Most Underrated Series! It deserves more love and appreciation!
This is the series I have been waiting for nearly 1 and half years and it finally dropped without any announcement so understand how surprised I was when the episode 1 aired!Plot- This series takes place in Chinese Republic Era when Opium was really a big issue in China. This story is about a police man whose life turned upside down when his father become opium addicted. Losing his father to the drugs and his mother to cruelty his father made her go through to buy drugs initiated her to "take her own life" Jiang Yue Lou's life was very difficult until he was adopted by Commissioner Bai thus pursuing the career of police to free Jingcheng from drugs. Then we have Chen Yu Zhi a benevolent doctor whose only purpose is to save people regardless of their background. This is a story of a determined yet unstable violent cop and a kind doctor coming together to bring peace to their town that has become victim to the drugs along the way they healed and redeemed each other.
Characters- Jiang Yue Lou seeing his happy family shattering to pieces in front of his eyes due to opium made him hate anyone who is link to the smuggling of the drug. At the very early age he had become the prominent figure in the Police Bruere however he is very arrogant, emotionally unstable, violent and cold in nature. He is intelligent, and righteous but when he loses his temper (very easily I may add) and does things without even caring for the consequences . He is even ready to sacrifice his own life if it means opium smuggling will come to an end. He is very determined and very hard to get along with, only handful people are close to him but even those don't know many pains that Jiang Yue Lou hides to himself due to Jiang Yue Lou having trust issues.
Chen Yu Zhi is completely opposite of Jiang Yue Lou. He is calm and collected, in control of his emotions and very kind and always try to help anyone he can. To him the world is not black and white rather there are lots of shades of grey even then Chen Yu Zhi is willing to help others. Through out the series we see how clever and deep understanding he has of people. He is not naïve, he knows he is living in a Era where China is going through very rough time economically and politically. He is aware that many people had no options but to opt to illegal ways to make a living. He knows the world is cruel to people especially to the poor that is why he tries to be kind to the people even though some may take advantage of his kindness. Through out the series we see how forgiving he is to the people even to those who deeply hurt him.
The relationship between our main leads started in a misunderstanding but slowly it turned into something beautiful and healthy relationship. They trust each other, confines in each others about the pain and secrets that no one one knows. For Jiang Yue Lou Chen Yu Zhi is the lucky star and a blessing. We see that it doesn't take much time for our cop to become smitten with our doctor. From episode 1 we get to see Chen Yu Zhi has a different effect on him. Through out the series we see how slowly Chen Yu Zhi helps Jiang Yue Lou with his bipolar disorder and helps him to learn how to trust others, how to care for others and that loving someone caring for someone is not weakness, showing your true emotions is not a weakness , showed him that the world is not black and white, that it's okay to let go of his anger and his tragic past for a better and peaceful life. Slowly Chen Yu Zhi healed our angry and lonely cop. To a certain degree it felt like Chen Yu Zhi's fate was to heal Jiang Yue Lou. His life mission. The ending at least gave me that impression.
Chu Ran the best Female lead!! I loved how clever and independent she was considering the Era she was in. Despite being in one sided love with Jiang Yue Lou not even once she acted selfishly or did anything bitchy that we usually see in bls often. Rather she was being helpful and respectful to our main leads. She was such a brave woman!!!
The Pros- The acting especially Mao Zi Jun. He is Outstanding actor and its pains me that he is so underrated! A true crime! He had done a phenomenal job portraying such a complex 3 dimensional character. You can see with different character he had different chemistry and his different acting in different scenes. He deserves recognition. Ian was 21 when he filmed this series he very young and it kind of showed. His acting was good but he needs more training and experience. Still his acting in some of the scenes were very good.
The cinematography was so beautiful my god! This show is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The prop team did an excellent job.
The music!! All the songs are good !
Dubbing was perfect and accurate!
No bitchy female lead trying break up or interfere between the boys! Chu Ran is the best female lead I have seen in a while in C-dramas
The Cons- MGTV and their ridiculous editing! I understand why some scene got deleted but the rest *sigh* The thing with MGTV is that they pick up projects that they can't do justice to!
