moondust
somewhere over the rainbow
If you are expecting some great love story as promised, a love that defies all odds, held together by fate and karma , then be prepared to feel slightly underwhelmed. Viewers are better off treating it as the heroine's tale as she embarks on the mission of a lifetime (literally); or a "second chance" type of journey - to undo the rather tragic outcome early on that set the main plot in motion
But the best part of this drama, is the visually pleasing production and costumes (for the most part).
Story (7/10)
The director has a gift for tweaking changes to novels to tell the story much better than its original work. But despite efforts to flesh out each character or every plot development, it fails to build any real momentum to keep viewers interested or invested despite the length. Overall story is decent though boring... (yes I've said it!), and characters are balanced. The main plot and focus of romance end up downplayed to make room for supporting elements and subplots, something they could do without, or at very least, cut out of a lot of.
Acting (7/10)
Chemistry between the leads is a real issue and one I fail to be convinced by. And more so when sold about a love so great each is defying odds to be together. This lack of chemistry prevents any real emotional connection to the couple. Multiple times throughout the drama I didn't feel the leads were in love until they declared so, but this was more so in the earlier half.
With all due respect to William Chan, his acting range is limited at best. If anything he has the visual presence to pull off alpha male prince and eyes that command charisma easily, if only he knew how. As a fan of Cecilia Liu, this is far from a standout performance and even disappointing, when you consider the kind of performances she is capable of.
Xu Hai Qiao as the second lead Yuan Zhan is probably the best performance/actor, and between the main characters whose actions and feelings for the one he loves is at all believable.
Music (7/10): Music is good overall. Ending OST is nice
Rewatch (4/10): premise more exciting than actual story, and a whooping 56 episodes that failed to keep me interested the first time means an unlikely rewatch for me.
But the best part of this drama, is the visually pleasing production and costumes (for the most part).
Story (7/10)
The director has a gift for tweaking changes to novels to tell the story much better than its original work. But despite efforts to flesh out each character or every plot development, it fails to build any real momentum to keep viewers interested or invested despite the length. Overall story is decent though boring... (yes I've said it!), and characters are balanced. The main plot and focus of romance end up downplayed to make room for supporting elements and subplots, something they could do without, or at very least, cut out of a lot of.
Acting (7/10)
Chemistry between the leads is a real issue and one I fail to be convinced by. And more so when sold about a love so great each is defying odds to be together. This lack of chemistry prevents any real emotional connection to the couple. Multiple times throughout the drama I didn't feel the leads were in love until they declared so, but this was more so in the earlier half.
With all due respect to William Chan, his acting range is limited at best. If anything he has the visual presence to pull off alpha male prince and eyes that command charisma easily, if only he knew how. As a fan of Cecilia Liu, this is far from a standout performance and even disappointing, when you consider the kind of performances she is capable of.
Xu Hai Qiao as the second lead Yuan Zhan is probably the best performance/actor, and between the main characters whose actions and feelings for the one he loves is at all believable.
Music (7/10): Music is good overall. Ending OST is nice
Rewatch (4/10): premise more exciting than actual story, and a whooping 56 episodes that failed to keep me interested the first time means an unlikely rewatch for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
