Scent of Time (2023)

My first Cdrama that I watched until the very end.

First of all, Yes yes yes
I've watched over 50 Chinese dramas and I completed none of them, I just skimmed through the episodes. But with this one, I enjoyed every single minute-second moment.
The story was mind-blowing and made me pull all-nighters to finish it ?
The ending could be better if they just showed a little tiny hug or hand-holding moment but nvm I loved it.
The chemistry was fire. Lord xiwu made me giggle everytime he smiled and yup he was so downnn for Hua Qian.
Zhou ye did an amazing job along with xingyue
Both of their characters were written beautifully.
I would recommend this drama hundreds of time no thousands of time?✨?

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Wow!

I did not expect this drama to be so good. It was interesting from the get go.

The female lead pretty much carried the whole show, it was focused on her story and suffering.

It also included her relationships with:
It began with her ill-fated one-sided relationship with Zhong Ye Lan, who she tricked into marrying her.
They she ended up tangled with Zhong Xi Wu, who just controlled her life and decided to make major decisions that included life and death. (Spoiler alert: The real him did seem a bit different than the dream control freak)
She also met Hua Rong Zhou, who was greenest flag, her confidante, savior, and a person who loved her without asking for anything other than her company.

I didn't expect the ending. It was a bit abrupt and I want to see more of FL's journey once she wakes up. Hopefully, there will be a season 2.

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A dream from start to finish

It was a good series. I watched it with pleasure. Of course, even if there were minor mistakes or things that were far from reality, they were forgivable. It didn't stand out. To me, it was Zhou Ye's performance show. It was really successful. It was as if he wasn't playing, he was living. Such realistic fluency. Acting that never reveals anything. It suits me too. It suits the role too. It's nice too. Everything was perfect. He's now one of my favorite players. Wang Xing Yue is a very young actor. The role was a heavy one for him. In other words, it was a personality role that had to look heavy, that appeared above everyone else. He looked older than he really was. I felt it. Is this kid 19 years old? made me say. In my opinion, they were a bit inexperienced. Or the players he played with were dominant. You would definitely be crushed in the face of a perfectionist like Zhou Ye. I felt so. Because he is a rookie lead among so many valuable actors. It's too much for this player. My opinion. But there is no grin in the overall game. As I said, he is older than he is, and the director handled the situation well. I also liked Zhang Yi Jie. Well done. He was also very good in the activation scenes. I also watched Ai Mi in many dramas. I don't know if it's a coincidence, but they're always in maid roles. Let her know that being a servant will stick to her. A very good leading role can be achieved with slightly different roles. He is very young. The child comes from acting. He is considered experienced. Her face is very beautiful and clear. Clean. I found it suitable for the lead role. Cevval can play characters. Can be tried in dominant character roles. It is announced to the directors and screenwriters. The veteran players were very, very good. Princesshood suits Xu Fan very well. We also witnessed the beauty and good acting of our famous leading actors who were included in the last episodes, albeit for a short time. It was a good show. Our series was just a dream. When we came to the end, we understood. At first I experienced confusion in my mind. Then, I was as surprised as our dreaming daughter by what was said. Finally I faced the truth. I understand It seemed interesting. So are the explanations. What a scent does. However, I didn't like the ending. It looked like there would be a sequel. Or it surprised us. It was said, "Imagine what happens next." Such an ending. The truth is very sad. His parents and siblings were all executed. Their servants were beaten to death. He created a non-existent character that he can only trust, and he messed around with him, even if it was a dream, and ultimately he accepts the truth. He is together with his savior who saved him. I guess this is the ending I understand.

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Mixed feeling with this drama

I love this drama enough to write a review for it.
Perfect score for the acting. Story pacing was also great, OST was also amazing too. I dont hate secondary couple, for me they are not annoying, acting is superb for everyone, especially for ZY and WXY.
And I can say it's a happy ending. Just not a very satisfying one. If the director and storyboard can change so much from the novel, they might as well change how the story was told.
This is why I have mixed feeling with this drama. I don't want to spoil the ending for those who read my review.
TBH, I don't know if I like it or not. IT IS the ending that I wanted.
If there is one drama that you should go in watching it knowing the ending, it's this one. So you won't be so disappointed.

As much as I love ZY and WXY, this drama has zero rewatch value for me, not even any sweet scene clips because this drama has almost none. And because of that, I downrate this drama to a 7.

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What just happened. The story and acting were compelling but the ending just wiped out everything. Okay, I'll admit that the ending was more logical and realistic than the whole "one more chance to do over" storyline but...what? (sputters to oneself.)

