Before We Get Married (2019)

Before We Get Married was a carefully paced piece of work. IIt was a good show with interesting main characters with strong relationships with each other. Wei Wei and Ke Fei truly felt like best friends with the way they spoke with each other and the way they protected each other throughout. Wei Wei and Ke Huan instantly had a connection and felt deep and exciting in a way. They weren’t afraid to show the hotness of the relationship either. Most cheating dramas attempt to stray away from that kinship but this isn’t shy in that regard at all. Unfortunately it does veer into some trope that I disliked, such as the exes either being 2d jealousy bound nuisances or slowly becoming near crazy creeps. But I enjoyed it most of all. On a different note, there was a clear re-write in terms of Han Ke Fei’s main love interest. I’m not sure what happened with the Yan Bai Yang character but he was clearly written out of the story for production reasons and replaced with the Liu Da Wei character, who was only introduced as the annoying (although still charming) employee. And while I liked the Bai Yang character, Da Wei was a welcome addition to the story, thanks to the strong acting from Leo Lee. Plus he and Phoebe Yuan had outstanding chemistry together.

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Drama start with two couples relationship story.
1.first couple in a relationship since three years ,they do not marry as they were not established well with respect to their financial condition so they make some plan accordingly they running their life
2.second couple in a relationship since 10years but here there was one sides love other one just full filling his responsibility based on promise he did to her mother.
These easy life get complicated when ku huan enter and mess with the life and mind of Wei Wei, make her realized that she was living according to the decision of her boyfriend ,she lived her life according to his plan ,there was no her decision and plan in his life . This think creates cracks in their relationship and she cross her boundary and get attract towards ku han and when they kiss each other then she realised that she was doing wrong and went with her boyfriend side ,on the other side in order to live better life he just doing his work not putting attention towards her and still taking his own decision without involving her which make them slowly slowly far away from each other , for her it is overbearing and when she saw him putting his hand around his boss's neck she just frustrated and upset as well as she get more angry when she came to know that he discuss their matters with the boss and they broke up . But I don't thing it's his mistake totally she never said him about Ku han and that they meet each other and even they kiss to each other ,she also wrong ..When he comeback to patch up she create misunderstanding to said that she slept with Ku han ,why she make everything complicated ,why she was not straight and truth towards herself that she did not like him or she found herself suffocated when she with him ,she felt uncomfortable all the time .Many times she had given a chance to this relationship but the feeling they had all were died . She don't want this relationship .Something like that .
All the three characters I think were wrong in their path ...Nobody was right. This drama have hatred ,cheating ,jealous ,revenge type of attitude .Only ending part is good .I know in reality such thing may happen so such thing don't happen with us ,so this story giving a message that never be slave of anybody decision and feeling .Very first always true to yourself ,secondly there is a need of mutual understanding in any type of relation and everything do not go according to plan so we should keep something free not bind it.

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Big disappointment

I tried very hard to enjoy this Drama, sadly it didn’t really work out.

I wasn’t a fan of the main plot/topic to begin with but I decided to give it a chance since I really enjoyed Jasper Liu in this. While my original moral concerns didn’t turn out to be the biggest issue, there were some other huge issues that honestly just made this kind of a drag to watch.

The interactions between people in this Drama are incredibly inappropriate in too many instances. It makes it very hard to sincerely ship anyone when boundaries are constantly being crossed and contested. I excuse a lot of no-go behaviour in entertainment, but there where definitely some lines crossed here, generally the entire relationship between the two main leads seemed a bit one sided…

Another reviewer has mentioned that the plot is also incredibly repetitive and sadly I have to agree. It’s pretty much the exact same template over and over until it ends. There was a bit of a change towards the end but too little too late.

All in all I just kept watching hoping to get some kind of a rewarding feeling or sense of accomplishment in the end (and for some Jasper Liu facial expressions) but I am sad to say I was left unsatisfied and pretty disappointed.

