spicyeggroll
The Young Lady of The General's House
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Female lead that I ended up falling out of love with...
I initially liked the first 2 ep as it featured a cold and cliche general, funny and outgoing female lead, and lovable side characters (there's side couples EVERYWHERE. At least 4 by the point I dropped the series). I love the romance-centric theme of General's Lady and how the leads fall in love quickly and have great screen time together. BUT. It got a bit boring for me so I decided to read recaps of the rest of the episodes - lol.Satisfying/sweet ending, but I don't think it was worth it to watch the last 10 or so episodes (especially since I was watching it in 2x speed).
PROS
❀ Sweetly/sickingly romantic | Like I said, there are side couples everywhere lol, and the main couple gets together pretty quickly. (The FL confesses in the first couple of episodes and the ML follows after another couple of episodes. Out of 30 episodes, they are officially a couple with reciprocating feelings in the first 10 episodes.) I liked this deeply romantic plot and how their love was emphasized throughout the story. BUT. At what cost?? (More on that in the CONS section)
❀ Pretty set and outfits | The visuals were aesthetically pleasing.
❀ Satisfying face-slapping | As the drama takes place a bit in the FL's family home, there are some cunning concubines/sisters she has to deal with. I loveee reading about family feuds and seeing the FL overcome abusive households, which happens in this drama. BUT I also feel like the abusers were let off a bit too nicely.
CONS
✕ The trade-off between romance and misunderstandings... | Okay, the thing about the romance is that you have obstacles to overcome romantic conflict, right? There's way too many for me in this drama to continue watching. Most of the conflicts arise from miscommunication/misunderstandings, and after reading recaps of the next episodes I saw it continued down the line. No thank you from this watcher.
✕ Wasn't feeling the 2 leads | I already wrote off the ML in the beginning because he literally has no personality, lol, other than being a military general and loving his wife, but I was super disappointed in the FL. The actress herself was hilarious and, imo, did the role well (she wasn't annoying in the beginning despite her antics), but I got tired of those machinations after 10+ episodes. She's not the brightest bulb, but she's also not dumb. She's just... there. In the beginning, she was quick-witted despite not having many skills and straightforward. As the pair fall in love, she starts scheming behind her husband's back (very inconsequential but also annoying things) and basically not contributing to anything. The bulk of the face-slapping with her own family was initiated by the ML (her plan with the new concubine was a small redemption). She just gave off very classic shoujo anime main character energy. The ML's character is hard to work with already, but the actor's stone-cold face didn't help. His lack of emotions was almost comical, and this stayed true to the end (as I ended up skipping to see the last episode). I mean yeah, he smiled sometimes, but I kinda need more than a couple of smiles to make me like the character... lol. He definitely becomes a devoted general husband, don't get me wrong, but his face didn't match his actions.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 7/10 | There weren't big misunderstandings in the grand scheme of the couple's love but it's still present. Even though the misunderstandings were about small things they were cringey and I had to skip through them. Chinese dramas really love to make use of the "innocuous yet grating for the sake of angst" situation, and this one was no different.
OVERALL
In essence, I had high expectations for General's Lady after the comical first couple of episodes, paired with my favorite tropes. (Tropes being: cold ML/heartwarming FL, FL gets married off to 'demonic' general instead of another girl (Beauty and the Beast energy), FL comes from mean family (Cinderella energy), etc.) BUT I should have known better, because along with those tropes came 2010 drama energy, where the girl is 80% of the time in need of getting saved, and the romantic plotline obliterates most of the characters' common sense. Which is fine! But hun, this was aired in 2020 and at this point of my life I'm ready for better romcoms than what we've had for the past 10 years.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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New Wrong Carriage, Right Groom
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Sweet, light historical romcom with endearing ships
If you're looking for a lighter Cdrama without too much angst but lots of couples, I recommend this one!It features:
- Sismance between two girls as they head towards unlikely marriages
- Physically strong and direct FL x "sickly" but intelligent ML
- Scholarly, quick-witted second couple FL x loyal, military second couple ML
- Light scheming both within the family and within the palace
- Sweet storyline that doesn't require too much thought
PROS
❀ Couples EVERYWHERE and they are all so cute
In order of screen time, it would probably be: (if my memory serves correct)
1. Li Yu Hu x Qi Tian Lei: main couple that work together to save the family from a scheming cousin. I loveeed the scenes where they practiced martial arts together hehe.
2. Du Bing Yan x Yuan Bu Qu: second couple that (also) work together to defeat the enemies at the border. She dresses up as a male physician to help out while he's the beloved general at the camp.
3. Princess Chang Ping x Sha Ping Wei: they're both the younger side couple that the show devotes some extra time towards. He's the lieutenant/right hand man of Yuan Bu Qu while she's the princess engaged to the general.
4. Liu Ruo Qian x Shu Da Niang: (I THINK that's her name...) basically the older couple that gets reunited after a fight. Teacher Liu is pretty much everyone's master/sensei/godfather/mentor/fortune-teller/shipper/matchmaker in the story LOL
5. Yan Sheng x Ji Jing Tang: another younger side couple between the apothecary's son and ML's family member that helps them out
6. Empress x Liu's senior brother: additional tale of a past romance and the empress getting closure about it
I like how the romances were the main highlight of the drama and it doesn't shy away from them. They develop quite quickly and the couples stay true to each other. By ep 8, the main 2 couples have already confessed and we get some kissing scenes already hehe. I would have to note, the romances are all super wholesome and lean towards the "cutesy" theme rather than anything sensual or deep. It matches the drama's theme since everything stays light, but I wanted to let future viewers know so they have the right expectations going in.
❀ Interesting (enough) side conflicts
Again, there isn't anything too deep with any of the schemes going on but it keeps viewers watching. The first couple has to deal with an instigator in the house (the ML's cousin) while the second couple has to deal with getting approval for their marriage after the general gets promoted and catches the eye of the empress. The drama's overall theme is pretty low-stakes though, so I wouldn't say these conflicts are *gripping*; they're good for a light watch to see the couples succeed despite all odds. Also it's cute how all the characters help each other out.
However, I would highlight that viewers shouldn't come in with high expectations when it comes to how the schemes pan out because there's a good bit of deus ex machina where someone pops out of nowhere to "save the day."
CONS
✕ Uneven distribution of screen time
The drama pretty much goes all in on one couple over another, but I think it would have been more enjoyable to see more equal parts of each as each episode continues. For example, we focus more on the first couple towards the beginning and I low key forgot about the second couple, lol. I would have been a more attentive watcher if the show decided to split the couples more evenly - or at least not wholly focus on just one couple for an extended period of time. This would have kept me engaged on all the characters equally.
✕ Second couple could have been more
While I liked this couple, I feel like their lack of screen time hindered their relationship. First, we never figure out why the general had two past wives (rip to this dropped plot point). Second, they have to deal with this empress for SO many episodes which had them separate for a while (rip to their relationship development). I feel like their relationship had potential that just wasn't utilized.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 2/10
Happy to report that the bride mix-up storyline doesn't drag too long and the grooms figure things out pretty quickly lol. The couples are true to each other from beginning to end.
