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I've seen a lot of 9.0, 10.0 rated reviews of this show on this site, but I had trouble agreeing with that rating. I was interested up to the first half of the drama i.e. Yixi's murder arc and the mystery surrounding it. I'm afraid I couldn't keep up with the convoluted connection between different crimes surrounding the Ye Corporation and the drug/human trafficking going on in Myanmar. I did not find it very interesting and I admit I fast-forwarded the last few episodes. As someone who has watched Korean thrillers like Signal and Tunnel, I found this one a bit lackluster. I also had trouble with the two lovelines. I did enjoy watching Xu Xu and Ji Bai interact, and they were always cute together. The drawings were adorable of course. But I just didn't sense a lot of chemistry between the two, particularly on Ji Bai's part. I never got an impression that he cared about Xu Xu more than any other subordinate, and so the ending scene was a bit jarring for me. Many others have pointed out that the series seems a little rushed, particularly the last few episodes and I agree with that. The characters were portrayed very well, and I loved the acting. I did feel a little disappointed that Xu Xu underwent so much physical training under Ji Bai and she did not get to show it off except when she shot General Po. I suppose considering how short this series felt, it would have been weird to see Xu Xu suddenly engaging in physical fights, but still I would have liked to see her hold on her own during physical confrontations, even just for a few seconds. This doesn't mean that she was a weak character, far from it in fact. But Xu Xu's strength lies in her mind, and so it felt a little incomplete to have everyone around her help train her but then have no visible results.
All I can say is that this one wasn't for me. I didn't hate it, but it didn't get me hyped either.
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This review may contain spoilers
AmazingI've seen this show recced several times and I was planning on checking it out as soon as, but having tried to watch Love Me, If You Dare several times it was not a priority (I might be a minority in terms of preferring this to LMIYD, but this show really grabbed me. Sure... Huo Wallace is better looking than Wang Kai but WK is his own kind of hella sexy and HW's Sherlock-esque character really grated on me as I'm a massive fan of BBC Sherlock and I couldn't help but compare) Then I stumbled into the VERY enthusiastic recap page for this show on dr-myri's blog (who did such a great job recapping Eternal Love) I trust those ladies so why not?
I started at ep1 and I was all...'Ok cool good-looking bad-ass in the house this is interesting' then as soon as Xu Xu appeared I was 'Yusss! Alternative/Atypical/equally bad ass female lead! I am all over this!' I thought Xu Xu was a little cutie from the get go (the hair cut took some getting used to though), so unlike most FL. She was this teeny tiny robotic ball of smarts. She was uncanny, enough to make people uncomfortable, blunt, a little arrogant (I laughed when she straight up admitted she thought normal rules don't really apply to her as she's a genius) with a lot of mannerisms and attributes one expects of a male character, I even loved the way she talked, the low intonation and the matter of fact way she speaks (This whole feminine whine 'aegyo' thing annoys the hell out of me) I actually initially thought the snail referred to the ML but quickly realised it was her and this was her story, I could not be any happier. I absolutely adore Xu Xu. I couldn't wait to see her meet Cool Bad Ass ML and honestly from their first meeting it was all gloves off love. Kudos to Wang Ziwen for her portrayal, she did an amazing job.
The other side of the equation Ji Bai (played ably by the swoon worthy WK) is the Popular Big Brother type. Upstanding, personable, smart, accomplished and a natural leader. He was what I wished more ML could be...actually reasonable and logical! Although the drama did not delve so much on his past (aside from what was relevant to the case) you can tell that through hard work and natural talent he has risen to his position as the undisputed best in the police force with the support of all his friends, coworkers and superiors. He's the embodiment of a lion fiercely protecting his pride. His chemistry with Xu Xu was amazing (I loved the fact that the way they filmed make it seem like he can just fold her up and put her in his pocket but the dialogue really emphasise how equal they are and can be) Scenes of him picking her up by the scruff and her nonchalantly ignoring this just make me happy. Romance fans have to live off this and other subtleties, like the amount of eye contact and mind reading as the romance was not the focus of this drama at all.
