For me the drama didn't instantly pull me in and I think that was more to do with the fact that I was keen to see the older cast. However the earlier episodes are really important in the development in the story and so even if it may not seem particularly interesting at first PLEASE bear with it because it only gets better from there.
As a drama in general, the character development for each individual cast in the drama was done really well. As a viewer I was completely immersed in the drama and as much as I tried to hate some characters I really couldn't. I could see each character's good points as well as their flaws. The really good thing about this is that no character in the drama was portrayed as being 'perfect' or 'evil' which made them seem simply human, because i was able to understand them to an extent I couldn't bring myself to hate them. Even those who angered me to bits I could tolerate more as the drama progressed. Even if they may seem completely villainous at first, the director set out this drama in a way that you could also see the reasons why they behaved that way. Throughout the drama we go through all the ups and downs with the female lead and I felt myself becoming emotionally invested as i continued to watch this drama.
I loved how strong the female lead was and there were many moments where I was crying with her, the amount of situations she has to deal with and the pain she goes through, makes her a character to be respected. There were also many humorous moments in the drama which added comical relief. I came to adore the supporting casts which added a lot more to the drama.
To cut a long story short, this historical drama contained a lot of elements there was a love story ( a couple actually), strong friendships made, a number of family problems. From watching the beginning of the drama I really wasn't sure how it would finish but as the end of it drew near all of the secrets came out and it was pieced together really well. I cried and laughed many times from watching this and I'm sure anyone else watching this drama would understand why.
The music is really fitting especially the instrumentals in the background. After watching half of the episodes, you'll find yourself singing along to the OST.
I probably would NOT rewatch the WHOLE of this drama but just go back to my favourite episodes once in a while.
If I was to pick out a negative in this drama it would be how prolonged some parts were, I just was going immense stress just waiting for the moment that someone would find out the truth. However this drama wouldn't be that long if it was going to be that simple. So a definite watch even if you don't normally watch long dramas MAKE THIS THE EXCEPTION!!
I had a great time watching this drama and I encourage everyone to try it out.
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This review may contain spoilers
Just finished it and having major withdrawals already just like when I watched Scarlet Heart. I started watching because of Zhao Lusi after seeing her from I Hear You and seeing positive reviews. The setting is roughly about our main female lead from the future who is willing to give up her immortality to transport her to a time period where she can find her ideal true love.
At first I wanted to drop it because it was too cutesy and was annoyed at how boy-crazy she was and trying every chance to generate a "loveable" moment with her destined one . As story progresses, I started to understand how unconditional one can be for their loved ones. She desired skinship from Xiao Bai but he was a gentleman and felt it is inappropriate. On other hand Qiu Yue has no problem with popping in her room to monitor what she is doing.
Watch it for the romantic love story. You won't regret it.
I cried a bucket up tears in the end because the love was so beautiful. You will fall for the lead who is deemed a devil that calculates through ever moves to benefit himself but ends up sacrificing everything for the female lead.
It's amazing how this started out as a fluffy drama that I could lightheartedly watch, ended up with me scrutinizing every single word the two leads spoke to each other. I did not want to miss any interaction between the two. Chemistry from both leads are awesome, the supporting cast all did an amazing job and I expect to see them more in the future.
A Cdrama done right. It may not have the hottest star, the best scenery, the best costume, the best storyline, but a good love story and actors that brings life into their character is all it takes.
Everyone on youtube is asking for a season 2. All I'm asking for is the two leads to work together again.
I do know that the two leads are in Prodigy Healer but ratings for it isn't that high, so I'll see if I'll end up watching it.
This is one of the few dramas that I would definitely rewatch and that's saying a lot because there are so many dramas choose from and I am willing to rewatch this one.
P.S. If you like kiss scenes, there's a ton off it.
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This review may contain spoilers
This show is just like a wish come true. After watching Shawn Dou in princess agents and Tiffany Tang in Weiyoung, I really wished to see them together in a show as the main couple with happy ending .Plot: In short the story is about SJ, a wife and a would be mother. After the accident SJ wakes up and realise that, she was transported 10 years back in the past. Now she tries her best to save her family and friends from the bad fate which awaits them, along with it she tries her best to win her husband “YJC” back with a hope that after uniting with YJC everything will go back to its original place. This drama is very simple not much complicated one and I really love the chemistry between Shawn and Tiffany all of their memories were so adorable but I also liked Tiffany’s chemistry with Yang Shou.
Characters:
SJ : I really love her character, she is cute, intelligent and a supportive person moreover her undying love for YJC. After her transportation into the past, she tries her best to find YJC but she also remember that currently he is in a relationship with SXJ. Without thinking much she found YJC and did her best to stay by his side for 2 reasons, first is her hope to get everything back to its original place and secondly she wanted to be a part of YJC’s struggling period bcoz in future SJ mets YJC when he was already well settled in his career. Therefore, what she was doing was not weird for her bcoz he is her husband, they have a lot of memories together including her pregnancy. She is not a stalker or an obsessed person, she just wants her love and husband back the way it was including her pregnancy.
