News 
cute but rushed
Overall: this was cute but they tried to cover too much plot and it felt jumpy/rushed. 8 episodes total, about 20 minutes per episode. Aired on GagaOOLala and Viki.Content Warnings: none
What I Liked
- that opening scene isn't super common in fiction (but very common in real life)
- funny moments
- the characterizations/opposite personalities
- the friendships especially Han Ji Yu and Ji Hoon, that's the friend who tells you honestly that you got a bad haircut lol
- need a spin off with the friend and the new character introduced at the end
Room For Improvement
- they needed to narrow the plot because scenes would quickly jump from 1 to another and it felt rushed overall, they didn't clearly explain some parts
- I thought that scene at the end of episode 1 was a preview for next week but it was actually an extra scene in the first episode. The second episode had it as well with an extended scene before the next week's preview. This was a bit confusing.
- having a conversation while someone is on the toilet
- too many falls
- the dead fish lip presses
Was this review helpful to you?
The story is a fairly basic one, but I thought the actors in the show played their parts very well. I haven't read the manga, but I thought each of the actors looked great (love you MatsuJun!) and at no point was I cringing due to wooden acting. I really hated Saeko, and I thought Ishihara Satomi played her part to perfection. However, I felt the strength of this show was in it's supporting characters- Rikudo, Sekiya, Kaoruko etc. They provided the comedy when the main storyline got a bit too much.
The music was great- not only did I LOVE the Arashi song, the other music was very well suited to the show.
I probably won't rewatch this show again- hence the low rewatch value score, but overall I enjoyed this drama. It's definitely a great one to watch when you want an interesting mix of melodrama and comedy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Not all “idol romcoms” are equal: Or “The kind are rewarded”
This was a show which had it all, good writing, direction, fantastic performance and visuals. Was it full of cliches and tropes, and seemed cut from the mold of other dramas with similar tropes? Both yes and no. While I have not watched others to be able to make any substantial comparison, just on its own merit this was a drama which can stand tall amongst others of its ilk.After a few rewatches, it became clear to me that more care, consideration and thought than what was common (for an idol romcom/pure romance) were given to the script/screenplay, and the whole production as a whole. There was a coherent theme/message, and recurring motifs, simplistic as they were. The small details mattered in this show.
It was also a showcase in how to go about achieving a wholesome, healthy, mature and loving relationship (for the leads). Communication, communication and communication. They took the time to talk with and reassure each other, tried to understand the other’s perspective, apologise when in the wrong etc. They did it often and habitually. It was especially stark when put against that of the other secondary couples.
There was not much unnecessary conflict, and any devices - i.e, misunderstandings or “love rivals” - for the development of the leads’ relationship were never utilised beyond their usefulness to the story. The respective dynamics were also a vehicle of growth for the leads. It was all very utilitarian. It could either be a plus or negative. In any case, I appreciated the straightforwardness. It resulted in a breezy, romantic and heartwarming drama experience.
While riding on the common tropes and cliches distinctive of its genre, it also tried to subvert some of them. It was a show “aware” of itself. It poked fun at the aggressive-CEO-tropes, and made fun of itself as a “mindless idol drama”. There was sarcastic and dry humour. There was also lovely usage of old movies to make its point across.
Having watched the ending and then returning to the first episode again, I was really struck by how coherent, cohesive and consistent the whole storyline was. The writing was truly solid.
Performance wise, suffice to say that WZM portrayed Prof Zhang impeccably, playing a staid, aloof and wooden character with much warmth, sensitivity and nuance. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Prof. Zhang. XRH was the perfect foil for him, playing Yun Shu naturally in all her adorable, sweet, effervescent and optimistic glory, subsequently blooming into a stronger and more mature character as the show progressed.
The secondary characters gave memorable performances too, and I especially loved ZLR’s portrayal of GZY. It was an organic and dynamic performance, giving the character a realism which I found particularly compelling.
