FROZEN FACES

Since the men of Hua family are forced into exile, all glories and properties are taken away, leaving behind the women & children in predicament living in dire strait and nothing. All women whose use to live in luxury and privileges, now suddenly has to face the hardship of survival in a moment notice. Basic needs can't have them, about 10 women and few children know nothing how to do simple chores, depends on maids - who stay just for their slave transaction documents with head-madam. Hua Zhi, the oldest Daughter of the family, no longer stays low-key and steps up. She braves hardship and leads the women of her household to manage to avoid starvation and danger. She transforms family to successful in businesses and becomes the head of family. Female center of drama, can't say I like it, too much washy-wooshy. All those pitiful begging, whiny, crying, jealousy, virtue signaling, toddler-likeness voice from supporting female actors...so cringe.

To me Hu Yi Tian has frozen face, like too much of Botox, can't really express anything. He's so much better when he has the mask on, only his acting we can judge. Zhang Jing Yi has also frozen face, plus her smile is a (rictus) stoical grimace, her acting so so - nothing special. Because they both have frozen face, they seems to have a dispassionate love story.

What I like is Hua Zhi doesn't need Gu Yan Xi to help her all the time. Behind the mask, Gu Yan Xi is another character. I don't know if Hua's men all finally come back home from their exile because I don't finish the drama. What finally happen with Gu Yan Xi's future? I might have to fast forward to final episode....

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FIRST JAPANESE DRAMA I WATCHED

This is my first Japanese drama and like it...I rated overall 8.

It's about the Tawara family, the last shinobi clan, who lived in a traditional 'house of ninjas' in present-day Japan. Six years earlier, the eldest son died during a mission to rescue a kidnapped politician, and the Tawaras abandoned their discipline. They aim to be a normal family, but struggle with some idiosyncratic dysfunctions. Some family member were longing for action because of the boredom, separately they involved in questionable activities while the Dad, the head of family strive to hold family together as ordinary as possible. The head of the Bureau of Ninja Management insisted the Tawara family to take on mission although been rejected multiple times.

When a crisis unfolds, the family is drawn back into the shadows of its past, the son that they thought died was actually survived and recruited by the enemy. The family must take on the greatest crisis as it became personal one and that threaten the nation on political trouble.

Action, little romance, family dynamic, revenge, mystery and comedy. Japanese has special dark humor that I can appreciate.

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WATERMELON....SUGAR!

Surprisingly this is a good drama, the best of this drama was the casts. Everyone had genuine smiles and great collaboration between them. I would give credit to the main actors who made this drama special.

Ryeoun as Ha Eun-gyeol
The only hearing person in a deaf family (Mom, Dad, & older Brother). Eun-gyeol was a perfect model student by day, but at night he lead a double life as a talented guitarist in a band. After having an argument with his father, where his father learned of his musical interest, he time slipped to 1995 and met his parents when they were Junior in High School. He surprise to know that his dad wasn't deaf but a hot-blooded youth whose in love with a girl from Seowon Arts HS, Choi Se-kyung: a student major in cello not his mother. Eun-Gyeol also learned there's accident causing his father lost his hearing and stirred his attention to the deaf girl Yoon Cheong-ah as he knew her as his mother. He strive to create a different outcome of his parent's future and to avoid the accident. ***Ryeoun was a delight to watch, he's not only great play guitar but also sign language, it wasn't fake sign language - no! He knows it well. His expression was excellent & great smiles, speech deliverance is awesome.

Choi Hyun-wook as Ha Yi-chan
A hot-blooded youth whose worry nothing but so cheerful and confident. He lives with his grandmother who owned an accommodation house named Snail House. He's in love with beautiful Choi Se-kyung: the cello goddess of Seowon Arts High School. Choi Hyun-Wook made a bet with Se-kyung he would be in a band and made her girlfriend. The bet was on, but out of the blue a crazy boy Ha Eun-Gyeol show up challenged him of her heart. With some reason that strange boy Ha Eun-Gyeol kept follow, helping & protect him. He finally warmed-up to him and they became good friend. ***Choi Hyun-wook is full of energy, has beautiful voice, good in play guitar.

Seol In-ah as Choi Se-kyung / On Eun-yoo
Se-kyung was a person considered to be everyone's muse with her beauty, talent and elegant aura, but she would have an unhappy marriage that made her a controlling mother to her only daughter On Eun-Yoo. Eun-Yoo was on the same situation as Eun-Gyeol, she determined to change her mother's love life so she would have a happy marriage, she looked for the man of her mother's first love. Eun-Yoo and Eun-Gyeol had an understanding to help each other shaping different destiny for their parent. ***Seol In-Ah beauty and sunshine character are significant with character she's portraying.

All ends well, great drama.

