This review may contain spoilers
The best Chinese drama in 2024
I initially aborted watching the drama as I was not familiar with the actor - Zhang Wan Yi. But I enjoyed his acting in another drama - The Rise of Ning. I decided to return and watch this series again. It was really entertaining seeing the chemistry between 2 leads and comical camaraderie between Zhang Chi (Marquis) and Zhang Wan Yi.The alluring beauty and acting skills of Wang Chu Ran certainly help maintain my interest. She has acted with many leading man in numerous romance dramas, but I very seldom completed an entire drama with her as lead. It is not because she can't act but rather because many of her dramas usually had weak storylines.
Having watched The Rise of Ning, this drama is far more enjoyable and better scripted.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Good story, great acting!
As soon as I started the series, I was reminded of A dream of splendour, I found the two FLs resemble each other in looks and temperament. Both FLs had good business acumen, and were paired with warrior MLs. Although the similarity ended here, I found this drama to be equally entertaining, and it kept my interest going till the very end. Our leads get married for real in episode 36, and after their wedding, what I was truly hoping for was a romantic relationship between the emperor and the empress, though it wasn’t shown clearly in the end, but there were hints of a better relationship between the sovereign and his queen. That said, I would have liked to see more of them! The third couple were sweet too, and I liked their interactions. This drama had a strong female lead, a strong woman as an empress who unconditionally supports the emperor without asking anything in return, and a third FL who is a great businesswoman. The love triangle was interesting too, but I never saw myself supporting the love rival of the ML. The lead characters were equally matched in both martial strength and intelligence, and they deserved to end up together. The power struggle, the deceits, the plotting for throne were not something new, but one expects these in a period drama. It was my first time watching all three MLs and FLs, and neither of them disappointed. In all, it was an entertaining series that I might end up repeating soon enough.Was this review helpful to you?
Characters that are hard to leave behind. Kudos for the magic CL
PLOT: The ML, Prince, pretends to be the FL's husband, amnesiac concubine of a famous bandit, to capturing him. Over the course of events (surrender of the "bandit", murder attempts, war, etc.) they fall in love. But the lies come out and the FL's memoryies ends up returning.+++ A magic CL (Zhang Wan Yi & Wang Chu Ran), beautiful, talented, subtle. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) Some scenes are prodigious. I would love to see this couple again in other dramas.
+++ Many excellent actors, interpreting their characters with finesse. (Doctor and his lover, Empress, ...)
+++ High budget production, effective, addictive, with superb fight scenes. All, sets, costumes, lighting, framing, ... at the TOP.
+++ Very suited OST.
+++ Coherent, realistic story (for this type of drama);
### The infantile, crazy behavior of the Great Villain (who has been planning his coup for years) when he fails, is not credible.
### The ending is a bit abrupt. I would have liked it to extend a little...
=> An EXCELLENT series, very addictive (devoured in 2 days :) with an awesome CL (ღ˘⌣˘ღ). Series i'll watch again in a while :)
**************************************************************
PLOT: Le ML, Prince, fait semblant d'être le mari de la FL, concubine amnésique d'un célèbre bandit, pour réussir à capturer celui-ci. Au fil des évènements (reddition du "bandit", tentatives de meurtre,guerre, ...) ils tombent amoureux. Mais les mensonges éclatent et la mémoire de la FL finit par revenir.
+++ Un Très great CL (Zhang Wan Yi & Wang Chu Ran), beaux, talentueux, subtiles. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) Certaines scènes sont prodigieuses. J'adorerais revoir ce couple dans d'autres dramas.
+++ De nombreux excellents acteurs, interprétant leur personnage avec finesse. (Docteur et sa lover, Empress, ...)
+++ Réalis° haut budget, efficace, addictive, avec de superbes scènes de fight, des décors, costumes, lumières, cadrages, ... au TOP.
+++ OST très adaptées.
+++ Story cohérente, réaliste ( pour ce genre de drama);
### Le comportement infantile, fou du Great Villain (qui planifie son coup depuis des années) lorsqu'il échoue, n'est pas crédible.
### La ending est un peu brusque. J'aurai aimé qu'elle se prolonge un peu...
=> Une EXCELLENTE série, très addictive (dévorée en 2 jours :) avec un CL génial (ღ˘⌣˘ღ). A revoir dans quelques temps :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Best drama of 2024
Are You The One is a must watch for fans of historical and cunning, independent and smart characters, playing mind games against their enemies. If you liked cdramas like Story of Minglan and Wonderland Of Love, this might be for you.This was a perfect drama. I have no notes. It delivered on everything that promised from beginning to end and properly developed the troupes of fake marriage and enemies to lovers in a fresh and entertaining way.