Because the ending wiped out most of what happened before (ironic since the initial premise was to wipe out one's past mistakes and start over), it felt as if all of the emotions developed over the course of the story became empty. But I don't hate this drama because it completely fooled me and I have a grudging admiration for that. Plus the ride was fun while it lasted.

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If you wanna know about the 3 male leads, here's an honest review focused on that

I finished watching the 30 episodes and overall it's actually a very good drama. Despite there were no kissing scene the affection and attachment of all the characters are delivered on point. Do not be discouraged by other viewers who didn't like the ending, honestly the ending got me sort of conflicted on what to feel. As I was watching this cdrama i'm rooting for all 3 male leads. First let's talk about Hua Qian's first love interest whom she resorted to all means just to marry him, "Master Yelan" although it was clear that the one he truly loved was "Mu Yao" when Hua Qian went back to the past (or shall I say in her dreams when she was in coma for 26months) even Mu Yao acknowledged that indeed Yelan had grew feelings for his first wife in spite of all the wicked things her past self had done he had some love for her... she had space in his heart, it is clearly shown when Hua Qian proposed for divorce several times to make amends to all the bad things she'd done to the Mu Family, Yelan profusely refused because he knew to himself if he divorced Hua Qian (just like in the reality) Hua Qian would be out of his protection and would be implicated by the time the Hua family will be sent to exile, in his heart he would deal with divorcing her but before that he must protect her first. And now, about Hua Rongzhou it's difficult to process that he's just a result of the Jiayin Pill or our female lead's wishful thinking he had so much potential and chemistry and all throughout the time he was unconditional to her, as a viewer I felt for him I liked that he always protected her and followed after her, heed about the smallest details of things she liked and disliked and in the scene when he fought with Zhong Xiwu's personal guards in order to inquire information about Hua qian's death he never stopped to look for her even by means of death he wasn't fazed at all he had never given up on her, no wonder Hua Qian uttered in ep 30, "You're that someone who will never leave me, no matter what I did" and it hurts that although he's just a character in her dreams, he sensed that it's time for the one he loved to wake up into the reality he's not in. As for Zhong Xiwu, I mentioned that I felt conflicted and it's between him and Hua Rongzhou, I was conflicted of... I felt bad for him too in episodes before 30 because no matter how much he took the initiative...disclosing his feelings to Hua Qian (something the Lord wasn't able to do in real life) but Hua Qian although feels mutual for Xiwu she can't because of the situation she's in and as per her Highness' plea (Xiwu's mother) when Xiwu told his deployed spy on Hua qian to go back because Hua Rongzhou already knows her whereabouts he said, "someone else will take care of her now, she no longer.. needs my protection" it cuts deep through my soul how he paved the way for them, when he looked at their simple life, something he could never give... and A'Qian sighting him from a distance in the woods where he saw him watching them doing the laundry happily like a married couple seeing him choose Hua qian's happiness over his unbeknownst to him that all along before the incident Hua qian used to carry a medicine bottle just like him indicating they loved each other. And just like one of Xiwu's personal guard(a Eunuch, or somewhat a personal counselor) came to hear about Qian's personal maid that her owner used to carry a bottle of medicine just like the lord he mentioned not to talk about this with the lord 'cause it will only hurt him even more as he was never aware with Qian's feelings towards him. Hence, it ended with Qian uttering "Zhong Xiwu..." which is once and for all, a happy ending.

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I’ve seen a couple of clips of this show on Chinese tiktok and it really made me want to watch it so I did. The story moves pretty fast and it’s also a it confusing as to what the plot of the story is really telling. I love how Hua Qian tries her best to turn the tables and change how the story ends.

The drama does a really good job of adding in some mysterious parts like why Hua Qian keeps smelling that scent even though there is no I sense and then we learn that this entire drama was honestly just a dream. The drama also does a really good job of explaining that once you change history. Change anything, change everything.

The ost of the drama is actually pretty good. This is probably one of those dramas where I really only had to hear the song once or twice to really enjoy and like the song. The costuming is a little strange, I’m not used to seeing how these people are dressed. But overall a pretty good and short drama to watch and love.

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Writing My First Review Because Scent of Time Surprised Me

It is very RARE that I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the drop of every new episode of a costume drama series. Typically I drudge through all the filler episodes to get to the exciting good parts, and most of the time I get very disappointed with an anti-climatic ending. The ONLY other drama series that defied all expectations was Joy of Life Season 1. I eagerly await for Season 2, but while waiting, I stumble upon this "Scent of Time" series. Seemed pretty contrived and over-played storyline in the beginning, but very quickly I was drawn into the unpredictable plot, and the twists and turns of events in every new episode. I have NO idea what the FL is going to do next, and THAT is why I have rated this series so highly - It is very difficult to achieve what "Joy of Life" and "Scent of Time" have done - keep you engaged, make you care about what will happen to the people in the story, and surprise you again and again. I haven't finish watching the end of this drama yet, BUT I can't wait!

