Reviews

What if Strong ML & Strong FL conquers?

I watched this because of He Jianqi and Meng Na collaboration. This drama show obviously high budget for short drama. The pacing was fast, the entire cast delivered excellent performances, and the costumes and makeup were beautiful expect Meng Na obvious wig. The voice acting was quite destroyer of this drama. If you understand this drama, it was actually decent one. Since they explore more supporting character story, you need some brain to think and remember.

There are almost no villains, and most of the characters are normal. The legal and monetary systems are normal. The pacing is tight, with no unnecessary trope. Even in this film, it's quite obvious that the ML's background is stronger than the FL's, and he does help her solve problems. However, the camera focuses on the FL's perspective.

ML knows what the FL is thinking, understands her methods and vision, so he goes along with it to help her. They are mortal enemies, yet they understand each other best. Their tacit understanding of each other, their scheming and manipulative relationship, intertwined with their bittersweet emotional entanglement, is delicious. Another appealing aspect of this film is that ML openly expresses his love for the FL later on, never taking off his ring, constantly calling her "wife," and even kissing her. But FL doesn't believe he truly loves her, questioning him every time, and becoming even more convinced that he's joking, has ulterior motives, or is plotting something.

Recommended to watch.

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Don't listen to others, just watch it.

This is one my most favorite Cdramas out there. One of the few that made me think, "Wow, so China can do it as well if they tried". I watched this on a whim and just got hooked instantly on episode 1! It's been a while since I've watched this but I'm only giving a review now because I didnt have an account back then. Still, this cdrama left a very positive impression on me that I won't forget.

Let me start with the female lead, Tian Xiwei, normally I wouldn't care to remember anyone's real name in a drama but she just perfectly executed her character and left me in a jaw drop. I then looked on the internet and found out that she's literally called the Sweetheart of china. She just nails the playful WuZhen at day and the cold cat lord Wu Zhen at night. Super impressed by her and this is the first time I've watched her in a drama.

The production of this drama and execution is so good too. I love every part of it as well as the writing and the osts. Literally I have nothing but praises for this drama, so if you're wondering if you wanna try it, just go for it. Overall, 9.5/10.

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good vibes only

This was an incredibly enjoyable watch. So much so that I binged the whole thing in a day. It includes so many cliche tropes known to romance genre but they are very well used. Incredibly rich guy with generational wealth meets the financially struggling girl with bubbly personality and a passion for architecture which happens to be his job and from that moment, the universe decides these two need to coincidently connect many many many times. They end up being neighbors and wouldn't you know also co workers. This trope is so old fashioned I didn't know I can enjoy it still but I did. I wasn't even trying to guess the next thing,( something I've been doing unconsciously, ruining many dramas for myself) even blocking any guess you could say. I was just enjoying the moment. Seeping in the beautiful visuals of Shanghai city and main leads chemistry.
It has a decent plot, amazing performances from actors, gorgeous cinematography, memorable dialogue and maintains a good pace through out. The story itself is nothing revolutionary but its told well. And big kudos to styling department especially for the scenes from the game. Hu Xiu has many dresses I love to steal.

Let talk about the game: Its the best part of the story both visually and story wise. Its a murder mystery pretend game in republic era where players are given instruction cards explaining their fake identities and missions. Our male lead has a secret second job as an important NPC in this game as an cutthroat general and female lead loves playing it mostly to have a chance at defeating said general.

First of all if such game existed around me I would be broke. The setting is so gorgeous its crazy.
Second of all it was a great concept for the story. They go there to escape reality. To finally be in control of what goes on their lives. As they get to know each other outside of the game, the two worlds start bleeding into one another forcing them to confront realities they were running from but at the end everything turns out just fine. One learns to communicate the other learns to draw boundaries

From then on its just more tropes getting piled up. Especially the love triangle here is on old formula. Early 2000s kdrama loved this. Still, you can see that it was written with care. The plot is cohesive making you root for characters and no one is unnecessary. The writers enjoyed writing and actors enjoyed playing this tropey story so we get to enjoy it too.