Stalking means u keep all record of someone’s daily life and obsession is where if u don’t get the person u love, you would either try to destroy them or kill them, which SXJ did. After YJC broke up with SXJ bcoz of her controlling nature, she ruined YJC’ future and career to make YJC realise that without her family name his talent will not be acknowledged by anyone neither he will be able get any position on his own.
I agree that at some point I felt that SJ should let the time arrange everything but every time she tries her best to stay way from YJC, fate brings them together which gives her the sign that they are fated and she can’t give up. SJ is such a generous person❤️????..... since SJ was fully aware of what’s gonna happen in the future, SJ tries her best to prevent such things from occurring even though she was criticised for it but she still helped them which resulted in change of their fate specially her mom and wenwen’s fate. I know u can’t tell someone to restrain them self becoz of the future they r not aware of but there is also a saying that “prevention is better than cure“, so she was not totally wrong to make sure that they don’t face the same painful fate. But the only thing annoyed me is when SJ was giving hopes to YJC on the basis of his future, that was totally wrong u can’t tell someone to believe that he/she will have a good career but do nothing for it just let the time do it.
After YJC dies, I really don’t mind her moving on with YP. YP is a good person and he loves SJ unconditionally, also he is the one YJC trust’s completely. Honestly in the end she did some crazy things just bcoz she believed that it will take her back to the future and YJC, which is very lame. SJ wanted her mom to have a new life but she didn’t want the same for herself why ? Sometimes when u didn’t get the happiness u wanted, try giving happiness to others and may be, u will be able to live happily again.
YJC: He is such a dedicated guy but it was a bad fate that he met SXJ first instead of SJ otherwise the struggle and embarrassment he faced even after being so talented won’t be there just bcoz he broke up with SXJ. Even after YJC career was destroyed, he did everything he could for SJ to support her mom’s surgeries. But instead of being cured it got spread, SJ wants best treatment for mom which can only be done in England but YJC doesn’t have the financial stability to support her but YP has, he was left with no choice but to gave up on her so she can take YP’s help in getting the best treatment for her mom. YJC also knows that YP’s love for SJ, he wanted SJ to get a good life unlike him. I really cried seeing YJC, he wants to be with her but the condition he is in, he can’t help her so the only thing he can do is to let her go to YP , who can give her the best.????????
YJC and YP doesn’t have any difference when it comes to loving SJ and talent but the only thing different is their status.
YP: I really love his character as YP and the way he loves SJ without expecting anything in return is just amazing. I really loved that scene when SJ came and told him that, taking his help makes her feel like she is using him and YP replied that he wants to be used by her. YP has the power and status, further he is very smart to not be fooled by anyone specially his uncle “YQ”. Honestly I knew it’s not possible between YP and SJ bcoz SJ was someone’s wife, from the beginning their was no chance for him except in the end when YJC dies. The only time I really felt very sad is when it was shown that he remembers everything that’s was cruel..???? but I don’t understand how did that happened? Bcoz I thought in the future YP won’t remember anything, for him it will be like nothing happened.
We know that in reality she is not TIME TRAVELLING ????, but I don’t mind bcoz if it’s about time travelling then it won’t be different. The only thing is, if they wanted her to wake up it would have been so much better to show that she was in flight with YP for some other reason then they met with the accident and she realise it’s similar to the one she had faced then she helps YP and wakes up, she realise that everything is back to it’s original place while YP doesn’t remember anything at all.
Really satisfied with the drama and it’s ending. All the cast did an amazing job in portraying their characters.
Acting Skill: Tiffany Tang , Shawn Dou and Yang Shou, no need to say they all are splendid actors.
Rewatch Value: definitely yes, in future
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An ode to the place where you can breath, heal and belong
This show is so much more than the typical healing drama.Initially, I have my doubts about its raison d'etre. I’m happy to report that after completing the show, it has exceeded my expectations.
I’m getting ahead of myself, let's do the usual caveats. This show is not for everyone. It is slow, almost meditative in parts. There are only low level angsts and the show avoids high dramas and convoluted plots.
It is set in a village somewhere in Yunnan. The setting is beautiful as well as bucolic, but the village is dying as more and more young people move to the cities to seek their fame and fortunes. However, not everyone is accepting this as a fait accompli.
To see why this show works so well we need to examine three key areas, writing, acting and setting.
It sounds like a broken record doesn't it? In this case, we are presented with a master class in script writing. Do you remember the k-drama Thirty-nine? Top stars, tearjerker, rings a bell? It took that show many episodes to tell roughly the same story that this show managed to do in about 30 minutes. It was no less impactful and, in some ways, more poignant.