PS - Of course, Joy of Life is still better than Scent of Time, but that is a high bar to overcome, and you can tell that a whole lot more money were spent on the production of Joy of Life than Scent of Time.

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Lesson Learned: be honest and be courageous; face it head on

This series is surprising. I got lost the moment I thought I understand the story. It was fun, loveable, and painful at the same time. I laughed and cried a lot watching this series. I felt her when she said, "3 times". If I were in her place, I really would have felt lost and unsure of what to do. There were moments where I felt frustrated and didn't agree with their choices, but I guess it is the concept of the drama. It is a drama full of life lessons wrapped with bits of love story. Anyway, the story contains so many twist that you should watch until the end.

The actors did their part so well that I can actually feel the pain that each of them went through. It made me realize that each person has their own situation that led them into making certain choices. The story portrayed life issues more realistic than fictional. There is of course a touch of fiction since it is about going back in time, but the problems and choices that they make is somehow relatable. It makes you think of what if you were in their situation, what would actually be a better choice. Seriously, it puts you in a dilemma. There were so many moments while I was watching that I also had to think of what to do.

I would recommend this drama if you are someone who is open minded because I'm sure it will help you a lot in life. It can help you realize a lot. The most important thing I learned in this drama is to be honest. no matter how bleak the future will be, honestly is still the best choice.

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Better than most reincarnated drama

Out of the numerous reincarnation storylines I've watched, this particular cdrama nailed it. The exploration of the past and present allowed for the main character, Hua Qian (brilliantly portrayed by Zhou Ye), to undergo significant character development. Hua Qian transforms from a character who has committed evil deeds to someone who rectifies her mistakes upon reincarnation. The portrayal of the internal familial dynamic is heartwarming and stands out as one of the most touching scenes I've seen in recent cdrama.

The characters are beautifully balanced and executed, with a focus on the characters who are relevant to the storyline. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, mainly the females. Except, Hua Rong Zhou a supporting character played by Zhang Yi Jie, who stood out as a character who felt out of place. His presence was disjointed, transitioning from a beggar to an obedient guard to a prodigious martial artist, a short journey of his own cultivation giving no meaning to anyone nor the plot. Including the romance, it was one of the weakest part of the series. It was more placed on the shelf for the last episodes. Other than that, the show is worth watching.

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A relatively well-disguised story that is actually about self-romance (in a kind of loser way)

For the most part this was well-written story, with good themes and a strong logical basis. It was essentially a redemption arc where the protagonist learns from her mistakes and was able to repeat 2 years of her past with wiser decisions to lead to a happier result. However, arcing over the entire plot was a bizarre mechanic that for me ruins the credibility of the entire plot. Without going into too much detail, the story was similar to a time-travel story where the protagonist met a bad end but was able, through some mysterious means, to return to the past and make different decisions that led to different outcomes in terms of love interest and her family's fate. She was originally a villainess that everyone hated, but because of her new choices, became well-respected and even adored, to the point where the original "heroine" of the story turned into a villain in response. This was actually all done very well, but sprinkled throughout the episodes were these hints that something was not quite right with this reality. The FL kept smelling this scent that no one else around her smelled. Spoiler alert, it was all a dream. Everything up to the end of that first timeline was real, but the entire repeat of the past 2 years was completely in her head.

What I really don't like about this kind of mechanic is that everything that occurs within a dream instantly loses its credibility. While realistically as an audience we can believe that good deeds lead to good returns, for example, the fact is that within the dream, every single character is actually a figment of the dreamer's imagination, even if they were based on actual people that the dreamer knew. It doesn't matter how familiar the dreamer might be with the real life counterparts; everything within the dream is still made up. Their reactions and responses, their thoughts and feelings, all of these are actually constructed by the dreamer and part of the dreamer's own self. This drama even doubles up on this insult by adding a third love interest who's completely fictional; he didn't exist in real life and was basically conjured by FL's brain while she was asleep. It's actually kind of hilarious how completely devoted he was to FL once you realize that this was essentially her being in love with herself. Then, at the very last episode, she wakes up briefly from this universe she's created where the entire world was in love with her and realizes the real world isn't like this. I'm also sitting here kind of in disbelief that I watched 29 episodes of a woman essentially romancing herself. At the very end, the series tries to salvage things by indicating that in real life, there are people who actually love FL, so she's not really THAT pathetic, but this is essentially a story about a protagonist with narcissism so severe that their delusion literally wiped out their ability to remain conscious for 2 years. Well, their injuries contributed, but let's face it; physical wounds are physical wounds, but this kind of catatonia is generally mentally-induced. If I had known that THIS was the direction the script was going, honestly, I would not have watched it, but I give it an 8.5/10 because the drama was still constructed well despite this small but somewhat fatal detail. This thing really had me rooting for it until the end of episode 29, when I realized I was NOT watching the kind of story I thought I was. So maybe watch until episode 29 and stop when you see numerous cut scenes of incense. It's such a shame when writers compromise the integrity of their stories by embellishing on such crucial weak points. Maybe the author was trying to do something new, but…this isn't even new, and made the story worse.

