This review may contain spoilers
Surprisingly good and thematically rich
This show really took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it and got invested. I was looking for a fluffy romance drama to watch to break my typical xianxia streak, and I like Wang Yibo as an actor, so I decided to give this a try. This series definitely delivers on the cute romance, but I was also pleasantly surprised by how many other themes and dynamics are at play in this story. Apart from the central romance, the show also deals heavily with the two central characters' professional aspirations and their struggles to succeed and stay afloat in the exhilarating yet often cutthroat esports industry. They each have to navigate workplace politics, and also have to learn to leave a workplace when it becomes too toxic. I especially identified with Qiu Ying's character, who desires independence for personal reasons, which I can respect. I also liked how Ji Xiang Kong and Qiu Ying's arcs paralleled each other in how they both hit rock bottom, and rise to the top again by the power of their own grit. Ultimately I really loved this story of these two individuals who work hard, push each other to succeed, and end up as a badass power couple.I feel like a lot of people on here took issue with the love triangle arc with MiYah - typically, I'm not super into love triangles either. But the way it was presented in the show, I empathized with everyone in this situation. I actually really sympathize with the character of MiYah, because her life is quite tragic. She became famous at a young age and was forced to give up JXK, the one person who really knew her original, authentic self. Along the way she was probably incredibly lonely - her manager didn't let her date, so she probably didn't have the chance to meet any men who could see her as a complex human being. So naturally, she must have idealized the relationship she had with JXK, since he's the only one who's ever loved MiYah the person, not MiYah the idol. And the series does take care to show us that their relationship was authentic and valid in its own right, so it's not like MiYah had no grounds to believe she could be with her ex again. But what she doesn't realize, of course, is that she and JXK have evolved with time and aren't compatible anymore. I think the show was very honest about the emotional messiness of a situation like this, where one person might have emotionally moved on from a relationship after a breakup, but the other one hasn't. I also appreciate that no one in the love triangle was demonized - MiYah is acting from a very understandable, human place. She's certainly no angel - she gets a bit deluded and does some quite problematic things to keep JXK with her. But it's not like she makes any schemes to specifically sabotage Qiu Ying, even though they should be rivals, and she even appreciates how good QY is for JXK. I ultimately felt sad for MiYah - I hope that in the world of the story, she finds someone else who's right for her! In my book, if a show can make me feel of these complicated emotions about a set of characters, it's definitely succeeded.
I also get the impression a lot of people weren't fans of the part where Ji Xiang Kong takes care of MiYah towards the end and endangers his relationship with Qiu Ying. Is it a bit contrived how it happens? Maybe. But I also think it's kind of consistent with his character - Ji Xiang Kong strikes me as someone who tends to prioritize his duties and obligations over his own emotional needs. That's why it takes him longer to confront the fact that he's moved on from MiYah and really wants to be with Qiu Ying. He doesn't decisively choose until push comes to shove. If I were to change one thing about how that final arc plays out, I'd have him choosing to walk away from MiYah rather than having her give him permission to go - I just feel like that deprives him somewhat of his agency.
Something I really didn't like was how a scene of sexual assault was used as a plot device to progress Qiu Ying and JXK's relationship. Oooffff that wasn't good. And then that event is NEVER ADDRESSED AGAIN and the sexual assailant in question (one of the main antagonists in this show!!) is never specifically punished for that event. And then when JXK is trying to pick Qiu Ying and take her home when she's a sad drunk and yelling for him not to touch her I was cringing, because maybe you shouldn't? touch? the sexual assault victim??? I just don't like it when sexual assault is used to progress a love story. I know it's common it different types of media, but I don't have to like it.