The general idea of the story wasn’t too bad, it wasn’t executed very well. The soundtrack was a banger though.

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Toxic relationship is real

Is it still love when you are in a relationship where one party dictates your desire, plan and life?

This is beyond feelings and love. It tackles what more should be in a relationship and it is always a partnership. At first, it may be hard to watch - to see the two leads committing infidelity in their respective relationship, but then you realized there is a reason behind it and clearly there is something wrong with their relationship. What do you do then? Do you acknowledge the problem and deal head on, or do you pretend it does not exist and keep on? What happens if the other party cannot accept? Or does not change their behaviour? Do you want to get stuck in a cycle?

This whole thing is what goes on my mind while watching this show. And I think it is an important question to ask because we all know it happens in real life and for sure, there is a counterpart to every characters in the show. (The only non-real scenario in the show is actually the whole switcharoo of jobs of the antagonists).

The music/OST is great too. The acting for me is so-so. I feel like the characters are not over-acted, but feels that they mirror what it would have been reacted in real life. Nevertheless it's a good watch, the topic can be heavy, and emotions can be heavy especially in the part of the lead girl. But the supporting characters able to help ease those heavy moments, especially from KeFei and BaiYang (and later David).

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Nothing special. They stretched out the story. Slow paced. Actually the 2nd lead actress is more interesting than the lead shes one tough girl while the lead is obviously a naive one. She doesn't know what she trully likes. She just go to wherever her boyfriend takes her to, she doesnt have a disposition of her own. Shes feisty at on the first 2 to 3 eps after that she just went as meek as a lamb. The male lead was actually not so gorgeous for my taste. The male lead is tough but went soft towards the the end. I love the "authority" look then whenever smiles those dimples kept on showing. So moving on to the ex-gf. I just dont get why she keeps clinging to and how did she suddenly become the EA from housewife. Its not re-watch worthy drama.

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I have to admit - Jasper Liu was the main reason why I continued watching the show. He played his character very well, Ke Huan, a male lead that was so earnest and consistent in his feelings for the female lead. Of course his charms, good looks, dimples and amazing smile were all major attractions that kept pulling me back.

I found the female lead, Wei Wei, irritating for the first 7 episodes mainly because she was so lacking in self awareness and self reflection. Her character was a little inconsistent in the sense that she came across as being strong-minded and can stand up for herself especially with the male lead, yet during crucial moments, she acted all wimpy.

It was after she stopped acting so prideful and began to accept a friendship with the male lead when I started to enjoy the show properly. Otherwise it was too much feeling of wanting to shake some sense into the female lead.

The storyline was very interesting to me. I think the trailer is misleading since it implies cheating. If you watch the show, you’ll find a different plot line. I love how the two leads ultimately still did the ‘right’ thing after struggling against their true desires.

Some may not like the ending as much but I find it satisfying and left me feeling happy for the leads.

I have to also applaud the supporting cast especially the best friend of the female lead. Ke Fei is the kind of friend I want to be and want to have!!!

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This drama had the potential to be a 10/10 but it was just WAY too repetitive and tiring, not just for Weiwei, but for the viewers as well... The whole storyline revolves around Weiwei and Kehuan trying to convince themselves that their respective SO aren't the ones for them in every single episode after episode what... 5? The chemistry and romance were there, but there wasn't enough substance to make the story any more interesting than that. It was a good watch, but definitely not one where I would want to put myself into watching again.

Both Ziyuan and Haoyi were both portrayed so negatively for caring about their SO that I started to feel bad for them. They were very clingy and that's basically the plot, them both begging to get back with MCs and promising to change for them over and over again. They suddenly flipped 180 degrees into manipulative and controlling people, but are they to blame? It almost felt like the screenwriter was trying to say Ziyuan and Haoyi deserved to get cheated on because they cared TOO much about MCs.

The acting and casting were really well. Especially Puff and Jasper, they portrayed their characters really well and had strong chemistry. I also really enjoyed Kefei's stress relief character, which actually helped make the drama bearable till the end.

