Not even Gray, just Cloudy Murk
It seems I'm going to break the momentum here from the many comments praising this drama. Admittedly, I should have done more research before starting it. Just in case anyone is going to start this due to the gushing comments, here are some things you might consider first...I've decided I don't enjoy shows/movies that clearly set you up to root for villains (instead, the villain in this drama (portrayed as an anti-hero) drove me bonkers, and I couldn't stand how they kept trying to make them sympathetic; there is no way one human working alone can wisely, objectively and accurately determine who is worthy of death *shudder*). I also did not find any of the characters very likable (even Santa was just alright). I like to have someone to root for when I watch things, and no one surfaced for me in this drama. I have no idea how I finished it! Maybe I was curious to see if it would get better? (It didn't.)
If an indie, dark comedy movie that wanted to play with your mind in artsy, satirical ways was a drama, this would be it (and like some indie content, tries to appear "profound" and "poignant" when it really isn't). I don't usually mind nuanced or layered protagonists or villains who operate believably in the gray, but I draw the line at the cloudy murk these characters operated in. I also felt like it focused more on mood, vibe and aesthetic than plot and character development.
Also, Signal is on the "recommended" list, but please know it's a completely different vibe. If you loved that, you won't necessarily love this. The Devil Judge in some ways feels more reminiscent of this drama in tone and vibe (and flip flop the somewhat queer bromance in that for the sismance in this), but I still liked that better than this because TDJ made more sense, was less disjointed, did a better job fleshing out characters and showing you why you should root for them and had several, genuinely likeable characters.
To conclude, this one takes the cake for being my least favorite drama of all time (as of now). NOT my cup of tea.
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A Death That Inspires Life...
I loved this. But I'll start with a gripe so I can end on a good note.I remember interacting with an MDL user once who said she didn't like Cdramas because they glorified work in an unhealthy way. That stuck. I thought it was interesting, since I expected Chinese entertainment to portray more traditional family dynamics, being a traditionally patriarchal country. But I discovered this is not the case. Almost all dramas portray both spouses working in some capacity. So, as I've watched more Cdramas, unfortunately I think this critique is true. I'm not sure if this is just a Chinese ethic or if it's propaganda from the government (any time a drama portrays the government as "goodhearted" and "functional" instantly smells fishy; there is no such government. And entertainment is the place where much of that critique happens in countries with the freedom to speak their mind in media (but not so in Cdramas! It makes me a bit leary)). While the writer and/or director managed to meld this glorifying of work into a much healthier and more tempered message about healing (that includes taking something of a break from work, but not really, because Hongdou can't help but jump in again) and finding your passion, discovering who you are, finding a partner to build a life of mutual dignity and respect with, and figuring out what you want in life, it still smacked of the clear message, "Every good, responsible citizen will do their part." But again, the glorifying of work (thankfully) was almost smothered by the more positive, cozy, and upbeat elements of this story, and these allowed me to embrace it despite some of the drawbacks.
On to what I loved.
The drama just oozed cozy, comfy, and relaxing vibes. The plot plods along at a gentle, soothing pace, like a stream flowing slowly and calmly to its destination. The leads' relationshop was one of the healthiest I've seen in a modern Cdrama. It was all just so comforting and like a warm hug (my favorite kind of slice of life drama). It does remind me of Hometown Cha Cha Cha in ways, but it's a much slower pace, and very little drama or angst in comparison. I love the quiet, ambient moments where a person is just filmed enjoying a breeze in Youfeng Couryard, or sipping a cup of tea as steam wafts from their drink, or shots that almost felt like snapshots or still lifes of the countryside in all its quaint beauty (I can totally see why this area boomed with tourism after this drama aired!).
Finally, as I was close to finishing the drama, I thought about how much Hongdou's life was changed (for the better) by traveling to Yunnan. And it was all because of Chen Nanxing. If it weren't for Chen Nanxing's death, Hongdou would never have gone to Yunnan, and she would never have grown, blossomed and flourished like we see her do as she rediscovers who she is, and what she wants in life. Nanxing changed Hongdou's life, but also so many other people's lives by extension. What a beautiful legacy! I hope my death can mean as much (whenever it happens, haha).
I just loved watching Hongdou grieve, heal, fall in love, and find her feet and stumble upon her passion unexpectedly. It was beautiful, and inspiring.
P.S. Granny has to be my favorite old grandma from any drama to date.
P.P.S. The music was perfect.
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