The inconsistency in the script writing. There are some scenes that really doesn't make sense. Tbh I don't know who to blame because I have listened to audio drama and in that version the inconsistence is basically gone and is more detailed than the drama version. So is it editing fault or what I don't know!
Also I hated how they portrayed Bipolar disorder. I may not have enough knowledge on bipolar but I know for sure the writer has zero idea how a bipolar disorder person functions what struggles they go through and what occurrence makes them have a episode. Seriously I wish especially Asian script writer does their homework before portraying any kind mental illness.
The director! He is not an competent person that's all I will say.
Honestly people watch this series! It's delight to see how Chen Yu Zhi and Jiang Yue Lou slowly falls in love each other! Two different people with completely different characteristic and personality and ideals falls in love! I know some people see this a bromance and I respect that but for me it's clear that these two are in love with each other romantically! The plot is nothing new but the acting and the chemistry between actors is superb! I have deeply fallen in love with this wonderful series! This series really shows how bad some humans can become and for some there is no redemption! Just give it a shot guys!
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
everyone has their own backstory.
i enjoyed this series! i happen so to randomly come over this series but oh man, i do not regret it. this show is severely underrated btw!this show has its comedy side, touching side and each main character has their own tragic backstory that will be revealed slowly. everyone might be slow, dumb yet goofy but their backstory really breaks my heart. the build up with the backstory is amazing, the way they have healed but the wound opened up again to get the actual closure needed. my top few eps are 14, 16, 18 and 22. if you watch the scene, you would understand why i really enjoyed these episodes.
they are fated that they all met at by jumping of the cliff and naming themselves by the wording 3, 4 and 5 inside in. it was so funny! they are "found family" as they found comfort within each other while facing their struggles, while understanding each other without saying much, while supporting each other and stay with each other no matter what.
i enjoy the friendship between all the characters and if you are wondering if there is any romance... it is like lowkey and not that obvious. you get to enjoy many different cp types of feels. if you are wondering how i am shipping, its 3+5 and 4+ji. i am waiting for the next season as the ending wrote, "the first season ended"
however, mango's subbing is bullshit because as a chinese, i saw the chinese wordings and the english subs, i am closed to vomit blood. it is so so badly subbed. so for those who does not understand, you might need to wait for better subs. like they subbed 你相信我吗? - it was supposed to be "do you believe me?" but they subbed to "do you miss me?" ...??!!
as for the acting, i think they did a good job! the main characters ranges from '97 to '02 and their acting is good! what i love is that their are a lot of dramatic and big expression type of scenes but they are able to not overact and overdo it. with the right amount that you won't think that it is too over the top and get annoyed about it.
it might seem boring at first but as it goes on, it will get better. trust me. anyways, please give this show a chance! thank you~
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the few Chinese dramas that I can binge watch and that's saying something -- story is really GOOD! Park Solomon has proven his status as a highly skilled actor - In this drama, he portrayed so many different roles and characters - not only were they impressive, but very believable and passionate. Started this drama because of Park Solomon, I was not disappointed. This drama also had great pacing and a memorable OST (ending).
- STORY -
Story was inspired by the webtoon Lookism. I decided to give it a read after getting into this drama and there were major differences. Despite lots have complained about this drama not following the webtoons, I consider this drama adaption very well done, even better than the webtoons in some aspects. The overall plot is really good but I do have to point out some scenes were kind of off-logic and unbelievable. However, these can be overlooked for the direction of where the plot is trying to go.
- ACTING -
I'm thoroughly impressed by the acting in this series. In fact the best I've seen for a high school youth drama. Park Solomon's duality really shows here with him looking like a sad pathetic puppy to an incredibly confident character. He learned Chinese just for this drama. However, overall the whole supporting casts were very talented as well. As much as I didn't like the chubby WenShuai, his character is made to be pathetic and it was effective.