In defense of the “Mary-Sue” female lead:
Was she absentminded, naive, too trusting and not particularly smart nor streetwise. Yes. Was she stupid. No.
Her being kind, generous and trusting might be looked upon by some as idiocy, but the show itself - via the character of the grandfather - clearly told us, it’s both her strength and weakness.
The show was not shy in letting us know that her helpfulness to others have garnered her opportunities which she would not have had just based on her academic or work skills.
Of course, as a viewer, what one thinks of the old-fashioned message itself is up to themselves, but the show was at least unapologetic in promoting the adage: “Nice girls finish first”, or that “compassion will be rewarded in kind.”
Conclusion:
For being a purely romance driven drama in its particular sub-genre, this was an example of fine writing, production and performance, as cliched and trope-y as it was. I feel fortunate in my encounter with this gem of a romcom. It’s undoubtedly a favourite now.
(All my thanks to the production/writing team, cast and crew).
Was this review helpful to you?
I'm mostly impressed by how they were able to fit sweet character development and a good plot all into 4 episodes. Nothing seemed rushed and it was overall very satisfying. Because it was short, there wasn't any drama with other characters getting in the way of the main characters' love and the relationship came overall really nicely. Which is honestly very refreshing after watching so many series with crabby side characters that are hellbent on making main characters split.
In conclusion, this was a fun and sweet little drama that warmed my heart and I would really recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Enjoyable short watch!
This 8-episode drama was enjoyable for me. I went in with 0 expectations but simply knowing Kim Heesun is in the cast. The story was not over-complicated but my only complaint is there were many characters to keep up with.The tension between Hye-Seung & Yoo-hee was building up throughout the drama. Both Kim Hee-sun & Jung Eugene did wonderfully in their roles. Jung Eugene literally took on the role of Yoo-hee and basically acted out such a horrible character that makes you hate her
Overall, I enjoyed the plot twists the writers dropped in but I think towards the end I expected/predicated things would end that way. Good resolution to the drama!
It was an enjoyable watch and if anyone wishes to watch, give it a try!
Was this review helpful to you?
I for one could not get myself to like this drama no matter how many times I watched it. It is honestly an abusive relationship, all that the Master sees of Nian is a toy that he got at the orphanage and a toy that deserves to love him and satisfy all his pleasures to show gratitude.
Even though the master shows some compassion in some ways, he is short tempered and throughout the movie, he is basically abusing Nian having mutual feelings like him.
I would recommend it for some people, but it's not my cup of tea as the whole movie at times made feel uncomfortable or sympathetic towards Nian.
Was this review helpful to you?
I know this drama's already got a high rating, still at first I was hesitant to watch it.
At times it was because I was in no mood for family dramas, at times I was in no mood for melodramas and preferred comedies, but I'm so glad I decided to watch it.
I rarely Give a drama a perfect 10, but this one SURE deserves it.
The Story: A very well written story and script, that not only moves you greatly but also makes one think and reconsider the meaning of a lot of things that may seem obvious, it makes wonder what you would have done if you were in each and every character's shoes (which is by the way one of the greatest proofs of a great story) and wonder whether what the character actually done was the right thing or not.
It's a story about maternity and what it really means, what makes a woman turn into a mother and what makes a girl into a daughter, the unconditional love that both share, "love free of charges" as the main character call it.
The Cast: The acting in this one leaves you utterly speechless. If I say it's PERFECT it definitely won't be an exaggeration. Above all Ashida Mana was spectacular, an acting prodigy for sure. Matsuyuki Yasuko also proved just how great an actress she was, she was really very convincing with her facial expressions saying a hundred things without needing any lines. All the other characters however big or small, they all delivered a very good acting especially all three mothers (Takahata Atsuko, Ono Machiko & Tanaka Yuko)
The Music: I loved the OST in particular and found it really fitted the drama's atmosphere a lot. The theme song was however the best part, the moment it played was always the moment you found your tears flowing without you even noticing.
Rewatch Value: This is a drama I will SURE rewatch, I believe it deserves rewatching it with a family member!!
