An epic, over-hyped as bl and undermined as an idol drama

It is hard to describe and review The Untamed.
- It is adapted from a danmei novel (mdzs), but it is not a bl drama per se.
- Its cast consists new young actors mostly in their 20s then, with no veteran actors, but it is not an idol drama.
- It is produced as a web series with a limited budget and web viewers in mind, but its popularity is at an unprecedented scale.
- It received rave critical reviews domestically and globally for its strong plot, well-developed characters, incorporation of Chinese cultural elements, but antis continue to bash the drama.
- Some people simply shun or dismiss this drama as only a bl idol drama with young candy eyed idol cast that simply can’t act.
- Some diehard novel fans find this drama a lousy adaptation because of the toned down bl and gore.

* Transcendence of danmei novel into a critical production *
While this drama is adapted from a danmei novel, the two male leads are portrayed as soulmates in the drama, and the "soul" of this drama is not on their relationship (more on the “soul” later). That said, the chemistry between the two male leads is top notch - strong brotherhood, with some queer subtle for the experienced bl enthusiasts. The toned down bl and gore is not just because of censorship but the difficulty of portraying some of those gore details in live action, compared to in the novel or anime. I would add that the censorship transcends the danmei novel into a critical production, that brought more people especially international viewers to read the novel and the writer’s other novels.

* Big story on ugliness of society *
Beyond the candy bl-idol outer layer, at its core (“soul”), this drama depicts the ugliness of society, the struggles to uphold justice and the growing up journey of the key characters. It delivers powerful messages and quotable lines on society norms, the oppression one faced in going against society, how people often surface judge, how hypocritical nobles manipulate society norms for selfish power hungry causes, good vs evil, weak vs strong.

* Well developed multi-dimensional characters *
As a drama with ensemble cast, The Untamed has many characters, each with his own distinct complex traits, story and purpose. While the evil deeds they did are unpardonable, the key antagonists didn’t do evil for evil sake. The mistreatments they experienced as kids shaped their values and they did show their compassionate sides to those who respect and care for them. While there is no female lead, there are two endearing female characters: the best martial sister (shijie) who may appear gentle, but can really go all out and fight back to protect her brother, and the no-nonsense, courageous and righteous Wen Qing who unconditionally care for her brother and help others within her means.

* Passionate, determined, youthful cast with empathy portrayal *
The actors were selected based on their fit for the characters and their performance did not disappoint. This bunch of passionate, determined youths put in their hearts and souls to bring to life the many iconic and complex characters and their heartbreaking stories. Unconstrained by professional technical acting methods which they lacked, and under the guidance of the directors, their empathy portrayals allow the viewers to resonate with their characters. Remember the Empathy technique used by Wei Ying to experience A-Qing’s and Nie Mingjue’s past encounters? The cast’s empathy portrayal of such complex multi-dimensional characters make this drama and its characters both iconic and endearing‬, so much so that there are still many memes on the characters circulating in social media.

* Music and Chinese cultural elements *
In this drama, music is not mere bgm. Besides intrinsic depiction of each character via the character songs (pay attention to the lyrics), music is also a powerful tool that can both kill (Chord Assassination) and heal (Song of Clarity, Unrestrained), and introduces Chinese musical instruments - guqin (7-stringed zither) and flute. Just recently, in Jan 2022, "Moscow Metro News” published an article about how The Untamed promotes Chinese "guqin" culture in Moscow. Besides music, there are also tons of Chinese cultural elements infused in the drama, from the invitation cards, maple, lotus, cranes to the Tiger Seal, masks etc.

* Other aesthetics *
The CGI is bad, but the actual location filming such as at the Cloud Recesses and Yunmeng Lake and the elaborate 3000+ custom-made costumes and accessories make up for those awful CGI.

* Rewarding rewatch(es) *
There are a lot of details in each scene, including background objects such as the maple tree, crane, moon etc, that convey deeper hidden messages and backstories of the plot and characters. See spoilers in comments. Each rewatch not only re-rips one apart but also rewards with new understanding of the details that went into the production.

