seka
Minnesota
This review may contain spoilers
As you can probably see, this drama is one of my favorites, if not number one. I've seen this drama three times, and I enjoy it every time. I could probably watch it again, today, if I had nothing better to do. Sometimes, I watch the first few episodes just for the fun of it. When I feeling down, or when I'm feeling alone. This drama is the perfect representation of what true love is, and how it should be portrayed. Yes, romcoms and comedies are good, and fun and exciting during that moment, but this type of love... it may be acted, but it still is a goal of mine to have love like that, because even I know love like that does exist, even if that one is not real.
This drama really hit everything for me. I'll try to keep the fangirl inside of me down, and be logical and realistic without giving away spoilers or anything, but it really got everything. There were so many plot twists in this story, and a lot of them weren't very original, and yet... they worked. I mean, come on, popular boy rich boy and poor girl, cancer, memory loss, pregnancy... that's just the beginning. It's like, everything you've ever seen in a drama was thrown into this one, and it WORKED. I know, I can't believe it.
I cry so many times when I watch this drama, it's definitely a tear-jerker. It's a beautiful story, one that will pull at your heart and you won't be able to stop thinking about it.
The acting was phenomenal, I think it is very underrated. Vaness Wu gets a lot of harsh criticism for his 'over acting' but I don't think there was a lot of it. I really liked his 'over acting'. When he cried... oh. my. god. I really believed it. He actually looked like he was crying, and it actually looked painful. I don't know how to put it... he looked like how a guy WOULD cry. And Addy An, she get's a lot of harsh criticism for her under-acting. I agree that sometimes she looks expressionless, but I think it had more to do with the script. Not only that, but I wouldn't say she under acted. I could see it in her eyes, in her reactions, in everything she said. Her mannerisms and subtle expressions, that's what made her character. You need to pay attention to those, it isn't in her character to look so blatantly affected all the time. Mu Cheng gets all of my respect, even if shes fictional. To me, the acting was superb, and lets not forget little Xiao Le. God is that kid going to grow up to be a super star. His acting was absolutely perfect, especially for a child. He really pulled the story together throughout the last half. Some go as far as to say the story was only held together by him toward the end, but I wouldn't go that far. With or without him, I would have kept watching, but he is such a cute little guy. Someday he'd get so tired during shooting that his dad would have to be on site. Such a strong little boy.
The romance and chemistry between the Mu Cheng and Guan Xi is tangible. I can literally almost taste it, I can feel it. It's so beautiful, it touches my heart. I know this sounds cheesy and cliche, but really, you won't find more pure love in a drama than in this. If I didn't know any better, I would assume Vaness Wu and Addy An are in love. The chemistry was just out of this world. Love really does win out in the end, that's what this drama taught me. I have to say I learned a lot from it.
Also, the people you hate in this show you'll grow to love. Along with character development in the main characters, the side characters really developed too. The side-plots in this show were interesting, too, and I found myself just as engaged in them as I was the main couple/family.
The ending of this drama is my favorite. Not just the ending with MC and GX but with everyone. The ending of this drama is also one of the reasons this drama is #1 for me. There is closure, on everything. No loose plot ends, all side plots are tied up, no questions are left, not for me at least. Everything is happy, I'm actually content at the end. No worries, no complaints, just sadness that it's over. Very bitter-sweet.
I won't lie and say that this is an easy drama to watch. There's going to be a lot of painful moments and heart-wrenching scenes, but the good in the drama sky rockets it to the top. Even when you hate someone you didn't think you were going to hate, you understand what's happening, and why their doing what their doing. The love never dies, and even in the toughest moments in the drama, they give you little moments to nibble on while you're waiting. It's a brilliant story, and I will forever enjoy it and remember it. The music alone is beautiful, I have a few songs saved and listen to them frequently, even now. In fact, this is random but I have my itunes on shuffle and ironically 'Next Stop, Happiness' just came on. How funny, must be a sign. (;
If you're looking for a refreshing, pure love story with superb acting, tangible chemistry, and every plot twist you can imagine, this is for you! I will recommend this to any person interested in dramas for the rest of my life, hah! Hope this helped people, sorry if I wasn't as rational and logical as I planned. As you can tell, I'm a fan. I have never watched a drama more than I have this. Three times through the whole thing, not counting the many times I've just watched an episode here and there that I liked. Please watch!
