The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020)

Best Historical Drama.

This drama was made with people that have minds of the gods, period. It was so enjoyable, it had a little of everything, which I was really impressed with. Not even going to lie, I actually considered watching this show all over again, it's just that entertaining. The ending was a little too undeveloped, since all they did at the end was meet in the hospital and then hugged when they found out they were in the same dream--which I might added creeped tf out of me.

Chen Qianqian is the best princess over, I take no criticism. Although she was technically the worst one out of the three princesses and had a bad reputation according to her script, she managed to completely turn her fate around. She's caring, quirky, and bold I might add. Han Shuo was the most adorable male lead ever. He looked so cute every time Qianqian gave him attention, or when he was angry at her. I won't lie, he seemed like a douche at the beginning of the show. But, he's a master of acting here. I felt so bad every time he asked Qianqian if she loved him. OMG THAT ONE FIGHT THEY HAD BROKE MY HEART. Chen Chuchu was a very likable character at first. She seemed very loving towards Qianqian. At the end of the show, it's like a demon possessed her for no reason. Pei Heng was a good character, not even gonna lie. Sometimes though, I wish he wasn't such a pushover. He lets Han Shuo get the best of him, and I think he was too emotionally attached to Qianqian. Chen Yuanyuan IS SO PRETTY OMG. She's so soft and kindhearted, and the way how much she cares for Su Mu is adorable. Speaking of Su Mu, he's a graceful character, but I wish he considered Yuanyuan more when he ran away from his feelings like that. Their story is pretty much overlooked, I wish they had more moments. ZI RUI AND BAI JI ARE THE BEST SERVANTS EVER. They're so funny, and I love how entertained they are with Qianqian and Han Shuo's obliviousness. If I had a servant like that, I'd keep them for life. Lin Qi's character development is truly shocking, but the way how she and Qianqian clicked was preciousssssss. I liked the City Owner of Huayuan City, but Xuanhu's City Owner was really inconsiderate. And Han Shuo's mom...SHE'S GORGEOUS.

In conclusion, this whole show was clearly made with great potential, and this needs a season 2. I want to see Yuanyuan, Su Mu, and the moms in the modern world.

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The Power of Forgiveness

A modern era scriptwriter becomes stressed about her deadlines and ends up dreaming up the world of her own creation. Summoning herself into the role of the 3rd princess who is a side-character that is destined to die, she must use all her knowledge of the plot to find a way to escape death.

The main villain of the story is cursed with a heart disease that both weakens him and will eventually kill him. The pain of this horrific fate corrupts his soul, imbibing within him a Machiavellian "ends justifies the means" philosophy that any murder is justifiable if it means he can be cured from this disease. Yet, the scriptwriter is able to empathize with his suffering and find a way to cure him with the least amount of crime possible. She risks her life, her status, her prestige, and her wealth to save him from his fate. The villain is so touched by her efforts on his behalf that he completely transforms and devotes all of his energy and love to her.

In carrying out duties of the state, she encounters a tribe of barbarians that threaten the region with unrest. She has faith in the wisdom of the ancient philosophers and puts her trust in the idea of "defeat them and forgive them 7 times and they will become your ally". This idea of forgiveness (as echoed in Jesus's teachings as "I say not unto thee, forgive until seven times: but, forgive until seventy times seven times." [Matt 18:22]) proves successful and the entire barbarian tribe is converted into valuable friends and allies.

Two of her long standing enemies constantly plot to undermine her due to their grudges against her past mistreatment of them. The scriptwriter, technically innocent of the mistreatment, finds herself inheriting the baggage of the crimes committed by the character she inhabits. Through forgiveness, good deeds, and risking herself for these enemies, her enemies are touched and convinced that she is a new person - a morally upstanding person that is worthy of being followed. Once again, enemies are converted into friends and loyal subjects.

The final villain of the show is her sister who constantly covets her power, right to inherit the throne, fame, adoration, and even covets her lover. Time and time again she tries to comfort her sister but it never registers. Will she be able to also convert this enemy to an ally? Or are some people too stuck in their ways to ever change?

More reviews: https://transcendentphilos.wixsite.com/website/post/the-philosophy-of-chinese-dramas

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This storyline was different for me. I just wished it wasn't so chaotic in the beginning, maybe it was just me not prepared to view it. It calmed down a bit so I wouldn't lose focus. I get it now. I will have to rewatch it so I can grasp it better than I did. I love the main lead actress and have seen her other dramas. There is a similar American movie that this drama reminds me of. I realized that Zhao Lu Si's character is a screenwriter and her falling asleep set the whole story in motion. ZLS did a good job... I couldn't laugh at all that happened because I was trying to figure out the storyline but I got it now. I absolutely loved the ending. If I was acting in this drama, I wouldn't know if I was coming or going... I know they were laughing a lot on set. Ding Yu Xi your facial expression told it all. I applaud you! Thanks to everyone... I need to rewind and rewatch. I am looking forward to part 2.