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THIS ISN'T LIKE THE BREAKTHROUGH PRINCESS AGENT

Of course this isn't. So far, this isn't amazing drama, it is an okey drama. Nothing spectacular like we anticipate it, the anticipation of being a great drama like Princess Agent. Story about Gods and Devils are overused - nothing original synopsis - we have watched hundreds of similar Xian xia genre C-drama before. As I would hope this's another great saga famously known Princess Agent, unfortunately not even close.

ShenLi or Gen Bi Chang (Zhao Li Ying) run away from arranged-marriage to earth, chose to fight for her freedom rather than accept the match. Sustaining injuries, ShenLi reverts to her original form and falls into the human world as a phoenix where she is picked up by a mortal vendor and sold as a plucked chicken at a local human market to Xing Zhi (Lin Geng Xin). With that little purchase, Xing Zhi inadvertently intertwined his fate with ShenLi. She didn't know Xing Zhi real identity, he's a God who descendant to earth for divinity as a weak mortal. He's born as a man who could predict future, many people came to see him for his vision, Shen Li involved in his life and willing to protect him from those who tried to do harm. Shen Li fallen in love but she knew they won't have future together as one was immortal and the other was just a mortal. As she got a calling back to immortality, she's gone.

Positive note: It looks like a big budged production, CGI works better than usual/generic Xian Xia C-drama. I love the opening credit, love the opening chorus.

Negative note: ** It's weird acting when they're up close staring each other without so much emotional attachment, no tenderness & sincerity in their eyes. ** 35-36 yo Lin Geng Xin were awkward act cute like a little boy "awww...awww...it's hurt". ** Xian Xia drama - God & Devil story's been used many times over, no originality in whole production. **At some point he'd bend his knee to get close to her face.

Ep 12 decided to drop it. It's over advertised..

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NOT IMPRESSED BY

Park Hyung-Sik
Does he lose weight? I can see his cheek bone, when he smile there's obvious deep wrinkles around his eyes. His baggy cloths, some part he acted childish. He's probably just acting cute, but he's a surgeon, did he forget his actual character that none of surgeon ever act cute? He's mischaracteristic his part. While Park Shin-Hye didn't make a better impression either (why did she flip her hair so much?).

Holding hand scene
Sigh....seriously though. They're not in High School anymore. 2 adults who acted like kindergarten first love, especially when they're both medical doctors who know so much about human anatomy and biology, why should they acted squeamish, petrified than simply shy. Although they both adults (not young anymore) first time in love, their acting was barely.

SYSTEM IN KOREA
I don't understand the system in Korea. Is that true that doctor can get pay cuts easily? A Professor can bully and scream on top of his lung humiliating intern just like that? 2nd ML got no patients because of....(he wasn't in tik-tok?), administer drugs to patient in operating room without knowledge from the anesthesiologist? Is it really hard to find job as a doctor in Korea?

It's a bad directive, not good acting, too much fillers, this drama can be finished by 10 ep top.

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DUAL CHARACTER

I think we all can agree that the acting was good, the story though had lots of compromising turns, meaning: I am scratching my head like 'heh? but why?' First of all, the title is so deceiving, I don't see there's love worth fighting for. The drama started really good, I almost rated all 10 but as it progressed start to of annoy me.

We all know the basic synopsis of this drama: a respectful female general of the founding era of the Southern Xia dynasty, enduring hardships to become a legendary female warrior. Amai (Zhang Tianai), the daughter of the Duke of Jingguo in Southern Xia, witnesses her entire family being killed by adopted brother Chen Qi (Sun Shao Long). By an incident brought AMei together with Shang Yi Zhi (Zhang Hao Wei) who became his best friend. Amai, now a young woman, disguises herself as a man decided to join the military becoming an infantry with the intention to come face to face Chen Qi who're the Marshal General from enemy forces in the battle seeking revenge. Her hard work paid off as she's promoted highly due to her intelligence, loyalty, dedication, wisdom, and charisma. Although few people knew her true identity, they covered it for the better of battalion. When serving as a general, A Mai had an enemy named General Chang Yu Qing (Wang Rui Chang). They went through a difficult time that brought the two closer. The war in front of them forced A Mai to shift her personal affairs to defend her nation.

What I like about this drama?
* Some comedy in the episodes, great writing up to ep 22
* Amei was beautiful as a woman but easily transform into a handsome man too
* AMei went through reality of harshness, difficulties, hard training/labor, bully from a foot soldier, got promoted to higher ranking of well deserved. I like this because most of C-drama cross-dressing female general acted like females (cute beautiful face, doing girly stuff, flamboyant, separate room than male counterparts) Zhang Tian'Ai acted/thinking like a man and she actually lived & training hard like real men.
* Shang Yi Zhi (Zhang Hao Wei) came from a privilege life, his parent spoiled him to no end. His real identity Qing Han hidden since he was young to avoid banishment/retaliation from the Emperor. From a naive spoiled young man, his character developed each step. He depended fully to his advisor Mr. Xu, bodyguard Mu Bai, and A Mei as his trusted right hand. He might not a favorite ML but he's matured as he act selfishly as an Emperor to get what he wanted. He's willing to kill everyone as long A Mei say so, he cared less to anything as long as A Mei like to live with him as his Empress. Too bad A Mei had better understanding to what her heart saying...and it wasn't him.
* I like the end of drama. Peace to the country as Beimo Kingdom was in domestic turmoil. Chang Yu Qing (Wang Rui Chang) was again propose to her. Shang Yi Zhi was present hoping to get to meet her. Qi Yu safe and sound learning and training hard.

