After finishing episode 6, I have to admit this drama still hasn’t hooked me 🥲 While the production quality…
Its the execution of the cliched plots. It may be the same but is it well done?
I've read thousands of books. There are plot variations but what makes me enioy the book is the writing. Does it make sense? Is the pacing good? Are the characters likeable or well written? Does it sound pretentious? Is it sloppy writing?
These are some of the factors. If you look at it as cliched and skip; its fine. It honestly doesn't bother me. I am not one of those viewers who feel personally insulted if someone dislikes the same drama I'm watching.
However what I'm saying is that its the execution that counts. It does in this case which is the reason why I am still watching.
The acting is good. The make up for all the characters are complete. No cheating on the minor characters.
Take the villains in this case. Villains are in every drama right? But here the villains feel organic. They didn't make it too over the top. It feels like it could happen. Take ep 8. The acting wasn't over the top. The director didn't make it too gruesome that it becomes too unrealistic. The injuries and the story of the abuse is realistic. The same story or rationale is used in domestic violence in 2024. I can honestly say the abusive husband has the exact tone that I see people use when absolving themselves of hitting or punching or breaking someone's bones. No guilt. No sense of shame. They are absolutely correct. It really pays to have good actors in a drama.
The make up. Too often its not done right. Or the colours not realistic. I will tell you in a professional capacity now that the make up standard here is extremely good. The colours of the blood and bruising is extremely well done. There has been too many dramas where you can see that the blood colours are wrong. That shade of dried blood and bruising in ep 8 is impressive for a Cdrama.
Unfortunately I see the best and worst of humans in my job. On a side note I also have needed to see professional make up kits to simulate these injuries for work purposes. Sorry. I am slightly in love with the make up team in this drama. Did you see the make up on the females in this drama? Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? There is this actress that a lot of you like with the rice coloured white powdered look. However the same sort of white here but incorporated into the whole look- is just absolutely gorgeous. The attention to details. Just how many make up artists did they need for this drama?
So back to the story. Production occurs because of the market demand. The drama market wants these sort of stories so you will get repeated plots.
What does one do? You look for a drama that does this well. And if your tastes is different- then you look harder for what you like.
For me... I am having a guilty pleasure at seeing so many magnificent specimens of peonies. I live in Australia but do not get to grow them at home or get such plants anywhere. My uncle liked chrysanthemum and peonies paintings. I mean the Chinese style ones so I have grown up seeing them in paintings and prints. Absolutely gorgeous.
So yeah the villains and plot? I mean its a Chinese historical drama we are watching here. I haven't seen any historical Cdrama WITHOUT this plot. Has anyone?
This does not matter at all. Arent u tired of trying to find problems?
No. Actually not. That's part of my job in real life. I analysis and do critical incidences timeline. Like right after I finish the latest Blossoming Love episodes I will be summarising the recommendations from some audits and recommended improvements. Call it an occupational hazard. Yes there are people in this world who get paid to work out why incidences/ accidents occur and prevent recurrence.
Do you think its a problem that a 43 year old actor is playing a parent to an actress who is 32 years old in real life? Its not a problem per se as in I wished they are or can be offered other roles. Not a period drama but maybe a modern one. I guess the role of a mother in law is meatier than playing a more minor supportive role. Is it a problem? Or an observation.
Some people like to gush all the time. Vague statements praising an actor because they are biased. Their acting is the best, their interpretation is the best, the kissing is the best, the crying is the best, the chemistry is insane. At least I am specific when I comment on anything.
I don't point out stuff for every drama. I don't actually recall posting anything negative about Begin Again or Love Scout or Guardians of Dafeng. So don't make sweeping statements. I don't. I literally break down all the components of anything. Some of the issues I deal with are Ministerial level issues and people will be blamed if I am not specific and impartial.
Hang on the actors playing the in laws are 44 and 43 years old but are only 12 and 11 years older than Yang Zi.
I am not even sure if I should be cringing on their behalf. Work is work but instead of playing glamourous successful and confident whatever in their age group or playing characters in their 30s- they are playing in laws or parent roles.
I am starting ep 1 and already came here to ask when the divorce happens.
Looks as if its not and the comments are not encouraging. I am going to continue the episode next week when more episodes are out.
Gorgeous cinematography so far.
