Melhor do que imaginei.
Sempre enrolei pra assistir porque achei que seria parecido com Le Jun Kai. Mas ai naquelas ressacas brabas onde nada prendia minha atenção e querendo assistir algo como Auntumn's Concerto acabei dando uma chance e pra minha surpresa, foi melhor do que imaginei que seria. Amei a relação da mãe e do filho, amei o fato dele nem lembrar dela direito, afinal foi um caso de uma noite só mesmo, amei como eles só foram se conhecer melhor depois do reencontro, amei como ele não era aquele cara puro e virginal de uns dramas ai e de maneira mais realista tinha uma vida amorosa com outra pessoa, amei o advogado gato, no geral foi um drama bem normal e até com aqueles clichês de sempre com uma sogra meio megera, um homem perfeito que também gosta da mocinha pra fechar o triangulo, uma outra mulher que gosta do mocinho, mas foi um clichê executado de uma maneira diferente e até mais realista se comprado com outros dramas e acho que isso que me fez gostar mais. Teve seus momentos em que o mocinho falava umas coisas feias pra mocinha, teve mas nada nível le junkai e mais no inicio quando eles ainda mal se conhecem. Enfim, é um cdrama diferente pra quem tá mais acostumado com web dramas chineses, é mais sério e realista, boas atuações e um elenco difícil de encontrar hoje.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Stigmatizing show in disguise
I am only on episode three but felt very inclined to write a review. I understand why people have made comments that this show demonstrates the realities of mental illness well and is breaking stigma but...I don't agree. The doctors and nurses are constantly spewing the most stigmatizing language.Examples: When Go Yoon was seeking help for cracking his knuckles in the first episode, he was basically dismissed and told it's easy to just stop. Also as someone with ocd, I don't like how they portrayed his character as this quirky and annoying guy who stares at Da Eun and was awkwardly touching/smelling the rice cakes her mom made (he just felt like a stereotype). Not to mention one of the doctors also saying they could cure him? You cannot cure ocd or "fix" any mental illness but the show sure acted like things could be solved easily.
Furthermore, when Yu Chan was banging his motor cycle helmet against the glass window, Da Eun made a joke saying "he's bipolar." There have also been jokes about schizophrenia and depression and the whole conference where they're inducing panic attacks and laughing about someone who had panic disorder was so insensitive. When the new trainees arrived and Seung Jae kept disappearing, there was clearly something wrong yet they kept calling him a slacker.
In general, the way they speak about mental illnesses is stigmatizing and at times they don't even describe them accurately. Also because a lot of the staff are not great people, that is the most accurate thing about the show because medical staff can be bullies and not care about patients irl. Anyways, this show had potential and I'm going to see where it goes but it is not in any way doing anything groundbreaking or going against stigma (more like contributing to it).
That is my two cents. I completely understand its appeal and we always want a show to represent mental illness and appreciate the ones that come by but this could have done a lot better with its potential.
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Interesting 2nd life (redemption arc) but unsatisfying romance
“Scent of Time” does not seem to be a very popular drama and the main reason is due to its unavailability. I believe Youku did not have the drama available for their international audience. But HBO seems to be picking that up! The synopsis of the drama on MDL is also incorrect as this is not a drama about transmigration (since it’s a censored topic in China). The novel is about transmigration, but not the drama.I don’t have much expectations, but because I liked Zhou Ye very much in “Back from the Brink”, I want to check this out for her. And, she did not disappoint. Her acting was a standout among all the younger actors and she carries the show on her back. Her character, Hua Qian, is very easy to root for. She's smart, observant, and courageous. She was given a second chance to correct her past mistakes so that there’s a better outcome for her and her family in this second life. The redemption arc is a highlight of the show and I think it’s pretty well-written. There are plot twists I did not expect and the story is very engaging throughout the 30 episodes. I just wish the ending was a little better and longer.
Before I watched the show, I thought the romance plot with 3 male leads would be the highlight for me. You would think a reverse-harem would be a focus. Not quite what I expected. This story is about Hua Qian’s growth as a person. The men in her life are just a part of her character development.
Zhong Ye Lan was the first man in her life. One she was obsessed with in her past life and tries to undo all of that. Zhou Ye Lan has a lot of screen time in the first half of the drama. Though I like parts of their story, I do find Peng Chu Yue’s acting a little lacking, especially when compared to Zhou Ye. His character is more muted, and more quiet. Thus, it requires good acting to not appear bland and wooden.
Zhong Xi Wu as the Lord is an interesting character. He has a unique relationship with Hua Qian and has much better chemistry with her than the other two male leads. I just wish we got more screen time of the two together. Their romance is quite subtle on Hua Qian’s part. It was hard to see whether she had feelings for him, except for that one item (which I shall not spoil) and was shown in the later part of the drama. It’s also interesting to see Zhong Xi Wu lose his cool when it comes to Hua Qian. He actually lost his cool a little too fast and uncharacter-like for a lord.
