Reviews

Filming standard à la Hollywood meets melodramatic narrative, emotionally firmly rooted in SK soil

“The Moon” could have easily been titled “The Dark Side of the Moon”. At least we as audience learn quite something about it... But it's actually about much more. The KMovie is delivering action within the high-tech world of space travel. On top of that it is touching, thought-provoking and thus gnawing at fundamental, existential and political questions, too. We get a remarkably balanced production between ´international´ filming standards à la Hollywood and a melodramatic narrative with its emotional roots firmly planted in South Korean soil. So eventually, this lunar expedition is neither/nor, as this KMovie offers something in between. For hard-core fans of Hollywood blockbusters it might be offering too much melodrama. For the hard-core KMovie fan it might not be enough. Well, I simply enjoyed it as the lunar expedition as it is.

The focus is on the ambitious national program that South Korea has recently set up in terms of space research (you may check side note below). With its technological innovations, South Korea is starting to present itself as an increasingly self-confident G7 space power. That is where this story is coming from. And it is against this background that the particularly high level of filmmaking effort must be seen, by which the experience of space is brought almost hyper-real within the audience's grasp.

The special ambience is staged first-class thanks to the applied highly developed audiovisual filming technology and expertise. Seemingly, the production team has spared no effort or expense - with 3D rig camera recordings, premium HDR video technology, Dolby Cinema technology (for the first time in a KMovie), innovative spatial audio technology and sophisticated rendering processes for the finest color nuances. The demand was for high-end cinema quality. And it is surely impressive. Everything in this distant, highly technological, alien world, far way within the orbit of the moon, comes as close to the audience as it can get.

Despite the enormous spatial distance, dense emotional intensity is provided, even though the protagonists are located so far away from each other. This delicate emotional bridging, requiring high-end performance skills, has been the big challenge on the actors´ side. In addition to the proven, first-class veterans Sol Kyung-gu and Kim Hee-ae on the ground at the rather clinically clean setting with high-tech computers and screens of both Aerospace Centres Naro and NASA, especially Doh Kyung-soo (D.O.) offered magnificent top performance as an astronaut lost in space. Mainly those three create and maintain an impressively emotional density (in addition to the overall action).

The plot of "The Moon" revolves around South Korea´s international profile as capable space power, while the eyes of the world are set on their (fictive) second trial of a manned lunar mission. Whereas unfortunately it didn't work out the first time... It's also about politics and tons of money. And in the end, it's all about survival... or rather, whether a human's life in the face of groundbreaking missions for humankind is worth ignoring chains of command, nationalities and costs.

Breathless action on unusual terrain. Intense scenes in an isolated space capsule 380,000 km away from earth, surrounded by darkness and severe cold. Desperate helplessness. The struggle for the 'right' decision – what´s actually the measure of what is right? Maybe ultimately just what I can live with in the end?







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SIDE NOTE: --- KSpace ---

Korean movie oder drama productions set in space have so far been few, and for good reason. The KMovie “The Moon” from 2023 as well as i.e. the KDramas “The Silent Sea” (from 2021) and “Ask the Stars” (planned for 2023) are, so to speak, a start. They reflect current (or better: hoped for further) developments regarding KSpace.

After rather unsuccessful endeavors at the beginning of the new millennium, South Korea as the 13th country to have its own space center by now, is increasingly well positioned in the KSpace segment. 2021 was marking the first attempt to launch their own test satellites into the orbit by their launch vehicle Nuri, which had been developed over the past ten years. Yet it failed. Nevertheless, in 2022 and 2023 it succeeded at last. Three more Nuri launch vehicles are already scheduled to be launched into orbit by 2027. According to the plans of the country and the Korea Aerospace Research Institut (KARI) at Naro space center, South Korean spacecraft will be collecting data on the moon in 2032 already. Additionally, the country has Mars scheduled for 2045.

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Inconsistent quality: likable in some ways but sometimes frustrating

This BL has loads of potential and is surprisingly good for quite a number of episodes for such a low-key BL (compared with say, Love by Chance 2, which is airing around the same time). In fact, I stumbled upon it by chance because it doesn't seem to have been listed in lists of Thai BLs.

