Couldn't stop watching

History is often cruel. Stories have to end the way they did in real life, and that doesn't always equate to an enjoyable story. I was so disgusted so many times in this series, but I kept coming back. I couldn't help myself. In the end it was worth it. I kept trying to find out ahead of time what the deal was with this series, but everything was very vague. Now I can say it is worth it to watch right to the end because they tie up a lot of loose ends.

The acting was pretty good in this drama - and although not every couple has a happy ending, the romance was realistic too. Not overdone and fake and the chemistry was really believable.

It's a long, drawn-out story - and I got confused with some of the characters at times and keeping up with who was doing what - but I concentrated on the main characters and their story arcs a lot more than the history and the politics. Will I rewatch? Probably not - but I did bookmark the episodes that had the sweetest moments and the little twists that I liked, and will probably go back and watch.

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Worth the Wait and Effort

I waited a long time for the ML & FL to take the plunge, and boy was it worth it! This was my very first CD and I am hooked forever now. The costumes, set design, mannerisms and cultural settings - breathtaking! It transports you back to a time when there were rules and customs and honor (even though some of it was pretty weird and pretty warped). I loved this drama. The chemistry between the lovers was so real and believable. I will watch it again and again. Some of those characters were so evil it was cringe-worthy (in a good way) and it was nice to see them get their karma.

Loved the music too. The opening theme and the closing music, but most especially the love song.

I was a little disappointed that the final episode felt a little rushed - and left too much undone, or loosely tied up. I would have liked a little more detail, a little more closure. But I suppose a happy ending is a happy ending.

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A whole heap of nothing!

This drama seemed to have had potential, but the writers dropped the ball big time!

The characters might have been interesting, even appealing. The acting was semi-decent (if you don't count the FL - her character was an airhead!) The relationships should have been developed better - and what the hell was that ending!? After being loyal and constant for the entire series, the two main guys bail and jump ship with not so much as a believable farewell. And the two female leads - what? End up spending eternity together but we don't understand who or why?

So much time was wasted with the inedible cooking plot, and an assassin with more delusion than brains or talent. So many wasted opportunities for relationship developments. With such crappy writing and no real flow, rhyme or reason to the storyline, this ended up being a hodgepodge of possibilities and maybes and a whole lot of nothing.

Save your time! Skip this one.

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An Example of the Worst Kind of Screenwriting

If you are able to make it through 33 episodes (albeit short format) without giving up in disgust, then the last episode might redeem this drama. The ML's performance, his assistant, and marginally the mother contributed to helping the story to survive. Even a couple of the 'villains' managed to be convincing in the badly written roles all these actors were given. To be fair, the worst role was the FL's character - so this is not a critique of the actress' skills, but of the part she was given to play.

What is it about these writers than insist on portraying women as brainless, immature, ridiculously shy and seemingly naive? Do Chinese women really admire these simpering, juvenile, childish stereotypes? They giggle and hide and overact to the point of ridicule. The costumers dress these women like children, which only adds to the cringey feel of the characters behaving like, looking like children - with these handsome, older male leads. It borders on almost perverted at times, especially in the romantic scenes where the ML is more aggressive, and the FL behaves like a child.

When the FL is written in this light, adding the trope of drinking till the character is wasted and almost unconscious, waking up in some man's (usually the ML) bed, and not remembering anything of the night before is an equally disturbing trend.

We, the viewers, long for well-written storylines that utilize the talents of so many of these actors/actresses. We welcome and relish positive stereotypes and realistic and intriguing plots that draw us in, not disgust nor disappoint. It seems to be getting worse in these mini dramas and micro dramas and that is a real disservice to the Chinese Drama genre and in particular, women.

I certainly cannot imagine that I watched the same drama that most of these reviews refer to. Except for that last episode that offered a modicum of dignity to the story, the FL's character in rest of the episodes was almost embarrassing to watch.

