To Get Her (2019)

Enjoyable romcom with light angst and drama

I have to admit: typically, I don't prefer premises like this where the whole show (the whole historical aspect) is just part of a game/virtual reality, but there were many great things about this show that allowed me to disregard that fact! I'm so glad I watched this show because I was moved by the love story, the comedy, and the strong cast & just enjoyed it very much! This show is a perfect mix of romance, comedy, small doses of angst and suspense, and overall--just an uplifting drama about loving/caring for your significant other. (It's a bonus that the game is set in a historical setting so we get to see the great costumes and etiquette.)

LOVE STORY: The game and Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's journey is essentially about remembering what you loved about your significant other. The show did a good job in showing parallels between their strained relationship in the real world and their relationship in the game. Their love story and the way they find their way back to each other is just so well done. I thought I would get annoyed at seeing an established couple struggle and fight (because I'm used to dramas of boy/girl meets for the first time & fall in love & are shy around each other, etc.) but because Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng are already a married couple in the game, they get to show their love for each other through kisses and dates. I cared about their relationship because I can see how much they love each other but are facing a difficult patch. Watching them overcome difficulties and relearn to trust and communicate was just so heartwarming and tender. They were not over-the-top with their jealousies. They were immature with each other at times, but it was never dragged out to the point of annoyance. The pacing of their love story (and overall story) was well done.

The two characters themselves too are relatable and understandable. Lin Zheng Zheng has insecurities because, well, her boyfriend is an idol and so she has a bad temper and throw fits sometimes because of always being in the shadows, being unable to be with the beloved fully. I never disliked her for this because it made sense and so she's presented in a sympathetic light. Same goes for Tu Si Yi. He's indecisive and his hesitancy has caused issues, but he grows from this and becomes a very good/strong character.

COMEDY: because it's a game, some hilarious stuff occurs between characters or characters 'invent' something throughout the show but it's not considered weird because, well, it's a game! NPCs are pretty accepting of whatever that's happening, which makes the whole thing even funnier. Also, all the characters are endearing and hilarious, such as the side couple of princess Siya and Cui Xun. Their fun bickering dynamic is enjoyable. Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's fights are also hilarious. There are some satirical things that made me laugh so hard. Also, even our villain prince is just so much fun and is hilarious.

SIDE CHARACTERS: they're great! The villain prince is hilarious and cute even though he's the villain. Princess Siya is a martial arts-loving girl who wears men's clothings and doesn't do too much girly stuff as she only cares about fighting--I love her. She's true to herself. Cui Xun seems unreliable at first, but he's actually really strong. He's a weirdo who's a bit oblivious, but he's a good man. Siya & Cui Xuns' dynamic is a delight because their dynamic is great. Shen Dai Fu was a cool character even though he's regarded as 'weird' for his doctor/herablist ways. Murong Qianyue was an interesting character and I loved/hated her.

SOUNDTRACK: It's all right. If you ask me to hum one of the songs, I could only hum the main theme one. Other than that, the overall soundtrack was just okay; didn't really make any lasting impact.

Overall, I ask you give this a chance! If you're looking for a good romantic comedy without a lot of heavy angst, heavy plot, heavy drama, then this is a good drama to watch. :)

Read More

I found this drama when I was searching for more shows that Huang Ri Ying had acted in. I had just watched her in Ancient Detective (another underrated show), and though she plays a supporting character in there, I was absolutely drawn by her acting. She is extremely natural on screen. It's rare that I would remember an actress' name (especially a supporting character) after a show, and go look her up!

To Get Her does not disappoint. I had previously tried watching another drama with a similar premise (modern to ancient times, tongue-in-cheek jokes) but I found the lead actress' acting very indelicate in that show -- way too over-the-top and annoying. Huang Ri Ying has that ability to balance and restrain her acting so that she looks like she inhabits the character -- she IS Lin Zhengzheng, gone into a video game to try to save her boyfriend. When she takes the place of the Third Princess, again she manages to balance the modern-mind-traditional-setting without sending the message that the modern is better than the traditional. This is also kudos to the scriptwriter.

At 30 episodes of 30 minutes each, the drama progresses at a quick, tight pace, not too draggy and also not too rushed. There was one arc that I felt was unnecessary, but since it only took up two to three episodes, it was a small deal. Overall, I absolutely loved the progression of the Third Prince falling in love with the Third Princess, and the characters that they picked up along the way.

This drama does not take itself too seriously, even the villains. Yet the stakes are still real and high (the FL only has 3 lives, and she loses one life in the first five minutes of the game), the themes of love and sacrifice actually stand out all the more when juxtaposed against the lighthearted scenes.

The chemistry between the two leads was also fantastic. Tang Xiaotian plays his character with restraint, yet you can see the love and protectiveness that he has towards the FL, even when he has reason to doubt her. Another thing I really like -- misunderstandings are not drawn out unnecessarily, but resolved. Even if he has no answer, he knows that he trusts her. There is also a certain beauty in the depiction of a couple that were already together before ending up in this game situation. They know each other so well, even though the ML has lost his memories after entering the game, he somehow still understands the FL even when she's not speaking.