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As other reviews have mentioned, the story is definitely your typical, cliche rich man and poor girl. But, there was something different about this story. I couldn't pinpoint it out for you, you'd have to see for yourself, but it was just so refreshing! I think the reason might be because it wasn't as stressed or emphasized. I mean yes, you can clearly see he's rich and she's just a little mere accountant's assistant, but Feng Teng wasn't a complete jerk like you see in so many other classic dramas like this, like BOF for instance.
What I liked the absolutely MOST about this drama, and the reason I think I'm so in love with it even though it was rather simplistic, is because it seemed kind of REAL to me, and there was no real hindrances. I mean of course there were problems for the main couple, and a love triangle in the beginning. But there was no character I ever truly hated, not even the second female lead in the first half. I didn't have the same pure hatred for her as I've had in other dramas, and I grew to really love her in the end. It may not have a whole ton of complex plot-twists and things like that, but it never died for me. It was 33 episodes and I finished it within days. It never dragged for me, not really, and there was just enough cute moments through out the whole show to keep me squeeling.
I swear to you, the amount of times I SQUEELED is HUGE. I can't even begin to tell you how surprised I was at how many times I legitimately squeeled and clapped my hands. I am not this type of person, but I could not suppress them!
As for the acting, I'm not sure. This was actually my first Chinese drama, I'd never explored the C-dramas before, but I think I just might now. I dabble more with Korean and Taiwanese dramas.
Zao Zanilia was absolutely adorable. She took a silly, ditsy character and turned her into a complex, three-dimensional real human being. Typically characters like Shan Shan are annoying, and their lack of passion (and a back-bone) usually irritate me to no end. Zao Zanilia (and the scrip writers) gave Shan Shan an edge; she may not have always screamed and fought, but she had her own way of dealing and handling these situations.
Zhang Han was, of course, sizzling HOT. I was actually wavered by him when I first started watching the show. He's one of the cutest actors I've seen, I'm not sure why. To be honest, my only shallow complaint is that his legs are just so skinny. But maybe that's a Chinese trend or is typical? I'm not sure, I'm not proficient in this area, like I've said before I haven't seen any others. His acting was pretty on par, my only complaint there is a sometimes lack of facial expressions. Although it wasn't in his character to be so blatantly affected, or to show it, but still. I swear his eye brows never moved... but he was still cute, none the less.
As for the supporting actresses and characters, they all did swell. I was engaged in their stories as much as the main couple, even if they didn't get a whole lot of show time (because this story was more focused on the main couple - which I really liked actually).
The music wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either. There is a song or two that I think I'm going to download though, very cute, and they were definitely put in the right places. They weren't too extremely loud or annoying, either. Which was nice!
To be honest, I want to start rewatching it RIGHT NAO. I like this too, and hate. It's contradicting I know... I haven't felt this way about a drama in a LONG time. It was so heart-warming and just so cute, I mean I think this is probably the cutest drama I've seen in a long time, and not cute in an over-the-top, annoying way. The story was smooth, never slow, never fast, just a steady pace that drew me into the characters and into their world. I'm still reeling now... I don't want it to be done, I think I might cry... WAHH~ ;3;
Overall, because I was so absolutely in love with this drama, I have given it a 10. I know, it lacks a lot of things a normal 10 drama should get, but for me, I'm giving this one a 10 not because of the technicalities, but because of how I feel. Not many dramas can make me feel this way, but this one has accomplished just that, so I must tip my hat to this drama. I'm glad my first Chinese drama wasn't a bad experience!
