The best thing about the drama is no doubt the chemistry between the two leads. They absolutely sell the “forbidden” love really well. Like most forbidden love stories, it is usually all-consuming flames and you see that with how Jerry Yan and Xu RuoHan interpreted their roles. Whenever they look at each other, tease each other, small touches and especially intimate scenes, there was no awkwardness at all and you definitely would believe you are seeing Xiao Han and He Ran.
All the casts delivered their acts perfectly - most notable is He Ran mom/Qiu JiaRong - Huang Yi. In the drama, I think she had to give the most range of emotions - protective mother and anxiety-driven widow to a woman who is on the verge of finding a new dreamy love.
As for the cons, editing has its goofs but the most obvious flaws are its lack of characterization and underdeveloped storylines. Han Yu and Xiao Han suffered here the most. Han Yu was sidelined as nothing as comic relief until the very last episode while you will keep waiting for Xiao Han to get this big background story but nothing was ever explained properly. Instead we get side characters from him that came in and out without real impact like QuanQuan and QinZao. I should not compare drama with the book but if they did not plan for QuanQuan storyline to be same as her(his in book) then maybe they should have done away with her suddenly appearing and disappearing in the story. As for Qin Zao - maybe they were tried of ex-lovers appearing to bring complications so they chose to make her sister to Xiao Han’s ex instead but her appearance was again a problem as it did not add any depth to Xiao Han’s character. I prefer drama Xiao Han(obviously kinder and more responsible than book) but at least book Xiao Han, I knew him more and I know by the end, he had grown as a character and as a man.
Overall it is a great and definitely memorable drama. Directors deserved kudos for art and feelings translated to film medium. Music scoring a top tier. Lastly, a big salute to all actors!
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For the story itself, I felt a bit disconnected aside from the romance. SSJ had probably only one or two real good scene with her family. Same with GRQ, his relationship with his family was barely addressed. It would have been better had they developed SSJ and GRQ characters outside being a couple more. The main leads felt they only live for each other at times. In many ways that feels very romantic but also very unrealistic and “all fiction”.
All in all it’s a cute fluff and shall be recognized for that chemistry and cute sweet scenes but a bit lacking in all the other stuffings needed for a truly memorable drama.
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Wonderful Chemistry
The drama is named perfectly. Everything about the main couple is indeed sweet. Childhood friends secretly falling in love then being separated but only to find each other again during their adult years is a trope most viewers will definitely swoon over. Story-wise, it’s more fluff than plot but what it lacks in terms of conflict, the amazing chemistry between the two leads more than makes up for it.Supporting characters are a bit of a miss though. Either in their acting or their own storylines - they don’t really compliment the overall feel of the drama. Instead they feel more like contrived plots and characters to justify or forced the never-ending tropes for main couple.
All in all, very enjoyable and feel-good drama.
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GY and KGE performance is wonderful to behold. They make you believe they are a fated couple and they make viewers want Goblin and Goblin wife to be always together. LDW & YIN performance also very commendable and their 2nd couple status complements the lead pair beautifully. Lastly YSJ is a revelation. It was amazing watching him able to match the light and heavy scenes of his senior costars.
Aside from the off-putting way of endorsement in some scenes, the drama is perfect. Production aesthetics, plot and acting are all top-notch.
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Also the drama emphasizes more of characterization especially the growth of the female lead as well as the healing of the male lead. Editing is truly choppy and storylines of some side characters/villains were completely put aside but the superior acting of the leads more than compensates for any flaws.
I really love this drama. It gives a refreshing and very healthy take on love shown in dramas. Romantic love is not the sole most important thing. Chasing your dreams. Having peace in your heart is equally important. Love isn’t the whole universe but that single star that lights your world.
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Cute and fluffy
The story is actually very simple with episodes just drawn out for comedic and romantic purposes. If not for SY and CZY, such drama might fall flat but they have the chemistry and acting chops so the drama is still a must.The second couple is a bit of miss though. They offer good comedy moments for the main couple esp between XWD and Mr Lu but as a pair, their own romance tones down the sweet and cute drama mood.
Lastly I wish they did the ending a bit differently. I don’t think it was properly handled because most audience may not catch on the real score of the story. Over-all, this fantasy rom-com is worth the watch.
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Also the drama should have capitalized more on KGE acting prowess. Although she sells the female police officer JTE well, the drama could have been more compelling had they focused as much on Luna character as well. As for LMH, as always he has a regal air which is just right for his kingly role. Sadly not much opportunity to show his acting range was given for the character.
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