Moving forward, we have an eclectic collection of locals and transients. Most are friendly but with varying degree of eccentricities and foibles. The writer doesn't bother to hide the various problems but allow them to play out naturally. It doesn't judge the protagonists nor hand them free passes. Instead, they are allowed to find a place where they can feel connected, supported, while they confront their inner demons and heal. The healing motif is used again and again.
Is the show idealistic? Absolutely. There is a silver lining in everything related to our beloved village and its inhabitants. We are never left feeling hopeless or despondent. The location is unique but people who lived in rural villages will see shades of their old house just past the next alleyway. The backdrop is a living canvas that has been painted over for generations.
While our eyes might be drawn to the lively village scenes, our ears are filled with some of the best dialogues in a contemporary c-drama. They have been carefully written and honed. We are not talking about empty flowery phases, but simple yet insightful words uttered by people who have lived storied lives. There are wisdom and wistfulness in equal parts. It has added importance here because communication of all forms is a pillar for this drama. I shall never forget the few short voice messages the FL's BFF left on her phone. It is gut retching and life changing.
In terms of acting, the leads are just wonderful. Their characters are expertly crafted and brought to life. It is impossible not to like them and ship them. There are plenty of swoon worthy moments and a decent amount of skinship. The ensemble cast are full of good-looking young actors and seasoned senior members. They feel real and relatable. All the main characters have detailed backstories and carries a number of interesting subplots. The village elders are the soul of the village and the ML’s grandmother is a national treasure.
The OST is a surprise highlight. The soundtrack is very well done. It ranges from catchy ditties to soulful songs that pairs so well with the show’s changing mood.
While the show is superior in many ways, it is not perfect. It is low key jingoistic. There is too much emphasis on the local government doing right by everyone. It doesn't really explore some of the more hard hitting social issues confronted by rural China. The pacing also got a little inconsistent towards the end as well.
There are some fan services in the last two episodes. The show concludes on an uplifting note and a moment of reflection. We are affirmed that lives in our favourite village will go on after the final credit rolls. For that, we give thanks.
In my mind, this show is not a celebration of a home or even a village but a place more nebulous. A place where you know you belong.
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I can't believe how long it took me to finally decide to watch it! I should have seen it sooner! That is my only regret.
At first I was kind of sceptical about this drama, not knowing what to think of a horror and supernatural korean drama, thinking it wouldn't be as great as it appeared to be... I was so wrong. I could not have enjoyed it any more. It had everything, from good comedy to almost horror (I really got the creeps in some scenes) with a really touching (though frustrating at times) romance.
First, I absolutely loved the story : it had a mysterious overall plot that left you on your toes for most of the drama (more mysterious than I first thought), while also adding short plots that changed every episode, and they were interesting and greatly contributed to the progress between the two leads and were in no way unnecessary to the show. The romance in this show wasn't awkward at all, it was a proper fall in love over time and not at-first-sight kind of romance. It left much more room for the comedy and the mystery. I found myself really looking forward to the next episode, squirming with delight when something good happened, and it brought tears to my eyes when something sad happened. The good thing with this story is also that, you also create a connection with all the other characters, event the cameos (the short-plots), the show left plenty of room for the small roles to poke at our feelings and move us just as the leads do (or maybe I'm just an emotional wreck). Overall, this story had good progression, fulfilled it's duty to make us laugh, cry, dream, and also scare us (seriously, not kidding, they did a great job with those special effects, because I was affected ^^). Great plot!
When it comes to the acting, it was absolutely great! So Ji Sub and Gong Hyo Jin had am-a-sing chemistry, I really want to see them in another drama together. The acting was very good, and I think this drama is underrated acting-wise (story-wise too), I think it deserved many more awards than it actually got. I really want to applaud Gong Hyo Jin and So Ji Sub, just excellent! I would not change anything about the cast!
For the music, I fell in love with a few songs, not all of them, but it was a pretty good OST, that I probably will still be humming in a few months time.
For the re-watch value... definitely! There would be less suspense, but the cute relationship and great comedy and story are worth every minute! I would definitely re-watch!
Overall, I highly recommend this drama, to anyone (though I'm sure not everybody would agree with me) and I am still kicking myself about not starting it sooner. So watch it now!
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Loved it~
I was looking for a quick-watch drama when I stumbled across this title. It didn't take much convincing since I love Luo Zheng and I remembered the female lead from another drama. The show is definitely trope-filled, but I knew what I was getting into (plus I secretly love cliches). The main cp had beautiful chemistry and the second leads started out annoying but I loved them by the end. Though some parts were predictable, there were a few surprises in there that I wasn't expecting. I laughed a lot and cried more than I thought I would. It was short and sweet and gave me all the feels I was looking for. Also, Luo Zheng's face is just....I mean....need I say more?Was this review helpful to you?
This c drama has themes of youth, popular guy and not so popular girl, high school, college, friendship, fashion, architecture, and the cutest little jealousy scenes ever!
