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Cute Soul Swap drama with really good acting
(This review doesn't contain specific spoilers on this drama, rather from chinese dramas in general)Two things to be aware before watching this:
1. This is mainly focused on high school, so don't expect a lot of romance or kissing scenes (China doesn't allow pre-college dating).
2. Time traveling and body exchange also aren't "allowed" so they always do it in a way so it didn't REALLY happened, sometimes being it a dream or s fiction.
If you're looking for a nice and cute high school drama, then I really recommend this. The acting is on point, the best one I've seen from any gender-bender drama. The ML acts like an actual shy girl, not just a "guy acting like a girl", and the FL is very charismatic as a boy - nothing is over the top. More importantly, they actually act like each other, it's very satisfying. Congrats to all the actors!
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A very satisfying reminiscence of Squad 38 and Hello Monster
First of all…Drilling has never looked so good in Prada.
I can’t get enough of this movie… I want more…
After only 3 episodes of Doom at Your Service, it was already more than enough that I could take.
After 1 hour and 45 minutes of Pipeline, I am not nearly satisfied. I just want more. More of the storyline, more of the great cast and more of a 16 episodes-type drama.
They should have made Pipeline into the drama and Doom at Your Service into the movie.
This is the Seo In Guk with whom we are used to… Reminiscence of Squad 38 and Hello Monster… Charming, endearing and devious with a bit of a dark and wild side.
Full disclosure:
I love the work that he obviously put on this new muscular physique of him. Also that loose hairstyle/haircut is so attractive on him.
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An underrated masterpiece
"Reality is just imagination"Their story started in high school - with two teenagers and an imagination. They were one of a kind and unique stars shining brightly amongst many others, waiting to be connected into a constellation.
"Life Senjou no Bokura" can arguably now be one of my favorite dramas of all time. It was such a beautiful and tear-jerking love story between two boys who are growing up and finding themselves. One of them (Akira) grows up from his imaginative phase and starts to live in the realistic mentality that society's imprinted on everyone; a decent job, a "normal" partner, a family, children. Meanwhile, Yuki never wants to grow up from his child-like fantasies, and lives on with his creative imagination and a playful heart.
The story: It was phenomenally portrayed. I loved the concept of showing significant times and events from different times in their lives. The story started off extremely adorable and progressed into something straight out of a masterpiece. I loved the gradual storyline and the realistic approach to everyday struggles and life. I'm still amazed at how they made me feel so many emotions through merely four episodes!
Acting/Cast: It could not have been better. Amazing! The actors were the perfect fit for their roles, and they evoked the perfect amounts of emotions at the perfect times. Their chemistry was one of the most natural out there! There were no signs of any awkwardness, and made me feel like I was watching a real couple. I'll definitely be checking out their future works.
Music: As someone who isn't a music fanatic, I loved the soundtrack! It resonated with me, and it invoked a lot of emotions.
Rewatch value: 10/10. I'll definitely be wanting to revisit Akira and Yuki's story! I'm going to miss them.
Overall: 10/10.
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Don't hesitate just watch this great drama. You can feel that you are living in Joeson Era, You can feel the emotions specially when the king are talking to his people, you can feel the love and care for his countryman.
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Each brother has their own issues and struggles and the drama takes the viewer on a journey of growth with them.
The drama has the right balance between the serious and the comedic moments.
The cast is wonderful all across. Each character is portrayed to perfection. My favorite was Tanaka Misako as the disgruntled and lazy mother.
A lovely family drama with a good amount of laughs and heart.
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Fake It Till We Make it !!
First off, major props for the ace representation! The inclusiveness and legitimate valid portrayal deserves praise!! They nailed it, though would have liked it if they had more screen time.Chemistry? Chemistry-ing so hard! It was on fire from ep 1 to 12 ! Great and Inn were such a good choice, really hope they team up again in another series.
The supporting characters were amazing ! Their love stories had their own flair and drama and I was all in for it!
The comedy was a bit cringey (in a good way, if that makes sense). Lots of second-hand embarrassment, but somehow it worked for me.