I totally recommend this drama to everyone, even drama fans who don't really fancy Family dramas and believe them too melodramatic for their tastes, give this one a try and I assure you WON'T REGRET IT!!
Was this review helpful to you?
One Word Spell: WATCH
This drama is no ordinary drama. Not one that you can just watch on the side. It's hard to put into words what the drama really is. So many times it just seems out of this world. Every scene is masterfully realised and the cinematography is breathtaking. Every frame emphasises the tone of the scene or creates a very special atmosphere. The drama takes the viewer on a journey, if they allow themselves to. We experience the joy of friendship, the deep bond between siblings, the pain of remorse and guilt, the anger of betrayal, the danger in passion, the heavy burden of loneliness, the faint spark of hope for a different and better future, the struggle against one's own nature and the overcoming of prejudice. We feel the sweet bitterness of love. Not only romantic love, but also the pure, untainted love between soul mates. And we have to endure the sad power of sacrifice.Every character in this drama is complex and multi-layered and there is no real good or evil. Every character has their skeletons in the closet and that makes them tangible. For me, the drama plays a lot with the theme of what good or evil means. If the goal is good, if you do it for the greater good, does that really give you the right to use any means, even if they are cruel? It questions morality many times and makes you think. Each of the antagonists has understandable reasons for their actions and I often asked myself how I would have reacted if I had been in their shoes.
Everyone's acting performance was absolutely impressive. If you look at the performance of Lester Lin, who later played two such contrasting characters, Bai Jiu and Li Liun, at just 13 years old - wow. Just wow.
Everyone, really everyone, embodied their role so well that every emotion was not only visible but palpable. Something that not everyone manages to do.
I think it will take a few more days before I have digested the emotional ending, but in my heart I will never forget this drama. It will always have that special place.
Was this review helpful to you?
Punch is a fantastic drama that shows how hard it is to take even one more step towards a world like that. The writer Park Kyung Soo's previous dramas also dealt with corruption and the fight against powerful people and with Punch he delivered another amazing drama on this topic.
What first drew me into Punch when I started it was that our protagonist is just as cold-blooded and ruthless as the main villain. He is the one who helped the villain to get his position, but when he discovers that he only has a couple of months left to live and people start to mess with him, he decides that he can't be the only one going down. His journey of trying to take down the other corrupt people leading the prosecutor's office is thrilling to watch and kept me glued to the screen not wanting to miss even one second! The plot moves fast, giving you twists and turns at every corner. It might even be frustrating to watch, because for every step the lead comes closer to winning he gets pushed back just as much. Since most of the drama takes place in the prosecutor's office it could have become dry, but the plot was always presented with just the right amount of feelings that I was 100% emotionally invested in the story. Punch also has one of the best final episodes and endings that I've seen so far. It wrapped everything up realistically and I can't think of anything I'm not satisfied with!
Aside from the story itself the strength of this drama are its fascinating characters. This drama doesn't have the usual black or white characters; they come in all shades of grey and it was captivating to watch and see in which direction of the good and evil scale they would develop. Our anti-hero Jung Hwan actually does some really despicable things at the start of the drama that usually you'd only see a villain do. Tae Joon, the main villain, is one of the most fascinating villains I've ever seen (I'd put him up there with Mishil, for those of you that have seen Queen Seon Duk) and I loved that he wasn't the usual cold guy without feelings who has never even heard of the word loyalty before (although that doesn't necessarily mean he can't throw it away). I actually have so much to say about the character development, but it is one of the points that make this drama so awesome and I don't want to spoil it.
The actors and their portrayal were as awesome as these characters deserved and especially Jo Jae Hyun as Tae Joon stole the spotlight for me. Kim Rae Won also showed an engaging performance as the anti-hero, which caused me the dilemma of wanting him to take everyone down but at the same time hoping that Tae Joon's downfall wouldn't be too hard. The only small complaint I have is that the female main character seemed less complex than the rest. She was pretty much the only non-corrupted character in this show and therefore very much needed as a good example, but in my opinion that also caused her to fall a bit flat compared to the others.