I whole-heartedly recommend this drama to those looking for a refreshing, cute, innocent drama that's not over-the-top or annoying, but has just the right amount of serious matter, realistic relationship hindrances, and lots of fun and laughing! I can't help but to feel like I haven't said enough, that I'm missing something... but this is long enough!
Just. Watch. It. :D
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I really enjoyed the drama, probably more than I thought I would. I liked a lot of things about it. I'll be honest and say that I was really suspicious about it at first, because, well, portal through time? I mean, it doesn't get more cliche and wierd than that. But, oddly, I think they pulled it off really well. Not to mention the age difference between LMH and KHS--10 years! I couldn't tell a bit, I really liked her character. She had a pretty good back bone, if I remember correctly. She was really funny, too.
I liked the pace of the relationship, too. It was slow and steady, but I believed it. It was truly beautiful if you ask me. Their love was right up there with GX and MC from Autumn Concierto. There may not have been a lot of kissing and things like that, but there were cute moments, too. The little things, I liked those. The simple gestures were very telling. In the beginning and a little of the middle, I was frustrated that there wasn't much interaction between the two, but then I began to be okay with that. Siting on his lap and holding hands, things like that, they were more important to me. I still wish there would have been ONE more juicy kiss, but that's the dirty drama noona inside of me talking. hahaha
I have to admit, the drama and main evil-doer in the show really bothered me, and I won't lie and say that I didn't skip over some parts in the middle and end. I think it was more because of his annoying face than the drama itself. I can get past some difficult stuff, but his character just really annoyed the piss out of me.
This drama deffinitely had me crying a couple different types, especially the ending. A lot of people don't like the ending because it was vague, but I think they just left it to our imaginations. They're together, that's all that matters. What, you wanted to see a wedding? Meh, I was just happy with the ending they gave me. I thought it was really clever, too. The supernatural aspect of the story... I really thought I wouldn't believe it. I thought it would get too cheesy and weird, but it actually wasn't so bad.
Also, the mystery of the story I liked too. Believe it or not there is a little mystery in it. You find out at the end, but throughout the whole story you're slowly piecing things together. It's really strange, but I liked it. A mystery within a melodrama within a romance. It really nabbed everything for me. It's in my all time favorites, or close to it, if not for the damned annoying guy. -_-"
I'll be honest and say that this is the kind of role I wish I saw LMH in more. I've seen him in several other dramas, and I really appreciate him in these darker more serious roles. Not only because he's completely SIZZLING HOT when he's serious in that armor, but because I think he gets stuck in immature highschool roles too much, and I don't think Heirs is the last time we'll see him in a highschool role. I haven't seen City Hunter yet, but I kind of want to so I can see another serious character.
LMH doesn't get all the credit, though, KHS was very good, too. Not only did she not look a day over 25, but she was a good actor, too. If I'm not mistaken, this drama was her comeback. She took a break after she had a kid (or 2?). I can't believe she looks so beautiful, I really liked it. She played her character well, too. Eun Soo was a very bright, but funny girl. She was smart, and she could be serious, but she was also fun, exciting, and almost a little impulsive. The character development in this drama was good, too, including the Emperor and Empress. Their relationship was kind of funny, to be honest. I found myself engaged and interested in their relationship just as much as LMH and KHS's. The side plots and romance in this show were very thought out.
It's sad that some people really don't like this show. Some don't like the set, or the story. It's true, this story was actually supposed to be something else, but something happened and their budget dropped off so the magic and editing was a little underdone, to some people. But I, personally, am a story and acting kind of person over a CGI and appearance person. I liked it for what it was, not what it could have been.
If you are interested in a serious Lee Min Ho, a touch of magic, and a historical drama this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!
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Which brings me to the next topic: the age difference in the show. I believe the age difference was something like 13 or 14 years. That's still a lot, even if it IS 7 less that 20. But I really was able to see past that in the show. Just like the RL age difference, it bothered me in the begginning. I couldn't fathom it at first, but as the drama progressed, I really began to respect it and see the meaning behind it. Whether Yoona is a 23 year old in real life, or 28 in the drama, I still think the '28' wouldn't have changed, regardless of the actor. She was bright, maybe a little impulsive sometimes, but young and not only pretty, but positive. Her young-ness (for lack of better term) was what KY fell in love with. He was wallowing in his past, and she dragged him out.
