CostumeHEA

Pale copy of the story of Ming Lan…

I'm a bit disappointed. I expected more.

I love seasoned actors. Sadly I found another copy of the actor Allen—good actor who is unable to play romance and lack chemistry with his partner. They both had in common the same female lead. I am not sure if they are all unlucky to parter them, if it is the script or director or if they are unable to act romantic scenes. They are all good but not together.

After Under the Power, I gave her another chance. Indeed, it was much better. I was spared with another childish female lead… Instead, we got a femalee victim bullied by everyone for over 11 episodes. Glad it said it was a work of fiction each intro of each episode because it was completely irrealistic.

Post edits production is poorly executed. Missing major scenes that explained behavior and actions. Terrible.

In Episode 12, the main character insists she knows what to do but is constantly bullied. No backbone. It takes too long to to see her defended by her husband. They cut few important scenes, yet kept redundantones. The drama revolves around villains. Each 3 concubines, the old matriarch, the sister in law, the sisters. Except 1 maid, all women are villains. The only trustedperson is of course her maid telling her that being passive is worse., but she prefers to be a victim and claims she doesn't care. I really dislike her attitude, so I skipped many useless conversations.

To summarize, the male lead slept with two concubines and his ex-wife. He has two kids, and one concubine lost a child during childbirth. Then he lost physical interest to all because he could not stand women in general and their pettiness. He always feels guilty for mistreating the heroine, yet never asserts himself. I understand the matriarch is the queen of any Chinese family, but the romance was still not visible before episode 35.

It got better when he realized he fell for her around episode 15. But because she is a prude virgin, he never crossed the line… with his wife. Typically, the Chinese were seeing the collar skin is considered erotic. (rolling eyes) As if a married man did not sleep with his wife for years.

In Episode 21, the matriarch said she was upset with the concubine, Qiao, but the scene was cut in production, so it's unclear what she was referring to. Then the male lead spent an hour in the favorite concubine's bedroom as per the servant. This raises the question of whether he had sex with her as a birthday present. Additionally, the female lead said that the male lead gave his heart and she will give hers, but it's unclear when this happened. Furthermore, he slept with the concubine despite this. It all seems very inconsistent. The cuts in scenes seem unprofessional. They wanted to reduce the number of episodes, but at times, it made no sense.

Another thing that deserves its own paragraph… when FL married ML, his sister in law was pregnant. It is said numerous times that FL spent 2 years since her arrival. Ahem. 2 years pregnancy? The scriptwriter is plain stupid. That's the only explanation.

Compared to the story of Ming Lan, this drama is average. The storyline focuses on how to bully as much as possible and how the villains are rewarded. Like a few others here, I also do not see the chemistry between the main couple. He reminds me of Allen. He's a good actor, but he should never be cast in a romance drama.

The romance between the main couple is based on trust and honesty. I'm not sure if bumping into someone or falling physically due to bumpy roads or missed steps can be the big love revelation, but it seems to be in this drama. "I touched you by accident, and then I must be falling in love" - it's all quite ridiculous.

The drama is watchable, but annoying. I am not impressed with the direction/post production in general. It was poorly executed. Amateurs.

Read More

Nope. Don't waste your time

I mistakenly believed that the drama was an Academy Martial Arts drama, but it turned out to be far from it. The plot is needlessly ridiculous, the cast is below average, and the conclusion is utterly disappointing.

The storyline about a girl searching for her origins is overshadowed by a ridiculous love triangle between two guys and herself, where none of them seem to be genuinely in love with each other. The way I interpreted it was one guy had a crush on both male and female but because of the Chinese censor it is just blurred. However, many jealous scenes suggest he wanted the other guy's attention. The girl went back and forth but kept them both in the friend zone. No happy ending, no love story. A possible threesome or just friendship.

But that's not the worst part. The master is a joke, and the villains are laughable. And don't even get me started on the annoying sound effects that include stomach growling, footsteps, and eating noises. I mean, seriously, who wants to listen to that?