With that being said, this is still a good watch if you are looking for a mature romantic drama or if you really like Jasper or Puff. The music was also really good and fit well with the storyline. I think the drama would've done a lot better being a movie plot or a web drama or even removing some of that repetitiveness to make up for the lack of closure at the end, but it is what it is. It's unconventional, not your typical lovey-dovey love story but revolves around realistic problems that couples face in real life.

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Without a fail, when I want to pick up a Taiwanese drama, I know for a fact that anything Puff Guo is in will be perfection. It was completely different than any other drama I had watched in the past and (according to mydramalist online) this is Puff's and Jasper's highest rated drama for great reason. This drama is tied for first place in my heart with my first Taiwanese drama and the first time I had ever encountered Puff, Just You (2013). I've been waiting for her to act in a drama that was more recent (compared to 2013 & 2014) and she did not disappoint. It was amazing seeing her in another drama with Jasper Liu as I loved their chemistry in their first, but I wanted to see them in something more mature as I thought Jasper's character was sweet...but goofy in an unattractive way (to me) while Puff needed to take the stick out of her butt even at the end. I honestly thought this drama, based on all the clips that were posted on my instagram feed, was going to be this story about these two people who were engaged and met, and fell in love behind their partners' backs. Oh yeah and that this was going to be some kind of 50 shades of grey fan fic because it seemed like there was going to be a lot of sex. And I am SUPER HAPPY that this drama was NO WHERE near what I thought. I was scared that I was going to hate it because regardless if you are the main characters and are meant to be together, I cannot condone cheating. Instead, it is about Puff who is in this 3 year secret relationship with her coworker who basically tells her how to live her life, but she is blind to it all because she is in love and doesn't know anything else. Jasper, on the other hand, is in this loveless 10 year relationship (one sided love) where we numbs himself by drinking and and sleeping around. One day they meet each other by chance and Jasper (yes I realize that I've been calling them by their real names, and not by there characters names, but I am already this far so) is immediately intrigued by her and wants to pursue her after her many rejections. We get to follow this odd yet interesting relationship between the two of them; Jasper (Kehuan) teaching Puff (Wei Wei) that she should be treated as an equal in her relationship, while Wei Wei teaching Kehuan to be a strong and courageous person instead of hiding behind alcohol and women. It was interesting and frustrating seeing the back and forth with their characters as I felt like there was never a time until the very end that they were truly friends and able to breath, but when you have Hao Yi and Zi Yuan as partners/exs, you will never get to breath and be happy. Gosh, they were both nightmares. I did love the character development with each character as well as being able to read every emotion on both Wei Wei and Kehaun's faces. It added a sensual touch to the drama, where they didn't have to say anything to know how the other was feeling. Overall, amazing drama, def will rewatch it! I do think that everything timed out perfectly, no matter how much I wanted the two mains to get together...but I appreciate the timing of everything as it seemed 100% realistic and it made both characters come off as genuine human beings who had nothing but love for one another, even after the crazy first episodes of Kehaun being a creepy pervert

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Mature and very well thought romance

It is very rare to get to see a Mature romance, true to life, first ep.. Excluded…dealing with the end of a love, it’s difficult let-go and new beginning…
This romance delves on how long lasting love relationships that haven’t been properly nurtured create loneliness gaps in the couple, in waiting for the next - improved from past mistakes - true love…The first ep. gives a false impression in that regard. There is no cheating . On the contrary to what the 1st episode could have led to believe. Jasper Liu plays a very interesting character, reliable and mature.
In one couple, there is no love anymore but a controlling and manipulative /toxic relationship from which jasper Liu can’t easily break free because of a past promise to the mother of his girlfriend. In the other couple, a relationship based on practicalities and a lige-plan more than a fulfilling love, in which the FL has lost her personality and purpose, In that regard, I loved that the FL decided to take time for herself, alone, instead of trying to be mended by her new love., before coming back to Jasper Liu, a better self-standing person.
Cherry on the cake, Some of the best kiss scenes ever, adult ones, thanks to Jasper Liu… who is also very good in “use for my talent”

