So good. I love a good battle of the minds / brains v. brawn drama. Also, I'm enjoying that he's not overpowered (i.e. being a truly gifted mind while also being the best fighter). His vulnerabilities add to the suspense. I always love proper villains, too. It makes it all the sweeter when they get their comeuppance.
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
I really hope that one does happen. I'd love to see them together 🙏. I really like SZN and believe she has a lot of potential (she's so expressive), but I do worry about her doing too much of the same thing. The GJM drama with TJR is listed as historical, so it should be something a bit different for the three of them. She has a modern romance and a historical rom-com in her inventory which should be good. Hopefully, we'll see more of it.
Yes, I was hyped about TBL. The trailer gave me Zhenni the vamp femme fatale vibes. The reality made me reconsider my drama rule. The halfway point is my point of no return. I tell myself I must go forward. Let's just say that the final twenty eps were truly excruciating. Lol.
Mai Mai is so fun to follow, you never know what kind of project she is going to do next. Not to mention, she has a real elegance about her. She's lovely.
Yes, I noticed TSOPG comment section was getting trolled quite heavily while it was airing. I think it still is to some degree. I feel bad for the fans who were just trying to enjoy the show and have good discussion.
Not unhappy about this. LOZH is on my watchlist. And if they put Love and Crown or IA on after, well, they're…
I was keeping my eye on LAC, waiting for the trailer to drop. And when it finally dropped, it didn't disappoint. Hoping Youku goes crazy and just starts releasing all their big IP back to back. They need to make up for a sluggish start to the year.
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
Yeah, you're right. It's a tough one, but sometimes you've just got to take the pushback.
I have a drama rule: If I make it to halfway, I finish it. So, tbh, I have yet to drop a drama. I'm generally pretty good at choosing dramas that fit my tastes and don't suffer too many disappointments. I've only come close to dropping one drama and that was TBL. If a drama was on my WL, and it was one I deemed to be highly anticipated. I'll eventually give it a review after it has finished airing (I owe a few 😓). If it was an already aired drama that I watched in the gap between upcoming dramas, I'll just post my thoughts in a comment. I tend to be of the belief that if I finish a drama, I should provide an opinion or review on it. If I hated the drama, I would've dropped it. But by finishing it, it means there were clearly aspects I enjoyed. So, I like to post some constructive feedback regarding the show on the drama's homepage. I avoid posting opinions that purely ridicule the drama, and instead post comments that point to both the drama's strengths and weaknesses. Balanced reviews and thoughtful constructive comments help me make decisions about dramas, so it's good to leave them for someone else.
Agreed. He has one more with SZN to come, but after that they should probably take a break from each other. They can always come together again at a later date. But it's important for TJR to mix it up for his development as an actor. His republican-era drama and the comedy he is filming are a good start. This is something I really love about Jinmai's role selection, it's so varied and she's constantly challenging herself.
Yes, they use him well. Looking forward to hopefully more modern dramas as well for WXY. Talented actors, great scripts, and good casting are always a winning combination.
Oh, what a surprise. I always enjoyed her hanfu and modelling content. I knew she studied drama, but I didn't know she was doing any acting. Looks like I'll have to start watching vertical / short dramas and support her. She's so lovely. I hope the acting goes well for her.
Decided to do some 05 flower watching (checking out AiMi's competition 🕵️♂️ Lol). My first Enxi (DEX) drama. Very impressed, she's lovely, and has such expressive eyes. Consider me a fan ❤️. DYX is as handsome and talented as ever 💙. I really enjoyed this drama. The ending was unnecessarily messy. But, overall, it was fun.
Those stills. He's so dashing & photogenic 📸 ❤️💪(must control bias). Everyone looks so good, tbf. Will keep checking in for more bts and productions materials. Great work everyone posting content. 👍
Zang Hai is confirmed for 18th, so we should only get Hidden Shadow after that, maybe only in June. The shadow…
Not unhappy about this. LOZH is on my watchlist. And if they put Love and Crown or IA on after, well, they're on my watchlist, too. So, I guess, I'm happy as long as Youku starts rolling out its anticipated dramas. Really hope HS is somewhere in the mix, too. 🤞
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
Sorry for the late reply. I owed a commenter on the One & Only page a more detailed response regarding some aspects of the drama I didn't like. I wanted to give the drama its due and praise what it did well, but also critique it. Tbh, I should have just wrote a review, it would've been easier.
Yes, I think the TJR / GJM colabs are going to become the thing of legend in Cdrama. They just fit so well together. 100% agree. Can't wait for VOS.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Even if they don't quite fit each others style. I'd die to see it at least once.
Yes. Yes. He just has that effortless big man presence about him. He really fills the space on screen. I could literally watch a drama of just WXY wandering from place to place on a horse 🐎 😁. He is very boyish and active off screen, though. Always riding or driving something. Sometimes you wonder, I hope he's being careful, but at the same time it's great to see him enjoying himself and living life to the fullest.
