Entertaining & Good Chemistry Ongoing Review (Happy Ending Answer)

SLOW START:
I am amazed that the drama follows the book's slow pace in the first 4 episodes. I was expecting less development of the CSS's family. The first 20+chapters of the book are boring so I thought they would just sum it up quickly, but they did drag it out a bit in slow motion. This will discourage some people who are used to quick-paced dramas. If you don't like wordplay or family (in this case females) bickering, then the first episodes will be painfully slow. However, the drama doesn't need to be abandoned because the later episodes will be better after the "main" characters come out. That being said, I have a feeling that the drama will be developed in a similar way.
It's a slow beginning, but they did try to make it entertaining. I think it's worth giving it a chance to develop the narrative (which although slow, is well-acted and filmed). The cinematography looks amazing so far.

If needed, you can skip the first 4 episodes: they are about a girl who was left behind as a baby because her family had to go to war. She was abused by her aunt and grandma. The story begins as her family returns home to find her grown up without education and fine manners.
The ML LBY came out in the first episode. He "met" CSS's hand. And the face-to-face meeting doesn't happen until episode 6.

PLOT EXPECTATION:
What this story is not about: politics & war (there is some, but it is about 1/4 of the story ... the other 3/4 is about women's and family drama). So it's always good to keep your expectation consistent with the perspective that this novel is about a girl, who is the main character; she has 3 suitors; her character matures as she makes her choices.

For those who expect a quick meeting of the main leads and a fast-paced romance, this isn't the drama. They don't "meet" right away. It's going to take time for her to like him. If you have seen The Story of Minglan, it's the similar vibe in terms of family drama. The focus will move from CSS's family drama to another family drama (the emperor's).

ACTING:
So far I really like the acting and funny moments (including the wordplay). It's a different type of drama. It feels like an artistic rendition rather than the typical C-dramas. If you like ZLS, this is a drama in which she shines because she can act in different stages of growth. LW's acting is not shabby either.

As you watch the drama, look out for the details in the words between the characters. The beauty of this novel/drama lies in the details and words and the interaction between people.

CHEMISTRY:
All the MLs have chemistry with ZLS. The looks (eyes) between them and her show how much they like her.

ENDING:
Happy Ending in the Novel. They didn't get married only talked about it in the epilogue. No actual ceremony. Let's hope the drama will script it in.

EPISODE REVIEW:
ep1:
The old lady who came to fetch CSS said, "If your parents love you, why did they leave you?" - This is the same question that CSS must have asked many times: it makes her feel unloved and orphaned.
When LBY heard the uncle say that CSS was without parents all her life, he must have already felt connected with her through their shared background: both grew up without parents.

ep 1-4
Not as good as could have been because of the excessive bickering. It sets up the storyline. Can skip over the high-pitched overdramatized bickering if you don't enjoy it.

Just finished ep6:
Amazing! They changed the novel. I love the change! It's more exciting/entertaining and makes more sense that she met all 3 on the same night! She still hasn't seen his face clearly, but he saw hers.

7-8
Episodes 7-8 didn't disappoint. Again, the script deviated from the novel, but it's all positive. VERY entertaining. I thought the cinematography and storyline had a Disneyesque quality: the filming of LBY with the black cape (a repetition from previous scenes) from low to the high angle from the back makes him look like a Disney character: intimidating, intriguing, and foreshadowing. The real voice of FL added to the fun and childish scenes. I feel she made it very believable and entertaining to watch.
TBH, I enjoy watching this drama more than reading the book. Although I laughed sometimes while reading, the drama brought out more of the comic element by providing not just the regular rom-com but also sophisticated irony, contrast, etc ... The director gave it a vibe of Disney's Cinderella and "Sense and Sensibility".

EPS 15-6
Again, I am impressed with the screen adaptation and the director of this drama.
An excellent screen adaptation of the novel to include more interactions among the male leads. I love that they are more central to the story and being shown at the same time so the audience can see how they treat her and how she reacts to their perspectives.

Jane Austen's vibe is obvious and consistent as the actors curtsy to each other and politely nod their heads. The director is able to get the actors to perform their roles perfectly. It's funny but not to the point of being ridiculous. The humor has a tasteful vibe. When the grandma's dramatic role is not being overplayed as in eps 1-4, she also has the vibe of JA's old dames.

I also love that ZLS can bring out the little girl vibe. Although she is young (but not that young), she brought out the innocence of a 14-year-old at times and makes you feel like yeh, I could believe in her silliness, idealism, and audacity. I think her real voice and acting make the role so believable even though she doesn't look 14 years old.

17-18
If I were reading Episodes 17-18, I would be fast-forwarding them to the next best parts. It's so painfully slow to wait for next week's episodes! I guess the story is not moving fast enough because it's still evolving around similar plot lines and conflicts: engagement, family fighting, LBY's unrequited love, CSS still needs to fight for herself without getting new skills.

It's like a video game level: she's not getting any extra skills or new conflicts to move on to the next level.
However, it's fun to see the dynamics of different families.

In these episodes, we can see that she's going to have a tough battle against the Lou family. Everyone can see it except CSS. Why? In her insecurity (worrying about not being able to find a suitable husband - Lou is the only one who asked her to be his wife), CSS thinks this is as good as it's going to get for her. She's a young teen. She's full of insecurities due to abandonment and lack of love. She doesn't know what love is. She is only concerned about having independence through being married to an easy-to-manipulate husband who will support her projects. But she doesn't realize that behind the husband is actually a formidable family.
These episodes are fun to watch to see the dynamics of Chinese families. The princes showed up in episode 18 in which you can see the contrast between the crown prince and the 3rd prince. It's foreshadowing who will rule at the end.
The next episodes will be more fun when she becomes engaged to LBY. It's a new plot line involving a new mentor (empress) and a matchmaker (emperor). It will be less frustrating to watch because CSS is getting new skills and love from her mentor. She has a stronger fiancé who supports her.