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The Scent of a Wonderful Drama

I very much enjoyed this drama, especially the character of Hua Qian and the actress portraying her, Zhou Ye. Who hasn’t had regrets or wished they could do something all over again or wanted to just escape reality for just a moment? I resonated with Hua Qian’s and the other characters’ plights. I can understand the motivations of all of the characters (not the just leads) and how any decision can be easily influenced by emotions or selfishness or family or duty. These struggles are real and it was portrayed realistically in the drama. I was so invested in the characters (some more than others) that I was hurt to hear Qian Zhi was beaten to death by soldiers… sob

Hua Qian/Zhou Ye: I like how she changed from someone whose actions were driven by her obsession of a man to someone whose actions are driven by doing the right thing which unwittingly gains her the admiration and respect of multiple men as a result. Her love for her family and in trying to keep them alive, initially makes her do the right things for “karma’s” sake, but it slowly evolves into her moral code. It becomes clear that her years in exile has transformed her into who she is now, a strong and independent woman who no longer needs anyone to take care of her and instead she takes care of others. Zhou Ye played this role beautifully. I keenly felt her trepidation, happiness, sadness, and pain.

Zhong Xi Wu/Wang Xing Yue: In the dream, Hua Qian sees him as choosing duty over her, i.e., he has her expose her father’s crime when Mu Yao/Ye Lan have gotten past it. Also, despite his high position, he could never protect her from the all the scheming, e.g., the mastermind of her brother’s death goes unpunished even when Xi Wu knows who it is. Wang Xing Yue does a wonderful job conveying his inner struggles…the joy he feels when he sees her and the pain he feels when she doesn’t reciprocate his affections. In reality, unbeknownst to Hua Qian, he’s so in love with her that he has sacrificed his duty, has gone against his mother, and has burned through precious resources to help revive her from her coma. He would do anything to keep her safe after having lost her once, to Ye Lan.

Hua Rong Zhou/Zhang Yi Jie: In Hua Qian’s mind there was no one who has ever stood by her, loved her with all of her imperfections and mistakes, and protected her. Rong Zhou was this person in her dream and it was his presence that kept her wanting to stay there, until she realized Xi Wu was that person for her in reality.

Despite what many reviewers have said, for me personally, this was very romantic. I think for me, it pulls at my heart strings more when love has to be suppressed for realistic reasons, e.g., the ML struggling between his love for the FL and his duty to the people, the FL struggling between her love for the ML and her desire to live a free, peaceful life knowing that loving the ML would bring danger to her and her family, the 2nd ML struggling between his childhood love with 2nd FL and his growing respect and admiration for FL, etc. I would have liked a kiss to be shared between the FL and ML, but I think given their circumstances, it made sense why they didn’t and I’m fine with that. I also liked the innocent romance between Qian Zhi and Nan Feng. Did I say it nearly killed me when Mu Yao revealed what happened to Qian Zhi in reality…sob…

I also liked the ending. It was abrupt for some reviewers, but for me it was the right ending. The story revolved around Hua Qian, so the dream was clear and detailed because it was a rehash of her past mixed in with what she would do differently as a reformed person. Her future in her dream is just to have someone by her side forever, so I think not showing her future reality is ok for me. It doesn’t matter because the one thing that is certain is that despite learning to be strong and independent, she doesn’t need to face reality and the future alone. She now has Rong Zhou, in the form of Xi Wu, who will forever be by her side.

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Update:

I re-watched this on HBO after seeing Wang Xing Yue in The Double. I really enjoyed re-watching this drama and hope Wang Xing Yue and Zhou Ye are cast together as leads in a future drama. They both did a wonderful job conveying the struggles their characters endured. Wang Xing Yue’s character here is so much more different than Duke Su in The Double. I’m glad I re-watched this to see the difference in his acting abilities.

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