The main couple starts off being the sort I personally love to see, with them caring for each other in little ways even when they do not make their love for each other obvious. The story of Tan and Oil is interesting at the start with Tan being an archetypal "bully who turns out to be a softie" sort of character who becomes a much more nuanced character especially after the demise of his mother. (It may come as a pleasant surprise that Tan's affection for Oil is more obvious to us from quite early on when he almost kisses a drunk Oil but stops himself.)

Unfortunately, the development of their relationship seems to be headed nowhere during the middle of the series despite their attraction to each other. Despite being obviously in love with Tan, Oil inexplicably seems willing to date/consider dating Kun. Yes, he has the right to date others since Tan and him aren't dating and Tan hasn't made his feelings clear. To make matters worse, Oil's affection for both Tan and Kun seems genuine--at one point he appears genuinely happy when Kun confesses his love, and yet he also seems to be considering Kun because he thinks Tan only treats him as a brother.

Towards the end of the series, the plot becomes haphazard, compromising what could have been a reasonably good series. The scriptwriter(s) decides to throw in an incident in which Oil feigns illness, causing Tan to misunderstand him when Tan finds out. Although it is clearly suggested that Oil is under some pressure to feign illness (this isn't clarified even by the end of the series), the already baffled audience doesn't need to be baffled further at this point. The characterization of Tan is also problematic. At one point, he seems willing to let Oil be with Kun, indicating that he will do anything for Oil to be happy. However, he also gets jealous and upset after he realizes that Oil has got into Kun's car while pretending to be ill. (Tan thinks that they have gone out on a date or something.) Such behaviors can perhaps be convincingly portrayed if the actors had the ability to convey the nuanced emotions, but this was a bit too challenging for such young actors.

Apart from the unnecessary events that are added in for no particular reason, characters are added in and cast aside simply to complicate matters. Tan's stepbrother, for example, does not seem to have any particular motivation for his unpleasant behavior and seems to have been added in because the scriptwriters want some tension. Then there's Kun, the poor guy who seems to really like Oil. Oil agrees to go out with him and even agrees to be his boyfriend in the last episode. But just seconds later, Tan appears, takes Oil away, confesses his love to him and they live happily ever after. Nothing is shown about Kun after this, which also possibly and unintentionally also turns Oil into arguably the most selfish bastard in the whole story.

Tin and Sea, as of Episode 8, seems to be the other main couple (potential couple) though this is where things get somewhat confusing. Firstly, apart from the fact that Sea is Tan's friend (we only see them talking to each other over the phone though), Tan and Oil seem to exist in an entirely different social circle from Tin and Sea, and there is practically no connection in the Tan/Oil and Tin/Sea stories. Secondly, it is not entirely clear whether if Tin is in love with Sea even after two-thirds of the series is over. Sea is supposedly straight and in love with his female childhood friend, but we know that this doesn't matter in the world of BL. What is bewildering is Tin seems to have fallen in love with Sea at first sight though later it is revealed that Tin supposedly has a girlfriend. The girlfriend is overseas and only mentioned by the characters, and Tin only ever seems to think of her when he needs an excuse to spend time with Sea.

The confusion regarding Tin/Sea could be something that we can bear with easily if not for the extra confusion arising from the messy friendship/relationship amongst the other characters in Tin/Sea's circle. There is It (a confusing name because I often find myself wondering "What is it?" until I realize that "It" is a name) who seems to have been punished because some other guy (presumably Voice) wrote a note to him saying that he loves him (It)--is that even his fault even if we don't quibble about whether a guy being in love with another guy is wrong? It's love-hate relationship with the music club is also bewildering--he was kicked out of the club (or suspended?) because of the aforementioned declaration of love, but it's not as though everyone in the club has done something against him. I suspect that part of the confusion arises from flaws with the subtitles.

The pacing is fine but uneven. The switches from the Tan/Oil story to the Tin/Sea story makes it feel like I'm watching two different series without being able to finish one before watching the other. As of Episode 8, the series still gives the impression that it can be salvaged. Unfortunately, by Episode 11, one gets the sense that the ending (Episode 12) is going to be very rushed if the series is even going to have something that resembles a proper ending. Episode 11 focuses solely on Tan and Oil, so we are left in the middle of nowhere when it comes to Tin and Sea, after seeing the cute scene of Tin trying to do something to cheer Sea up.)