- MUSIC -
I'm not really picky with OSTs but this drama had good sound design during most scenes and some of the OST was really good and fits with the drama really well. Lookism, the ending OST really really sets the mood for the later half of this drama.
- REWATCH -
Rewatching value is subjective. I really don't rewatch much, but for this drama, I might rewatch a few scenes.
Was this review helpful to you?
In story department, it was rather realistic and not off-putting by any means, I actually cared about every character in this story and not that much about the main relationship, because it was more of a background to everything that was going on in the story.
The cast is interesting, there's a lot of chemistry going on between Song Ji Hyo and Choi Jin Hye, and their scenes were quite funny, especially at the beginning of the drama. I think the character I was most concerned about was Kook Cheon Soo, because he seemed a lot like an average person lost in a giant white world and in himself at the same time; simply an individual who can't connect himself with others - more of a good book character that you grow fond of after awhile, rather than an actual drama character. I also loved Shim Ji Hye's character, she depicts a role model to look up to, and Lee Sung Min was classy as well.
There's a few songs from what I recall, and the usual dramatic tones of ER are there, so I have no complaints about it...but oh, Choi Jin Hyuk can sing quite well? It was an interesting input to a certain episode.
There's a solid rewatch value to this drama, maybe not for these 2-3 episodes that I found quite redundant and filler-like, but the entirety gives much to see even second time around.
Now, for the roundup, I'll admit I watched this in two days, and I think that tells a lot about just how indulging and interesting this drama turned out to be. I'm not usually hyped over hospital dramas or couples been-there-and-back, but the final overall of the drama made it so much more than a rekindled romance with a hospital as its back setting. I'm sure all other reviewers have noticed that as well, seeing as there's much of positive feedback this drama has received. There is, simply, so many aspects of life contained here to relate to.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Lower Your Expectations and Raise the Speed
“The most frustrating is the lack of proper consequences.”This phrase from one of the only other reviews of the completed Drama brought back many memories.
I don’t know how many other Dramas that user has seen, but the angry rant (their words) about the way ALL the villains, and especially the worst of them, get off scot-free in this Drama reminded me of my own reactions the first 50 or so times I saw that happen in a K Drama. Then I learned to expect it, as an integral part of this sort of Drama. Rather than punishing the wicked, or even having them experience any sort of meaningful redemption arc, fully a quarter to a third of the episodes in Dramas like this are all about them getting away with it while their victims suffer more and more. I expected that in this Drama, and got it, in spades. As soon as the truly VILE people started showing their true character, I 100% expected them to face zero consequences for being human garbage, and so I was not upset or disappointed when my expectations were met. That’s the “Lower Your Expectations” bit.
The Raise Your Speed bit is simple – watch on FF. Knowing what to expect from a Drama of this sort, I watched most of it on 3XFF, only watching scenes at normal speed that were about developing relationships, whether romantic or familial. All the plotting and scheming and horrid people being horrid scenes I just zipped through. And there was enough of the sweet, the warm and the touching to make this Drama an acceptable watch, under those circumstances. I started this Drama for Bona, having enjoyed her other acting roles a lot (I’m not a K-Pop stan), and she and her arc did not disappoint. The Drama gave me what I wanted because I treated it like a buffet, skipping past all the dishes that didn’t interest me.
If you can’t or won’t watch a Drama with heavy use of FF, or if your blood boils at the thought of nasty people escaping effectively ALL consequences for their nastiness, then don’t watch this. But if you CAN watch on FF, can tolerate the bizarre insistence these Dramas have on letting evil go unpunished, and want some sweet stories along the way, then do check it out.
Was this review helpful to you?
Light & Hilariously Fun
It's light and definitively a romantic *comedy,* so if you're looking for something deep or serious, this isn't your drama. That being said, the comedy is, indeed, comedic! The physical comedy is amusing, the misunderstandings are but around funny things and not "if you literally asked one question everything would resolve itself" things, and the friendships that form are unexpected and hilarious. (Assassin-thief sismance for the WIN.) Both leads' acting was great, but the FL *carried* this for many scenes. Her acting and timing are excellent. I laughed so hard at the drunken martial arts posing scene with her and the ML. Are there unrealistic moments? Yes. But this romantic comedy knows what it is—it's very intentional, and you know it's not trying to take itself seriously.(Translation note: It helps to understand the English subtitles, some miscommunications, and the situations better when you know that Chinese uses only one pronoun for both male and female. So "tā" can mean him/her, his/her, or he/she. It's gender non-specific.)
