trifennik
Russia
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Not that great
The drama has definitely surprised me by turning out rather average. It is not a bad one to be sure but it is not great, nor mind blowing nor even that intense. It is mainly quite mellow for a thriller and way too melodramatic. The plot is not original, full of inconsistances and uses the same old cliches like coma, amnesia, bad guy is actually an angel inside and so on. But more then that the script is poorly thought out, not enough attention given to details and too many times the scripwriter takes the easiest way to create conflicts and not even tries to give any sort of explanation. For example the story behind the serial murders happened in the past is very sketchy and for the most part ridiculously unbelieveble. Like the story about humantraffikers or a person kept in an asylum for 15 years without any purpose whatsoever except to serve as a poorly made plot twist. Or the MLs parents' motivation to conceal the truth about the ML is what exactly?The leads are both missed opportunities. The ML is first shown cold and calculating and having problems with emoting. However it lasts for like 2-3 episodes and the other 13 episodes he spends being a big crybaby and getting beaten, tortured and framed by everyone. The FL, in theory the most conflicted charater of the drama, is actually the most bland one. She is defined only by her love for her husband and her unending cycles of trusting-not trusting him. Perhaps if more time and effort was put into her being thorn between her duty as a police officer and her feelings for the husband she would have been interesting. But alas she is a total letdown
The melodramatic part about the main couple's struggles is problematic for me as well. It is so syropy and forced. The beginning of their relationship shown in flashback gives weird vibes as the FL comes across a classic stalker who is forcing herself on the ML while he clearly and vehemently says he is not interested. She insists because (in her own words) she sees in his eyes that he loves her. Not very romantic really. Again it could have been a touching story if given more details and shown more subtly.
Now to the good part.
Lee Joon Gi 's acting is great (no surprise here).
Also I liked a lot the reporter friend of the ML. The most believable and realistic character. Sometimes weak and full of fear, sometimes brave, trying to do his best but still commiting mistakes and feeling guilt, passionate about his profession. And what a great portrayal by the actor, especially the way he shows love for the ML sister. So very sweet.
The serial killer is also great. Very scary indeed.
They should have made him appear earlier in the drama, because the evil doers in the first half are somewhat boring.
The little girl is adorable.
Nice OST. Sinister background music is especially good.
Rewatch value is zero for me
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An okey drama but nothing special
My expectations were quite high for the drama and I did enjoy some parts of it but frankly speaking it is not as good as its rating suggests.Mainly because the real world part of the plot is quite lame and poorly thought out. The whole ML's siblings' struggle for control over the corporation is downright ridiculous and feels like a third rate soap opera. Almost all the characters of the real world are either unsympathetic or unremarkable.
The part where the FL finds herself in a novel is actually much better. It has some really funny moments and heart-warming scenes. The only weak point of the novel part of the plot is the cringe worhty episode about FL and ML abduction by an evil character that came out of the blue and totally ruined the famous sex scene that happened immediately after.
I must say the love story both in real world and the novel did not impress me much. It was mildly amusing at best. By the end of the drama I was more interested whether the ML sister and her assistant would be together or not. The issue is that in the novel the FL is in love with the ML almost instantly. It feels quite unrealistic and shallow. That's why her and Qing Feng gradually growing sympathy is more believable and makes more sense.
The drama definately has a good cast. I liked all the main and almost all the support actors and actresses. Especially gorgeous Marcus Chang who portrays two different persons here with such an ease. My favourite here though is Simon Lian. I think his acting and charisma made Qing Feng the most likable character in the drama. The Qing Feng true story would make a great plot for a drama actually.
On the whole I do not regret watching the drama but I definintely won't rewatch it.
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Nice watch but no masterpiece
This type of Chinese drama – set in modern time, that has some sort of business as part of plot (here tourism), featuring several couples and good cast – is actually one of my favorite genres.10 years late is nothing outstanding in terms of plot or characters. It is frankly quite typical. The first 10-15 episodes especially. The ML is trying to win back the FL after they separated 5 years ago by fixing her problems and pursuing her everywhere. And of course there is a love triangle that blessedly resolves quickly.