With a title like "Friend Forever" (or "Friends Forever depending on the translation), one may wonder if there is going to be an awful ending in which everyone just remains friends. Thankfully it doesn't have such an ending. However, the happy ending for multiple couples just happen out of nowhere, which makes the ending really abrupt and bizarre. It's like a student submitting an exam essay that suddenly skips to the conclusion because he has made too many irrelevant digressions to elaborate on his main points within the time limit.

The series goes downhill about halfway through, particularly in the last 4 episodes. It is a waste of actors and characters who show promise at the start. Though the unnecessary ambiguity and complexity of emotions prove to be too challenging for him, Leo (who acts as Tan) has been able to carry off his role well for most of the episodes, successfully showing the propensity for the character to appear more cold than he really is, his innocence and hidden insecurities well. Tai, who plays Oil also pretty much conveys the character's slight girlishness and playful streak quite well. Heart and Bank may have less interesting roles as Tin and Sea, but they are really good looking actors whom audiences won't mind seeing. I have never seen someone looking as adorable as Tin while trying to suppress a smile (Episode 6), lol.

This is actually a fairly promising series that would probably have benefitted from a bigger budget and a more experienced team. I remember reading somewhere that it is directed by the same director who directed Love Sick, its sequel and its spinoff, Thank God It's Friday. Perhaps the team really needs a series with as many episodes as Love Sick 2 to do more justice to the material. Friend(s) Forever is better than the rather insipid Thank God It's Friday (though the latter is somewhat more focused and coherent).

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Not an average "sickness plot" movie!

This movie is outstanding. I didn't expect it to be this good. I thought it will be just those average Japanese movie where the female lead sick and stuff.. maybe this will be like Ishuukan Friends, as their main plot are Amnesia.

BUT IT IS NOT

Before I talk about the plot, let's talk about other things.
Don't worry I won't spoil anything especially the plot because it's more enjoyable when you know nothing. You're welcome.


This movie is aesthetically pleasing. Every scene is beautiful. The soft colours and how the sun shine through, it's really fit the concept and story.
The music is really good, but nothing special in my opinion.
The cast is perfect, especially the trio. They reprised the role perfectly. I don't think I should talk about both main leads, they did perfectly, a really cute couple. But I don't expect much from Izumi-chan yet she "stole" the show. Finally someone do justice to the couple's friend lol
I cried twice and one of them was because Izumi-chan's scene.

Now the plot, this is what makes this movie is not an average Japanese movie with sick lead.
The plot dynamic is perfect. Not boring at all despite it's slow pace. I love how it's actually a flashback, and being told simultaneously between Maori, Izumi, and Tooru. I also love how this movie bring up Tooru's family problem in a very neat way. This movie catch me off guards with the plot twist, it has been a long time since I cried because a movie! I just cried twice lol
Comparing with the trailer, I really love that it doesn't give any spoiler and no one would know what's coming. The 3 rules of Tooru and Maori relationship mentioned but finally explained at the end of the movie.
The explanation about memories and the system is really make sense too, I'm not an expert but it's not cliché and not romanticized the problem here. This is really matter when a movie, drama, or whatever it is took a plot about any kind of sickness.
As expected from a novel adaptated movie.

Now I'm not surprised with the fact about how successfull this movie even in South Korea.
So proud of my baby Micchie! (Yes, I actually watch it because of him)

Lastly, I hope Netflix could pick this movie for their platform! This movie fit Netflix style... and of course I would like to let everyone in this world enjoy this movie and know that Japanese movie is really good lol

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Who knew that road construction could make for compelling drama? Or boilers? Or building permits? It is a testament to the skill of the Giant production team that they are able to turn such seemingly mundane matters into taut, dynamic story arcs. While Giant draws on plenty of tricks from the melodrama playbook, it’s distinguished by its complex characters, sharp writing and an extraordinary ensemble cast.

