Crimson Whirlwind
Sigh, I should have listened to everyone before I began this one. I was warned so many times about the disappointing ending, and in the end I was disappointed. I started this one and continued to the end majorly because of Wallace Chung – what an amazing actor he is. But not even his fine acting could make up for the convoluted and messy storyline.
STORY
The Drama started off well, with Su Man (Janine Chang) and Lu Li Cheng (Wallace Chung ) encountering each other multiple times in the first few episodes. They had great chemistry full of small bickering and smart dialogue exchanges. Their interaction was fun to watch and made me laugh at their unwilling chance encounters. I liked the idea of having the Drama set in a workplace setting, given we could contrast their at work and out of work interactions with each other. The first 20ish episodes did really well in setting a light-hearted joking tone, and seeing Lu Li Cheng slowly fall for Su Man. The big climax/ultimate betrayal was shot well (very heart breaking), and I loved the fact that Lu Li Cheng was there for her throughout the whole thing.
However, episodes 30 and onward went downhill, I’m even convinced they found a different director. I don’t know what happened, but all light-heartedness went out the window and the Drama did a 360 turn. It turned into a mess – there were random side plots developing, unnecessary and often pointless scenes, and the second female lead got her own whole backstory. We stopped seeing them in the workplace setting (which was what defined the whole Drama initially). We stopped seeing great Su Man and Lu Li Cheng interactions. And then the ending came, and I was like what…? And no, I wasn’t satisfied with the two alternative endings, but some proper closure was nice (I watched the Lu Li Cheng one of course). Be prepared to choose an alternate ending depending on which guy you’re rooting for.
ACTING/CAST
Wallace Chung was amazing as per usual, I just love his micro expressions and being able to read a hundred different emotions on his face. I was rooting for him the whole time, he truly cared about Su Man and was there for her when it mattered.
Janine Chang did a really great job portraying her character (although her wardrobe choice could have been better). She could turn on her fierce and strong persona for Lu Li Cheng and was all cutsy and loving toward Song Yi. Her actions and character development at times were questionable, but I’ll let that go.
Jia Nailiang’s acting needs work and that’s all I’ll say about him. I thought his character was a mess and was not properly thought out – what were his motives, intentions, what did he want? Very unclear.
MUSIC
They had a few good songs that fit some of the emotional scenes, but nothing too memorable.
REWATCH VALUE
I would be alright watching the first few scenes where we see lots of Su Man and Lu Li Cheng interaction, but the whole Drama again? That’s a no from me.
Honestly, I just felt this had so much potential. They could have spent the rest of the drama developing the relationships in a more meaningful way rather than have all that nonsense. Unfortunately, wasted potential is all I’m left with. Keen to hear your thoughts! xx
STORY
The Drama started off well, with Su Man (Janine Chang) and Lu Li Cheng (Wallace Chung ) encountering each other multiple times in the first few episodes. They had great chemistry full of small bickering and smart dialogue exchanges. Their interaction was fun to watch and made me laugh at their unwilling chance encounters. I liked the idea of having the Drama set in a workplace setting, given we could contrast their at work and out of work interactions with each other. The first 20ish episodes did really well in setting a light-hearted joking tone, and seeing Lu Li Cheng slowly fall for Su Man. The big climax/ultimate betrayal was shot well (very heart breaking), and I loved the fact that Lu Li Cheng was there for her throughout the whole thing.
However, episodes 30 and onward went downhill, I’m even convinced they found a different director. I don’t know what happened, but all light-heartedness went out the window and the Drama did a 360 turn. It turned into a mess – there were random side plots developing, unnecessary and often pointless scenes, and the second female lead got her own whole backstory. We stopped seeing them in the workplace setting (which was what defined the whole Drama initially). We stopped seeing great Su Man and Lu Li Cheng interactions. And then the ending came, and I was like what…? And no, I wasn’t satisfied with the two alternative endings, but some proper closure was nice (I watched the Lu Li Cheng one of course). Be prepared to choose an alternate ending depending on which guy you’re rooting for.
ACTING/CAST
Wallace Chung was amazing as per usual, I just love his micro expressions and being able to read a hundred different emotions on his face. I was rooting for him the whole time, he truly cared about Su Man and was there for her when it mattered.
Janine Chang did a really great job portraying her character (although her wardrobe choice could have been better). She could turn on her fierce and strong persona for Lu Li Cheng and was all cutsy and loving toward Song Yi. Her actions and character development at times were questionable, but I’ll let that go.
Jia Nailiang’s acting needs work and that’s all I’ll say about him. I thought his character was a mess and was not properly thought out – what were his motives, intentions, what did he want? Very unclear.
MUSIC
They had a few good songs that fit some of the emotional scenes, but nothing too memorable.
REWATCH VALUE
I would be alright watching the first few scenes where we see lots of Su Man and Lu Li Cheng interaction, but the whole Drama again? That’s a no from me.
Honestly, I just felt this had so much potential. They could have spent the rest of the drama developing the relationships in a more meaningful way rather than have all that nonsense. Unfortunately, wasted potential is all I’m left with. Keen to hear your thoughts! xx
Was this review helpful to you?