What I don't like about this drama?
** Ep 22 when she decided to marry Xu'Er to cover up her 'female' identity from her subordinates. Because of this, 2 people died, rising tension and fight broke up of the rumor of her femininity.
** Prime Minister Lin & Family. Alright, this family is so fucked-p, ambitious the PM used his children to get power. Who knew Mu Bai was his youngest son while Chen Qi was his oldest and daughter Ruo Fei was Yi Zhi Empress. Not to mention that this twist took all the screen time than other Male Leads. This drama turned into palace politics and harem jealousy & manipulation. I hate when I see women back stabbing or senile to each other.
** The title of the drama should be renamed to original: A Mai Cong Jun.

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IAM BEING CHEATED BY WISHFULNESS

When I got to the end of series, I felt like I am being cheated by Hua Qian. At first I thought 'Scent of Time' is another drama version 'Story of Kunning Palace', a story of reborn woman whose redeeming her mistakes to her new life but there's a twist that makes it different from other. The tragic love between 4 individuals Zhong Xi Wei, Hua Qian, Zhong Ye Lan & Mu Yao. Beginning episode Hua Qian was being hunted by soldiers and witnessing the dead of her mother and brother. She's collapse and wake up in different reality on the time marrying Zhong Ye Lan, the man she's fallen in love with since childhood. Hua Qian realize then that she's reborn and determine to redeem her mistakes from previous life so instead of being a jealous and hateful wife, she tries to reconnect her husband Zhong Ye Lan to his childhood love Mu Yao, she approves her to be concubine and demand divorce for herself. Hua Qian comes clean for all the wrong doing and determine to be a nice person to people around her. While Zhong Xi Wei is still in love even after her marriage to his brother, as the head of Zhong family he happily agrees to give divorce degree so he can pursue her as a single woman. As taboo as it sounds, a divorcee woman can't remarry the brother of ex-husband. He pursue her tirelessly...convince her that he'd be there if she would just trust him. Besides all the disputes between Hua & Mu family, fragrant big family business, death of love ones, hatred and misunderstanding, also appearance of faithful lowly guard Hua Rong Zhao (Zhang Yi Jie) as her sole console and protector in her position.

Hua Qian's desperation is the fruit of hope to start her miserable life all over again, admitting mistakes as a new person . Curiously this drama should be ended in ep 26 but no...continue to more lighter version to finally grand finale. I like Zhong Xi Wei (Wang Xing Yue) here although Xing Yue has been taking similar character in his other dramas (Zhang Zhe in Story of Kunning Palace & Liu Zixing in One and Only) the guy with irreconcilable love, in this drama though he's more stellar to fight for the woman he loves. Wu Shuo Mo (Li Yun Rui) is outstanding, better than his role the Last Immortal, he can take role both coarse or dignify (in LLtG) character as his next project. Hua Qian (Zhao Ye) though isn't too convincing in few of scenes (drunk scenes and traumatic life experience scene on last episode) her dimple is so pretty when she smiles. Sadly, none of them smile. I find this despondent love story is beautiful...we implore emotion in love, regret, hope, struggle, trust just to be forgiven.

What I like about this drama?
* Beautiful costumes in my favorite dynasty with little hair ornaments and bare make up
* All actors are collaborating nicely, great supporting actors, love the OST
* Unusual plots and twist in very creative story telling
* It's a beautiful tragic love stories with happy ending

Last episode Hua Qian says sober farewell to Hua Rong Zhao as she go back to consciousness after 26 months coma where she's been recreating her imaginative longing different life as the real life struck in bitter facts that she has to deal with. All 29 episodes are wishful aspiration from a woman who realize many flaws and errors she committed but there is a man who won't give up on her and love her no matter what. Whispering calling his name soft 'Zhong Xi Wei'.......he's so happy. That's love.

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EP 1-24 BAD, EP 25-40 BETTER

Xian Xia genre drama isn't making sense. Including this one here regardless who's in it, ep 1-24 is so disappointing, nothing's good. A typical Xian Xia drama is script all imaginary ridiculous synopsis, overwhelm with digital works; flashing fake power, flying here and there, trees/flowers/heavenly animals backdrop are cheap fake illustration, colorful background screams phony, fighting scene is a big joke. Not to mention everything looks so perfect, not a ruffle of hair or smear of make up, dangling hair piece are still in place beautifully, light flowing gown. I guess that's what immortal living with perfection in the cloud but wait .....immortals doing bad things are exist too, perfect appearance but morality/action of immortals are still corrupt (lost the common sense of the plots). The director use digital generic special effects, same replica from other (same genre) dramas. The digital landscape is almost the same in every other Xian Xia genre dramas; colorful landscape & waterfall, birds flying over between the mountains, hanging rocks in the air, obvious plastic green leaves/flowers, rainbow clouds.

