Wen Rui Xuan
Series of Second Chance
Because my Mandarin is not good enough, searching for information on C-Drama in English sometimes is challenging. So I picked this drama just because I was looking for a new release in 2022. I didn't recognize Bai Jing Ting at first, but quite familiar with Zhao Jin Mai or Angel Zhao. These young actors almost discouraged my oldish head, hey, I'm an old lady that would not interested in the youngster's romance anymore! I gave it a try anyway, and before the first episode ended, I knew I was going to stick my eyes on the screen till the last episode.At first, I thought this drama is "the usual time travel" story, but it is not. It is more than that. It reminds me of a Holywood movie--Groundhog Day. But, in Reset, the protagonists are in action, they're actively resetting, getting into the time loops to achieve their purposes. Of what the purposes are, I can't tell in terms to avoid posting story summaries.
WHAT I LIKED
(1) Story; I give it 10 points. I would give it whatever the highest point--whatever available, but the top of the top. To put science fiction into something enjoyable--I mean that the viewer doesn't need to frown while watching is not easy. But, in this drama, we're aware that all of this is a tale, but at the same time, we could follow through nicely while the story flows. There are several twists that pump our adrenaline. However, you would not feel being fooled around, the twists were so natural and after your heartbeat calm down, you will immediately agree with the situation. Overall, this is not just a story of reset now and then. This drama also intelligently tells the ordinary people's struggles, hope, loves, and hate. Their behaviors are so natural; each of the characters has some heartwarming aspects that are beautifully packed in only 15 episodes. Each of the characters in this drama is able to win our appreciation, pity, and admiration.
(2) Acting/Cast
Super! I can't say who is has performed better, because every cast performed brilliantly. They make me believe that they're the real people I might encounter in my daily life.
(3) Music
In science-fiction-like this, I didn't expect a romantic, melodious song like 'My Only" sung by Zhōu shēn (Charlie). But, it's turned out this closing theme song for each episode is able to represent the personality of our main character. So it does feel right. The other OST is Wake Up by Wang Xiaokun for me is represents logical thoughts, while Rebound by Chen Hui which I think is a kind of hypnotic music, I shall not forget to give two thumbs up for the opening music and its animation.
(4) I think I will rewatch this drama after some time later. Not because it has no rewatched value, but if too soon, I will not able to enjoy the adrenaline pumps created by the twists. Maybe, when it almost fades away from my memory, I can watch it again.
After watching all the 15 episodes, I went to read other reviews and found out that this drama was produced by Dongyang Noon Sunshine Film and Television Co., a company that pays close attention to quality. No surprise Reset come out to be this satisfactory to watch.
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Simple Story Turn Into Crime Masterpiece
A death that looked as if it was an accident. One person who plays with power and money causes many others to suffer. But, once an honest man tries to unravel the mystery, he gets bumped here and there. And, his whole life fell apart, even his life was at stake.12 episodes are just right. Not dragging. What I love most about this drama is the many different characters, but bound by one noble goal and willingness to sacrifice. They bounded together not because they know the victims, but because they're fought for injustice.
I read a review for this drama somewhere, it says the drama is good when you cry while watching, and the reviewer was indeed cried when watching episodes 11-12. But, I couldn't cry, because I was too angry about the injustice, so I want to punish those villains with my own hands (but of course this is just a metaphor, ain't such a punisher).
You really have to watch this drama because this is a crime masterpiece. Bai Yu's performance here was top grade.
I was expected better dubbings and sound, but for the great story and performances of each actor/actress, I could be tolerant.
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Urban Workplaces Struggles
I love this drama because of its worthiness. In my opinion, the producer has paid attention to quality. The cinematography is excellent. Liu Jing Jian (the cinematographer) successfully brought out the script's demand, to show how fashion industry magazines are on the screen. This could be a challenging task for him. But, as I said, he has succeeded. The music was beautiful, sound effect quality was also very good. The directors have done a good job. Now let me explain my rating.Story (8.5/10)
The story is great, but not great enough to have my top point.
The story is a bit long-winded. The audience's curiosity has been awakened and then dies due to irrelevant attempts to create new curiosity. So in my opinion, the plot of the story is not cut off and reconnected in the right places. Time and time again I missed the tension I felt before. Perhaps this disturbance is caused by an excessive effort to cram too many characters with their individual stories that are not actually closely related to the main theme. Details of the story are not well preserved, which raises questions for viewers. Several similar scenes, which fail to direct the plot to the next twist, also fail to convey the essence of this story. If the screenwriter and director didn't try too hard, this drama would fit into 25 episodes and engage the audience better.