The court politics were fascinating to watch, giving the viewers all kind of strategies, taking down enemies one by one, making friends and even breaking down emotional walls for our lead characters. It was a treat to watch every single scheming they put on.
The development of each arc, with its respective main conflict, was entertaining. I am incredible happy with how the scriptwriter of this drama handled every storyline. All the characters consistently grow through this journey and have their moments in the spotlight. The resolution really well done, cohesive, grounded and coherent to each character’ respective personalities and wishes.
The cast director really outdid themselves in this drama, each actor is the perfect choice for the character they are playing. My hat off to them for giving Zhang Wanyi such an incredible well written character as Lord Huaiyang, whom delivers some of the best moments of this drama from his war tactics, home life woes and comedic timing. Watching him grovel to win back his loved one was a never ending source of entertainment.
Wang Churan’s Miantang is the perfect match. The growing of her character is perhaps more subtle but incredibly well performed and poignant. She delivered in every scene as a savvy business woman and every scheme at court as Lady Huaiyang.
Lord and Lady Huaiyang’s respective strategies are different but they complement each other in an harmonious way, helping each other, growing together as people and governors. They consider themselves equals and respect each other, which is why I think they are one of the best couples in Dramaland I have seen in a while.
As for the secondary characters, there’s always someone that stands out in a drama and for me, this time, it was Empress Shi, played by Yuan Yu Xuan. She gave us one of the best performances of this year. Her character grows from timid concubine daughter being emotional abused at home to a revered phoenix. When she finally stood her ground, against her own family, it was a wonder to watch. She got a standing ovation from me.
Chang Huasen was a really good choice to play Ziyu, a very stoic character that made sacrifices along the way to power. His growing has a lot to do with trust and I think, at the end of the day, he learns who should never be used as a pawn in the court games.
Marquis Zhennan and Miss He, played respectively by Zhang Chi and Liu Lingzi, were a source of entertaining. Both characters equally smart and filial in different ways that made them complement each other, and help their friends find ways to navigate the art of war.
Even the actors playing the enemies were outstanding, smart as the leads, and keeping them on their toes until the very end.
From a technical point of view, Are You The One also had a beautiful cinematography, the locations and sets were wonderful, the costume design matched each character really well. The use of sound and lack of it, which it’s more important than we actually realize, was perfectly matched on every scene.
The strongest point was the writing and directing. It was clear Directors Liu Guo Nan and Cong Xiao know what they are doing when it comes to visual storytelling. As for screen writer Zhao Tian You, I think they did an outstanding job writing these characters and story.
This is how I like my dramas: smart, coherent, cohesive and fun. I highly recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My kind of romance drama. Cold general or some sort of royal guy falling for a commoner smart girl & only wants her. It has a great plot & love story with plenty of comedic relief from the ML & supporting cast. Lovely chemistry between the two leads. Both had great character developments. Both of their acting skills were superb in this one. U can tell how their personalities evolved once the FL got her memory back & when the ML finally opened up his heart, especially when trying to win her back.
WCR portrayed her character very well thru her eyes & smile. She went from a lost & confused, yet doting & supportive wife to a hurt, betrayed, vengeful woman, & then back to a soften, forgiving, yet still herself BEFORE the memory loss. During her hatred stage, after regaining her memory, u can really feel her anger, pain, disappointment, & resentment towards him for lying to her. When she finally is starts to forgive him, u can see that soften, doting wife slowly come back in her face & eyes. All her crying scenes seem very natural & really brought out the emotions her character is feeling atm.
ZWY's facial expressions were on point, especially in his comedic scenes. He went from a robotic, emotionless person who just wants to fulfill his duties as lord for the sake of his ppl & family (even if it meant having to marry someone he doesn't love) to this doting, baby of a husband with no more weights on his shoulders by end of the drama. Before meeting her, it seems like he only really let loose a bit around his physician best friend. Once he started to fall for her, u can see his character start relaxing with her loving words of support, but still having a bit of a wall up due to the guilt he's feeling. Then after the truth finally came out, he became a person full of emotions once he's determined to win her back.
They've now become one of my top drama couples of all time. Thank u casting director for putting them together!
Was this review helpful to you?
40 episodes were not needed, in my opinion
The plot was fine, but from the moment it started focusing more on romance, it became boring. I skipped many scenes out of boredom. I love that the FL was strong, could protect herself, and was smart. After episode 32, the episodes became more interesting, I guess. The acting was great, and the chemistry was good, but 40 episodes were not necessary.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Heartwarming Drama with Mature Romance and Light Struggles
This Chinese drama became my first 10/10 of 2024, and I absolutely loved it. The story revolves around three couples, each dealing with their own dilemmas and struggles. Despite the challenges, the drama never veers into excessive darkness, maintaining a smooth, butter-like flow. The interactions between the couples, whether as friends or foes, are respectful, and no one ever crosses the line.One of the standout aspects is how maturely the characters handle their situations. They face life without panic, adding a sense of wisdom to their love banter, which is often filled with insightful moments. However, I did notice some oddities, particularly where events were narrated instead of visualized, which made certain aspects harder to grasp.
