Slow delicious burning love drama

"Only for Love" is a captivating Chinese drama that held my attention effortlessly. The actors were outstanding. There were some tropes/ cliches such as three couples with the typical relationships viz. one sprightly independent innocent woman, another very young pretty young girl just on the cusp of womanhood and another player / seasoned woman and their respective others who match them perfectly. Yet, originality is not necessary when a tale oft told is told with flow, grace and beauty.

The main leads have this wonderful chemistry that is palpable, adding a layer of believability to the unfolding love story. They manage to hold the tension all through till the end. The push and pull between them, the situational humour and witty dialogues, (though I suspect I only caught some of the nuance in the translations) made for delightful viewing. More importantly I loved the gender dynamics between the leads. At no point was either subservient to the other, there was respect and love and friendship among them as they progressed in their relationship over time. And each would always support the other when needed. Goals!

The other two couples have less screen time but still manage to hold my attention. There was beautiful progression in the relationships. The character development in the drama is commendable, as each protagonist is carefully crafted with depth and complexity. The actors deliver stellar performances, capturing the essence of their roles with authenticity.

Even the backdrop of hi tech industry, the lead's focus on technology than production in his long term strategy and forward thinking were subtle ways to explain his superiority over fellow beings. The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of romance, humour and cultural nuances, creating a compelling viewing experience.

The storyline, while centered around love, delves into societal and familial dynamics, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships in a Chinese context. The pacing of the drama is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged throughout the episodes.

Visually, "Only for Love" is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant cityscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the show. The costume and set design are meticulous, transporting viewers into the world of the characters. The fashion and style of all the characters are art ! Every costume is beautiful and fits the personality.

There is heat in their kisses, their glances, body language and the love making scenes are tasteful and sweet. There is tenderness and a sweet mellowness in the build up of each relationship - and none of the scenes are ever offensive. The couples are well matched.

Some viewers may find certain plot twists predictable, and at times, the pacing may seem a bit slow. However, for me, these were not flaws - as I do not expect original storylines for every book or drama or movie.

It is good story telling that I am interested in and that was delivered in spades. And for me the pacing was just right. At 36.5 episodes (don't miss the bonus episode with their wedding), with the medium pace, and well drawn out characters, a slow burn love affair, the drama was a well designed feast for the senses. The music was good and has actually grown on me over time... that probably happens if you watch a drama a thousand times on repeat.. lol.

I noticed a few themes in people who disliked this drama ... they did not enjoy the business talk and they found the FL unbelievable. I found the strategy being the business aspect of this drama fascinating and interesting. Shi Yan came across as strong, courageous, visionary and selfless. And the FL Shu Yi made perfect sense to me. She is someone who is incredibly bright at work but has zero interpersonal skills or ability to understand men. I have seen a few people like that so to me she was believable and rather endearing. I can see why some people would be annoyed though - this kind of character is rare in real life so many might have not come across such people.

Overall, it is a must-watch for those who appreciate a thoughtful and visually appealing portrayal of love in a contemporary Chinese setting. Most importantly if you do decide to watch, I recommend you do not multi task. The pace is just right and each scene brings something important to your overall enjoyment so sit back and relax and enjoy every moment of this perfect romance.

Read More

A Ming Dynasty Downtown Abbey!!!

I baulked at the notion of watching a 45 episode C-drama. But having invested the time, I am glad I did. It was extremely well directed, well written and made me think deeply about how much has changed over time and how some things are still the same. Yes, it was hard to accept that somethings truly have remained the same. More on that in a while.
The summary and the reviews are clear enough so I will not go into the basic story and its premise. However I will say that the central themes are particularly interesting - complex family feuds, deep seated anger and resentment against the system and people in power, the helplessness of those without power, the dignity of those who truly loved their nation and their people, the inflexibility of a Confusion world and those who still found ways to work with what they have to win. While the context is very different, it is possible to draw parallels to the modern world.
We are all placed in situations where we have little control. Shiyi's story tells of ways to never lose hope, dignity or courage - to forge ahead despite all possible hurdles, with determination and work towards finding solutions. Her calm and smiling face faces countless challenges which she handles head on. The choices she and the Marquis have to make are impossible ones at times. At every turn inside the home and outside, there are forces trying to trip them over. The life of women in ancient times in all societies was truly demeaning and soul destroying and the Ming Empire was no exception. The life of concubines who were neither lowly enough to have their own freedom in an ordinary family nor high enough to be given respect, dignity and love was possibly one of the most tragic of any group I have seen. Their lot was truly soul destroying.
Even the mother in law from hell - the Dowager was in own right trying her best to do what she thought is important for the family and society. While she came across initially as a truly horrible person looking at her actions from the modern eye, listening to her reasoning and putting it in context, it did make sense however harmful and painful many of her attitudes and decisions felt. And credit to Shiyi for never missing that or hating... perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons of all from this drama - that Karma can be b****, that being kind and thoughtful to everyone pays off (and not being so also pays off in a horrible way even if you are not paying attention), that those whose behaviour may seem incomprehensible and reprehensible may still have a strong logic and reason for their actions and one can oppose them without hating them.