LuSi is overacting it; enlarging her pupils, child annoying voice, heavy make up, dangling hair accessories, innocent child expression, not good - appear superficial act. While An Yu & Yun Rui bounce their hair so much and their acting is in the minus, the peacock girl is a kill-joy & Yuan Shuang is boring. When LuSi said she won't do another school drama in the future (after Hidden Love) I hope she won't do another fantasy Xian Xia drama ever again. I hope she won't act this stupid in future dramas ever again, her beauty and talent gets her far enough without employing to act adolescence. The whole team is a disaster; Scrip writer, director, editor, music director awful (change swapping background music on the middle scenes) and choral symphony as background music (rather using their own OST)? bad CGI work, lack of creative ideas.

Ep 25 onward, ZLS starts to act better but have stiff neck and the story start to come into place, besides that production sadly hasn't change a bit (still lousy). If the production team would have shorten A Yin & Gu Jin and all combine vile efforts peacock clan/devil only to 10 episodes but more focus in developing characters of Feng Yin & Yuan Qi, this drama might have a better feedback. Highlight the reason on why and how Yuan Qi did for A Yin earlier instead of revealing it on ep 35 & 38 we might have better sense of the plots. Ep 1-24 is bad (I rate it 4) & ep 25-40 is better (I rate it 7). As the Devil King intends to try his tribulation to the mortal world, his coming down bring all chaos that need salvation. He shouldn't be ascendant gracing our life (just a thought...lol) but I hope Wang AnYu & Zhao LuSi will collaborate another drama in modern setting someday. I am more in love with their chemistry in the promotional photo shots/interview.

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4 POINTS I PICKED UP IN 22 EPISODES

Ning Yuan Zhao (Liu YuNing) is the wise leader of Six Dao Hall Wu State on mission to escort young naive Prince(ss) Yang Ying to enemy kingdom to bring ransom money and to free jailed-king. He took 4 accomplish able men which are Yu Shi San (Alen Fang) is a good friend, handsome and flamboyant. Playboy and easy going personality (very different character from he used to) very attractive, he's crème de la crème. Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei) 18 yo loyal follower of Yuan Zhao, famous with his mechanical device creations. Qian Zhao (Wang Yi Zhe) a trusted guard of the Empress and old friend of Yuan Zhao, his expertise are cooking, medicine & poison. Sun Lang (Li Huan) most trusty guard from Human Division from Six Dao Hall incharge with guards & attendants. A long the way, Yuan Zhao realize that he needs a female preceptor to teach naive Prince(ss) Yang Ying how to navigate politic, manner, deportment so he invites Ren RuYi (Liu Shi Shi) to tag along, the former left envoy of the State of An Zhu Yiwai that has her own reason to agree. The story is the long journey (up to ep 18) they're still in the border Wu State and An State. She finds love, friendship, understanding, & brotherhood.

4 points I pick up from this drama:

FIGHTING CHOREOGRAPHY/MARTIAL ART
It's entertaining. I don't know how the choreographer did, but it's nice to look at to. It might just a show, edit here and there and voila. With hair blowing, robes flying, smile coldly, vivid color, wind blow, artful movement, dramatic background music, yeah we get all the package of perfect visual feast. The choreography is so smooth and artful that like real.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
As she wants a baby from him, she inserted herself to his personal space, pestering him to do the deeds. Although he refused, he can't barely escape her charm. She tries every trick to get him to sleep with her, coerced him, if that's not a sexual harassment so what is it call (in a nice way). From physical attraction because he's tall and excellent in martial art, she thinks she doesn't need a husband to have a baby with, just his cooperation. After fail persuasion, she then appreciate him more in personal level because he tells his subordinates to respect her and he's most considerate for her well being and happiness. With the advise from Yu Shi San, she changes the method of persuasion, by acting not care.

GOSSIPING MEN
Not only us women infamously known to gossiping, apparently these nothing-to-do men loves to gossip about what's going on with Ning Yuan Zhao & Ren Ru Yi. Giggling, whispering, guessing, talk amongst them, speculate their relationship during long journey to the enemy line, this is what they're filled their time with. Of course, they also has confrontation from ambush. The team work build thru misunderstanding to test their loyalty, character and strength. Since Ru Yi is the only female and a new comer on the group, she's the recipient of unwanted attention or distrust. No one know yet the deal she's making with Yuan Zhao (beside the baby business) which asking Six Dao Hall to investigate the death of her benefactor - the late dowager empress. Yu Shi San is the women's expert where everyone appreciate his expertise in women's need to get his good advise. Ep 6 is touching, Yuan Zhao shows Yang Ying's desperate question; why? Because of the country, the people, the lost, duty, loyalty and the price of privileges. Ep 11 Yuan Zhao proved to be a great leader, gives himself 10 lashes for the mistake his subordinates failing to guard the safety of Prince Yang Ying.

