6
10
JulesL
This review may contain spoilers
When I first started watching this drama, I thought I would end up leaving a lukewarm review, but after completing the series, I can say that I enjoyed it. What I liked outweighed what I disliked about the show.
The plot is nothing new - young helpless female lead (FL), Nuan Nuan who ended up with a tall, charming, intelligent male lead (ML), Han Che, who started out as an emotionless machine but ended up discovering his human side as he fell in love with the FL. It was interesting though how the FL ended up in her unfortunate state in the first place. The story progression was a bit off for me since there were not a lot of interactions between the ML and FL, or even between the FL and secondary ML, Fang Han Chen. The first ten episodes focused so much on the relationship of the secondary couple instead, and that was somewhat off-putting for me. However, once the ML realized that he had feelings for the FL, the relationship moved rather quickly. There was the typical drama like avoidable misunderstandings that could have saved the two leads some heartache if they would only talk to each other.
I am glad that I stuck to completing the series since I am ultimately a hopeless romantic who wants to see the leads have a happy ending.
I liked watching the personal development of the characters. The FL did grow and mature into an independent, confident career woman who knew what she wanted ultimately, plus she could proudly say that she did it mostly on her own. I also like that she did not give in easily and was willing to give the ML a hard time when he deserved it. The ML increased his EQ, and learned how to speak to the FL tactfully. Of course, he was always there for the FL; quietly and loudly supported her all the way! I LOVE his proposal - so heartfelt and the visual impact was a great touch! The secondary couple, Gu Li and Han Xue, both also grew into their own rather nicely.
There was quite a bit of skinship. A lot of kissing after the main couple got together when compared to other C-dramas. There were a lot of cute moments, and the chemistry between Nuan and Han Che was great. I love how well they interacted, and the cliche 'tall ML versus petite FL' always makes my heart flutter - haha! While it was not the best kissing that I have seen, there's potential for improvement, particularly Leon Lai :D. FYI - I liked him as Feng Mei Zuo in Meteor Garden 2018, and it was his bio who led me to this drama, 'My Love, Enlighten Me'.
Acting-wise, the cast did a good job - the romance and comedy bits were well-delivered. There was just a touch of cringey overacting but not enough to make me skip through those moments. The show was packed with eye candy. Leon Lai and Tim Pei are both very appealing in their own ways. Li Min Jung, as Gu Li, did an awesome job as Han Che's right-hand man, and goodness, his dimples are just plain adorable! Eleanor Lee is attractive in a cute, quirky way, but I wish that the c-dramas would do better when it comes to styling their female leads. What's up with the short hairstyle with bangs, with the half up in a bun, half-down look that almost every female lead sports if they are in their 20s? Just look at this show, Go Go Squid, The Love Equations, Put Your Head On My Shoulder, and so many more. Also, the outfits - Nuan Nuan was always wearing oversize tops or cardigans, with shorts. Sometimes she wore some really ugly suits and OMG, why on earth did she have to wear caps so much?!! I found Xiong Yu Ting as Han Xue more attractive, and at least they styled her character rather nicely. Honestly, for most of the c-dramas, I think the stylist budget must be spent mostly on the male leads since they always end up with the enviable wardrobe, looking handsome, sleek, and fashionable.
What I totally dislike about the storyline was how quickly everyone forgave Lin Jia Yi for her betrayal. She chose her own career over her supposed best friends, over four years of working, training, and growing together to debut as a group. Yet, they forgave her so easily. I cannot even accept the reason why they chose to forgive her!!! She was one selfish, self-absorbed character. Even after she found out that Han Che had no interest in her and was interested in Nuan Nuan, one of her best friends, she still tried to get Han Che for herself. There was no villain, per se, other than Jia Yi who was more annoying than evil. Fang Han Chen, the second male lead was just the right character to invoke jealousy and cause angst for Han Che. I did feel bad for Fang Han Chen though; had he just made his move earlier instead of hesitating, he would have likely won Nuan Nuan's heart.
Music-wise, I like the intro song but I don't remember much of the playlist. So nothing memorable there.