Read More

I am really confused why some people don’t like this. It’s a beautiful haunting tale of love, but a rather complex situation. The heroine is strong, gentle, loving and beautiful. The hero suffers from DID. One personality is repressed and the other is warm and friendly. The relationship between the three is riveting.

The supporting characters were great. The villain had layers and did a great job of portraying the complexity of childhood trauma.

Maybe not for everyone but I loved it. Hyun Bin and Han Jimin did an amazing job. In partucular, this is probably the first time I have seen a double role where I have actually forgotten that the same actor is playing both roles. The personalities are so distinctly acted out. Great job by the actor. And the final merging was terribly sad. Even though it is an illness, one almost wanted them both to live

Read More

A Greek tale, told in Korean

This particular serial is an old one, and the production value is clearly dated. Yet the power of this serial is so strong that it is impossible to ignore it. The story, the acting, the editing and the direction more than make up for the age of this serial.
Many have spoken of the outstanding job done by Lee Joon Gi. Being a die-hard fan of JLG, I will not go there yet lest I do not stop!
The beauty of this story is that it is more than a revenge story. It speaks to the complexity of human relationships that your dire enemy can potentially be your cherished friend, if you did not know their past, that your most cherished relationship can be with your mortal enemy. These and other questions make this story telling so different and so outstanding.
As usual, any great Kdrama depends on its myriad characters to truly make it shine. This one is no exception. The combination of a fantastic female lead, a supporting male lead, and a truly bad ass Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde persona of the male lead (led by the inimitable Lee Joon Gi) makes this a cut above the rest. The bromance of the two male leads is a delight in itself. Their relationship really shone, and grew with a tacit understanding all the way through the twists and turns. The romance was suitably red hot. LJG played two very different personalities and the romance was a constant through it all. Watching the female lead react to both of these very different personalities but be drawn deeply to both was wonderful.
In the end, I and many others would have appreciated a little more of that bromance and romance if possible.
However, perhaps the most interesting relationship was between the male lead and the villain of the piece. The villain was beautifully played by Choi Jae Sung; larger than life, complex and layered. The interplay of the two personalities with the villain was brilliant and even in the end, the denouement underscored the pathos of the situation.
It is reminiscent of a Greek play, with its themes of the vagaries of fate and man’s constant attempt to make sense of destiny. Highly recommended.

Read More

A must watch. Beautiful story telling, great locales, excellent acting. Edge of the seat drama. Hope they can keep this up. I never ever watch on air shows as my one experience was a huge dissappointment plus I hate waiting. This one is worth it.
If I had any quibble, it would be about the personality of Jee Su; a female lead seems a bit lame. She seems to cry too much and though I think the intention of the writer was to show her as innocent, kind and compassionate, it was never really made clear as to what made her suddenly decide to care about him; the transition was too abruput. But their relationship is beautiful once you accept that it exists however they arrived at that state.
The fights are gorgeous, and the story wonderful. And what do I say about the always talented Mr Kim Tae Pyung?

Spoiler ahead

His portrayal of an ambitious, slightly wolfish, tough business man who is then transformed into a hunted man, consumed by his fight with NPC s that only he can see, and the wits he uses while the world refuses to understand - absolutely on point.

Read More

A ride through nature

"Ride Now: Northern Xinjiang" is a Vlog released in 2023. It presents a mesmerising journey through the enchanting landscapes of Northern Xinjiang, China. The vlog is documentary style and offers a distinct and immersive experience, unveiling the untouched beauty of one of China's most scenic regions. The cinematography of "Ride Now" is simply breath-taking. It captures sweeping aerial views of the vast Xinjiang desert alongside intimate portrayals of local communities. Each frame is meticulously composed to convey the essence of the region, enveloping viewers in a world of unparalleled beauty and serenity.

What sets "Ride Now" apart is the feeling of being on a personal journey with Wu Lei, in authentic cultural immersion. It unravels the rich tapestry of traditions and customs that define the region. From nomadic horseback riding to savouring traditional Uyghur cuisine, every encounter offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who call this land their home.

While "Ride Now: Northern Xinjiang" provides a feast for the senses, some viewers may find its pacing to be leisurely. The documentary prioritizes atmospheric shots and cultural immersion over fast-paced action, which may not appeal to all audiences. However, for those willing to embrace the journey and appreciate its beauty, "Ride Now" offers a truly enriching experience.