TEDIOUS ROMANCE SCENES/CRINGE LOVE
I notice, never fail, we get tension scenes - very critical - fighting - crisis- stressful situation but then the next scenes will be all lovey dovey all about love and sweet promises like come on....get on already!! Never fail! Too much sweetness and expression of love gets me really sick. Nah....too dreary. After the heart break and injuries Ep 12 Yuan Zhao agrees to her baby request but ask her to wait till the mission completes. All flirt, promise, and baby agreement isn't up to my fav....too much distraction and stir up the mission because of jealousy and couple's disagreement, too much PDA in my opinion. She would threaten 'baby is out of the table if you don't do this' and his face blank like 'ehhhh?' The love is too clingy...so cringe stare each other looking into their eyes..like in Jr High first love. I skip most of it. I think this is just fillers to prolong the episodes.

But all casts do great job with their character. Liu Shi Shi is seductive, she doesn't need to be arrogant as cold-bloody killer, she smiles suggestively and touches lightly, she approaches to corner him with dew eyes. Liu Yu Ning being single 30yo veteran leader is pretty fascinated with her attention, only his top mission priorities hanging on his head he manage to scud away the temptation. Alan Fang is great, really funny, the joker in the group, he should do more comedy. Between Liu Yu Ning and Alan Fang character in Long Ballad, I like their social dynamic in here. Decided to drop it, stuck on ep 22, it's great story but I don't care about their love story (on and on so tiring) they should cut down the love portion between Liu Yu Ning and Liu Shi Shi, not too mention love Li TongGuan to Ren RuYi....another on and on about them. Ugh...enough already. I heard the end is disappointment, not making into the end of episodes.

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2ND CHANCE AND REDEMPTION

A head strong Jiang Xue Ning (Bai Lu) who would do anything to become an Empress, who manipulated many people to do her bidding to stay in power and control, who died by killing herself of regret in exchange her life for someone else's life. The story of second chance and redemption of Jiang Xuening; to avoid herself get into the palace like her past life as the ambitious Empress. But she couldn't entirely escape from fate that's written to her, shifting her fates and people in the path of redemption. However some things were still end the same like invincible hand stirred to what fate have been. Ning'Er still end up joining the palace as a Princess's study companion and Xie Wei's (Zhang Ling He) student. As a new person, she still handled things with devious strategies to avoid certain fates that got her in trouble in previous life, with different approached she still manipulate people according to her wishes. The old feeling still hunted her to which decision made and wisdom came from. Relationship Xie Wei & Xue Ning were teacher and student, outside the circle they're conspirator.

Xie Wei/Xue Ding Fei (Zhang Ling He)
As the most scary person in Jiang Xue Ning's life - she most afraid and bitter toward him. Crown Prince's teacher and advisor to the Emperor, Xie Wei had every reason to be wary of. He hold most secrets as he's the sole survivor of 20 years old frightening 300 young lost souls originated, a 7 years young Viscount Xue Ding Fei was used to replace for (same age) Crown Prince's life to demanding rebel leader Prince Ping'An. Who knew he survived the massacre and became Prince Ping'An bullet to destroy Qian/Shen royal family, his hatred to his biological father Xue was no bound. His affection for Yan family where his mother was the beloved sister of Duke Yan (Yan Lin's father). This time around, he suffered from PTSD from early age trauma. His main goal was to destroy Xue which aligned with Xue Ning's mission and maneuver palace's politics to achieve goals. So much going on his calculating mind to achieve successful outcomes, he'd happily married Xue Ning and had twin children.

Yan Lin (Zhou Jun Wei)
In this new life Jiang Xuening redeemed her mistake by secretly plans to stop Yan Lin's bloody upcoming-age Crown Ceremony from happening, result of power struggle between 2 influential family Xue & Yan. With Jiang Xuening and Xie Wei's plan, the Yan family's lives were saved although they went exile for wrongful accusation. At point of time when Yan Lin lost his whole family during his coming-to age celebration from Xue and the day knowing Xue Ning rejecting his love. Her betrayal made Yan Lin obsess and furious. When he started to gain power to rebel, Yan Lin determined to make her his woman, but she killed herself to exchange life for a life. Xue Ning was forewarned Yan Lin that her feeling was friendship, none romantic, Yan Lin had to first hand knowing her true feeling to avoid obsession nor hatred as he's falling more deeper in love with her like in their previous life. He'd be a grand general and respected by whole country, Yan family all came back home.