But the way they dragged out finally admitting and committing to the relationship was kind of annoying and unnecessarily stretched, especially when they were always so domestic ALL THE TIME . It just felt way too over-the-top sometimes! They could've cut to the chase sooner!
Overall , If you're into sizzling chemistry, drama, with a touch of cringe-worthy comedy, I would recommend this. It's not perfect, but it's definitely entertaining!
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‘To My Star’ and to my heart.
The cinematography is excellent, I loved every single episode because of how bright it felt. The energy of the series matched the cinematography. It’s just beautiful.The acting, great. I loved how natural it felt, it didn’t feel forced at all. The younger actor was so edgy and he gave out that vibe (in a good way, lol), and the older actor, DANG he is good omg. Everybody else did awesome too, the cast is truly gifted.
Now, my only complaint, the music. The soundtrack at times didn’t match the scenes. At times I was like, “mmm okay? Why is this track playing in this scene?” but is all good, not everything is perfect.
I wish it was longer, there was a lot of development but no that the one you would get in a 20-40 minu...
visit my tumblr for more BLs reviews 'alienwms'
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This review may contain spoilers
The drama is over but its a beautiful memory which will live on!
i dont prefer romance based dramas/movies much as they have similar storyline with HE/BE, but still i watched this one fr its story & ofcourse RJL, Jeremy.Story:
PY was given the responsibility of making his clan famous, thrive etc by his mother which he complied obediently, until he met JC, he became obsessive (lover kind of) regardless he still kept his clan/mother his priority before JC. His attitude towards JC became better after her master passed away/couldnt save his mother. He got a huge blow whn AC was killed, which led him to fight for his country/injustice/fr bigger cause/ fr people.
Cui Liang had less scenes but they were crucial fr the story. Personally he couldn't fight fr his love due to various reasons.
JC, a free spirited girl gets caught up in btwn. Later as story progresses realises both ML's were using her fr their own selfish desires. Although she's clouded by what she hears vs sees, towards the last quarter realises where her heart truly belongs.
WZ's life was not his to begin with, he dedicated it for the people of yueluo city. Out of all characters his was the most heartbreaking one. Frm him hating her fr spoiling his plans to caring fr her/console, be with her in her difficult times even if his life was at stake/decorating their house & many moreeee was portrayed remarkably.
Acting :
Kudos to all actors, actresses fr playing their characters marvelously.
RJL you chose your character excellently, the one that vil stay in OUR HEARTS FOREVER
((its sad end fr his character BUT do we remember all happy endings of dramas/movies???? ......... this one fr sure we will))
Overall:
Gradual progression of strangers - hating - loving each other, shown beautifully although at start i was skeptical abt the theme of this drama however it kept me hooked till the end.
No matter how much i write it doesnt give full justice to this gem.
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Lots of reviews already but...
I loved it and have seen it 3 times. It rates near the top on China's Douban list and many see it as a masterpiece. The high rating is no mistake, it is a wonderful, deep, and intriguing drama. But it really depends on what you like. Some people like simple love stories or comedies. This is neither.Lots of reviews already but... I just wanted to add that there is an unofficial version of the end that was cut. If you haven't seen it, please do. ^^ You can find it on YouTube.
Since this has been heavily reviewed, I'll still put in my two cents. This is a near-perfect drama for me. Probably the best I've ever seen as far as story. The casting and acting are top-notch. This is the second time watching it and no doubt, I'll re-watch it again. High re-watch value due to the complexity of the story. It has such a phenomenal story, and the casting, acting, and chemistry between all the actors/actresses are also top-notch. The genius of Mei Changsu is an intriguing and beautiful thing to watch unfold.
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I have to say because I legit fell for the male lead I'm really biased even though there are definitely a bunch of issues but for me it didn't really take away from the viewing experience and I had so much fun.
The skin ship is just the best you'll see and the leads had chemistry.
Another problem was the sudden disappearance of Jaspers friend because I got so involved in him and Keifei's arc seeing her with someone else just didn't work. But again I still enjoyed it overall.
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1This review may contain spoilers
If What You See or Do Is Really What You’re Seeing or Doing
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:Some stories entertain you.
