Reviews

The concept is a swooning fantasy

This is my 2nd drama of Jisoo, and if you dont mind reading the other review on one of her dramas, it is clear I didnt watch this because of her.
If you are looking for a romance turmoil of crinchy punchlines, cliché glamorous romance tropes with a sprinkle of modern tech, then this drama is for you.
I am personally enjoyed it very much. The kya screams, giggles and kicks in the air were plenty and I binge watched it within 3 days.
Read some knetz having issues with jisoo's acting, but then again, its knetz, they have issues with everybody (cough cough Seablings 🤣). But I thought she has done really well, improved a lot, and played the written character well.
The concept plot of the drama was really cool, they catered nicely towards the female audience as we are all aware the reality dating/marriage is cesspit of incels and toxic dangerous males.
It was so nice seeing the multiple faces of different mls. The chemistry between the leads was odd at first but you ended up warming up to them.
Gosh if only this futuristic tech becomes a reality in the future. Fl is living a dream ✨️
Conclusion: worth the watch, does tick the "must watch next episode now" box and worth even as a rewatch.

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Giving Old Wuxia Vibes

It’s a solid watch that dives into how the messy choices and old grudges of the previous generation basically set the stage for all the drama the younger characters have to clean up. Honestly, watching Mu Qingyan and Cai Zhao piece together the truth behind all that history and deal with the fallout was easily the highlight of the show. Visually, the production is just gorgeous—the costumes and cinematography are all beautiful.This was my first drama that I stuck with all the way to the end with Zhou Yiran in which he slayed.

The acting was pretty good across the board, even if the plot started feeling a bit repetitive after a while. It fell into a bit of a cycle where Mu Qingyan would pull some scheme, and then Cai Zhao would just figure it out and explain the whole thing. Their dynamic was interesting, though the pacing at the start was so fast it was hard to buy into his instant attachment to her. I actually respected Cai Zhao at first for not wanting to ditch her family and sect for a guy and that it’s great to see a female lead with her own life but as the story went on and showed how hypocritical and selfish the "Six Righteous Sects" actually were, her stance felt a bit contradictory. It’s hard to claim you just want a "peaceful life" when you're turning a blind eye to all that injustice around you.

Mu Qingyan was a huge reason the drama worked for me. He was cunning, manipulative, and didn't shy away from being ruthless to get what he wanted. So many male leads these days turn into total softies halfway through, so I loved that he kept his edge, even if I wish he had a bit more of a personal mission to give his character more weight. The main villain was pretty easy to spot from day one, and his motives were a bit of a letdown, plus the female lead’s acting got a little frustrating since her expressions felt a bit flat even during the big moments. Still, despite the predictable turns and some side characters who were mostly just there to look good, it’s a stylish and atmospheric tribute to the genre.

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Fake fake fake

I don't like to write long and wide but...no one can convince me that Hyeon Jun and Sun Wook didn't stay in touch after that first shoot. The first thing is that Sun Wook had a crush on Hyeon Jun in the first filming, but apparently they didn't end up as a couple. Then suddenly, magically, after a few months, when the new recording started, both of them were immediately super interested blah blah blah...WTF what happened to Hyeon Jun between the two filmings? When did they find out that there will be a new recording??? It is obvious that at least a couple of months passed between the two filmings, because the incident with that person from the first filming happened after they finished filming.
As for the new participants, they were the only ones who felt sincere, even though they were literally deceived by the other participants and the production in the beginning.
Min Sung and Hyeong Jun... there was something very unpleasant there, even though they "clicked" it still didn't seem sincere. Ok Hyeong Jun you are hurt but...after crying so much about Jaeha you fell in love after two days???? After the first shoot, Jaeha and Hyeong Jun were in a relationship, they created stronger emotions...if I understand correctly, they didn't offer them a new shoot two days after they became a couple, so something doesn't feel right...Although, I might be wrong, but what if I'm right, then someone's feelings for someone aren't sincere...
Taichi should have skipped this second shoot, ok he needs some promotion but...he didn't show any sincere emotions except for that date on the beach...
Eum Hyeok Jin- first shoot and Su Min (who was obviously uncomfortable at first when he saw the blonde again) second shoot Han Gyeol...when you're an open book, when there's not even a little mystery and when everything is staged, people can quickly lose interest...although Eum Hyeok Jin managed to cool down everything that happened in the end and smooth everything over with Su Min. I'm happy for him.
All in all, the production was terrible, maybe they should have played one episode briefly about what happened in that first recording, maybe they should have told the new participants some information. And the stupidest decision was the elimination, whoever thought of that in a reality show where relationships are supposed to be formed should be fired immediately.
And the conclusion: I'm proud of Yun Jae for staying true to himself until the end. Terrible editing, false hope, false attempts on the part of some participants, he managed to push through all of that with dignity. I wish he and Jaeha had met under different circumstances...