The third aspect I really loved about this drama is the dialogue! Coming from this writer intelligent dialogue is a given, but I want to point out how creative his metaphors are. A lot of them were related to food and I always found myself looking out for the next one, because they brought across the points of the characters so well. In line with the drama's title there were also a lot of hard-hitting lines that must have felt like a strong punch to the stomach to whoever they were directed at. (Oh, and since I'm already talking about the title, be aware that some things the characters do or say might make you want to punch your screen!)
Now since my review is getting too long and in case all of my rambling was too much to read, here's the tl;dr version:
Thrilling drama with brilliant writing and acting, awesome dialogues and fascinating characters! In my opinion a must watch for everyone who likes dramas dealing with serious topics!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Anthing can be achieved if one is persistent and determined.
Message from this drama is that being weak doesn't mean you are useless... Be resolute never give up and victory shall surely be yours.Xing chen, FL says if it doesn't work once, I will try 10 times, if it doesn't work 10 times I will try 100 times and so on.. Attagirl!!!👍
If a person doesn't give up, then with multiple attempts even weak eggs can break a stone.
The story started on a light hearted note, first 12 episodes focused on the character development and their relationships..... These episodes were humouros and had many noteworthy hilarous dialouges.
Quoting a few humourous situation from these episodes
Episode 2 - how NOT to select a good matrilocal husband. 😉....jiang buting, ML drew an egg in the second round of selection hoping to get disqualified, but it was interpreted as ' bold and powerful' so he was advanced to the final stage of selection. ( presumably the FL's family was advancing a cripple to allow Mu Binghe their favoured future son-in-law to win)
Episode 4: Xing chen, FL taking a job of a janitor because she is the head of her family and needs to provide for 'two useless men in her family' 🤣( useless men referring to her would be husband BuTing and her would be brother in law BuYing
Episode 11: xing chen, FL to Bu ting, ML......."since I can't hold your hand, we both can just hold the branch"... Bu ting keeps walking on holding the branch while xing chen gets kidnapped. 😛
Some enlightening issues brought forth in the latter half of the series. (Which slightly changed the tone of the series)
1. Women Empowerment:
It was difficult for Xing Chen, FL to be accepted as the head of wuyue sect in a patriarchal ancient martial world... However she had strong backing from her father and other loving members of her sect also BuTing, ML always supported her to achieve her true potential... Every woman should be self sufficient and is capable of achieving great heights was the dominant theme of this series in my opinion... Apart from the FL, other FL characters were also shown to be aspiring, SFL Mu YaoGuang secretly wrote manuscript and published articles... Other minor female characters were also depicted as endeavoring to stand out in the community.
2. Greed for Power:
Doctor Song a brilliant scientist was corrupted due his ambition, he poisoned the person who loved him the most throughout BuTing's life as the doctor was consumed with greed for knowledge.. He played with peoples' lives and made them nothing more than his puppets to be sacrificed to realise his dream of being a superpower... I am glad he did get some absolution in the end and saved BuTing's life who trusted him whole heartedly.
3.Obsession and Weakness:
SML, Mu BingHe became obsessed with the idea of saving the FL, xing chen due to his failure to protect her in their childhood... However this plauged him to such an extent that his desire to protect her changed to stifling and caging her... He too got some redemption when he was at last able to protect her by sacrificing his life.
There are two OSTs that standout in this series for me, one is the song 'Is this the end' and other is 'kilig love' the ending credit song.. Both have good lyrics and catchy tune.
Ceasar Wu was amazing, playing the character of Jiang BuTing a physically weak man who defied the odds and fought back against his limitations.. BuTing was a character who was supportive, compassionate and retained a sense of humour.
Xu Lu was equally good at portraying Xing chen's character and managed to depict the changes in her character from being frivolous to a dependable sect head.