Some stories haunt you quietly.
Scent of Time does the latter.
I went into this drama thinking I knew exactly what I was getting another “villain gets a second chance” story, something in the same lane as Story of Kunning Palace. That familiarity is exactly why I didn’t even bother reading the synopsis. No warnings, no spoilers just the idea of a second chance, and that was enough. And honestly? Getting to watch both of these dramas in the same year felt unreal. Two brilliant stories. Two complex women. Two very different kinds of second chances.
But here’s where Scent of Time sets itself apart.
The difference lies in the hand of cards each female lead is dealt. Jiang Xue Ning in Story of Kunning Palace is sent back to a point early enough to truly alter her fate before marriage, before her sins harden into something permanent or many things.
Her future is difficult, yes, but still flexible. There is space to handle.
Hua Qian doesn’t get that mercy.
She wakes up only two years earlier on the night of a marriage she schemed her way into, when many of her family’s crimes are already in motion. The damage is half done. The wheels are already turning. No matter how desperately she tries to be better, there are limits to what repentance can undo. Her second chance is not freedom it’s restraint. And that makes all the difference.
What I expected was a familiar redemption arc.
What I got instead was a slow, aching meditation on regret, responsibility, self worth, and the unbearable truth that knowing better doesn’t always mean you can do better.
Scent of Time is not about fixing the past it’s about learning how to live with it. And somehow, I lived it with them.
This drama doesn’t rush to comfort you. It doesn’t hold your hand. It sits beside you quietly and asks: what if you could see all your mistakes clearly… yet still be powerless to undo them or escape them?
Watching Scent of Time felt less like binge watching and more like living inside Hua Qian’s heart like her fear, her resolve, her guilt, and her desperate desire to protect the people she loves. You don’t just observe her journey you carry it with her.
And I have to say this drama came to me as a recommendation, and no one warned me I’d be walking into this cast. Every main lead is visually striking, emotionally convincing, and good at what they do. Peng Chu Yue as Zhong Ye Lan and Zhang Yi Jie as Hua Rong Zhou were revelations for me, and yes I fell completely for Hua Rong Zhou. He deserves far more attention than he gets.
If you’re watching for the first time, keep an eye on the supporting cast too. Li Yun Rui as Wu Shuo Mo carries that quiet “future star” energy, and Ai Mi as Qian Zhi is effortlessly charming pretty, cute, and memorable.
Zhou Ye and Wang Xing Yue hold this drama together with grace and intensity. Looking back now, Scent of Time feels like the moment where their rise truly began. Since then, they’ve grown in every way acting, screen presence, and project choices and this drama stands as an early, powerful chapter in careers that are still unfolding beautifully.
Scent of Time doesn’t just tell a story, it invites you into one.
It lingers.
Like a scent you can’t quite name but can never forget.
𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲:
At its core, Scent of Time tells the story of Hua Qian a woman who once lived as the villain everyone loved to hate. She schemed, manipulated, hurt others, and devoted her life to a love that was never truly hers. The cost was devastating: her family destroyed, her life lost, everything reduced to ashes.
Then comes the impossible mercy: a “second chance.”
Or so it seems.
Hua Qian wakes up two years earlier, on the night of her marriage not before her sins, but after many of them have already been set into motion. This is what makes the story cruelly honest. She is not given a clean slate. She must live with the aftermath of her past self’s choices while desperately trying not to create new ones.
She doesn’t seek power anymore. She doesn’t chase love. She wants only one thing: to protect her family.
And yet, the drama keeps whispering an uncomfortable truth some things cannot be undone. The dead do not return. Fate bends, but it does not break easily.
The story unfolds slowly, deliberately, forcing us to sit with moral ambiguity. Redemption here is not about becoming “good.” It’s about accountability, restraint, and learning when to let go.
And then comes the twist the revelation that this second life is not a second life at all, but a dream born from a coma, sustained by incense, memory, and longing. A fragile space where Hua Qian confronts herself, piece by piece.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
What makes Scent of Time unforgettable is not plot twists, but people. Every character feels flawed, human, and painfully real.