Zhang Zhe ( Wang Xing Yue)
Jiang XueNing most precious person was Zhang Zhe. In previous life she was using him to cover up her many guilt of wrong doing, for the sake of love Zhang Zhe betrayed his conscience to make wrong judgement. He felt unworthy and guilt of the dead of his mother he wrote a letter to Justice Dept to sentence him to death. Xue Ning begged him to forgive himself and blame her instead. Few days before his death sentence, Xue Ning went to Xie Wei for his mercy and kill herself in exchange for his life. Second change, Zhang Zhe being an upright man was indeed love her, they had a chance to have their happy ending together, but his mother eventually died from the same cause and affect him the same guilt so Xue Ning decided to let go remembering how bad Zhang Zhe end up on their previous life. All in all Zhang Zhe assisted Xie Wei, Yan Lin, Xue Ning to reveal the truth of evil-doers Xue family.

Princess Le Yang/Shen Zhi Yi (Liu Xie Ning)
Jiang Xue Ning was her bestfriend, they're study mates. Jiang Xue Ning was successfully change their relationship dynamic into friendship rather as adversary in their previous life, but for sure Xue Ning knew that Princess Le Yang would be sent off to get married with enemy's prince and tragically died. In this life, Xue Ning would rush to save her from fatal outcome. Although she still had a bad marriage, faced abuse and imprisonment, she's finally free to come back home.

You Fang Yin (Melody Tang)
In previous life, she's the faithful attendant/maid to her Empress life, Fang Yin's been through too much during her reign so she felt guilty put her through. So, Jiang Xue Ning saved her from jealous bitter step sister and hateful You family. Xue Ning trusted her with business and independent. She married to a very nice man, handled businesses good, sadly died for loyalty.

Although the drama is heavy in political conflicts and intrigues, twisting fate for different outcomes might also be a little romance at the end. Great script, the intrigue wasn't boring, amazing costumes (everyone looks amazing), great coordination between flash back and new stories, good angle cameramen and directive. Zhang Ling He is great in here, shining in his acting (not convincing enough he's afraid of cat though), he'll have a long acting career. Bai Lu is so so as her usual self, as 27 yo she can't act like 19yo, we've seen her same acting in her other dramas. Zhou Jun Wei is pretty sleek as Yan Lin while Wang Xing Yue has character that's not special, I think he'd be more interesting as (previous life) Zhang Zhe when he broke many etiquette and laws - he'd lots of inner battles and emotion fight in within . Very good drama.

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20 EPISODES FULL OF FILLERS

I'd say that this drama can finish in 10-12 episodes instead of 20 episodes which they filled it with more twists, plots, confusion over feeling or self-realization, back-on-forth love (or not to love). The main idea of every damn 'Choi' family created such terrible connection that every 'Shin' had to bear hardship and sadness. Yeah...every plots went around about these 2 family names.

Shin Joon-young (Kim Woo-bin) and No-Eul (Bae Suzy) were high school classmates who were separated during their teenage years due to an ill-fated relationship, but later meet each other in adulthood. Shin Joon-young is now a top actor-singer (Jerk, rude, devilish gorgeous, rich, sickly, cold), while No-Eul (emotional, unlucky, beautiful, poor, pity, money minded) was a documentary producer. No-Eul had a tough childhood; her father died in a hit-and-run, prompting No-Eul to quit school and make a living for herself and her brother. Shin Joon-young, had his life planned out for him. His mother wanted him to become a prosecutor to follow in the footsteps of his estranged father, but an incident caused him to quit law school and become a singer-actor. His mother disowned him, couldn't understand why he quit law, she hated his celebrity status. She had him when she's 22 and impregnated by boyfriend Choi Hyeon-joon which he left her for another woman and became the source of suffering for all characters in this drama.

The two later reunite when No-Eul is tasked to film Shin Joon-young's documentary. She convinced the producer that she can obtain his consent for the documentary shoot. Initially, Joon-young gave No-Eul a hard time, but he eventually agrees to participate in the documentary. Working together didn't give them solitude, more like battle of heart, like one pulling rope tight and lose, never ending confusion because of circumstances. Joon-Young didn't give shit to anything (breaking contracts, change mind in last minute, rude, dismiss press), nothing to lose demeanor that made every person frustrated, but he had secrets that he wouldn't admit...he's terminally ill - a cancer that only allowed him 3 months to live...he's also guilty on action he caused car accident to No-Eul 5 years earlier....and he's the son of congressman Choi Hyeon-joon out of wedlock.

