This review may contain spoilers
Stay Steady, Stay Alive
The drama begins with ML Li Changshou having worked hard to achieve success in life, only to be diagnosed with something terminal and end up lying in a hospital bed at the age of 30, reading endless comics and complaining, “Standing out can get you stricken. Moving rashly can get you hurt. Why can't these protagonists win with caution?”...only to fall out of bed and get transmigrated in front of a Fate Dial, which warns him of a Great Tribulation and throws him into the very world he was reading about.
Well, unlike others, our ML is no ordinary person. He doesn't want to be a hero, nor claim credit, and is well-read and knowledgeable about the world. He spends his time, almost 30 years, cultivating, lying low, planning, setting random formations, inventing modern-style straw and paper gadgets...all to live well, face what may come and possibly escape it. In his own words, “To survive, there is only one method. Stay away from all disputes and karma. Focus on protecting yourself.” His methods are all compiled in his "Scripture of Steadiness"--Stay low, Stay cautious. Stay prepared. Stay alive.
Everything seems to be under his control and proceeding well. But all the best-laid plans can go wrong. Enter the villain, who is just as intelligent and figures out LCS, eventually using his own tricks against him. And what follows is a lesson in growth, trust, partnerships and still staying true to one's way, without seeing that as a burden but learning that it can also be something to work on together.
"Pull Strings" is a comedic drama with some profound observations and lessons. Ao Rui Peng plays Li Changshou with ease, bringing out the humour without overacting. Some of the situations could easily have turned vulgar or cheap if pushed too far, but his performance lands the comedy without crossing that line. A Mi was equally apt as LCS's junior, with her expressive reactions playing off the situations and adding to the comedy.
The drama was a visual, goofy yet profound treat until the last few episodes...this is where I have a problem. The ending really confused and disappointed me. Unless there is a S2, I don't see the point of such an ending...why take us on a ride all over the place only to stop it like that? Points deducted.
Overall, a different C-drama where the ML is not relying on brute strength but on preparing well, lying low, and fighting from the shadows when needed, often guiding others, pulling strings behind the scenes.
Well, unlike others, our ML is no ordinary person. He doesn't want to be a hero, nor claim credit, and is well-read and knowledgeable about the world. He spends his time, almost 30 years, cultivating, lying low, planning, setting random formations, inventing modern-style straw and paper gadgets...all to live well, face what may come and possibly escape it. In his own words, “To survive, there is only one method. Stay away from all disputes and karma. Focus on protecting yourself.” His methods are all compiled in his "Scripture of Steadiness"--Stay low, Stay cautious. Stay prepared. Stay alive.
Everything seems to be under his control and proceeding well. But all the best-laid plans can go wrong. Enter the villain, who is just as intelligent and figures out LCS, eventually using his own tricks against him. And what follows is a lesson in growth, trust, partnerships and still staying true to one's way, without seeing that as a burden but learning that it can also be something to work on together.
"Pull Strings" is a comedic drama with some profound observations and lessons. Ao Rui Peng plays Li Changshou with ease, bringing out the humour without overacting. Some of the situations could easily have turned vulgar or cheap if pushed too far, but his performance lands the comedy without crossing that line. A Mi was equally apt as LCS's junior, with her expressive reactions playing off the situations and adding to the comedy.
The drama was a visual, goofy yet profound treat until the last few episodes...this is where I have a problem. The ending really confused and disappointed me. Unless there is a S2, I don't see the point of such an ending...why take us on a ride all over the place only to stop it like that? Points deducted.
Overall, a different C-drama where the ML is not relying on brute strength but on preparing well, lying low, and fighting from the shadows when needed, often guiding others, pulling strings behind the scenes.
Was this review helpful to you?