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Nope

I wish I could turn back time and not watch the first 2eps of this show....
1. bombardment with disappointing AI slop
2. the OSTs: I know they're there to signal "what's going on where" in the show, but the viewers have eyes, ears and COMMON SENSE to decipher what's in front of them. The sounds in the funny scenes were over the top and forceful, the transition between OSTs was not always smooth, and many of them were unnecessary.
3. the show is just NC scenes, then one line of certain tropes presented as "plot"
4. the acting: WHY OH WHY is Peach acting like someone that's made it their life goal to be a mistress/side chick and presenting that as being "coy" in front of Sasom? Why is Sasom kinda posturing and not put off by this obvious fakeness? Based on his upbringing, shouldn't Sasom be able to tell when ppl are acting fake of front of him?
Why does In stand/talk like an NPC? Only Peach's best friend is acting normal rn and I'm even scared that's gonna change later on.

I already find the show less than mediocre, and i hear that Sasom wants to be called DADDY next week.........I'M OUT😂

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What a beautiful historical drama.

I didn't know that this was based on true historical events and characters I'm not gonna lie, not until the very last episode where they showed on screen the text of what happened after. Probably the only cdrama that made me look up the characters and check their wikis, and even looked at the life back during the Qing Dynasty. I was so invested lol. So invested in reading wiki, I made it to Wu Zetianm Four beauties of China, etc. like bruh I don't how I even got there lmao.

My favorite character is definitely Chenbi or the Noble lady Shun. I think her introduction into the very later episodes, just when we all thought no new character is gonna be introduced anymore, is brilliant imo. Her perfect character was just *chef's kiss*. Probably the only character in a Cdrama that have fooled me twice. Like I really fell for it when she said she wants to help Yinglou and the 2nd male lead because she was previously saved by him. I really wanted to cry at that time coz wdym you're not a part of the good gang T_T. Anyways, she quickly rosed as one of my most favorite characters in watching cdramas.

I think the part that I didnt really like is the emperor, like they tried to make him as someone competent but it doesnt really show. He's the most annoying emperor/king I've probably encountered.

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Wang Xiaoyi and Wang Yanxin quite match for stoic character.

I watched this last year because nice premise and it turned out it was average. Both actor was quite stoic but it was decent watch.

Wang Yanxin is perfect for playing a role within the system; his restraint and stoicism are very captivating. Furthermore, the ML's character is well-developed; he later realizes what he wants and bravely pursues love without hesitation.

FL seducing the ML for medical expenses, later develops feelings but isn't love-struck; she's capable of self-preservation, doesn't need help in dangerous situations, is kind and rational, and always prioritizes her life and career. I quite like this show, but the FL's seduction of the ML in the first few episodes was a bit awkward and didn't feel quite right.

Wang Xiaoyi dance shows her amateur level and it can be the problem since the FL job was dancer. Many of the dance moves are poorly handled. The production team should have hired a professional dance teacher to choreograph them.

The plot is plausible, and both the main and supporting characters are well-developed and memorable, such as the second uncle and ML's mother.

You can watch this if you dont have any idea to watch.

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Good premise, but overrated.

I'm gonna be honest. I don't really know how this got such a high rating. I think this one is overrated imo.

First things first, I think episode 1 was good, not until they introduced Jiangli and her maid. There's just no way that they are introducing two characters that just mogs the main character and make her look like the side character instead. I think it was bad casting tbh, original Jiangli and Tong er is just way too pretty.

But the main thing that I really don't like about this drama is the writing/script. This drama had such bad and unnatural dialogues, it was making me cringe by what I'm reading the whole time. The premise of this show was so good as well but the writing just ruined it.

I think the best part of this drama is definitely the Princess Wanning and Jiang Ruo Yao's arcs. I can't really comment on the other parts as the bad writing puts me off every time. The production was good tho.

I honestly think people only gave this a high rating because the main actress played the main character in Story of Yanxi palace which was a really good show and a very popular one.

Overall, a 6.5 and that's me being tempered.

