The Deliberations of Love (2023)

Too Short

This is my first time watching a short historical Cdrama. The ones I'm used to span 24-42 episodes long.

The idea of the plot seemed great, but if they could make each episode 40 min and keep the same amount of episodes to actually show the story, not tell it, then I would be satisfied.

Pros:
-chemistry was great
-cute characters
-handsome male lead
-main couple were cute

Cons:
-lack of depth to a point you're confused
-not enough detail to explain situations
-they switched scenes too fast to save time, so it always felt jarring
-The ending, they did end up together, but I didn't like how horribly it was done
-it just didn't make sense
-we have no backstories
-everyone is 2 dimensional
-The character arcs were basically told to us. then shown
-that's just bad writing

I love fiction books. The reason why I sometimes prefer dramas is because we get a deeper understanding of the situation because it's so long. We get to see the point the main couple meet to along the lines to the time they get married, which is uncommon in books.


Overall, if you like something that is so straight to the point, you get no real understanding, then you might like this.

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Chemistry between the leads is good, worth the time spent watching it!

I usually tend to avoid mini-dramas like these because they lack flow and are not very coherent. This one flowed smoothly, was easy to follow and the chemistry between the leads was so damn good. It was also the light drama that I needed to watch to get rid of the C-Trauma I watched before this.

The acting was good. The story was nice. All is on a good drama.

The only thing amiss was the ending. It is an happy ending, but it would have felt nice, if the ML would have acknowledged that he remembered the past times. But the way it ended, we aren't sure if he remembers. Other than that, this has made me want to give mini-dramas another try.

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Model Student for Short-length Dramas

I. Introduction
This is what all short-length/ web dramas should aspire to. The synopsis above is incorrect as this isn't a transmigration story, but a rebirth one. In the first life, the FL married the ML and they were affectionate but not deeply in love (as alluded to in later episodes). However, the ML plotted a rebellion and the couple was granted a peaceful death by poisoned wine. The FL drinks the poisoned wine, but finds herself waking up on the morning the rebellion is scheduled to take place. She manages to knock the ML out, but they are again granted death by poisoned wine when the ML's accomplices proceed with the rebellion in his absence. So the FL drinks the poisoned wine again, and finds herself waking up the day the emperor granted an engagement between the FL and the ML. This time, by hook or by crook, she plans to avoid the ML and all palace intrigues to save her life and her sanity.

The plot device is allowed to flourish at an adequate pace, without random scenes or continuity issues. The performance, while not perfect, still draws you in to believe the characters' feelings and perception. The setting, staging, music, and clean happy ending all come together to create a worthwhile ~4-hour diversion.

II. Storyline/ Plot
I absolutely loved the storyline. Let me count the whys: (1) The FL showed deep character development. She starts off as a 胆小怕死 blasé twit, intent at avoiding the ML at all costs, but grows braver once she understands her feelings for him. (2) There are hints sprinkled throughout the episodes that the ML remembers his first two lives, and the grand reveal in the final episode compelled me to rewatch the series from the start to review the hints. (3) There is subversion of expectations--I expected the ML to be an overbearing twat, but in episode 12 he vehemently argued that even if he was interested in the FL, the FL had to be willing to accept his interests (before he pursued her). Even the timely comedic scenes subverted expectations, e.g., when the FL trusses the ML up like a turkey in episode 1, when the second prince only wants the ML to lose his crown prince position but not his life or his reputation, when the betrothal gifts were pushed back and forth, when they argued in episode 13 and the ML pauses in storming out when he realised he was storming out of his own palace, when the FL's parents leave her at the mercy of the ML, etc. (4) The romance was not forced, and the development of the characters' feelings were paced well. (5) The ending wrapped up loose ends really well, even if there were some openings to keep viewers guessing, just none that were too frustrating.

Points are deducted for the use of modern gaming slang (e.g., 老六, 猪队友), causing confusion that this is a transmigration story instead of a rebirth story, and for the mess that is episode 23. I mean, if he could fling the sword like that, why didn't he do so from the start?

III. Characters
ZJM is a beautiful, mischievous FL trying to get out of the clutches of the ML. LF is better at expressing obstinacy, care, mischief, and cunning here, than he was in My Villain Husband. The chemistry between ZJM and LF is adorable, leaving me gushing and squealing at times. The ML's rivalry and brotherly affection with his brother (the second prince) is humorous and touching-- they are allowed to kick their brother in the nuts but nobody else is allowed to insult (or make use of) their sibling. This drama definitely made good use of the ~4 hours to showcase good character development for the FL and ML, and explore facets of the second prince rather than taking the easy path of making him a one-dimensional villain. The supporting cast did so well in their roles--even the geese in the betrothal gifts were paid actors!

IV. Production Aspects
The drama boasts impressive production value with a well-designed, visually-appealing set. My word, the costumes are gorgeous-- the delicate details that went into the FL's and ML's costumes and makeup! The production team also invested in two songs that elevate the drama to almost full-length drama quality, and are complete ear worms.

V. Conclusion
A must watch and a must rewatch for the times when you need something simple and simply gratifying.

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Light and sweet romance mini drama that excels in comedy

Richard Li is mentioned a lot in reddit posts so I chose this mini drama to see his work.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - I never expected to laugh and chuckle while watching a mini drama. Comic relief provided mostly by Liu Yue Qing's father & Pei Yan and they did great job.
2) Richard Li - At first I thought he was a pretty boy but as the series progressed, I enjoyed his acting. He was able to convey different emotions and my favourite is when he was concerned for Liu Yue - there was sincerity there.
3) Romance - I enjoyed their romantic scene from the drugged tea to the ink grind. The scenes were sweet.
4) Supporting characters - Great use of supporting characters e.g. Han Zhen, Mr Liu, Pei Yan.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - I feel like the writer could do more with the main characters. While I enjoyed the romance between Pei Xun and Liu Yue Qing, their individual characters were not fully fleshed out. Her purpose for transmigration is not explained in this series. So I didn't feel any connection to them and would be less inclined to re-watch this series or worse, remember this series. The villain arc was predictable but it could have done better too. I also didn't realise FL was a modern woman until I read the synopsis.
2) Ending - The ending was lacklustre after a climatic penultimate episode. The last episode was only 7 minutes including intro & end credits. Writer could have added a scene about FL's purpose for transmigration or implications of her decision.

Favourite scene:
When Han Zhen brought Pei Xun's betrothal gifts to the Liu family

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