Now that the age is out of the way, I'll address the plot. Yes, it was a little strange, and I admit I was suspicious of it at first. Even though it seemed some what cliche and unoriginal to me, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I (personally) have never seen a drama like it before. I really respected KY's character, as a man and as a political figure, and I also respected DJ for always being true to herself and being a good person. Even at the end, when everyone gives her hate, I respect her character's decision. I don't agree with it, but it's a decision worth respecting. I admit that I thought that the drama took a turn from rom-com to melodrama in the middle there. The beginning was the funniest for me, but I enjoyed the last half too, in a different way. I also really enjoyed the kids' blossoming relationship with DJ. In the beginning, I admit I was expecting some very evil things to happen throughout practically the whole thing. I didn't expect the tricks to dwindle so quickly. Either Yoona is a really good actor, or she's very good with children. I really liked the interactions between the children at her, to be honest. I really felt a motherly instinct when they were together. Just the simple ways DJ would address them, and how she would talk to Man Se, and interact with him. The little things like patting their head or brushing their hair or cheek with her hand or finger... I really liked her during those scenes. I don't care what anyone says, I thought Yoona did a great job. She really reminded me of the main lead in My Girl. So funny and light-hearted, but deep inside, very caring and understandable.
The character development in this story was phenomenal. Every character developed, it wasn't just the main male lead this time, like you so often see in dramas now-a-days. KY became more family-oriented, and softer, and also let go of his past. DJ grew up, to put it bluntly. She also had a pretty good back-bone, and the tension between the leads in the beginning was one I really enjoyed, even if it WAS hate at first. heheh I'm a sucker for love-hate relationships. x)
Also, the evil characters in this drama were 'evil', but they weren't ones I couldn't tolerate. I felt bad for some, pitying them, even though they were jerks. If you want a show that you aren't going to want to kill the evil characters, this is the show. I mean, there will be moments, but for the most part, aside from one, it'll pass.
The music, oh the music was beautiful. I specifically enjoy 'Waltz'. It's the gloomy sad piano piece. It's such a sad piece, but it conveys the emotions so well I almost cry just listening to the music, even now, I have it on my iTunes. First thing I downloaded. (; I really enjoyed the OST for this one, and the other one.. can't think of it.. it really had a renaissance or medieval feeling to it, but I kind of liked that. Made me giggle in the beginning but, all is well. haha
Oh and I can't leave out the cry factor. I am NOT a person who cries, I've only cried in a few dramas that I've seen, and if you've seen I Miss You, yeah, I only cried twice, so when I say I cried multiple times (more than in I Miss You) than that must mean this show is a tear-jerker. I cried in happiness, in hatred, in sadness, in pity, in remorse; it was cray-zay.
All-in-all, this drama is not one of my favorites, but I think it deserves more stars than it gets. People need to respect the plot, and the actors. Just because Yoona is a kpop star doesn't mean she's a bad actor. In fact, I may get hate for this, but I thought she did the opposite. Like I said, I think she did a very good job, and if you go into this drama with an open-mind, willing to accept some things that will make you uncomfortable or sad, you will greatly enjoy this drama. Their relationship blossomed so well. It was slow, steady, and... refreshing. Even though there were only a few kisses, I liked them, and savored them. They were good kisses, ^/////^, and like I said, I think they had fairly good chemistry, strangely enough. It was nice watching them realize their feelings, and how they were going to address them. They talked out their problems, and I liked that twists didn't last two or three episodes, they were often resolved within the episode or the next. I liked that. It didn't slow down in the middle for me, either. I actually felt like it sped up in the middle, maybe even rushed a little. I think this drama could have last at least 21 episodes. I really wanted to see a second wedding at the end, or something. But I liked the ending too.