19-20
Breaking up is hard to do so CSS refuses to accept the verdict that she has to give her fiance, Yao, to the He daughter. Yao and CSS promised to stand against the world. Here we see that Yao actually has a backbone. His relationship with CSS has matured him and inspired a devotion that stands against the bullying of his family. It's a foreshadowing of a decent man and friend that he will become at the end of the story.
In this episode, we see that the relationship between mother and daughter is progressing ... also more disclosures about LBY's past.
One thing I noticed about this director is his use of repetition to emphasize the point: My favorite part about these 2 episodes is the last scene: LBY said, "No need to fear. I am here!" This is a repetition of what he said when he rescued her before. It just emphasizes his devotion to her.

21-22

Finally, the plot moves on! I felt too much time was spent on the first engagement. I would like to see more time spent on CSS and LBY's story. At least now, we are heading in the right direction!
She breaks her engagement with Yao. From here on, LBY will become the main man in her life. This marks the beginning of her exposure to life in the palace.
She overheard a conversation about overthrowing the crown prince. LBY saves her and starts to become involved in her life.
Overall, the plot is moving on. I wish they would not drag on with the grandma's scenes. At this point, I tend to get impatient and fast forward her scenes.
The emperor, on the other hand, is a lot more humorous. His involvement in LBY's love life is hilarious... the scene was fun to read too.

23-24
The script modified the story but it sounds reasonable. Here is where the LBY asks the Emperor to represent his parents and ask for CCS's hand in marriage. She took a chance and said yes. Why? She was touched by his sincere declaration that she is a special lady who is fit to be his wife. No other will do.

25-26
Excellent job in both scripting and directing. Really loved these two episodes, especially the humorous ending of 26! This was not in the book but the script again exceeded my expectation. I loved the way the director showed humor, not just through words but also through the filming angles and the closeup of movements!
In episode 25, CSS had to deal with the gossip and LBY helped her to silence the vicious girls. She realized then that she is solely dependent on him to give her power. And by relying on him, she loses her independence.

27
The hilarious episode shows LBY taking over Cheng's family in a military style.
28
Love doesn't conquer all ... Adjustments and compromises are required. I find this scenario to be very realistic. Romantic love is balanced with conflicts and character development. I like how smoothly the script transition the story to the Palace.

Read More

Too much too soon

This drama started out so promising. The ML dramatically entered the scene and acting amazing well in the role of the anti-hero. And then suddenly, he turned into a lover boy who follows the FL around and begs her to marry him.

This just doesn't make sense.

I am waiting for more episodes to see if there is anything else to look forward to.

Acting from both ML & FL: very good, especially ML in the beginning.

Saw up to 24 today. And it's unbelievable! The young princess even fell in love with the older king! And the General fell in love with the older Prince just because he built a temple for her???? They kill off the main villain of the story: the older prince. And we still have 10 more episodes to go. WTH? At least it's consistent with the way this drama has been going: abrupt changes in personality/kungfu skills/etc ...

Anything goes .... I wouldn't be surprise if the writers make arbitrary decisions to turn this wild ride into a tragedy at the end.
I will finish it because there isn't anything else to watch until November 1.

I am going to have to go with my low rating because the plot is just sooooooo fake and cringy sometimes. It doesn't make sense either. Why change the ending of the book?

Read More

B- grade Adaptation, Solid Acting, Great Cast

SUMMARY OF GOODS and BADS

BEFORE reading my review, please make sure that you don't invest your time in arguing with my review as I will BLOCK ALL fanatic fans ... who cannot bear to hear any criticism about their idols. I am sorry ... my opinion and rating stay. I am giving an honest review based on my experience. AND Yes, outfits/fashion are part of the experience. That's why the Academy Awards have a category for them. Life is too short to bicker over little things ... just give an honest review and move on!

THE GOODS:
The CEO character development is perfect. There is no erratic behavior.
Both Seven and XK did well in drama, although not as perfect chemistry as her previous drama: Road Home.
The script changes include some characters that make the story more authentic.
Of all the episodes, I enjoyed the bonus episode the most. It's from the novel ... the way it was filmed was perfect. I felt both actors did well in the last episode.
I like that Lili ends up with a guy who loves her more. He's simple .. I think her life will be easier.

THE BADs:
Fillers: the first 20 episodes - lots of fillers without Main Leads.
Changes I disagree: (See my episodes comment) - the ex-BF and her friend got married. She even attended the wedding. Why did she seem ok with it? It doesn't make sense. And breaking the safe to steal documents? And so many others ...

The theme song - didn't feel romantic and actually a little annoying ("Anything you want me to be ... " ) I had to mute it. The song sang by Seven is good.

Seven's wardrobe - not consistent with the scenes ... For example, their date night on his birthday she wore this black and white jacket ... not very flattering or feminine. Very matronly. It's not her fault but the stylist of this show! Sometimes the wrong outfit takes away the mood of the moment. Sorry I am into fashion :-) And her wearing shorts to meet the family for dinner ... OMG.... She's 26 years old, not 18! At least she should wear a dress/skirt! This is a rich family and the grandpa writes Chinese calligraphy- that shows traditions!

THE most egregious thing that the script writer did in this drama is to make Seven (JX) look like she is a poor decision maker. While it's ok to make mistakes during the development stage to become wiser, it's not ok to behave reckless/criminal/giving-up while doing it. And when she returns, all she did was acknowledging that HT was right all along! Come on ... he lied to her. His actions shows disrespect! I would give him hell!

The second thing that I didn't like is the change in the script to make HT like JX too early in college. This takes away some of the tension in their relationship I think ...


*******

This is one of the dramas that I couldn't wait to see. It's a story of an engineer (I am also one so hurray to Chinese dramas for pushing the envelop in developing strong female entrepreneurs) who aspires to start a new AI company. In the process, she makes personal sacrifices and finds true love. Yep, it's romanticized.

Is it boring with all the AI stuff and business? Yes and no ... I think the business side (well it's either high tech, military training, or fire department ... I wish China dramas can offer more variety like fashion/other industries - but I think the mentality is building the communist theme of usefulness for the country) of it is always going to be there. I mean this is 28 years old female lead .... are we expecting just pure romance? it's not realistic ... She's a career woman ... the leads work together to develop into a believable couple through resolving personal and career conflicts. It's not all about going to movie/dinner dates... The conflict is going to involve career choices - his and hers!