The writing is a bit sketchy in the initial episodes, with extra servings of trauma and some odd lapses in logic. However, the child actors are terrific (why hello, future stars!), and they morph into equally terrific adult actors. The male characters are particularly nuanced, as we watch two generations struggle to drag themselves and their country out of dire poverty. It isn’t always pretty, and I appreciated the show’s willingness to give all of its characters dark edges, especially since it’s equally willing to give them all moments of insight and grace. The female characters initially tend towards angelic but dim or shrewish and evil, but they also become more complex as the show progresses.

Keeping a 60 episode show engaging is no easy task, and Giant does it with sophistication, style and humanity. It has plenty of “big” moments, but it never forgets that even the most ordinary activities can be dramatic. It finds poetry in mud flats and rock piles, and in the rough-edged men fighting to build a nation from them at any cost.

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First of all, when you are watching this drama prepare for heartbreaks. Now that's out of the way, I have to say this is my favourite Kimura role to date (and I'm the type to pick a good romcom over any melos). Kimura and Eri as Ryo and Yuko have chemistry that absolutely sizzles onscreen and unlike any other romance you will find in most jdramas. But more than their chemistry, the supporting casts also does a great job rounding out each of their characters. You will find that this is not just a drama written in black and white, everyone is more than they seem and no one walks out innocent and unscattered. The drama starts off puzzling and slow but picks up and positively explodes toward the end.



I rated the re-watch value quite low because this is still a mystery drama so once you know the big revelation, the impact won't be quite the same as the first time but there are plenty of compelling scenes that makes up for it.





Overall, I'd definitely recommend it to any Kimura fans who haven't seen this yet, as well as anyone looking for a compelling story about love, betrayal and redemption.

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A Good Watch, but could have been so much better

BL needle score: 6.5 - Moderate but adorable BL-ness

I used to look forward to this series with a lot of anticipation...the amazing chemistry and connect between the main leads, good acting, good production values, and the realistic storyline, it had everything going for it...and it successfully created these hooks that made me wait with a lot of anticipation and concern for the the two young boys, Qi Lu and Qin Xiao, who were trying to keep their love alive despite powerful adversaries like that disgusting piece of shit, Qi Lu's Father, and one hurdle after another that came their way....the way they watched out for each other, often quietly, and at the cost of their own selves, the way they were ready to give up everything in their lives just so that the other could go ahead, was heart melting...in other words, I was very invested in the story and the characters.

But with all those positives, one major problem with this show was how it just seemed to focus on the build-up, the challenges and one blow after the other for the leads, till the very last 10-15 minutes of the show...and then it seemed like an underwhelming and abrupt end....like we didn't really get a full closure...as a friend said, it was '12 episodes of pain and build-up, followed by some quick text explaining the next 7 years of their lives, and just 5 minutes of happiness'...leaves you feeling kinda betrayed.

It ended with Qu Li and Qin Xiao being reunited and leading a happy life, but it felt like a lot was left unsaid, particularly in terms of resolving a lot of angst and resentment that the show built for some of the characters like Qu Li's father...there were hardly any payback for that, or even a plausible explanation of how Qi Lu managed to really get past the clutches of his powerful and oppressive father so easily...if he could go on to study Film-making in the US right after he went to Russia, why couldn't he do so even earlier? Also, the storyline of the second couple kinda got diluted towards the end and their scenes started to feel gratuitous to an extent. Maybe they had to censor some scenes out when the series got held up for some months in between (the routine thing that happens to BLs from China I guess)? I would have wanted to rate this as a 'Great Watch', but due to these flaws I'm giving this a 'Good Watch' rating.

Anyway, at least it has a happy ending, and it was comforting to see them be a loving couple, doing everyday nice things that loving couples do ....the lines at the very end were beautiful, when they revealed that Qi Lu and Qin Xiao had wished the exact same thing for each other - 'In the future, you must do what you love'...

