A character driven drama

I will keep it short.
It's a short drama but they haven't compromised with the settings or the costume or any aspects that could hinder the enjoyment. As mentioned it is character-driven but that doesn't mean the plot is illogical. The conflict is external but the central conflict is centred on the characters.
They set up the world nicely in the first few eps and establish the characters. From there onwards, it is the characters actions and motivations that drive it forward.

The main couple is already married but they also shows how they fell in love, which was really sweet for me. The Cp have the typical love-hate part which brings the conflict in their relationship but we come to root for them as well. Princess Bai Zho is such a sweet heart. They have kept only what is necessary so the eps doesn't feel too much of filler though they are still light hearted. The main couple's affection for each other was really touching.
Except for the open ending, this was really well done drama that deserves attention.

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Despite all the possible tropes being present in this drama and the melodrama tagline, it is kind of a lightweight, heart warming drama.
I am a person, who loves angst so I went expecting a loads of that here. But after Kang Ho's accident, the drama leans onto a countryside comedy drama.

Mother-son relationship is the heart of this drama so if that's something you like then this drama is for you.
I really hated Young Soon's abusive tendencies though her own side was explained. Especially, not letting him eat, both as a child and as an adult. I hate how these kdramas push the narrative of 'tough-toxic'love' of parents.

Another thing I hated is the lack of focus on Mi Joo's character. For most of the part, she was shown as a foil to Kang Ho, and also a person for him to express his thoughts, his sacrifice, his world. I wanted the show to focus on her as an individual, her sufferings and sacrifices. The show glossed over it by scratching just the surface.

The Kids were cute, side characters were just that.
The mask lady grew on my by the end.
It was also nice to see how pigs domestication and comparison of pigs and human lives.

I think of this as a short drama version of the usual long weekend dramas which lasts for some 40 eps usually. All in all an average watch and not bad by any means, thought it could have been more.

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I saw this was rated an 8.0 here and that exactly is what prompted me to write this. There are many other dramas and movies in the Dramalist which are better than this but rated less.

The beginning was all very thrilling and I was very much intrigued, only to be disappointed later. The story was okay but it was very much dragged and repetitive. Cruel Romance is set in the Shanghai of 1930's and it is the first time I am watching a drama in that background and that was a good thing for me. The setting was beautiful and so are the dresses and I really liked the retro feel. I think the actors were good but their caricature like roles didn't helped me to enjoy them.I was cringing at times for the heroine's character. Lead guy was hot with all those abs and the girl was also beautiful.

The music was fine.

Re watch???? No i wont re-watch this ever.

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