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Playdoh zombies and wattpad storyline

if you want to wait 45mn (out of 1h35mn) to have some storyline, let’s dive in. The zombies looks like they are made out of playdoh (gives you a good laugh though) and the plot is not plotting.
Acting is good for the main female character, I’ll give you that but the male one, not convinced.
The fight scenes ? Remember TikTok and slowmotion era ? Well, yes, same thing.

Maybe I’m too hard. Oh, and when there is FINALLY something happening after some advertisement from nutella and some virtual reality brand, this is the end of the movie

I love zombie media, loved All of us are Dead for example but this one ? I should have dropped it

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Glorified cheating

If you're watching this series I'm guessing the accidental kiss is what got you in. Although the acting was pretty mid i had rated this a 6 for the 1st 2 episodes until the Top's boyfriend showed up. At first i thought the bf should be the issue but nah apparently the top was dating a guy already when the bottom accidentally mistook him for his ex and kissed him. It didn't end there the top goes on and flirts with the bottom🙃🙃 until his boyfriend shows up then when the bottom leaves him after knowing hes in a relationship he goes to the bottom's house and sleeps with him like wtf🙃. P.S the bottom and the top's bf are friends and they still decide to cheat behind his back. When the bf gets to know they breakup and theres no apology either

Both the leads are bloody villains. I feel this was a rage bait ngl. Its not worth it

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Half-time check in--plus final assessment

Having now watched all episodes of PURSUIT OF JADE, I have to agree that–although in places this story is unbelievable, and certainly brutal--it’s one of the most entertaining and original Chinese dramas of the year.

What I like:

1. There are certain cliches that pop up in Asian dramas again and again. This series has fewer of those than almost any drama I’ve seen up to this point. The slight, skinny FL is no helpless victim. If anything, she’s almost unbelievably strong and assertive. I said “almost” because, well, I questioned a couple of her physical feats. But I suspended my disbelief for the sake of the overall narrative, which never flags.

2. Speaking of the plot, it’s unusual for me to be so engrossed in the action that I have a problem turning off the TV when my own life is calling. That’s how this drama affected me–it’s utterly absorbing.

3. The originality of the plot, the physical details of the house and yard, plus other visuals frame the story in a way that adds authenticity. For example, the uneven and ramshackle fences that encircle the Fan house looked altogether real (I looked them up–and, yes, rural fences do sometimes look like that).

4. The way the impoverished villagers help each other out, the malicious gossip, even the slaughtering of the pigs–all contributed to the overall credibility. The main characters, and many of the minor ones, are appealing and likeable. The plot is succinct. If there’s any filler in the first 23 episodes, I couldn’t find it.

5. Some of the visuals are clever–others are downright stunning–for example the scene where the camera follows the white hawk as it soars through the clouds. (AI generated, of course.) Still, it’s breathtaking.

6. Delightful little touches like the ML sneezing when his wife and teacher each sing his praises without either realizing that they’re talking about the same dude. (In East Asian cultures, many believe that sneezing indicates that someone is talking about you behind your back.)