Overall, can be watched when your mind is preoccupied with other matters and you need some light entertainment with simple plot.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Journey To Heaven... more likely
I don't write reviews often, but in this drama, I felt the urge to just write a piece of my mind.From acting to production, directing, and music... this drama deserved more than 10....
BUT, if I were to value the script itself, ESPECIALLY in the last 6 episodes alone, I would go less than 7.
Here is my spoiler-free, short evaluation:
1. Acting 10/10
Liu Yuning blew my mind with his delivery of Ning Yuan Zhou.
He was the best leader, most charismatic man, and a strong, loyal warrior, brother, and friend. He was a cunning, smart, scheming leader of a spy organization, and a mighty enemy. He was the embodiment of a man that leads others, and when it comes to making hard decisions, despite how it might be against his morals, he doesn't act sanctimonious and hypocritical in the face of it. I truly admire and love how gray his character was.
Liu Shi Shi... She is the best, most unique, charismatic, and the strongest BADA** FL character I have ever seen in Cdrama and I so love how Liu Shi Shi brought Ruyi to life. She is beautiful, incredibly strong, and equally smart and cunning. She knows what she wants and gets it by any means. She isn't a damsel in distress, and she is so multilayered, I am in awe of her character.
Alen Fang... I love, Love Yu Shisan. His three-dimensional portrayal of this unique character: a free, charming, beautiful, playful, and as his own saying 'playboy' character deserves applause, and I will always love Yu Shisan.
The entirety of the other cast, including Chen You Wei and He Lan Dou, were all amazing and perfect in bringing out their roles.
2. Best, just Best love story in the entire cdrama land as of now! 10/10
Ning&Ruyi are the most mature, loving, equal footing, and endearing couple I have ever seen. Their chemistry is on another level and they truly complement each other.
3. Bromance 10/10
I can't say enough of it... it was Phenomenal and on another level entirely. The bromance between Ning & Shisan threw me off the loop. I never expected to see such a wholesome, beautiful display of friendship, comradeship, and brotherhood.
Not to mention the entire squad was just... They were amazing. So caring, understanding, and protective of one another. I laughed and cried with them, and because of them, and I don't regret it. Especially Yuan Lu... my baby!
4. Music 10/10
I don't know the names of other singers except Liu Yuning, but I downloaded the entire OST and play it on loop for hours. They are unbelievably perfect for the drama and magical.
5. plot ?/10
I will say it simple:
episodes 1-34 ---> 10/10
episodes 35-39 ---> 7/10
episode 40 ---> 5/10 (even this is only for the acting of casts, not the plot or story.)
6. Ending WTF
Here is my long rant, and it contains SPOILERS:
When you write a script with a strong start and a driven, AMAZING plot, you are raising the expectation of the audience, and there are certain minefields you just can't cross. Everything about this drama from the start was full of energy, funny, lively, and in a way that made me look forward to the ending day by day.
I knew certain characters wouldn't make it to the end, and I expected it because of the genre of the drama. But still, I had my expectations for this drama. I wanted to get closure regardless of it being a Sad, Happy, or bittersweet ending.
I DEFINITELY didn't want to see an open/ambivalent ending in the last 1 minute of the drama as if the scriptwriter just wanted to force-feed me the ending that made NO SENSE considering the preview sequence of TRAGEDY that we saw.
That ending that, in appearance, wanted to placate the audience and give a supposed happy ending to satisfy everyone did nothing but make me feel like the scriptwriter is treating the audience as fools.
I have seen similar messed-up endings in her other dramas before, but against my better judgment, I just truly wished that this drama would be different from her previous scripts, and I feel like slapping myself for it!
I'm still feeling numb from this ending and in no way feel reconciled with just that 1 minute of supposed HE.
Overall, I still can't say enough of how PHENOMENAL all the cast was. Especially Liu Yuning totally stole my heart with his AMAZING acting, so much so that just because of him and Boss Ning, despite knowing I'm going to cry myself to a headache, I still watched the dram until bitter end because he deserves nothing less.