The story overall was great, suspenseful and nail biting with enough twists and turns and tangled up connections that I was glad I was reading the reccap/analysis to help me keep it all straight in my head. Other characters like Yao Meng (I love the fact that she is another atypical female character, beautiful and strong and fully protective and supportive of her female police sisters. She had a beautiful friendship with Xu Xu. None of this bitchy second FL nonsense that's prevalent in almost all dramas) and Wei Han (the bromance is strong in this one) was amazing too. The Villains were chilling and reprehensible (Jesus, the Po and Xu Xu stand off was nail bitingly good and lets not forget to mention Bloody Brother Lu) Everyone did an amazing job portraying their characters
The drama flowed amazingly well, the scenery, the framework and innovative shots and editing made me feel several times like I was watching a movie. The OST throughout was subtle and really fitted the story (there were as lot of tense scenes that had little to no background music and I felt that it specially heightened the tension and made it better) I loved both the opening credits (first C Drama opening with little to no spoilers) but adore the animated lion/snail scenes more. Also got to mention the Cold Opens in every episode, really put viewers off balance and makes you pay attention. Whoever edited this drama has a real sense of timing and flow.
Worth a rewatch? YES! I'm actually in the midst of rewatching as there's just too many subtle awe inspiring scenes I missed the first time round.
In conclusion, absolutely worth a watch. The romance in this is all about the subtleties, and not the focus. This is not your typical 'lust-at-first-sight' or even the 'hate to love' drama cliche. It's more the mature meeting of minds and I applaud it. You can really tell when they connect and when they start supporting and guiding each other to their mutual feelings (being more personable ML realises it first). The story and overall mystery is what drives this drama and I'm glad that they focused on it because it was very well done.
To those romance fans like myself, read the novel this was based on. I read it after watching this and it satisfied my thirst for more romance for this OTP. Its being fan translated and is available through Novel Updates. You won't regret it. It is too sexy for words and as you read you won't be able to picture anyone else but Wang Kai and Wang Ziwen as Ji Bai and Xu Xu.
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Interesting characters? Hardly. Ji Bai is a super cop whose only weakness is that he works too hard. This man is practically perfect, leaving no room for character growth. As for Xu Xu, we know nothing about her background or what makes her tick. She’s supposed to be a genius profiler, but you either: 1) can’t follow her logic; or 2) figure out things faster than she does. Her drawing of cute anthropomorphic cartoons is more of a gimmick than a revelation.
Suspense? None. Xu Xu keeps walking into dangerous situations with no real plan. That is not suspense, it's stupidity.
Romance? Minimal, with no building up to it whatsoever. The one big kiss in the very end does not convince me that Ji Bai is that much in love with Xu Xu.
Acting? Could not save the series. The actors can only do so much with the material they’re given. Wang Kai, who has immense talent and charisma, could've picked a far better project than this. I won't judge Wang Zi Wen's acting, since she's severely handicapped by the character of Xu Xu as well as the poor direction.
Action? Quite good and cinematic in quality. It might work in a compressed time of a movie, but it doesn't hold my attention in a 21-episode drama.
Anything deep, at all? Nope. The show tries to get philosophical about a policeman's life and choices. Ultimately, it's a black and white world: all bad guys are scum and all Chinese policeman are incorruptible and good. This might as well be a propaganda piece for law enforcement.
The 6.5 rating might be biased high, because I’m always partial to Wang Kai. Like a snail, I can only slowly crawl my way towards the last episode.
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I really liked the story although sometimes I had the feeling it got confusing but that's probably just me.
Somehow those dramas tend to introduce so many people and new roles I get a bit confused as chinese isn't my first language and I watch subbed. So I would just sit there and think "yeah who is that guy? Oh well...I'll get it soon enough"
I could relate to the role of Xu Xu so well and it was so refreshing to see how her relationship with Ji Bai develops during the drama.
It made me supidly grin sometimes... xD The characters where all portrait as animals by Xu Xu in the drama and I really loved that aspect, because somehow one really thinks about the animals as well and not only of the actors xD
I probably would rewatch it after some time but not right away because this drama is packed with action and emotion, I would need some time to process that.
Overall 10/10 :) I loved it
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You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY!)
ENDING: Happy
What a super series! I loved the female lead. I loved the fact that she is so strong and yet there was scope for improvement in her character. I loved the chemistry between the lead pair. Every time you think the case has been solved another twist is thrown in and episode 14 is the turning point for me. What a twist. I loved the pace. I loved the background score. And loved the fact that the episodes and short but focused. The title though foretells of an outright romance, is more of a crime thriller with romance weaved in. The romance is so subtle that it hooks you in. I highly recommend watching it.
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Amazing action/thriller drama, embellished with a light touch of romance. A must see !
I won't hide from you that I mainly started this drama because Wang Kai was the ML...But from the first episode, I stayed hooked to my screen.
The context of the criminal investigation team is relatively common.