Agreed. While his acting is good, he does lack the aura/charisma of a leader as ML too soft-spoken. But I can…
Good points. They really made me think about my reply, so I took longer than usual to respond. I apologise for the delay.
Tbf, if the military aspect was presented as a reluctant soldier called to the defence of his homeland, I'd buy it. An individual who would normally avoid war, but due to escalating tensions, is bound by a duty to provide a service to his people / nation. I could see a soft-spoken, quiet type, under those conditions, potentially becoming a capable war fighter. These are the types that may never speak of the war / wars they took part in. A general or similar is different. They may gradually move to a position of believing no good comes from war, but their relationship with war is complex. They are typically students of war and warfare, who often possess deep historical knowledge and an ability to be innovative in the theatre of war. History reveres the competent military leader as someone possessing military genius. Essentially, that's my problem here. There was an extra layer required to convincingly pull off this ambitious project.
I feel for RJL. He was tasked with bringing an incredibly nuanced and complex character to life, and given little opportunity to convince us he was an accomplished commander in war. Perhaps 24 episodes just wasn't enough.
I really want to stress what this drama did well and contrast it with the aspect that I believe was done relatively poorly regarding his character.
The depiction of the truest of loves between RJL (ZSC) and BL (CSY) was absolutely 10/10. The creative team and performers executed this to perfection. The portrayal of a deep love was a necessary component to lay the foundation for the tragedy that would later unfold. It also provides the context that makes CSY's final action a perfectly rational one, and not the action of a disturbed mind. They could've easily taken shortcuts and built in scenes not crucial to the story that simply allow the leads to interact and create the moments of pure chemistry that audiences love. But this drama is much more than a modern romance; it is the very definition of a tragedy. Electric chemistry, racing hormones, and sugar-sweet moments on screen just wouldn't be enough to sell the story's outcome. OAO needed to convince the viewer that this was a tale of two souls intertwined with a shared fate. It did that spectacularly. You had to witness and believe in the profound impact one human being can have on the life of another. You saw it; you felt it. From the sweetest early encounters to a love so deep that they cannot survive apart. The creative team and performers delivered a masterclass here. As many commenters have mentioned, their love lingers long after the final episode, and its impact is felt deeply.
There are two components to ZSC's character that need to be executed for full effectiveness and impact. The love component with CSY and the leadership component with those who believe in him and follow him. The love component was meticulously crafted in fine detail and brilliantly presented. The leadership component was the complete opposite, and largely a flop. It can be likened to touring a new building where the first half of the building is stunning. Every detail has been thoroughly considered; exterior, interior, materials, textures, light, functionality, cost, and human interaction within the space. The second half, however, is the complete opposite. Here corners have been cut, poor decisions have been made, and it just doesn't function well. With a building, you might blame the budget. You ran out of money and couldn't afford to finish the building to the same standard. Here there is no such excuse. It is simply a bad creative decision.
The thoughtfulness and attention to detail used to craft a deep love out of circumstances where it's forbidden are abandoned when constructing ZSC, the leader of men. Instead of convincing the audience that he is indeed this man, we are simply told he is. The creative team takes shortcuts by providing fight scenes to show his prowess in combat, but none of this demonstrates his skill or qualities as a military leader. Failing to show this aspect of ZSC's character to the viewer was a mistake, as it serves as a major distraction throughout the duration of the drama. His character is both believable in his deep connection to CSY and unbelievable in that he possesses the qualities of a successful military commander. It rarely makes sense why others believe in him so much and want to go the extra mile for him. Being a man of good character just isn't enough to sell this devotion. This is relevant to the recovery of ZSC (I'll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but you know what I mean). That specific scene is not as convincing because they failed to establish ZSC as a revered general. Tbh, if the creative team had dedicated just one episode to portraying ZSC as a great leader, then his character would be complete and there would be no missing element dragging the drama down. You could immerse yourself in the story with no doubts or questions. But the decision to forgo any development to this core character component left an unnecessary hole in the story.
When depicted well, the production establishes the military leader and shows some key things to the audience. First, it becomes clear why he / she is the leader. At some point in the story, the viewer will witness his / her leadership and command over people. You will see the difference between the leader and the other soldiers / people, and why he / she is revered, respected, elevated above, and held in the highest regard. You will feel the large presence of the character. You will at some point feel inspired by the character. Once this is cemented in the viewer's mind, when they're at the point where the main character's call to war gives them goosebumps, then the creative team is free to sell certain plot developments and concepts to the audience. Examples might be the nuisances of war, such as the best and worst of humanity manifesting in the same place and time. A love / hate relationship with war, a hate of losing precious lives, but a love for combat, competition, and the theatre of war itself. The intense bond and willingness to die for each other formed amongst men and women serving in war. A respect and kinship with the opposing military force or commanders (deep admiration for their tactics, skill and bravery). An irrational hatred towards the other side's people formed by seeing the worst of the opposing side's military. A disillusionment with your own side after seeing the worst of your own military / people. Etc.