* Overall verdict *
In short, there’s so much depth at its core, beneath its pleasing aesthetics (casts, costumes, sets, OSTs). Censorship transcends the mdzs novel into a critical drama on Chinese culture, martial arts, sorcery, mystery, adventure, clan rivalry, power manipulations, society norms, kinships, friendships, good vs evil, weak vs strong, music that heals and kills, laughters, tears, angsts. Thanks to censorship, the re-focus on the multi-dimensional characters, empathy portrayal, strong plot, quotable lines, music and Chinese cultural elements make The Untamed an epic drama, in a class of its own‬.

Put aside preconceptions of bl, novel adaptations, young inexperienced idol actors, and watch this sincere, compelling production with an open heart and mind, and be awesomely charmed by an epic masterpiece that unfolds, and that creeps and stays in your heart for a long time to come.

“At best, you’re the untamed hero; at worst, you offend people wherever you go.”
- by the novel MDZS writer

P/S: This is a drama that touched me immensely, and the only drama to-date i rated a perfect 10, as it got me so invested, surfing for analysis videos/articles related to the drama, noting down the quotable lines and set me thinking a lot.

Read More

Not perfect, but quite addictive that could lead to slight post-drama traumas

A very easy to watch modern cdrama that’s quite addictive and also nerve wrecking, with its short 45mins x15-episode run and repetitive explode-burn scenes across 25 time-loops, that could cause some slight post-drama traumas taking public buses and hearing Canon in D music popularised to drama viewers by kdrama Hospital Playlist.

Second half has more contents as the back stories of each passenger and social issues on bystander effect, cyberbullying and sexual harassment are weaved in as the two leads sought out to stop the explosion and time-loop.

I still wonder:

1. Why was the FL caught in the time-loop in the first place? Was it to help the deceased student of her age and her family seek closure?
2. Why was the ML weaker with each subsequent time loop after he accidentally stabbed a passenger?
3. If the Police Officer Zhang went into the final time-loop after he died in one time-loop, as he didn’t interrogate but merely asked the two leads outside the police station in the final episode?
4. Why the ML and FL had walked a bus stop distance, after the ML accidentally stabbed a passenger, to the village where Tao stayed, where the police were and yet dodged the police?

The drama could also have been better if there was also a backstory for the beefy headphone guy, or did i miss out as i watched this over a weekend? Plus the Chinese accent of many characters is quite strong, and dubbing could have helped.

And finally, Liu Dan who played the charismatic Princess Nihuang in Nirvana in Fire had a dismal portrayal as the cold and robotic female police boss Du, topped off with a horrible wig.

Read More

If NIF is a gem, NIF2 is a hidden gem that outshines when uncovered

A drama that I should have watched immediately after I completed NIF in 2021.

My gripe with NIF is the slow pace (i.e. story pace is slow and everyone speaks, walks and moves slowly, as they should be in royal palace settings) and character-story arcs that did not engage nor move me. Thus, I made a terrible mistake of not continuing with NIF2 immediately, but watched only recently, 2 years later, because all other c-historical dramas that I could find were simply unwatchable (after sampling a few episodes per drama).

NIF2 retains the style of NIF, telling the story of the third (grand) generation of Mei Chang Su. But the pace is faster, with more martial fight scenes and war scenes. Viewers get more engaged with the leads, and I was touched and moved to tears periodically by the stories and deep honor and bonds of the Chang Lin family (the two brothers and their father, and I would add also big brother’s wife), for one another and for their country and people. It was an emotional yet gratifying watch, as the Chang Lin family remains unswayed by insinuations and attacks on their loyalty.

Solid performance from all including the supporting cast. I’m especially impressed by Liu Hao Ran. Born Oct 1997, he was only 20 years young when the drama first aired in Dec 2017. As the main protagonist, his role’s transition from a frivolous pugilist protected by his family to a stoic military commander, shouldering the responsibilities of his beloved deceased brother, and to being finally enlightened, and putting down the burdens and living his true self, is naturally evident.

What could be better? The antagonist’s story and motives could be strengthened. Greed for wealth and power was mentioned to cause the antagonist’s father to forget one’s original intention and heart. The antagonist understood his father’s crime and was at peace. He trusted no one and never readily agreed to work with anyone. Left alone without his parents, he swayed between right and wrong, trying to get a foothold. So was it his sense of insecurities that led him down the doomed path? Or was the key intent of the antagonist's lack of solid motive, only to accentuate the honor-sacrifice-trials-tribulations of the main protagonist who is also his peer?

