After all said until now you would probably think there is not much worth in watching it. Therefore, I would give you my reasons for what I recommend this drama.
Even if I criticized the lack of mystery and thrill, the plot isn't bad. Though the idea could be much better if they cut a lot of unnecessary filling. I feel also that lead actors need more deepness and appeal at the beginning so you can empathise and care for what happen to them. However from the half of the drama toward to the end, everything amazingly changes for better. The characters turn more attractive and have more presence in the story with really good dramatic and touching sequences. Kuo Amber becomes the protagonist in this second part where everything spins around her. I loved the teasing of Cheng in this drama and his tenderness towards her. Cheng always masters the romantic scenes in all his dramas and this one is not an exception.
So if you have patience and don't give up at the beginning you would enjoy more with the direction the story takes later on.
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Average show that's enough to pass time but not enough to make it to any top list. Watch if 1) You want a show with some action/suspense, 2) You have nothing better to watch. Don't watch if 1) You like strong/mature female leads, 2) You have low tolerance for cliched evil girls who cling onto main leads with their lives and all the bad tricks they can come up with.
THE STORY
Let me warn you, the synopsis is not at all what the show is about. Or yes, it is, until around episode 5. If the entire show had centered around that plot, it probably would have been way better. But unfortunately, the writer(s) decided not to do things that way. Instead, the show centers around the struggle of the two main characters to expose the wrongdoings of a big company. At least, in theory, that's what the show is about. In reality, the show is about the main guy getting fooled, again and again, by the bad girl of the series, and the main girl running after him until she ends up getting fooled too. They sort of work to find the truth and ruin the bad guy, but then, they spend a lot more time having no idea what to do and naively falling into traps.The ending is absolutely surreal, almost cartoony. On the good side, the beginning of the show manages to suck you in; half-way through the drama you get some pretty cute scenes between the main leads, and every now and then there's a good plot element to keep you hanging.
THE ACTING
Well, so far I'm not super convinced with Joe Cheng's acting. Sometimes, yes, a lot more times, no. Amber Guo left a better impression on me, but I wasn't feeling much chemistry between him and her, even though there might have been sparks in two-three scenes.
THE MUSIC
Kind of good. I liked the main theme, and some other tracks seemed alright. I will google the soundtrack.
REWATCH VALUE
Mmmm....I don't think so. Maybe for the few couple scenes that made the show, but I was just too frustrated while watching to think of going through it again.
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Let me break it down for you like this:
concept: 9
writing: 5.5
directing & editing: 4
lead actors: 1.5
rest of cast:7
So, basically had they hired leads with more talent, a better director, and more competent editor this convoluded, melodramatic, barely passable murder mystery would have been much better. As it stands it's not the worse drama I've ever seen (that dubious honor goes to The Rose, another Joe Cheng drama..hmmm), but it's down there vying for the title. Speaking of Cheng, I don't know what people see in him, but he needs acting lessons. The man has not a clue how to emote. He's no better than he was when he first started. Kuo's voice is annoying. I couldn't stand to hear her speak.
Don't let the pretty good first 2 episodes fool you. Watch it at your own risk. You've been warned. There are a LOT of better dramas in this genre. Taiwan needs to step it's game up, big time!
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