As a gender-bender, it's not bad. They didn't hide her figure well, but her face, hair, and dress could pass as a boy, much more so than in many I've seen. And that she *doesn't* pull it off perfectly is noted early on, so it's not like everyone is pretending to be a brainwashed idiot and see nothing.
The character development isn't massively convincing, and some pieces of the story feel rushed or unexplained, but...hey, it's a short-form comedy. There are scenes of action, intrigue, and angst, but mostly it stays light. The story's serious points (politics, fighting, etc.) are only included as backdrop or fodder for the relationships among the main characters. The romance is slow to build, but very sweet once it picks up, and I like how they grow into a warrior power couple.
Much better than expected" is the summary phrase. Considering it's a comedy built with 10-minute episodes, my standards bar was set low, but this was so much unexpected fun!! I look forward to Season 2.
Was this review helpful to you?
A rare comedy with no villains and misunderstandings.
This drama is very refreshing to watch. Critics aside, this an extremely rare NO VILLAINS and NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS drama. Almost all historical shows (wuxia and xianxia) have very heavy political plots and focus on hardships of the couple. But this one is just light and peak comedy.I loved the FL so much omg. She stood up for herself yet was kind for the needy. She also never misunderstood the ML so their "fights" never lasted for a long time. Also, I never ponce though she was ugly because she has the type of smile that can immediately melt anyone.
And of course, Li Hong Yi looks hot as ever. That man is just really handsome. I was skeptical about his character first, but he showed more depth over the course and that was really refreshing.
Liu Scorpio and his wife are just one of a kind. I'll leave it at that. chemistry but
I see a lot of people complaining about the lack of chemistry but I disagree. Yes there aren't many intimate scenes but I think their little things and habits show love in a unique way.
Overall do not be swayed by the negative reviews. Watch it for comedy at the very least. This one also has some great OSTs as a plus. Really loved it!
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
"Dreaming is a reality to be experienced"
"Dreaming is a reality to be experienced"The Spirealm was not a simple love story, nor was it your typical adventurous romance.
It was much more than that; it was a journey of self-discovery through his own work. Passion, love, and hatred...
Throughout the process, he felt love, hate, resentment, atonement, pity, and sadness for his own characters. He went through a lot.
The dedication and effort he put into creating it, the desire for perfection, and the determination and joy he experienced upon its completion were priceless to me.
I know most people are really disappointed with the ending, but I really loved it, and I enjoyed the romance while it lasted very much.
Let's be honest; he wasn't the only one suffering. I suffered along with him, as did every character I ever loved.
The stories behind each door were terrifyingly good, and the game of guessing what would happen next was simply fun and gut-wrenching!
The music is neither bad nor good; it's just okay.
This was a breath of fresh air in terms of plot and storyline, even with all its flaws. It's a must-watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Less violent and worthy remake
First off let me explain the title of my review. I call it a WORTHY remake because that's what it is: a good, solid remake. I don't know if it's good enough to make us forget the original but it's trying. One thing that I like is that they changed the setting of the story and made it a historical. From the clothing, I'd put the era around the 1960s. It doesn't matter too much to the story, but I liked the touch of exotism it added (the clothes and the cars). It also made a few plot points more relevant (like the fact that a rich family could easily bully a single mother, or how one would make a living through painting), which was clever.It is also less violent than the original drama. Not that there is absolutely no violence, some characters are really mistreated in this, but thankfully our FL is not, and most importantly not by the ML. Oh he's not tender towards her, but he's not physically abusive and even the arm-grabbing is reduced to a minimum.
The story in itself is pretty cliché by now, so I won't go into details about it.