A few difficulties--

1. Suffice it to say that this story is brutal in places. You probably shouldn’t watch it with young children. There are a few graphic sequences where a pig is slaughtered, or at least seems to go unconscious before its killed–although we’re told that “no animals were harmed in this episode.” In another scene, a young child is psychologically tormented.

2. The political machinations were too convoluted, and culture specific, for me to follow. Luckily viewers don’t need to understand the details to understand who the villains are–and who’s trying to off whom.

3. I counted four times in the first 23 episodes that the ML was out of commission because of injuries sustained in a fight–and I might have missed a few. Too repetitious for a drama that mostly avoids this kind of overkill.

4. It’s usually a good idea not to confuse the actor with the character he plays. Linghe Zhang has been criticized--I’d say unfairly--as being a bit subdued and tepid in his role as the ML. That’s how the character is written, folks. Zheng Xie is supposed to be a serious man with heavy responsibilities.

If you want to see the same actor’s wild, zany side, watch his performance as Changheng in LOVE BETWEEN FAIRY AND DEVIL, especially the sequence where he’s been reincarnated as a fun-loving mortal.

LATER–I’ve now seen all episodes. We spend much of the second half of this drama in the company of people who are basically trying to shiv one another. Also, the English subtitles were sometimes a bit muddled and incoherent.

If I were a foot soldier putting my life on the line for the Marquis of Wu'an, I might be a tad annoyed that he spends so much energy on the vicissitudes of his love life--instead of figuring out how he’s going to defeat the bad guys. At one point, he even recruits his underlings to create a performance to trick the FL...

Villains in C-dramas seldom get their due. So I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the magnetic, sultry presence of Deng Kai who plays the role of Qi Min, in a way that makes the character both compelling and horrific.

NOTE to those still watching PURSUIT OF JADE–or are about to begin it:

If you want to promote quality cinema in China please boycott pirated versions. The people responsible for this fine production deserve to profit from it. Each decision, each costume, the ost, and everything about this drama shows the care and artistry that were poured into it. Any discerning viewer can see it. Please make sure you’re viewing it through legitimate outlets, so that the original director and producers can recoup their considerable investment. (Just to be clear--I have no connection with the company who made PURSUIT OF JADE.)

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A pleasant surprise

I got to know this drama through TikTok and was pleasantly surprised. Initially, I expected the drama to be this melodramatic romance between a rich girl and a poor man who got tough in life and ended up a firefighter. But the story ran so much deeper.

We get to know our main characters through scenes in the present and flashbacks to what happened 10 uears earlier. Our female lead is back from studies abroad and has started her career as a doctor in one of the city's bigger hospitals. She's stationed at the hospital's emergency room when she comes into contact with our male lead, a captain of the Shili Tai firefighter squad and her ex-boyfriend. 10 years ago she broke up with him because her parents didn't approve of his background. We don't get all of the details right away but there's a subtle hint of a horrible break-up and a depressing past.

I thought that would be it. 40 episodes of melodramatic back and forth between the main characters but I was proven wrong. It was everything but what I expected. It became the story of the Shili Tai firefighter squad and their bromance. I was moved deeply by their day-to-day struggle to keep the city safe from fire and other kinds of hazards, but also each other. I wished the squad had even more screentime than it did. The dynamic of the boys is what kept me going because, to be honest, the main characters didn't do much for me. Our male main, Song Yan, only pulled me in when he was part of the squad. I loved watching those scenes. They were action-packed and intense.

Which can't be said for the storyline involving the Meng family. I tried to keep up with them but mostly found them to be boring, even our female lead. She was so depressing in the beginning. Thankfully she became more interesting as she grew and learned. Her brother on the other hand... In the last couple of episodes I did skip most of his story. He was even more depressing and I didn't feel like connecting with him or his maybe-girlfriend. I wanted to know more about the firefighters. Too bad they cut out most of the squad to give more screentime to the Meng's in the last half of the series.