Another character I really gravitated towards was Luo Tian. I was a bit nervous when I sensed the show making him another potential love interest for Qiu Ying, but it was handled surprisingly well IMO. He waits until he and Qiu Ying are basically professional equals before giving her hints about his feelings, so there isn't the problematic dynamic of a boss propositioning a subordinate. He also doesn't really pressure her at all, and lets her call the shots, which is all a girl can really ask from a guy. I also liked his indignation for Qiu Ying when he could see that JXK wasn't doing her right - he can see that this girl is worth it, and he thinks she deserves someone who can treat her well and not make her play second fiddle to an old flame. I came out of this massively respecting Luo Tian. I also hope he finds someone who will treat him well.
I also know the esports aspect of this show isn't completely accurate, if at all - my gamer boyfriend watched the finale with me, and he was laughing his ass off at how the characters used esports jargon, and also the way the story presented different game tactics. In his words, "for a show called 'Gank Your Heart', there's not even any 'ganking' in this show!" Maybe stuff like this will piss you off if you're a hardcore League of Legends or World of Warcraft player. For someone like me who doesn't favor video games like LoL, this might not be as important. I enjoyed the gaming competition scenes for different reasons - if there's something the show does well, it's ramping up both the character and plot tension in those scenes. That tournament scene with competitive stakes for JXK, professional stakes for Qiu Ying, and all kinds of implications for their relationship? Had me on the edge of my seat.
If there's another thing that made me slightly uncomfortable, it's the strong underlying nationalism of the show, and how Westerners are portrayed as these one-dimensional jerks. Of course, what did I expect - it's a story about how China is trying to win this prestigious esports championship from under the West. I get that the show itself is pro-China. But there were these times when it was laid on particularly thick. Given the political atmosphere and my own feelings on the Chinese government, I would have preferred that it wasn't *so* overt. But hey, at the end, even I was emotionally invested in the victory of Chinese esports - I guess that speaks to how well the show invested me in the characters?
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One of the best Chinese dramas I've watched
I will try not to put any spoilers as much as possible for the sake of the curious watchers who want to watch this drama! But seriously, this drama is just hands down GREAT! I usually complain about how some Chinese dramas I noticed would unnecessarily make 30+ episodes since they just seem to drag the story. HOWEVER, this one wasn't a drag at all because it really takes you through the journey of the main character's ups and downs as they struggle to reach the top.This drama definitely used up the episodes to walk and show the viewers the struggles the main leads go through to reach their goals in their careers. There was also great character growth which I also really liked because they were able to change for the better. Other than the romance, I found the plot revolving around e-sports really interesting since I was never familiar with e-sports so this was quite new for me. And the struggle for both the main leads to reach their goal because of the villains and misunderstandings and etc. And omfg the villains though are just OMG ur really gonna like have this urge to want to punch them because they were just so frustrating XD.
There are two things that I do have a complaint on. Of course, in a romance drama, there's always a love triangle so I don't see this as a spoiler LOL. But all I will say that there are two love triangles. For one of the love triangles, I felt like they could've made the storyline for that love triangle a bit longer. Like yeah, they slowly built it up throughout the drama but it didn't reach that breaking point until the last minute. And shoot I was already getting worked up with that love triangle too so it was disappointing that it happened and ended so quickly. THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY SO THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE SPOILER LOL. And lastly, towards the end of the drama, there was a certain girl that just I don't know why keeps unnecessarily popping up in the drama when literally I thought her storyline had ended in the middle of the drama (You will know who I am talking about when you do watch it). I felt like her showing up again was just not necessary but I guess they brought her back to add a filler to the story.
Anyway, I really liked this drama! One of the best Chinese dramas I've watched. I would definitely recommend it for everyone who's curious to watch this. You won't regret it. :)
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If weren't for her, I wouldn't be here..
actually I don't like egames at all.. I just watch because want to see Yibo.. and I interest because I like gogosquid too..Romance in gogosquid is better than gank your heart..but actually I like the progress relationship between the main leads.. start from careless, hate and dislike become friend, fans, admirer then a lover.. they have a dream together..
ML's journey is really hard but every step he try is really touching his new teams.. I really like when his friends really like and trusted him even though every people judge and hate him..