I am a fan of TSY ... she's in her best element here. Her acting, looks, and styling are just perfect. However, it doesn't mean that I will watch her drama if it's not good (I watch for content so I will drop the drama if it's not entertaining). I don't watch some of her dramas because of the male leads or the story. But this one seems solid so far.

I have read the book many times so I was really waiting for this story to be dramatized with a solid actress. I think she's just perfect for the role. Her looks is natural for the role. When she reacts to being harassed, it feels honest and natural.

Surprisingly, XK is also good here. She and XK have chemistry. I haven't enjoyed XK's drama since Story of Yanxi Palace. I feel he fits this role.

As expected (well the rewrite is a little predictable), she didn't reply to his text because SHE DIDN"T get it ... what else? Her character is straight forward and kind (in fact he likes her because she's a nice person), she would have replied to him if she had received the text (duh!). Anyways, people who have read the story and understand her personality can guess what happened.

CONTEXT:
BOOK: they met through the bike accident, he liked her because she's so honest and nice, he helps finance her startup
DRAMA: they met in college, won an AI contest together (that means he's only just a little older than her - this makes more sense and more fun to watch because in the story he's too mature for her), he texted to ask her to be his girlfriend, she didn't reply because she changed her phone number ... anyways, all these changes make the story more interesting because it allows XK to have more screen time and explains his feelings for her. Also, most dramas always have this past interaction so it's easier for viewers to accept the attraction between the couple.

The rewrite is wonderful because it includes more screen time for XK and other characters. I feel that the book was a little lopsided on the female lead. In this case, they create opportunities for the leads to meet each other.


COMMENTs on the Episodes
ep 1-3: very well done- established her dissatisfaction with her current job and relationship with Han Ting.
ep4: draggy because of flashbacks to the same old speech! And lady who convinced her to join the startup to make 3d printing. BF Shao Yi Chen chip in the first investment. I wish they would just explain that her startup company name is a combination of Xing (her name) Chen (his name)
Another change from the novel: Wei Qiu Zi will be the bad friend who stole the boyfriend. Looks like she likes him.
ep5: startup - getting funding - they are trying to make it fun to watch the process of getting funding for a startup.
ep6-8: The past few episodes have been focused on setting up her startup ... while this is her characterization, the novel as well as the drama, could be less focused on this. I think the drama could have done more to make the scenarios less boring and contrived. This is more of the director problems.
If I have to put a rating on 4-8, I would give them 8.0 or 7.5 - this is purely on the fact that the dramatization is not smooth and natural... more like a hiccup here and there trying to rush things to compact them into nice packages.
I wish that they would just focus on 1 or 2 events and give details and real feelings to them.
ep9: breakup went so fast ... and the use of flashbacks again. The scene at the bar has been changed from going with girl friends to just going alone. HT took her home ... this is all new in the drama.
Both HT and YC are good guys ... that's why she never really got angry with YC ... she even gave him the invested money and profit later on. She can see that the personalities/goals are different.
HT, from the novel and also drama, is a busy man. He doesn't have time do trivial stuff ... He runs an empire. So the mentality will be different from the YC, who does have free time to go dating, watch movies, and cooks.
In fact, HT specifically tells JX that he doesn't have time to cook with her all the time. Once in a while is ok.
It just works out better for her as she is also busy with her career and they are in the same field.

*********Ep14 - moving into the same building *****
I've been waiting for Ep14, which marks the beginning of a new development in this drama. The main leads will have more screen time together as we watch their relationship unfolds. It's finally a transition to their romantic story ... she's now beginning to be aware of him as a man.
I think the drama makes a good call to enhance the story with minor characters like Lili and others to add depth and authenticity to the story. From the way the story is told, I think Lili will get together with Su Zhi Zhou.
One thing I don't like in the drama is that they have made HT too typical and familiar: loss of parents (in the novel they are alive), falling for the JX from school, etc ... The mysterious aura of him from the novel is missing.

***** this trailer shows a preview of the relationships of all the characters *****
A lot of people asked who will eventually be the man for Lili so I am going add a hint from the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMyFSyNt0Oo
My money is on the honest and simple guy, JX's coworker, not HT's friend.
Can't wait for Ao Rui Peng - Qin Li to show up too ... looks like he will propose!


Unfortunately, for people who like to see the main leads together more, it hasn't been happening enough during the past 17 episodes (I think that could have contributed to the lower rating ... some are dropping the drama due to this). To have a bigger high quality cast, the script has been developing minor characters.

Hopefully, the romance will heat up soon ... looks like they are changing the novel again during 18-9.
But keep in mind, C drama is not like K drama. It's 40 episodes, not 16. And the cast is bigger. To keep them around, they need to be in the drama even though they weren't in the novel.

If you just want to see only the main leads all the time ... this drama is not it. As I said, I skipped a lot during the first part of the novel which deals a lot with her business and old life.
But I am hoping that the direction will change soon ... 21 is when probably, you will see some hope of them being together more.

*********Ep20-21 - business trip to Germany*****
I highlighted this episode because it's one of the major milestone in the main leads' relationships. In the novel, he knew at this point that he likes her and wants a relationship with her. He told ZD that he is committed and will pay her off for her help.
Actually, the filming location is in China's German town, Qingdao
20 was the best so far - just like the moments in the novel. They spent time together in Germany. I have to rewatch this again to see why I don't feel the magic of that time in Germany ... but I am missing that feeling in the book. There should be a lot of tension and anticipation of that unexpected change in HT's attitude towards her. I guess the drama changed the fact that HT was more reserved in his feelings. So it was her joyous and beautiful personality that influenced his ...


Ok ... up to this point, I am disappointed with the script. It's trying to be everything and added a lot of things that I am not interested. In eps 21, the leads are only together for a few minutes...
I am lowering my rating, not because of the actors, but because the story is not too focused. Too many side couples and stories that I am not totally invested in.
When the story is not focused on the main leads, I feel that it lessens the effect. In the novel, I feel that it's more intense. But in this drama, not so much.
I've waited long enough 21 episodes... and it's still setting the same tone.
I hope that 22 will pick up ... otherwise, the rating I give to this drama will be lower because the script is not meeting my expectation.