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Coming Back Again and Again

I'm not really into these reincarnated, reborn plots, but since this is make-believe I can live with it. Seriously, sometimes one has to take reviews with a grain of salt, taking into consideration that everyone has opinions and perceptions that might not align with one's own. That was the case here. I almost didn't watch because of the responses of some posters. Now I'm glad I followed my mind and gave it a shot. So, it won't win any awards for acting - but that isn't why I watch these dramas. They are an escape - a world made up of stories - so I don't take them so seriously that they affect me, especially negatively. If I don't like what I see, I stop watching.

That being said, I didn't mind the lead couple. They weren't sizzling but they were passable. I think the scene that had some viewers up in arms about was tastefully done, and if one watched the whole story, the reasons are explained. Also, the couple did have a history - not as though right off the bat they got married and they were strangers with no emotional attachment, so that wasn't an issue for me. The villains were awful enough, but they got some kind of comeuppance so that was ok with me.

One thing I really must comment on was the hair and make up. Both were awful. It was hard to find the characters appealing with such terrible make up. The women looked unattractive and unappealing, and the men (white-hair guy) looked washed out and pasty.

Again, this drama won't win any awards, but it you're looking for something to watch in-between serious dramas, or just to fill your time, this isn't bad.

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47 Episodes of Flashbacks

This drama had only two things going for it. An ensemble cast who did a great job bringing their characters to life - and a gorgeous ML.

The writing was passable, but the series was drawn out by too many useless and unnecessary flashbacks. 47 episodes were really excessive. I used my fast forward button a lot. Too many police meetings and briefings, and too many musings by the villain. Those were getting really boring!

Best parts of this drama were the friendships. Jianguo, Xiao Shuai, Zhou Li, & Zi Guang - and their relationship with Uncle Guo. FL's dads - Hu Yu Jin & Huang Zhen Wu, and the young squad members.

William Chan did a great job with a character that wasn't really written well. Loved the fight scenes and just looking at him in general. They could not get him clean-shaven quickly enough for me, but he rocked the manbun!

Probably the smartest officer of the bunch, and the one who really deserved better than he got in the end, was Han Jin. Easy on the eyes as well - he always managed to inject some intelligence in their intelligence.

Finally, the FL. Normally. I don't mind Ma Si Chun. I've seen her in other things - but this one was underwhelming because of the character she was given to play and how really poorly written it was. Police can't afford to be careless or impetuous or unruly. She was just all over the place and then sulking when chastised or screwed things up. And how wishy washy was she in her relationship with the ML!? One minute she is all lovey dovey, the next she's accusing him, arresting him, interrogating him, and treating him like a criminal. Girlfriend like that? No thanks! So sorry - the romance sizzle fizzled with her character. What a waste of a sexy, gorgeous ML!

I was really looking forward to a good story, with enough time to tell it and tell it well. What a let-down. No rewatch for me, thanks. Once is punishment enough. I'll find a shorter drama with Chan in it for eye candy.

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What the hell kind of ending was that!?

I hate going into these dramas with absolutely no warning that the writer/director is going to throw in a complete cliff hanger at the end without even a hint that there will be a continuation. Ironically, the story was not bad, and the acting was pretty convincing. The writing was choppy at best - and there are so many loose ends left hanging that none of the story arcs got tied up or even explained.

The ML was fantastic - the FL just meh. The two villains were convincing and good-looking. The FL character's family's story was left hanging. Her mother's story was left hanging.

What a mess! Hopefully anyone who is looking to watch this drama will be forewarned. It's a waste of time since there is no resolution or any kind of wrap up at the end. The only reason I rated this as much as I did was the acting.

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A Grown-Up Love Story

No silly, giggling females - hooray! No stone-faced male fending off unwanted advances then falling for the silliness. The relationship between the lead couple was refreshingly mature, even though there was supposed to be a big age difference between them, I really didn't notice it. The development of their romance was so satisfying, and I totally agree with another review I read, that the banter was entertaining, witty, and even a little suggestive in parts. Loved it! This actress is not one of my favorites, but she did a good job in this drama.