𝙕𝙝𝙤𝙪 𝙔𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙃𝙪𝙖 𝙌𝙞𝙖𝙣:
She plays her not as a saint seeking redemption, but as a woman drowning in regret, trying to breathe without hurting anyone else. Hua Qian is sharp, composed, and quietly devastated. She doesn’t cry loudly. Her pain lives in her eyes, in her pauses, in the way she carries guilt like a second skin.
She loves fiercely especially her family and that love is both her salvation and her curse. She is not innocent, but she is sincere. Watching her feels like watching someone talk to their past self every day and choosing restraint instead of destruction.
Hua Qian isn’t rewritten as “good.” She is rewritten as aware.
𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙓𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙪𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙕𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙓𝙞 𝙒𝙪:
Wang Xing Yue delivers something rare here: restrained intensity.
Zhong Xi Wu is not loud in his love. He watches. He waits. He carries devotion without demanding it in return. In the dream world, he is controlling, dangerous, shaped by Hua Qian’s fear of power and love. But in reality, he becomes the quiet constant the one who waits 26 months beside a comatose body, speaking softly to someone who may never wake.
His love isn’t perfect, but it is enduring.
What makes Zhong Xi Wu compelling is not romance, but patience. He does not ask Hua Qian to erase her past. He asks her to live.
𝙕𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙞 𝙅𝙞𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙃𝙪𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙕𝙝𝙤𝙪:
Hua Rong Zhou is devotion made flesh. Fierce, loyal, reckless, and entirely hers, he loves Hua Qian without conditions or expectations. He’s the embodiment of protection, tenderness, and longing all at once.
But then the gut punch: he isn’t real.
Hua Rong Zhou is the version of Hua Qian that longed to be loved wholly, without judgment a mirror of her deepest desire for forgiveness. Losing him isn’t just losing a person, it’s losing a part of her soul, her innocence, her escape.
He’s not perfect he has flaws, missteps, limits but that only makes him achingly human. I love his character, and if anyone was meant for Hua Qian, it’s him. Saying goodbye breaks your heart because it’s a farewell to unconditional love, even if it was only ever a dream.
𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙝𝙪 𝙔𝙪𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙕𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙣:
Zhong Ye Lan embodies a quiet, complicated kind of hypocrisy. He judges Hua Qian’s misdeeds while excusing Mu Yao’s, punishing betrayal selectively. His love is conditional, his morality flexible but he is never a caricatured villain. From his perspective, his feelings and judgments are earned, honest, and deeply human.
Scent of Time doesn’t let us look away from this discomfort: from Mu Yao’s point of view, Hua Qian would be unforgivable. And yet, Zhong Ye Lan forces us to sit with the truth that regret does not undo harm. He remains calm where others might act cruelly, seeking distance rather than revenge in Hua Qian’s second life. Even as he begins to see her differently, his feelings never fully escape the shadow of the past. Some emotions soften, but they cannot rewind time and in that quiet, measured restraint, he becomes one of the drama’s most painfully realistic and compelling characters.
𝙕𝙝𝙖𝙤 𝙌𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙈𝙪 𝙔𝙖𝙤:
Mu Yao is not evil she is pain made visible. Starting as a wronged, wounded soul, she gradually lets revenge consume her. The drama never excuses her actions, but it never paints her as a villain either. Watching her spiral is uncomfortable because she reflects Hua Qian’s own darkness from the first life a mirror showing how unchecked pain can twist the best of us.
And yet, Mu Yao finds her way back. She remembers who she truly is, rising from the shadow of hatred to reclaim herself. Her journey is a quiet testament: even when we become what we despise, redemption remains possible.
𝙇𝙞 𝙔𝙪𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙞 𝙖𝙨 𝙒𝙪 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙤 𝙈𝙤:
Li Yun Rui absolutely nailed it as Wu Shuo Mo such a deliciously wicked presence. Loved seeing him fully embrace the villain energy, it was oddly satisfying. Definitely hoping he takes on more roles like this in the future, because wow, he makes mischief look so good.
𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐐𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬:
Hua Qian’s story is about love, regret, and growth. She begins with Zhong Ye Lan, the man she once obsessed over. In her first life, she did everything for him schemes, manipulations, even hurting others. But in the end, she lets go. She pushes him away, accepting that love cannot be forced. Watching her do this is heartbreaking but also beautiful. She grows, even through pain.
Then there’s Hua Rong Zhou, her devoted protector. His love is one sided but pure. He keeps her safe, understands her fears, and supports her without expecting anything in return. Slowly, Hua Qian begins to trust him and care for him in return. Their bond is quiet, tender, and so moving. I adore them they feel like everything you hope for in love: loyal, safe, and unconditional.
And finally, Zhong Xi Wu, the Lord. At first, he stays in the shadows, quietly watching her. But he loves her deeply and patiently, despite her mistakes and obsession with Zhong Ye Lan. He sacrifices, waits, and fights for her happiness. His love is selfless, unwavering, and heartbreaking in its intensity. Wang Xing Yue’s acting is incredible his eyes say everything. He deserves Hua Qian’s love, even more than she realizes at first.
The dream twist is clever: the Hua Rong Zhou in her dream is actually a reflection of Zhong Xi Wu. Her mind created him as someone to love and protect her unconditionally. The real ZXW has always been there, quietly loving her through everything. The ending shows her waking up, facing reality, and recognizing ZXW’s love. It’s painful but hopeful.
In her dream, the Lord became obsessive because her fears and insecurities influenced the dream. HRZ remained pure because he represented her safe space. This story is about learning that true love isn’t possession it’s patience, understanding, and sacrifice.
𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐐𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲:
Hua Qian’s family was such a whirlwind of emotions. At first, I couldn’t stand her father, but watching him redeem himself? Pure magic he grew into someone worthy of love and respect. Her brother and mother were this tangled mix of love and frustration, I had this love hate rollercoaster with them. And omg, her brother dying for Hua Qian didn’t see that coming at all. I thought I’d feel nothing, given all the terrible things he did, but seeing Hua Qian’s heartbreak made me ache too.
𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐐𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐬:
Before the heartbreak, Hua Qian shared warmth and trust with her three maids, a quiet world of loyalty and care. Two betrayed her, shattering that fragile sanctuary, but Qian Zhi stayed steadfast, her devotion pure and unwavering until the very end.
Lol, it was kinda like Zhong Xi Wu’s two guards one calm and collected, the other a little chaotic but both bonded to him in their own way, just like the maids’ different ties to Qian.
𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬:
Hua Qian’s journey broke me and healed me all at once she fought, loved, and sacrificed so fiercely for her family and for a life she barely dared to dream of, only to wake and realize it was all a fragile dream, yet in that dream she became stronger, wiser, braver, and even created a love that was hers alone in Hua Rongzhou, a pure reflection of her heart, while Zhong Xiwu waited patiently in reality, silently loving her enough to let her rise, fall, and choose her own path; I ache for her, I grieve with her, and I marvel at her courage, at her unshakable resilience, at the quiet beauty of a woman who suffered, survived, and, in the end, found herself.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧:
This drama teaches that redemption is not about undoing the past, but about choosing differently now. That regret is not weakness. That love does not always arrive as romance sometimes it arrives as endurance.
Most importantly, it reminds us that running away, even into dreams, is still running.
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 & 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞:
Scent of Time understands trauma deeply. Love here is not romanticized it is questioned, feared, reshaped. Loving someone does not mean saving them. Sometimes it means letting them wake up.
𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝:
The final episode shattered me. I truly believed Hua Qian was living her second life every quiet struggle, every fragile happiness with Hua Rong Zhou felt real. I let myself believe in it with her. And then the truth landed: it was all a dream.
I wanted to stay there. I wanted to pretend that world was real, because it was gentler, warmer, and forgiving in ways reality rarely is. But that’s the point. The dream was never meant to rewrite fate. It existed to give Hua Qian the courage to face herself.
Hua Rong Zhou was not real he was the love she needed to give herself. Pure, unwavering, without judgment. Zhong Xi Wu is the life she must return to: imperfect, painful, but real, and waiting.
The ending isn’t about who she chooses. It’s about choosing reality over illusion, even when illusion feels safer. Even when waking up hurts more than staying asleep.