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Frustrating Female Lead

Saw great review reviews for this drama and I wanted something a bit more light-hearted so I decided to give this a try - at first, I really loved it! It was funny seeing the FL navigate this new world and the FL and ML had great chemistry.

However, as the drama went on, it lost its charming point (mainly: the comedy and the fact that it didn't take itself too seriously) and my frustration grew the longer the FL kept going on about the "original story" and made extremely stupid decisions again and again.

One of the things that really annoyed me was how she wanted to keep the ML alive and loves him so much, yet still continues to treat him like one of her fictional characters and keeps him in the dark about absolutely everything - even right after making him promise that they'll keep no secrets from each other. Lady, are you okay?

This is a relatively short drama so I'll finish it but as of right now... it's a struggle to watch.

Edit: Lmao.. they consummated IN PRISON. AND THE ML FOUND OUT SHE WROTE THE WHOLE STORYLINE AND MANIPULATED HIM AND WAS STILL TOTALLY OK WITH IT NBD. WTF LOL.

Edit: Finished. Ridiculous. Lol.

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Clever story with great humor, Romance of Banana and Orange is the total package

Such a solid drama. It is such a refreshing plot, especially with the way it's handled. The humor really shines.
Zhao Lusi is so cute as the amateur writer who is now stuck in her own cliche script as a throwaway side character.
Her chemistry with the ML is a treat and even the villain is actually sympathetic.
The two servants for the leads are a hilarious pair, especially Bai Ji. His comedic timing and expressions are so funny to watch.
I love how it's not a serious drama. Because it's so light and fluffy, i actually started rewatching it again a few days ago when I couldn't find anything enjoyable to watch.
Can't wait for season 2!

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hmm

I just recently started this, So far I am enjoying this series, mostly because of the side characters, I find my self either smiling or laughing, not really a fan of the leads but their interactions are enjoyable to watch. I’ll probably update this review once I get deeper into the whole series, but again so far it is enjoyable to watch because of the antics, and the side characters are so interestingly funny (in a good way)

so far it’s lights so I’m not sure if there will be any serious scenes along the upcoming episodes, if you want something light, & not too heavily dramatic, I think this is a good watch, evidently I haven’t dropped it so I really find it fun and amusing.

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Great, original storyline

There were a number of things I enjoyed about this drama, mainly the storyline. I mean it's definitely original, and doesn't adhere to any (that I can think of currently) drama tropes. None of it is cringey and the leads never do idiotic things, or if they do something, it can be understood why they did it. Both the female and male are strong leads, which is really great, because I'm tired of the female always being dumb in Chinese dramas. I also love how the characters don't do exactly what is expected, which adds a surprise element for both us and Chen Qianqian herself in the drama.

Another thing I loved were the actors/actresses! Main leads have so much chemistry (ofc I'm biased to Ding Yuxi), watching their interactions was so enjoyable! The villain part was played superbly, as well as the supporting cast. They really made me feel and understand what the characters were feeling.

The ending did leave a bit to be desired, but was overall a happy one.

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RomCom With No Real Drama!

20/01/2023

If you are after something light and not too heavy then this romcom is for you!

We more or less have a cute couple brought together through a written script...oooops...through fate - trying to kill one another off only to fall in love after a few misunderstandings and compromises in a city where women are the reigning rulers.

I actually kept coming back to watch this over a week or so rather than binge watch it as for me it was good to pass the time, but wasn't really my kind of drama.

And it wasn't because the female was a screaming hyena, damsel in distress, baby voiced Miss Cuteness or serial killing Psychopath, but rather because there was nothing about the series that made it outstanding for me. In fact, some of it was plain stupid like the martial arts challenge which I found embarrassing as it degraded such a fine sport.

What I did like was the initial banter between the two main characters in the parallel world and the continuous interactions between the two throughout each episode as well as both of their man servants as the man servants were quite funny!

It's an okay enough series to pass the time as it is light with no heavy angst or melodramatic scenarios, but isn't one that would be in my top 200.

Highly recommended for those that don't want to go through an entire box of tissues or over exert themselves thinking too much.

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A fun take on historical fantasy romance

Watch it if you like historical fantasy with a twist - this is a story that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Brief synopsis:
The female protagonist is a screenwriter who gets transported into her story as a side character who gets killed early on. Since she knows how the story is supposed to unfold, she does her best to change the events to stay alive so she can get back to her reality. It turns out it isn't that easy to control events, and when real feelings start to develop, how will that affect her actions?

This is a fun take on the historical fantasy genre where modern day persons travel to historical times. The FL is a refreshing character, and the ML does a good job of switching between devious and "puppy-eyed loveable".

All in all, this was an enjoyable viewing experience.

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