MIDWAY REVIEW

As a lover of historical dramas, I am always thirsty for contemporary dramas that relate to Chinese culture that is more than the industrialized business sector. I think I watched too much Li Ziqi when she was broadcasting. This drama is well written, has an intense and compelling storyline, and is addictive. Rural village life is portrayed in-depth and in the early episodes important but not pleasant cultural traditions are shared. Also, rural traditions that are almost feudalist and almost remind me of plantation-type lifestyles are revealed and explored. As the drama continues you begin to experience the contrasts of city life versus rural life and how they have intermingled because the next generation is sending their children to schools in cities and their ambitions and values are changing. This drama is worth every viewing minute.

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This drama is a composite of different stories that overlap and overlap neatly and sustain the viewes interest for all 21 episodes. I found the lead acatress's voice to be the only negative aspect of the drama. Although it was intentional I wish they had made her naive, innocent AND with a voice suitable for her apparent cluminess but kindness. What drives the viewer is her character-- how innocent can a person be and succeed against all odds? That is the challenge of the viewer. Totally fell in love with Aaron Yan whose acting skills are superior and carry most of the dramas. If you decide to watch it -- and you really should -- it is a refreshing break from K dramas - funny, and inspirational..

You will laugh, cry and get angry and frustrated -- the writers were good at dragging out almost every human emotion of the viewer. However, I will add one line you must look for in the movie "I forgot to wear a bra." If you have seen it you will laugh and if you decide to see it -- well I'm assuming you will enjoy that line the most -- it was my favorite.

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The Injustice of Justice

Finished binge-watching this drama this weekend and on Monday and as I watched each episode the more I became invested in the final outcome. This is not a "heavy" analysis of the drama - just a recommendation that this is one that you watch soon or put on your playlist as a MUST-watch.

The Story; A story of a serial rapist who avoids the consequences of his actions because of several things: The worth of a woman in historical times; the influence of power, positions, and profits; the public condemnations of crowds in an open forum; and the lack of evidence because of fear of other victims to come forward.

The Director and the writer do a good job of interweaving the story with a background history of the lives of the many characters that are portrayed. There is not a replay of any old scenes to fill up the filming, but genuine investment in character development and storytelling of the past lives of some of the characters.

I rate this drama at a 9.5 because it starts with truths from the past and truths we can apply in the 21st century. It continues with the truth (although distorted at times) and it highlights the perseverance and value of unwavering friendships. There were so many life lessons that can be drawn from the past and applied to current-day living. I watched the drama asking myself -- Do we judge others too harshly without knowing the truth? Or are we crowdpleasers throwing mud from the sidelines? How often do we victimize the victim publicly or in our hearts without knowing all the facts?

The conclusion of this drama is something you must judge as Justice or Injustice? What is the ultimate cost of justice? But it truly challenges your personal assessment of how we judge victims and how we treat those who are the perpetrators of crime against victims.

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TOTAL LOVE

This drama had a strange attraction for me. First, it analyzed what love is, how love is destroyed, how love can be renewed, and how love is used to manipulate. It also has one very distinguishing factor - the best acting that is emotionally moving by all of the characters throughout the drama. Although the storyline is familiar and actually more of a Korean-type drama even including the "white truck of death", "amnesia", "birth secrets" and "revenge" you are immersed in the journey that all of the characters take to reach the conclusion of this masterpiece. Each episode was addictive and the only flaw I could find was the need to move the "revenge" aspect along faster to stay within 30 episodes. The acting brought out many tears of consequential collateral damage - break-ups, death of loved ones, and emotional breakdowns. The music was really a consolation prize until someone on the set decided to start banging on the piano like a speakeasy when dealing with serious corporate decisions. The only part I did not like. Otherwise, the OST was so appropriate throughout and set the mood for each scene. I feel that this is a "mature" drama that can draw on the viewers' personal experiences of fighting for a well-deserved total love. What is taught is "total love" that can be achieved even in the most challenging environment or circumstances. Worth watching and totally a rewatch just to watch Wallace Chung.

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A disaster movie with typical twists and turns

This is definitely a Saturday night special movie. The story proceeds as any disaster movie would proceed - no originality in this area. I found it typical human greed versus safety perspective that plays out in almost all of the disaster movies to the same expected end. However, why I gave this movie an 8 rating -- it was visually beautiful. The cinematography and CGI were top of the line and they did not hold back the dollar bills in creating as realistic a vision of a volcano exploding as one could imagine. There was no attempt to educate the public about volcanoes in general and if it had I would have added at least half of a star. It did not scare me out of my seat nor was I startled by scene changes but movie but definitely had its moments of intensity. I found it enjoyable and worth the time spent watching.

