL's part ... Her character is annoying, absurd, selfish, irrational over dramatic Scrooge... Her action will make to hate her to the point of disdain ...may be the reason why villian of this show in not very active till ep 25 ...FL was filling up for the villian ...
Still I will not this drama to any of my frnds because seriously there are a lot better options out there why waste time on something like this ... Yet if are interested you can skip parts of episode at your own convienence from 3 episode to 16
Male lead chen zhe yuan was the highlight he acting was outstanding given he was wearing mask for most of time still he acted brilliantly through his eyes ... Female actor lead wasn't bad either ..only her character was written ridiculously..
I found the parallel lead actress fram cat bloodline better than the FL herself
Ok ok experience
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