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Before We Get To Be Lovers

Opening credits are artsy, and... erotic. Full of bedscenes of two people who each are in SERIOUS relationship with someone else. These serious-relationship partners both dutifully create occasions for the two mains to meet, and then conveniently leave them alone. Even other side-characters create situations where the two mains end up alone. It's like the whole universe is pushing them to be together:) Well, after each episode attacks the viewer with an opening filled with visions of them together in bed, one can understand they had to get there SOMEHOW, lol. But perhaps it would be better if the series started with them already lovers. They had convincing onscreen chemistry together, just the way the writers made them meet and involved was not that convincing.

I found it fascinating that they have these karaoke booths on the streets:) It got me thinking various crazy things which could be made into a street booth:) During first episodes, I busied myself with thoughts like this more than the actual plot. I already knew who will be getting together with whom, and it was no fun watching the early beginnings, taking step forth and step back, and even having a couple of "break-ups" BEFORE they started sleeping together. Their interactions were more silly than exciting, also it looked like their "feelings" developed out of thin air. As we DID watch them from their first meeting, so we KNEW they did not have much of a hi/story. Had they been lovers since the episode 1, the viewers fould use their fantasy to imagine how that happened, which would most probably be better than what we watch here. So, I more or less just waited for them to become REALLY lovers, lol. In the end, that took a more than half of the show. (EDiT: It must have happened so late in the show that I actually didn't get to that part, LOL.) What happened still earlier was they both did properly break up with their long-time partners... and failed to do it. That was also funny. The partners both simply did not accept the break up. Who does that? I felt like watching some stage play and not real people. Clearly we just HAD TO get to the main leads having an affair while both being taken, because that was the plot. But the way the writers were getting to it was dubious.

Watching the opening credits 8 times, with the actual episode NOT matching them was more and more disappointing and I wondered WHEN it will really start. At least 8th episode, there is a scene where the main guy sees the main girl in a VERY sexy wedding dress:) Meanwhile, she argues with her longtime guy about banalities. He postpones their wedding 6 months and she's angry like such little thing matters. The two of them had everything planned for decades to come. They were both obsessed with planning and lived on their shared financial plan:) I wouldn't mind it, if the two were cool about it. At the beginning, they looked like cute couple of weirdos who happily found each other. But mere couple episodes later they were all tense. So, I really wished them to better break up. I suspected the writer made this so we would cheer the main girl getting on with the main guy. But I didn't agree with this kind of writing. It's not real drama when the other partner is shown as unsufferable. Real drama is when he is GREAT, and she STILL has an affair with someone else. Same with the main guy and his girl with the dead parents he made promise to. In short, this drama failed in what I expected from it at the basics. It was getting more boring than exciting.

The main two get in bed in epi 9/13, at stage where I no longer found it exciting (he had to "infiltrate" her office, become her new "boss", go to "bussiness trip" with her...) and even that bedscene is interrupted by a phone call (seriously). This proved a very long and dragging episode... Our "fatal attraction" couple shared yet more office scenes... I say, if he needs to be in her office, then it's a failure. I really cannot praise the writer of this.

At episode 10, I was dead tired of it even if the expected plot WOULD finally begin (which it still did not). Mostly the scenes consisted of yet more debates going in circles... I'm afraid I no longer cared whether the main girl breaks up with her longtime boyfriend. Or whether she does whatever. The only entertainment in this series was provided by her eccentric best friend, but it was tenth episode already. It was all past funny. So, while I don't know whether the main girl & guy really become lovers or that stayed in the opening credits only, or who ended up (breaking up) with whom, I DO know I'm not interested to watch 3 MORE episodes.

I recommend to watch the opening credits and to skip the series.

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