Okay, I think Kim Woo-Bin is gorgeous and he has the cold eyes good for a rude guy character while he also could be a charmer for his mom. Bae Suzy....she often delivered her dialog screaming on top of her lung! Not to mention her acting cute (ackh...) I don't understand where they supposedly madly in love each other but there wasn't warmness in relationship, she didn't hug him back, kiss on peck, no tender glances. I can shorten the episode by suggesting some changes in plots: give No-Eul compensation for the death of her father, move away and move on, be transparent (seems everybody loves to held grudges and keeping secrets). Of course, this is drama, the more melodramatic the longer episode becomes. At the end though, did Shin Joon-Yong died from his cancer? As No-Eul wishing to see him tomorrow? Possibly season 2? Hope not but I don't mind to see Kim Woo-BIn again. LOL

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A GREAT SHORT DRAMA

Only 12 episodes all together. A realistic set up, less make-up and none beautification (great!), great flowing story, good acting for every actors. Setting in the 37th year of the Wan Li Time of the Ming Administration, there were progressive homicides in the region seat of Jiangnan District. The personalities of the dead were unique and inconsequential to one another but they had similarity; intention, message left in the dead bodies, all pointing to the fire burning accident to Lu family 20 years earlier. As a apprentice Qu San Geng (Bai YuFan) of his dead teacher Captain Leng, he was a bailiff who try to decoding the murder mystery of his teacher and other unrelated victims. With the help of his friends Gao Shi Cong (Liu YiTong), Feng Ke Zhui (Zhang Hao Wei), Leng Gui Er (Julia Xiang) Captain Leng's only daughter. They uncovered (figuratively) worm-box of 20 years old secret; one clue and one witness at a time, victim's dark pasts, the connection of victims to each other. Song Chen (Ning Li) was an upright well-respected official who became Qu SanGeng mentor, He's the County Judge who appointed by the Emperor because of the error judgement when he was much younger, so much tortures for wrong conviction, experience injustices, he became disable - his mind though still as bright as his younger-self, he's now uphold justice for other people.

Background of the crime
The sad story about 3 teenager best friends, because of the greed and anger 20 years ago that cause destructive motivation. Unlikely best friend were young Lu Zhi, Xiao Bao, Lu Bu Yao came from different social status background; Lu Zhi was the servant of Lu family, Lu Bu Yao was his young master, Xiao Bao was attendant for a brothel. The Lu elder humiliated and punished Lu Zhi that drove him to seek revenge and gained some money with the encouragement from Mr. Zhong the steward, with the help of other 4 helpers they killed the whole Lu family with poison and burned down the house. Lu Zhi as adopted son Of Lu elder claimed the wealth of Lu family and divided between them. After stay away and low, they came back to town as rich merchants and respected by people in town. Recently, they've been murdered of those individuals connected with devastating fire. Captain Leng, murdered for involvement in cold-closed case. Lin Si Niang murdered for where was all started, Dr. Cheng murdered for fake prescription poison all Lu's, Wang Chen the gambler murdered for killing the mother Lu and Lu baby girl, other 3 victims related to the accident. Although Qu SanGeng knew the identity of the culprits, he made the choice to pick one of 2 devious killers to take on his revenge .

The setting was same location as 'Under Microscope' or 'Pledge of Allegiance' so for those who love those 2 dramas, we're getting the same vibes - same genre with different plots.

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ENTERTAINING, LIGHT FAMILY DRAMA

I love this drama. It's entertaining light family drama, like on the title it's hilarious and warm fuzzy story. It isn't complicated, budged friendly, flowing story, but definitely bring out the best of each characters into the screen. Every actors did awesome job in their characters, the director seems to know how to create humorous scenes without overdo it. Only 24 episodes suitable for laugh at the end of our stressful day. The Story is about Du Ru Yu has been a widowed single mother for the past 18 years, raising four daughters with very different personalities. She's tough on the outside but soft-hearted on the inside, constantly worrying about her daughters' marriages.

Liu Lin as Du Ru Yu/mom
An ex-tofu seller moved in to JiangLin town for better chance for her daughters to find husbands. A mother who tries to stay afloat in managing daughters who's different personalities and interests. After moving to Jiang Lin, she enthusiastically engages with matchmakers and participates in blind dates. Dealing with troublesome daughters, potential suitors who are still pending, and infatuated pursuers like Guo Zhen Sheng (Yang Hao Yu), a doctor and pharmacist (Ban Xia's teacher), loved Ru Yu and willing to share 90-10% profit from his pharmacy as long he allowed to live with her (and family) in which RuYu treated him badly.

Han Yun Yun as Chun Jin Rong/Oldest daughter
29 and 18 months yo, single and love luxury life, lazy, looking for prospect marrying a wealthy husband. Mom was trying to get her married but after a few attempt she remains single. Here came Shi Zi (Chang Long), a young Lord that had no intention nor interest whatsoever intertwined with her. Shi Zi mistakenly thought that Chun Jin Rong was the object of affection for the Fourth Prince and tried to form an alliance with her, which leading Chun Jin Rong to mistakenly believed that the Shi Zi like her. Of course, Jin Rong encouraged him just because he's single and the son of rich official. Unfortunately, Shi Zi's father against Jin Rong because of different social standing.

