Satisfying and Rewarding

I started this review while ongoing and now it’s done, I’m editing my final analysis.

Cast: From main leads to supporting, I think this one is well chosen.
Li Xian (Mai Dong) -i give him credit for choosing works that makes his acting credible. Seen him in go go squid and meet yourself. With this third one, he’s secured a spot in my top seven list of male Chinese actors. He brings out the character he plays so well you just admire it. He’s the cold, serious, never smiles mortician…until Jie.
Zhou Tong (Z Jie)- is an incredible versatile actress with a colorful array of roles with big actors. She’s unfiltered, unabashedly comfortable in this role which makes her character so endearing. She has a handicap but it doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, and a love in MaiDong.
Wan Peng (Xiaxia) has a minor role as bestie of Jie. Loved her in My girlfriend is an alien. Here’s she’s almost unrecognizable with her matured new (to me) look. Beautiful.
The rest of cast are so good each putting in their best to compliment and complete this storytelling.

Writing is very good. So many poignant points about life. It really makes you think. FL had lots of insecurities and there are some parts she may seem toxic even. What I like though is how ideal relationships should be. One part she said something totally out of place that really hurt ML. Immediately though she sought his forgiveness, explaining her why’s. I think for many who haven’t had love lives may be turned off automatically after this incident but those of us who have can relate that it’s relationship building in progress. This couple did make progress, big time.

I think it’s unique that the main guy is a make up artist of the deceased. The portrayal of the handling of others loved ones makes me appreciate those who do these acts. These artists are in the background, hardly thought of, recognized. This gives an enlightenment of sort. Definitely an appreciated work.

There’s so many thoughtful lines that goes along that gives us so much feels. “Life is full of different destinations. Eventually you’ll go the grave”. “People buy special urns or beautiful tombstone to make their loved one standout. Those are just illusions. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. Nothing more outstanding than that. Therefore, live the best life you can, while you can”.

This drama is for the matured thinkers. It’s written well, and acted well. As for romance? You got to see it to believe it. It’s exactly as how two people who have just fallen in love act. Finally we see that true warmth of love through eye connections, touches, real hugs, and kisses. Definitely modern display of love. Kissing in public? What? No fish kisses either. Chemistry is sizzling I’m piqued whether it’s acting or real. lol. They did well. Appreciate their work.

It takes an explosive incident to put the decision at rest. Together forever we will be. Done. Very well done.

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I love lead pairing and their chemistry

This isn’t really the only drama I enjoyed the pairing but perhaps I haven’t come across one lately in my watching that these two awakened my interest. I haven’t seen the works of either so it was quite refreshing as if watching my first cdrama. These two compliment each other matching their arduous feelings. There’s a scene in the office that was embarrassingly lit.

I liked how the male lead decided his feelings for the female lead is more important than his supposedly revenge. It doesn’t drag out which is a relief. There’s plenty of couple moments of sweetness instead of often last episode get together. Yes there’s an annoying character who tries to make trouble but lead guy is never swayed. Those things is what I often want to see and this drama has it. Sure it’s not perfect but overall, I highly enjoyed this for its simplicity, and overboard cuteness of leads.

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Lucky stars counted

I’m not sure why I’ve put off watching this although I’ve come across it so many times. I count myself lucky because i finally did and totally enjoyed it. Here’s why:
First, I’m a sop for romance and this story has a great one. So as not to spoil it for you, I just want to give brief highlights.
ML has endured the pain of guilt of something that happened which wasn’t his fault but nevertheless painful. FL is someone who desired to be a fashion designer but always felt she brought about bad luck. Their interactions weave a tale that may sound familiar in others you’ve read or watched. The pair that seemed to not get along journeyed on a path involving overcoming hurdles of self doubt, inner turmoil, but strong support for each other.