Out of the probably 80 c dramas I’ve watched (and counted), this drama goes into my top 5 for c drama youth. This type of drama is exactly what I’m looking for when I think of a youth drama. And yes, there IS a happy ending!
Just keep in mind that the cast is 18 years or younger, so there isn’t much to the drama than your middle school romance lololol. Still recommend!
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The story about Chang Ge and Ashile Sun lack “edge”, maybe because Dilraba isn’t a really good fit as a main lead. The male main lead doesn’t quite fit his role either.
The story about Leyan and Hao Du is less predictable and more interesting, although it’s not feasible that someone who is supposed to be good at embroidery would mess up weaving yarn the way Leyan does in the story.
Chinese historical dramas have a lot of “shang tian” and “lao tian” which westernized translators misleadingly translates as “g#d”. It doesn’t correspond the associated biblical “g#d”.
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This review may contain spoilers
? The Romance Was On But Went Off In The Middle ?
Question: are you here for pure romance and justice? Then you can watch from EP 1 to 28 and exit as soon as possible, but if you are not bent on the pure romance and justice then this review is not for you.. And you will have no problem watching to the end.The series is masterful from ep 1 to 28, the chemistry is second to none and the FL was on a different level that you can't help forgetting the existence of time when watching her on the screen. Those episodes are the ones I saved on my device which I can rewach many times without getting bored...
#Importance notice 🔔
I gave any reviews with no bias and under this review, you get the most honest answer to whatever your curiosity on the romance Arc. And how the writer wants to manipulate and fed the audience with Lies while showing the opposite. You can check my bio to get a clear picture on how I write critiques on fiction with my standards and respect in relationship...
NOTE: this review is solely on the Romance Arc and the injustice done to the ML which is helpful to those who came for pure romance and justice. Other than that and the dramatic illogical ending, every other Aspect of the show are super good which you can judge from my star rating 🌟
#Quick info:
。First half of the show ::: FL and ML got more screen time (With A decisive FL)
。Sec. half of the show ::: FL and SML got more screen time (With An Indecisive FL)
。Throughout the show ::: Obsessive, Manipulative, Simpin, Stalker and Annorying Evil SML (With a manipulated Love Triangle)
。Marriage ::: SML and FL got married in Ep 30 in a forced marriage by the Evil SML which the FL shows no resistance to it.
。Star crossed and Fated Love Arc ::: The writer claimed this is a star crossed lovers and fated lovers Arc between the ML and FL. But is a lie, this is about the Evil SML and FL. They have been companions for generations of years in ambiguity.
。Injustice ::: The biggest injustice was done to the ML in this drama, all his heroic work and credit was given to the Evil-SML who was suddenly whitewashed from all his evil.. He was a last minute made up Artificial-Hero. An evil villain that is above consequences and retribution.... The writers force-feeded manipulated lies towards the audience...
。Ending EP 39 40 is not a Plot-Twist but Lies ::: A Dramatic ending with no existence of logics. What happened with the sudden Artificial-Hero (Evil SML) is not a plot Twist, is an utterly force-feeded manipulated lies against the audience, making us look stupid....... Waited for his deadly punishments for his evil, but the writer sudden made him a "misunderstood hero and misguided lover" in the last minutes.... Story for the kids 👎
⚠️____ EP 29 to 40 reviews specifically____⚠️
#Any Love Triangle?:
. FL's only realistic Feelings are only when she is with SML and her sympathy and care for him (she is comfortable with all intimate and ambiguous interactions with SML).... But Her interactions with ML seems fake and unrealistically forced,. No matter how they forced it on the screen, It looks absolutely Fake.
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. Even though the writer want to deceive us with no love triangle, but in reality this drama is a love triangle and the Relationship with FL and ML feels cheated due to FL's ambiguous interactions with SML... The atmospheric tension for romance became different whenever she's with SML
. This show is a good definition of (say the opposite and does the opposite)
On the way, Every thing the writer want to prove to the audience on the screen was totally lies... (force-feeding us with "white" when the real intension is "black") the illicit action and ambiguous interactions of the FL and SML says otherwise.
Especially in how the show portrayed the Evil-SML toxic behavior. Here's a clearer and more straightforward review:
#The Second Male Lead’s Dangerous Psycho Obsession:
. The SML wasn’t just a psycho jerk; his actions were dangerous and toxic. He committed terrible crimes including many evil deeds against the male lead (ML), who was a true Hero and supposed to be the true love interest of the female lead (FL).
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He does every stupid things out of jealousy and his obsessive love for FL, even though the serie wants to prove otherwise while whitewashing him, but his actions and emotions proved the opposite. And only kids will fall for those manipulated fed lies by the Writer.
. Instead of showing all his evil actions as unacceptable, the series tried to frame them as "Misunderstood Hero and misguided lover," in the guise of doing his Benevolent duty which was very misleading and contradicting from his evil actions.
