This review may contain spoilers
I cried, for a guy who doesnt cry a lot.
I watched it back it was airing in 2005, but I was only 10 back then so I can only appreciate like 10-20% of the plot. Now, 2022, a lot more older than before, and finally finding the drive to watch drama series again, so i decided to revisit this one.Story/Acting/Cast:
For 2005, when melodrama was at its prime, this show totally slapped. But for 2022, the story will definitely feel a little bland for most people, but not me. The magical feeling from 2005 still resonated to me, its like watching the show for the first time again (also probably because I forgot most of the story).
The romance is bittersweet, the plot is buttery smooth and cheesy, just as I liked it. The characters matched the actors/actresses. Esther's childlike, screamy nature (back in 2005) fitted Sophie, Leon Jay's mixed blood heritage and multilingualism fitted William (its like the script is tailor made for him.), Ethan's impulsiveness fitted Owen, I dont really know Ji Ai that well, but she played Susan pretty perfectly, playing the villain turned appreciative girl in the end.
I especially love Ji Ai's voice for her role, she reminds me of Amanda Chu in The Fierce Wife. Not annoying, pleasing to the eye yet still is main antagonist. Despite Susan's atrocious attitude, I dont feel as mad, but somehow I'm mad at Kim Taehee's character in Stairway to Heaven. I guess that's Ji Ai's specialty.
Ethan's character relates to me the most, and gets the most sympathy from me too. I would say my approach to romance is really similar to Owen, will pursue a girl I love, but if she love someone else, I wont stop her, in fact might even help her achieve her happiness instead. Can I also add that I love his hair a lot?
William isnt exactly a good main character for me. I guess they want to showcase William's mixed heritage so made his role multilingual, but a bit TOO multilingual. Its very hard for me to get used to him changing the channels mid convo. Its even more awks for me when he asked a question in English and then Sophie answered in Mandarin. This has got to be the most amount of English I have ever heard in a Taiwanese drama, like ever.
Esther did an amazing job portraying Sophie to her maximum potential. And also pulling off the 20s look when she's 17 (back in 2005) is also no simple feat. Maybe her chunky stature works? They even incorporated her chunkiness as a running gag is also a plus. Despite her screamy, aloof personality, her voice never made me shy away from her, but made me more attracted to her. I'm a guy who hate listening to high frequency tones/high pitch screaming from people, so this actually made me feel surprised. Maybe I'm biased to Esther? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The setting is great. I love the nature-oriented teaching style. Focus is so much on the Sophie-William-Owen trio that I feel that the school is a little sidelined. But romance funny so I can let that pass. Story pacing is slow, but its smooth, and every episode has its moments. I have a short attention span and this show managed to put me on my chair to finish the binge watch for 2 days, so that's something. Ep 11 probably my favourite, 2 stubborn lovers going against each other the cheesiest way possible, i laughed my ass off and awwed real loud when they finally kissed... Ahhh.
Now for some flaws, its extremely roundabout, but somehow when you find an exit of the roundabout, you will move into ANOTHER ONE. But the plot still moves on very smoothly despite it beating around multiple bushes. The romance is especially cheesy, I love this a lot, but most people i know dont, so I will put this as a flaw. The ending is a little rushed and i really dont like the fake suspense with the outcome of Sophie's illness. It just doesnt feel right, seeing William decided to open his presents at a yearly basis then seeing Sophie hanging herself by the stomach trying to put the star on the christmas tree at the end. And also, they could have squeezed a girl for Owen, it doesnt have to be Fiona, but any girl. Seeing him hanging around the couple as a 3rd wheel feels off putting for me. Make him move on, stop stagnating at the same girl like as if he waiting for them to divorce or something.
Music:
Definitely one of the best soundtracks I have heard in awhile. BGMs were nicely placed for 2005, but awkwardly played in 2022. Sweety's 爱神恶作剧 is definitely my favourite song of the list. The other insert songs were great too. William's singing was actually the biggest surprise for me.
Rewatch Value:
I definitely will rewatch again. But maybe after a few years when my memory of this show becomes fuzzy, do it as a refresher. Do I wanna rewatch now? Not really. I dont think i will get that same emotional weight I felt if I were to watch it again now.
Do I recommend? Yes, if you are into spinny, cheesy romance dramas, definitely give it a shot.
Update 1/9/2022: Just rewatched it again, my emotions overwhelmed a lot more than my first viewing. I absolutely love this show even more now. Updated my scores a little.
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