Trust me, don't waste your time watching this mess. It's a bad idea, and you'll regret it.

Read More

Good drama, wrong pairing

I must say that the first C-drama I ever watched had me hooked on this genre, and it still holds a soft spot in my heart. However, on a recent rewatch, I couldn't help but notice the flaws that I was oblivious to earlier.

The actors did a great job portraying their characters, but I couldn't help but compare Song Er to Rosy Zhao, who is way above her league. Ethan was believable until the romance part, which lacked any romantic chemistry despite the age gap not being an issue. While they played the roles of mentor and disciple well, the romantic part was a total miss.

The plot was interesting, but it dragged on for too long. The doctor breaking all the ethics and getting rewarded with another offshore job wasn't credible. The ex who was jealous and wanted to destroy the protagonist made me annoyed.

The only credible pair was the spoiled kid and Song Er. The song was enjoyable, even though it was a thousand repeats of the same sentence. The close-up shots of food were excellent, even though I saw a man's hand instead of hers in one scene.

Overall, it's still a solid and enjoyable contemporary drama, but it's not without its flaws



I always make it a point to check the bio and sometimes the news out of curiosity. It's unfortunate that Song Er's wrongdoings have caused so much harm and even led to some dramas being canceled. This is truly unacceptable.

Read More

Beautiful love story with a man not a boy!

I found this drama to be relatively short compared to others, which is just right. I cannot stand it when scriptwriters add redundant episodes just to drag out the storyline without bringing anything new to the plot. Thankfully, this drama had only 22 episodes.

The love story in this drama started early on, which I absolutely loved. However, I must say that the male lead's charming looks and masculine personality were the main reasons that kept me interested. If it weren't for him, I'm not sure I would have continued watching.

The chemistry between the main leads was good but not awe-inspiring. The female lead, although a decent actress in this drama, was forgettable in my opinion. However, I could feel the passion between the two characters, which is what I really enjoyed about this love story.

There were times when the plot felt rushed and lacked dialogue or explanation. I found myself wondering if I had missed an episode because of the sudden changes in storylines. For example, why did the female lead lie to the male lead and reject him about her forced marriage? Why did she suddenly refuse to give him her forever because of her mother when she was ready to do so in the first five episodes? How did she learn that he was in jail? Why did she visit her father and let him talk? The inconsistencies in the script made it seem like a teen had written it, which was a pity because it had the potential to be a fantastic drama.

The music was not memorable but suited the drama well. I'm glad that the scriptwriters did not add any unnecessary sound effects, except for the sound of crickets chirping to indicate nighttime.

As for the epilogue, I found it ridiculous. The kid is about 5-6 years old, and the female lead is joking that he had no interest in her since his birth? Seriously? Overall, despite the flaws, I think I will add this drama to my rewatch list just for the pleasure of seeing the male lead, Zheng Ye Cheng.

Read More

Really great.. until it became just good.

Before watching the drama, I managed to read about 80% of the novel. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it; on the contrary, I enjoyed it a lot. However, life got in the way. When I finally started watching the drama, I was very happy. I found both the male lead (ML) and female lead (FL) engaging, and their chemistry was great. Their portrayals of the characters from the novel felt authentic to me. I was content—until I wasn’t.

When the female lead lost her memories, I felt something was missing. I thought about what it was and realized that the characters in the novel and the drama no longer felt the same. The male lead came across as too soft; in the novel, he was ruthless and merciless, with only one soft spot—her. Then, when she left for 18 years in the demon realm, I felt a disconnect. The drama didn’t make that transition smooth enough. Some important moments that needed time for proper explanation felt rushed, while other scenes that didn’t require as much time dragged on.

The black snake, who was initially naive and had no idea how to be human, transformed into a character I no longer cared about.

This highlights an ongoing issue in Chinese entertainment. Since restrictions were imposed to limit episodes to 40, many dramas have been reduced well below that number. The average episode length has also dropped from 60 minutes to around 40 minutes. This results in fewer episodes overall, cutting out precious time that could have allowed the story to develop more fully.