OVERALL
I think this drama checks all the boxes for a light, historical romcom that'll leave viewers satisfied. Although nothing particularly makes WRONG CARRIAGE, RIGHT GROOM a "stand-out," the happy ending and journey towards it (featuring all the cute couples) make it worth the watch.
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Supposed to be inspirational but falls flat
First - kudos to the actress/director Jia Ling for managing to lose 100 lbs in a year! I don't blame her for wanting to make money/get popular from it too in the form of a movie. I feel like fans seem to be divided on the whole weight loss stuff but good for her on getting more healthy. A Lululemon deal doesn't hurt at the end of the journey either, lol. So get that bag sis.For the movie itself:
PROS
❀ Character growth
In the beginning, we see Le Ying essentially get bullied by everyone in her life. She's a people pleaser and thinks about others before herself - even to her own detriment. Her sister walked all over her, her best friend and ex-boyfriend walked all over her (and cheated in the meantime), and even her lover/coach walked all over her in the end. Boxing was the one thing though that she genuinely wanted to do for HERSELF. Getting into that ring and having a sparring session. She stayed strong in that regard and eventually got her goal in the end. One might think that winning the boxing match is her goal, but I think a more subtle - and important - goal is the ability to say no. And I enjoyed how that manifested at the end of the movie.
❀ Decent cinematography
I really liked the filters they used - it almost reminded me of a Wes Anderson color scheme. The shots were done pretty well and the boxing match was great. I heard that they consulted with an actual famous female boxer on that scene and it shows.
CONS
✕ Anticlimactic ending
I know I went off about the character growth lol but I thought the results of the boxing match would have been more... inspirational, I guess. This is probably the American in me lol. You kind of end it with an "all that and for what?" thought. I mean, obviously for the MC's own internal growth. But it makes it less powerful when the physical reality doesn't match the mental. I think maybe, they were aiming for a match like in Rocky where the journey is what matters, not the outcome. Basically if you give it your all then it doesn't matter what happens. But for some reason it doesn't feel as satisfying. Yes, she discovered her self-worth in the end, but I feel like she was so abused/mistreated in the beginning that the trade-off doesn't really match.
OVERALL
YOLO is one of those movies where right after I ended, I was like "this all?" But after sitting with the message, I started to appreciate it more. Is it inspiring? It's supposed to be, yes. It didn't quite reach the mark for me, though, although I can still appreciate the intent.
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Heartfelt historical romance with a bickering couple and a storyline full of righteousness and valor
I hope everyone can find their Wonderland of Love <3I saw this recommended on a TikTok with "strong FLs in C-dramas" and it definitely did not disappoint! This was also my first drama with the ever-popular Xu Kai and I think they really highlighted his acting skills (especially the grief/crying scenes). If you like very romantic historical dramas, you're in for a treat. There's a lot of scenes between the main leads (LOTS of kissing too hehe) while they deal with an unstable court regime, a missing crown grandson, and invaders along the border. I thought that the opening music matched the couple's energy: heroic and righteous from beginning to end.
The storyline starts with both leads having a playful back-and-forth with their armies on the line during a time of rebellion and turmoil, as the emperor's family is almost all annihilated and a general took control. Midway through, the environment shifts from the battlefield and war to court intrigue and tricky politics. I do think the war strategies were at the forefront of the conflict in the show compared to any palace drama, which was refreshing and fun.
PROS:
❀ Main couple with stellar chemistry and dialogue
I loved the scenes between A'Ying and Li Ni, from the very beginning where they were after the same thing (provisions for their respective armies) to the end where they worked together as a couple to squash rebels. Their chemistry was fire from the very beginning and the flirting never stopped from there, lol. The couple dynamics were giving stubborn general's daughter x playful nobleman. Neither of them were invested in the fight for court power but were thrown into the game due to the incompotent people around them, such as Li Ni's cowardly father and brothers. I love how they were on the same frequency for most of the drama, knowing what the other thought and going along with their plans. They both respected each other's wit and characters immensely, and the dialogue always emphasized that. In terms of an equal relationship, this one takes the cake. ALSO, I'm very happy with their ending as a couple and how the show took time to reach that conclusion.
As individuals, I thought their characterizations stayed true throughout the story. Even though Li Ni didn't want to crown prince role and favored a simple lifestyle on the border, he recognized what he needed to do after the huge betrayal scene. Even still, he remained stalwart and upstanding even in the midst of scheming ministers. A'Ying is like the rest of her family - tsundere at heart. She may seem quite cold at times, but she actually has a soft heart. Together, they get along best when they fight/bicker (lol). Shout out to the choreography of them fighting/battling together, because that was always a feast for the eyes.
❀ Interesting side characters that added a lot of depth
From the torn Crown Princess (what a heartbreaking character!) to the brother-in-arms from Loulan Pass (my favorite comic relief), I really appreciated the extra characters. The only ones I didn't like were the second leads, lol. More on that in the con section. Oh also, Taozi and Erduo were the cutest :)
❀ Giving Art of War energy
I enjoyed the heavy emphasis on military strategy over any palace intrigue. A lot of the plans talked about knowing when to attack and when to retreat, which people to use as your allies, when to ambush the enemy, etc. I thought it kept the storyline exciting and the action non-stop.
❀ Them costumes though...
Flashy and gorgeous. Especially Li Ni's outfits... that man looks fine in everything. Also loved his hairdo as well lol. They did an amazing job with making A'Ying look heroic in her military gear too! It created a great juxtaposition when she dressed up as a noble lady.
CONS:
✕ Second leads were kinda weird
I forgot their names so I'm just going to label them as 2ML and 2FL. Both had odd characterizations that were reductive and trite. Also both of them started out decent but ended up getting super obsessed over our main leads which made for lazy writing. Both stand no chance in the romance game.
The 2ML was A'Ying's adoptive brother who wanted to get together with him, but she only saw as an older brother. I thought their separation would allow him to come back even more heroic and helpful in the Cui Army cause, but he just fell into the dark side.
The 2FL was a court lady that Li Ni randomly saved and she got obsessed with him ever since, going back to her father to scheme him into marrying her. At first I was like, "ooh she's kind of smart despite being a court lady that was kicked out of her home," but instead of leveraging that plotline to create character depth, her development stunted at falling in love with Li Ni who never ever gave her hints.
This wouldn't even be a con if it weren't for their obsessive scheming getting into the way of the leads. Like let them be!!
✕ A'Ying could get pretty stubborn at times
This is part of her character, but she could give a good sulk like no other. Thankfully, Li Ni is 10/10 at apologizing and I love a good grovel when I see one (even if it's sometimes not needed LOL). This didn't hinder my enjoyment but sometimes I was like, girl can you just let it go :,)) Thankfully their make-up scenes were 20/10!!
✕ Misunderstandings: 3/10
Nothing major that I can think of. It was more like minor understandings in the beginning when they were both figuring out each other's identities and character. Any break-ups and arguments were short-lived between them and they made up pretty often. I loveeeed their romantic dates in the midst of the war and fights breaking out lol.