Did Yang Zi lose weight or is it the styling? Peonies happen to be one of my favourite flowers and at chance to see these beauties- especially in a drama is worth it. I love peonies in Chinese paintings as well.
However not so gorgeous are the comments here about various male characters. I also see her being injured in the photos. Sigh. How harsh will this drama be?
The vibes are so different that I'd had forgotten these 2 main leads were in a modern drama together. Lol. And I've probably watched it several times as well.
Please, please please tell a good story. The cinematography is on point. The costumes just gorgeous. I like the actors even though the MIL happens to be played by one of my favourite actresses. She is vicious here. Ergh.
I am stuck at ep 2. This drama certainly has more colours.
What's the pace for you? What's your opinion on the FL? I like the actress but can't seem to get into her in this drama. That's why I stopped. If you guys say it gets better etc then I'd try restarting but it doesn't seem to my style. Its heavy.
I am watching Blossoming love fine and I didn't think I'd get into the drama initially but Moonlight mystique is just heavy going.
How is this linked to Ancient Love Poetry please? Thanks.
Has anyone broken down the ending song scenes? I am now trying to figure out what the change of costume colours mean in relation to the time sequence. There seems to be a lot of scenes I haven't seen.
Is Qiumin going to fall for someone? She is wearing more colour.
The last scene is the blooming Xuanling tree right?
The Nan Fuyue has a golden crown or rather headwear? But its not black as the bad guys clothing.
Yay!! I just zipped through Wrong Carriage, Right Groom this afternoon. Now I get this. I cannot believe this will finish in 3 weeks. Wow.
I've actually ran out of dramas to watch as I am on Guardians of the Dafeng and Blossoming Love. Then Kdramas- Love Scout and Check in Hanyang.
There is nothing else to watch. Or is there? 2 of the Cdramas drop their episodes at night. The Korean ones only drop 2 episodes a week. Wish there were more dramas to watch.
She isn't even in that many scenes to use her as an excuse to drop it. I mean you can; anyone can do whatever…
I thought this story is not heavy on the romance part. That's what I was expecting anyway. Plus I was reading more spoilers that this is S1 and the spoilers also didn't talk much about romance. Its all about the male lead.
i'm so sad the FL has ruined this for me, i'm dropping it 😔
She isn't even in that many scenes to use her as an excuse to drop it. I mean you can; anyone can do whatever they like. However even I don't see her that much that she even affects the storyline.
Her actual back story and cuŕrent plot line doesn't even make the plot revolve around her. She is basically not present in most of the episodes.
Brother. Ep 21 was a strong episode. I cannot take this one episode daily. I think I will watch it all on Sunday. That will give me 7 episodes right?
Looks as if I should get back to real life and do my work at home. Not left in the office. I might as well get some work done since I've got a backlog.
I've read way too many spoilers tonight. If its multi- season show I might as well pace myself.
1
I've read thousands of books. There are plot variations but what makes me enioy the book is the writing. Does it make sense? Is the pacing good? Are the characters likeable or well written? Does it sound pretentious? Is it sloppy writing?
These are some of the factors. If you look at it as cliched and skip; its fine. It honestly doesn't bother me. I am not one of those viewers who feel personally insulted if someone dislikes the same drama I'm watching.
However what I'm saying is that its the execution that counts. It does in this case which is the reason why I am still watching.
The acting is good. The make up for all the characters are complete. No cheating on the minor characters.
Take the villains in this case. Villains are in every drama right? But here the villains feel organic. They didn't make it too over the top. It feels like it could happen. Take ep 8. The acting wasn't over the top. The director didn't make it too gruesome that it becomes too unrealistic. The injuries and the story of the abuse is realistic. The same story or rationale is used in domestic violence in 2024. I can honestly say the abusive husband has the exact tone that I see people use when absolving themselves of hitting or punching or breaking someone's bones. No guilt. No sense of shame. They are absolutely correct. It really pays to have good actors in a drama.
The make up. Too often its not done right. Or the colours not realistic. I will tell you in a professional capacity now that the make up standard here is extremely good. The colours of the blood and bruising is extremely well done. There has been too many dramas where you can see that the blood colours are wrong. That shade of dried blood and bruising in ep 8 is impressive for a Cdrama.