The last few episodes feel rushed. They have been excessively shortened or not developed enough, making it seem like we are hastily racing to the conclusion. I feel overwhelmed by the speed of it all.

Additionally, the CGI has become repetitive. I've seen many scenes—like the valleys, palaces, and soul palace—repeatedly. While it was impressive in the first 6 to 8 episodes, nothing has wowed me since then.

Although I feel a bit disappointed, I still consider the drama to be solid and enjoyable, mainly due to the performances of the main leads. I think I would have dropped the show if it weren't for their acting. I was happy to see Arthur Chen expressing love and emotions, rather than just portraying his usual taciturn, arrogant, and secretive character. I love deep male voices, and his is music to my ears! 😆

Production made a great effort on the OST. I think I will buy the CD, which is a testament to how much I loved it. I enjoyed the costumes, hairstyles, and makeup—they were just right.

With just a few episodes left, I hope it improves. I plan to return to this review to share my final thoughts. Meanwhile, I will try to finish the novel.

***

Youku, you little scoundrel! You took my money again to watch the final three episodes, and what can I say? The drama and the novel did not end the same way, as expected. It seems that Chinese censorship only allows transmigration if the hero or heroine returns to modern times. For me it is a bittersweet ending. They meet in modern times but yet again he has no memories from his 2 previous lives. What a disappointment!

There were many disappointments, primarily due to the excessive cutting of scenes. Characters often appeared without proper introduction, and their relationships did not develop adequately. As a result, the final episodes lacked coherence. Although it was intended to be a romance, the couple barely shared a kiss because of strict censorship. I give it a final rating of 8 out of 10, but I only awarded this score because I liked the main leads; they had great chemistry and demonstrated strong acting skills. This rating is my discontent about cutting so much (twice) that the original script felt rushed and cringy. This drama could have been significantly improved with 40 episodes, each one hour long.

There will be no season 2. It clearly states ‘the end’ at the conclusion of episode 33. I am okay with that.

My conclusion is simple: read the novel!!

https://wordrain69.com/manga/dedicated-salted-fish-of-master/chapter-1/

Read More

Avoid!

I'm sorry to say this, but there is simply nothing positive to highlight about this. In my honest opinion, this is one of the worst dramas I have ever watched. The cast may have gotten paid, but that's about the only consolation. It's clear that the scriptwriter and director were not up to par, as the characters come off as childish and immature. And don't even get me started on the casting choices - who in their right mind thought it was a good idea to cast an aunt who looks like a disguised teenager?

I strongly advise against wasting your time on this one. The script is horrendous, the cast is subpar, the plot is messy, the chemistry between the characters is non-existent, and there is no happy ending to make up for it

Read More

This is a truly believable age-gap love story.

I firmly believe that whether one likes or dislikes an age gap in a relationship is subjective and depends on one's age, life experience, and physical attraction. In the specific case of this drama, Zhao Lusi's youthful and vivacious character with a high-pitched voice is paired with a mature and older male character, creating an alluring contrast. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this drama but understand that individual preferences may vary.

I absolutely adore characters that are absolute geniuses in their respective fields. It's a pure delight to watch them in action. And there's nothing quite like a drama that features a genius chef and a brilliant businessman defying all odds, including social class and age difference, to fall deeply in love with each other. It's a perfect story that leaves me absolutely spellbound.

I absolutely maintain that a better-looking or more attractive male lead would have been a grave mistake in casting, and would have detracted from the authenticity of the story. It's a well-known fact that businessmen generally don't achieve success at a young age, and how many of them are really model-worthy? I can't think of a single one. So, in my opinion, the casting was spot-on.

Although ML was not conventionally attractive, it does not mean that he was unattractive. He just did not fit the typical male actor look that we usually see paired with Rosy Zhao. I must say, I found it incredibly refreshing and completely believable.

I want to give a special mention to the uncle character who was portrayed as a straight guy (thanks to the Chinese censorship who forbid lgbt+ charactes in dramas) but had all the mannerisms of a gay man. He was absolutely hilarious.