OVERALL
If you're looking for a valiant couple who work together for the sake of bringing peace to the people, this show is for you. There's plenty of action, and even more romance, to enjoy. The male lead is protective and sweet, the female lead is headstrong and gallant. Both of them stand brave in the midst of chaotic times and strive to protect the ones they love. While the show was 40 episodes, I never felt bored and the satisfying ending made my heart all warm. The symbolism of Le You Yuan (Wonderland) will leave viewers hopeful about their own wonderland of love.
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Puppet Prince: Equinox Flower
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A must-see to complete this couple's story
Thank you Productive Procrastination for the translations!This movie is a sequel and continuation of where the story left off in Puppet Prince, which you should watch first. The story in this movie is set three years after Puppet Prince, where the FL is trying to save the ML from his vegetative state. It honestly was more frustrating than the first movie, but not gonna lie the twist near the end got me. Did it absolve the frustrating bits beforehand? Somewhat... but in general I wasn't here for the angst done to the FL.
PROS
❀ The FL remains as optimistic, fun, and good-hearted as always | In my review of the first movie I noted how hesitant I was about the FL, but I ended up really liking her, and in this movie she stays great! I love how determined she was to save the ML and to regain his memories. When she realized she was overstepping her boundaries, she steps back. She's also smart and capable though, and ends up figuring things out on her own despite people going against her. We stan a heroine who knows kung-fu and uses her brain!
❀ Those twists near the end got me | The first 45 minutes got me low key upset, lol. I felt like the FL deserved so much better and there were more romantic scenes between the ML and the 2FL villainess. BUT the plot was saved by those twists near the end. I like how everything was fast-paced so watchers get to figure out the bad guys along with the main characters. I think both movies were unpredictable in some ways which really turned the storyline for the better. My only complaint is all that angst leading up to the twist.
CONS
✕ Not a huge fan of the amnesia plot | I guess you can't expect an epic Chinese story without an amnesia plot (/sob... why must they be like this). Anyway, this amnesia trope was hard to watch in this movie because the ML felt so cold towards the FL who had only the best of intentions. Like - sir!!! But future watchers should have more faith in him (at least more than I did, lol), because there are ~reasons~ why frustrating things happen. Y'all's patience will be rewarded. :')
✕ Not a fan of how much screen time they spent on the ice puppet | At one point I felt like I was watching a totally new couple (with the ice puppet as the FL) and my eyes rolled so hard. There's a limit to how many scenes I can bear where the actual FL's feelings get stomped on!! They even gave the ice puppet a flashback scene. All in all she was a pretty annoying character but at least she had good character development.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 9/10 | Bruh, even *I* as the watcher was misunderstanding the ML. All in the name of noble sacrifice.
OVERALL
Sad to report that while this is about the romance between the couple from Puppet Prince, there aren't romantic scenes surrounding them. I mean, the feelings are still there, but they're too busy trying to save the other (lmao). I'd say watch this if you're okay with investing a bit over 2 hours for both movies. The story is still pretty exciting (a lot is fit in these movies) and while I would have liked more ~romance~, at least we get a happy ending for our main leads.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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De Heks: Deel 1. De Ondermijning
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Fell asleep in first half but second half took a 180 turn
I watched this movie in four parts... lol the first three times, I kept falling asleep. Nothing was really happening, it was boring, and I had to get my friend to recap for me. Thank goodness my friend kept prodding me to finish it, because halfway through the movie literally goes from 0 to 105. It's all action, gore, fighting, and the main lead being OP af. If you like seeing the protagonist beat up foes, this one's for you. Story-wise, though, there's a lot missing.(Also, one of the reasons she made me watch was to see Da Mi and Woo Shik before Our Beloved Summer aired lol. I like both actors - they have young faces and bring refreshing emotions to the screen.)
PROS
❀ Good introduction to the actors | I haven't watched Itaewon Class but Kim Da Mi left an impression on lots of people and she did a good job in this movie too. Even though her character was written very lazily, she still managed to give off very intelligent and savage vibes for her character. Woo Shik was great in Parasite and in The Witch, he plays the lunatic working for the evil scientist quite well. Honestly, I'm impressed with how well he expressed the character because his lines bordered on cringe sometimes. The Witch is a testimony that movies can be successful, despite poor writing, due to the execution of the actors and the producer.
❀ Fun action, especially towards the end | Once everything gets out in the open by the middle of the movie, the action is non-stop. You basically watch the main character Goo Ja Yun beat all the bad guys up in a very satisfying way. The production quality for the action was eye-catching and vibrant, which makes up for all the boring scenes in the beginning. Like I said, the movie goes from 0 (nothing big happening) to 105 (a LOT of things happening) lol. So if you're struggling while watching, try to push through to reach that middle part.
CONS
✕ Really sloppy writing | This movie takes the idea of "genetically engineered superhuman children" and... that's it. Lol. It doesn't progress past the vague idea of one of the superhuman children turning against the researchers and nothing is deep. Main character Ja Yun wants to live and protect her foster parents. That means getting rid of the people after her. Solution? Kill those people. I'm a huge fan of sci-fi and have seen this vague storyline done 10+ times through Western books/movies/etc. The Witch: Subversion doesn't offer anything new, unfortunately, nor does it stand out against the myriad of stories with the same theme. The story doesn't have depth, the characters barely have depth, and the superhuman plot is not used to its potential. Everything about this movie just screams "shallow."
OVERALL
Honestly I feel like you shouldn't watch it until Part 2 comes out. Part 1 ends in a cliffhanger, there's barely a storyline going on, and the characters felt like caricatures. The reasons I kept watching were 1) my friend basically forcing me and 2) the main actors. The action towards the end and the female lead kicking ass make it worth the watch, but everything else is a hazy memory in my mind.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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It felt like I was watching poorly-written fanfiction of season 1
Came into this season right after binging and loving season 1. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed season 1, but season 2 shocked me again with how much I /didn't/ like it. All the enjoyable things about season 1 was pretty much gone, and the only theme that carried over was the main couple's intense romance that everyone loves. I feel like they not only butchered Tan-er's character from a smart, capable heroine who solved the puzzles with her partner to stale paint in the background, but also Mo Yi Huai's character where they made him cannon fodder for the sake of the plot. Instead of the characters being pro-active in dealing with antagonistic schemes like season 1, they were passive and reactive. I dunno, season 2 lost a lot of its charm and I don't think I'll follow the couple's story into season 3 since it seems like the same thing, rinse and repeat.PROS
❀ Romance, romance, romance | Just like season 1, at the core focus of this drama is the main couple Tan'er and Mo Lian Cheng. Even though one of Mo Lian Cheng's love rival is literally a past version of himself (seemingly in a different dimension), the main couple stays true to each other. The way they reconciled Mo Lian Cheng's different selves was... okay. I guess the only way they could have ended that plot point. I know some other viewers weren't a fan (based on YT comments LOL) but I thought it was fine. At that point in the story, I was speeding through and could care less.
❀ I liked the modern setting in the first couple of episodes | To be honest, it would have been refreshing to keep the story but in modern settings. But the writers said "nah" and decided to rehash all the characters and premises of season 1. Original, much??? (/s)
❀ Still love the supporting characters | Tan-er's maid, MLC's bodyguard, and his younger brother prince are my fave.