The acting was pretty good, especially Esther carried the show with her talent and her beauty. Jes is not bad, but he didn't fully meet the expectations set by Chakrit for this character. He had me in the beginning but by the second part of the drama, I was a bit indifferent to Jes' portrayal. The chemistry between Esther and Jes is good though. REAL KISSES, though few of them.
The rest of the cast was good, though the 2d FL was given too much screen time, but eh she's pretty so I don't complain.
The kid actor was adorable. And other actors were pretty good too.
I never notice the music in shows, so that's that.
I recommend this whether or not you've seen the 2005 version, it's well worth watching or rewatching.
Was this review helpful to you?
I am surprise nobody write especially my flower boy leading man is in this drama "haha"(*shy wink*)
Story:
the plot was ok. Interesting meet and fall in love. Interesting family environment.
the initial story was funny with li ye feng boyish behaviour being the most treasured son in the family and the father was cute too. (you know those father threaten to hit but heart pain like hell scene and it cute, not those teary kind)
the meetup and encounter of the male lead and female lead was cute too.
Cast:
The Cast was good... although I heard many comments that 2015 for Tang Yan was the same face and acting of hers in all her drama but I find her pretty :P (one of my best actress category :P)
the 2nd male lead from H.K was good too, find him handsome in this drama that his other h.k show which I dun rem him being cast on a impt role before (maybe that's why he moved to china, after breaking up with ms xxx) opps, not gossip time ya :p
Music:
Music was ok but
nothing special caught my ears ....
Rewatch Value:
maybe the initial episodes that was funny and can certainly rewatch some scenes from there ^.^
howver, I really hate the rush finishing of the drama...they could have elaborate more on the ending....
watch it and you will know what I meant. Cheers!
Was this review helpful to you?
Do Joon blew me away here. I actually want to see him as a chaebol/king in any drama because he did a great job of it here. What I loved about this drama was that they stayed true to history and yet played with it in every way. I might not know a lot about Korean history but I know that they at least managed to not distort facts through this drama.
The two episodes go by really quickly and the romance is so worth watching! It will give you flutters and leave you with a warm feeling. Managing that in just 2 episodes is commendable and I wanted more. :D
This drama is enjoyable every single minute and it's amazing how they managed all Kdrama sageuk cliches within these two episodes. Plus the kisses are great too! Give this drama a go, you won't regret it. :D
Was this review helpful to you?
Those are the three words I can describe I Remember You.
During the course of watching the drama, I often wonder to myself, 'how can a drama be this good?' In a way, there are many plot points that could've gone awry, executions that would've made the whole drama into a train wreck, or characters that would've become so frustrating, yet somehow, none of that happened. Instead, the opposite of it became the final product: storyline filled with suspense, angst, with an air of quirky comedy that will keep you glued to your screen from the first minute to the last, excellent relays of the writer's ideas transforming to a visual interpretation from the directors and producers even with the camera works, and finally, characters that are heart-wrenching, clever, and refreshing.
The ability of the drama to execute pathos within its loyal viewers despite the horrific acts and wrongdoings other characters have made is a feat within itself. The drama's question of, Are monsters created or born?, makes you re-evaluate yourself on your own morals and values.
The drama is sadly underrated, but as to what I've read somewhere, the ratings were very steady, which can mean that those who loyally watched from the first episode sticked until the end, and loved it to its core. Honestly speaking, ratings do not even matter anymore. However, there's a part of me that is upset and hurt that I Remember You did not get the justice to be praised, applauded, and commended for what it's worth. Such a pity that it wasn't appreciated during its airing when it is clearly one of the best and unforgettable dramas in 2015.
I find myself unable to move on, having major withdrawals from the drama, crying whenever I hear Dear Cloud's Remember as if the song comforts me as it comforts our characters. That itself makes me believe that I would have missed out real good have I not watched this gem.
Kudos, I Remember You, you will be remembered, and never forgotten. With that, I give it not just a 10 out of 10, but a 15 + alpha.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