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Recoss

Honestly, it was hard for me to move on from the past dramas I watched, but this one felt different. It reminded me why I should keep watching Chinese dramas. Cheng Xingxu completely nailed his role here. I have seen many of his dramas before, but this one really stood out and made me appreciate him even more.
As for the music and OST, it did not have a huge impact on me. I did not mind it, but it was not something that stayed with me throughout the drama. That said, there were a few moments where the OST worked well, and if a song truly connects with me, I usually save it.
In terms of rewatch value, I personally would not prioritize rewatching this drama. Not because it was bad, but because I would rather spend my time discovering new stories instead. Overall, this drama left a meaningful impression and reaffirmed my love for Chinese dramas, mainly because of the acting and emotional impact rather than the music.

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BL with Boss and Noeul (｡◝‿◜｡) but a confusing and poorly written plot (by Mame)

PLOT: Cirrus, the university's star, appears to Pukhan (a sweet and shy student) after a car accident. He reveals that he is his boyfriend from another dimension. Despite his doubts, Pukhan wants to help him, and they gradually become lovers. Pukhan discovers Cirrus's family situation and the life he led with his mother, a crazy woman (abusive, manipulative, toxic +++). However, Cirrus is involved in another accident, and another personality emerges.

+++ Boss and Noeul are two fantastic actors, without a doubt, with extraordinary natural chemistry. I regret, however, that their roles are so rigid, preventing them from fully expressing their potential.
+++ The direction does what it can (sets, framing, pacing, etc.) to make a story with this mess.

BUT
### The plot is completely absurd, confusing, and incoherent. I'm OK for discussing about mental health, but… not like this!
And the "other universes" premise doesn't hold water.

### Some characters are walking caricatures (especially the women... A bit of misogyny from the autor ??): the mother, of course, is completely crazy; the fiancée is the same; Tri, the abrupt friend.

=> I'd love to see Boss and Noeul (whom I adore) in a future drama, taking on different roles and with a well-constructed story.
(￣︶￣)>

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BL avec Boss & Noeul (｡◝‿◜｡) but a messy and poorly-written plot (Mame's work)

PLOT: Cirrus, the university star, after un accident de voiture, débarque devant Pukhan (sweet and shy student) pr lui dire qu'il est son boyfriend d'une autre dimension. Malgré ses doutes, Pukhan veut l'aider et ils vont peu à peu devenir lovers. Pukhan va découvrir la situat° familiale de Cirrus et la vie qu'il a mené avec sa crazy mother (abusive, manipulatrice, toxique +++). Cpdt Cirrus a un autre accident et une autre personnalité apparait alors.

+++ Boss & Noeul sont deux acteurs fantastiques, no doubts, et avec une alchimie naturelle extraordinaire. Je regrette un peu que les rôles dans ce couple, soient aussi figés, ne permettant pas aux acteurs de montrer leur potentiel.
+++ La réalis° fait ce qu'elle peut (décors, cadrages, rythme, etc.)

MAIS
### La storyline est complètement perchée, confuse, incohérente. Je veux bien qu'on parle de santé mentale, mais ... pas de cette façon ! Et le contexte "autres univers" ne tient pas la route.
### Certains personnages sont des caricatures ambulantes (en particulier, des femmes ... misogynie ??) : la mère bien sûr, complètement folle ; la fiancée idem ; Tri, l'amie brusque).

=> J'aimerai voir Boss & Noeul (que j'adore) dans un futur drama, assumant des rôles différents et avec une story bien construite
<(￣︶￣)>

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S Tier Series. Instant Classic!

One of THEE best BL series from GMMTV. Full stop. This has cemented PondPhuwin as one of the top CPs in the game right now. Pond is totally in his element and shines as Khun Thee. He was born to play this role. Phuwin’s portrayal of Peach is so grounded and heartfelt. The layers that he has brought to this character is next level. Est, William, Santa, Perth, Bonnie, Godji, JJ, and the rest of the cast are all top notch and excel in their roles. There are no miscasts in this series. Everyone belongs here. The rewatch value is insane, the acting is impeccable, and the series as a whole is in a class all by itself. Instant classic!