Jackie Li as Chun Pei Lan/2nd oldest
She loved to take care of her family, kind, frugal, very domestic, filial. She brought in Lu Bu Ping (Ren Hao) into her household, because he helped knock out the gang leader. However, he mistakenly thought he has killed someone and forced to work as a low-level servant in the Chun family. This poor guy worked so hard, not getting pay, just to be allowed a shelter and meals. Her family treated him as a servant, only on ep 13 revealed he's the son of the martial arts alliance leader. He learned from most amazing Stewart Xiu to appease Mrs. Chun's house-warming party.

Wu Jia Yi as Chun Ban Xia/3rd daughter
She's the smartest one in the family, very knowledgeable and learned to be a doctor from Guo Zhen Sheng, kind non-sense personality. She got to know a strong-willed Shen Wang Yan, a 3rd rank graduated scholar who came to the household in thinking the house was still belong to Sheng family for him to give tutorial. She didn't trust him, her opinion of him was very low while Wan Yan teased her mercilessly.

Li Jia Qi as Chun Ke Ling/youngest daughter
Tomboy, interested in martial art, lively, willful, and enjoys helping the weak while opposing the strong, often absent from home. the leader of Jianglin youth gang which only had 3 members. Accidentally she met 4th Prince (Gu ZiCheng) as he called himself A-Si, no one know he's the best candidate for Crown Prince, but he's very naive and innocent. He moved in to Shi Zi's mansion just to persuading KeLing and learned how commoners live.

Why I like this drama because there're instances that we Asians can relate to, family values that we cherish. I can see that the daughters are getting their suitable choice of good men and they'll end well.

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SILLIEST SURGEON EVER

This is what I call the most unprofessional immature silliest doctor that comes with one of most difficult profession that requires so much education, professionalism, training, maturity and critical thinking but this woman blew it all by her ridiculous stupidity. I don't buy it...seriously...She's beautiful but so annoying acting...ugh! Drama was full exaggeration bad acting, so much sighing/panting, dialog delivered loud.

Story line was ridiculous, beyond dense fantasy imagination:
Oh Sung Moo the comic creator famous 'W', the father of residence cardiothoracic surgeon Oh Yeon Joo, mysteriously went missing while writing the last chapter of his webtoon "W". Yeon Joo went to his office looking, but a hand from his monitor suddenly pulled her in, and she found herself on the rooftop of a hotel, next to a bloodied man (Lee Jong-Suk). She managed to save the person, only to realized that he's Kang Cheol, the main character of her father's webtoon as she's transferred to the different dimension of comic life. Yeon Joo later discovered she can only enter and leave the webtoon depending on Kang Cheol's feelings. Some twists and adding plots, Kang Cheol went in to the reality world and learned that her father was the one who's been trying to kill him by any means to end webtoon. Some more twists and changing plots, they're together as married couple, then it wasn't - back and forth in both world.

Kang Cheol (Park Jung-Suk)
He's the eye candy, gorgeous young single rich man who looked for the murderer of his family, been through much in his younger self as he's being accused and jailed as the main suspect of murder. As a perfect sharpshooter, he gained his wealth by doing many businesses, life was great luxuries. He just didn't understand much when he did something he felt like the urge without sense, why someone kept trying to end his life without indication of traces. He then realized he's actually the main character of comic, authored by Oh Sung Moo whose intention to end the story as he wanted to stop getting pull into the comic himself. Mysteriously the comic created itself without the author knowing how and it kept 'to be continue' for the next chapter again and again magically. Some other intervention from different (ghostly) 'being' recreating this comic.....I would know if I'd continue watching. I think only Park Jung-Suk that wasn't yelling when he delivered his dialog, that's his positive beside his good look.

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TEPID CHEMISTRY

An typical average K-drama. They have no chemistry, the guy wasn't great, they both had tepid eyes and smiles to each other, dialog was simple and petty, the supporting actors were even worst. The story was about a girl that could hear lies from people, she met this guy who couldn't tell lies. This guy was a famous composer, hide his face behind the mask and real identity. He supposed to be the main suspect of the murder of his ex-girlfriend 5 years earlier. He hide himself at the apartment next door to this girl, no personal connection whatsoever but eventually got to know each other over favorite British soccer teams, this girl helped him to open up to himself and took on challenges. If they've fallen in love, we wouldn't know, there wasn't any warms or sweetness on the relationship. Shy? that was not, it's more like lack of talent. It got worst when the plot started to focus on community approach in which supporting actors didn't do well (annoying acting) and investigation on murder accusation. It was interesting what lies the girl try to detect when many VIP clients hired her (she earned lots of money with this job) while not so when he went on for personal vendetta looking for the real murderer.

So, that wasn't only about Pretty Lies but fillers about combination of one sided 'gay love', vendor's community in area, famous singers and her fans, mysterious famous composer, his vindictive ambitious political mother, her greedy mother and reclusive father, victim's brother who went berserk every single scenes, involvement polices or reporters. Yeah too much mingled all over the plots, so it's forgotten the main (on the title) synopsis about 'HEARING PEOPLE LIES!'

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