Overall, it was an excellent drama that I'll definitely watch again with pleasure.

Read More

Great suspenseful drama

The drama is excellent and kept me on my toes from the beginning. The pace is quick, and the heroes are both exciting and lovable. While every episode up to 16 provided some clues, they were never enough to guess who the heroine's family was and where the hero's father could be. However, it was clear from the little clues that she was not a peasant and could marry her prince.

Despite all this, I must point out that the director and scriptwriter are to blame for many stupid acting choices, such as the bang on the door and the plant sent to the villain or the lousy eunuch's crazy acting with his two sidekicks and the brother repeatedly insisted that sharing important information was too complicated. These little things were very childish and spoiled an otherwise excellent drama.

I found the heroine's competence and the non-genre bias to give her the coroner position to be the most enjoyable aspects of the story. Though unrealistic, it still pleased me. However, I couldn't help but feel very annoyed by the main female lead's blind trust and submissive attitude. I have to be honest, I disliked her. Despite being good at her job as a coroner, her character adds no value to the drama. Her personality is dull and irritating. I strongly believe that she lacked the necessary confidence, charisma, and maturity for the role. Despite possessing acting talent, she came across as too infatuated with her pop artist idol at first sight and lacked the required edge. Therefore, I believe that casting her was not the right decision.

Let's be clear, If you're looking for a love story, look elsewhere because this drama doesn't deliver. The main couple lacks chemistry completely. However, the second couple is much more believable—the main plot centers around two opposing sides in a fierce battle. One group intends to take over the throne and dethrone the Emperor, while the other is determined to stop them at any cost.

I found the reconstitution of scenes and multiple-camera shots highly effective in providing a better perspective, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The drama director presented the audience with an incredibly captivating view. The music was frequently disruptive and bothersome. The way the story ended left me feeling disappointed. After all the ups and downs, the final two minutes seemed out of place and didn't quite fit the rest of the plot. It was like a sudden change in tone that took away from the overall experience.

ML episode 32 deserves a standing ovation for his exceptional acting. The casting team missed a big opportunity by not choosing another female lead to showcase the actor's talent. It's a shame because it would have added more highlights to the movie. On the other hand, the performance of the evil eunuch was outstanding and cannot be overlooked.

I must emphasize that the generic first season used here is simply outstanding. It has a striking resemblance to the iconic Game of Thrones. This is a job very well executed!

Overall, it is a good drama if you do not expect a love story.

Read More

If you are willing to wait for 2/3 of the drama to finally see the love story…

I must say, I found it quite frustrating that it took a whopping 20 episodes to finally reveal the genre of the female lead. Until then, all we saw was her being subjected to physical punishment by male characters for no apparent reason. And let's not even get started on the villains who showed up way too late in the series and acted like children. The plot was nothing short of childish, and the mother/madam/villain got away with multiple murders without any consequences. It was just ridiculous!

The female lead receiving the Imperial position at just 18 years of age was a bit far-fetched, and the physical wounds she received, such as whipping, didn't seem to reflect the severity of the situation. It was as if she got away with just a few scratches, which miraculously healed within a few hours. Many actors played their characters in an annoying, childish manner, and the music was not up to the mark.

The storyline about a guy falling for a guy who is actually a girl was stretched way too much, and it became quite nauseating after a while. I had been waiting for the female lead's genre to be revealed for so long, and it was quite disappointing to have to wait until the latter half of the series. The whole thing just felt like the scriptwriters were trying to drag the series on for as long as possible.

While the two male leads were great actors and definitely handsome, the female lead felt one-dimensional, and I'm not sure if I can solely blame the script for that. I prefer heroines who are more sassy and not doormats. Watching bullies for more than half a series was a major turn-off.

Although there were a few funny scenes that saved some episodes, overall, the series was a letdown.

After careful consideration, it's safe to say that the slow pace of the love story and the frequent occurrence of verbal and physical abuse make this drama less enjoyable for repeat viewings.