I also like pei xi because he really like our ML unconditionally and know what to do..
the last episode really make me want to cheer with them and touching my heart..when they do their battle even though I'm not understand but is really enjoy me so much.. I really can feel their enthusiasm.
If you want to see many romance in this drama, you will be disappointed.. but trust me.. when ML and FL be together is really cute and make you smile.. They so perfect together and you can see they like each other (wondering why he not confess to FL early about his feelings because its really obvious the FL is really in love with him)
my dislike in this drama, of course his ex.. I don't know why she can be so selfish and don't care what people's feeling.. her act hurt ML and FL.. fortunately this stupid scenes is only in last few episodes and you can skip it without lost any moments.. the ML is looks weak when he being guilty with her ex.. but finally the FL still win his heart..
really nice drama..I finish it in 4 days...
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Absolutely one of the best dramas I’ve watched recently in terms of modern romance,storytelling, character growth, teamspirit and refreshingly unconventional.The pacing is great, the story flows effortlessly and the gaming scenes have you GRIPPING the edge of your seat.The acting and interactions are so natural you forget that it’s a drama and feel like these people are your friends!
Im not into esports and I’ve seen some comments on how it doesn’t show a lot of gaming..but rather it shows the backstage of the esports industry which I for one prefer..
Jusy like a lot of you here I began watching this cos of Wang Yibo and I thought the storyline different.started watching without any expectations but WOOAH man I got HOOKED and invested from the 1st episode itself...and soon found myself falling in love with ALL the characters.
So the story follows the journey of Ji Xiang Kong( played by Wang Yibo) a professional e-sports gamer, and Qiu Ying , an aspiring commentator of esports on the road to the World Esports Championship, and how their worlds collide and get entangled with each other.
Ji Xiang Kong is a pretty unconventional male lead.He is the strategist of his team ,not the most talented or fastest gamer.Known to be the “underhand manipulator “ he gets bashed frequently and made the scapegoat on social media every time his team loses or something happens.But he also has a loyal gathering of fan girls due to his “ Shuai “( prettiness) LOL. WYB magic??What’s funny is that the scriptwriters cleverly incorporated Wang Yibos style and tastes( including his love for motorcycles) into the role. I must say I was impressed with yibo’s acting, he really pulled off the role of JXK exceptionally well and naturally.
The female lead Qiu Ying is an aspiring commentator.The actress is really likeable.She’s not the traditionally cute and adorable FL in c-drama..Rather she’s classically beautiful and does very well in the emotional scenes..Although in the first episodes she may seem a bit annoying you’ll get to like her by 2/3 episodes.She is kind and sincere but can stand up for herself without being loud and brash.I love how she’s not clueless and reacts rationally.
I like how they show the growth of the two leads separately as well as together since theirs careers are both in esports.After a series of perfectly understable misunderstandings Their relationship grows very naturally and believably.. there are no wild dramatics?and despite the unconventional pairing the chemistry is AMAZING!
The supporting characters are the CUTEST, all sorts of different personalities and I love every single one of them.My favorite is PEI XI!! Lolz you’ll find out why..
The OST ( especially the one sung by WYB) is really youthful and catchy..really suits the egaming genre..
Overall I would say it has the FEELS of Put Your Head on my shoulders( the effortless flow, natural interaction) while of course being a totally different genre and MUCH MUCH more eventful.
please watch this show..you won’t regret it!!?
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Story-wise, It is a very good gaming drama. It is quite detailed in the gaming aspect, in explaining strategies and commentaries. It also focuses on friendship and team spirit and these kinds of stuff. For romance, I feel like it is a bit lacking in terms of chemistry, although I love the idea that the two leads going through good and bad together and accompanying each other to the top of the world. And it was a bit too dramatised that the two leads had too many setbacks and 35 episodes is actually a bit too long, it could have been better with around 20+ episodes.
There are supporting characters and their stories like Yiyi and Yixuan, the two good friends of the leads. Their scenes give some humor to the plot. And Pei Xi's bromance/obsession with Ji Xiang Kone was quite funny and interesting as well. And how the five previous champions supported the new team was quite touching. Overall, I really liked the gaming aspect of the drama since it showed the friendship, team spirit and sports/national spirit.