I have never seen another drama of Liu Shi Shi, but she also turned out to be my favorite actress as of now. She was the embodiment of Ruyi and brought this character to life for me.
The chemistry between Ning and Ruyi was mind-blowing, and I dare to say they top the best couple in dramas of this year, if not the entirety of dramas I have ever seen- the list is endless- but they were just that phenomenal and I never expected a Chinese drama to create such a refreshing, modern, beautiful and equal footing couple, I NEVER expected it, and for that, I'm still shocked.
They are my most favorite couple of drama land as of now.
The other cast that truly stole my breath with his performance was Alen Fang, our dear, dear Yu Shisan. I must say I was surprised since the last drama I saw of him was Lang Ballad and I was SO not a fan of his character there, but he just stole my soul in this drama.
Yu Shisan will forever be the favorite playboy of my heart and I will NOT forget him.
I will still rewatch this drama when my mood is more stable and I can actually watch without crying but only from episode 1- 34
And I recommend everyone to see it because despite the unsatisfactory and shallow ending, this drama is the best of 2023 and perhaps many, many before it. I will definitely follow Liu Yuning's other drams too.
This is the end of my rant.
Was this review helpful to you?
to anyone who's sick of the typical annoying FEMALE LEAD, i totally recommend this drama. She's tastefully childish and quirky at times (sometimes on purpose as she tries to make the emperor not like her) but she actually acts her age, likes to help her friends, is kind but not unreasonably so to the point it makes her look stupid or a pushover. It's so refreshing, she's cute without acting 5, realistically clumsy (but not annoyingly so) and doesn't run away from her problems (thank the heavens)
the ROMANCE. They are so cute. It doesn't just start immediately because this is a romcom and theyre the leads . There's an actual buildup, and its super cute, heart fluttering and realistic. They take their time to get to know each other. they become friends first. They actually get along and have things to talk about. The king notices her because of her "uniqueness" but that's not why he falls for her. I like this the most about it. I feel like even the romantic tropes used are uniquely done and never go where you expect.
the MALE LEAD is not a jerk. He messes with her as enemies do (and later as friends), but it's nothing extreme (eg. making him a purse - which he just wants cause he likes her anyway) In fact, I'd say he's very careful about being too abrupt with his feelings and scaring the female lead away, especially as he funnily enough becomes friendzoned in a way. But hes the most reasonable person in this drama, and an actual good ruler.
Also the PALACE DRAMA AND POLITICS is very few and totally tasteful. Also all the concubines/escorts are BFFs instead of trying to kill each other, the main character's squad is the best and they get along like you're watching some youth drama with all the shenanigans they get up to around the palace and gardens.
The PLOT is well written, nothing that drags. It's short. 36 episodes that are about 30min when taking away intro/outro songs.
SIDE CHARACTERS are likeable, cute. everyone in the palace gets along like family. I think it's stylised this way. I think if it was more realistic, the servants wouldn't be able to behave like that, but that's its charm, it's very warm.
I 10/10 recommend if you're bored with the typical progressions of both modern and ancient dramas. I feel like this one has a lot of heart with the romantic relationships and the friendships.
Also the COMEDY is really unpredictable, is it only me who thinks this?? the jokes never go where i think they'll go, and I have watched.... a heck load of dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
I must warn you beforehand this drama starts slowly.
It takes a lot of episodes for the summary in description to unravel. And somewhere in the middle you'll start seeing things you waited for since the beginning. But the slow start was necessary. It allowed us to see the characters in their usual surrounding and when the crisis starts we see the change in their character imposed by the situation they find themselves in and as the peek of the turmoil passes we see them grow and develop. And that's one of the great things about this drama.
Story is full of various questions about life, love and marriage. Some answers were left to the watchers others are hinted.
There are also funny moments. Side couple was crazy and hilarious at times and the couple that we all root for is so adorable together.