However I still enjoyed the drama. As it is mostly quite relaxing and easy watch and the main cast did a good job. Especially Jeremy Xu was a fun to watch. Plus beautiful cinematography, music, styling is also very pleasing.
What I liked the most was the relationship between the 6 friends. I think their mutual scenes felt very natural and watching them spend time together was quite entertaining. The romance of two of the three couples was cute too. Especially Ting Ang and Xin Yi. They were absolutely great together up until the very end and then. Well, their end was too cruel.
The main couple however is mainly a letdown for me. First of all the FL, Yuan Lai, is written as very mistrusting of the ML, Jin Ran. She constantly doubts him and finds fault with his every move. How can that be love, I do not get it. Moreover Gulnezer Bextiyar portrayal is always so cold and indifferent, borderline condescending even. While Shawn Dou tried to make something of their romantic scenes she was generally very stiff around him. She looked more comfortable with the scheming older CEO, Mr. Ji and much warmer towards him. I was not totally invested in the main couple for the most part of the series. By the final episodes they did get better but it was too late.
The tourism part was sadly rather uninspired; every single plot was boring and ridiculous. All crises were caused by childish scheming of the leads’ coworkers combined with the hyper capricious clients. It felt very unrealistic.
In the last 10 episodes an exceptionally toxic character was introduced. I hated her wholeheartedly and not sure if it was really necessary to bring her so far into the drama. But she was really good in terms of being a believable villain.
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Children of a Lesser God
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Watch for the SML' s story and performance
I picked the drama because of the intriguing title and it turned out a comparatively enjoyable watchalbeit not very original and rather inconsistent in quality. The first 11 episodes are mostly good but in
the last five the writing goes downhill unfortunately. To be honest I ploughed to the end only to learn
what would happen to one character, namely the prosecutor.
The plot is nothing unique. It feels like parts and bits of dozen different movies and series were put
together to create it. The two main leads are police detectives investigating serial murders in the
present. In the process they eventually stumble upon a case of the religious cult members' mass suicide
happened 24 years ago which the Fl is connected to in some way.
The best written part of the plot is definitely a terrifying back story about the cult and the way the members and especially children were treated by the cult leaders. The tone is so matter-of-fact in those scenes of violence that it makes them extremely disturbing and sends shivers down the spine. When the whole story is revealed the atrocity of it is enormous.
The plot of the other part “the present” is not that good and riddled with many plotholes and weird
twists and turns which are mostly filler. Like the crazy heiress abduction case, the organ harvesting
story, the ten plagues of Egypt quest, the Fl meeting her shaman grandmother for approximately 10
minutes and never remembering about her further on. It is especially evident in the last 5 episodes
where the script is getting more and more ridiculous and disjointed by the minute.
The leads are okay, though I was not particularly invested into their stories. The fl is likable in the first
half but later on becomes such a hypocrite letting slide the crimes of her father and at the same time
calling the prosecutor a monster for lesser sins. The Ml is a rather typical quirky detective with the super
high IQ whose antics I would have enjoyed in some other drama but here they feel somewhat out of place. Or
perhaps not well executed. The romance is only hinted at and that is just fine because there is zero
chemistry between the fl and ml.
The true star of the drama is undoubtedly the prosecutor Joo Ha-Min. Sim Hee-Seop gives a brilliant
performance portraying this deeply scarred and conflicted man whose tortured soul is beginning to heal
after meeting the fl. The actor’s charisma and screen presence is strong and compelling. Though the
prosecutor is an ambiguous and “grey” character who is seemingly siding with the evil it is
impossible not to root for him in the end more than for the protagonists. Sim Hee-Seop plays this
complex character so effortlessly, all his emotions seem so real: his bitter cynicism and vulnerability, the
longing in his eyes when he is looking at the fl, the desperation and lingering hope. What a pity Sim Hee-
Seop is not in many dramas. He is sincerely a gem.