The cast. Jerry Yan. My goodness he’s a great actor. He has emotional scenes that you can’t help but be greatly affected because of his acting. He really gets into the role and his pain will probably be much more felt bc you can’t help but pity him as you practically feel his hurt. Yes he’s very handsome but I really enjoy his work to care about those things.
Shen Yue. I think this is my first drama watching her. She’s a budding good actress. I love her character, kind, considerate, fun, and devoted. She played her part well, nothing coy but just natural. I’m a new fan and her smile? Contagious.
Wei Zhe Ming. Now I do know this actor and one of my favorites. Though he was second lead, he was very much liked. His character was sort of sad but in the end, things worked out. Though it’s totally unfair to me not to list them all, every other cast members were great contributors to this made story. The parents of Shen Yues character were so wonderful. We all know and have seen real nasty selfish drama parents but here, in them at least, they showed how parents should be…kind, supportive. The friends of fl and their boyfriends were also so cute.

Note of warning. The common complaint from so many is the lack of clothes type worn by Jerry Lans character. Yeah, but so? Letting you know in advance if it’s gonna be a problem for you. To me, yes I noticed but I was too invested in the story itself not be a big deal. Whatever reason it was for lack, I’m sure it’s not actors fault. Or he’s like me, not caring how many times I wear something as long as I’m comfortable??
Second warning is age gap. I don’t know what it is that bothers people (of course they have right to their own) but the way these leads carried out their roles was nothing short of true love and adoration for each other. They were the perfect pair and no gap is in it except maybe In people’s twisted thinking. Let these two things not deter you. This is definitely worth the watch and spoiler…………..ending kiss to a happy couple. Oh yeah, NEVER FORGET, the ost, is so endearingly inserted throughout im humming it as i write. Thanks.

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Kim Joo Hyuk

I started this without knowing about Mr. Hyuk. I finished because of him; to his memory.

This was very enjoyable to me. I just like the type where the male lead is cold and so different in personalities from female lead you deem it impossible for them to end up together. Here, they both disliked each other a lot.

I was conflicted because this story has a very kind hearted second female lead. I would have been okay if she ended up with male lead. I criticize the writing for making these love triangles, actually four people and they’re all so nice.

There’s plenty of annoyances. Female lead is clumsy, gets into plenty mishaps. Regardless, I looked forward to each episode. RIP to Mr. Kim Joo Hyuk. Seeing the bts scenes at last episode was bitter sweet. He is seen laughing a lot, full of life….

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Delightful and Painful

Delightful: Roy Chiu! Though this was out many years ago, it is nevertheless a very fun light watch because of his ability to be comedic. He is very good at being funny it made this drama really entertaining. Two female leads, Alice Ke and Joane Tseng also were great (and irritating I must admit at times but is there ever a drama that doesn’t happen) adding to the intrigue. On top of the cast, the story highlighted young love trying to sort out feelings and uncertainties in relationships. Older love too have problems to be ironed out. Ordinary story with perfect casting to keep you rooting.

Painful: got messy towards middle where writer tried too hard to create content to keep the amount of episodes. There were some very positive narratives but got buried in the resolution that went everywhere. It dragged a bit that it lost its cuteness when it should have climbed to crescendo.

Overall: it ended cute with kind of a weird finale that led to the proposal. Happy ending.

Noteworthy to mention that this drama has the most realistic sweet kisses and lots of it. In case you wanted to know^^~^^

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Appreciation

Honestly, thanks to this show I got a glimpse into the world of talented people who plays music in an orchestra. I thought i wouldn’t like it simply because I’m not particularly interested in this type of genre. However, Lee Young Ae impressed me with her seriousness about her trade, her steely cold demeanor, and of course, her conducting. She’s mesmerizing to watch, and I appreciate the work put into the role (i read) so definitely deserves the watch. Supporting cast were great too. Overall it’s a great watch and I’m glad i did. Other reviews have great intakes on the story.

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Don’t waste your time

Such potentials but the person writing this has got to be a very depressed person. The saving grace was the leads who were just pleasant to look at. This has the most repulsive characters that pretty much got their happy ending. When I think about the death of actor Lee Sun Kyun, this show gives an enlightenment of the toxicity of narrow mindedness and life of privilege that plagues the mindset. What horrible horrible characters. Specifically the mother daughter duo in this show. They harass, bully, threaten and openly too without repercussions.