Up to now, I think I would give this drama a lower score 7.5 ... I hope the next 20 episodes are going to be more focused on quality and details.

*** Eps 22 - one night stand
This episode is actually the first time I feel that the emotions are correctly conveyed. I feel this is the first time to JX's emotions come through and Seven handled it well.

*** Eps 23
I figure out what it is that differentiates the JX of the drama from the novel. In the novel, HT and JX had a conversation RIGHT AFTER the one night stand. This conversation shows her personality (emotions and habits: when she's nervous, she talks more and behaves unreasonably) and his logical thinking. I wish they would include her vivacious personality more when they are together.
She's too subdue most of the time when she's with him.
I wish they include these moments instead of the uncle's mom becoming an internet celebrity ... this joke is too normal

I don't know why but I also don't like the couple song ... it doesn't have the right feel to some moments ...

**24 Finally Relationship confirmed.
This is actually what should be done ... the drama follows the script of the novel, allowing her to show some of her personality more when dealing with HT.
I don't get Cdrama ... why the females are rendered useless in the kitchen and the men are always the perfect chef?

**25 The script goes off road again
Come on ... who would be stupid enough to stand in front of a violent person and said I recorded everything inside of his home? Isn't this privacy problem????
Again inserting the friend's talk show is not relevant here ... she's not even in the same field.
And giving ZD all the shares without the context of old intimate relationship just doesn't make sense.

**26 Lili discovers her BF has a child
Lili's mystery bf had a wife who died in child birth. He has a daughter that he protective of ...

The drama still has a lot of side characters screen time ... I feel it's a permanent direction of the script writer.

** 27 on it gets better ...
more screen time for main leads.

**29 the script gets even better
I think the emotional sharing is the key. And the leads do share more ... so it feels more authentic.
The Yichen couple got married... I don't think that it makes sense for JX to attend their wedding.
Lili broke up with BF ...
Wow Chinese work place have a lot of personal relationships ...

**30 Breaking up
The script changed it to JX opening the safe to get the documents. This doesn't make sense to me. But I didn't like the way the novel's way either: https://www.hetushu.com/book/4303/3182715.html

And then the lady at the office confessed her love for Su Zhi Zhou out of no where!
**

33
The script was changed again so that HT doesn't know where JX went.
More than 1/2 of the episode was devoted to XK reminiscing and getting drunk. I wish I could see more of JX and the Ao Rui Peng (Qin Li) but no such luck. The rest of the episodes are time fillers with other people talking about things I am not interested in. This is the gripe I have about this drama. There are only 7 episodes left. Make it COUNT!
34
Just too fillers again ... The first 17 minutes - HT goes to "Germany" ... lots of communist theme about talent cultivation for the country. They meet again ...
35-40 how they get back together and how he got injured etc ... resolution of Lili's love ...

Read More

Perfect combination of script, director, and actors - Comprehensive ongoing review

Well ... I am not going to say that I wasn't disappointed with the ending. I was hoping for a wedding. However, it ended like a Disney movie without any surprise.
I also felt disappointed that the last 6 episodes spent too much time on a repetitive theme: revenge. First, CSS was kidnapped by an obsessed woman. Then the revenge again with Yao's sister-in-law.
I also felt disappointed with the way YS went out without any emotional scene from the book.

In any case, the director did well in most of the parts but the ending could have been a little better.

--------

Once in a while, Chinese drama delivers a high-quality production with some artful direction, entertaining script/humor, and solid acting.
The 2nd part of the drama is about how the romance between LBY and CSS will develop to a climax: they will separate and reunite after 5 years. Questions that will be answered: Why do they break up? Why does she become engaged to a YS? Will she forgive him? If so, why?
While the first part of the drama is lighthearted, the second part will propel the characters to new heights: deeper love, revenge, separation, and redemption. It will be an entertaining ride. I hope the script will not deviate so much from the novel.

DIRECTOR:
The director of this drama is probably one of the best. He delivers high-quality cinematography and shows the interaction between the characters to create an entertaining drama. This drama is basically family oriented. It's difficult to make it entertaining. But it delivers!

SCRIPT:
The script is almost better than the novel. There are a few changes but overall the changes are for the better. Comic relief moments are appropriately inserted.

CHEMISTRY:
All the MLs have chemistry with ZLS. The looks (eyes) between them and her show how much they like her. This drama would not have been what it is without ZLS. She carries the show, acting like 15 years old girl convincingly.

ENDING:
Happy Ending in the Novel. They didn't get married only talked about it in the epilogue. No actual ceremony. Let's hope the drama will script it in.

EPISODE REVIEW:
49- CSS raced to be with LBY despite his not telling her the truth. She confronts him. He has to take revenge before he marries otherwise he would implicate her family.
48- LBY revealed his identity to his enemy and killed his "father" who is really his uncle. He swapped identity with his cousin.
47 - LBY's mom died
41-42 episodes mark the beginning of the revenge arc.
41 has a lot of romance. LBY volunteered to go to battle against a defector. CSS makes outfits for him.
42 while LBY & CCS's father heads out to battle, CSS's father was accused of treason. The whole family is imprisoned while waiting for the case to be solved.

39-40 The murder case of the Crown Prince's ex-fiance's husband...

37-38 The Queen's birthday banquet

35-36
Mostly, these episodes continued the romance and added more intensity to the conflict between the 5th Princess and CSS. It's a peaceful time during which CSS planned the banquet for the Empress and showcased her talent. Because of the banquet, her family misses her. LBY came to bring her belongings to the Palace so she won't become homesick.
These episodes show a gradual progression of their relationship after the engagement party.

33-34
These 2 episodes are more balanced in terms of Palace drama and romance. So much happened in ep 34: the first kiss, the engagement party, the abolishment of 2 scheming ladies (the king's aunt and the stepmom).
Moments I especially loved:
1) the humor in ep 34 ... so funny and gratifying to finally see the bad people being effectively dealt with
2) the cinematography: the camera looks directly down at CSS's face as she thought about CSS while discussing her feelings with her friends in 33, the heads of the empress and the aunt as they confront each other, and the men waiting around as spectators while the women came up with the solution.
3) a fresh take on Palace drama: both the empress and the consort work together to maintain harmony. You always see the opposite case because it's more dramatic. Here, it's just as dramatic ... and funny at the same time.