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By doing this, the show made it seem like stalking, manipulation, lies, deception, framing and obsession could somehow be excused as Heroism and misguided love or Some made up last minute Artificial-Hero.
#The Female Lead’s Poor Boundaries:
. From Ep 1 to 28: The FL was able to set a clear boundaries with the obsessive psycho by not sending any wrong signals to him. Making the first half of the serie outstanding and super fantastic with the leads-focus and electrifying chemistry ⚡
. From EP 29 to EP-40: The FL fell from the ladder and character inconsistency. Her response to the SML’s actions made things worse. Instead of setting clear boundaries or condemning his actions, she often sympathized with him and even supported him.
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For example, in episode 36, she allowed the SML to romance her face while she seems to be enjoying his romance. She also transferred half of her powers to him only just to heal his injuries (she can't afford to see him hurt), even when he had killed and hurt the ML and caused his immense suffering multiple times throughout 10,000 years.
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Her every decisions to help and care for the Evil SML, despite his terrible actions, felt unrealistic for some one who keep advocating how much she love the ML in her speech but does the opposite in her emotions and actions. Which begs the authencitic of her commitment in a relationship with ML
. Her grief and deep emotional cry-out in EP 40, when the Evil-SML dies in his Hypocritical Noble-Sacrifice, she showed a deep emotional connection to him, even though he had caused so much harm to ML who she claimed she love. This portrayal made her look indecisive and even confused about what she truly wanted, she didn't grieve this way when SML killed ML, in fact, she didn't grieve at all but still help SML and even married him.
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I don't want to talk about EP 29 30 where she shows no resistance against the forced marriage with SML after the ML died, they even had the audacity to call it "Marriage Funeral"... Oh yes! They are Officially married couple for completing the last bow in the Chinese marriage culture.
# Redemption Without Accountability and Injustice towards the ML
. One of the biggest flaws on the drama was how it handled the SML’s redemption. Throughout the serie, he was clearly the most veil evil villain, but at the last minutes, the story suddenly later tried to whitewash and present him as a "Noble misunderstood hero and misguided lover".
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He then Suddenly became An undercover hero sacrificing everyone including ML to save the world Oh! that's normal isn't? Yet another manipulated fed lies by the Writer while portraying the opposite.
. Instead of giving real consequences or regret for his evil actions, the SML’s redemption came from one dramatic, sacrificial Hypocritical Noble-Act that was supposed to make up for every evil things he had done.
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Such a Hypocritical Noble-Act of dying to save the FL and the world despite all his evil actions is an utterly nonsense and garbage move by the Writer. Logics was no where to be found...
. This ignored all the pain he have caused to the world, especially to the ML, who had suffered for 10,000 years because of him . The show failed to hold him accountable for his actions, making it seem like forgiveness didn’t require any real change or apology, just so he is a last minutes made up "Artificial Hero" and so be it. Every reason is justified.
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The injustice done to ML who is the real example of "Hero" was defeating and there was no retribution towards the master evil who have killed him multiple times through different reincarnational circles, only for the purpose of jealousy and his obsession towards the FL which the writer wants to blush to fool everyone by proving the otherwise.
#Confusing Love and Relationship Loyalty
The FL’s feelings were inconsistent and confusing throughout the 2nd half of series and At the same time, her affection for the ML only seemed clear when he was still "Xie Xue Chen(XXC)", making her love feel conditional and selective, debunking any true-meaning of reincarnated and fated love Arc. This left me unsure of who she truly loved, creating frustration instead of emotional depth.
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Ironically but the FL couldn't accept all the versions of the ML but she can accept SML in every form. Which is enough to prove she didn't truely love ML deeply the way she advocate it, is just the writer forcing things the opposite way.
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The biggest plot mess at the End and the dramatic illogical Ending will be highly remembered, the writer is the most laziest of all time.
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Overall FL's only realistic feelings on the screen are her sympathy with SML and the ambiguous Intimate interactions between them which she enjoys.. At this point who cares if she ended up together with ML, which is almost none because there was only 5 minutes happy ending after all this nonsense..
# Problematic Messaging and Conclusion
To sum up things, The 2nd half of the serie couldn't tell a satisfying or meaningful love storytelling. It did not provide justice for the characters, especially the ML, and sent troubling messages about love and forgiveness.
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By excusing harmful behavior and justifying all the evil actions of the SML and his unhealthy manipulated-relationships while at the same time misleading and denying the true-meaning of what is showing to the audience, the show missed the chance to tell a powerful and positive love storytelling.
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In the end, the series did not only just failed in romance Arc but also damaging in its portrayal of relationships and personal accountability. Which left me frustrating with psychological disorder. Justice for the ML!!! ⚖️ ⚖️
Tips ::: you might want to read the extended spoilers...