To be fair, this show also had some really nice characters. Acting was very good. Unfortunately, everything good was buried by the senseless actions of two characters. All the beautiful proses were also buried. I would find something else. You’d think after all these 122 episodes they would at least make it up in ending. Lousy and disappointing as well.

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Such a gem

I’m up to episode fourteen and what is not to like about this drama so I’m compelled to spread positivity for it’s a masterpiece. Why is it a masterpiece? According to me, myself, and I, if each episode of a drama leaves me in lingering feelings of connectivity and don’t want it to end, then it’s really good.

The drama is purely a love story. In its center is a hearing impaired man who definitely has a colorful backstory of pain and hurt stemming from his hearing loss. He’s now a grown man getting by until a sweet, somewhat naive young woman enters his life. That’s the story…relationship development. Leaving you to enjoy it, i just want to say that if ever there’s a couple you want to root for, it’s this one.

The deliverance is a standout for both main leads. After a few episodes, I feel like I got the hang of signing and became familiar with some. Much credit to the actors for learning and preparing. What lacks in oral speech or even in understanding signing you glimpse it in their expressions….worry, question, joy, concern, love, etc. They really learned and prepared well. This alone just makes me cry in every episode. It’s a beautifully woven love story.

With two episodes left, i hope they can continue the favorable writing. If they do, i can positively say this will easily be in the top list of many for go back rewatch.

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Watch Something Else

Warning that this does contain spoilers because I just have no way of being nice to this story.

Honestly, it has lots of potentials to be a great story but it became a mess as they tried to stretch it out. There’s these scenes of grandma in and out of dementia which was fine at beginning but it became regular, that it wasn’t cute anymore. It didn’t give any effective results of it so yeah, it became a drag. The main issue of female leads father as a murderer was a good plot until it was dragged out towards the end and it was like, so all that just for everyone to be one big family. Trust me, you’ll know what I mean when you watch. Female leads character was just terrible. She bowed, she got slapped, food thrown at, forced to divorce, openly dislike by mother in law and sister in law, that at end, they thought her the greatest thing they bout fell over to get her back in family. There was so much disdain and abuse of the poor and unfortunate from rich a***oles it’s disgusting that a society lives like that. Yes, we’ve seen it a lot in these chaebol dramas but I found this so intolerable.

The acting especially of Choi Soo Jong as father of main lead was really good, I could feel his every emotion in his complicated character. Sorry, I don’t mean to talk bad but female lead, Uee was just not up to par. I could see how her character is supposed to be meek because she’s poor but her facial withdrawn face throughout pretty much never changed throughout entire drama it was so boring. My gosh, it was so frustrating watching her. The actress Jung Jae Soon, adorable as she was could not save this mess. Props though to the snobbish evil ones because as always, their characters shine as bright neon on the hill as to how not to behave in any decent society, even if they’re filthy rich.

Writing was terrible. I think there was so much better plots to get out of situations here without giving bad people excuses to act awful towards others. I mean, we watch and want to come a2ay with something that is lasting and impactful to grow as a society. This show in the most, maybe ninety five percent of it made poor people so pathetic they don’t deserve to live in society and the empowerment to the rich continued until very end when had a light bulb moment of change.

Go ahead if you want to try. These after all are just personal reviews. I scoff that I hear this drama got lots of awards. I wish I never gave it any time of my day. Waste.

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I’m just gonna be very simple. I enjoyed this series a lot. Characters of main and secondary female leads are that of strong women, both with struggles in their personal lives, but dynamic, smart, and forthcoming in their careers (lawyers).

I think what makes this series strong is the way it paces. It starts with one significant plot but it builds on other subplots which is in turn, making the lead characters bolder to then have a great resolution to her primary letdown. It’s interesting because the two main ladies are so different in personalities, outlook, so their partnership slowly builds from mistrust but do form a bonding sisterhood at end.