31-32
Not too many romantic moments here. These two episodes develop the characterizations and conflicts of the main players in the palace: the polarization of the two personalities of the 3rd prince vs. the Crown Prince, who doesn't have the personality to be in politics or rule the country. He is too soft-hearted.
The episodes also show the lovers in conflict: LBY doesn't tell CSS all the details so CSS doesn't know any politics in the palace; she blindly follows her independent thinking as she often did except now the stakes are much higher.
The Palace drama is slowly heading toward more and more conflicts to a resolution that necessitates the removal of the Crown Prince. The good thing is there are no absolute bad people: one prince is more suitable for ruling the country. The other is just as happy to not be a King!

29-30
I normally don't like Palace drama because it's full of cliches and catfights. There is some of that here. But the difference is that it is seen through the eyes of a 15-years-old girl who has no power to intervene, and yet she did. She herself will navigate this perilous journey through the palace life and triumph. Here she will learn to adapt and distinguish between good and evil. What makes these palace drama stories different is that they are not ridiculous caricatures! The evil people are curbed appropriately. The royal parents don't allow their kids to go wild: they punish them.

In these 2 episodes, we saw the difference between Consort Yue and the Empress: the former is strong and decisive while the latter has a soft heart. Likewise, the difference between their sons: the Crown Prince, who caters to useless people to keep the peace, while the Third Prince, who like his mom, speaks out.

Romantic scenes:
1) the stars in the sky and CSS is the brightest star of them all in LBY's eyes.
2) the first innocent kiss on the forehead and she felt giddy
3) CSS is starting to feel loyalty and love for her fiance

28
Love doesn't conquer all ... Adjustments and compromises are required. I find this scenario to be very realistic. Romantic love is balanced with conflicts and character development. I like how smoothly the script transitions the story to the Palace.

Read More

Entertaining Thriller with solid acting! Douban's average rating explained

The Double is a drama adapted from the book, Marriage of the Di Daughter, which I read last year. I binged on the first 5 episodes last night when it was released because I loved the book so much. So far, the drama has exceeded my expectation in everything except:

The modification of the story makes it hard to believe that she could take on the identity of the new daughter ... There are a few plot holes resulting from this change. I think I am going to just have to ignore the nagging "doesn't make sense" feeling because the drama is entertaining. Sometimes you just watch because it's entertaining.
Book: "Xue Fang Fei, passed away. She reincarnated into the body of the Grand Secretariat’s daughter, Jiang Li, who drowned and was granted new life!"
Screen play: "Xue Fang Fei escaped from being buried alive by husband and took over the identity of Jiang Li"

Ok now that the book expectation is out of the way, I believe the screenplay modification is more entertaining than reading the book. I will continue to watch because:
1) the solid acting from all the casts:

Wang Xing Yue has great screen presence. He is perfect for this role ranging from his deep voice to his looks/costumes. I just wish that there isn't too many jokes around him because I think it would diminish his characterization.

Wu Jin Yan also acted well ... revenge is her territory since the drama that made her famous- Yanxi Palace- I am waiting to see how she will make this drama her own.
Let's address the elephant in the room: agism for females as well as males. Wu Jin Yan is 33: to act like an 18-9 years old is hard, especially when all the actresses around her look like teenagers or 20s. No amount of filters can make her look like 18 years old because aging is about facial structure, not lines. In the 20s, the face is fuller, especially in the cheeks. And to make it worse, both MLs are only 22. She has a tough job ahead of her.
If you place 2 people who are similar age, then it's easier for the actor/actress. But the cast includes really young actors: her maid is only 15! The MLs are both 22. Appearance of age is all relative. That being said, if the story is engaging and the Male Lead is a good actor, chemistry will do the work.

***
For people who are concerned about an older actress - by episode 20s, I don't notice it as much any more. I think there's enough chemistry between the leads and good story that overcame the age factor.
***

Joe Chen - the stepmother added subtle acting to this drama - she is the stepmother coming alive.

2) the beautiful cinematography - the color palette, makeup, costumes
3) the entertaining value - fast-paced action, music, comedic value

Do I recommend this drama? Yes, especially if you are fan of Wang Xing Yue and Wu Jin Yan. The story is also solid. Although I have read the book, I feel that there may be surprises as they have changed it.

---------------My Rating Changed
Ep 11 is where I decided to give this drama a full mark instead of a 9. I think the creativity of last competition is very well done. The special effect is spectacular! And I also feel that the age difference between the leads/the plot holes are minor compared to all the positive things going for this drama. I also feel that Wang Xing Yue, even though looking younger, does have chemistry with WJY.
Surprisingly, the actor for Ye Shijie is also decent. He looks mature for his age too.

------------------Douban rating explained
The Double got its initial Douban rating of 6.9 ... I don't take this rating seriously because it's skewed towards dramas that I don't like :-) Just for comparisons, Love Like the Galaxy, which is my all time favorite, debuted at 7.4 and ended at 7.6! I think it should have been in 9s!!! But then my taste is more geared towards romantic dramas and better aligned with mydramlist rating.
Anyways, ratings between 6s to 8s are really good dramas for me ... anything from 8s to 9s are usually too serious/realistic (i.e. sad realistic endings) for me enjoy. For example, Blossoms Shanghai rated 8.4 ... Honestly, I don't enjoy this type of drama.

------ Exceptional Scene
Ep 16
The actor who really fits the role in this drama in looks and as well as acting is Wang Xing Yue. Wow the fighting scene at 14:32 ... His eyes really give the deadly chill. The director filmed the fighting scenes perfectly. Very exciting fights.

------- Love story/Relationships - believable?
To be honest, the book is more believable than the drama because in the book, she becomes another person, Jiang Li. It took her a long time to accept new love. In a way, I feel that living in another person's body is easier than the living in a body that has been abused. When I read the book, I felt that the purity of JL's body and innocent face/eyes also help transform her and help her find love again.

