Buy-in to this drama is easy - the romantic chemistry is excellent. All the characters are believably in the fashion industry, talk intelligently about it, and there's a lot of interesting tidbits about fabrics, embroidery etc. On top of that, all the clothes and fashion the characters are wearing are really stylish and a joy. . . . so then why drop it?
It is a very retro drama, is the reason - with many irrational and emotional women characters. The domineering CEO is truly old-fashioned. He is of course more important than anyone else, and thus he should have the power and control over the relationship. Everyone must trust his priorities and his judgment, those who do not (mostly women) are foolish.
As it drags along, the mysteries resolve in the same lacklustre way. Our domineering CEO solves everything, and if he can't, his plucky romantic interest will solve it for him. There's no real crisis or point where he loses his cool, and without any sophisticated themes, it all just drags . . .
Worth a try if domineering CEOs are your thing but it lost my interest .
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Learned lots about Chinese embroidery and cloth
Things I liked:1) Features a lot of Chinese embroidery and fabric. And not just one region's techniques, but various people groups, styles and eras. A lot of these techniques are thousands of years old. It's a bit of a history lesson, but I love it.
2) Leads. I like the actors and I think they portrayed their roles well. I especially liked how they wrote the FL's character. She's confident but not arrogant, stands her ground but is kind. Lovable, and definitely not annoying.
3) Beautiful framing. From scenery to the runway, I thought the shots and framing were beautiful.
4) Music fit the drama. Although nothing stood out, the music was fitting.
Things I didn't like:
1) Pacing. History and fashion lessons aside, the pacing of the whole drama was slow. Very slow. I felt like watching the drama at 1.5 speed was more fitting. A lot of slow walking down the street or staring off into space shots.
2) I thought the "bad guys" could have had more dimension to them. Perhaps more character development? I don't know, they seemed kind of flat.
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If only the amazing chemistry was the focus
The OTP had amazing chemistry! ML really went after FL and tried to fix his shortcomings when she was hesitant and tried to reassure her that they could have a good ship. FL not getting it at first (as usual) was annoying but her hesitation once she understood was realistic. Then comes all the side story and SLs to make a big mess and drag the whole show. The usual jealousy shtick - although warranted this time as SFL and especially SML were obsessive. The antagonists justification were absurd and they really needed therapy for their made up issues with FL. It really could have been 24 eps and an amazing story with a great cast. I’m only giving it 7 because of the chemistry and Zhang Han doing a phenomenal job of showing he really had the hots for his gal.Was this review helpful to you?
Brings me back to 2000s drama vibes
Here are just some of the tropes you'll see: overbearing CEO, determined and upbeat female lead, business politics/change of control, serious hospital scenes, disapproving parent, light-hearted second couple, misunderstandings and revenge, betrayal, and incredibly annoying/clingy second leads. Combined with the relatively long 45 eps for a modern drama, the dragginess accentuates the full experience of watching a drama that feels like it was written in 2007.Not a pro nor a con but this drama really does feel like those "stereotypical" Chinese dramas from the 2000s - when a drama is overloaded with tropes. Although the plot is filled with it, it's still enjoyable with great acting, solid chemistry between leads, and an intriguing plot. I wouldn't write home about it but it combines the 2000s drama plot atmosphere with a 2020s polish. I'll start with the pros.
Pros: Acting is on point. The leads were great and very limited dubbing which is great. Although there's very serious parts, the couple's relationship is never really in turmoil which is always refreshing to see (no dumb breakups!!!). OST is solid and I particularly liked the more traditional music influence. The business side is about fashion which is a breath of fresh air as well.
Cons: A bit too typical and predictable. Although it was great that the couple's relationship was healthy for once (in a CEO drama!!), the rest of the plot isn't anything to write home about. Although at times, it hooks viewers to see how the leads are going to pull something off with satisfying gratification moments sprinkled throughout, it's still too draggy. 45 episodes is a tad too long -- cutting 10-15 episodes would have helped.
The biggest complaint (other than being too predictable) are the second leads. The second leads are too madly in love with the leads, and their behavior spans essentially 40 of the 45 episodes. This adds to the predictability, drag, and angst. It makes even less sense considering the main couple is such a healthy one; having such obsessive second leads was hard to bear. The second male lead had it worst - stalkerish, doesn't take no for an answer, stubborn.
The parts of the plot that are more character-driven were great. But the parts with external plot points were bad. The villains and second leads were very disappointing.