Direct-Links to important extended (spoilers) under this review comment area 🤗🤗
1) https://kisskh.at/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20419488
2) https://kisskh.at/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20412406
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Why Indeed
Why Her is a character-driven suspenseful legal drama with romance undertones that explores top attorney Oh Soo Jae’s ambitious rise to prominence as well as her subsequent journey of redemption and finally search for the truth within the cut-throat world of South Korean politics and corporate culture that are mired in corruption all the way to the upper echelons of power. The storytelling includes themes of noona romance, love triangle, revenge-justice, courtroom drama, office politics, corporate mergers and acquisitions, criminal investigations as well as friendship and youth within a university setting. In short, this drama is reminiscent of shows like How to Get Away With Murder, The Good Wife (US and South Korean) and Law School, to name but a few.Park Soo Jin (Dr. Romantic, The Hymn of Death) and Kim Ji Yeon co-direct this SBS production while the screenplay is written by Kim Ji Eun who specialises in melodrama/ makjang, aspects of which are manifested to an extent in this drama as well. Park Se Jun (Melancholia, Mouse, Vincenzo) serves as music director.
The soundtrack features 6 love ballads, which is indicative of the general atmospherics to be expected. My personal favourite is Sohyang’s cover of Vincent. Full listing as follows:
Vincent by Sohyang (cover of the original by Don McLean)
Beautiful by DOKO
What About Us by Hajin
I Will Love You by K. Will
I'm Here by So Jung
Where in the Fog by Ga Ho
What I Enjoyed
The lead actress, Seo Hyun Jin. Amazingly this drama represents the first work I’ve seen of her in what has been an eventful career that she’s had so far. I’ve become a huge fan because she is beyond phenomenal. She exudes class, charisma and gravitas to pull off such a stunning portrayal of the immaculately stylish and powerfully intimidating FL, Oh Soo Jae. Her wonderful performance here embodies perfectly the indomitable spirit, depth of character, emotional complexity and delicate vulnerability of the characterization the way it was perhaps designed to be. The character may not be without its faults, being shrouded in grey mist through actions and motivations but Seo Hyun Jin’s masterclass is certainly as near flawless as it could possibly be. I daresay without her presence, this drama perhaps would have been found lacking in its execution on so many levels.
This drama goes into the no. 1 spot - at the time of writing and unless something else comes along that dislodges it - of the most complicated drama of 2022 for me. To give viewers a taste of what to anticipate, a brief summary of the content (this list is by no means exhaustive)…
Push-pull noona romance and subtle hints of a love triangle
Murder and crime mysteries, including one that spans a decade
Politics revolving around the Presidential race and ministerial appointments
Corporate mergers and acquisitions
Various judicial wranglings
Longstanding hidden identities and secrets
Vengeance, retribution and justice sought by multiple parties
Expect intense power dialogues, heated confrontations, beast-mode slaps, shocking twists and reveals, among the many plot devices infused into the story, and a dash of makjang for good measure as well.
Production quality is commendable which is reflected through the ambience of the drama smoothly transitioning between mellow romantic sequences, powerful scenes of face-offs, and profoundly evocative atmospherics all throughout. The settings of the various arcs are generally well rendered, including the Seojung University Law School campus, TK Law Firm, and Hansoo Group corporate office. I also liked the framing of certain scenes that come across as symbolic of the state of affairs for which they allude to, which is testament to the excellent cinematography in this drama.
In addition to Seo Hyun Jin, the performances by the ensemble cast are on point, for the most part. Heo Joon Ho delivers a memorable portrayal of TK Law Firm’s chairman, Choi Tae Guk. Of the supporting cast, Kim Chang Wan’s understated Director Baek Jin Ki is also worth a mention, as is Lee Kyung Young in his third drama appearance this year as another antagonistic character, Chairman Han Sung Beom.
What Could’ve Been Better
I feel that the ML Gong Chan, played by Hwang In Youp, could have been better written. In fact, at times I think the entire romance aspect had more potential than was ultimately executed. The connection between the FL and ML is one of the major plot points of the story but is made unnecessarily tumultuous, for instance with the presence of a third party competing for the FL’s attention. The actor himself perhaps demonstrated a rather limited scope due perhaps to the character design which did not allow him to articulate the role even further.
Somewhere at the midway stage, the plot languished somewhat which threatened to derail the entire narrative. Too much time was spent meandering around certain side stories. Fortunately the drama eventually picked up the pace towards the closing stages of the second half to a rousing end. The presence of numerous interconnected arcs and subplots also contributed to the confusion and unevenness of the storytelling and character development, which require significantly more attention to details and effort to piece together the various threads.
I feel the need to rant about a certain plot device that transpires in episode 14. Without spoiling it, let's just say that for the sake of giving this drama a grand finale with another spectacular "twist", the screenwriter resorted to creating an unbelievable scenario that came out of nowhere. Totally unnecessary and which could've been written differently in a number of ways, in my opinion.