The drama really needed to establish ZSC as a great / accomplished general in order to make the actions of those willing to sacrifice everything for him believable. The creative team dedicated no serious time or effort to this vital component and thus failed to create something truly convincing and authentic. Ultimately, this dragged it all down for me. The love aspect proved the creative team has the talent to be thorough, do things right, and convince us ZSC is a man of outstanding character who had a deep impact on the life of CSY. They simply just opted not to do it in regard to portraying him as a general, and instead left ZSC the great military leader as a nonentity. It's a shame because this could've been a perfect ten drama had they spent at least one episode doing that.
This was my first RJL drama, and I don't blame him for failing to bring this great general to life. I honestly don't believe the writers gave him the opportunity to do so. I have Love & Crown on my watchlist, so I'll see what he can do there.
In summary, for me, OAO is an ambitious drama with many fine attributes. But they just couldn't find the time to develop a core component of his character. This leaves it to the viewer to suspend disbelief to make certain important elements of the story work. Had they done this, the immersion would be seamless and the drama pretty much perfect.
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Yes, I was hyped about TBL. The trailer gave me Zhenni the vamp femme fatale vibes. The reality made me reconsider my drama rule. The halfway point is my point of no return. I tell myself I must go forward. Let's just say that the final twenty eps were truly excruciating. Lol.
Mai Mai is so fun to follow, you never know what kind of project she is going to do next. Not to mention, she has a real elegance about her. She's lovely.
Yes, I noticed TSOPG comment section was getting trolled quite heavily while it was airing. I think it still is to some degree. I feel bad for the fans who were just trying to enjoy the show and have good discussion.
I have a drama rule: If I make it to halfway, I finish it. So, tbh, I have yet to drop a drama. I'm generally pretty good at choosing dramas that fit my tastes and don't suffer too many disappointments. I've only come close to dropping one drama and that was TBL. If a drama was on my WL, and it was one I deemed to be highly anticipated. I'll eventually give it a review after it has finished airing (I owe a few 😓). If it was an already aired drama that I watched in the gap between upcoming dramas, I'll just post my thoughts in a comment. I tend to be of the belief that if I finish a drama, I should provide an opinion or review on it. If I hated the drama, I would've dropped it. But by finishing it, it means there were clearly aspects I enjoyed. So, I like to post some constructive feedback regarding the show on the drama's homepage. I avoid posting opinions that purely ridicule the drama, and instead post comments that point to both the drama's strengths and weaknesses. Balanced reviews and thoughtful constructive comments help me make decisions about dramas, so it's good to leave them for someone else.
Agreed. He has one more with SZN to come, but after that they should probably take a break from each other. They can always come together again at a later date. But it's important for TJR to mix it up for his development as an actor. His republican-era drama and the comedy he is filming are a good start. This is something I really love about Jinmai's role selection, it's so varied and she's constantly challenging herself.
Yes, they use him well. Looking forward to hopefully more modern dramas as well for WXY. Talented actors, great scripts, and good casting are always a winning combination.
Yes, I think the TJR / GJM colabs are going to become the thing of legend in Cdrama. They just fit so well together. 100% agree. Can't wait for VOS.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Even if they don't quite fit each others style. I'd die to see it at least once.
Yes. Yes. He just has that effortless big man presence about him. He really fills the space on screen. I could literally watch a drama of just WXY wandering from place to place on a horse 🐎 😁. He is very boyish and active off screen, though. Always riding or driving something. Sometimes you wonder, I hope he's being careful, but at the same time it's great to see him enjoying himself and living life to the fullest.
Tbf, if the military aspect was presented as a reluctant soldier called to the defence of his homeland, I'd buy it. An individual who would normally avoid war, but due to escalating tensions, is bound by a duty to provide a service to his people / nation. I could see a soft-spoken, quiet type, under those conditions, potentially becoming a capable war fighter. These are the types that may never speak of the war / wars they took part in. A general or similar is different. They may gradually move to a position of believing no good comes from war, but their relationship with war is complex. They are typically students of war and warfare, who often possess deep historical knowledge and an ability to be innovative in the theatre of war. History reveres the competent military leader as someone possessing military genius. Essentially, that's my problem here. There was an extra layer required to convincingly pull off this ambitious project.
I feel for RJL. He was tasked with bringing an incredibly nuanced and complex character to life, and given little opportunity to convince us he was an accomplished commander in war. Perhaps 24 episodes just wasn't enough.
I really want to stress what this drama did well and contrast it with the aspect that I believe was done relatively poorly regarding his character.