Overall, not a bad watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it but it's not without flaws. Too long and tropey are my main concerns, with one dimensional second leads. If you watch it for the main couple, fashion, or if you want a show with a little bit of "every type of plot", you won't be disappointed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Realistic, romantic, intelligent drama (just one spoiler)
First, let me say that Sunshine of My Life is one of my go-to dramas to re-watch as it is a relatively rare type - the couple, once together stays together, despite difficulties and challenges.The ML (Zhang Han is one of my favorite actors) and FL (Xu Lu now one of my favorite actresses) have such wonderful chemistry. Their acting skills make Mingxuan and Mo Fei seem like a real couple, with affectionate little touches & looks from each of them. And I love that, thought a confident CEO, Mingxuan isn't cold and/or mean. He knows how to laugh, has fun lightly teasing his assistant, Yang Guang (played terrifically by Li Xin Zhe!) and is a little innocent in love, allowing Yang Guang to teach him a bit. But I really love that he isn't afraid of hard work. His intelligence & hard work ethic helps to keep his company flourishing .
Mo Fei is just a fantastic character; strong, capable, independent , talented woman without being whiney or the typical "crying excessively" type. She never feels sorry for herself and always pushes forwarded to fulfill her own dreams, not relying on anyone but using her own "smarts" and talents. Mo Fei and Minxuan were so REAL & handled problems as adults, being willing to forgive each other and understand each other's views with time & thought. AND THEY NEVER BROKE UP! OUTSTANDING! :) And I loved that they WAITED to sleep together until they knew that they were truly in love, not just in lust!
Also, Mo Fei can sure dish out to others what others dish out to her -- the SFL in particular. Mo Fei is the epitome of the word "sassy" and takes down the SFL with words, with eloquence and style, rather than the tricks the bitchy SFL uses. Wang Rui Zi played Xueling exactly right! Why are so many SFL characters so self absorbed that they can't tell that the ML isn't in love with them? If the ML is only being friendly, the SFL ALWAYS thinks that means that he loves her and wants to marry only her!
All of the actors played their parts beautifully, especially the SML. Hong Yao plays him as so arrogant that even when the ML and FML are together, he continues to think he can change her mind (which is why he moved into the apartment beside her in France). I also love the character of his sister, Fang Qian (played so well by Wang Xuan). She is a little TOO sweet for my taste, but the character calls for that and Wang Xuan delivers it beautifully.
Mo Fei's relationship with her brother Mo Fan (played terrifically by Jerron Wu) portrays a real brother-sister dynamic and it's hilarious and heartwarming.
The other characters: Minxuan's parents, Mo Fei's mother, Mingxuan's cousin, and all of the others (especially Cheng Yang the new designer at Mingyuan for whom Mo Fei is his assistant (played with such class by Xu Ge), as well Master Li, the owner of the embroidery workshop, Suzhou. (played gently & beautifully by Qian Jie)
The only problem I had, and why I gave the music a 9.5, was the song "Falling for You" which played throughout the drama. It very quickly became annoying for me.
The clothing in this drama were outstanding! You really felt they worked in the FASHION industry!
Over all this drama is a solid 10, in my opinion. VERY rewatchable, VERY realistic and intelligent. Highly recommended!
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Chemistry between ML and FL is very satisfying ??
Scheming are pretty low and I didn't feel any second lead syndrome.
?If you like fashion designing Sunshine of my life might not be so boring overall.
Although it's 45 episodes this drama doesn't feel long because there are lots of sweet scenes of lead couple ?
There are also boring parts littered throughout the drama as there are so many characters. The good thing is that you can watch it at a faster speed.
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A package of Mature Romance, Good Understanding and Ambitious Career.
One of the best dramas about Fashion Designing and the Clothing Industry. Much better than the 'Love Designer'.The romance between the two main leads is very mature. I mean not lovey-dovey type, but mature and sweet. They both understand themselves and each other very clearly. They are not ready to sacrifice their love or career for each other's sake or anyone's sake. They are not confused about what they want. It's an eye-soothing mature romance drama.
Second Male Lead and Second Female Lead, both are the same amount annoying! Fortunately, they don't have much effect on Main Leads' romance. But the second lead couple is very cute. They are the lovey-dovey couple in this drama. Their sweet romance makes this drama very enjoyable.