Final Thoughts
Despite some issues in the execution and character design of the ML, I actually enjoyed Why Her more than I thought I would. Much of this is attributed to Seo Hyun Jin who carried this drama and without whom, the story would perhaps have fallen flat. If you’re in the mood for highly complex storytelling with complicated plotlines and convoluted dynamics, like I was, then this is the kind of drama that fits the profile.
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Great, underrated drama
This was such a great drama with quality writing, story, and acting. You just love and hate characters, you think about it, you enjoy every thrill and everytime you think you cannot be surprised, you just are. This is definitely one of the best dramas of 2023 and its a shame, that such drama has such low rating and not many watchers, just because it's not promoted as some other overrated dramas are... This is an absolute gem and if you love a good thriller with interesting characters, an original storyline and storytelling, and natural emotions, as the drama goes on.... please watch it and forget about ratings, that doesn't decide if the drama is good, or not.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
was mostly a 10/10, but sigh….
was mostly a 10/10, but sigh the plot went downhill after ep 30. I’ll separate my reviews in parts I think1) first off, in general
- I think the coloring, scenery and cinematography was good and beautiful
- I loved the costume and I really like the hairstyle on FL
- I loved the music
- everyone’s acting was good
- CGi was good to me and fighting scenes too
2) eps 1-29 :
I was hooked at their first encounter. I liked their fighting scene too
Cold ML, that will fall hard and soften, more bubbly flirty FL. Totally my type.
The development and the interactions between the leads was very good to me. How she was following him, flirting with him, him wanting to go way. Them slowly falling for each other. I think their chemistry was very good, their dynamic was also perfect
When ML fell, he fell hard. He would do anything for her.
- After she was imprisoned in that cold prison and they wanted to kill her, hated her. He defended her, went against the other, claiming she was one of Snow city people (one of his people). She was ready to die for him, but no he was gonna save her at all cost. And he did, he took out the demoniac power in her and make her gain spiritual power back. Even the people in snow city, accepted her back
- I have to say, I really loved ML smile and how he looked at her❤️
- She hurt him many times (even if it was intentional or she wasn’t herself). He was never mad at her, he never gave up on her, he knew she wasn’t like that. After she forgot all emotions, he did everything to get her emotions back. It was a bit reversed here it was funny, now it was her who wanted to go away and him not letting her go. Even without her emotions, her heart didn’t forget him, that was good how she had some heartache because of him.
- when she died, that made me so emotional. When he was climbing the stairs, I honestly started crying. He loved her so bad, was ready to do everything to get her back. And then, he sacrificed himself for her, I also cried here. Even the divine dude cry, that was something
FL too, she was ready to die for him and how she literally died for him, giving him the talisman from SMl because she wanted him to live… another heartbreaking moment
In general, their love story really touched me. How much they loved each other, how much they wanted to protect and do anything for each other, even sacrificing their life for each other. I was really feeling their love for each other. They also understood each other. She understood his duty and how important it was for him to protect the world. She wanted to continu protecting the world for him after he died. That episode when Sang Qi when to get her in snow city, he went back to save the village instead of saving FL right away. She understood. Like him, knew what she wanted
At the beginning I liked the friendship with SML even if later on I hated this guy… No one can make me like him
Bao was so cute, I loved every interaction with FL
Never really dislike the SFL and I liked the development and how they formed a friendship. We didn’t get much, but I like the little love story with Fu Lang
I think the story was flowing nicely and well writing, I think the plot was engaging for the most part, maybe a bit more slow in snow city, but still enjoyed it.
There was really good other parts to me, like :
- How they went with FL being the caos pearl, that episode where they revealed this and the flashbacks, I really loved that episode, think it was well written
- the time travel was well done
- how it was ML all along, when we saw it was him that went back in the past to meet FL when she was a kid and he was her ge ge all along. How it was actually her who saved his life too in the past
- Sang Qi : I liked his story later on, I truly felt bad for him when we learned what happened. the betrayal and the misunderstanding… a tragic love story. She ended her life because she thought he was dead and didn’t wanna be forced to marry someone else. When he learned she never betrayed him… Then he sacrificed himself for FL, he was like a father to her even if he did hurt her more than once, can’t deny that. I liked this ending for him
- Fu Lang parents : I liked how they showed a bit their story and spend some screentime on them. They were bickering and all that, but in the end, truly loved each other. Their last few moments make me emotional and cry a bit, another tragic love story…
- the other couple in the forest : that was seriously such a depressing story. Her, reliving the same day forever ? him, her shadow accompanying her all the time, but never being able to see each other. How she never knew he actually loved her. A misunderstanding from the past that will not be solve… how they introduced the the dude and how you can go there and make a wish, how it all link to later on when he went there to save FL.
3) ZM and pearl (past life)
That was definitely too long…
There was some cute moments between the leads, but don’t think it was well written to really feel their story. Screentime wasted on more useless things too
Interesting how ZM personality was
I like the little time on second couple, tragic end. How they were also like fated and meet again/fell in love in their second life. How what they wished for the other came true.