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This is one of my binge watched dramas after being "locked down" because of COVID 19. Binge watching a 16 episode drama is basically watching a drawn out movie that is told in slow motion. As a background I am sharing this information so you understand my bias and critique. During this period I have binged two Chinese historical dramas (Ming Dynasty and Serenade of Joy) both with King/Emperor - Queen/concubine issues.

It took less than 2 days to blow through this drama and the only thing I felt was good actress, good actor, poor portrayal of king, poorer portrayal of concubines and queen. The costumes were colorful -- an A+. You could write a summary of this drama in less than 2 paragraphs because of the simplicity of story telling. After trying to research whether this was a real Joseon King or a made up one for dramaland purposes -- I could only come to the conclusion that he was a made up King. So this story was purely a work of fiction.

There is a total lack of mature telling of a story. I felt I should have been in 5th grade watching this drama as opposed to being an adult. Other than a few steamy kisses, the lack of heartfelt romance -- which should have been the bases of this drama seemed "starved." The court officials seemed more powerful than the king and when the king finally decided to take power his actions were always "minimal". The description that calls him a peaceful king is really a description of ineptness e.g. woman over nation sacrifices and reduced punishments for gross acts of treason.

The question is always -- to watch or not to watch? Well, if you just have nothing else to do and follow the careers of the actor and actress I would say definitely. Their performances were really commendable with the material given to them. As a fan of historical dramas I am still waiting for the quality of SIx Flying Dragons, Jumong, The Moon Embraces the Sun, Jewel in the Palace,. Sungkyundwon Scandal, Dong Yi -- I can go on and on because I love the period dramas. The quality continues to fade and I truly wish for the "good old days".

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Too Draggy - Not Worth Watching

As a preface, I am doing Covid-19 stay at home binge-watching. This is the 4th in my series of catching up on non-period or costume Chinese dramas that have been recommended in the list of the best Chinese dramas. This drama was on the list but the MDL previous reviewers all gave low ratings. It is always my practice to follow the comments and views of others before watching any drama -- this is my first exception and I was punished -- feel like I have buyers remorse. I was punished to the point that I am writing this review to remind others that the opinions of others REALLY MATTERS. I can only repeat what was said in almost every previous review. I am just saying it in the year 2020.

My praise is short - actors did their best with the material.

My criticisms --- Just a shortlist of the obvious:
1. too draggy (story too long)
2. too many repetitive storylines
3. too many flashbacks as fillers
4. story is too illogical
5 story lacks true romance just cruel romances and a "sick" writer
6. story is also poorly edited and tries to use music to bridge the poor editing

Overall I can only give this a 7.00 which is very low for me. A true waste of talent. Still trying to guess why this drama is listed as a TOP 15 Chinese Drama (along with NIF, and very noteworthy historical dramas) for a viewer.

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After spending endless hours watching K dramas I have found myself immersed in C dramas and have found so many priceless masterpieces that are keeping my COVID 19 stay at home mandates bearable. This drama and Ode to Joy One are both binge-worthy and a must-watch. Be warned, however - it was 97 episodes of watching. The screenwriter did a beautiful job with dialogue, the actors/actresses were excellent giving the viewer an emotional investment in their lives and the progress of their relationships. These five women and their friendships and relationships are so well developed throughout the storytelling that you can't stop watching. Season one sets the background and Season two puts the meat on the story giving you a more in-depth view of their parents and upbringing. The only flaw I saw in the story was the need to bring closure sooner. Although the pace is good - the story could have been told in fewer episodes (the only drawback). I found myself fast-forwarding near the end. A bonus for the viewer in 2020 --a lot of the actors and actresses were previously in NIF a definite rewatch for me very soon. and many of the actors and actresses have since had stellar careers and are extremely popular - worth making a list to pursue finding other jewels to watch.

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This was an innovative and thoughtful drama that takes us down the "road not traveled" but the road is traveled through imagination. The writer did a magnificent job laying a road map - the choices we take, as opposed to the choices we do not take. This drama causes you to self reflect (especially if you are older and married). Do you go with Plan A or Plan B or do you even have a plan? What amazed me was the acting. The characters actually grew within their roles and the viewers were allowed to feel the growth. Everyone must decide life's paths and seldom do we get to be eavesdrop on the life of others and their choices. I recommend this drama for every age group. I found myself drawing my own plan A and plan B choices and trying to ascertain how much regret do we have after making choices. What is important for this viewer to recognize is we are human and human beings make mistakes - this is the best part of Life Plan A and B. I could be judgmental and critical but when we self reflect - we do are all living in Life Plan A and B. Definitely a solid 9 drama. Only wish - more screen time for the General Manager. He really was a strong presence in this drama.