Hua Rong Zhou is the trusted guard who vows to protect Hua Qian with his life. This character appears too perfect and boring. He’s also bland in the beginning and Zhang Yi Jie’s acting is a little wooden. He was much better when he wasn’t a lovesick puppy following Hua Qian around. I like that when he’s talking back and being a little bossy. Other than that, Hua rong Zhou is not charismatic enough to be a male lead.
The rest of the supporting cast isn’t bad, except for Mu Yao, played by Zhao Qing. Her acting is the worst of the bunch for me. She has that one bland look and dead eyes on her face all the time. The veteran cast (Elder Princess and FL’s parents) obviously did a much better job than the younger cast.
The production quality is pretty good. I like the hairdos, accessories and the costumes of the female cast, and the sets and props look decent. “Scent of Time” only has 3 songs in its OST but they are lovely, just a little overplayed. I am however disappointed with the dubbing. I wish the main cast had used their own voice.
Overall, I had a great time watching this drama. It has its fault, but as a whole, I like the pacing, the redemption and character growth, and I am really becoming a fan of Zhou Ye.
Completed: 11/9/2023 - Review #375
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Intriguing Reincarnation Storyline So Far.....
Let's be real, the reincarnation with the enmeshment of the historical past and modern present day of the lead characters is not new and seems to be a popular theme in KDramas and CDramas lately. I still find those storylines intriguing and this underrated drama seems to be doing a good job in ensnaring you in the first episode. I find the FL to be good for her role as a tough firefighter with a heart of gold. The ML is good looking but his narcissistic character as the modern day actor is pretty annoying which was the intention of the story,. I'm hopeful he will be less of a self centered character with his transition.With reincarnation dramas, the ML and the FL's lives and destinies are intertwined, the question is will the deep resentments continue? It's a love hate relationship they had in their previous lives in the Goryeo period?? and will the story makers pull off a compelling doomed love story of revenge that bounces between the past and present?
I don't know what will unfold since its just four episodes in so I may update the rating as I watch future episodes but they have done a decent job so far in keeping the viewers hooked. It's not a perfect drama but it seems to be underrated, worth giving it a chance.
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it's like mountain goes up and than goes down ??
For me it was 10, until the last 2 episodes... And come on, not even a tight hug if not a kiss ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
How Even...
Overall: 8.5/10Never in my life did I think I would ever root for a person and his dog but.... here we are lol. The things this series did for my soul were unimaginable. I got so sad in the episode they left, that I had to take a few days before coming back for the last episode.
The acting was on point, the chemistry was chemistrying and let's not even talk about the uniqueness of the story and the characters. This is a really peculiar premise and I initially wasn't sure what would come of it; but I am pleasantly surprised with how this turned out. Perfect sweetness and fluff that I needed to heal my soul.
But I have to say, I was surprised about the 2nd season that was announced. This seemed like a good place to end the series and while I would love to see more of the characters, I'm scared it would get repetitive and take away from the glory of the first season. But I have faith - I mean season 1 was this good, they can't completely disappoint with season 2 right? I really hope this wasn't just a ploy to drag out the hype they received from the first season and that they end up doing it justice.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this and I'm definitely gonna jump aboard for season 2 and I'm lowkey looking forward to more...
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great with some pacing issues.
This series had my hooked and I watched it all in three weeks. this series is easy to get in to the cultivation aspect, which was my favorite part.This is a very good drama but it draaaaaaaags in some places. feel free to fast forward.
FM & ML have some good chemistry, but this is also the biggest downfall in the series as later it seems they revert to square one every time they have a misunderstanding, and they both refuse to tell the truth.
lots of potential for a part 2.
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Cozy & Cute
This was an adorable and amusing movie. I laughed a lot at Holland's character. Holland has the cutest and purest smile I've ever seen.This movie (and show I guess) had a cozy, low key, winter at the beach, feel. The script could've been stronger and the character connections as well.
The actors did a great job. The plot wasn't much on the excitement meter, but despite this and the minimal script, the story was still conveyed to us.
I wish it had been longer and more detailed, but it's worth a watch!
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Cafe Midnight Season 3: The Curious Stalker
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This review may contain spoilers
No point choosing to watch based on reviews, just try it, time well spent
The 3rd instalment was actually quite sad but at the same time beautiful in its own sense. The 3rd season extends the story of the 2nd season by exploring the stories of the background characters that appeared within season 2. The two school girls, the late school boy who came for one of the two school girls' notes and the high school boy on the bus who avoided eye contact with the FL of season 2. It was surprising to find that the timeline of seasons 2 and 3 are in fact intertwined within the same timeline and both stories are occurring at the same time.However in this season, we learn, that no matter how much one might want to change the past, the past will always be the past, but the future can be worked on. We were given the insight into the life of a troubled high school teen boy who struggles with his feelings for his high school female friend but only has thoughts for his mother due to her constant memory loss. It's a touching story of how things lost in the past, dreamed for the future can be found in the present.
