Tova
Sweden
Visually stunning but pacing is off
This is my first time watching a c drama as it's currently airing. And I can easily say that it has reignated my love for c dramas, and has made me want to watch more. Especially ones in this particular genre.
To start with the good we have Zhao Lu Si's incredibly acting. I'm convinced she would have chemistry with a rock should the story require her to. This is my second time watching one of her dramas, and it certainly won't be the last. She's accompanied by Yang Yang, who albeit is a little more stiff in his acting, nonetheless manages to convince us of their undying love for each other. It was refreshing to see a drama without any unnecessary breakups or confusing love triangles. They supported each other from beginning until end.
It was also lovely to see a female main character who wasn't only supposed to be strong, but actually showed us that she was too. Unfortunately in dramas we're often told that the main character is supposed to be strong or powerful, but none of her actions showcase it. This was not a problem in this drama. We were quickly introduced to her character, and her moral compass. But even though she tried to be rightous and value all human life, she wasn't hesitant to get her hands dirty when the situation required it. Kudos to the writers and Zhao Lu Si for accomplishing this.
It wasn't all good however. One thing I always have some trouble with in chinese dramas is the over-the-top cgi they tend to prefer. It makes the show seem silly, even when it isn't supposed to be. I will also never understand why they insist on dubbing a show that is in their own language. Perhaps there is a reason for this that I just don't know about. But it still strikes me as odd.
The main problem I had with this show however, is the inconsistent pacing. Though it was enjoyable throughout, it felt like the middle part was dragged out unnecessarily long. The beginning was fast-paced and then it mellowed out into episodes that didn't feel like they furthered the plot very much at all. Which in turn made the ending very rushed. It seemed like they tried to cram 80% of the story into the final few episodes.
All in all, a very enjoyable drama. But one that definitely could have benefited from tighter writing or more episodes. Something I never thought I would wish unto a c drama.
To start with the good we have Zhao Lu Si's incredibly acting. I'm convinced she would have chemistry with a rock should the story require her to. This is my second time watching one of her dramas, and it certainly won't be the last. She's accompanied by Yang Yang, who albeit is a little more stiff in his acting, nonetheless manages to convince us of their undying love for each other. It was refreshing to see a drama without any unnecessary breakups or confusing love triangles. They supported each other from beginning until end.
It was also lovely to see a female main character who wasn't only supposed to be strong, but actually showed us that she was too. Unfortunately in dramas we're often told that the main character is supposed to be strong or powerful, but none of her actions showcase it. This was not a problem in this drama. We were quickly introduced to her character, and her moral compass. But even though she tried to be rightous and value all human life, she wasn't hesitant to get her hands dirty when the situation required it. Kudos to the writers and Zhao Lu Si for accomplishing this.
It wasn't all good however. One thing I always have some trouble with in chinese dramas is the over-the-top cgi they tend to prefer. It makes the show seem silly, even when it isn't supposed to be. I will also never understand why they insist on dubbing a show that is in their own language. Perhaps there is a reason for this that I just don't know about. But it still strikes me as odd.
The main problem I had with this show however, is the inconsistent pacing. Though it was enjoyable throughout, it felt like the middle part was dragged out unnecessarily long. The beginning was fast-paced and then it mellowed out into episodes that didn't feel like they furthered the plot very much at all. Which in turn made the ending very rushed. It seemed like they tried to cram 80% of the story into the final few episodes.
All in all, a very enjoyable drama. But one that definitely could have benefited from tighter writing or more episodes. Something I never thought I would wish unto a c drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