Do one need to watch NIF before watching NIF2? No, there’s no need, as the story focuses some 50 years later on the third generation. But having watched NIF will help you understand NIF2 better, plus there are smart references to NIF, especially the one in the last second episode, when you thought the story was ending, and all references to NIF would have already appeared at the start, or at most up to the first-half or second-thirds of the series.

Heard that there would be NIF3, and yes, I’m looking forward to NIF3 if it happens.

Read More

A typical kdrama rom-com that i may re-watch years later, up to episode 10, when i need a good laugh

A typical kdrama rom-com packed with cliches and super hilarious moments and an easy, light-hearted watch with just 60mins x12-episode run. I would say the second couple sizzled more than the lead couple after the lead couple got together, and the hilarious moments that made this drama also fizzled out towards the end, plus the 2-minute bed scene for the lead couple is totally unnecessary, spoiling an otherwise family-friendly drama, and totally trashed the credibility of this drama.

What happened to that bandaged hand that had the FML-SML’s bromance scene just a few scenes earlier? Doesn't the hand hurt when driving around looking for the FL and carrying the FL with her heavy-duty long shirt and skirt around in the room?

Good to see Im Ki Hong again in his comedic role, after watching Lawless Lawyer less than a month ago, and his hairstyle seems the same after 4 years!

Maybe i will re-watch it years later, up to episode 10 only, when i need a good laugh.

Read More

Jack of all tropes, King of none

A result of a sloppy job of putting together the good genes (tropes) of recent kdramas. And contrary to reviews and comments that this is not a court room drama, to me, this is a 100% court room drama laced with autism-cuteness.

1. This drama replicates the success of earlier dramas such as Move to Heaven, Good Doctor etc by having a lead with autism in a profession. However, the autism aspect is perhaps more to inject elements of autism-cuteness into the drama, as the protagonist’s (WYW) struggles in her life and profession are only superficially dealt with. If WYW needs to count before getting into a new space such as stepping into the lift, a room, why doesn't the drama at least show how she steps into the subway train that she takes to work every day (during rush hours)? I mean there are a number of scenes of her on the train, not? In addition, her mentor and her female colleague warm up to her all too soon.

2. The episodic court cases and court scenes are similar to those in Juvenile Justice, but the court cases are all over the place, varying from criminal cases to civil cases and family cases, and are neither intriguing nor thought provoking. Towards the end, I actually only recalled the two cases that involve autistic clients.

3. The last bit on WYW’s mother is every bit the trope of recent dramas where parents prioritised their career (key public appointment) over his/her child (Juvenile Justice, The Devil Judge, Beyond Evil).

4. The relationships are not fleshed out: The ML appears to be purely included as the love interest for the FL to give the drama a romance arc - the ML is 2D and it is not clear why he falls for the FL, other than the FL's cuteness. In addition, the FL’s relationships with her father, friends and colleagues are also only superficially portrayed. I had expected some tears from watching a drama with autistic lead, but completed the drama without a drop of tears.

5. Attorney Jung is great, and I enjoyed his performance and the many sides of him - as a legal professional, as a mentor to the rookies, singing for the seniors and poking fun of his name for the juniors and the casual live-the-moment vibe in Jeju. But assigning all 3 rookies to him without other colleagues with some experience in his team is only possible in dramaland.

In short, it is only as entertaining as a rom-com, and it lacks originality and the depth and realism related to court cases and autism to be a critical production.

Read More

While not perfect, it is a quality production that deserves more attention and likes

This may not be the perfect medical drama, but it is a quality production that deserves more attention and likes than just the 370 watchers it currently has.

