My Super Hero (2022)

Quality storytelling housed in good production

Storyline, consistent pacing, acting, cinematography, minimal dubbing, character construction, are all things you will not miss in this drama. What else can I say? Its a story about a guy and his friends holding onto the thread of life as low-level workers in the service industry, and how they move along their journey towards a happier and more fulfilling life. Along the way are sparks of motivation and then set backs, moments when others push them forward, moments when they push others forward. You see the themes: power of love, wisdom of elders, self-reflection, little things that make people happy, strong brotherly bond, ups and downs of relationships; all packaged *not* in a melodrama, but in a comedic fashion (realistic comedy, not nonsensical silly). Its a story that I don't regret immersing myself into...it was a satisfying watch (yes, it is 37 eps, so if you don't have the time, then maybe wait until you do. Romance is more on the slow-burn side). I really liked the production; also, there are quality volunteer subs with good explanations too. Maybe the only thing I had to get used to was the music...they really utilized the music to set the tone (like heavily depended on it) but sometimes it made the cuts of music a bit weird...like it just cuts off the music before to go into another song or silence without cross-fading/fading in/out. I do like the concept of using music to set the tone though but...hmmm...just not my favorite execution of this concept.

I will note, that in the beginning, I found the ML to be a spineless creep, but I think he slowly got better (subtly)...don't want to spoil anything. And I didn't think much of the FL at first, but I liked her more and more later on. I guess this is something else I can comment on: usually in dramas, the "goddess" or "perfect male" maintains their "god-like" image (maybe their single blemish is childhood trauma-induced or maybe they are innocent and don't know anything about dating). That is not true in this drama...ML sees FL as this perfect goddess at first sight, but as viewers, we know that she's built different but she's still our species.
P.S. #conspiracytheory: the real purpose of this drama was to put square dancing aunties (the notorious 大妈s who are known for being insensible retirees who blast their dancing music and bother people in the community who just want peace and quiet) in a positive light?? Especially that last line of the drama...got me solidifying this thought.

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Lengthy Drama But A Good Heartwarming Drama to Pass Time

If you like dramas that has some reality aspects to them, then I think you should give this one a try. The plot dives into the lives of our 3 doormen with the more focus on the ML. It's about trying to improve oneself but at the same time, meeting with struggles, bumps on the road, failures, & even reaching to the point of hopelessness due to the conditions each character is in. However, there's that glimmering light that each character experience that eventually will get them out of hole they've been stuck in for so long.

What Else to Know? It is 37 episodes, so there are some episodes that feels like filler episodes. It's hard to get into the first several episodes as there's not much direction on where this drama is headed but if you can get through that, you might like it. A lot of screen time about the Aunties and their square dancing (you'll hear this square-dancing music a lot), there is an evil mother-in-law arc for Tong Na along her ungrateful and lazy husband. Thankfully, they are gone in the second half of this drama. Besides that, most characters are either likable or eventually likable. It's a lot of self-learning process for each character as well, as you do get to see their side of the story for some good number of episodes.

SPOILER ON ROMANCE:
If you're hoping for some good romance, this drama isn't it. Yes, there is some romance but it's not your typical romance you see in other dramas. It's a very slow progressing romance. ML chases FL (almost in a stalkerish way), who has no interest in him until around Ep 20. Officially gets together around Ep 24 only to have a breakup Ep 35 due to the lack of self-confidence (financially) of the ML. Yes this is a last few episodes break up C-drama cliche only to get together in the beginning of the final episode. Couple #2 (Cheng Jian Dian & Dou Zi) starts off together in the beginning but due to lack of confidence & motivation, pridefulness that Jian Dian shows, eventually breaks up around Ep 31. It looks like they get back together towards the end but no actual scene of them getting back together. Couple #3 (Wang Lang & Tong Na) doesn't have much interactions with each other until the last 10 episodes, where they officially get together in the beginning of the final episode.

Overall, I think the best thing about this drama is the amount of great relationship each character have for each other. The Bro-ship is fantastic as each of them always have each other's back. It's the best thing about this drama in my opinion and the good relationship development with the Aunties through dancing. Nice ending credit ost & great actors & actresses. A bit too lengthy for a rewatch for me but it's an okay drama to consider if you want to pass time or watching it for the first time.

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