I think this is the first law cdrama I’ve seen so I’ve been mesmerized with the cases and operations of the law, especially in a firm. If anything, it’s eye opening and thought provoking. Cases are interesting.

Everyone does a good job, antagonists and protagonists. Male lead here is hated and disliked so much by fl I wanna reach in tell her to chill a bit. haha He’s not that bad, for sure to her. He’s smart and knows how to be a lawyer, both sides i would say.

Don’t be a sleeper on an excellent show by veteran casts that are so good. I think editors did a good job where they ended the season. An identifying plot, a build up, climax, and a resolution happened so that it leaves watchers pretty satisfied. The last scenes though keeps watchers hungry to see detailed outcomes of resolution, unfinished business (Mr Han), as well as more interesting cases. Of course, the romance (to be or not) of leads. I’d say everything is pretty well done and I’m so looking forward to the continuation.

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Friendship and Brotherhood at its best

It’s too bad there hasn’t been reviews on this wonderful work. The lack of reviews then obviously drives down ratings and interest. Too bad!

The story itself is truly an overused narrative. A couple divorces, unexpectedly I might add, and there is your baseline. Corporate business is the setting, more or less, as the motivated drives to succeed and the opposition has its differing ambitions. Couple ended up working in same company so from there, it’s your guess where it leads as I don’t want to give spoilers.

Here’s the thing. Three men, in their forties, fifties as close friends as close can be. They are next to each other when facing a crisis, laugh hard when a celebration calls for, brainstorm to problem solve, etc. The friendship is so admirable. What a bond of men! In giving advice they are spot on, in lightening the mood they are witty with enough humor to change a serious atmosphere whether sad or good. I’ve smiled ever so often and moved too by the words of wisdom. Yes, each of these men have their own stories outside of their friendship, but guaranteed each were in support of each other when needed. Their stories, struggles, strengths and weaknesses are embodied in a strong brotherhood to make anyone envious of such a friendship. Forty episodes that i barely ever ffwd. Writing is good, deliverance of veteran actors are great. Subtitles aren’t always coherent but it’s good enough to understand the main points. I guess I’ve watched too many dramas to have a pattern I look or read between and this is one I was proud to fully enjoy regardless of.

I’m glad they produce dramas that goes beyond the seemingly favored audiences who like younger pretty boys and girls images. Don’t get me wrong, I do too. It’s just that the older viewers that I fall into also enjoy seeing cultured veteran characters. This is not to say this drama is only for matured audiences. Its message is same as other dramas but delivered by very handsome and beautiful veteran actors. Hope you can give it a try.

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Simply Enjoyable

How do I start describing this story to give it justice…

The story. Writers did a great job weaving this tale of greed. Sometimes you lose something to realize you had it good but it’s too late. Sometimes it takes one event to change your destiny that you didn’t look for. This is a well woven drama of a well orchestrated revenge by a strong female. It’s unlike other revenge dramas so it kept viewers very interested.

Twist. There’s a formidable sisterhood that develops that may shock you. Two women with different struggles met on the premise of betrayal. What’s endearing is that behind the layers of the initial conflict, is the discovery that even enemies can be the greatest of foes. You will see it when you watch. This friendship is undeniably cool.

Cast. ML (Huang Xiao/Gu Xu) doesn’t really come into play until later episodes. In fact, the female lead’s husband (Li Feng/Wei Ming)is just as well the main lead as he’s the focus pretty much. About that husband. The actor does a good job. His character is so shady though he’ll have you seething. FL ( Zhang Xiao/Lin Shuang) is new to me so I can’t say much about her acting. Her character is the kind that if you’re impatient, you wanna say, “let’s go, move it”. It’s about the best way I can describe her. It can frustrate you (as me) but I think she’s playing well to her character (meek, quiet, low key). The close friend to female lead (Jenny Zhang/Jiang Xi) could very well be 2nd female lead as her story becomes unexpectedly entangled with the other yet, her involvement without doubt adds to the strength of the story.
The romance is slow slow burn and in this drama, it fits in very nicely to the story. It’s very matured, and I like that a lot. There’s no obvious chasing, or silly tropes. These are very grown adults who are patient and allow their feelings to come naturally.