CONS - caution bc I be ranting in here
✕ The way they butchered Tan-er's character | In season 1, I love how she worked with Mo Liang Chen and even Qu Xiao Tan to figure out the antagonists' schemes and get back at them. She was smart, and even though she was a little obnoxious, at the end of the way she got things done. In this season, only the obnoxious part of her character carried through. She barely did anything in terms of plot (most of the action was Mo Liang Chen trying to get a happy ending for this dimension and his fam), and her plans usually backfired (with the exception of like, 1, towards the end lmao). She wasn't annoying, per se, but she wasn't helpful for anything outside of the main romance. It was really disappointing to see a smart (and kind of powerful, with the orb magic!) FL regress into the same ol' same ol' Chinese historical heroine that runs around doing nothing and having dudes fall in love with her for doing nothing.
✕ The way they butchered Mo Yi Huai's character | Loved his bittersweet character in season 1, but in this season he's crazy. His character is inconsistent (in one scene he's obsessed with and 'loves' Tan-er, in another scene he laughs at her trying to seduce him) (Granted, he knows she has something up her sleeve but still homeboy really acted like he hated her), his motives are dodgy, and in general he gets pulled like the wind in whatever direction the writers want him to take. I'm tired of Chinese drama writers making villains mentally ill/obsessive... it's not only lazy, but leaves a bad taste in my mouth. We in the 21st century, surely we can think up of better villains? Anyway, all his charm and pure love in season 1 gets thrown out the window and he regresses into the stereotypical obsessive/possessive villain who will do anything, at all costs, to get a woman. Sigh.
✕ From pro-active to reactive | Like I said, the scheming/court intrigue became frustrating in this one with the characters finding things out last minute and figuring out a way to fix things. The crux of the problem was Mo Liang Chen trying to save his older bro (who the writers must hate as a character bc they always be doing him dirty) and because of that, tries not to stir stuff up. Oh, but other people be stirring stuff up. So MLC's there to act as a janitor and sweep everything into rights... until he can't. And shit hits the fan. And now they have a BIGGER mess to clean up. And as a viewer I'm done and skipping scenes.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 4+/10 | I honestly don't remember since I finished this a couple weeks ago but definitely more than the first season. Mo Liang Chen has Tan-er in CIRCLES with him acting as himself, being himself but in an earlier time/different dimension, and acting as himself with a mask aka lookin like another dude. To be honest, I couldn't keep up with the actor switching roles and I don't think he did a good job. I had to constantly read the YT comments to figure out if it was the OG Mo Liang Chen or the new one. Comments be like "ohh he's colder as the new MLC and much sweeter as the OG one" and I was like "who???" bc they both be having the same ":|" expression. The FL was confused, I was confused as a viewer, and in general the execution was Very Messy (TM).
OVERALL
The Eternal Love lost its charm for me. I really don't understand why this season is some viewers' faves - maybe bc of the unnecessary angst that was created? Season 1 was fun and fresh, season 2 was the opposite. We got reuse, reduce, recycled characters/background, romance that felt cheapened (especially with Tan-er losing ALL her memories of season 1. Like she gains a little back but not the whole thing, it seemed like (although it was not clearly showed)), and heavily wasted potential on plot elements. I feel like I should have skipped this season and went directly to season 3. Nevertheless, I'll be taking a break on this series before moving on (if I do so at all).
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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Spunky, energetic barista x awkward, unsociable architect from high school to college
Youth drama at its finest! I love how this show stayed true to its warm, endearing tone from beginning to end. Every potential enemy turns into a friend. The main lead were childhood friends turned high school sweethearts turned college couple. Their best friends also have a similar progression. Everyone gets happy endings as they wrap up high school and everyone managed to pursue their dreams while staying together.It's a feel-good, unrealistic yet heartwarming rendition of young adult years.
PROS
❀ Main leads are a team from beginning to end | I picked up this drama for the ML actually, despite not being the biggest fan of youth dramas, because I wanted to see how the show portrayed his social anxiety disorder. It was awesome to see him slowly open up with the help of the feisty FL (I love how they call her Rui Ge, like older bro), while he on the other hand helped the FL with her studies and getting into college. They're a team, through and through, and their bond remains tight throughout the show.
I've become a fan of the actress for the FL. I love how full of energy she is, how she would randomly dance, and how she was comfortable with grandiose actions. I feel like she really got into her role! The ML was like a little puppy, especially when he opened up. I don't think the role itself needed much from the actor, but his face was really good at exuding those puppy vibes.
Romance-wise, their chemistry is sweet and like the rosy blushes of first love; their relationship is innocent and naive. There's a lot of interrupted kisses (lol, maybe like 5+?), but the kisses near the end are sugary sweet and satisfying.
❀ Cute secondary characters that I really liked | The FL's best friends are loud-and-proud Cheng Er Luo and studious actress Zhao Yi Shu. While wary of the ML's unwillingness to open up at first, they gradually become friends and understand each other. Cheng Er Luo ends up calling the ML "Nan idol," lmao. There's a couple of other sweet couples (diligent diplomat Yang Yu Fei x bad boy/slacker Liu Bin; fierce coach x well-read coffee house owner) that light up the screen as well. And one of the wittiest characters of the cast was Chen Hao, the FL's younger half-brother. He was so cheeky!
❀ Nostalgic school moments that make you want to re-live teen years | From setting off fireworks during evening study period to cheering on your friend at basketball practice after school, Meeting You really encapsulates the best times of high school and college. Even studying for the college entrance exams is a team effort that, while stressful, remains light in tone.
❀ Sha-la-la-la OST that matched the light tone of the drama | It's a shame the YT audio has such poor quality (they would take away background music during scenes, I guess for copyright reasons?), which really killed the vibe. But I'm listening to the full OST as I write this review, and it's really cute! Makes me feel like a high schooler again.
❀ Awesome adult characters | From the supportive moms to the devoted teachers, all the adults passed the vibe check in this drama. Love, love, loved their limited screen time and interactions with the young group. 10/10 great role models.
CONS
✕ A relationship that toed the line with co-dependency | I was low-key surprised at some of the dialogue that happened between the leads. I mentioned before that it was nice seeing the FL bring the ML out of his shell while the ML helped tutor the FL, but when people (namely, parents) wanted to separate them, the answer was a firm, "no." FL might not get into this university suitable for the ML's future? ML's answer: "I'm not going." FL gets an opportunity to go to Italy to hone her coffee-making skills but that means leaving the ML? FL's answer: "I'm not leaving." If not for the coincidential plot points that allowed the main couple to stay together the entire drama, I shudder to think of how the couple would have sacrificed potential futures for each other. Not to say you can't, as this is a nuanced discussion that people have to have, but the drama never took the steps to start that conversation. It retained its singular focus of "we won't be split up again" from beginning to end. On one side, it's testimony of the main leads' devotion (very nice!). On the other, it toes the line of some head-scratching as you begin to think about potential co-dependency. The solution? Don't think too deep about it.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 for the main couple, 4/10 for second couple | Xia Rui and Nan Xi are solid from beginning to end. They trust each other even through rumors and other external interference. Cheng Er Luo and Zhao Yi Shu (the second couple) take a much longer time getting together. He's dense af, she's missing her opportunities to confess. Their relationship was sweet at first but got a bit overdone when they went to college.