What are good:
1. The story is multifaceted on various heartbreaking cases of kids needing surgery at an established hospital, and layered with the reality of healthcare affordability and accessibility for the privileged and the less privileged, and politics in the hospital administration and procurement.
2. The drama is not all dark and gloomy throughout, with two very fun loving and responsible doctors played by Kevin Cheng and Linda Chung, who not only brighten up and bring laughter to the kids awaiting surgery at the hospital, but also bring and give them hope of recovery.
3. Stellar cast and performance by the four main leads. Ex-TVB anchor leads Kevin and Linda returned to a TVB drama after leaving TVB for at least 5 years or more and effortlessly charm the sick kids in the drama and viewers with their goofy, fun, kind, loving hearts and sizzling chemistry and budding romance between them. Linda’s loss was heartwrecking. Kenneth Ma and Catherine Chau, exude professionalism of senior doctors juggling between hospital politics and giving the patients the best treatment.
4. See Kenneth in his 14th doctor role, and how he has matured from his inaugural doc role as a junior pediatric doc in rural Guangxi in The Last Breakthrough (also a TVB anniversary drama in 2004, and my fave medical drama (read more in my separate detailed review)) to a senior pediatric surgeon at an established hospital in this drama.
5. Very detailed surgery scenes, showing the professional details and production quality of this drama.
6. It currently has a douban rating of 8.8, with a high of 9.1.

What are not so good:
It takes a lot of courage to finish watching this drama:
1. The very detailed surgery scenes can be disturbing for some viewers – try to avoid watching during meal times.
2. Too many surgery cases, almost one surgery per episode, with the mechanical opening surgery scene of a surgical knife slitting on the skin, with blood oozing out.
3. The many realistic stories of kids needing surgeries, the helplessness of the parents, and inability for the less privileged to access treatment can be too heartbreaking for some viewers to continue the drama.

Read More

A worthy historical costume cdrama released in recent 2 years

My initial impression of this drama as i was watching the initial episodes was the resemblance to the Prince of Lan Ling (2013) - masked ML warriors, FLs as extraordinary woman (奇女子), MLs as god of war (战神), war tactics/strategies and peace treaty between warring states. The resemblances wean off eventually as i progressed with the drama and become more attached to The Long Ballad’s characters.

This is a drama of putting the interests of the country before self*, of protecting the loved ones (family and friends) before self*, and a coming of age drama of the four main leads:
(1) Li Chang Ge who despite seeking out revenge for her parents’ death on the Emperor, understands and puts the interests of the country before self;
(2) Ashile Sun who is courageous in his love for Li Chang Ge, loyal to his adopted father and to his people, and who puts the interests of his loved ones before his;
(3) Li Le Yan who transforms from a dainty princess to a princess who understands the needs of, and seeks better lives for, her people; and
(4) Hao Du who once followed orders fervently and coldly to one who doesn’t surface judge and who fights courageously for his princess’ love.

* those are true of Prince of Lan Ling as well.

Besides romance with four couples (Li Chang Ge x Ashile Sun, Li Le Yan x Hao Du, Mimi Guli x Mu Jin, Luo Shi Ba x Xu Feng), there is sismance (sisterly love) (Li Chang Ge x Li Le Yan, Li Chang Ge x Mimi Guli), bromance (brotherly love) (Ashile Sun x Mu Jin, Ashile Sun x She Er) and also touching encounters with kids the two FLs met (Li Chang Ge x A Dou, Le Yan x Wu Ye).

Happy to see Leo Wu again and this time in a lead role, after enjoying his portrayal as the little Fei Liu protecting his master (the ML) in Nirvana in Fire about 6 months ago. He has grown up to be a fine actor.

Zhao Lu Si captivated me and had me rooting for her and Liu Yu Ning’s Hao Du, instead of the first lead couple. I was actually quite put off by her portrayal in Oh! My Emperor, so much so that i only finished the first season and didn’t continue the second season. Perhaps it’s the role. I first saw Liu Yu Ning on the same stage as Xiao Zhan in Our Song. He came across as a good singer. (And i started watching Oh! My Emperor for Xiao Zhan, but never finished the complete drama).

The manhua strips inserted in some key scenes, though a convenient way to cut costs while linking back to its comic source, are eye sores that also cheapen the quality of this drama.

Overall, it is a historical costume cdrama released in recent 2 years that is worth watching.

Read More

Be awfully touched and humbled by this timeless medical gem

"I’ve practiced as a doctor for so long. I’ve never been so emotional. I’ve never used such an unscientific method to save a life. That feeling was so wonderful."