I actually loved the filmography as well. The scenes are beautifully composed, and I was surprised to find out that it was a web drama -- they did so much with their budget, I thought it was a regular made-for-broadcast drama.

It seems that not many people have watched it, which is a pity. I do wish it could have a little more push in China and abroad.

It's rare that I can find a drama that clicks with me enough for me to sit through the whole thing. I think it's balance of the actors, their chemistry, the script, the story, the directing, and not all of these factors align all the time. Still, it's a matter of personal taste: If you find that isn't not your cup of tea, move on, but give it enough of a try!

Read More

Easy to watch rom-com that is big on COM but not always hit the mark

The show had an interesting concept. Instead of the usual computer game competition and using the game as a back drop for a modern day story. The show started in the present but moved pretty much the entire show into a fictional historical game world. The FL was tasked to rescue the ML from that virtual world as he was trapped there but he didn't realise that his whole world was inside a computer.
There were some clever use of the fact that the FL was fully aware that she was inside a game so it was very much fourth wall breaking and self aware. Some scenes were quite funny and clever with translation of modern idiom or technologies into the ancient "game" world. Unfortunately, there was a lack of consistency. Sometimes the jokes came in thick and fast but then it might have a complete shift in tone and became a standard melodramatic historical drama. It then flip and became self aware again. Scenes were included that didn't make much sense plot wise and there were definitely plot holes and head scratching moments.
I would have prefer to see the FL use her modern knowledge to solve problems and truly influence that world rather than mostly just go with the flow as another character. On the plus side, she was given a +10 martial arts skill bonus which led to some funny set pieces. Speaking of the FL, there was a lot of overacting. I don't know why but she sometimes looked great in period costumes but in other times, she looked mousy. Once in awhile she also did this silly penguin walk which I find jarring. Was she told to do that by the director?
The ML was fine, standard stoic male lead type. Decent skinship and chemistry with the FL. The 2OTP was surprisingly draggy. They almost behaved like the normal OTP which I suppose made sense as the OTP was already a couple so some of that push-pull duty went to the 2OTP. The 3OTP was quite awkward especially the role of Jenny Zeng's character. Her character arc was poorly written in my opinion, especially the last 1/3 of the show.
The OST was ok. Some catchy tunes. Rewatch value is low. The story telling was a bit messy and the funny scenes will lose most of their impact on a rewatch.
While the show wasn't draggy per se, I think there just wasn't enough material to last 30 episodes. Maybe 20ish episodes will allow a tighter rein on the main plot and cut out some of the more melodramatic elements that did not sit well with the overall feel of the show. A filler between better shows.

Read More

Cute and Funny!

It was a light watch. I enjoyed it a lot. When you think things will start getting serious there will always be something that will be pull it back to keeping the light tone of the drama without giving it a slap stick vibe.

I liked that the evil plots were not dragged on and the evil plotters - Second Prince - were evil but played in a comedic way, except for that princess from the different state who I did not like to the end.

I liked the romance. Tu Siyi and Lin Zhen Er were strong and trusted each other from beginning to end. No big drama of sacrifices and misunderstandings.

I first watched Tang Xiao Tan (Daddi) in Put Your Head on My Shoulder - I didn't like his character there and didn't like him there. So I have been putting off watching this drama for so long but watched him in Way Back into Love and he looked so good there :-) that I thought I'd give this one a try and glad I did. It was funny and he looks good here as well ":-) Will wait for his upcoming drama.

Read More

Nice ,cute ,simple,romantic,funny and too good drama except only few episodes . It had some funny scene too ,my favourite scenes 1. when they (lead actor and actress)had fight and he so much frustated that he not able to play music nicely and blame the instrument and went to mountain and going to shout but his dr. Shouted and his expressions were too good when his dr. Shouted . 2. He got so angry because his wife took his blame and get to the behind the bar ,he so angry because he worried about her that scene was little funny .3. last scene of the drama when they got happy to see all the characters outside the vedio game and they all were happy . All the couple's look cute in this scene.
I like OST too .
Lead actor and actress chemistry is too good ,their kissing scenes were so romantic . I liked watching drama.
Thumbs up to the drama .

Read More

Modern meets history in this goofy romcom with a lovable cast

I originally watched this because I saw it contained similar elements to The Romance of Tiger and Rose (main couple goes from modern to historical times, FL goes back as a villainess while the actual "heroine" spirals, etc), but I think I like this one more! The historical plot is better written, imo, and the leads are more likable. It probably helped that they started off in a relationship and it only grew throughout the series.