Another great performance is Kim Dong Young as a psycho killer Han Sang Goo.
The OST is also the strength of the drama. I like everything: the songs though there are few of them, the
instrumental pieces, and the hymn sung by the choir. The music here is fitting and used well to set the
mood.
Overall it is worth a try if only just to see the prosecutor’s story.
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Great acting, great visiuals, good enough plot, but messy ending
The drama clicked with me the moment I saw the first short promotional videos. It is for me what I seek from xianxia dramas. It has an exciting plot and likable multi-layered characters. It has the magical feel to it but still manages to be relatable.PLOT. The plot is easy to follow but at the same time it is intriguing and has twists and sudden revelations. I like how characters and plot lines are intertwined and how some seemingly neutral characters turn out to have hidden motives.
ROMANCE. The romance is mostly quite calm and soothing, almost no misunderstandings, a little bit of angst at the part when Lu Li turns into Luo Ge. And actually it was interesting to see the way their feelings developed after the change. The kisses are few, sorry to say.
CHARACTERS. What I like the most about the drama are the characters.
Lu Li/Luo Ge (Zhang Bin Bin). Zhang Bin Bin portrays 3 different characters here and his performance is spectacular in every one of them, First he is Luli who is a mere mortal man. He is nice an unsophisticated guy with warm and loving heart. It was a joy to see Bin Bin in this kind of role. Next he turns into Luo Ge who is a high immortal and has a very different personality. The change is so drastic that it shocks. His demeanor becomes truly god-like so stunningly handsome but austere and unattainable. The third personality is Dark Moon god who is again totally different from both Lu Li and Luo Ge because he is essentially an evil spirit. Zhang Bin Bin is spot on with his portrayal of the merciless and cunning creature. The well done make-up and gorgeous costumes also do justice to Zhang Bin Bin’s beautiful face and figure. Nothing looks cheap or over-the-top or ridiculous.
While I admire Luo Ge the one I adore is He Na. He is a king of a cursed demon race and there is a heavy burden upon his conscience to lift the curse and save his people. Wang Yu Shuo gives an impressive performance here. He Na is noble both in nature and in bearing. His eyes speak volumes and shine with some inner light. He has quiet sadness about him which makes the heart ache for him. I enjoy a lot exquisite outfits and styling on He Na. He looks so graceful and refined in his white costumes and with a flute. I like how he and Lu Li and later Luo Ge become and remain good friends through all the storms.
A Fu. Honestly after watching several of his dramas I considered Wang Yi Long a handsome but not very versatile actor. However he proved me wrong here with his great portrayal of He Na’s younger brother A Fu.
His role here is mostly antagonistic but he evidently enjoys his character a lot and his acting feels passionate and convincing. His romance with Luo Ning is such a poignant love story which I hate and like at the same time. Of course he also looks very dashing in his dark clothes stylized as fish scales.
Liu Shao. The FL of the drama Liu Shao impressed me somewhat less than the above mentioned characters. She is actually a nice girl, not annoying at all, trusting and lovable. However her personality is a little bland. At some point she even feels like a side character. I think they needed to add more depth to her or develop her goddess side earlier in the series.
The villains. A good thing is the villains here are not one-dimensional. There are several of them with different grudges against main characters but all of them have backstories and well explained motivations to their actions. The only cliché villain is Bai Feng who is a typical sore loser obsessed with the ML.
I need also to mention a support character. Wan Su, a grass spirit. He has but a small impact on the plot but his backstory, his personality and his appearance especially the outfit of the most lovely aquamarine colour and white hair are somehow very appealing to me.
ENDING. The ending is what I am not so happy about. It is definitely a letdown. The problem is that they jammed a very complex ending plotline worthy of 3-4 episodes into one episode and besides evidently have to cut out a huge amount of the demonized Luo Ge’s scenes. The result is a poorly connected sequence of events which leave the viewer totally confused about what had happened. Of the two versions of the ending I prefer the 40th episode. Because at least it treats He Na fairly and gives A Fu chance to redeem himself.