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After watching several mindless daily dramas that are dragging storylines over and over I decided to start researching more dramas pre-2014 when I first started watching K dramas.  The actress playing in Misty (2018) is so captivating I found this title and finally found a site that had all of the episodes translated.   I am "revived" again.   This is a family drama that tells the story of "in-laws" in almost all situations of human relationships.  Their cultural influence and the filial traditions associated with this Korean practice is shown in a practical and realistic way in the typical middle income - not the richer elitist family.   The story is not redundant but has top 10 rated actors and actresses that carry their intertwined storylines.  The only flaw in the story was it started to drag around the 54 episode which went to the rushed 58 episode.   Some stories were opened and inconclusive as to the outcome of the parties described.   However, the main storyline holds up throughout and the viewer is pleasantly pleased that the values of family, love and marriage were never compromised.  A good watch if you just need a pick me up on a daily drama basis.    You will see actors and actresses that are currently in 2018 dramas throughout and it is just refreshing to know they continue to do excellent jobs in the industry.   A MUST SEE for a family drama viewer -- 50 plus episodes -- worth the time.

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I am so glad I saved this drama to marathon on a weekend. It is a very cute romantic comedy with equal doses of both. I laughed so hard at times that my husband had to come from upstairs to find out what I watching that was that funny. THe drama starts really slow and I lost interest before the end of the first episode when it was first released. However, I love all of the actors so I decided to give it that second try. Once past the slow beginning the episodes pick up speed and draw you in -- you become invested in each character and their career choices and challenges. What makes a good rom-com exceptional is the romance first -- there was definitely none lacking in this drama. You were on a whirlwind of romance constantly and the scenes were realistic and the dialogue plausible. This was not a drama filled with endless flashbacks -- it progresses to the final episode which is nicely concluded at episode 16. I cried a lot -- because it is a drama with feelings. This was a hidden gem for me. It is one you definitely should watch if you are a sentimental cry baby like me or just like to watch the dynamics of male/female relationships.

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New to watching Japanese Dramas so I love the fact the story is usually 11 episodes and I can binge watch. This drama was a surprise -- it was unique in all the right places. I enjoyed the coming of age aspects that were so real and emotional. Every character had flaws but every character caused the viewer to become "vested" or "divested". Life is complicated-- not perfect and the story writer and director planted a seed that transformed into a tree that grew branches -- then flowered - some flowers are weak or ugly and others were beautiful and strong. I felt like I watching a handbook on growing up and adapting to life's realities. Some scenes were not for the faint of heart. If I had a young teenage daughter I would sit down with her and watch this drama together.-- lots of talking points.

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A two day marathon with an all night binge of streaming and ice cream to finish. Loved the freshness and strength of the wife. Each episode showed growth in her character and her perceptions of "self" as opposed to the blur women find themselves in when they are married -- usually there is a you somewhere buried at the end of the day of taking care of everyone else's needs. This was not that kind of drama -- even mother in law was no more than a woman whose child you married - not a focus of your intention. Didn't watch many of the American episodes of the Good Wife but I'm convinced this was a better crisper version. Of course the ending could be debated. What isl a Good Wife? But I thought the ending was apropos to the situation since contested divorces could become dirty and everyone was in a position that would be harmed by pursing that route. My favorite line in Jurassic Park "Life finds a way" I believe love found a way in this drama and it was satisfying to see a strong woman rise out of the ashes to achieve her goals and ambitions.

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Definition of Love - A classic for all times.

This story started out as one that a viewer would ordinarily tend to reject. This very pretty young girl pursuing a strange older man after what she feels while her hair is being shampooed. The pursuit was relentless and mindless and initially began to turn me off because of the obvious age difference. The visuals appeared to be a teenager pursuing an old man. However, each episode debunked this visual and made the viewer feel the growth of a true relationship only tarnished by "other" women who desired this extremely handsome man and had no qualms about showing their desire.

Not a unique story but the story is told with musical interludes and English lyrics that were integrated magnificently into scenes and scene changes. Without looking at the scream you felt emotion. Without reading the lyrics you felt emotions. This is the first time I felt the music was the drama and the drama was integrated and woven into the fabric and tones of the music.

Each episode became more and more addictive as the introduction of additional storylines and scenes and locations was shown. The most memorable and award-winning scenes were from the Qiang province. The village, the people, the love, and the commitment to love were just awe-inspiring.

I would watch this drama again and again except for the illness of the FL (my sis died from this diagnosis) and it was painful to watch her go through the struggles of illness. The uplifting part of this drama is asking yourself - what is love? The answer can be easily found in this drama. A must-watch and definitely my top ten modern drama in the past 10 years.

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Very disappointed in this drama. I truly believe that the edition I watched was improperly edited because the story did not flow. It jumped all over the place and left more questions than answers after each episode. The potential was there and since it is more than 20 episodes the time investment was not worth it. In the beginning seemed intriguing but became more lack luster as each episode was added. Too many loose ends. The actors were good in the roles they had to play but again -- the roles were just messy sometimes. WHen I ask why, what, who, and where too many times it is not good and that is what I was doing all throughout.

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