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Hilarious and really good

I don't care what other people think about the drama. It's just right for me.
It's not one of those typical “take everything seriously” dramas. It's just hilarious and my stomach hurts from laughing.
And the body swap story isn't annoying like in most dramas. It's funny and I love how the two try to cope in each other's bodies.
All the actors doing a great job. It's not easy to be funny on screen and get watchers entertain.
I watched a lot dramas and this one is really good.
The ML is handsome, charming and FL is so wonderful. She's pretty and yet a tough girl, who knows what she wants.
I love everything about the drama and like I said: it's good.

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Plot was bad but the making out was great

I watched this just forsake of Zhang Shan and Wang Xuan. Both are great kisser and the plot was bad.

FL has always suffered bullying from her family of origin, being switched at birth by her biological parents. She's quite pathetic after returning home, but thankfully the ML gives her fairness and favoritism. The kiss between these two was so passionate and intense, their eyes were practically glued to each other, making the viewer feel we should not interrupt their making out scene. The Green Tea Sister aka SFL was so annoying.

The cons is FL's parents and brother didn't receive any punishment in this drama. Also, SFL committed suicide, and the way her parents were grieving at her suicide scene clearly showed that SFL was more important to them than FL It's very likely that the parents would blame the FL for the SFL, so I think this aspect was handled very poorly.

Only for hardcore fans of the actors.

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Average at best

Disclaimer - No hate for this drama! I swear! :)

I’m getting a little tired of the “we don’t know how to communicate” plotlines. And while I do love a good classic BL, I’m also increasingly fed up with the constant financial imbalance and the tired victim–savior dynamic. We all know I have a soft spot for red flags and a sprinkle of toxicity, but that’s a conversation for another day.

This did nothing for me and I want to know why! I felt like it was a bit dull, a bit cute (I HONESTLY THINK SO), a bit boring, and mostly uninspiring. Personally uninspiring. And sometimes my focus was all over the place.

I read the reviews and I am glad many people loved it, but I do not get it why I did not. This review isn’t meant to bash the drama, just sharing and maybe if you’re easily annoyed and don’t enjoy spending time on something that feels like you’ve already watched it three times before, you can safely skip this one.

That said, I will religiously watch season two. I did have my favorites in season one, and at the end of the day, this is just one story, so I’m willing to see where it goes.

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Well written with a social agenda.

This is a drama with an agenda. Like many law dramas the world over, it seeks out underdog stories and features the winning of impossible court cases so that there can be a sense that injustice doesn’t always prevail and sometimes, against the odds, justice is served. The audience, me included, experiences a sense of release and satisfaction at getting our own back against a nebulous, all powerful world that is designed to crush all resistance. In the real world, these triumphs are few and far between, just a small handful in a generation.

And the irony strikes me that the powerful and corrupt are happy for these dramas to be there. Why? Because they allow for the release of some of the dissatisfaction and frustration by giving us all a sense that we can effect change, whilst in fact we are sitting in our armchairs staring at a screen and doing nothing. Otherwise that pent up anger and frustration might get released in more effective and threatening ways. And by heavens, in the current global environment we really need to feel change is possible and work out how to do it. But this is a review of a drama, not a piece of sociopolitical comment, so I will stop there.

As a drama did it work? If you are prepared to wholeheartedly take up the narrative it will carry you along very nicely. I have noted that some people found it too much. Some of the stories are very specific to Korean society and how the law currently stands on a variety of social issues. Other cases highlight minorities and show them in a positive light. This is a way of deliberately encouraging attitudes to change and pressure public opinion. Like I said, it has an agenda.

For me, the jarring note was less the choice of stories/cases and more the standard overly sentimental approach. It relies on a lighthearted tone for most of the time and quickly flips you back up if the storyline dips into too much tragedy. My preference is for something a little less sugar-coated and a little more real. However there were plenty of moments where it packed a punch. This was, in the main, down to an excellent performance by Jung Kyung Ho.

Ever since I saw him in “Cruel City” I’ve rated him as an actor. His character has some depth written into it which he is more than capable of doing justice to. The best episode by far imo, is Ep 10, where his character is called upon to account for himself and JKH steps up to the plate. He is someone who can carry off serious drama and I would love to see him do more of it. Unfortunately, there are not many being written and produced these days. The rest of the cast provided good support and were varied enough to add to the interest.

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