The opening and ending songs quite matched the tone of the drama.
For the casts, nothing much to say. There is no one extraordinary and also no one who did really poorly, as to the extent that it would affect the story. Wang Yibo was quite natural as well. Especially after knowing his interest in motor racing and skateboarding, I think this character suits him quite well because it shows his competitive spirit.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm not really into CDramas a lot but I was having withdrawal from King's Avatar LA and I think I saw this from an ad somewhere on social media and I started watching it. I'm really glad I picked it up! My thoughts and feelings are outlined below.STORY
The main premise of the story revolves around a couple trying to reach their dreams together in a MOBA game setting which includes tournaments, commenting and daily lives of esports gamers. There weren't as many gaming scenes as that of KA and it wasn't that detailed but as a gamer, I fully understood a lot of the terminologies they used in the drama. The tournaments especially the final one really captured the emotions of the players and the audience which I really like. With regards to the romance between the protagonists, I wish it happened a bit earlier and I wish they had more loving scenes together. The ending was okay but I wish there was some kind of finality and closure, like for example, Ji Xiang Kong confessing his true feelings to Que Ying and vice versa. Since there was this subplot nearing the end that threw them off and basically they just didn't interact much at the final episodes. There were also so many (as in a lot of) negative stuff thrown their way and it felt like the drama has these 'them against the world' theme. As the game name implies IConquer, they conquered them all but I did wish their romance scenes were more and a bit longer. Overall though I enjoyed the story and every episode kept me on the edge of my seat thus the reason I binge watched it for a week.
CAST
I don't know much about the cast but I feel like they portrayed characters really well and the acting was really good by my standards. My favorite character would be Lu Yi Yi because she's really cute and I love how she always bickers with Xuan. I really love Xiao Yu's portrayal of her (Like I'm crushing on her real hard!) and I'm looking forward to more of her in the future. The other character that stuck to me was Pei Xi because I'm quite similar to his demeanor. The portrayal of Jerry Yan is topnotch and one could say you don't really need a female counterpart to stand out. Wang Zi Xuan is so beautiful and she's really sweet and she's like the dream girlfriend anyone would want to have. The antagonists I hated so much (In a good way) and I applaud the cast who portrayed each of them. Overall, a very solid cast and would definitely follow their works in the future.
SOUNDTRACK
OST is nice and fits the mood of the scenes, whether it be in the tournament setting or during romance scenes. I would definitely look for them when they become available to add them to my playlist.
REWATCH VALUE
I probably rewatched some romance scenes over and over because it gave me goosebumps. One of the best would be the last tournament where he remembered her and used that to make a new tactic. From that point on where they broke the crystal until everyone gathers in the end and to that ending hug was one of the best scenes and made my heart jump with so many emotions. I made copies of the drama and would definitely rewatch it but I'll probably skip some scenes.
OVERALL
As I said I wasn't into Cdramas much but this drama made me feel like checking out more. I definitely would recommend watching it because it made me feel so many emotions like joy, sadness, love, anger and hope. I was laughing a lot at times but also feeling tingly during the romance scenes. I was crazy mad at some points due to some plots but isn't that what the drama wants? To convey different feelings to the viewers. Overall, an excellent drama with a enjoyable plot and an amazing and beautiful cast.