Some people said that her relationship with the Duke is so slow ... Come on, she was in love with her ex-husband before he betrayed her. Feelings/trust cannot be switched to another person that quickly. It wouldn't be believable. I find the change in her demeanor (ie. flirting) in the drama (while creating chemistry and entertaining) is not realistic for that time period during which a woman behaves more modestly.

But again, sometimes you just have to let go just enjoy the ride without thinking too much about what makes sense.

-----------------Modifications of the book
In the drama, JLi doesn't know that the princess is behind her death. While this doesn't make sense as her ex-husband goes to the Princess' home often and there's probably rumors about this. However, this makes sense for the plot line because it gives JLi a mystery to solve.

Ep 8-11: In the book, JLi is a only person doing all the examination topics: "Jiang Li calculated, calligraphy should be writing documents. It’s something that she was good at since young. Music should be playing the guqin. In her previous life, her seven notes qin was about the same as Xiao Deyin, so it’s not too difficult. Etiquette would be even simpler with her outstanding memory. Besides, she had gone through it before. Mathematics should be business calculations. There was no female in the house since she was young so she was the housekeeper and managed the household. Riding would be horse riding, she had also practiced this with Xue Zhao before and was applauded. Shooting would be archery, she had gone hunting, shot a sparrow and ate game."
However, in the drama, there is a teamwork in the examination. This makes the story more interesting.

Ep 11
In the book, Duke Su makes the winner decision instead of the ex-husband. I just feel that changing the plot to make the husband into a semi-good character is a little bit hard to accept.

------------------ Where's the First Miss? --------------------
There 3 daughters in the Ji's family. The first miss died when she was young, killed by Ji Shuran, whose goal was to get her offsprings to be the only direct descendants. So one by one, she removed them.

------------------- Explanations / book exerpts
Jiang Li's family background from the book
https://bloomingtranslation.home.blog/2019/09/01/mdd-chapter-2-1-jiang-li/

Ji Shuran - 2nd wife- the current "official" wife.
Jiang You Yao - 3rd daughter - Ji Shuran’s biological daughter- became official daughter when the 2nd daughter ( Jiang Li) was sent away
Jiang Li - Jiang family’s second young miss- sent off to the temple to study due to a mistake she made five years ago (accused of causing stepmom's miscarriage),

https://bloomingtranslation.home.blog/2020/11/01/mdd-chapter-39-part-2/
Jiang Yuan Bai - Jiang Li's father- married her mom without love. When she died, he fell in love with Ji Shuran and married her.

------------- Excerpts from the book - description of Jiang li
"Everyone said that the second miss of the Jiang family was lively and adorable, with an honest character as pure as a white lotus."
"Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li’s profile, an elegant beauty, graceful like jade, yet ferocious, bold and heroic."
" This girl’s eyes were pure and clean like pools of spring water, sweet and simple."

Read More

Bad acting from FL and BAD STORY

I am very surprised that A LOT of people object to this drama's love triangle. After watching the trailer and reading the synopsis, there shouldn't be any surprise about the love triangle being part of the plot.
Although I am not against the predictable love triangle story, I find myself concurring with the majority in objecting the love triangle for a few reasons:
1) the FL is really not a good actress. She cannot emote feelings through expressions and eyes acting. Her eyes and face are expressionless, not because she's a stoic character, but because she cannot express her character's emotions. She's supposed to be a complex person: she has been abused by her mom, she's poor, she wants to get ahead; on other hand, she has feelings for the ML. She's not supposed to choose love and yet she did!

I tend to feel sorry for this type of character; and yet, I don't feel sorry for her. I feel sorry for the MLs though ... because they act out their characters convincingly. So far, she's not convincing.

You can do a comparison (for example the scene where she is being harassed by the gangsters) ... observe Tae Oh and her ... what a big difference. His face, eyes, and body are natural. Hers looked unnatural ... I couldn't tell what she was feeling.

2) There is so much going on with the MLs and their backgrounds that the writers didn't spend enough time to develop the FL's story. The blending of her into the team is not smooth. Maybe they should have let her join the team in a capacity of a smart girl who has some skills to help out. And then the romance starts to develop as the guys understand her better.

Instead she is reduced to being a cliche female in a love triangle ... It's ridiculous that in 2024, women are still being treated as a sidekick ... she's attending the best college in Korea, she's smart ... I don't see why she is being typecasted into a plot of a love triangle.

And I don't see why she has to depend on a man to move up to a better life???? Unless Korea as a society doesn't give women opportunities.

Disney should re-examine what they show on their channel! So much for their support of equality. The cinderella story is still being perpetuated in 2024!

Eps 3,4
Ep 3 is confusing ... things are just presented like a bullet points ... The whole episode is set up so that they can show the machinations of the stepmother and son #2 ... and how ML choreograph the take over step by step. Surprise surprise ... the FL continues to be a bad actress.

Ep 4
I don't like the way the story is presented. The viewer is tricked into believing a bad scenario only to be surprised that there was a plan that made everything ok again. You can only do this trick once ... They employed a couple already ... made the story flow confusing and disengaging.
Now the surprising conversation reveals the ML#1 cares so much ML#2 ... maybe something is lost in the translation ... "You are the reason ..."
If I were ML #2 I would be asking why ????

Ep 5-6
Story is getting predictable. Plot of double-crossing is getting old. Inha's father gave the biggest clue of all: Inha is like his father. LJY is a very good actor in this drama. His eyes ... wow ... show the psychotic and unpredictable tendency. It's easy to act as a straight good or a bad person. But harder to act as an evil/amoral person. He almost gives that Anthony Hopkins vibe in the Silence of the Lamb.
At this point I am indecisive as to continue to follow this drama any more ... It just doesn't make sense to me about the FL's fear of her mom. Maybe I don't understand Korean culture.
I don't feel the relationship between the ML1 and FL is logical or emotionally developed. There doesn't seem to be chemistry between them. I feel it's contrived.

7-8
OMG, I couldn't imagine the story could get any lower but it did. Nothing makes sense. Everything is contrived. Going to drop it NOW.
FL continues to be a drag. The only good actor is the 2nd ML who acts his role so well.
8-9
At this point I am just FF through to see how bad it can get. OMG, the actress is so bad at acting that I couldn't tell if she was hurting or happy when she discovered HTO had escaped the prison ... I thought ohh, maybe there's something there ... NOPE, just bad acting!
As predicted from last week, the Chairman came to the rescue.
My prediction this week: the chairman will wake up ... he's has 9 lives!