Overall, I thought this drama was great and would recommend it. Most would enjoy it if they are willing to take some small leaps of faith and don't question how certain things just fall neatly in place.
The plot is nothing new - young helpless female lead (FL), Nuan Nuan who ended up with a tall, charming, intelligent male lead (ML), Han Che, who started out as an emotionless machine but ended up discovering his human side as he fell in love with the FL. It was interesting though how the FL ended up in her unfortunate state in the first place. The story progression was a bit off for me since there were not a lot of interactions between the ML and FL, or even between the FL and secondary ML, Fang Han Chen. The first ten episodes focused so much on the relationship of the secondary couple instead, and that was somewhat off-putting for me. However, once the ML realized that he had feelings for the FL, the relationship moved rather quickly. There was the typical drama like avoidable misunderstandings that could have saved the two leads some heartache if they would only talk to each other.
I am glad that I stuck to completing the series since I am ultimately a hopeless romantic who wants to see the leads have a happy ending.
I liked watching the personal development of the characters. The FL did grow and mature into an independent, confident career woman who knew what she wanted ultimately, plus she could proudly say that she did it mostly on her own. I also like that she did not give in easily and was willing to give the ML a hard time when he deserved it. The ML increased his EQ, and learned how to speak to the FL tactfully. Of course, he was always there for the FL; quietly and loudly supported her all the way! I LOVE his proposal - so heartfelt and the visual impact was a great touch! The secondary couple, Gu Li and Han Xue, both also grew into their own rather nicely.
There was quite a bit of skinship. A lot of kissing after the main couple got together when compared to other C-dramas. There were a lot of cute moments, and the chemistry between Nuan and Han Che was great. I love how well they interacted, and the cliche 'tall ML versus petite FL' always makes my heart flutter - haha! While it was not the best kissing that I have seen, there's potential for improvement, particularly Leon Lai :D. FYI - I liked him as Feng Mei Zuo in Meteor Garden 2018, and it was his bio who led me to this drama, 'My Love, Enlighten Me'.
Acting-wise, the cast did a good job - the romance and comedy bits were well-delivered. There was just a touch of cringey overacting but not enough to make me skip through those moments. The show was packed with eye candy. Leon Lai and Tim Pei are both very appealing in their own ways. Li Min Jung, as Gu Li, did an awesome job as Han Che's right-hand man, and goodness, his dimples are just plain adorable! Eleanor Lee is attractive in a cute, quirky way, but I wish that the c-dramas would do better when it comes to styling their female leads. What's up with the short hairstyle with bangs, with the half up in a bun, half-down look that almost every female lead sports if they are in their 20s? Just look at this show, Go Go Squid, The Love Equations, Put Your Head On My Shoulder, and so many more. Also, the outfits - Nuan Nuan was always wearing oversize tops or cardigans, with shorts. Sometimes she wore some really ugly suits and OMG, why on earth did she have to wear caps so much?!! I found Xiong Yu Ting as Han Xue more attractive, and at least they styled her character rather nicely. Honestly, for most of the c-dramas, I think the stylist budget must be spent mostly on the male leads since they always end up with the enviable wardrobe, looking handsome, sleek, and fashionable.
What I totally dislike about the storyline was how quickly everyone forgave Lin Jia Yi for her betrayal. She chose her own career over her supposed best friends, over four years of working, training, and growing together to debut as a group. Yet, they forgave her so easily. I cannot even accept the reason why they chose to forgive her!!! She was one selfish, self-absorbed character. Even after she found out that Han Che had no interest in her and was interested in Nuan Nuan, one of her best friends, she still tried to get Han Che for herself. There was no villain, per se, other than Jia Yi who was more annoying than evil. Fang Han Chen, the second male lead was just the right character to invoke jealousy and cause angst for Han Che. I did feel bad for Fang Han Chen though; had he just made his move earlier instead of hesitating, he would have likely won Nuan Nuan's heart.
Music-wise, I like the intro song but I don't remember much of the playlist. So nothing memorable there.
Overall, I thought this drama was great and would recommend it. Most would enjoy it if they are willing to take some small leaps of faith and don't question how certain things just fall neatly in place.
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