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This review may contain spoilers
Well, the first reason i picked this drama is because I love esport, in real life, in novel and now spread to drama as well. Its really delighted me that this drama have strong esport presence, maybe not so of the gaming element but more of inspiring journey of professional gamer and other important career around esport event, the media and the commentator. FL is an ambitious reporter who met the professional gamer ML in a gaming competition.. in not so good atmosphere LOL. So they dont have good first impression of each other.. More so ML is suspicious by nature and somehow pragmatic, awhile FL is a bit hypocritical as well.. they were not in a good term at first, but dont worry their misunderstanding of each other slowly resolved.. Even though he is a bit mean toward her, i feel like ML cannot fully blamed as we introduced with FL's back story and why she is so ambitious in her career.. and maybe i was influenced by his motorcycle and leather jacket, somehow i feel like how he teased her with his evil smirk quite cute lol..But regretfully for me romance is not the best element of this drama, as the two leads chemistry though cute and heart warming, not mind blowing.. well , maybe im biased as the plot line have a very thing i hate, indecisive entanglement! So it just ruin the build up sweetness between CP, and then without much explanation but just another annoying misunderstanding come the rushed ending.. so in the end not even Wang Yibo's handsomeness in motorcycle can save this drama's ML from my -romantic- blacklist.
But even if the romance is not my taste, this drama still have very good storyline from esport perspective. ML is very inspiring as though he is excellence gamer and best strategist but his career is a stumble block with pressure from public and his team management.. In the end he had to start everything over again.. Yeah almost the same with Ye Xiu's story in TKA.. In here we can see through the badass and care nothing attitude, actually ML is very thoughtful and responsible toward his aspiration and people around him.. So he able to lead many people to believe him, for example his rival, that actually a fanboy that obsessed with him LOL.. But this is his flaw as well, at least when he faced his private matter, his consideration can be regarded as indecisive, that in the end hurt FL..
FL is a girl that win with her determination.. From a girl that know nothing about esport to an accomplished gaming commentator.. Like ML, her career is not smooth sailing as she faced work nepotism and many public criticism. . As we know her family situation, we understand that FL is not as cheerful as she look and where her longing to be succesful come from.. But though she is ambitious in her career, she still handle it in positive attitude.. Though in the end she had to experience doubt, pressure and even harrasement.. In this, ML and FL is quite relatable, they are not perfect people that have beautiful journey in reaching their dream.. But their entaglement give each other support and streght when they are in their lowest.. Honestly ML's affection look subtle, but their promise to reach the top together is very sweet as it can be regarded their promise to be always together till the end.. So actually this will be a very sweet romance if ML's not so indecisive in handling his past lover and create many misundersta ding.. The drama doesn't give through explanation as well so in the end I feel like plot is cliche.. Honestly the conflict is so unnecessary, what is the script writer thinking?
So this drama is bittersweet one.. but the acting is still very commendable.. esp many side characters have their depth as well with their own story.. My fav definitely Pei Xi, the cutest guy ever lol.. He is so lack in EQ so he make himself seem to be against ML , even though he just want to be with his idol.. we can see his character growth in the story, from a self centered person who doesn't care what other people say -because he is EQ deprived alien- to be a person that can have good teamwork with other.. The other is FL's brother, that shed his innocent sunshine boy persona because of accident.. The senior team, that is hilarious retired players.. and second CP that is FL's bff with ML's support player, quite a comedic relief as well..
The OST is not memorable, just nice enough.. but the opening song have a cacthy intro that jolt you up “oh, this is anothe eps” feeling..
Well in term of work, though maybe not in the same level of Untamed, but this is still Wang Yibo's memorable work.. He is so handsome ah, I had to stress that motorcycle and leather jacket that shook me with such visual feast once again LOL
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This review may contain spoilers
This show was seriously tiring! There were obstacles in every episode, no matter how hard the teams work together there will always be this villain who does something and all that they've worked for just comes to nothing in an instant. Ok that's fine heroes don't always necessarily have to win, but come on this went on until towards the end of the show. i wished they didn't have to put so many of these I think it would have been more enjoyable.So what did I like about the show? The intro music was good, there were cute moments between the two leads (when they didn't have issues), the ending made up for all the loses they went through. How I finished the show - lots of fast forwarding and cast was good.
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Please consider before watching- you want it or not !