The depiction of the truest of loves between RJL (ZSC) and BL (CSY) was absolutely 10/10. The creative team and performers executed this to perfection. The portrayal of a deep love was a necessary component to lay the foundation for the tragedy that would later unfold. It also provides the context that makes CSY's final action a perfectly rational one, and not the action of a disturbed mind. They could've easily taken shortcuts and built in scenes not crucial to the story that simply allow the leads to interact and create the moments of pure chemistry that audiences love. But this drama is much more than a modern romance; it is the very definition of a tragedy. Electric chemistry, racing hormones, and sugar-sweet moments on screen just wouldn't be enough to sell the story's outcome. OAO needed to convince the viewer that this was a tale of two souls intertwined with a shared fate. It did that spectacularly. You had to witness and believe in the profound impact one human being can have on the life of another. You saw it; you felt it. From the sweetest early encounters to a love so deep that they cannot survive apart. The creative team and performers delivered a masterclass here. As many commenters have mentioned, their love lingers long after the final episode, and its impact is felt deeply.
There are two components to ZSC's character that need to be executed for full effectiveness and impact. The love component with CSY and the leadership component with those who believe in him and follow him. The love component was meticulously crafted in fine detail and brilliantly presented. The leadership component was the complete opposite, and largely a flop. It can be likened to touring a new building where the first half of the building is stunning. Every detail has been thoroughly considered; exterior, interior, materials, textures, light, functionality, cost, and human interaction within the space. The second half, however, is the complete opposite. Here corners have been cut, poor decisions have been made, and it just doesn't function well. With a building, you might blame the budget. You ran out of money and couldn't afford to finish the building to the same standard. Here there is no such excuse. It is simply a bad creative decision.
The thoughtfulness and attention to detail used to craft a deep love out of circumstances where it's forbidden are abandoned when constructing ZSC, the leader of men. Instead of convincing the audience that he is indeed this man, we are simply told he is. The creative team takes shortcuts by providing fight scenes to show his prowess in combat, but none of this demonstrates his skill or qualities as a military leader. Failing to show this aspect of ZSC's character to the viewer was a mistake, as it serves as a major distraction throughout the duration of the drama. His character is both believable in his deep connection to CSY and unbelievable in that he possesses the qualities of a successful military commander. It rarely makes sense why others believe in him so much and want to go the extra mile for him. Being a man of good character just isn't enough to sell this devotion. This is relevant to the recovery of ZSC (I'll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but you know what I mean). That specific scene is not as convincing because they failed to establish ZSC as a revered general. Tbh, if the creative team had dedicated just one episode to portraying ZSC as a great leader, then his character would be complete and there would be no missing element dragging the drama down. You could immerse yourself in the story with no doubts or questions. But the decision to forgo any development to this core character component left an unnecessary hole in the story.
When depicted well, the production establishes the military leader and shows some key things to the audience. First, it becomes clear why he / she is the leader. At some point in the story, the viewer will witness his / her leadership and command over people. You will see the difference between the leader and the other soldiers / people, and why he / she is revered, respected, elevated above, and held in the highest regard. You will feel the large presence of the character. You will at some point feel inspired by the character. Once this is cemented in the viewer's mind, when they're at the point where the main character's call to war gives them goosebumps, then the creative team is free to sell certain plot developments and concepts to the audience. Examples might be the nuisances of war, such as the best and worst of humanity manifesting in the same place and time. A love / hate relationship with war, a hate of losing precious lives, but a love for combat, competition, and the theatre of war itself. The intense bond and willingness to die for each other formed amongst men and women serving in war. A respect and kinship with the opposing military force or commanders (deep admiration for their tactics, skill and bravery). An irrational hatred towards the other side's people formed by seeing the worst of the opposing side's military. A disillusionment with your own side after seeing the worst of your own military / people. Etc.
The drama really needed to establish ZSC as a great / accomplished general in order to make the actions of those willing to sacrifice everything for him believable. The creative team dedicated no serious time or effort to this vital component and thus failed to create something truly convincing and authentic. Ultimately, this dragged it all down for me. The love aspect proved the creative team has the talent to be thorough, do things right, and convince us ZSC is a man of outstanding character who had a deep impact on the life of CSY. They simply just opted not to do it in regard to portraying him as a general, and instead left ZSC the great military leader as a nonentity. It's a shame because this could've been a perfect ten drama had they spent at least one episode doing that.
This was my first RJL drama, and I don't blame him for failing to bring this great general to life. I honestly don't believe the writers gave him the opportunity to do so. I have Love & Crown on my watchlist, so I'll see what he can do there.
In summary, for me, OAO is an ambitious drama with many fine attributes. But they just couldn't find the time to develop a core component of his character. This leaves it to the viewer to suspend disbelief to make certain important elements of the story work. Had they done this, the immersion would be seamless and the drama pretty much perfect.