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For simple love story you can try this drama
As a whole I like this drama, I like all the characters and I like how it shown the importance of each characters in others life and in the loved ones life. Even though the Qianqian’s role is very less but I like her the most because she is soo innocent, soo pure and soo cute in this drama. But what I felt bad is, spending too much of episodes for the FML education, they always stayed away in most of the romantic times rather than giving more time to FL and ML being together. The most embarrassing one is at the end episode, when she introduced her husband in the fashion show he suddenly went and kissed her.Was this review helpful to you?
A very typical love story
There is similarity with the other series "因为遇见你" (Because of you) that i have watched previously. I would say that i would have preferred the other drama because there are more unexpected plot twists.This is like plain ole' vanilla, which never gets boring. Love Zhang Han in drama, his acting is superb as usual (what you get from a veteran actor). A drama where the FL with a distinct personality and goes all out to pursue her dream really appeals to me. And an overbearing CEO(as usual) who shows his cute sides (sometimes) will definitely tug your heartstrings.
The drama might feel a little draggy, so i actually skipped some parts while watching; but definitely know what's going on between the characters so all's good
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Great and awesome main leads; Hidden gem
This show in terms of story was a typical boss drama but the characters were really special. I loved both the characters, they were so clear on their visions. For both of them love was important but they never let it overpower their daily lives. One of my favourite things about this show was how the main leads handled the guy's mother. The male lead never disrespected his mother but was clear that no one can pressurize him to do something. He always stated his points clearly in front of his mother and other people like second female lead as well. In terms of handling people, the female lead also surprised me. The way she handled the second female lead and the mother impressed me. The talk with mother in the cafe was epic.At first I thought it to be a above average typical cdrama but the more I see this drama in depth I realise that it had many unique elements. The first one being such mature characters. The communication and respect for each other in their relationship was solid. They were an ideal example of how a healthy non-toxic relationship should look. There might be conflicts and situational problems like long distance relationship but at the end of the day it is up to you whether these things will make your relationship toxic or you will pass through these obstacles while keeping your relationship healthy. This drama teaches you to live a mentally healthy and good life while being a strong independent and loved person. Totally in awe with the main leads.
My final say: A beautiful drama with many hidden messages. Even if you don't find all of them, you will still enjoy this drama and feel happy while watching the episodes. It is a modern cdrama of 2021 in true terms with respect to its story and character development.
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Amazing Watch
I was a tad bit skeptical about watching this movie after reading a few reviews that said it was cliche but I have to admit, it’s a beautiful story. The storyline isn’t forced and I love how it progressed. I love how the female lead wasn’t made to seem so poor like most of the other rich man/not-so-rich woman romances. She had her priorities right. She wasn’t made to be dependent on the male lead (I absolutely dislike tropes like that)It’s definitely worth a watch and I’ll definitely be watching this again!
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A very sweet couple and sweet story
I was having my doubts watching this drama because it looked boring and it did take me a couple of episodes to go through and finally love it. The main couple are very sweet their problems once they are together are good and resolved quickly and in a mature way.The female lead focus on her career most of the time and doesn't follow the male lead like he is her only purpose but she has her own life and goals. I like this female lead alot, her character is strong, kind and worries for her friends. She doesn't make dumb decisions or acts like she's untalented but she knows herself and for that I found the character very enjoyable. The male lead is also nice he is the "I'm serious with everybody but you" which you see repeatedly on the drama cause he makes alot of sweet and flirty remarks when he is alone with the female lead anytime he gets the opportunity also the kiss scenes are so good. Atleast for me kissing scenes that actual involve lip movement is much more enjoyable than just standing and lips touching which is quite boring.
The villains in this drama are highly annoying but well written. But I disliked them so much that once they have their ending I could only enjoy one out of the two which is Xia Biaman ending because she very much deserved it. The other girl once I saw she would get another guy I couldn't go through like she was straight up rude to Mo Fei for 40 episodes and now that she found another guy I'm suppose to like her? Hell nah I skipped her parts. Highly annoying character but she did add spice to the drama.
Idk if just me but the music of this drama is so good, the ending ost and beginning ost I find them different from other dramas but I like it so so much could listen to this son's everyday while doing soenthing productive.
I recommend this drama alot for people that look for character growth with no necessary over the top drama but small experiences that happen that make you grow up in career and love life. I wouldn't say this drama changed my life but it surely made me warm up to it and loved watching it.
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