Unfortunately I see the best and worst of humans in my job. On a side note I also have needed to see professional make up kits to simulate these injuries for work purposes. Sorry. I am slightly in love with the make up team in this drama. Did you see the make up on the females in this drama? Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? There is this actress that a lot of you like with the rice coloured white powdered look. However the same sort of white here but incorporated into the whole look- is just absolutely gorgeous. The attention to details. Just how many make up artists did they need for this drama?
So back to the story. Production occurs because of the market demand. The drama market wants these sort of stories so you will get repeated plots.
What does one do? You look for a drama that does this well. And if your tastes is different- then you look harder for what you like.
For me... I am having a guilty pleasure at seeing so many magnificent specimens of peonies. I live in Australia but do not get to grow them at home or get such plants anywhere. My uncle liked chrysanthemum and peonies paintings. I mean the Chinese style ones so I have grown up seeing them in paintings and prints. Absolutely gorgeous.
So yeah the villains and plot? I mean its a Chinese historical drama we are watching here. I haven't seen any historical Cdrama WITHOUT this plot. Has anyone?
Do you think its a problem that a 43 year old actor is playing a parent to an actress who is 32 years old in real life? Its not a problem per se as in I wished they are or can be offered other roles. Not a period drama but maybe a modern one. I guess the role of a mother in law is meatier than playing a more minor supportive role. Is it a problem? Or an observation.
Some people like to gush all the time. Vague statements praising an actor because they are biased. Their acting is the best, their interpretation is the best, the kissing is the best, the crying is the best, the chemistry is insane. At least I am specific when I comment on anything.
I don't point out stuff for every drama. I don't actually recall posting anything negative about Begin Again or Love Scout or Guardians of Dafeng. So don't make sweeping statements. I don't. I literally break down all the components of anything. Some of the issues I deal with are Ministerial level issues and people will be blamed if I am not specific and impartial.
I am not even sure if I should be cringing on their behalf. Work is work but instead of playing glamourous successful and confident whatever in their age group or playing characters in their 30s- they are playing in laws or parent roles.
Looks as if its not and the comments are not encouraging. I am going to continue the episode next week when more episodes are out.
Gorgeous cinematography so far.
Did Yang Zi lose weight or is it the styling? Peonies happen to be one of my favourite flowers and at chance to see these beauties- especially in a drama is worth it. I love peonies in Chinese paintings as well.
However not so gorgeous are the comments here about various male characters. I also see her being injured in the photos. Sigh. How harsh will this drama be?
The vibes are so different that I'd had forgotten these 2 main leads were in a modern drama together. Lol. And I've probably watched it several times as well.
Please, please please tell a good story. The cinematography is on point. The costumes just gorgeous. I like the actors even though the MIL happens to be played by one of my favourite actresses. She is vicious here. Ergh.
I am stuck at ep 2. This drama certainly has more colours.
What's the pace for you? What's your opinion on the FL? I like the actress but can't seem to get into her in this drama. That's why I stopped. If you guys say it gets better etc then I'd try restarting but it doesn't seem to my style. Its heavy.
I am watching Blossoming love fine and I didn't think I'd get into the drama initially but Moonlight mystique is just heavy going.
How is this linked to Ancient Love Poetry please? Thanks.
Has anyone broken down the ending song scenes? I am now trying to figure out what the change of costume colours mean in relation to the time sequence. There seems to be a lot of scenes I haven't seen.
Is Qiumin going to fall for someone? She is wearing more colour.
The last scene is the blooming Xuanling tree right?
The Nan Fuyue has a golden crown or rather headwear? But its not black as the bad guys clothing.
Aish.
What did I think? Its not great but its also an easy watch. There are days where you want something simple.
I cannot believe this will finish in 3 weeks. Wow.
I've actually ran out of dramas to watch as I am on Guardians of the Dafeng and Blossoming Love. Then Kdramas- Love Scout and Check in Hanyang.
There is nothing else to watch. Or is there? 2 of the Cdramas drop their episodes at night. The Korean ones only drop 2 episodes a week. Wish there were more dramas to watch.
Her actual back story and cuŕrent plot line doesn't even make the plot revolve around her. She is basically not present in most of the episodes.
Looks as if I should get back to real life and do my work at home. Not left in the office. I might as well get some work done since I've got a backlog.
I've read way too many spoilers tonight. If its multi- season show I might as well pace myself.
Do you use spoilers normally? I am stopping now. So now am undecided if I will wait till Fri.