Electrifying leads, with similar plot to You Are My Glory
As other comments pointed out, the plot has many similarities to You Are My Glory. You have an established FL with a cold-at-first ML that's aiming to become a scientist/researcher. The plot is a bit underwhelming but don't let this deter you - it's rare to have a high-budget modern drama with great leads, amazing chemistry and an easy to digest plot without a billion cliches and angsty moments.
I'll start with the pros, and why you should watch it.
1) Characters. The leads are amazing. It's rare to find such great chemistry, good-looking leads and such a healthy relationship. There really isn't any notable love triangles, the characters start devoted to one another and remain devoted throughout the whole drama. One minor "break" in their relationship close to end (approximately 1 ep in length) but really not a big deal. Kisses are intense. Janice and Vin fit perfectly in their roles. Janice's character was so endearing and character growth was really well-written. Side characters are good too, although the second couple was really an afterthought, with no real development - whatever, I'm not here for them haha. Main couple didn't have too much drama - was healthy overall and they always talked whenever they were upset so issues were promptly discussed.
2) Plot. The plot is solid. Nothing to write home about but for a modern drama, it's well worth watching. No angsty moments, no cancer scares and no mindmelting love triangle.
3) OST is solid. A couple nice songs (notably the ballads).
4) Good budget. You get the real voices from the actors (very limited dubbing) and you get to see the cities of Shanghai and Xi'an. As a modern drama, I think it's so important to get the vibe of the city right.
Cons. There aren't really any notable cons, but I'll point out some things that could've been done better.
1) Needs some more "high" and "low" moments. Since the main couples were well-written, there really weren't many highs or lows in the drama. I never found myself thinking: "wow this is so swoonworthy". No tears either. There was a lot of missed opportunities during some pivotal moments where the writers could have had the main characters show a bit more emotion (so the viewers can empathize).
2) Plot starts off exciting but plateaus. The latter half of the drama was noticeably weaker once the couples got together. Since they have such a healthy relationship, I guess there really wasn't much to write about so they made the main couple do long distance, so was a bit underwhelming. The last few episodes were also extremely rushed with choppy editing (what even happened?!?!)
3) A bit too much advertising. So much advertising... and it culminates in being a giant advertisement for China's Beidou (GPS) navigating system. Almost like the show's whole theme is dedicating yourself to being a government researcher. This really took precedence over anything else (family, relationship, even the FL's hundred-million dollar company).
Overall, worth watching for the leads alone. The main leads are just eye-candy. With the solid budget, viewers get a real taste of Shanghai/Xi'an. For a modern drama, plot isn't anything revolutionary but solid, backed by generally down to earth characters.
I'll start with the pros, and why you should watch it.
1) Characters. The leads are amazing. It's rare to find such great chemistry, good-looking leads and such a healthy relationship. There really isn't any notable love triangles, the characters start devoted to one another and remain devoted throughout the whole drama. One minor "break" in their relationship close to end (approximately 1 ep in length) but really not a big deal. Kisses are intense. Janice and Vin fit perfectly in their roles. Janice's character was so endearing and character growth was really well-written. Side characters are good too, although the second couple was really an afterthought, with no real development - whatever, I'm not here for them haha. Main couple didn't have too much drama - was healthy overall and they always talked whenever they were upset so issues were promptly discussed.
2) Plot. The plot is solid. Nothing to write home about but for a modern drama, it's well worth watching. No angsty moments, no cancer scares and no mindmelting love triangle.
3) OST is solid. A couple nice songs (notably the ballads).
4) Good budget. You get the real voices from the actors (very limited dubbing) and you get to see the cities of Shanghai and Xi'an. As a modern drama, I think it's so important to get the vibe of the city right.
Cons. There aren't really any notable cons, but I'll point out some things that could've been done better.
1) Needs some more "high" and "low" moments. Since the main couples were well-written, there really weren't many highs or lows in the drama. I never found myself thinking: "wow this is so swoonworthy". No tears either. There was a lot of missed opportunities during some pivotal moments where the writers could have had the main characters show a bit more emotion (so the viewers can empathize).
2) Plot starts off exciting but plateaus. The latter half of the drama was noticeably weaker once the couples got together. Since they have such a healthy relationship, I guess there really wasn't much to write about so they made the main couple do long distance, so was a bit underwhelming. The last few episodes were also extremely rushed with choppy editing (what even happened?!?!)
3) A bit too much advertising. So much advertising... and it culminates in being a giant advertisement for China's Beidou (GPS) navigating system. Almost like the show's whole theme is dedicating yourself to being a government researcher. This really took precedence over anything else (family, relationship, even the FL's hundred-million dollar company).
Overall, worth watching for the leads alone. The main leads are just eye-candy. With the solid budget, viewers get a real taste of Shanghai/Xi'an. For a modern drama, plot isn't anything revolutionary but solid, backed by generally down to earth characters.
Was this review helpful to you?