The low ratings better be for the subs...
OVERALLThis drama is good for humanity. Watch it, no ifs, unless you really, really want a well-developed love story. If that's the case, put it aside until you've got nothing else to watch, then binge it. It's definitely worth a try! Beware though, as of today (March 2022), the subs on every platform are absolutely terrible for this drama. You're warned!
THE STORY
I don't know who subbed this drama, but I hope they didn't get paid for it. My level of Mandarin is pretty low, but I feel like I could have done a better job haha This being said, we're not here rating the subtitles, but the drama itself, and it's really a gem guys!
In my opinion, the best thing about this drama is the fact that it has a female lead who doesn't fit the typical (unhealthy) C-drama standards. Yes, she's chubby, maybe even fat...so is half of the female population around the world. What's most amazing with Crack of Dawn is that Female lead's weight is NEVER talked about. Nobody tells her to lose weight, nobody gives nasty comments. Female lead never has doubts about herself because she's fat and never decides to go on a huge (unhealthy) diet or undergo plastic surgery to please somebody. Basically, we've got a female lead who's chubby but a drama that isn't about weight AT ALL. How cool is that? And the cherry on top of the cake is, she gets a love interest too! Sure, the romance is very very limited, there's just a hint of a love story really, but how great is it that the guy likes Female lead for who she is and not because "she's SO pretty"? Honestly, all of this just blew me away, and for that alone, this drama's top tier.
Of course, the drama has a story and the story is pretty good too, so that helps. This is another type of whodunit plot, in which a murder happens and you have to find the killer, but what makes it better than others is that all the suspects not only have a motive but also have clues that suggest they killed the victim, and the police team investigating the case is led by a female detective and her assistant (girl power to the max!). And finally, the drama tackles some serious social issues through the character of the victim. Overall, it's just a really thoughtful drama.
On the downside (apart from the horrible subs), I think halfway through the drama you can pretty much solve the mystery, which is a shame. Also, the drama ends at ep 22, but somehow has two extra episodes in which not much happens. It's the first time I felt like they added episodes for nothing, usually the problem is a rushed ending haha
THE ACTING
Pretty good! It's hard to play in murder-mysteries because everyone has to be suspicious. Most characters in this drama in particular have a dark side to them so the actors have to convey that depth. I think they all did pretty well! Sandra Ma really improved her acting since Love Me if You Dare! I must say, there's no chemistry between the love interests, but I still appreciated having the couple there for many reasons.
THE MUSIC
Okay, I guess. Can't remember anything, which isn't good, but isn't bad either haha
REWATCH VALUE
If only the subs were decent, it would be super high, but as it is it took enough dedication and effort to complete the drama once, not sure I'll do it again. Such a shame!
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Good watching
It has all the elements.. making us think who done it with lots of revelation.Enjoy watching it.
Sandra ma was good.
.an seemingly innocent female..but pushed to do what she did just to survive..
We have everything cheating, backstabbing, scheming...
Abuse
PSCHYOS.. pathetic people..etc.
Most importantly a
"BEAUTIFUL GRANDMOTHER".
It's a simple story
teaching us there is no shortcut for gaining something....hard working is solution.
People become enslaved to addiction in taking short routes..they become crazy too.
It should have been a short episode one
cut shorting few unnecessary long FB.
Film shows so many to and forth scenes..
But does not explain most of the reasons why people act in such a way at least until the end.
I liked
how they showed the realities of child abandonment and it's effects and how those children grow up obsessed, jelous, blaming adults.
How not correcting your kids in childhood truns them into criminals.
How obsession with pride and wealth leads to manipulate your most loved one and your survival is hurting but you are the preparator.
Also how a families support is important.
Finally it a enjoyable one.
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The cast enriched the plot with good performances. Actress Ma Si Chun, as always, presented an exquisite performance. Her presence in a drama guarantees brilliant acting, maybe she is not among the most beautiful actresses in China, but she is one of the best Chinese actresses.
The direction produced excellent scenes, did not make mistakes that compromised the drama and finished without haste.
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