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Skip Beat has to be one of the greatest Taiwanese dramas I have ever seen. The story is really amazing. It's all based on REVENGE!!! Which, you know, isn't the best thing, but the way the theme of revenge is played out throughout the drama really makes it worth it. The importance of this drama is the fact that it is about friendship, and finding your dreams. I loved the focus on determination and perseverance the drama had as well. There wasn't really any focus on romance, being the romantic I am, that's what I was looking forward to, but I don't think Skip Beat needs it. The story was perfect without it, and it does have some ;). This drama was hilarious, and not hilarious in the "haha...that's funny" sort of way, but hilarious in the "What the....what...wha....HAHAHAHA" and it was perfect. I have to give HUUUGE props to the lead actress. She was amazing! Her character was so strange and eccentric, but at the same time amazing. She did a fabulous job! I loved Seeing me some Super Junior!! but I wish that Skip Beat incorporated more of the cast members besides Gong Xi and Lian. It would have been awesome to see the cast members play in with the drama together more. The music was by far the best music I have ever heard for a drama before. I will be purchasing the OST before the week is up. I'm not sure about rewatching though. I mean the drama was amazing, but for some reason the thought of rewatching it is..."ehh" but that's just me. I'm sure a lot of people will think it is worth rewatching a lot more than I do. Overall!! great drama. I enjoyed watching every crazy moment of it.

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Cold Guys Falls Hard for Heartbroken Guy

This show will not be for everyone. If you want real BDSM, it isn't here. If you don't like animals in entertainment, wave goodbye. If you hate fake tattoos, see ya later. If you want the 2nd couple to have a story, another pass because one of the partners in the source material is still under 18, and they probably didn't want to deal will the complaining.

I have a bias for cold man/normal guy would can be a BAMF, when need be. I find both Yoon and Ton attractive, and like their chemistry together. Both Yoon and Ton have emotional baggage - Kamol was raised as an orphan, and Kim is still in love with his ex from high school. That ex has moved on and has a boyfriend he is in love with, causing Ton extra heartache.

Kamol is from the underworld, and his main enemy is Danai. Unlike most mafia dramas where the lead is the godfather, Kamol has a godfather, Evan, a Russian-Thai gangster who primarily lives in Russia. The are fights and shootouts in this series, but it isn't high budget like Kinn Porsche.

This is a simple BL and I enjoyed it very much. Many people on MDL didn't care for it, but I form my own opinions of the shows that I watch. I did walk in with a bias toward this type of couple, so I think each individual viewer will need to decide if they like it or if they don't.

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Story: I admit I enjoyed this season more than the 1st one (which is also very very good) because rather than concentrating on pure crime scenes and using Prosecutor Min's ability to solve crimes, this one mixes crime solving with additional arc on history of vampires, (which of course is related to the first season, so you should definitely watch), humorous teasers on the should-be-romance, funny, cute bromance between Dong Man and Soon Bum which I love and some heartful and touching moments with the dramas' side characters. The crime cases were good as expected; and this drama caught my attention from the very first episode, it's getting better by the next. I have no words for the ending, I just need a quick answer if there would be season 3 because I'm definitely there. The main team remaining is all I plead if ever there would be third season :)

Acting/ Cast: The best asset of this drama for me was the characters. I love them all. They are so adorable together. Seriously, Soon Bum rocks! He is the light of the show for me. No complaints for the acting, Min is always a standout and I'm glad despite the new looks of Yoo Jung In (which I also prefer) she remained Bad-ass! I have to give credit for the little girl who played Ji-Hye, she's so cute, and she never left my heart at ease, great acting kid! Did I also mention that I also love Soon-Bum-Dong Man bromance?:)

Music: Danger was so fitting in the enhancing action scenes, and yes, I loved it!

Rewatch Value: I had already rewatched some scenes, My faves aside from the ending where episode 4 and 6. Fun scenes between the dark tone of this drama were the best!

Overall: Loved this drama. I think I had an obsession over it. Season 3, chebal! :)

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WOW. Absolutely love love love and recommend this drama!
- It's fun, dark and full of mystery. Plus has an amazing story that twists and turns. Keeps you on the EDGE your seat and wanting answers! So many moments I was like WHAT? WHO?
-It breaks the mold of usual K-dramas, it is definitely mature (adult) and not afraid of doing so! Despite explicit scenes it maintains a high level of quality throughout.
- The acting! I have so much respect for the actresses for taking on such challenging roles. They were phenomenal.
- The cinematography! Wow, the mood lighting, camera angles that draw you in, beautiful sets and locations. All were so wonderfully styled, you can't hep but find yourself immersed in the world of mistress.
- The FASHION. The designers and stylist did an amazing job at giving each actress their own unique style. Personally I loved what the character of Han jung won wore.
- The sound? I know a weird one but the shows maintains this high clarity of sound throughout, like tapping of heels, typing on phones. It all comes together to almost be asmr? I can't really describe why but it just works!