Positives:
- I feel like they took the time and care to represent actual firefighters and how their day-to-day life is. Ofcourse it's dramatised because of the show, but it felt very authentic.
- Initially, I truly disliked the female lead but she grew on me. She came across as this self-centered, emotionless weirdo but she IS a self-centered, emotionless weirdo and doesn't argue otherwise but she's willing to learn and becomes alive around Song Yan.
- The firefighter squad. I LOVED the bromance and the brother-in-arms vibe they had going on.
- They showed a stark contrasts between rich and middle-class within a city and showed us an 'abusive' home without violence. Just pure suppression and the way it can drive someone insane.
- The way they used the flashbacks to fill in certain blanks in the present storyline. We get to see how Song Yan and Xu Qin (female lead) first meet, how they get together, their relationship before the break-up and the actual break-up. But they show us when we need that bit of information or when it's important for the viewers to know. I kept wanting to know what happened with Song Yan and why he was being so secretive. I liked how they kept up the tension like that. I didn't expect to finish the drama at first but I found myself binge watching it throughout the weekend.

Negatives:
- Some plotlines became a little too much. Like how the firefighter squad got blown up almost three times in a row. Some might say they would have learned from the first explosion but nope. Just dash into it, head-on and hope for the best again.
- The whole brother storyline... The series could've done it without him. I wished they had focused on the firefighters more. Used one of them for a second lead couple but they quickly became third-fourth and fifth lead couples, never getting any real screentime.
- I still don't understand why our main lead had one goal throughout his entire life and worked his butt off to achieve that goal only to be very hostile to someone who was part of that goal. Why the attitude, sir?
- The use of 'convenient plot is convenient' trope a couple of times where Song Yan rushed to the hospital with the people he pulled from the hospital only to come eye-to-eye with Xu Qin (convenient plotting). Or having Xu Qin, a emergency room doctor, sit in an ambulance, which is conveniently going to the place where the firefighter squad is conveniently saving lives. The script forced the two of them together in such ridiculous convenient situations it became a little unreal.
- At times it felt like Xu Qin was the only doctor alive. Especially during the earthquake scenes. She was called in for a fallen firefighter and had to apply emergency care in the danger zone but during her caregiving, which was very emotional I must add, she was called away for something else. I mean... DUDE, SHE WAS BUSY WORKING ON SOMEONE and she ups and leaves too.
- Dare I say it? I found Yang Yang's acting a little stiff. I had only seen him once before in Who Rules the World and found him lacking there too. I was kind of hoping it was the way he portrayed his character in WRTW but he acted the same in this one. I don't think he's a bad actor but I don't see any emotional depth to his characters. Not yet, anyway.

Would I recommend? Yes. I truly came to love this drama more and more. It is an action-packed romance with a little bit of melodrama.

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A different kind of kdrama

First of all, the chemistry is too good. Jung Hae In and Son Ye Jin truly had a beautiful dynamic and looked amazing the whole time. The script is also a more mature one that didn't shy away from more serious topics in relationships and families that do exist in todays society, especially in Korea. There were toxic relationships that appeared normal on the surface, family dynamics and the general view of the society regarding older women dating younger men, navigating a borderline abusive partner whom your parents support and like, how to break that kind of dynamic off, creeps in the workplace and in general the issues women in todays society face overall. It felt like a genuine window into the Korean society.

It actually reminded me of older Korean movies that wasn't too bothered with presenting an ideal world but rather showed the flaws in society. The dynamic between the leads was also a more realistic one that depicted a proper adult relationship and all that comes with it. I think a lot of recent shows has this purity complex and shy away from even referencing physical intimacy. While I don't think that it's always necessary, I do think that for a story like this it definitely did serve a narrative purpose and also made the characters and the relationship feel much more realistic.

The one thing that was a miss was the overuse of the soundtrack. I just really wanted to mute it after the 20th time it played.

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Trust me, just watch it

I'll keep it short, this was a fantastic cdrama. The director is an actual artist so the entire show is filled with gorgeous shots and beautiful editing. The script is also fantastic with no logic holes and no filler episodes. Everyone is gorgeous to look at, the acting is wonderful, the costumes are wonderful and this is by far the best reliving the past kind of drama I've ever seen.