Story:
Rewatching after more than a decade, this is a gem for medical drama on medical professionals working in a large established hospital looking after the rich and famous, in a neighbourhood medical centre taking care of neighbourhood folks, and on doctors without borders volunteering at feudal, resource- and disease- stricken Africa (and rural Guangxi) providing medical humanitarian assistance for the needy locals.

Against the backdrop of the arid great African plains and the tenacious and fragile lives of the local folks, be awfully touched by the breathtaking majestic nature (snow-capped Kilimanjaro and herds of pink flamingos), to the simple excitement of welcoming new life, locals accepting and getting vaccinations, and be reminded that happiness is not a right, and to only be appreciative of and to treasure what and who we have, but to also help others as much as we can.

Back from missions, peppering the slice-of-life moments as medical professionals in the neighbourhood medical centre are heartwarming and meaningful moments with the patients, colleagues-friends and families.

This is a not-to-be-missed drama and a comfort drama on medical ethics, on crossing the doctor’s line to help patients and at the same time on finding the real meaning of life, family and friends, and living life to the fullest and without regrets.

Acting/Cast:
The cast can't be better. This is one of Nick’s last few dramas, and he charmed as the chivalrous and friendly neighbourhood doctor who sincerely care for his patients from the rich and famous, to the neighbourhood folks and the needy locals on his medical missions. Raymond and Leila were a couple that would have you rooting for them when they first met. Leila and Sonija were refreshing in their short bob hair. Plus see Kenneth Ma and Bosco Wong in their early years at TVB, well before they helmed lead roles.

Music:
I seldom pay attention to music in a drama, but not this. The soulful theme song sung by Raymond, with meaningful lyrics transports one right back to the medical missions, to how tiny yet important life is amidst wilderness.

Rewatch Value:
This is a comfort, timeless drama with many heartwarming and meaningful moments, that is worth rewatching periodically.

This drama is available on TVB YouTube channel in either English subtitles or Chinese dubbing

Read More

Typical wuxia plot with a hilarious twist and atypical dad-son love-respect bond

I have a bias for (1) sassy, smart, sunny and seemingly badass lead who is chivalrous, righteous and pure at heart, (2) wuxia plot of chivalry and protagonist becoming a top-tier martial arts expert, and (3) Zhang Ruo Yun as the seemingly badass but righteous protagonist.

Sword Snow Stride, another series with the same ML actor (Zhang Ruo Yun), screen writer (Wang Juan) and vibes as Joy of Life, hits this sweet spot with a typical wuxia plot plus a hilarious twist, atypical dad-son love-respect bond and sizzling chemistry between the protagonist, his veteran co-stars, confidants and siblings.

This series depicts the growth and encounters of a young optimistic, sassy and determined prince who seeks out a third path that allows him to continue to provide peace and prosperity to his people amidst power struggles with the central imperial family, and also protect and reunite with his siblings and the FL (Princess of a fallen rival state). Zhang Ruo Yun, doesn’t have a handsome face, but he charms and shines effortlessly as the seemingly badass but righteous protagonist with sizzling chemistry with his veteran co-stars (his dad, Lao Huang and God of Sword), his confidants (Jiang Ni, Nangong Pu She and Qing Niao) and his siblings.

The CGIs for the numerous fight scenes throughout the series are quite eye-opening - especially those with the God of Sword. Storytelling is compelling, with doubts/questions immediately addressed in the next scene. On the downside, character development is weak for the FL and the support roles, and lacks an intriguing plot.

Overall, it is an enjoyable journey, adventuring with the protagonist as he acquires martial arts and becomes a top-tier martial arts expert, while forming alliances and friendships with other notable clans and martial arts experts. I look forward to continue his journey to Northern Mang in Season 2, and ultimately pave and succeed with this third path he fervently seeks.

Read More

My best drama of 2022

It is not only my best drama of 2022, but it is also the drama that got me out of my drama slump, and a drama I regretted not watching it earlier in 2022, but only in March 2023.

I was hesitant to watch sageuk, as I am not familiar with Korean actors and in sageuk, everyone (especially those in the palace) looked the same, with the same hairstyle, make-up and clothes. And as I have difficulty differentiating who’s who, I often cannot catch the story. Also I was watching AoS then and deliberately postponed watching this drama to after I have finished watching AoS2, so as not to mix up the characters. Alas, AoS2 took a while for me, despite my enjoyment for AoS1.. that's for another review.