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Moving Esports Drama
After finishing "The King's Avatar," I watched this drama, which I thought was almost perfect. There were a few things in the King’s Avatar that I did not like (behind the scenes stuff) - and I was thrilled that "Gank Your Heart" fixed what really bugged me about that drama.This drama is about a professional esports gamer, Xiang Kong, a strategist of the team. He’s often viewed as the “cripple” because he does not have high kill rates and often dies. The game iConquer is strategic. Usually, it's all part of the plan - Xiang Kong does not need to be in the limelight and can work in the shadows for the team. This drama is about Xiang Kong trying to win the international tournament for iConquer.
This drama is also about Qiu Ying - who starts as a streamer and tries to find her dream. She begins as a “flower vase” – all looks and no skills. . After she runs into Xiang Kong, she finds a calling in life.
This story is almost perfect, except there’s one person that I really don’t like in this drama – Miya. I find myself fast forwarding all her scenes. She gets on my nerve by the way she manipulates others. For some reason, I did not hate Qiao Xin Xin as much as Miya, even though Xin Xin is also a manipulator.
The older generation esports gamers' story is also very well developed. I think their story is the one that touched me the most and I find myself in tears at the end of the drama.
Acting: Good. The actress Wang Zi Xuan is outstanding. I think she was perfectly cast. I did not get any idol vibes from Wang Yibo and did not figure out he was an idol until I googled it.
The iConquer game itself – wasn’t as exciting as the immersive experience I have from the King’s Avatar. In the esports arena, I just see many people yelling at each other and a bunch of avatars killing each other on the screen. Often I can't really tell what's going on - because there are so many characters on the screen... Haha which I find after watching some real life DOTA documentaries is… realistic.
I like gaming, but I have not played strategic games such as DOTA or League of Legends, so the game's mechanics really confused me. However, and I believe they explained it enough that I got the general gist of the game. As soon as The show mentioned the Tournament held in Vancouver – I instantly thought of DOTA, since I knew they held a tournament there. Now I find myself trying to play the game DOTA to understand Xiang Kong’s strategies more.
Gank Your Heart is now listed as my #2 favourite chinese drama. I plan to rewatch it after understanding DOTA more so I can better understand Xiang Kong’s strategies.
EDIT: I re-rated it. Probably was a bit too high. Lol. I rewatched this a year later. Qiu Ying was very annoying at the beginning. I think give her at least 7 episodes. Haha. Or if she's driving you crazy skip the first 7.
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The ML is a piece of shit.
TL;DR:The show is good in many ways other shows struggle with, but at random moments the script goes to shit so badly an elementary schooler would be embarased for making that shit up.
The drama itself was solid for the gaming parts, and even had a lot of good character development across nearly all characters. It dragged a bit here and there, and could have probably done with a few less episodes, but it had more than enought for at least 32 episodes, and 35 didn't stretch to much.
The main problem i have with this shows that, except for 1 single case, ALL major conflicts and problems in the show started off as minor/normal problems, untill the ML acted completely, boneheadedly stupid and made it 10 times worse. And he didn't even act in character there in some parts, it conflicted with other things he did in different parts of the drama (refering to the character there. The actors all did a decent or good job, this is solely and absolutely on the scriptwriters).
Honestly this show is frustrating as hell, as they actually did various difficult things amazingly well. For example they did an amazing job at not telling, but showing us that the ML was great at understanding the social and emotional problems of his team and, as captain, helped them work through them in believable and clever ways.
A lot of other shows resolve such problems far to fast, and somehow a deep emotional or social provlem just disapears in less than an hour of in-universe time shomehow, while this show takes the time it needs. Not screentime necessarily, but simply showing them working through it at multiple different times/days.
And then the show just turns around and makes the ML an undecisive, emotionaly blind wreck unable to express even the absolut most basic emotional concept somehow. And they don't just do that once, as said before, EVERY SINGLE ONE of the major problems of the show bar one is solely turned into a big problem by the sudden and completely random changes in the ML, from his normal character shown for 90%+ of the show to someone that seems to be in a completely different and unrelated show and just wandered on swt by accident, without knowing a single line of the story.
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