OVERALL
While I have mostly positive things to say about this drama, it stays on the superficial side. This is a positive, as the tone is light-hearted and fluffy (no need for angst to enter the equation), but it also makes it a bit difficult to keep the engagement going. I found myself watching scenes in 1.5x-2x speed out of sheer impatience. So while the show didn't have too much depth, that's exactly how it should be enjoyed. I still recommend it though, for a youth drama that's more romance than coming-of-age, highlighting the fun times of young adulthood rather than the struggles.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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If you like seeing the FL chase after her dream with support from the ML
This drama made me a huge fan of Eleanor Lee. Well, this one and Fake Princess. I love love loved her roles in both dramas and she really understands the assignment. Her acting is phenomenal, at such a young age, and I'm blessed to have been introduced to her (and she's talented in other stuff too!). The 2FL is also funny and fierce in this one, although her romantic storyline was a little tiring. Overall this is a cute and cozy watch with the usual illogical situations/misunderstandings of CDramas. I'm superrr impatient when it comes to misunderstandings, but I have to say the cute OTP moments are VERY worth it, as the leads have GREAT chemistry and are so cute together.PROS
❀ Eleanor Lee's character (Nuan Nuan) is awesome and we get to see her go step-by-step towards her dream | Despite failing as an idol, I loved watching NN's journey in testing out different roles and settling into one that suited her. The different roles do become cyclic/repetitive at some point (enter new role, other colleague jealous of her, she manages to perform well, rinse, repeat), but tbh that's pretty satisfying to me. We love successful heroines chasing after their dreams!! Eleanor's acting range is so incredible and her character is pretty fun, too.
❀ Sha-la-la-la chemistry with the main leads | I think I read that the main leads are friends irl, and I buy it. I loved the chemistry between the main couple (hardworking, creative designer x genius, stone-faced visual director). I do think NN outshone Han Che, but he kept up as a supportive ML that wanted to do right by the FL. At first he's pretty unlikable but once he realizes his feelings for her (around ep 8 I believe), he becomes adorkable. And when they're together, they're fire!! His pouty faces are so cute and her antics with him make you want to laugh and smile. I think he does his fair share of groveling to make up for his mistake in the beginning by helping the FL throughout the series. Also great (and numerous) kissing scenes, bless.
I also liked how Han Che's emotion immaturity was partially explained by his hyperhymesia, which is the rare ability to remember everything in life with precision. The show explores its drawbacks, including physical ones like headaches and more mental ones like not knowing how to behave in social settings. BUTTT I wish the show utilized more of his psychiatrist!! Why bring those scenes in when he's not even going to open up to the psychiatrist? :') I feel like that was a bit of a lost opportunity as it could have explored mental health in a way I haven't seen in dramas.
❀ Great OST; very sweet and upbeat | There's a reprise that continues throughout different songs that I really like, but I think the original one is from The Best of Luck sung by Eleanor Lee herself (she's so talented... y'all I hopped on her train so fast LOL). It's a beautiful song, features a gorgeous melodic line, and I think the show did a wonderful job in bringing it into different tracks.
❀ Cute addition of a shared pet! And cohabitation *heart sign* | Got some great tropes mixed in, including a cat named hotpot and the leads acting cute while living together.
❀ Happy ending with basically 3 couples | The secondary couple talk about getting pregnant, the main couple is about to get married, and the evil couple are kinda getting it on (tbh idk/idc about them).
CONS
✕ Kinda useless evil ML (EML) and evil FL (EFL) | I disliked how the main couple and secondary couple remained friends with them until the end. Like yuh... homegirl acted up on yo mans AND betrayed y'all after 4 years of being trainees, and y'all gonna let her in on hotpot?? I skipped most of the scenes she was in. The EML was good-looking but had cardboard acting so I couldn't empathize with him. The end of the drama made it seem as if they be getting feelings for each other (they = EML + FML) but honestly I couldn't see it. Both actors were pretty wooden-faced throughout everything and the script didn't help.
✕ Secondary couple (fierce, emboldened ex-trainee x nerdy, helpful little brother) was a bit tiring | Their whole subplot was "I can't like him because I see him as a lil bro" and "why can't she see me as a man," thrown in with a (maybe) pregnancy. I feel like this subplot was written a bit immaturely and I found myself watching their scenes in 2x speed. Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them and they were cute, but their antics were a lil 2much4me.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 7/10 | Other than the main misunderstanding, for the sake of the plot (where the ML hides his identity as the guy who helped the FL fail in becoming a star) there are small misunderstandings too. I remember two small ones instigated by the EFL, and in both times the supposedly smart (but emotionally stunted, I guess) ML jumped to conclusions. There's a break-up around ep 17 (confrontation of the big secret in the beginning) but the ML is chasing the FL all the way until they get back together in ep 20, and then other stuff due to the ML's wayward protectiveness happen too. Tbh the boundary between their relationship (i.e., "we're together" vs. "we've broken up") isn't really explicitly stated whenever they get together, but I guess it's the audience's assumption that they know the other's feeling of liking them. (If that makes sense. Lol, I promise the cute moments between the two are worth the slight ambiguity.)
OVERALL
I feel like 7.5/10 is such an ugly number, and feels low, but it's also just below a 4/5 which is not bad at all. I think this drama used one too many misunderstandings, BUTTT the main couple's chemistry and Nuan Nuan's character in general elevated the story and made me keep watching. If you're a fan of seeing the FL grow and find her dream through trials and tribulations, along with supportive side characters, you'll like this one!
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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Simple, sweet, and satisfying!
This drama is literally 4 hours long and as the length suggests, goes at an exceptional pace. There's a very limited set and some important scenes are left off screen so the viewers are left to surmise what happened via dialogue. Despite the low effort energy, the storyline was super sweet and if you're looking for a quick fix romance, this one's for you!PROS
❀ Comedy overload | I swear... this show is funny and no one can argue that. From the second-in-command bandit dressing up as the FL's personal maid to the ML romantically catching the FL after she fell from the roof (and dropping her/injuring his arms in the process), this drama delivers on comedic value. The ML and FL's servants were HILARIOUS (especially the FL's... they really utilized the most out of that actor HAHA) and the added visual/audio effects kept the tone super light and fluffy.
❀ Cute romance | The pairing is mischievous, rough and tough female bandit who likes to cook x scholarly and gentle general's son. They make for a cute pair! The actors had great chemistry and I love their little moments in bed (where they're hugging each other). Also, FINALLY a drama with kissing scenes where the couple closes their eyes while making out. LMAO it always comes off as unnatural when couples keep their eyes open while kissing (as well as uncomfortable). The leads are quick to fall in love with each other and become supportive partners. Yay!
❀ Fun antics with the second couple | The second couple is the general's first son and his wife; both characters are fun/likable and go through minor growth along with our main leads. Seriously, the wife's confrontation with her husband was so satisfying to see and the husband's subsequent romantic deeds was great.