Under the Queen’s Umbrella has almost all of what I looked for in a drama – a drama with strong values (on relationships, honor, justice, equality and good vs evil), embodied within a solid story and plot, spiced with intrigue, power struggle, kinship, a little romance, and honed with good acting, and breath-taking and meaningful cinematography. This is an award-worthy drama from the story/plot, values embodied, acting to cinematography.

Watch this drama and you will experience:
* A mother’s unwavering love and courage for her kids, a Queen’s big love for the neglected “step” son, and abused and belittled commoners, a Queen’s honorable advice for her King, and a Queen’s tenacity to fight higher evil, stand up for justice and protect the weak.
* The four Grand Princes’ brotherly bonds with one another and, in particular, Grand Prince Sung Nam’s bond and courage to look for cure for his elder brother and become powerful to protect his brother’s family.
* Honorable fights and wins, amidst power struggles and plot twists, to uphold equality, justice and right the wrong.

While I’m glad Moon Sang Min was awarded Best New Actor at Baeksang Arts Award 2023, I was still pissed that Kim Hye Soo was snubbed of her acting award, and the drama was snubbed for nominations in Best Drama nor Best Screenplay.

Read More

A drama that deserves more love

Watched this following a friend's recommendation, after a disappointing watch of Extraordinary Attorney Woo (EAW), and this certainly deserves more love.

Perhaps as a medical drama, the story of the autistic protagonist here is much more realistic than EAW. Through the growth and development of the autistic protagonist, Park Shi On (by Joo Won) to overcome struggles and gain acceptance and recognition from his colleagues, mentors, bosses, patients and their families, with his pure dream to be a good doctor, a good pediatric surgeon, there are also growth and development of the other three main roles, especially his mentor Kim Do Han (by Joo Sang Wook, who also played Jang Gang in Alchemy of Souls).

Plus medical emergencies of adorable kids that are guaranteed to strike a chord and more, and life lessons on dreams and love between siblings, colleagues and lovers.

Be charmed by the performance of Joo Won, Joo Sang Wook, Moon Chae Won and the children (young Park Shi On and the young patients).

Btw, this drama was so good that it had resulted in an American remake and a Japanese remake.

* What is a doctor to you? It’s the last hope. Even if everyone else gives up on a patient, a doctor must take care of the patient until the end.

* Then what is a patient to you? A friend that I must part with. I must treat patients like a friend and make sure they stay healthy even after leaving me, so they never come see me again.

* All doctors who think hard about what makes a good doctor are good doctors. And those people are all good people.

* There’s no qualification in loving someone. Instead.. If you genuinely and unconditionally love someone, you become qualified to care for that person. It’s a qualification only you possess.

* I know you’re sad that you can’t fulfill your dream. But you know what’s good about dreams? That you can have another dream. Just like you dream every night, you can have another dream. You don’t give up on your dreams, you just get new ones. Look. The ball from your first hit. You can make new firsts again. Whatever that is, you have to give that to me too.

Read More

Perfect lead characters whom many of us hope to be and be with

It’s hard not to like this drama. It’s a cocktail of wuxia chivalry x political power scheming, topped with two perfect leads, Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi, whom many of us hope to be and be with: Gorgeous, smart, chivalrous, skilled in martial arts, and of royal blood or noble background, fighting evil to bring peace to their people.

While i thought Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si befitted their roles, Zhao Lu Si wowed me more with her versatile acting – from the damsel in distress Princess in The Long Ballad to the sassy kickass Princess in Who Rules the World. Oh, and not to forget Xuan Lu also transformed from the best, gentle and kind martial sister in The Untamed to the best, hardy and no-nonsense general here.

It’s a one season drama that is not overly difficult for a rewatch when i need to relive being a perfect being with my perfect half.