10-12
Sorry I had to go back and lower the score to 6 so that I can save some people from watching this ridiculous drama. I just saw the last 2 eps and omg, don't these writers know how badly the story is written? I hate it. It just doesn't make sense ... Yeh right ... like the heir miraculously turned to be the hero who is not related to the Chairman by blood. When does that happen IRL? NEVER! We are talking about Korean family run business here! And then that CM lives on forever... he has 9 lives ! As predicted (and this drama is so predictable) he wakes again!

FL remains the sore point all the way to end. Not sure what her role should be? Why do women always have to focus on themselves and stay lonely to get to higher places??? OMG, we are in 2024 right now and still have to choose either career or love???? This doesn't make sense and so outdated!

Another thing that's wrong with the ending is the suicide of the ML. Korean society already have one of the highest rate of suicides. Why put this in the drama ending to emphasize that dying is the only way to redemption. NO! Redemption is done through serving time in the prison!

Read More

Shaky Story/Production saved by solid cast

I don't watch these Xianxia dramas except for the Eternal Love with Yang Mi & Mark Chao. This is the first one I watch because I like ZL's acting ... I have to admit I skipped A LOT in the beginning to get to the interesting part. I will probably rewatch some but not all because the storyline is shaky and slow initially. Eternal Love is better and more solid in storytelling.
The chemistry and solid acting by almost all of the cast make the drama watchable.

Context: Finished watching ... fan of Lusi ... couldn't handle Ancient Love Poetry (sorry no hate to anyone but I don't like Xianxia. The only one I could watch was Eternal Love with YangMi)
1) Chemistry was 9.0 - WAY & ZL are both youthful - very convincing - and shows love for each other with longing looks (I just wish that they give more time to develop the interactions - I find the scenes disconnected sometimes - they were kissing and then the next scenes - what happened? again it's about couple interaction)
2) Acting from all cast- 9.0
3) Screen play / plot holes (5) - convoluted (again I didn't watch ALP) - sometimes abrupt transitions
4) Director (5) - the way it was film and presented - no wow factor - LLTG was way better in artistic presentation
5) Costumes - the peacock has the best costumes

Overall: I could make it to the end not because of ZL but it was entertaining after ep 10 where he suddenly realized that she's the one ?? just like a step function. As I said, the director is not very artistic ...
I gave it a 9.0 only because it's the only Xianxia that I made it to the end.

Read More

entertaining the first 11 eps and then repetitive

Ep12/13 : I am revising my rating of this story as it's repetitive. Episode 11, I thought there's finally some progress. She shows remorse for what she did to her ex-husband. In the next episode, she contradicts herself. They are just going back and forth ... for now I am going to drop it because I don't have time to watch these back-and-forth plot fillers. Maybe when they finally resolve her conflicts, it will be better... but for now, I am switching to another show.

Yep ... went back to see the ending ... the SML still taking up a lot of time... and the fighting scenes not too exciting either, very low tech. Glad I didn't invest my time on this drama!

I also don't like the lead actress ... her expressions are sometimes annoying to watch because it's too modern ... PLEASE NOTE that I didn't say she's a bad actress. She's a good actress. BUT I just don't like some of her mannerisms. Sometimes she has an unsympathetic blank face, and she also flicks her head to the ML as if to answer him ... This is supposed to be a ancient time ... some of these mannerisms just kill a scene sometimes.

HOWEVER, I DIDN'T drop this drama due to her acting or expressions. NOTICE I gave acting a 9.5!!!!

PLEASE DON'T question/criticize me about my rating, otherwise, you will be BLOCKED. It's a personal choice/taste. I am not an anti-fan. I welcome constructive questions and not personal attacks. I usually dropped the drama because I don't like it as a whole.

---- REVIEW up to 11 ---
This is a solid story. Yes, it's confusing at first ... but if you are patient to wait for the development and growth of the characters, by ep 11, you will start to understand and feel less frustrated.

Special effects in fighting scenes are not as good as The Double ... in general, the filming is just normal C Drama. However, the story makes the drama.
I feel that in these types of stories, acting and plot make a huge difference, not the fighting or special effects.

There are lots of twists and funny lines in the story, which is full of redemptions ... I love that the relationships of the characters are better in the 2nd life. When given a chance to communicate in the 2nd life, the leads do ! And that is what makes this story interesting to watch. They know what happened in the last life. They communicate their needs and they worked things out.

People ask is this story a tragedy, comedy ? I think it's a story about redemption. It's complicated but it's unfolding slowly through communication.
It's a comedy of errors because the FL is too strong-will and controlling. She turns all her relationships into tragedy. She wants to fix things for others without asking their permission or even understanding the reasons behind their actions. She is essentially a good person. But she's too controlling.

In her second life, she is willing to listen fix her flaws. I think it takes a humble person to do this ... to make things right the second time.

Read More

Entertaining, Fun, Acting, Chemistry, Beautiful visuals

It's a fact: most story plots in C Drama have loopholes, editing issues, fillers, inconsistencies, randomness, etc ... If there is a standard or competition that the writers can compete as in the Emmys, there would be more inspiring stories. Economic factors and taste rule the C drama world. Most endings have a similar feel: ML has 10 years left to live - well that's been done in The Princess Wei Young ... If a drama's ending (or anything else) is shown to be successful, then it is replicated to another drama.

So the best that the audience can expect is that the drama is entertaining and has good acting. This drama delivers these two aspects well.

The FL is outstanding in her delivery of this dramatic and fun role. She delivers convincing acting as a queen, warrior, and fun-loving girl with a big personality. At her age, she is totally convincing as someone who can rush to block out the canons without thinking about the consequences. She is just perfect for this role. I don't think there is another person who can act better because this role fits her personality so well.

The ML is also convincing in his role ... although he is a little stiff. His back is always too straight ... which makes him look like he is acting instead of being immersive in a role. But he is decent compared to other C actors who look handsome but cannot act.