I liked the camaraderie of the Lord and his two aides Zhimo and Zhi Jian. I wish that Juli had been a little more romantic with Zhimo, however. She was just short of being the silly character I find annoying in these dramas, but she was quite endearing. The first dowager empress was just evil, and I couldn't wait for her to get her comeuppance. The members of the court were, as in all these dramas, ignorant as hell! Princess Roujia - the character I hated the most was superbly played by Wang Li Kun. She really was perfect for this part. My heart broke for Shen Jing Hong - he gave everything for love and got precious little in return. I loved the young emperor and wished he could have ended up a little happier and not quite so alone. The cast really did a great job even with the little side groups.

But the heart of the whole drama for me - Liu Yan. I absolutely love Feng Shao Feng. This sexy, mature, regal, confident character is perfect for him. He plays right into the heart of this lead role. I loved every scene with him and Jing Tian (Mu Zhuohua) - he was so tender and loving and expressive. I love this actor and could watch him all day long! Let me correct myself - I loved every scene with HIM! *wink*

Now, the thing that almost spoiled this series for me. The makeup was dreadful - it made the actors look pasty and washed out. The extra thick and dark eyebrows stood out glaringly because the faces were so shockingly white. The make up on the women looked garish. And the lighting was terrible also. With such a beautiful OST, such great performances by the actors, and a reasonably interesting and compelling story, those two elements really spoiled the aesthetics.

40 episodes was a little much - but it didn't drag too badly, and I didn't use fast-forward near as much as I thought I would. I probably wouldn't rewatch because of the length, but if I did (to get some FSF eye candy) I would probably fast forward through the unnecessary parts just to see him.

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A Love That Breaks Your Heart

I don't like sad endings, so I came into this drama ready to dislike it. However, the story was so well-told, and the characters just wrapped themselves around my heart, especially the lead couple. The ML was captivating, and the FL was courageous and endearing, and their love story tugged at every heartstring. I loved the SML and the SFL - and would have loved a happier ending for them though I can't quite figure out what their ending was with all the changes in fortune as a result of going back and forth in time.

I really liked how the story was told. The writer(s) did a wonderful job, and the director also. It isn't often these days that I give credit to the writers or the directors, but in this case, a job well done! Despite being only fourteen episodes and of shorter durations, there wasn't any time wasted or needless fillers.

All told, this was a masterful piece. Again, despite the tragedy of the situations. Although I rated this a fair re-watch value, I don't think my heart could take it again. I will remember this couple and their love story with affection.

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Almost Perfect

This was one of the better productions I have watched in a very long time.

The writer did a very good job in telling the stories of these three women. The director managed to convey the emotions and the upheavals of life situations that we all either have experienced ourselves or have seen someone in our circle experience them. The actors did a phenomenal job bringing their characters to life. The characters, flaws and all, were so relatable that even when you wanted to hate them, you could find some shred of empathy for them and understand their actions in the wider perspective.

While I liked the three main characters, what I appreciated about all of them was that they were not perfect and the way the drama is written allows them those imperfections. The male characters too, were imperfect and their actions sometimes evoking a strong response - but they too were only human in the big scheme of things. If I had to choose a 'favorite' character of the female leads, it would be Gu Jia. Tong Yao brought Gu Jia to life and made her into every woman who has ever strived and sacrificed for her family, and who gave of herself almost too completely. She still was able to admit her own fault in the demise of her marriage, and I think that is the real gem of the writing. There were no 'perfect' people in this drama, least of all the character Xu Huan Shan, but his is the character that I had hoped could pull off a happy ending for this couple. No such luck, as his ultimate growth needed to come from his understanding that he needed to give Gu Jia her freedom to realize her dreams and ambitions. Still, I liked this couple a lot.

I promised myself I would highlight my very favorite moment in this series. Can we talk about how Gu Jia went all Mama Bear on those moms and smacked the crap out of them?! No shrinking violet, that one- not when her kid was harmed or threatened. And she wasn't intimidated by the 'other women' at all. I loved that!

Finally, that tag at the end about continuation... I'd like to know more about that. Is there a Season Two in the works? Will we know more about these women's lives and what happens to them in the future? I really hope so. It would be a fitting end to the series. If I had one fault to find with this first season, it would be that the wrap up was a little hasty for me - a lot of time was wasted on other irrelevant things and some parts of the last episode felt like they had run out of time. Also, 43 episodes was too long because there was a lot of 'fillers' in between the main story arcs which seemed to waste time. Still, I rated this drama the way I did because it really was one of the better productions I have seen, and the acting was the real reason for that.

