Le Jun Kai (2013)

Story wise my first Chinese drama felt a lot like my first Taiwanese drama, Autumn's Concerto, but with better production values and music.

Whoever lit the set on this show did a wonderful job. There's nothing overly unique about the cinematography, but the pictures looked sexy, very cinematic.

Great direction of the camera too. With very short episodes the story doesn't have much room to develop, but the choice of shots were effectively used to enhance the dramatic effect of each scene. In particular the numerous high angle shots made the subjects seem more desperate, vulnerable, passionate or whatever emotion the director tried to evoke.

I haven't seen such high production values on an Asian TV show in a long time.

Acting was average. No standouts, but no irritating performances either. Good chemistry and intimacy between the leads. The little boy was really cute and sweet.

If I had any problem with the show it was with our hero. Arrogant, rude, self - centred male leads don't bother me. Most men in real life are like that anyway, until they meet a woman who inspires them to change. I like watching this transformation so I can forgive a lot of bad behaviour if I know deep down he has a good heart, but there was something about Le Jun Kai that made me uncomfortable. He had a violent streak toward the women in his life that I didn't like. Even though his motivations for being angry were valid I just can not trust a man whose first impulse is to resort to violence, especially against women. It's not a good sign. And I know, I know! It’s just a tv show, but still, I don't like it.

Aside from that the series was good. It works the way it is, but wouldn't have suffered from a slightly longer run time for each episode, say 30 mins instead of the current 15. Just to give the story more oomph & to allow the characters to really capture your heart.

Overall, well worth the watch if you're looking for a quick fix or if you’re in between dramas like I was and can not decide what next to watch.

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