Now the only, ONLY thing I would change..... is the music. While the overall scoring generally goes well with the scenes, there can be moments where it can seem "too much" or out of place. While the soundtrack is great it's just the selection of scenes with certain music that just sometimes is off putting? But this can be unnoticeable and I don't think it affects the overall quality of the show.

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"Saikou" refers to the "greatest" or "best" of something. So with the title referencing a "Great Divorce" how does everything measure up? While divorce itself isn't all that great, this is a great divorce drama.

Though sometimes one may see it advertised as such, Saikou no Rikon cannot be called a true "romantic comedy". It watches more like a slice-of-life, centering around two couples (whose respective relationships may or may not be crumbling). The comedic aspect hits as often as it misses, despite passable delivery from involved actors and actresses. Emotionally rich and intense scenes outweigh these in sheer remarkability; in fact, the levity issues are approached with at times (such as the occasion divorce is brought up for one of the couples) actually leaves the whole product feeling a little inconsistent. Am I watching a zany Japanese relationship lark or this heavy treatise? Because some elements did not wholly jive (at least for me), those thoughts popped up frequently over the course of the series.

Where the drama excels must be dialogue, which is razor-sharp and surprisingly natural. These characters speak like real people, even showing pop cultural awareness. An engaging way speech is used is also in the way characters loose their frustrations to others; they tend to tell strangers and service-providers in these long-winded monologues, unable to vent to anyone closer. What it lacks in stunning backdrops and visual candy, Saikou no Rikon makes up for in thoughtful camera work. With a sharp focus on the inner workings of married life in mind, shots often adopt voyeuristic qualities. For instance, we might see an argument from a fly-on-the-wall perspective in the kitchen, overlooking the entirety of a small apartment made for two.

Eita headlines a solid cast, swinging all his powerful versatility behind the (initially) repellent Hamasaki Mitsuo. This is a character that embodies everything wrong in a husband, from his incredible pettiness to the selfish way he views most everything. The first time he tells his wife something between them was her "personal problem," even threw me back into some bad memories of my own. However, Hamasaki exhibits incredible personal growth throughout Saikou no Rikon (with Eita totally inhabiting the role). Ono Machiko, as his polar opposite and somehow wife Yuka, has a fantastic showing also. Whenever Yuka showed weakness or had something big to say, Ono-san knocked it out of the park. Her role, despite early episodes showing her through her husband's perspective, is lovable and sympathetic; women will definitely identify with her best.

Ayano Go and Maki Yoko portray strange duo Ryo and Akari, whose tale most interests at first glance yet slowly is overcome by that of the main couple. Both are fine actors and do beautifully in their scenes. Unfortunately, paired with the "that's just how things are" attitude the characters take to one another and themselves, the too-fast wrap to their story leaves the entire relationship a little hard to watch and slightly unsatisfying to finish (unlike that of the main couple).

If Saikou no Rikon is a hero wielding dialogue as its best weapon, music will be its Achilles Heel. Having just come down from a marathon of the series, I can scarcely remember any specific tracks. There was at least one quirky instrumental number, but the only truly memorable song is ending theme "Yin Yang" provided by the amazing Kuwata Keisuke. Despite not being a song to my taste, it suits the drama exceedingly well. And that wild ending sequence that accompanies it? Positively awesome.

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Jing Boran is the Hottest Officer in Uniform

He is a man who cooks, does house chores, and protects the country. What more do we want of a man? The writer gives the viewers a perfect man who loves quietly, hurts quietly, never complains, never seeks glory, is courageous and always wants to help and protect. This is a lovely series which can be boring for some for its slow, everyday life story, but lovely for many for its quiet romance, a romance many can relate to - no fanfare, just love and devotion (if such elements still exist). It is the romance story of a special force police officer.