The OST. I like the OST well enough. I was surprised to find out that Zhan Bib Bin had such a fine singing voice.
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It could have been great if they split it into two different stories
I gave a 7.5 because the drama does have strong points. It has a great cast and the romantic and comedic parts are done well.The strongest point is Shin Sung Rok who is simply brilliant as the male lead, a quirky fashion designer. Hilarious and endearing despite his pompous personality. I liked the female lead(s) as well. Both Min Ye Rin and Min Jae Hee. Kim Min Kyu and Jo Han Chul too do a great job here, the former one as a charming and impossible not to like Hallyu star and the latter one as a despicable husband of the fl.
The weakest point is that the script tries to mix two potentially good stories into one and fails miserably at that.
The first story is mostly told in episodes from 2 to 8. I enjoyed it a lot. It is about a genius and eccentric fashion designer and a rookie model who becomes his muse and the love of his life. Despite being depicted with a lot of humor and hilarious scenes the story is quite poetic and sensual. I like the pairing of Shin Sung Rok and Go Won Hee, they look great together and there are a few steamy scenes.
Now the second story is about a woman whose life is a burden for her because of health issues and a very toxic marriage. The story is how she fights against her own insecurities and her unfaithful husband to become happy. Here too I like the pairing of Ha Jae Sook and Jo Han Chul. They are believable as a married couple in a very problematic marriage.
The issue with the script is that the heroine in both of the stories is one and the same woman. However they not only look different they seem to be two different people. Furthermore the both plots are cut short just to make way for an extremely farfetched main arc story about the first love that conquers it all. That one story is rather lame and unnecessary.
After the good first half the drama looses direction and all its charm completely. I struggled through episodes from 11 up to the very end. But for Shin Sung Rok I would have been hardly able to finish.
The OST is beautiful and dreamy.
I doubt I'll ever rewatch it. Maybe if only some parts of it.
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An unexpectedly good school drama
I started watching the drama because of Lian Chen Xiang (Simon Lian) who had impressed me a lot in “Lost Romance” and I was pleasantly surprised. The drama is such an amazing watch. It is great at all the most important aspects: directing, characterization, camerawork, cinematography and acting, all is very good indeed. Everything happening on screen feels so organic and true to life. The dialogues are smartly done; they serve well to define characters and nothing sounds rehearsed or artificial.The plot is quite simple: the Ml is a student who is considered a lost cause in terms of studying but the appearance of the FL in his life motivates him to get back to school and gives him a new purpose in life and new friends.
What I liked most is how subtly the ML and FL's (and other characters) personalities are shown. They are multi-dimensional and realistic, very human, with lots of both strengths and weaknesses. It is wonderful how nothing overdramatic or of large scale really happens, mainly just small events of day by day life. But still the drama never gets boring and keeps you invested in these little details and insights about characters.
The best part is the ML. He seems at first a rather typical drama character being a rich kid with parent issues and problems at school, popular among the classmates. However the script and the actor manage to give this cliché character depth, prove him to be indeed special and make you like him a lot .
Lian Chen Xiang is brilliant at portraying the ML’s youthful budding love for the FL and his hurting over the girl's crush on other boy. He is very endearing in his awkward attempts to get her attention and to care for her.
The reason why the score is not a 10 is a messy ending. The time skip is totally unnecessary and illogical. They should have ended the story at the leads' entering college. Then the confession, first date and so on would make perfect sense.
Despite the awkward final episodes I would certainly recommend the drama and will rewatch it myself.
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A very enjoyable watch
When I started watching the drama I was not expecting much just a usual Chinese contemporary romance with comedy elements. The first like 6 episodes were a bit messy and even cringe-worthy in parts to be honest. However as soon as the ML learned the FL’s identity and they became a couple I got hooked and enjoyed it a lot to the very end.The main reason is that I liked the FL a lot. I think the choice of the actress is perfect. She is very believable as a competent and highly professional assistant. The character herself is such a smart girl, very confident and brave, but not bitchy, not naïve. I like the way she stoically fought for her love without being clingy or humiliating herself.