Once again, every moment spent watching was punctual
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Story of shameless assailant and a lustful man
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Cafe Midnight Season 2: Hip Up! Hit Up!
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A Journey Of Comfort & Appreciation
Quite the comforting second instalment of the series. Unlike the first season, the second season gives the experience from the perspective of one of the customers. In season one we got to see the different types of people who come and go within the cafe, however, in this season we get the chance to experience from a new location and scenery the magic and mesmerisation of visiting this quiet and beautiful cafe perched on the end of a hill viewing the whole of Busan. Here we learn to appreciate the little things in life and how sometimes it is good to break out of the usual routine and take a break for ourselves. By doing so it can enable us to see clearly the positive side of life rather than the negativities. Once again every moment spent watching this season was punctual.Was this review helpful to you?
Great performances, but too much CGI
I liked this drama overall. The best part was the acting and the worst was the sloppy scriptwriting. The first 13 episodes that set the stage for the drama were the weakest. The plot meandered and we were caught in silly adolescent rivalries. I almost dropped the series then, but felt the acting was so good, I would continue. The best episodes were at the middle and the last few episodes, disappointingly, unraveled the already established cannon. I think if the writing could have been more linear and not so complicated with the numerous amount of villains and subplots, perhaps it would have been easier to follow. Another aspect that detracted from the drama was the over-the-top CGI that felt distracting.The best part, of course, was the well put together group of talented young actors. Boy, they took me with them to the depth of despair and joy. There were such heartfelt moments that made you care for the main leads. In that, they certainly had great direction. However, even the best of actors cannot carry an entire production mired in sloppy writing and too much CGI. Even though it was a fantasy piece, they were supposed to be mortals. Yet the producers would have us believe that the kind of power they wielded all came from spiritual cultivation? It's obvious a big part of the budget was spent on the CGI, but one shouldn't rely too much on that. The focus should always be on telling a good story. They gave away some big reveals almost as soon as they were established and that was a shame.. I felt disappointed mostly in the writing.
Period C-dramas are always a feast for the eyes in terms of sets and costumes. In that this production did not disappoint. I was still very entertained but felt the performers deserved a better written piece.
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perfection
I waited a long time to watch this drama because I had a feeling I wouldn't like it. I finally decided to watch it thanks to the recommendation in the We Watch Challenge. It turned out that the drama captivated me from the very beginning. I like it when misunderstandings in dramas are cleared up quickly and you don't have to endure the characters' pain for several episodes. A Tale of Thousand Stars is a drama that makes you feel all kinds of emotions. It's funny but it also makes you cry. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. This is probably the best bl drama I've ever watched.Was this review helpful to you?
Unnecessary
I don't think this special episode was actually needed. It doesn't really add to the plot. And the scene or two that are important as background information could have easily been added into the main series. It does eleborate slightly on what Zhang Teng was that upset by Fan Ze Rui being the one that has joined his enemy, but I don't think it really excuses his behavior. Or explains his feelings and why is he this attached to Fan Ze Rui while it appears that two haven't been in contact for very long. The other things were very predictable and not really surprising.Was this review helpful to you?
light and entertaining
Past and present collide in this rom-com about a city lawyer with a mysterious ancient curse and a civil servant with whom he shares an "unseverable destiny". If you are undecided on whether to watch a modern or costume drama, this show will deliver both.While there are all the usual ingredients of a rom-com, this show is more entertaining than average. There wasn't the usual shy, denial of feelings, but rather a full on "Sorry - Not Sorry!" head first dive into love. Shin Yu believes he is under a love spell cast by Hong Jo and struggles to fight it. "You're not pretty, but you are to me!" It's a funny internal battle between a newly awakened heart and a seasoned analytical brain. A few scenes were too slow but, before you get too bored, the story manages to move along with hints into previous lives, dark magic, murder and suspense. However, the draggy scenes were during the modern portion of the show and I felt more time could've been spent on the historical back story. Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah change pace smoothly and maintain their chemistry between the two settings.
The overall cast is very funny and work well with each other. However, it was almost uncomfortable seeing Park Kyung Hye being very over the top; she has had better roles. The comic timing between the 2 ML's as they compete against each other in 1 of 2 intersected triangles is spot on. It's also nice to see two decidedly unglamorous people in their own romantic story arc; it counters the expectation that only young and beautiful people can fall in love. Rowoon, noticeably freakishly tall (his height is mentioned several times), is good at comic scenes and his fans won't be disappointed. He is maturing into a decent dramatic actor as well.
If you're not looking for anything too profound, this show is light and entertaining to watch.
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