I've read few comments describing An Zhen as a saint. I didn't get that impression. She is good but she is far from perfect. The whole essence of this drama is her character development and growth and not only hers but others' also. It would send a very bad message is she was the kind who holds grudges and hate. One of the main point of this drama is that; if we could forgive or at least give up our hate and anger we can move on and be happy. I believe that is true.
Acting is good. Music was very nice. There are a few songs that I really like.
I don't know if I'll re-watch it or not. It's too soon to tell.
If you are unsatisfied with the ending watch the sequel, movie called The Fierce Wife Final Episode. :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This is such a sweet heartwarming and enjoyable story of a family with four boys and their problems and adventures.
Lots of laughs, light moments, endearing characters, sweet romance and some sad moments.
I would compare it to Ojak Brothers, but its quite different but similar in some ways. If you want to take some time out from all the heavy melos, and soso comedies out there now give this one a try. You wont regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Swordfights And Broken Dreams: What Could Have Been
🍁OVERVIEW OF PLOT:-Baili Dong Jun, the mischievous young master of the Marquis of Zhenxi's mansion, has always defied convention. With a passion for brewing wine that stems from a childhood pact with his friend Ye Yun, who tragically died young, he's determined to become a "Liquor Deity." But fate has other plan. He met a masked girl while idling around and fell in love at first sight. The girl asked him to become famous and promised to find him by then.
As he embarks on a journey to learn martial arts from the world's top master, Li Chang Sheng, he forms an unbreakable bond with Sikong Chang Feng, a young man aspiring to become the Spear Deity. A chance reunion with Ye Yun, now known as Ye Ding Zhi, sets him on a path of self-discovery and responsibility. Together, these young heroes navigate the martial arts world, forging their own destinies.
Years later, when Ye Ding Zhi is manipulated into launching a devastating war against Capital of Beili, Baili Dong Jun must confront his friend and make a choice: save the world or save the friend he once swore to protect.
🍁MY VIEWS:-
As a fan of the sequel, 'The Blood Of Youth,' I approached 'Dashing Youth' with high expectations. Dashing Youth had all ingredients to be a compelling drama- an intriguing setting, complex characters and rich storyline. However, the execution fell short exploring the story's full potential. The convoluted timeline made it challenging to keep track of characters' ages and relationships, detracting from the overall experience.
Baili Dong Jun's charismatic personality shines through, showcasing a captivating blend of responsibility, humor, and compassion. His journey from a spoiled young master to a responsible individual is marked by ups and downs, making for an engaging narrative. The interactions between him, Li Cheng Shang, and Beili's eight young masters are enjoyable, adding fun to the story.
However, Yue Yao's character had potential but was reduced to merely supporting Dong Jun. I would have appreciated seeing her take action against her sister and persuade her to let go of her obsession. Or at the very least, showcasing her fighting skills and improvement would have added depth to her character. Unfortunately, her role was limited to walking and talking, making her feel more like a prop than a fully fleshed-out character. While I don't mind romance, it should be written convincingly to resonate with the audience. The romance between Dong Jun and Yue Yao lacks depth, feeling unconvincing and more like fluff.
Ye Ding Zhi's complex character conveys the intricacies of his struggle, making his tragic journey from Ye Yun to Ye Ding Zhi both captivating and heart-wrenching. I find myself having mixed feelings towards him – sympathy for the cruelty he faced, yet disappointment in his subsequent choices. His decisions led to regret and made his only son a public target. I was well aware of his eventual fate, but knowing it and actually seeing it unfold are two very different things. It's a bittersweet journey.
Coming to Yi Wen Jun, her character failed to evoke sympathy from me. Her decision to flee to Ding Zhi was understandable, but leaving her son Xiao Yu behind was perplexing. Her subsequent choices were poorly made, making her a self-centered character who destroyed three lives – Xiao Yu, Ye Yun, and Ye An Shi. I stand with Dong Jun; Ye Yun may have never blamed her, but I do. And I really wonder if she ever loved anyone except herself.
