Crimson Whirlwind
Blitzed through it so fast, was hooked in from the first few episodes and had to see it through even though it was a predictable love story. And now considering, not too much unnecessary drama like you see in other dramas. When the main couple are on screen together, the chemistry is turned right up and I see them caring for each other in subtle and silent ways. But when Han Shang Yan goes into jerk mode, it's really hard to connect with the couple and it falls apart. Definitely the up and coming contemporary drama that’s light, full of warmth and love. If you’re looking for something on par with Love020 or even My Mr Mermaid, this would be it. There are things to love and things to hate, but overall it leaves you with a lasting good feeling!
Things I love
Han Shang Yan was amazing as he was and I love the black outfits. He did really well for a character that had a very antagonistic personality. Tong Nian did just as well as a ditzy, naive and very pure girl. The couple chemistry was really great and I could feel the cuteness oozing from them. Would have loved more couple moments. The whole idea of the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, love at first sight and even the friendship ties can be commended and was done relatively well. The whole story revolved around CTF and unfortunately, it wasn't explained too well. But a very interesting concept and something I had never heard of before. The love at first sight was a classic and I love the play on that for the first few episodes. The friendship bonds and also the past interlinking with the present was done well, though flashbacks had one too many (easy to skip over though, you don't miss much). And the past was a bit what... a bit of a no big deal.
Oooh and I also absolutely loved the whole candy motif throughout. It was amazing and worked really well for character building and solidifying. Giving Han Shang Yan a unique quirk that defines him and can sum him up in a few words. Loved that candy tin and how it appeared throughout the whole thing.
My main concern
The plot or lack of plot or more like drag and unnecessary filler episodes. The first 18 episodes were stellar and very nicely done. Then we went on a whole tangent of Han Shang Yan being a jerk until 28ish episodes and that really put a dent in the storyline and actually detracted from the romance and the overall plot. And while that was happening, they decided to add this superficial romance between two side characters that was so awkward and unnatural. I wouldn't say they rushed the ending, but I feel like it could have been planned out a whole lot better. The whole CTF competition faded into the background and suddenly it wasn't that important who won or lost. The story had such a strong start and the couple chemistry was amazing, so I question why the breakdown in plot happened. It definitely brings down the rewatch value.
Music
Songs were amazing and loved both of them singing their tunes. Downloaded the soundtrack right away to listen to, very inspirational and emotional. And I love how they added them singing songs too. So cute, couple goals.
Rewatch value
I’d definitely binge the first few episodes to around 18 including their first aquarium trip out to Hawaii. That was pure gold and I absolutely loved seeing Tong Nian chasing Han Shang Yan. And seeing them bond, really bond. Then I’d skip episodes 20-30 completely irrelevant and super frustrating. Just a mid subplot that added no value and was like what...? The ending did get messy and felt like a rush to the end or even an ending that wasn’t thought out carefully enough. Like they weren’t sure how to exactly end the love story. But definitely rewatching cute moments because their chemistry was hot but also very endearing at the same time.
Overall I can say a solid drama with some good cute acting. And funny scenes that make it super lighthearted, nothing too heavy. Very contemporary drama about growth, learning to forgive and friendship and love. Some really nice themes underlying the whole drama. Just be prepared for the drop and lag in plot midway - just skip through it! As always keen to hear your thoughts! xx
Things I love
Han Shang Yan was amazing as he was and I love the black outfits. He did really well for a character that had a very antagonistic personality. Tong Nian did just as well as a ditzy, naive and very pure girl. The couple chemistry was really great and I could feel the cuteness oozing from them. Would have loved more couple moments. The whole idea of the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, love at first sight and even the friendship ties can be commended and was done relatively well. The whole story revolved around CTF and unfortunately, it wasn't explained too well. But a very interesting concept and something I had never heard of before. The love at first sight was a classic and I love the play on that for the first few episodes. The friendship bonds and also the past interlinking with the present was done well, though flashbacks had one too many (easy to skip over though, you don't miss much). And the past was a bit what... a bit of a no big deal.
Oooh and I also absolutely loved the whole candy motif throughout. It was amazing and worked really well for character building and solidifying. Giving Han Shang Yan a unique quirk that defines him and can sum him up in a few words. Loved that candy tin and how it appeared throughout the whole thing.
My main concern
The plot or lack of plot or more like drag and unnecessary filler episodes. The first 18 episodes were stellar and very nicely done. Then we went on a whole tangent of Han Shang Yan being a jerk until 28ish episodes and that really put a dent in the storyline and actually detracted from the romance and the overall plot. And while that was happening, they decided to add this superficial romance between two side characters that was so awkward and unnatural. I wouldn't say they rushed the ending, but I feel like it could have been planned out a whole lot better. The whole CTF competition faded into the background and suddenly it wasn't that important who won or lost. The story had such a strong start and the couple chemistry was amazing, so I question why the breakdown in plot happened. It definitely brings down the rewatch value.
Music
Songs were amazing and loved both of them singing their tunes. Downloaded the soundtrack right away to listen to, very inspirational and emotional. And I love how they added them singing songs too. So cute, couple goals.
Rewatch value
I’d definitely binge the first few episodes to around 18 including their first aquarium trip out to Hawaii. That was pure gold and I absolutely loved seeing Tong Nian chasing Han Shang Yan. And seeing them bond, really bond. Then I’d skip episodes 20-30 completely irrelevant and super frustrating. Just a mid subplot that added no value and was like what...? The ending did get messy and felt like a rush to the end or even an ending that wasn’t thought out carefully enough. Like they weren’t sure how to exactly end the love story. But definitely rewatching cute moments because their chemistry was hot but also very endearing at the same time.
Overall I can say a solid drama with some good cute acting. And funny scenes that make it super lighthearted, nothing too heavy. Very contemporary drama about growth, learning to forgive and friendship and love. Some really nice themes underlying the whole drama. Just be prepared for the drop and lag in plot midway - just skip through it! As always keen to hear your thoughts! xx
Was this review helpful to you?