Acting/Cast (10/10)
The cast of this drama, from the main character to the supporting cast, all did their job perfectly. Everything looks so natural. The content of emotions and thoughts can be expressed perfectly.
Song Jia, who plays Chen Kaiyi rarely talks, cold and almost contemplative, but the audience can get to know her well, sympathizing with her for her fierce desire to achieve victory.
Chen He played Lu Pinpin so perfectly that the audience was annoyed with him.
The young star Song Zu'er as Li Na was extraordinarily good. There were quite a few other actors, and all of them acted really well. Nobody does that monologue to bring the characters to life, they express it.
Music (10/10)
I love the background music and the OST. I don't know much about music, but I think the right music strengthens the story. Credit should go to Dong Dongdong, the composer.
Rewatch Value (8/10)
I don't think I will spend time rewatching this drama. But this is a tricky question, for if I have nothing to do, I might consider rewatching this drama. Especially listen to the character Gu Mingshan cites Chinese ancient wisdom. The cinematography of this drama is excellent. Liu Jing Jian (Cinematographer) had done a great job, this is certainly one of the rewatch values.
Overall (9.0/10)
I enjoyed watching this drama. It is worth my time.
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The Life Journey of A Genius; From Autistic to an Unsung Hero
The first thing that attracted me was that this drama is based on a novel by Mai Jia. Set in the early era of Communist China. But judging from the storyline it should be around the 1960s, because one of the characters in the story, Manager Wang said he was a war veteran who had fought Japan, Taiwan and join the Korea war (the Korean war ended in 1953).Although it is acknowledged that the drama's headline is about espionage, like all great stories, it evolves around the integrity of human struggle, sacrifice, love for the country, and romance. The way the characters deal with all the obstacles, suffering, and losses, could stirs our emotions. In 41 episodes we are not invited to explore ways of solving codes using mathematics. Of course, this is not a story about that. We are also not invited to explore espionage specifically. The strength of the story is not in those aspects. Rather, the aspect of the struggle of the main character finds the fact that human potentials are unlimited, all we need to do is challenge our limitations.
In my opinion, 41 episodes is a bit long-winded. Some less relevant passages would be fine if they were not included. For example, Rong JinZhen encountered with Zheng Dang on his campus. Bullies scene against Rong at 701 headquarters. Lie Ting who likes to throw a tantrum, until Yan Shi humiliates Rong who has become a hero and his superior in front of the trainees. Perhaps, while maintaining a suspenseful, and heartwarming storyline, 35 episodes will suffice. The ending of this drama is very beautiful. Only in the rescue of Mrs. Rong, and Miss Rong by Rong Jinzhen on the train didn't even stand out.
All the cast of this drama are amazing. The main player, Chenney Chen perfectly plays an autistic person, and transformations along with his mental development. However, it's not only Chen who plays well, every player, even the supporting roles are able to bring the story characters to life and make us recognize the characters.
I think I will rewacth this serie in the future. I find it phylosophycally rich, For example, the 701 members were loved their country, but inside they still could feel the bitterness. At the end they're just human. If the lost their humanity, they will become fanatic, or extremist.
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Sweet Romance Evolved Around Court Room
First, I want to share my review based on different levels of thinking.I like the cinematographic setting. I give 2 thumbs up for the acting skills shown by the cast, especially how they portray emotions as required by the script.
This drama doesn't provide a complete picture of most legal cases like other courtroom dramas (I would not think this is a courtroom drama though) but it clearly conveys the values and beliefs of the characters involved. Therefore, I think the opening question of the episode "why do you want to be a lawyer?" find the answers through the values and beliefs of these lawyers and their clients.
I must say this is a typical Chinese drama and should pass tight censorship. However, in this drama, censorship actually brings back the values of the ancient martial world, the more than 3000 years old highly valued relationship of a master (mentor/teacher) and pupils. And just like the “wutang story”, you will see how bad people are punished, and good people finally find justice. Maybe, it's too good to be true.
We can see how a sense of self-identity develops as the characters deal with different clients and life events. The characters we met in the first episode are no longer the ones we saw in the end. A useful takeaway moral value for the audience. In their new sense of self-identity, lawyer characters are ready to express their already balanced values, making them stronger to do more for justice. This is also another takeaway from this drama, so we don’t just get entertainment, but also a set of lessons.
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