Hoping for Season 2!!!!

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All About Gao Hanyu and Song Yanfei

I wanted to like this drama so much. I love the ML - Gao Han Yu is so attractive. The chemistry between the lead couple was electric but wasted by the screenwriter and the director. The second couple was underwhelming even though the SML was so charming and sweet, the SFL totally turned me off. I Was rooting for him to get his ex!

The story didn't make a lot of sense in parts. The continuity of the story arcs was choppy at best. There were several loose ends and plot holes.

This could have been such a sweet romance drama. Aside from the chemistry between the leads, there was pretty much nothing else. The opportunity to sidestep the censors and give us some PDA was sadly squandered. Maybe the director and the writer were sleeping when they were filming this.

I am hoping this lead couple will start together in many more dramas to come.

I might rewatch if I was bored and desperately needing a little eye candy, but only for Gao Han Yu.

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I Barely Made it Through This One

Right off the bat, I started fast-forwarding through a lot of the FL's scenes. Mousy, picked-on, yes-woman character I get - but this one was over the top. And she just kept on whining and playing the victim. Even her steamy chemistry with that dreamy ML couldn't save her character. And I know better than to blame the actors, who are playing the parts they are given, so the screen writers and the director are guilty.

Wang Xiyi tried to convince Chen Jia Xin that he loved her and that he would do right by her and their baby - but over and over with the guilt trip and the apologizing! And then when her own actions led to her running out in front of a car and losing the baby, she (and just about everyone in her circle) blames Xiyi. The story up to that point had me fast forwarding a lot! So annoying!

However, I managed to finish the series and could only give it a 6 (because I liked the leads). But that being said, I do have to express:

Most Noble character - Dylan (sorry he couldn't get a better ending). Maybe good guys get rewarded somewhere.

Least Favorite character - Jia Xin's mother. Not quite Mommie Dearest, but what a virago!

Most Annoying character - Siqi - hands down!

Very touching in parts, especially dealing with Ximi. But everything else was just too messy and the story arcs could have been developed a little more.

Re-watch? I doubt it. But maybe for the romance factor - there were some good kissing scenes in there.

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Season 1 & 2 - Overall Review

This is the only way I can watch these short-episode format dramas. The ML & FL had sweet chemistry for me, and I was pleasantly surprised that the censors allowed their love scene. Tastefully done, and just what I like in my dramas. I should have known I was being set up for the fall later on.

The storyline was simple, and although there were a few holes here and there, more in Season 1 than Season 2 - I could follow along pretty well. Some amusing bits where I was actually laughing out loud, and some very touching moments too. Especially in the end - life's lessons are always painful and there is no room for regret.

I would re-watch this if I didn't have anything to watch and needed the diversion. It was that passable.

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Mindless entertainment if you want to kill some time

This was a movie just to kill time. The story was weak, but they didn't waste a lot of time on pointless or repetitious scenes. The actors did a fair job with their characters and with the exception of the opening scene, told the story pretty clearly without too many holes or hanging issues.

CGI wasn't bad, but the OST was non-existent. No romance, and no pointless deaths. One major irritating character - you can figure that one out for yourself.

If you're looking for something to watch just for some mindless entertainment or to kill time, this might fit the bill.

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Cute, lighthearted fun

This is just what the title implies. This story is uncomplicated with a cute romance. I found myself liking the characters, and loved the ML & FL. (I love these brooding male characters whose hearts soften after they fall in love). A few holes in the story, but not enough to spoil the drama. The villains were despicable - meaning that the actors did a good job in portraying them, and everybody got their comeuppance in the end. I love a happy ending!

I would probably watch this again because despite having 30 episodes, it is the short-episode format which I really don't like, but that is becoming more popular (unfortunately). I wait till they are all strung together in one complete format, because I hate having to endure the opening/closing credits every time.

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