Overall, if you accept that most C dramas are not perfect, this drama is as good as it gets. Read the novel. I think it will give you a better understanding and a more satisfying ending. However, I do like that they changed the novel to have an evil person that everyone fights against. This makes more sense to me than just playing chess on the war field. Humans are always predictable so it makes sense to have an arch evil that everyone can unite and fight against.

I will recommend this drama since it does have the entertaining value, good chemistry between the leads, and good acting from almost everyone. There are scenes that could be way better; however, there is never a time that the drama is too boring that you will feel like giving up on it. I've had this happen to me in various dramas: the beginning is so good but then the rest is so bad that even good acting cannot savage it. I usually quit watching them in the middle because the stories between the MLs are just too confusing and illogical.

Read More

It gets better after 18

I see many people bashing the FL ... I think it's understandable because the main conflict of the story is the FL's difficult personality. She has anxiety and self-esteem issues due to her family relationship with the grandfather/aunt. You can see clearly even at a young age, she couldn't explain well or even given the chance to do so (ie gift to her grandfather). Her personality was partially shaped by her family experience.
She grows as the story develops. I think after 19, the story becomes more interesting as she started to change based on her experiences. The ML didn't give up on her because essentially, she's a good person ( although not an ideal GF at first): she doesn't do illegal things, she makes sacrifices for people, and you know you can count on her help.
In real life, I have seen women like this FL ... very demanding and difficult but the partners still put up with them because they see qualities that I obviously missed.
But she does have issues with treating people with empathy. Again she will grow ... if she's perfect, we will have nothing to talk about.
For me, this story is watchable (although with some plots and character development issues). It is watchable because the ML CXX is a good actor. I remember that I thought in one really cringy scene that wow, if the acting isn't natural and good, it would have been very difficult to continue. He delivers the scenes charmingly but very watchable.
The weakness of this story is that the writers make some unconvincing storyline but it's saved by good acting. So I would say, it's a watchable drama. However, if you cannot stand unreasonable, unempathetic female leads, then I would say drop the story.

Read More

Story too unrealistic

This was a very disappointing drama. It started out fun, but it went down to being unwatchable. I do like 7Tan, but this drama story is too unrealistic. For example, during the financing of the home products company, the storyline doesn't make sense. Why would she go out of her way to help so much ... almost got injured.

The chemistry started out fine but around 20+, it started to derail when they started to act like "friends". After that, there was no longer a tension.

I skipped after 27 because it was too boring to watch.
I hope she will be in a better drama next time.

Read More

Big budget/acting can't save a Mediocre Story

Final verdict on this drama: mediocre plot that tries to weave revenge, love, and female empowerment into a realistic drama. It fails because of its artificiality. NOT feeling the chemistry between the leads in this story because the romance was not the highlight. His cruel treatment of her in the beginning and the drastic transition to romance were abrupt. And then suddenly, the romance artificially fizzles, again abruptly, to accommodate the female empowerment narrative.

This is the case when big budget, big acting still can't save a mediocre artificial story.

ZLS's face looks different in this drama. It is distracting sometimes. I am her fan and hope that she doesn't change her beautiful natural face any more, whether it's cosmetic procedures/makeup/losing weight. This is a problem with our culture: we equate beauty to artificial perfection. ZLS looked perfect for every role before this new improved looks. She doesn't need to look "beautiful" because her acting shines.

This is my own personal opinion. I am not an anti-fan.

I am a ZLS's fan as far as acting. The acting is amazing, and she has grown a lot since her last drama. However, the script is not as entertaining.
I think the script needs to be less complicated, more leads time together, more interesting content, more humor, etc.


Production: 10 Amazing special effects, very high end visuals
Acting: 10
Script: 7 borderline boring up to 6
Director: 6 (Just look at how LLTG is directed. That drama is 10+)
Emotional investment in the character: 2 (this is a script/directing problem)
Chemistry: I am a fan of this couple from the Long Ballad. The chemistry there is amazing. Some how I don't feel it here yet. It's the director and script I think.


THE PLOT
Conflict - pearl trading with a revenge/ hidden identities twist, and government investigation. Amidst all this, a young girl develops her character, discovers her true identity, and becomes a jewelry business woman. It's a story about female empowerment, so-so love story, revenge, etc.

eps 1-6 : sets up the backdrop - I think this could be done in 1-2 episodes. But they dragged on. While ZLS acts well and looks amazing as a pearl diver, I think if the script is not entertaining/funny, it's going to be a drag.
If you watch, LLTG, the director is good there and the rating shows it: It's boring family fighting, but he made it fun and entertaining to watch. It's a piece of art.
In contrast, The Pearl Girl, amazing production and special effects, is not skillful in presenting the material in an entertaining and artful way. It's more like Hollywood Little Mermaid with too much other things and graphical violence going on --- Like Korean drama!

eps 7-8: It's beginning to get interesting because she is finally involved in something more meaningful: negotiating trades and dealing with business. She also made a femal friend to help her out instead of struggling by herself. You can see where the plot is heading: Zhang Jin Ran told the girls that in Chang-an, there are shops run by females.

eps 9-10: predictable the way it's filmed. He tricked everyone to believe that he killed the accountant. I still don't feel good about the script. Very mediocre. I don't think it will do well beyond the 8.2-4 range. There are a few story holes - like why she is so strong and can take on the bad guys in fighting. I think the director of this drama is not a good one.

Read More

Losing interest

Full disclosure: I am a huge fan of the FL actress: Park Eun Bin
I have watched almost all her drama!

From the title, I thought it would be about singing .... not family violence and abusive relationships ... the abusive dad story breaks the mood. I don't like to watch abusive stories so this is not my type of drama.

The story is not focused. To many stories and not enough about the Diva. I find it very difficult to connect with the main leads and their love story as adults because they don't spend enough together as a couple.

I can't connect with her as a singer either because the singing story is not continuous and distracted by other stories about family.

There only 12 eps. I feel it's too short to be focusing on crimes, family abusive relationships, etc ... more should be focused on her story ... I think there would be lots of good and funny moments about her adapting to a new modern life. But no: the writer chose an easier route through abusive story! I guess it's easier to write that story because funny stories are more difficult.

Read More