I was not a big fan of the ML. He was irritating sometimes. However I liked their couple a lot. They seemed like a real one and had sincere deep feelings for each other. They looked comfortable in each other’s arms. And the kisses were very steamy.
I also liked the amount of screentime the main couple had together. I hate when the couple spends 2/3 of the drama separated and gets together in the last episode. Here it was certainly not so. They spent much time with each other and communicated a lot. And their happy times made me happy while their separation was really painful to watch.
The other two couples were not that interesting, the doctor and the FL’s colleague were adorable but never developed enough. The SML and SFL together felt like an afterthought though at least the SML who was such a nice guy got a love interest of his own and not just suffered a heartbreak because of the FL.
The comedy elements were done nicely too. The ML and the SML were both hilarious. The wedding episode is such a gem.
I did not even mind the excessive use of amnesia here. It was somewhat justified.
The OST was pleasant though nothing special; maybe one song caught my attention.
I rarely rewatch dramas even the favorite ones but I think I may rewatch some episodes of the Well dominated love some day.
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Good cast, mediocre writing
The drama has an intriguing premise and a strong cast but sadly the execution is weak and unexpectedlyamateurish.
The most problematic part for me is that the drama fails to establish both the characters and the
relationships between them. The main leads are a South Korean prince (Lee Seung Gi) and a North
Korean special forces female officer (Ha Ji Won). It sounds promising but in fact not enough thought or
effort has been put into developing the characters and they come off as shallow and are really hard to
emphasize with. Especially the Fl faking the North Korean accent and acting cute and naïve look so lame to the
point it is impossible to take her seriously. I actually like the actress but the character she portrays here
is just not written well.
The prince is an equally underdeveloped character. When in the beginning he is spoilt and utterly
disrespectful to everybody else it looks convincing. Further on the supposed transformation into caring
and less selfish person is not explored enough and lacks subtlety. By the final episodes he does get
somewhat better and more defined but it is already too late. The romance line between the leads is no
better. Instead of showing how they gradually start to appreciate and fall for each other despite initial
distrust and differences the drama has two random people spending many weeks humiliating and
harming each other in all possible ways. Then suddenly she is deeply in love and ready to marry the guy
who did nothing but played cruel jokes on her. And what the prince feels is not even possible to
determine. They have almost zero scenes showing the growing affection or even mere attraction. They
even communicate smoothly only under influence of alcohol. Sure by the ending episodes there is some
glimpse of the feelings but not much. Besides the scriptwriter seems not to know how to use dialogues
because they all make little sense and add nothing to the characterization.
The second couple is definitely preferable to the main one though their relationship also is not given
enough time and effort. Nevertheless Jo Jung Suk does a truly great job portraying his character’s shy
but loyal and staunch personality. His quiet undemanding love for the beautiful, vulnerable and
impulsive princess (Lee Yoon Ji) is so endearing and sweet. Jo Jung Suk’s amazing performance is the
only really good thing the drama has to offer. If only more screen time and better dialogues would be
given to their story instead of the silly military tournament or the ridiculous antagonist. The couple’s
ending is a heavy blow and such an infuriatingly unnecessary drama for the sake of drama that my blood
still boils at the thought of it.
Now to the plot. It has little logic or sense. What is the reasoning behind marrying the only male heir of
the South Korean royal family to a random North Korean woman who is in the military on top of that? It
is never properly explained. And how dumb and careless the king can be to trespass into the North
Korea just to get his woman back after they had an argument? Or to make his engagement depend on
the success of the Korean team at the military tournament?
The antagonist is a joke and not threatening at all. What he is supposed to be with all his magical tricks
and sick humor? A Korean Joker or something? His “American” sidekicks are doubly cringe worthy. The
drama is evidently trying to show how an evil transnational corporation is gaining power over the
governments but it is done in extremely awkward and simplistic way.
I would hardly recommend the drama to anyone as it is mediocre in almost everything from script
to directing, even good acting (and good looks) of the cast can not redeem it.
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