CONS
✕ Falling into tropes | Y'all I can't with the evil second female lead who can't take no for an answer trope... Anyway, this kinda woman shows up in this drama too to mar the story with bad acting (along with her maid, yikes) and dialogue. Not that it's a huge annoyance since you KNOW she won't get her way, but... lmao. Can't believe they added her.
✕ YT subtitles aren't the best | I'm grateful for the subs but they were a lil yikes... you could definitely see syntax/grammar errors and wrong pronouns.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 1/10 | Small ones happen but for like 10 minutes. I kid you not, at the breakneck pace this show goes, misunderstandings are NOT something to worry about.
OVERALL
Simple, sweet and satisfying love story between two leads with great chemistry. I'm a huge fan of the FL (the actress is so pretty!) and her straightforward attitude. Someone on YT commented that she's a mix of the FLs from General's Lady, Chef Hua, and Fake Princess, and I agree.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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Adorkable couple + a fight for the throne = light-hearted romcom with court intrigue
Left me smiling and with all the warm fuzzies. I really loved the main couple's chemistry and dynamic (naughty bandit x righteous crown prince), as well as the OST. It's upbeat, cute, lively, and a perfection reflection of the drama.PROS
❀ Well-casted with an actress I fell in love with | I ended up loving Eleanor Lee's depiction of the spunky, sometimes naughty but mostly well-intended Chang Le. She's a robber and proud to be one; the whole reason she gets embroiled in the crown prince's mess is because she's trying to save her village people. There's less face-slapping in court than I expected from the synopsis and the majority of the plot, when the couples aren't being cutesy with each other, is the fight for the throne between the fifth prince's faction and the crown prince's faction. A lot of old people doing machinations for the young generation, which was funny to see.
❀ Romantic storyline picked up quickly | For the main couple, it happens in the first 5 or so episodes even as the crown prince is mistrustful of CL. She smashes all expectations he has of her (or, Yu Yao, the girl she's pretending to be) in funny ways. For example, he takes her to a casino thinking she would be scared off by the gamblers but she ends up winning a lot of money for him and he ends up forgetting about his 'mission' because he has so much fun. Lol! The second romantic line between Nong Ying, CL's martial artist maid/bodyguard and Gong Sun Mo, Li Che's scholar and strategist, progresses a bit slower but also lovingly. Finally, the last couple of Li Heng (the fifth prince) and Zhu Yan was the typical stuff between two well-read scholars who fall in love through couplets and poetry. I didn't care at all for this couple (more details in CONS section).
❀ Can't say enough about the OST | I thought they did a wonderful job with the music additions, which added depth to scenes (whether it be comedic value, a sense of triumph/romance, or something else). Maybe because the music was very pop-like which appeals to me compared to sorrowful ballads (lmao), but I like several songs in the OST which is pretty rare for me.
❀ Why is the couple so adorkable??? | I loveddd the scenes where LC and CL are just being silly with each other and making kissy faces. All the feels!! I thought the actors had great chemistry together and they were the cutest couple. CL's adorable facial expressions made me cheer for her the whole show, and LC's boyish and charming personality was the perfect match. I know some people complained about wanting more from Li Che as the crown prince, but I personally liked how he wasn't a hypermasculine dude with no emotions. You could really feel the love and loyalty he had for his people. I think "boyish" is a better description than "immature" in his case.
❀ Foreign royalty that DOESN'T get between the couple | I feel like whenever foreign royalty (especially a princess) comes up, the writers are like "Yesss let's bring angst + drama through this poor soul who only has eyes for the ML." Nah, none of that happens here. The foreign princess Ali Ati remains sweet and level-headed throughout the story. We stan women who have self-respect.
❀ The name of the game is damsels NOT in distress | I loved the number of times we saw women characters save the day in this drama. They aren't too over-the-top with it but it's definitely a recurring theme, whether it's CL's mastery in picking locks/figuring out gadgets or NY with her top-notch martial art.
❀ Set costumes have STYLE | Seriously, why did the outfits for the guys (especially LC and LH's) look SO good??? I've been binging historical romcoms this past week and this drama's outfits for the princes are top game.
CONS
✕ The third couple y'all... | I literally have nothing to complain about this drama OTHER than the LH and ZY couple. I thought ZY was fine but basically a useless character the whole story. Like,,, she had no role except being the tragic partner of LH. And LH omg... at first I saw people hating on the couple and I was like "nah I'll give them a chance." WRONG. They spoiled the story for me. Everything is light and fluffy and then a scene with them comes up that's all tragic and shit (as they are on opposite factions in the fight for emperor). Compared to the other witty and fun couples, they are boring and I jumped on the bandwagon and skipped through their lame couplets and encounters. You really can't make excuses for LH's character who spirals because of his love for ZY and does ridiculous things. Throughout the story, he remains weak, indecisive (outside of stuff pertaining to ZY), easily manipulated, immature, and selfish. But even skipping this couple's scenes, you'll still be able to understand the storyline which made me feel better lol. I just don't understand why they got as much screen time as they did. Ooh the only saving grace - good music during their heartbreaking scenes.
✕ Misunderstanding levels | Between the main couple: 0/10. I can't think of a scene where a misunderstanding happened because LC and CL fall in love pretty quickly and are loyal to each other through the end. Even CL's hidden identity gets straightened out without a fallout. Between LC and the dimwit fifth prince: 10/10. Yes, it was for plot purposes, but it made me hate LH even more. What a dumbass.
OVERALL
Everything is perfect EXCEPT the storyline of the third main couple. I could care less for them and they ruined an otherwise wonderful story. With that said, it's still worth watching for the other two couples (especially Li Che and Chang Le... y'all they are so cute I cannot). Historical romcom lovers will like this one!
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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The Romance of Tiger and Rose
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Cute, satisfying, HILARIOUS historical romcom with a quirky cast!
This drama was funny and refreshing - a lovely drama for me to get back into the scene after not watching Asian dramas for a while. It wasn't perfect, but it was the perfect historical romantic comedy - with a happy ending - for me to watch.PROS
❀ Good acting from male and female leads | Especially the male lead... shEESh, his cheekbones. I enjoyed both the actors and the female lead's facial expressions are super cute and add to the comedic factor in the show. The male lead actor is great at acting cutesy as well while balancing a somewhat darker side.
❀ Goes against the grain of ancient historical settings | In QQ's script, the Huayuan city is a role reversal of ancient China where a matriarchal society exists. (There's this one scene where a woman is like, "Wow, look at how you can see that young man's ankles in public - shameless!!") This absolutely cracks me up and really added to comedic value.
❀ Super cute romance | It's a great balance between the sweet male lead, HS, and the plotting female lead, QQ. They had so many wonderful moments, and the actors did a great job.
❀ I loved the commentary about gender equality | QQ originally writes the script to be pro-female, but ends up discriminating against guys... being in her script, she recognizes that there is no equality when either gender lords over the other. Love the lessons learned!
❀ The bromances were wonderful omg | The servants of QQ and HS... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. Their acting and dialogue were top notch and never failed to make me smile and laugh. They were definitely A+++ supporting characters - couldn't have asked for better sidekicks.