The FL and ML compliment each other in a way that I haven't really seen much in cdramas before. She is truly a smart, resourceful person and he is a level headed, strong person who respects her and trusts her. Their partnership truly felt equal, the political conflicts also made sense and was easy to follow. This by no means should be interpreted as "it was simple", it just did a very good job at keeping the romantic storyline and the main plot conflict equally gripping. I wasn't bored for even a second and that says a lot for me.

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A show that could have been great, and yet...

It could have been so good, almost like a Korean version of Life As We Know It (if you haven't watched it I would highly recommend a Hollywood take on a similar plot). Unfortunately, it ended up falling into the same old trap: a love-triangle-heavy storyline that felt bland and predictable. If I'm being honest even the love triangle part was boring, I personally couldn't care less how it ended simply because NONE of the characters were interesting.

Let's start with what I did like, which was the small community they built with the neighbors and how Hyeon Jin, Tae Hyeong and U-Ju became a true family. The ups and downs, their efforts and obstacles they faced...That aspect had so much potential, and I would have loved to see a clearer focus on the found-family dynamic. The child actor playing U-ju was absolutely adorable, and honestly the show could have worked much better as a family-centered story with the romance as a secondary element.

Instead, the characters felt underdeveloped, the script was somewhat lackluster, and the whole thing just felt like it was missing a bit of soul. One detail that also kept pulling me out of the story: because I’m fluent in Korean, I noticed that they kept addressing each other as “in-law” even after they supposedly grew closer and agreed to speak more casually. At that point it would have felt much more natural for them to start using each other’s actual names.

For the actual cast; I really like the actress Roh Jeong Eui, and I genuinely mean no harm, but every time she spoke, I found myself focusing more on how tired she appeared than on the actual scene, which pulled me out of the story. Her line delivery was also not her best work.

I’m also a fan of the male lead Bae In Hyuk from his early days, but the two leads just didn’t have any real chemistry together. Their dynamic never quite felt convincing. The second male lead didn’t help much either, his character felt like an overly idealized version of a past love. He was almost unrealistically nice and accommodating, to the point where it felt artificial. Love Park Seo Ham but I understand the backlash over how much screen time he occupied for it to serve no purpose in the end.

This could have been a healing drama with comedic moments, something about two people confronting the fact that they both grew up without a large family and slowly redefining what “family” means. There were interesting contrasts the show could have explored more deeply, like Hyeon Jin having her sister as a parental figure while Tae Hyeong never really had that kind of support, and how that shaped his feelings toward his own brother. They do get into this but it almost felt like an afterthought rather than a main focus.

In the end, the premise had a lot of potential, but the execution never quite lived up to it. I just think the show really missed the mark.

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Relaxing Series To Enjoy!!

It's a very laid back series. No special effects, no major antagonist, no major suspense ... and yet, extremely enjoyable.
If you're familiar with Eiji Akaso from past roles, this is his kind of story. He's truly made for this romantic drama, making himself believable and giving you a truly heartfelt performance.
The story is kind of simple, two people from different countries (Japan/Korea) with different backgrounds fall in love. Everything is going against them to make a lasting relationship seem more difficult, but somehow, with the determination between the two of them, they find a way.
I must admit, I wasn't too fond of the character of Rin early on. She seemed to be immature and lacked any kind of confidence toward herself or her boyfriend, Taiga. I think if I had to find a negative, this was it ...
That being said, Hye Won does a great job with this character, recreating her as the series continues. She becomes more likable and blends much more in the way of chemistry with Eiji.
Along the way, not everything is happy or fun, just like in any relationship. The add on drama that gets mixed in with the immediate families toward both protagonists, make for even a better story.
If you're looking for a satisfying, calm & relaxing series, giving you a unique blend of Japanese & Korean food, customs & language, this is your show.

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