“Road Home”’s Chinese title, “Gui Lu” (means return road), is coined from both the main characters’ names. This is a story with beautiful scenes of the canyons and touching moments, spanning from high school in 2008 to the present time 2020.

Lu Chen aka Lu Yanchen (Jing Boran) is a special force police officer working under the explosive unit. He fell in love with Gui Xiao (Tan Songyun) in high school but they separated when they both sought different career paths. Years later they meet and fall in love again, this time for real. Knowing how dangerous Lu Chen’s work is, Gui Xiao embraces him wholeheartedly because she loves him. For once in Chinese drama, Lu Chen is not the type that says, “I leave you for your own good because I love you so much.” Lu Chen is delighted that Gui Xiao wants to marry him, knowing that there may not be a tomorrow.

Lu Chen is a very serious person. He is strict, doesn’t crack jokes, doesn’t laugh, and has few words. Most of the sentences he speaks are one-word sentences. For him, actions speak louder than words. He also has a complicated family story that torments him since childhood. Jing Boran has perfected his role. With a face that is not pretty but handsome beyond words, and a physique perfect for a tough law enforcement officer, Jing Boran tells the story through his facial expressions that say a thousand words which cannot be spoken. In reality, Jing Boran has a rather similar family story like the one in the drama. Perhaps he can feel the pains of the character better than the others can.

I love to watch how Lu Chen uses his coat to wrap around Gui Xiao from behind and gently holds her. These types of hugs are the most soothing, sensual and romantic; the warmth emanates through the screen, making the viewers soaked in peace, love and security. This is Jing Boran's amazing power and charisma; immersing in his embrace is so reassuring and warm.

Gui Xiao comes from a wealthy but broken family just like Lu Chen’s family. She is independent but when in front of Lu Chen, she becomes a little girl, totally dependent on him. With a face that passes easily as a teenager, Tan Songyun’s juvenile Gui Xiao is very believable and as an adult, her character becomes mature and continues to grow to be even more understanding and loving.

Official Sound Tracks
Two OSTs impress me the most - Youth is Well (青春无恙) and The Dust Maiden (灰姑娘). The former is touching with beautiful lyrics and tune that stays in one's mind. The latter is an old folk song that Lu Chen sings for Gui Xiao. The lyrics are appropriately expressing his feelings for her, and the tune is lively and cute.

My Verdict
This is a down-to-earth type of everyday life romance story. It portrays the life of a police officer on the front line, his love life, family and his sacrifices. There are quite a few episodes spent on just the natural and beautiful scenery of the north-west desert at the border. The pace is rather slow - there’s a lot of looking and waiting, but every second is precious to watch because the story is being told on the characters’ faces. There are no flowery speeches; the dialogs are rather common like things people would say everyday going about their life. All the characters are lovable, and there are no antagonists, though Lu Chen's father was initially thought to be one.

The story reminds the viewers of the sacrifices a country’s protective forces have to make, putting their personal safety on the line to ensure the safety of others. Their valor is admirable. Though the main character is a law enforcement officer, there are limited action scenes as the focus is on the romance development. Throughout, there are a lot of flashbacks, giving viewers the backstory of their romance.

The writer works hard to show the viewers how much the couple is in love with each other. There are a lot of kissing and intimacy scenes. One of the scenes even shows Gui Xiao staring at Lu Chen's naked body when he comes out from the shower. I wish she had gone up to hug him, or better still, gone into the shower with him. But this is a Chinese drama, and it has to pass censorship. Just some wishful thinking. The allusion that she is staring at his nakedness is rare in Chinese dramas.

This is a great drama for viewers who prefer a slow pace story with nothing much happening, for romance buffs who love a mature and quiet romance, or for anyone who just wants to look at Jing Boran.

Don’t miss it. Great Watch!