Wu Lei offers a refreshing and genuine glimpse into the life of the actor as he embarks on a biking adventure through the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang. The detailed commentary highlights the authenticity and humility, particularly in his interactions with strangers and easy going attitude. His ability to connect with others in a natural and unassuming manner, despite his fame, is commendable. His journey through the countryside showcases not only the beauty of the environment but also his own introspective moments and personal growth.

The video seems to capture the essence of finding solace and meaning in the simplicity of life, away from the pressures of fame and the entertainment industry. His genuine enjoyment of the natural world and his willingness to share these intimate moments with viewers is both inspiring and relatable. Additionally scenes were he is tired, exhausted, unable to start or having a difficult moment are also shown. It seems to offer a reminder that it's okay to embrace moments of loneliness, fatigue, and vulnerability, as they are part of the human experience.

Overall, "Ride Now: Northern Xinjiang" appears to be a captivating vlog that not only showcases breath taking scenery but also offers viewers a glimpse into the soul of Wu Lei and the universal quest for meaning and connection. It leaves a lasting impression on viewers, inviting them to explore the wonders of travel, culture, and the natural world.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking inspiration and connection with the world around them.

Read More

Unmissable heartrending story with amazing acting and fantastic arcs...

This particular serial is a darling for many Kdrama fans who live in false hope that a season 2 will somehow happen. Many have been waiting for years, which in itself can tell a potential viewer how valued and appreciated this is.
I am told that Korean viewers did not love it as much as international fans did. It is unclear why.
The story is beautifully told, there is a wonderful balance of pathos, complexity, light relief and tragedy to make any true Kdrama fan happy. The story is slightly complex with many strands and an ensemble cast who have all done a stellar job. The tragic undertones and foreshadowing are always part of the storytelling. Yet it is a joy and a pleasure to watch.
Despite the Chinese vaersion having more than 35 episodes while this was 20 episodes, I found the pace appropriate and suspect I would have found more episodes tedious. The episodes were sharp and focused and moved forward the tale effectively. We are introduced to the backstory of Wang So the protagonist with dramatic flair, our hero and heroine meet in a suitably dramatic fashion, and our heroine struggles but learns to adjust to the new world she finds herself in. As happens in the best Kdramas, the leads are not the only ones with a great story, the other characters have equally deep and interesting story lines that progress. The change of tone and the journey of key characters from light hearted young people with nothing to worry them to being in the midst of battles of life and death, and political chess games that can and do cause death was riveting. In the end, the natural progression of life in a court takes place and it is a bitter sweet ending.
The final denouement does close the loops and show how the events of the story have changed our key characters and the world around them. It also tantalises the viewers with an open ending that shows future possibilities.

Read More

Deep romantic tale against a backdrop of crime

A gripping crime story against the backdrop of crime. The story has complexity and even for someone who does not watch crime stories, it was riveting, mainly because of the well etched out characters, both main leads and supporting actors. The romance is front and centre, and deeply moving.

While it deals with painful and difficult subjects like human trafficking, psychopaths, serial killers, the growth of the main lead, the journey of the lead couple through trials and tribulations more than made up for the difficult topics it covered.

I am so impressed by this drama - the writing, the story, the editing, the acting - everything in so on point. The actors in each role have done a stellar job, supported by rich dialogue and story. The comedy is a fine thread flowing through the drama, that shines and sparkles at the most unexpected moments. The ML and the FL are gorgeous and the romance is deeply moving. LJG does the usual outcast, lone ranger role but the depth to his performance is amazing - the deep seated frustration, the helpless of a man who is always at odds with the world, who nevertheless bravely tries his best to make it all work, his angst and frustration speaks through the personality which is repressed.

A must watch; but give it at least four episodes if crime dramas are not your thing, They are not mine and yet I loved it, it is among my top 10 dramas now.

Read More

Excellent portrayal of politics among romance

I started this one with low expectations as the last two Kdramas had high reviews but just didn't work for me. However, I am blown away by how much I am enjoying this. Clearly, one shouldn't go by ratings alone, since this one is actually a 9 + for me at this point.

The pacing is perfect. Here are some of things that have worked well for me -

the actors are amazing, the comic relief is just right - that can really bore me at times in Kdrama as I don't usually find the comedy too funny, the politics is extremely believable, everyone is clear about why they are doing what they are doing (IOW- plausible storyline), the murder mystery is genuinely interesting, the side characters do more than just fill screen space, the funny but actually conniving cold character thrown in, a spunky FL and a strong kind ML. This one did make it to my tiny list of great Kdramas.

The music was in particular fabulous

All the best to those who try it out. I loved this drama and would watch it again.

Read More