❀ Happy ending!! A little too short for my liking, hehe. They wrapped up the "fell into a script" plot tightly (so tight you can't ask questions, but we don't question drama plots right). Soundtrack was nice too (especially the intro music). This was also the perfect length for me at 24 episodes, which I appreciate because it's hard for me to get through 50+ ep dramas.
CONS
✕ The self-sacrificing look is not a great one... | Not gonna lie, QQ was annoying at times. She had good motive for her actions, but it was hard for me to empathize. Also I mentioned before the actress's depiction was super cute, but it got a lil stifling in some scenes. Anyway, I think this con is a reflection of the drama's need to have a plot than anything else.
✕ Dialogue wasn't perfect | There were some scenes, especially in the beginning, where I questioned the logic and motives of characters. It wasn't bad, per se, but surprising to see in a drama with otherwise okay writing. The lesson I learned, lol, was not to take anything too seriously.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 5/10 | I thought this was exacerbated by lazy script-writing but yeah, prep yourself for unnecessary misunderstandings for a couple of episodes in this drama.
OVERALL
I can see why this series is hyped, and I'm fully on board! Like I said, this wasn't perfect by all means, but it WAS a perfect historical romcom with a lovely cast and satisfying ending. Perfect for my tastes!
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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Halfway through, and not even the Duke's loving family can save this show for me
I came into this show knowing about the BIG misunderstanding (fake pregnancy) that the plot is contingent on. And that the FL is a liar, lol (see: name of drama). But after a super funny first 10 episodes, it got pretty tiring, pretty quick. At first I was a fan of the slow burn romance, but then there's a back-and-forth that goes on forever. While the actors individually are hilarious and sweet, I couldn't get into their relationship. Finally, I'm pretty much halfway through the drama and the plot (scheming bad guys/Lotus people, Song family relationship, familial relationship, etc) is going nowhere. I know I love my light-hearted romcom, but this one crawled at a meandering pace.PROS
❀ FL is funny af | She's comedic gold and the actress did a great job in depicting the role. Her eidetic memory wasn't followed through on several times in the plot, but that's whatever. The FL is the epitome of naive and innocent, and her actions reflect that personality. Saying a lie to save herself was the best option at the time imo and she's quick to take action (even when the actions are silly).
❀ Wonderful families | Whether it's the duke's hearty laugh, the brothers' fun relationship (even while the second brother is second ML), or the adopted sisters of the art pavilion, this drama did an incredible job in depicting loving, supportive, loyal, hilarious families. The Duke was especially an easy to love character that made me smile!
CONS
✕ FL and ML both had faults that made it hard to root for them | For the FL, it was being too impulsive with her decisions that led to nonsensical things happening, and for the ML it was his inability to compromise. He basically coerces the FL to stay in the marriage with him after finding out about her lie (as a way to make up for it), even though the FL said she didn't want to. I guess you could call it "tough love" (because at this point he has feelings for her, he's just too shy to say it), but it didn't leave the FL with many options which was tough to see. I also saw a lot of ML saving FL moments, which I was just not in the mood for. The FL is hilarious and a tough cookie for sure, but I think her character's saving graces were underutilized.
✕ Too much girl on girl hate | In the first 10 episodes you see 3 different girls (NOT the FL) liking the ML. Like ---- why??? Lmao he's so cold. While the ML is depicted as a cold general, there's not much military stuff going on (compared to General's Lady) and his true personality is just stuffy, stuck up, and a stick in his ass. As he falls in love with the FL he opens up a bit but at the point where I dropped the drama, he hasn't confessed lmao, so I can't say any more about him. But I tolerated him despite his unlikable deeds because 1) the actor is quite handsome (yeh I'm superficial like that) and 2) the actING is done in a way where you find him endearing rather than tyrannical. So kudos to the actor lol. ANYWAY there's a childhood friend who's fighting for him (classic evil second FL), the Song family girl (naive/younger/immature girl), and the flashback of another girl who died, and also liked him. Like sheeeeesh give this dude a break. At one point it just kind of felt like a cat fight and I was over it.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 8/10 | I mean, this drama's main premise is literally BUILT on a misunderstanding, so be prepared when you start it. Other than that, there's the usual small things that happen but nothing too major for the couple, I think. The pregnancy scheme went on in the family for a while, even when the ML figures out the truth. I'm giving this a high misunderstanding score because of the inherent nature of the plot (the lie that just keeps spiraling), but it wasn't too annoying because at least it kept the story moving.
OVERALL
Yeahh... this one is light-hearted, but I'm not the watcher for it. The plot drags on the pregnancy plot (even when the FL confesses to the ML about it in ep 8, they keep the sham on for far too long imo) and nothing interesting was happening at the point where I stopped. I think this drama had good potential, but I wasn't sold on the romance and characters enough to keep going. Like in General's Lady, the FL gave shoujo anime MC-like energy and the drama itself felt like a 2010's kind of drama rather than something more,,, developed, when it comes to the FL and other female characters. Maybe give this one a watch for the hilarity and warm family, but that's pretty much it.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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Couples who grow together STAY together!!! and end up saving the country along the way
If I could rewind time to rewatch this whole series again, I would do it right now.I was so excited for DESTINED I even broke out my rusty Mandarin to try reading the webnovel it was based on (Chang Feng Du, or "Long Wind Crossing") before the series even aired. (Turns out my Mandarin was a bit too rusty lol.)
If you're a fan of:
- a heartfelt couple who goes through THICK AND THIN together to solve problems and save civilians
- intricate political schemes featuring a 3-dimensional, cunning villain who's easy on the eyes
- host of side characters that brighten up the screen
- diverse genres from war time, palace intrigue, business start-ups, to even slice-of-life and rom-com
- and main characters that go through amazing growth throughout the series,
Then this drama is right up your alley!!
PROS
❀ This couple is my new gold standard for historical dramas
No misunderstandings, unnecessary break-ups, and over-the-top arguments/bickering. JUST mutual affection and understanding, riding the same frequency, passionate embraces, staunch devotion, and growing with each other. The ML Gu Jiusi is at first a carefree dandy, but you can see that he's still soft-hearted and caring, which sets his character up for huge potential. The FL Liu Yuru is getting ready for an engagement as per the young ladies of the time period, but in the series she blossoms into more than those expectations. I adored how both leads inspired the other to go beyond what society expected of them. For GJS, it was maturing past his playboy tendencies to become an official that brought peace to the people, and for LYR it was seeking a surprise passion: business.
Their interactions were so sweet! I love how LYR turned her accidental marriage into something productive and pushed her husband out of his comfort level. On the other hand, GJS's open mind and natural intelligence also sparked new drive and passion into his wife's heart. Individually, they became dependable and strong. Together, they were a gold star team.
Their romance took up a good portion of the story and hooks you in with satisfying character development from the get-go. After the first 10 episodes or so, underhanded scheming upends their lives as they grow more into their roles to save the family.
OH! I also loved their kiss scenes :)) not to mention the couple looked gorgeous together.