Read More

My favorite drama… hands down

Oh my goodness, I cannot stop raving about this drama I just watched! I stumbled upon it by chance, and it was a game-changer for me. I'm now a die-hard fan of Rosy Zhao and can't get enough of her. This is unusual because I do not usually obsess over celebrities. But trust me, she deserves all the hype she's getting!

The drama was a perfect blend of love and plot, and despite watching countless shows, I was utterly hooked from the very first episode. I usually find that dramas start slow and it takes forever for anything exciting to happen, but not this one! It had me on the edge of my seat to the end. The love story was beautifully crafted and the relationships between the characters were fascinating to watch. I have too many favorite episodes to list, but let me just say that each one was a masterpiece in its own right.

The actors were all outstanding, but I must give a special shoutout to Li Yun, Rui played by Leo Wu. His character's struggle to resist falling in love with the female lead was so well portrayed, and the chemistry between the two was electric. And can we talk about the emperor Bao Jian Feng? What a great performance by Zheng Li! I was also impressed by the supporting cast, particularly the two brothers who were shadows of Leo Wu's character.

Now, I do have a few minor complaints. There were times when I wished there were more close-ups of Leo Wu's facial expressions, especially during some of the more emotional scenes. There were also some inconsistencies in the story, like when they said the female lead's parents left for 10 years instead of 15, or how she learned all about construction. The lack of synchronization in the flute parts played by Rosy Zhao was extremely distracting, despite my genuine appreciation for the music. But these are just nitpicks, really.

The last two episodes were a bit of a letdown for me. I was hoping for a grand finale, but it was just okay. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that this is hands down my favorite drama of all time! I can't even count how many times I've rewatched it. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on one of the best shows out there!

Read More

A short drama that deserves recognition.

I came across a complete drama on YouTube. As usual, I start watching for a few minutes, and if I don't like it, I move on to the next video in my feed. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it and ended up watching the entire drama in one go—5 hours and 30 minutes!

This drama had obviously a low budget, which proves that you don't need a high budget to be successful. Typically, I’m not a fan of 10-minute episodes, but if the drama is engaging and can keep my attention for a binge-watch, then I'm all in.

**Cons:** The heavy makeup on the male characters was a bit off-putting; I prefer them with less lipstick. Additionally, I found the female lead unconvincing in the romantic scenes, particularly when she smiled.

**Pros:** The plot and dialogue kept me interested, and I appreciated the happy ending. The cast did a great job.

I am usually not a fan of transmigration themes because they often end bittersweet or sad. However, the scriptwriter cleverly navigated Chinese censorship, justifying the couple’s happy ending by framing it as a dream experienced by the female lead. That was a smart move.

I always check the cast’s previous works when I watch a new drama. I noticed that the male lead started his career with many dramas, but since starring in a same-sex Thai BL drama, he has only appeared in two others. 2 aired, 6 pending. Given recent announcements regarding the ban of BL dramas on platforms like iQIYI, Tencent, and Youku, along with the stringent censorship against same-sex themes in China, it’s no surprise that the male lead may find himself on a blacklist. I'm sure he was aware of the potential consequences when he took on the BL role. Thailand produces the majority of BL dramas, so if he chooses to continue in that genre, he can likely move his career there. (sidenotes: no kissing between ML and FL in this drama! 😆 )

Overall, I rated this drama an 8 out of 10 because it was solid and well executed.

Read More

Movie for kids

Don’t expect anything grandiose from this movie; it primarily focuses on the nuanced relationship between a father and his son. The narrative revolves around the father, a man who has prioritized his duties to others over the needs of his own family. However, he comes to a poignant realization: his family truly holds the most significant place in his life.

Interestingly, the role of the son is portrayed by a young girl, which raises questions about the casting choices. It’s unclear whether the production team struggled to find young male talent or if there was a misunderstanding in the translation of the script, leading to the confusion of the term “son” instead of “daughter.” The audience comments largely suggest that they expected the character to be a boy, indicating a mismatch in expectations.