Many people criticize this ending, but to me, it feels painfully honest. I know myself well enough to admit that if I were in her place, I would want to stay in the dream too. I would want to believe it was real and never come back. But life doesn’t let us hide forever. At some point, we have to wake up, face what we’ve done, what we’ve lost, and who we are becoming even knowing the cycle of pain may begin again.
That’s why this ending stays with me. It doesn’t comfort you. It tells the truth. And sometimes, that’s the bravest kind of storytelling.
𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 & 𝐎𝐒𝐓:
Scent of Time is hauntingly beautiful soft lighting, muted colors, lingering shots that make the world feel fragile. The scent motivates memory, truth, and illusion together.
The OST is delicate and emotional, wrapping the story around your heart. It doesn’t just show the story it is the story.
I love all Osts, and here is the full playlist: https://youtu.be/ki9VKEZd2Dk
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
It was so, so good. I’m over the moon finishing this on the last days of December, feeling happy knowing these characters will move into 2026 with me.
Scent of Time isn’t perfect, but it is sincere. The story made me laugh, cry, ache, and think about choices, consequences, forgiveness, and love. Hua Qian is smart, strong, and unapologetically herself, a female lead you can root for. Zhong Xi Wu is patient, kind, and deeply devoted the kind of male lead who makes you believe in love without needing perfection. Hua Rong Zhou is the protector you wish you had, loyal and fearless, giving so much heart to the story.
This drama lingers, not because it comforts you, but because it respects your heart and intelligence. It’s clever, emotional, and unforgettable a hidden gem, a story about waking up, and a scent that stays long after the screen goes dark.
It’s a must watch if you want a heroine to admire, a love that feels real, and a story that stays with you, along with character development.
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I thought this was going to be a Japanese adaptation of "Sex in the City" which I really hated, but it wasn't. Granted there were some similarities, but not enough to make me think "Oh this is just like, that show." The feel of this drama enticed me from the first episode.. the way its written, makes you feel like your one of the girls, because no matter what, as a woman you will identify with any and all of the character's at some point or other.
Acting wise, I was very impressed with all the actresses, but the most impressed by Karina. I didn't recognize her at first, because she was just so natural, I honestly wonder if she was even wearing make-up for most of the show. Her character was more like me than the other's so I probably identified with her more. Even the supporting actors were good too. The music was really good as well. And I will be re-watching at some point.
Now, why this drama didn't get a perfect score.. At places I found myself saying, "Yeah that's true, but..." I felt like that a lot with this drama, so it could have been written a little better.
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Story: It's based on the Korean movie that was made in 2010. It's cute people using technology & a hopeless romantic girl to help people with love. It's just sweet.
Acting: I'm surprised with Sooyoung(SNSD)'s acting. It was very good. I actually felt some chemistry between the leads. Ah Rang's mini arc was so cute & heartfelt. I felt bad for him after his arc ended. It's not ground breaking, but it was not horrific either.
Music: Even though it's music is not the main theme. It was the one of the factors that made this drama so sweet. Ra.D's song, A Curtain Heart Fluttering, was such an amazing song. So does Jessica(SNSD)'s song, That One Person is You, also sweet song to listen too.
Would I rewatch: I don't always rewatch dramas, but it would be nice to rewatch this in a couple months or so.
Why watch?: The comedy, the romance, the love antics, the different arcs get better & better each time. If you like having second lead-syndrome, then this drama is for you. I did root for Master(second lead)for the main lead girl. But the main leads also have chemistry as well.
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A Wuxia-ish Xianxia or A Xianxia-ish Wuxia?
The original Chinese title for this drama is "Wǔlín Yǒu Jiāoqì" (武林有娇气), which more or less means "The Feminine of Wulin". This suggests that the story is about the female character, Ye Xi (Huang Riying) who is a ginseng spirit that turns human with no heart. This is a xianxia story with wuxia elements of chivalry and upholding of social and moral codes. All the characters are mortal except Ye Xi who is immortal. The fighting scenes are typical that of wuxia sword fighting with the exception of Ye Xi who has superpowers.Ye Xi is kind, chivalrous, trusting and sees only the good in people. She enters “Jianghu” to seek out a man with whom she can love and be loved and hold hand in their adventure of the world. Due to the lack of a heart, Ye Xi doesn’t understand what love is. She repeatedly falls prey to despicable men who just want to make use of her for their ulterior motives. Again and again, she is betrayed, her reputation ruined, and is killed. Each time she resurrects, she loses memories of her previous life, repeats her mistake and dies again.