The brotherhood, the friendship, the support of the team are very well highlighted and interpreted by excellent actors. So we get attached very quickly to these characters and the blossoming romance of the 2nd CL is very cute.
What makes the difference, apart from the undeniable charisma of the handsome captain, is the "snail" profiler, calm, thoughtful, with deduction skills worthy of Sherlock Holmes. The interactions in the duo are intense and incredible!
The storyline is consistent. The context of drug/human/arms trafficking is very credible with the situation in Burma. The first part is rather "criminal investigation", the sequel is more muscular with many excellent action scenes.
The production is lively, dynamic. The OSTs highlight the different atmospheres of the series very well.
Like the other reviewers, I wish there was a little more room for romance, more OTPs. No kiss (except in the end) and few hugs... Too bad, but understandable in the context.
The series has only 21 episodes, which are quite short, so you never have time to get bored.
I therefore strongly recommend this drama to all Wang Kai fans and those who will become one :)
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Watch for the crime investigation but not the romance
Completed 11/7/2021The title of this drama is quite misleading. It gives off a romantic comedy vibe, but in actuality, it's a crime investigation drama. The drama revolves several crime and murder investigations and how they are woven intricately together into the big crime by the masterminds. I enjoy this type of crime investigation as it usually takes a few episodes to solve one crime. I watched another show before where the investigation is completed in less than 2 episodes and I feel exhausted from the never-ending episodic investigations (looking at you "My roommate is a detective"). However, I might still be a little confused about how the masterminds are behind all the crimes in this drama. I am not sure if it's me, or it's the drama's fault.
I enjoy the story and the development of our two female leads. They are both new interns in the violent crimes investigation unit and have very different strengths and weaknesses. I breathed a sigh of relief when we get a supportive sismance, instead of jealous and hatred between the ladies.
The romance plot is a very small part of the drama. Do not go into the drama wanting great romance. Both main and secondary romances are slow-burn and almost non-existent. *Spoiler* I am not satisfied with the ending of both romances, as the happy endings seem to come from the left field. They are rushed and illogical in a sense. I don't see how a romance that never really blossoms can end with a casual marriage proposal, esp. right after the ML wakes up from a coma. They should have spent more time developing the slow burn romance, or just not give us this proposal.
On a positive note, the acting is pretty good all around. Wang Kai looks really good in a suit and in his police uniform (though he's a little too skinny). He has quite a few action/fight scenes and they look believable. I watch this drama in 2021, it doesn't feel dated. The makeup looks really natural, esp. for the guys who are not covered with white foundation. I love the natural tanned look.
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Story and Plot
This drama has a good story to begin with. Why i can say it has a good story? The idea of this drama may alike with the other dramas, but when it came to the full story, it is a different drama. Since this drama depicts on related cases which allows me to focus on the story itself. Moreover, this drama has a solid story. After watching an episode, i can't wait to watch another. For the pace, this drama has a strong and consistent pace which i rarely see in other dramas. The story might slow down at some point, but it doesn't require too much time to back to its original pace. The ending is embroidered beautifully. More interaction between snail and lion might be the only thing that i want to see.
Acting and Cast
Each cast suit every character. The acting of the leads impress me the most. The leads' acting is completing each other and suit with the characters in the story. Their acting make me able to interpret the story of the drama. Again, it's a rare thing for me to see such suitable acting.
Music and Cinematography
I like all the music from this drama, each of them please my ears. The scenes are also captured well, leaving such a good impact to me. The editing might be done in rush so there are some scenes which don't look good. But after all, it's acceptable
This drama is a well done drama
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Based on the name, you would think it was a cutesy comedy, right? Wrong! It's an action thriller about a Violent Crime Unit and it takes place in several countries, in cities and in the jungle, there are drugs, murders and explosions and it's so action driven and suspenseful! Ah-mazing!
I loved Xu Xu. She was so smart and also so strong despite being petite and, well, snail-like in anything physical. But she worked hard on herself and she overcame so many hurdles - and Ji Bai, once he overcame his instant dislike of her because she had been forced on him by his superiors, always stood by her side and encouraged her and showed her the way and their relationship was just so good!
I loved how this drama was shot, using steady-cam and shaky cam, drone and CCTV footage. The cinematography was marvelous thanks to that. Just marvelous. And the music! The sound mixing in this was heavenly, the thump-thump-thump during the suspenseful moments always got me. I loved it.
I can highly recommend this drama to anyone who likes thrillers with a smidgen of romance and a lot globe-hopping and action. It's just 21 eps, 30+ min. each, but it's so worth it!
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