While the performances are commendable, the film caters primarily to a family audience and may not captivate adult viewers. Its themes are deeply rooted in family dynamics, especially the aspects of filial obligation but also the father obligation and the redemptive journey of realizing the value of family relationships.

As an adult, I found the pacing dull and the plot predictable, but I believe the film serves as a valuable lesson for children and young teenagers. It effectively conveys the importance of family bonds, making it a thoughtful choice for young audiences to reflect upon the significance of prioritizing family in their lives.

My hypothesis is that the script was crafted as a form of propaganda aimed at teaching children an important lesson about gratitude and familial responsibility. In a cultural context like China, which still embraces strong paternalistic values, the narrative likely emphasizes that if a father is absent from home, it is not due to neglect but rather because he is toiling diligently to provide for his family’s wellbeing. This portrayal serves to instill a sense of appreciation in children, encouraging them to recognize the sacrifices their fathers make and to foster a mindset that values selflessness over selfish desires.

Yeah. Right…

Even though it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, the movie remains enjoyable..

Read More

The main leads makes this drama a must watch

Initially, I was hesitant about diving into another drama featuring a transmigration female lead, especially one that might end on a bittersweet note. Yet, despite my reservations, my curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself clicking 'play' yet again.

The turning point came when I stumbled across a YouTube video showcasing the drama's clips. I was engrossed in it, captivated by the chemistry between the main leads. As soon as the video finished, YouTube's algorithm kicked in, suggesting more related clips, and I couldn't resist watching them, too.

I am particularly fond of strong female characters, especially those with impressive martial arts skills, and this drama appeared to tick all the boxes.

Eager to learn more, I headed over to MyDramaList to check the ratings and skim through some comments.

I genuinely appreciate seasoned drama actors; I’m drawn to characters portrayed by mature, manly figures rather than boyish ones. This drama certainly delivered on that front, and I was pleased with the performances and chemistry.

While the central storyline wasn't groundbreaking or incredibly innovative, the true strength of the drama lay in its supporting cast. I recognized several secondary actors and actresses who had impressed me in previous shows. Their presence added depth and enjoyment, making the viewing experience worthwhile.

Overall, this drama is a solid pick for anyone looking for entertainment. It’s receiving an underrated rating, considering the competent performances and engaging interplay among the characters.

While the overall drama may not stand out as particularly memorable, there are definitely a few scenes that leave a lasting impression. A solid 8.5/10.

Read More

Cute comedy

I binge-watched all three seasons consecutively, which allowed me to sidestep the bittersweet conclusions that marked both Season 1 and Season 2. While the drama may not stand out as particularly memorable, I wouldn’t label it as terrible either. The acting struck me as commendable; it maintained a balance that avoided the pitfalls of excessive childishness and slapstick humor—two traits I often find off-putting in comedies. As for the plot, it was engaging enough and held my interest, akin to many other light-hearted comedies I enjoy. In summary, I believe this show merits a higher rating than it currently receives, as it offers more value than the numbers suggest.

Read More

Childish but cute

This is a light-hearted and family-friendly drama that I'd recommend if you enjoy gentle entertainment. The script is the only letdown here, not the performances by the actors. The series has a happy ending for three couples and spans across 24 episodes.

The series has some childish and unbelievable moments, but the martial arts scenes are well done and visually stunning. It has plenty of humor throughout. Overall, it's important to note that if you're expecting something like "The Imperial Cononer," this drama is quite different – it's full of inconsistencies and geared towards viewers who enjoy lighthearted drama, sweet romance, and tidy, happy endings for all.

I found the childish characters in the drama quite off-putting, but surprisingly, the female lead was enjoyable to watch. I felt that she had good chemistry with the male lead, and both of them portrayed their characters convincingly. The supporting cast also delivered solid performances, which added to the overall quality of the drama.

In my opinion, while the drama may not be exceptionally memorable, it could serve as a nice change of pace after watching a more intense or serious series.

Read More