Sikong Chang Feng and Beili's Eight Young Masters are interesting characters, and I was invested in their relationship dynamics and storyline. Exploring their characters further would have added depth to the narrative. I crave more of their stories.
Xiao Ruo Feng's character, admired in 'The Blood Of Youth,' left me with conflicted feelings in 'Dashing Youth.' His actions and decisions lacked a clear greater good, leading to his sorrowful end in the sequel. A more nuanced approach to his character would have been appreciated. Had he chosen to help Ye Ding Zhi by persuading his brother and then becoming the emperor, he wouldn't have had to face the betrayal from his brother. He wanted the best of both worlds, which ultimately made him a threat to both sides.
Li Cheng Shang's romance plot and secrecy surrounding his immortal identity lacked conviction, feeling inconsistent and shallow. His secret identity was shared with numerous individuals, undermining the intended secrecy. The engagement with his fiancée was also unexplained, making the romance feel unconvincing.
Most of the female characters were a letdown, with underwhelming and one-dimensional roles that lacked substance. The antagonists, too, were unimpressive, lacking the depth and menace necessary to make them compelling and formidable foes. Their easy defeats felt unearned and unsatisfying.
Furthermore, the tone was inconsistent, careening wildly from lighthearted moments to angsty scenes without a clear narrative direction. This made it challenging to become fully invested in the story.
Additionally, the character development was often told rather than shown, leaving viewers to fill in the gaps themselves. This was particularly disappointing, as it prevented from forming a deeper connection with the characters.
On a positive note, the casting of actors to play father-son roles across generations was a highlight. Notably, Bai Shu as Xiao Ruo Feng, Fan Jin Wei as Xiao Ruo Jin, Yan Jie as Baili Cheng Feng, and Li Hong Yi as Emperor Tian Wu brought a sense of continuity and cohesion to the story. The bond of brotherhood between Baili Dong Jun and Ye Ding Zhi is a standout for me which kept me captivated throughout the show.
🍁ACTING:-
The cast delivers a mixed bag of performances. Hou Ming Hao did well as Baili Dong Jun, bringing a charming and carefree energy to the role. However, his emotional range is sometimes limited, and he struggles to convey intensity in pivotal scenes.
He Yu, on the other hand, impresses as Ye Ding Zhi, bringing depth to the complex character. His performance is captivating, making Ye Ding Zhi's journey both heartbreaking and compelling. I have seen him in 'The Legend of Shen Li' before and was looking forward to his work here. Ye Ding Zhi is way more complex character than Baili Dong Jun and He Yu did amazing in his role. Nevertheless, his screaming scenes during the wedding of WenJun could have been better.
The supporting cast, including Xiang Zhi Guang (Sikong Chang Feng), Bai Shu (Xiao Ruo Feng), and Wanyan Lou Rong (Lei Meng Sha), deliver good performances, but their screen time is unfortunately limited. Hu Lian Xin brings elegance and grace to her portrayal of Yue Yao, making her a delightful addition to the cast.
🍁CINEMATOGRAPHY:-
The sets and costumes are visually stunning, transporting viewers to a vibrant and immersive world. However, the over-reliance on CGI in action scenes detracts from the overall experience. While the visual effects are impressive, they often feel overly reliant on virtual powers and lighting, giving the fight scenes a more Xuanhuan/Xianxia than Wuxia vibes. More practical action sequences would have elevated the drama's authenticity and impact. Nevertheless, the cinematography is generally pleasing, with beautifully designed costumes and sets that enhance the viewing experience.
Overall, 'Dashing Youth' had the potential to be a captivating drama with its intricate setting, complex characters, and rich storyline. However, it fell short due to poor execution, inconsistent tone, and underdeveloped female characters. Despite some impressive performances, particularly from He Yu as Ye Ding Zhi, the drama's flaws detracted from the viewing experience. With some improvements in writing, character development, and action scenes, this could have been a truly unforgettable Wuxia drama. Despite the issues, I did enjoy the drama but it failed to become a standout.
Was this review helpful to you?