Probably exaggerating😅😅 but too much importance on FL and SML story that I honestly didn’t give a damn about, could have cut some moments of that. I’m the last 10 eps, felt more like FL and SML story than FL and ML
Only thing that I think was somehow interesting in this was how everything was fake, the fake memories regarding ZM actions in the book of fate and in ZM + everyone memories. Also FL going over there and crashing out killing all of them after ZM imprisonment was cool😎 and then giving like f**k you to SML was satisfying
Will finish the last arc another day, the most disappointing part of the drama…
4) last arc in the present + ending :
Weeks later ahaha should I finally finish this review 😂 what did I even wanted to say, gonna go in general, it’s far in my mind
They changed the sypnosis, wish it was this one since the beginning, it was misleading… it was something like « she uses the power of love to blah blah blah… after ML comes back as the demon Lord » this is not what happened. This was something that really disappointed me : they really separated past and present. Mu Xuan Ling and Pearl never became one, just like both version of ML (even if maybe they did at the very end…). I thought this would be about both of them like merge, being both and loving both of the other lead version. But no, after XXC died and his soul got back to ZM, she was like he his dead, etc… I thought she would go to the demon world to help him, fight for him because in the end he is still XXC and both of the version her 2 self loved, but that never happened. Don’t know if I am being clear😂😂 I was excited about demon ML, but that was disappointing in the end. Didn’t like how they went with the plot in the last few episodes and the sparks and love for the romance between the leads I was loving was mostly gone
SML was still annoying as hell. When she saved him by giving him half her power🙄🙄 I know why she did it, but just no girl. He’s still the one who did all that in the past and literally caused your death and the death of the person you love. it’s also like she could somehow recognized/accept him as NXY and TMS, but not XXC and ZM? Why again making the SML have some kind of hero dead, rolling my eyes… Cdramas writers have been doing this lately when the SML doesn’t deserve it.
Classic annoying 5 min happy ending that gives nothing. Honestly when she said « who are you » (I think that’s what she said, it’s been a while), I rolled my eyes again, it shouldn’t matter, but showing again how they really separate the characters. This could have been at the middle of the episode, I can agree it was still a beautiful scene under the tree and the come back to the tree blossoming and then could have giving us an aftermath… like them living happily, a wedding, I don’t know anything!!!!! Most writers have 0 imagination and don’t wanna give what watchers actually want
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I'm totally not convinced by the main roles Yamashita Tomohisa and Komatsu Nana in this movie. The acting was just soso. It could have had lot's of more feeling. If you're watching this movie for Yamashita Tomohisa's appearance then you should watch this, handsome in every scene. Yamamoto Mizuki did a great job as a supporting character! I want to see more of her.
Also a very very cliché story..Don't expect something unique. A typical manga love story.
I liked the music!
Watch this if you're bored and don't expect much, then maybe it's good for you!
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This review may contain spoilers
Missunderstood and underrated Masterpiece
I normaly do not bother to write reviews after watching beautifull but "brain dead" dramas. But now after finding a hidden gem with a very deep meaning and message beeing utterly missunderstoood and underrated, I had to write one.First off, watch the drama and continue to read this review after watching it! You will not be dissapointed. Even without understanding it completely, it is a fun and crazy ride with good acting and a good cast. But only by understanding the story and message it will be really good.
If you have thought this drama is all about aliens, friendship and cults you are wrong and most likely one of those persons depicted in the drama itself as, blindly trusting belivers and following their leaders "cult leaders/papas" all the way to the end, untill you are told into dying for your believes.
Are you a leader? Are you a believer?
Or are you one of those beautifull but unique " Bo Ra" beings that knew there was something hidden and at least searched for the real meaning by thinking against the "norm". Or maybe are you the one who was shure to know the story untill waking up at some point by understanding the real meaning, like the FL did wake up from her "boring" predestined life?
"It is not about aliens, friendship or cults but about what people believe and how societies work. By whom and how the meaning of craziness or norm is defined and what characters people choose to be. A believer, a leader, a beautifull and unique person, or the messiah."
I choose to be crazy...
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Why??
Too prolonged with boring and old plot twistsUsually, I am someone who prefers long, 16-episode dramas but this one felt too long for my personal liking. The romance in this was absolutely unnecessary and did not feel genuine. The romanticizing of the teacher/student relationship with a huge age gap was too much. The speed at which the ML and FL got together was too fast and during the whole drama, it did not even seem that the main leads were in love. It would be better without the romance.
Also, the story got boring pretty fast. The first half of the drama felt okay (except for the romance) but the more episodes aired, the more boring it got. The script was poorly written. The main mystery of who killed Chan's sister and why was too simple for revenge and politics-oriented drama. The whole plot/story could have easily been told in 10 to 12 episodes. This drama brings nothing new, it hardly keeps the viewer entertained.
It was a huge let-down for me.
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