PROS
❀ Loveee the OST and soundtrack | I'm obsessed with the opening song, which is so light and fluffy and romantic and a perfect reflection of the drama's tone. I thought the writers did a wonderful job mixing the historical with modern elements, which showcased for some hilarious scenes (ex: playing Beethoven's 5th on the zither when the cast was trying to join a music competition, dancing the tango for the competition, etc).
❀ Understanding FL and loving ML | Even though in the beginning of the drama, the main couple's relationship was strained due to Tu Si Yi's (the ML) fame as a musician, the FL stayed strong and devoted when she went into the VR game to get him back (and despite a lot of obstacles). I loved her upstanding attitude and thought the actress did a wonderful job with her role. Despite the ML losing his memories for a bit in the drama, you can still see his love towards Zheng Zheng (the FL) even though he doesn't quite understand it. It was sweet seeing him "fall in love" again and their reconciliation when he regains his memories.
❀ Lots of side couples to root for | And the fact that they all get happy endings in the last episode... *chefs kiss* We love to see it. Even the villain (second prince) is more hilarious than evil; you really can't take him seriously. Superficial plus... but all the actors/actresses were gorgeous too hehe.
❀ In general, each episode brought a smile to my face | Seriously, some of the characters' antics were so funny (especially the second side couple with TSY's lil sis and Cui Xun). If you don't take this drama seriously (which you shouldn't, going in), you'll be left with all the warm fuzzies each episode.
❀ Wonderful happy ending in the modern times | In To Get Her, the main couple is trying to get back home ToGetHer (get it?) and make awesome relationships along the way (although technically I guess the rest of the game characters are NPCs, lol). The length of 30 episodes was perfect to keep the plot tight and flowing. It's light-hearted, playful, and features lovable characters.

CONS
✕ VR game details were underutilized | I think the scriptwriters got a little lazy with the video game component. You reallyyy have to suspend reality to let the details for the VR game slide by (which is fine, since this is a romcom and not a scifi, but they could have done so much more imo). After the FL goes into the game and looks at her stats, there's not much "game-related" options that happen. She gets some random skills here and there that didn't add to the plot and the explanation for getting their consciousness back by beating the game was a bit iffy. Not a big deal, but kind of a lost opportunity.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 1/10 | Not much in this drama... I'm adding a point though, for the inherent nature of the plot where the ML lost his memories and wasn't in the know for a bit. There were also small misunderstandings in their relationship in the modern time, which were resolved quickly. None of those "I pushed him away for XYZ" or "she didn't know why I did XYZ for her own good" misunderstandings that last for episodes.

OVERALL
Hilarity + couples you want to root for + low stakes game = fun romcom that'll leave you smiling.

(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.)

Read More

For a mid-tier web drama, this drama is VERY VERY well made. I can barely find any loopholes in the plot and everything just weaved in perfectly.

The plot moves at an appropriate pace and the first 3-4 episodes really put a strong foundation for the rest of the drama. Since the premise is the characters being trapped in a video game, the use of lives and cheat codes were also inserted brilliantly in the story line to move the plot. The story telling is also hilarious AF but makes sense in a way. This is the thing that I love the most about the drama, the choices made by the characters may seem stupid but it was logical considering the circumstances.

The cast were also cute and able to carry the emotions needed for the drama. I would say the choice of casting were appropriate and the FL did justice to her character as the smart, capable character but destined to be the villain in the video game. The ML also carries his weight playing an innocent amnesiac prince that loves art but without the weak characteristics often associated with those type of characters.

The re-watch value is definitely 11/10. I love everything about this drama and it was well made beyond its price tag as a mid-tier web drama. You will definitely love this drama if you like a light, cutesy and hilarious drama.

Read More

why underrated??

im so sad knowing this sparkling GEM hidden far away to the bottom of the rock. like ... WHY??? definitely the best ancient theme drama so far even beats general's lady in my opinion. here's why

storyline is non-draggy and straightforward style which is GREAT! every single new gate of new plot is intriguing and makes nervous but ... boom. they finish in in no time

fl character definitely STRONG, cheerful yet not dumb, not childish as typical we know in cdramas. plus point she has martial art power and clever

ml gives fresh role. his human role seems timid. then his game role at the beginning typical of poker face ml but develops to be warm, cute, fluffy. plus point he isnt depicted as perfect man. his game role cant do martial art but still brave enough to defend

COMEDY GENIUS. the writer, director totally sync in harmony when comes to serving humorous gimmicks. not unnecessary done just enough. they knew what they did. a lot of punchlines on screen. FROM EP1 TILL THE END.

im sad finding this drama is not well-known. wetv promotion is to blame. i feel like wetv made them a step-kid

(-) small portion of kiss scenes but some scenes so sweet and intense so i forgive

Read More

A Must Watch

I came to watch because of Xiao Tian Tang, after i saw him in "My Little Happiness" i wanted to watch him again in a Lead Role....
This Series is a "Must Watch List" i didnt expect that it was sooo good...basically its a Rom-Com Series.... very entertaining... sadly this is "Underrated Series" but its good than other similar Plot Series...
The FL is cute, good in acting. I just dont like the way she cries hehehe... hope she will improve her crying scene, dont shout... hehehe
Other Characters did really well...
Lastly ofcourse, Daddi Tang.... ur charm, ur smile with ur perfect teeth... waaaa.... cant get over it... hope to see U more in a Lead Role...

Read More