Speaking of the ending, a lot of people resent it, and don't like it, but that's just because it's different. No, they don't throw their arms in the air, make-out, and get steamy. It was more of a bitter-sweet new beginning. I took it more as a 'let's start over.'
I recommend this drama, whole-heartedly.
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Not going to lie, I skipped around a lot the second time though, I just wanted to see them and their relationship grow. Hehe cuteness factor at a 10!
I gave the story a 7 because it's sort of cliche and unoriginal, but they changed it up enough for me not to hate it. Plus I kind of started to really like it, so that's a plus. Some of the stuff that happened was unbelievable, and yet I actually believed it. One of those things where it seems unbelievable but it fits. Even if I skipped through the other stuff, I specifically remember when I watched it the first time, I was really into the other people's stories. Like Kate and Alex, and that narcissistic guy and the cute secretary type girl, and Brother Bo and the really 'sexy' girl. I was interested in it all, and it kept me engaged in the story. I liked that.
I gave the acting a 9, but there was one person who was more like a 2. You'll know who I'm talking about when you watch it, but the rest of them were really good. Aaron Yan is super good, idc what anyone says, I think that he did a really nice job. Puff was pretty good, her character could get annoying sometimes, but I think that it had more to do with the script than her acting, for her character, I think she did a stellar job. Plus, let me just say that Aaron Yan and Puff... oo they should just date, their chemistry his out of this freakin' world. Everytime they looked at each other I thought they were gonna jump on each other, hahaha. Which I'm okay with. x)
I thought the music was pretty good in my opinion, so I gave it an 8. In fact one song in particular I really liked because it had a song from my favorite drama, Autumn Concerto, in it. Let me just say, helll yeahhhhh. I knew right away, too. The rest of the OST was pretty good, and most of the songs were really cute and adorable, which I kind of liked.
I give the rewatch value an 8 because... well... I rewatched it so obviously there's some value there. Their cuteness and skinship was just... so... cute... so I had to come back. But the whole drama and the story, probably rewatch value would be more of a 7, just because the story is one of those you can only see once I guess... well idk I can't even say that because I watched it. Yeah, you can just decide for yourself. xD
Overall I give it an 8. There was some bad points and good points for this drama so I think 8 settles it just right, plus me rewatching it has to say something so it must have been pretty good, which it was. They took their romance slow. It blossomed in a cute way. It was rushed, or awkward, and Puff in love... omg it was so cute. Liang Liang was freaking adorable when she started to fall in love with him. And the way he would look at her... with that longing but also lust was just... so fucking hot and cute simultaneously. Ugh, just go have babies already, dude.
Anyway, I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, fun drama. :3
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The acting was pretty phenomenal. Course, with Eun Hye, it was bound to be good, but Kang Ji Hwan brought his own spark and charisma to the show. If I had been a fan of both actors before they made the show, I would have been enthralled to hear that Eun Hye and Ji Hwan were going to be in a drama together. It's kind of like how it was with Shin Hye and Min Ho before Heirs came about. I fell in love with this drama all over again.
Don't get me started on the music. I was so in love with the OST for this drama. I sang along everytime each of the songs came about, even the more melodramatic theme song. They were all beautiful and awesome, and I'm definitely going to be adding a few of them to my soundtrack. Kang Ji Hwan and Eun Hye sang my favorite song in the drama, and I'm glad they did. You can't miss Eun Hye's cute voice (thanks to her previous girl group days) and Kang Ji Hwan's adorable voice. They're both very talented, charismatic people and actors and it really shines through in this drama. I hope they can do a drama together again in the future...
I gave this a high rewatch value because I watched it again and for the most part, it's pretty comical and light-hearted. There are some deeper, more melodramatic scenes, but the cute moments (and those kisses, oh god) were enough to fill my cuteness quota for the month.
I would 100% recommend this to friends, especially ones who haven't seen many kdramas. It's a good gateway show!
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