This is my first drama of Huang Riying. I find her very beautiful and her acting convincing. Despite some poor logic of the writing of the character, viewers can empathize with Ye Xi for her bad fate without criticizing her for her naivety as Huang Riying gives us a very lovely portrayal of the character especially with her fighting movements which are graceful and believable.
Bai Yue (Li Hongyi) is a genius doctor and the master of Fenghua Valley where all the medicinal herbs are grown. He has an unforgiving tongue but deep down, he has a kind heart. He lives a secluded life and has had poor health since childhood and needs ginseng to sustain life. Ye Xi cures him by giving him some of her ginseng roots. Since then, Bai Yue has been guarding Ye Xi secretly and silently. He has been there during all Ye Xi's encounters including her deaths and resurrections. Gradually he falls in love with her but has to suppress his feelings due to a curse passed down from his predecessor.
Li Hongyi plays the genius doctor so convincingly with his indifferent demeanor and ethereal good look cladding in white robe. He is so funny whenever he gets angry or jealous and Li Hongyi nails the role.
Other cast members are very convincing too playing their respective roles. The villains are despicable, and their demise hails exhilaration from the viewers. The second couple is very cute and enjoyable to watch. There is also a love triangle which no one roots for the second male lead, the Cang Qi (Zhu Zanjin) character. Zhu Zanjin’s portrayal is so good that even I feel suffocated with his relentless obsession of Ye Xi.
My Verdict
This is a very enjoyable and interesting story with a mixture of xianxia, wuxia and palace politics. The acting is good, and the dark and funny plot is compelling. The writing, logic and overall production are acceptable though some parts of the editing are messy, and some dialogs are disjointed.
Perhaps because of Li Hongyi’s success in The Blood of Youth, this drama is being promoted more leaning towards the actor including with a rather misleading English title Wulin Heroes, instead of towards Huang Liying whose character Ye Xi is what the story about. This is rather unfortunate and unfair for Huang Liying who has done a remarkable job here.
Great romance, interesting story, lovely characters. Don’t miss it!
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first of all i really liked the idea of an idol playing himself. the story didn't have any big suprises, but it had a nice flow of events and was very enjoyable. it's interesting to see the behind the scenes life of a star and lets face it: we all want to see them being humans, just like you an me, sometimes.;)
i have liked nishikido ryo for a while, but still i was surprised by his acting: i think he is a truly great actor! i loved the kids, especially mei-chan, her character was played really well. the whole family atmosphere was very nice, crazy and fun, like they were a real family.
what i was missing was:
the love-story between nishikido and haru-chan. i mean, okay it was set up that they were already in love, then married and it showed all the problems that come with being in a family. but maybe a few more hugs or a little kiss on the cheek sometimes would have been nice. i really loved the relationship of nishikido and the kids. but they got more love and body contact from him than their own mom! poor haru-chan^^° yeah so basically missing the feelings between the main couple. but okay, i get it.. it's more a family drama and not a romantic love story.
also i think they could have had a little bit more of the guest star thing. it was fun and it would have been a nice fan-service!also the rest of kanjani8 should have at least met nishikido's family.
even though i am not a big fan of kanjani8 maybe they could have showed more of them being in a concert or.. dunno.. doing fun stuff together. but i guess there is enough of that in japanese tv already.^^°
the music was mostly from kanjani8 of course and went very well with the story.
i wouldn't rewatch it... unless i am missing my family and want to see another family having fun...or i want to see nishikido ryo's face :P
all in all it was a nice family drama with funny and touching moments. i'll recommend it to anyone who wants to take a break from overly emotional love stories and of course to fans of nishikido ryo!;D
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