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Cute Idiots in a Fluffy Romance

Before watching this drama, viewers need to first understand the age of the female lead, Wen Su Jin, because this is pivotal to the enjoyment of your viewing. Accordingly, Wen Su Jin should be only about 14 or 15 years old, very much younger than female leads of 18 to early 20s in other dramas. Therefore Wen Su Jin’s behavior, mental capacity and actions are immature, very appropriate for a young girl of her age. With that perspective, hopefully viewers will find her funny and cute instead of annoying and stupid.

This drama is about a young girl who runs away from a forced marriage, trying to save her sister who stands in for her, and her family which may be prosecuted if the impostor is exposed. The plot is simple and the dynamics light. The storyline is not that original either, and the plops are minimal without lavish settings. Putting together, however, this unpretentious drama makes a very fun watch. Despite complaints from viewers about the female lead, the cuteness of the romantic pair really captures the viewers’ hearts, making this an addictive watch.

Xiao Yu (Chen Jing Ke) is a governing prince and Wen Su Jin (Xu Ya Ting) is the general’s daughter. As a very young girl of 14 or 15, Wen Su Jin is bold, naive, innocent and kind. She’s given an edict to marry the prince whom she’s never met, so she runs away. The Prince is aloof and a suspicious person. His previous wife dies mysteriously so he refuses to take another wife. But they meet and fall in love without knowing each other’s real identity for a long time even as they're living in the same mansion. She can’t tell him about herself for fearing the truth may cause the demise of her family, and he doesn’t want to tell her about his own identity for fear of losing her.

As a very young girl, Wen Su Jin’s actions are understandable. She is fixated to save her sister and her family before their identities are exposed. In her desperation, she creates lies after lies to protect herself and her family. It’s really hilarious to see how she handles the Prince who seems to condone her actions. Though not lying to the Prince intentionally, she's always in a dilemma - to tell or not to tell him about her real identify.

So, more than half of the whole drama revolves around both hiding their own identities, but showing mutual affection for each other. There are mild palace politics, non-serious struggle for power and light conspiracies, but nothing too deadly or serious.

I have really enjoyed the dynamics between this couple. It makes me laugh and love the characters, especially Xiao Yu. With Wen Su Jin, he’s always protective and doting on her, and in return, Wen Su Jin has a mind of her own and always acts out of his expectation. The moments and scenes are endearing and hilarious.

This drama deserves a higher rating than what it’s getting right now because many viewers dislike Wen Su Jin’s character. With a better perspective of the character, I hope viewers would enjoy this drama as I have.

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Healthy relationship between the leads, good chems, no breakup n unnecessary angst...

What I like:
- The leads chems was good... they look comfortable with each other n they look natural... the skinship r lots n there r even some steamy ones...
- The leads have a healthy relationship, they trust each other, it’s an adult n mature relationship... so eventhough there r some other parties trying to mess it up, it never works, their luv is strong...
- There is no breakup or unnecessary angst... yes it took some time for the leads to be officially together, till halfway I think, coz FL’s ex keeps wanting to reconcile... but ML fell for FL early, n the pursuing part was already an interesting thing to watch...

What I’m not satisfied with:
- The sidecouples... one is FL’s bro n her BFF... their story just took too much screentime for something so uninteresting... it’s an older woman kinda story, which I don’t like, plus the bro is just so childish... the other one is ML’s assistant n ML’s pursuer... it’s boring n she is just too annoying... so honestly their stories I skipped most of the times...
- I wish the leads didn’t have the relationship a secret till the end... there could’ve been more potential cute office romance scenes...
- The business part is not that interesting... I’d prefer to have the leads n even with their colleagus, work together side by side facing problems/a crisis... they mostly have separated work scenes, esp after they r in a relationship... when actually ML is the investor of FL’s company n they r even working at the same building... I wish it was mixed up a bit more, in a light fun way...
- The ending... it’s a HE so don’t worry... it’s just that they were building it up to have FL’s ex last final effort to mess with ML, so I had expected something more... but in the end it fell a bit flat to me... there r some major consequences, but for me the way they tell it is just mehhh...

Anyway, I enjoy watching it while ongoing... IMO just watch mostly for the leads, n u’ll enjoy it more... it’s almost angst free, just both exes popped up here n there, but they r irrelevant since the leads’ luv is strong... so it’s a suitable drama for u who just got out of a max angst kinda drama...

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