From beginning to end it kept me piqued to know the next and next. I am very happy with ending.

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Pleasantly very good

These are things that I find very pleasant about this drama that you might also.
1. The chemistry of the leads. I’ve seen both artists works in their rom-coms and they are among my favorites. They are so natural here. Thank goodness there’s not a lot of push and pull in their eventual come together. It’s actually quite mature and once committed, their screen displays are so sweet.
2. Story of small business development versus big isn’t new. It’s about dreams to stand out on own ideas and hard work. That development may be the gist of the storyline but it’s good enough to give us a look at the people. The side stories of the people around the leads adds are sweet and complex that adds flavor.
3. The “intruders” are not too complicated. You have the dramas where you’re seething from beginning to end practically. Not here. It’s very mild but you gotta have some hiccups somewhere right?

Who needs more complications when we have enough in our lives. If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you attentive to what’s next in each episode, especially in seeing a healthy beautiful relationship, then this is a good one to watch. Well, there are two more episodes during this writing but I’m convinced it’s a done deal drama. Give it a chance and I believe you will be pleasantly satisfied.

Update*********done with! As I predicted, to the end it’s very satisfying. Enjoy.

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Don’t be a sleeper on a very good story

I totally base my reviews on my likes. I also like to point out that I have no credibility for being a writer. Okay, now that’s out of the way, let me speak on this wonderful drama. Warning ⚠️ I really don’t mean to give spoilers so my intent isn’t to. If it comes out that way, I apologize. I really hope though that I put it in a way that will make you want to find out for yourself.

So the plot line is nothing new. Two lovebirds break up because of ambitions. Three years later they meet up. In the course of the story there is competition in office, business building, it’s ups and downs. At the same time, complications in human relationships play out, among lovers, peers. The crux of it all is the realness of how it portrays life. To me, the writing is really good, especially the way the relationships of the three main characters panned out. There was no cheesiness in the relations, but rather, a good look at how decisions shaped based on past hurts, fear of unknown, but most importantly, recognizing and honoring the value of each persons decision. Seriously, there are so many life lessons to learn from this story, from these characters.

The cast are good. These are more mature casts. I really enjoyed the cast who played the family members of the couples. Maybe because I’m so relieved none were hateful, screamers, or slappers. The dramas with these types of parents (too many for my likes) is so cringey I loathe it. Its ending was simple but poignantly happy.

On the last note, subtitles weren’t super good ( not dissing on subbers work as I appreciate the work and time) so hopefully you can find a site that may have a better one. I watched on DC, but maybe you’ll be lucky and find it adjusted. Give it a try. No matter your take, I really enjoyed it and feel you will too. Thanks

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I’m especially liking this for the leads. I feel that they are written well. Mu Zhuo hua is smart, witty, perceptive. Actress Jing Tian does a nice job portraying her. Lord Ding to me is like an old old soul, in a fairly young man. He’s wise, thoughtful, and reserved himself to be a recluse until Mu Zhuohua came to his life. Feng Shao Feng also plays his role well. I admit his forever slow motions…walk, movement of head, even speaking (imo) tests my patience sometimes but the mix of his old soul to her witty smiles makes them so cute. Besides this, they match each others intelligence so that together, they’re able to solve arising problems or even solve old mysteries.

It’s a drama for mature minds. It’s a nice break from idol casting. It might not be for everyone but I think if you’re willing to be patient and stick with it, producers and writers did a pretty decent job, and of course the cast who is delivering. I’m up to episode thirty and my attention hasn’t been hindered. Well…perhaps a tad here and there with the slow burn romance. Otherwise, this cast deserves an audience and I hope you give them a try.

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