What i felt could be improved
1) Hei Feng Xi is too perfect to be real – how can anyone not bear any grudge against his father who has never cared for his mother and him?
2) The two near-death experiences of Bai Feng Xi is so overdone. I get that the first is really so that Hei Feng Xi can also recover and regain his martial skills, but while the destruction of the cannons is necessary, using one’s life to save the other and the mane of white hair on a face that has not aged a single day are too over-cliched.
3) Ending scene with little Hei Feng Bai Xi cutting in the main leads’ brow moment would have provided a perfect ending for the perfect lead couple.

Read More

I'm late but glad that i did not miss this gem

I started watching this drama recently thinking it was recommended by a fellow MDL mate, but just couldn’t trace back who recommended to convey thanks, as this is a gem that I would have otherwise missed.

Story: The story is multi-dimensional – [mysterious background of the protagonist] x [demolishing slavery] x [spies & intelligence] x [political scheming and war fighting between states] x ["mulan" style female general] – and thus little dull, filler moments. Lots of majestic stunt scenes in martial fights, spy training, navigating secret caverns with booby traps and war fighting/city gate defending. The cinematography and costumes are also commendable, though the CGI can certainly be better.

Cast/Acting: This is my first drama starring Zhao Li Ying and she is deserving of her stardom. Sadly though, there is lack of character growth for the protagonist she played. And for the ML Yu Wen Yue, I only got a strong Nirvana in Fire (2015) Lin Shu/Mei Chang Shu aura/vibe – from the dressing, hairdo to being afraid of cold. The characters that really wowed me are the second ML and FL. Shawn Dou aced the portrayal of Yan Xun, making him the drama’s antagonist many hate to love, and secretly wishing he will turn good by the end of this series, and then hopefully again in the grand finale (in Season 2 if it ever happens). This is also my first drama starring Shawn Dou and I will be looking out for his other dramas. Li Qin surprised me too – she did not impress at all as the FL Chicken Drumstick Lady in Joy of Life (2019) which i watched last year.

What can be improved: While there is attention to details such as using ancient Chinese handwriting style in letters / edict in the drama, I really cannot understand why the dyed hair for the two leads.

Add-ons: Did you notice how the commercials blended into the drama, that you only realized those were commercials after 5-10 seconds into the drama? Two very good examples are in episode 56 of 58.

Costume cdrama cliches?
1. Calling FL as “奇女子” (extraordinary woman): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013), then in The Long Ballad (2021), then in this drama.
2. Naming kids as “平安” (Peace): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013) (Prince of Lan Ling’s son is named “Ping An”), then in this drama.

Read More

Certainly not just another me-too zombie production

From a 2h zombie movie on a train in “Train to Busan”, expanded to a 12h drama at a sprawling high school campus in “All of Us are Dead”, I was wondering if there will still be novelty in another 12h zombie drama in “Happiness”, other than staying alive in a zombies-flooded apartment (vs a monster-flooded apartment in “Sweet Home”). I was proven wrong as I enjoyed “Happiness” as much as I enjoyed prior contemporary zombie productions.

Using zombies or mad person disease as the backdrop, the drama smartly weaved in current topic of inherent danger of fast tracked (and thus not as fully tested) medicines/vaccines developed to curb disease pandemic, together with humanity, social class, contract marriage and psychopath in an intense, action-packed drama.

The drama conveys that happiness is not mere material gains (such as possession of bitcoins, jewellery, being the apartment representative), but to be able to love and be loved (such as the two leads, the girl and her mom, the siblings), and such happiness is the motivation needed to stay sane and fight adversities, zombies and psychopath.

This is my first drama starring Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik and I really enjoyed their performance and their on-screen chemistry, and will be on the lookout for their future works, and perhaps also watch some of their past works.

Read More

High school musical drama, with Disney magic, that turns into a dark thriller

What’s good:
+ High school musical drama, with Disney magic, that turns into a dark thriller with a take on the competitive education system
+ See Jae Yi from Beyond Evil in short hair and hear her sing
+ Reminder to spend some time to indulge in things that we love, while we get on with our everyday lives

What could have been better:
- The wooden horses could have turned into real horses after they soared into the sky, for the ultimate whimsical world of Disney magic

What is not good:
- The irresponsible father ran away leaving his elder daughter to take care of his younger daughter – This happened in Dream High (2011) which I watched recently. Is this supposed to be a cliché for high school musical drama?

Read More