I had higher expectations for Liu Mian Tang’s character, especially since she was linked to an escort company. I was hoping for more fight scenes, but she mostly used a bow and arrow, and even then, only shot single arrows at a time. A brief fight scene towards the end was all that was shown, which felt underwhelming.
Despite these minor drawbacks, this drama is a feel-good experience that won’t disappoint. It’s mature, lighthearted, and brimming with moments that will leave you smiling.
Was this review helpful to you?
Liked the leads chemistry
Amnesia plot stories are my most hated plot twist. But I liked it in this story. As the amnesia starts at the beginning of the drama & not in the middle. It wasn't too dragging either.Both leads are strong-minded individuals. Cui Xing Zhou is cunning, smart, scheming, cruel. At first, Liu Mian Tang was naive and innocent, but afterward she also turned out to be cunning, scheming, smart & a very calculative person. She is an excellent businesswomen.
Hate that there was no proper introduction to the characters. I mean, whenever a new face used to appear there was no name or how they were related to the story.
Cui Xing Zhou & Liu Mian Tang had the first awkward conversation & hug. But it was cute.
Laughed when Cui Xing Zhou described himself as a "useless dandy." Also, Zhao Quan said he is sexually disable.
Cui Xing Zhou, out of jealousy refuses to share Liu Mian Tang's handmade food with Zhao Quan. He looked so cute in that scene.
Cui Xing Zhou's expression after being seduced by Liu Mian Tang was priceless.
"What a sin!" is Nanny Li’s favorite line.
Loved the scene where Cui Xing Zhou pulled Liu Mian Tang into the bathtub & she pulled her hairpin near his neck to attack him.
Layghed at Cui Xing Zhou & Zhao Quan acting to prevent him from marrying the princess.
Liu Mian Tang complains about her backyard being ruined & Cui Xing Zhou's army immediately helps her with everything by calling her "Madam". It was funny.
Zi Yu & Shi Xue Ji have a good understanding & communication. The way she helped him at every step, supporting him. Shi Xue Ji is so mature instead of getting jealous of Liu Mian Tang. She makes Zi Yu understand that he can’t force someone to be with him, otherwise she will become a bird in a cage.
Cui Xing Zhou was sooo cute being all nervous & Liu Mian Tang was completely unfazed.
They didn’t mention what happened to Empress Dowager Wu & her son.
Loved how Sun Yun Er was humiliated by Liu Mian Tang & Shi Xue Ji. A very clever move.
I loved Zi Yu & Shi Xue Ji. They are so cute together. I want a sequel of them. Telling their palace life story. How Zi Yu became an Emperor.
Was this review helpful to you?
BORING as hell
Im going to give half star yet as im only at episode14, however there is that disconnect feeling i feel from lead couple. The hidden identity has been going on, and Miantang is amnesic, i cannot fathom/appreciate the love tension between these couple. It is too draggy and they need to sped up the revelations of identity and gaining of her memory. I've lost my interest at this point, but i will pushed through to see how it goes. ANYWAY at this point of time the love tension is not palpable enough to keep me interested, some more with poor support character.BTW i never make review because too lazy but this one is need to, as i dont know if i have the willpower to push through.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Bond between Zhang wan yi and Wang chu ran
You can say It's a assassin's to lover drama.Wang Chu Ran is beautiful ❤️ Chinese actress and in this drama the Bond and chemistry between main leads are really amazing.
She forget her past memory due to an assassin attempt and male lead who is a Big shot in the country pretend to be a commoner get treated her. She comes to know that he used up all his Fortune to save her, she wakes up and call him husband.
The romance between them started as cold lord and beautiful wife wanted to get his attention.
Was this review helpful to you?
Another badass female lead and she is slaying it <3
'A Journey to Love' and now this! <32024 is such a good atmosphere for Chinese directors and scriptwriters.
I loved the buildup of relationship between LMT and CZ.
I am watching again ep 1-20 because I don't want to miss details of their "house-play" and "husband-wife" life.
ML and FL have a good chemistry <3
Was this review helpful to you?
Well produced wholesome drama
The initial episodes did seem to stretch a bit, but the leads, esp. Wang Chu Ran, Liu Ling Zi, Zhang Chi assay convincing roles. The transformation of Wang Chu Ran is especially commendable, there is a clear psychological shift of characterization seen. The plot could have been more layered, however, all the characters are well-rounded and have distinct personalities of their own.Some episodes are certainly worth re-watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