❀ The side characters had significant depth
I love how the show focused on side characters as much as the main leads. Relationships of all types are featured: romance, bromance, sismance, revengemance (lol?), and more. The biggest shout outs I have are:
- Pan Xuan and General Zhou's bromance: one that transcends beyond official positions
- Zhou Ye x Ye Shian x Gu Jiusi's bromance: I literally pump my fist whenever I see them working together in court
- Liu Yuru x Ye Yun x Qin Wan Zhi's sismance: I love how each of them are capable in different ways (businesswoman, physician, and female general!)
- Luo Zi Shang as the villain and his subordinates: this villain!! He's smart and he knows it. Manipulating everyone everywhere he goes. But with his backstory and how the actor portrays him, you CAN'T help but feel as if he deserved more. Obviously too late with his evildoings, but you can't help but think: "what if?" in terms of his upbringing and situation. One of my favorite villains to date.
- Jiang He, GJS's maternal uncle: another intelligent character with hidden depths. I love how he was introduced and integrated into the story, as well as his role in wrapping everything up.
- GJS's mom and LYR's mommance: lol sismance but they're in-laws. Both strong women in their own unique ways.
❀ Everyone was casted really well
I loved Bai Jing Ting in You Are My Hero and Reset, and he was AMAZING in this historical piece. His facial expressions - especially towards the beginning - were hilarious as he acted as a carefree dandy. Later down the episodes, even though his character matures and starts to command attention both in the palace and on the battlefield, he still retains some of that playfulness. Song Yi's character also grows from a demure lady to a smart businesswoman (after trials and tribulations), and she executes that transformation really well. At first her dub was a bit sweet/sing-songy to me, but I got used to it as it matched her character. Liu Xue Yi as the villain was stellar as well - even though he was super evil I felt for him. I really did. And not just because of his sad backstory and good-looking face, lol.
❀ Really enjoyed the plot execution
Although I know there was deviation from the book, I love how the storyline pans out. I thought everything was revealed naturally and methodically, and the storyline was tight from beginning to end (meaning - no unnecessary fillers). You looking for a Chinese drama with minimal plot holes? You came to the right place. The writers did a great job tying up loose ends, in my opinion. You get to see the outcome of all the major characters and the final conclusion - which did have tragic moments as per unspoken historical Cdrama rule - was ultimately fulfilling. I literally felt like I had withdrawals after I finished the last episode.
As for the plot, we get to enjoy a host of genres: first we see a rom-com background where two seemingly different people end up together. Then, tragedy strikes and they walk through fire together to save their family and rebuild from scratch, lending a slice-of-life feel. LYR is building her business while GJS enters the government as a lowly yamen runner. As he works his way up (literally climbs the official ladder through numerous achievements and plans), we get introduced to war and much more action. Finally, the main leads make it to the capital and the show continues in a palace setting as everything leading up to this moment gets revealed.
❀ Subtle message of female empowerment
I feel like many Cdramas try to push feminist ideals in your face and end up getting a bad rep. DESTINED doesn't have that focus; rather, the feminist ideals are naturally integrated in the story and characters. GJS - literally greenest flag to have ever flown - is open-minded and not afraid to call people out.
- Why would you have filial piety if your father doesn't deserve it? -> A statement he makes that LYR is shocked about, but ends up applying to her own situation.
- Who says that women can't do what men do? -> GJS's message that inspires LYR to find her own passion rather than living for the sake of her husband.
- Women from all sorts of life: from LYR's birth mom to her friend that takes a stand in her hostage situation to the antagonist team's brothel owner who also takes control of her own life, each woman is depicted with quiet strength and resilience.
In terms of female empowerment, this drama does an amazing job in "showing" those ideals rather than just "telling" the audience.
CONS
✕ I can't really think of anything huge under the haze of my overall love for this drama, but some weaker plot points include:
- 2ML/villain's obsession with the FL: I know Asian dramas tend to oversell childhood friends but even the flashbacks weren't strong enough to supplement his attachment to her
- how our main couple never caught a break after they established themselves: it was literally one conflict after another lol. I didn't mind it but I can see why folks get tired after ep 30ish since the series starts dialing up the palace drama and politics.
OVERALL
DESTINED balances multiple genres really well, but at its heart is a young couple who goes through obstacles and end up growing as individuals while saving people. Along the way, they gather a colorful crew of loyal friends who become the pillars of the nation. While the FL and her business does take a step back in the latter quarter to make room for the ML's kingmaker moves in the palace, she still supports and supplements him. At the end of the day, they were certainly destined for each other.
Brb, about to rewatch it now ;)
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Human x Demon story but they get a happy ending
How many times do I have to watch about a snake demon and human go through turmoil just to get a sad/inconclusive ending?? (@ Legend of the White Snake smh) Anyway, Hanson and the Beast is a contemporary fantasy romance between a demon and a human with - YES - a happy ending and minimal angst. I knew I was off to a good start when the very first minutes of the movie was a narration from a child talking about their father and mother meeting. Bless!! It's cute, sweet, funny, and has all the classic feel-good Cdrama tropes mixed in. Definitely recommended for a light-hearted fantasy romance!PROS
❀ Fun main cast | The ML is a debt-ridden zoo-keeper who's going on dates to marry for money, but his plans keep getting foiled due to our innocent (and very pretty!) FL getting in his way. She tries seducing him in the naive way that a fox demon who doesn't interact with humans much would do, and hijinks ensue. Both actors were quirky and energetic with their roles, lending a comical tone. It was also refreshing to see the FL use her powers to defend/protect the ML, lol.
❀ Fun storyline that follows the main couple's romance | While the main couple is falling in love, the antagonist is dead-set on drawing the line between humans and demons. This includes capturing the rare fox demon (our FL) and spreading false news that humans tortured her. It gives the opportunity of a role reversal, where the ML has to save the FL this time.
❀ Hilarious supporting cast and scenes | This movie was like an exciting roller coaster ride. I loved the cat demon childhood best friend (why was he so funny??) who supported the FL through and through, the antagonist vulture demon whose evilness was sometimes mocked at throughout the movie, and all the minor demons featured as well. For hilarious scenes, we got an amazing bed scene (or, the prelude to one) that was wayyy more comedic than I expected, the debt collectors accidentally getting involved with the demons, and this movie set scene where the actual demons are hiding within an army of actor demons. A++ entertainment.
CONS
✕ Rushed romance | FL has loved the ML since he saved her when she was a small fox, and ML falls in love with FL after she supports him as a "fan." I mean do I buy it? Yesss because it's a fantasy romance movie but am I giving it a lot of leeway? Yes as well.
✕ No resolution on the dad plot | Man, I expected more on the dad plot! I guess they were running our of time to fit a resolution for him in, lol.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 | FL reveals her demon self pretty early on upon meeting and the main couple work together to beat the baddies.
OVERALL
Y'all know how hard it is for me to find a romantic Chinese movie with a HE? Maybe I been looking at the wrong sites, but... most of the time it's either a youth movie or a sad/'realistic'/open ending. I'm happy to have found Handson and the Beast. It may be silly at times, but overall it's a heartwarming and fun watch about a man who's struggling to fit into human society and a fox demon who refuses the limitations of her society.
Note: I just found out that this screenwriter also has a drama with the same concept of an organization that deals with monsters/demons in the human world, called Bureau of Transformer. Going on my to-watch list!
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