Hamster37
This review may contain spoilers
I started watching this drama because I LOVED LJK in Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and all the visuals, (LJK, Changmin and Lee Soo Hyuk) were too good to pass. (SPOILERS AHEAD)
Storyline : 7.5
Majority of the drama is very interesting and makes me anticipate every moment. It makes me wonder what the 'secret plan' to kill Gwi is and how Gwi is gonna die. Also that ***** Prime Minister who is trying to usurp the throne, I always wonder what is up his sleeves again. The first 3/4 of the drama is also executed very smoothly and everything falls into place, however, i feel that the ending is too rushed. The way Gwi actually was killed was mainly helped by explosives which is a rather anti-climatic way. Also I was seriously hoping to have some of Gwi's back story, I wanted to know how he actually came to life. AND HIS LOVER, he said that he fell in love with a women before, yet, it didnt have a nice emotional flashback as I expected. I also feel that the ending is lacklustre as it felt rather rushed.
Acting : 8
LJK never disappoints, the way he expresses himself and shows his inner conflict is well execeuted! Lee Soo Hyuk too! His acting as Gwi is extremely realistic + he is really good looking :) Kudos to Changmin too, I think he did a good job playing the Prince (later the King) showing his struggles (he is an idol actor so I didnt expect much but he exceeded my expectations). The Female Lead was good too!
Music : 8.5
Not really a person who takes note of the music but I think it was fitting when played.
Rewatch Value : 4
Not because it is a bad drama, its just a drama that is hard to rewatch as the audience already knows the plot and ending, the romance part is rather little too
OVERALL : 7
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This review may contain spoilers
The day has come when this great drama finally comes to an end! Overall, I find this a great drama. It is definitely one of the best c-dramas I have watched so far and I really recommend you to watch this ASAP!
Story - Comparing to Ten Miles Of Peach Blossom (3Lives3Worlds), I would say Ashes of Love trumps it. The story is more intriguing than TMOPB, there are more character development (though some might not like it) and I love how both leads died for each other.
Of course there are some unsatisfying parts. I feel there isnt enough romance scene. We barely had any kisses in the immortal realm, I did not really like the ending (it was a happy ending though) and we didnt get an explanation for why Kuang Lu loved Run Yu so much. I would also love to have a few more love line between some side characters but it is nothing major
Acting - I really must say I am impressed ALOT by Yang ZI, she did AMAZING in this drama and I think I have became a fan. Deng Lun did awesome too but I must say he is overshadowed by Yang Zi's acting. I also really enjoyed the acting of Run Yu and Kuang Lu. Most of the other main characters and side characters also had really good acting skills and I am really impressed by them
Song - I did not like the OST, but it did not really ruin the atmosphere, it is just not my taste.
Rewatch value - I will definitely rewatch most of the drama. It being a 63 episode drama definitely brings down its rewatch value though
Overall - 9.5
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Story - 7/10
Many comments I read said that the story was too draggy and frustrating. While it is certainly true that there were unnecessary parts in the drama, overall, I feel that the story is rather satisfying. There were proper explanations as to why things happened and the ending was a little rushed, but still wraps everything nicely.
The last C-drama I watched was The Negotiator starring Z.Tao and Yang Mi and I loved the first half of the drama but it started going downhill and never picked itself up. I expected Here to Heart to be similar, but it wasnt, which is probably why my story score could be higher than other reviews.
Many Chinese dramas, unlike Korean dramas & Japanese dramas are really long. They give backstories and a loveline to many other supporting characters which many might find unnecessary. However, I feel that these parts are important for character development and it made me love each and every character in this drama.
Acting - 10/10
Zhang Han as NX and Janine Chang as WN is really the perfect casting for sure! I was really surprised and amazed by their acting skills and they are able to perfectly potray and show the audience their inner struggles and how they still care for each other. Their crying scenes made me emotional every single time.
Music - 10/10
I couldnt expect less from Hebe (who sang Our Little Happiness) who sang the main theme song for this drama. The OST sang by leading man Zhang Han was also a good surprise. The OSTs didnt feel awkward whenever it was playing which gives it a plus
Rewatch Value - 6.5/10
I would definitely rewatch this drama sometime soon although I will fast forward many parts.
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