This review may contain spoilers
Was it just me, or did anyone else notice that Namneung and Noey look very similar from certain angles? Before watching the series, I honestly thought they looked like sisters or cousins, lol!
Regarding the series itself, I had been eagerly waiting for it to air. The enemies-to-lovers concept in the pilot felt so thrilling, and since this was Namneung and Noey's first official series as a lead couple, my expectations were a little high. Unfortunately, the plot wasn't very appealing. Why did the aunt treat a literal child that way? It is infuriating how selfish she was, and who did she even think she was? Despite her high status in the family, her behaviour felt incredibly small-minded and immature for her age. There is absolutely no excuse that could ever justify her misdeeds toward both Kaphrao and Fai.
Furthermore, I strongly believe that Fai's father was entirely in the wrong too. All of the elders who should have been responsible ended up misleading the children instead. I was quite annoyed by Fai in the first few episodes, but the later episodes explained her perspective and made her feelings somewhat convincing. Imagine having a distant father who brings a child home, calls her your sister, and then starts taking care of her more than you. Even though young Fai was small and unaware of the full situation, we are shown the full extent of her character flaws. I still believe she should have taken accountability for her actions and helped Kaphrao in their childhood itself, no matter what the rumors were.
I honestly wonder how the aunt managed to get such special treatment, letting everyone—Fai, her father, and even Kaphrao—bend to her will. Her manipulation and dark, timid, selfish aura completely ruined the vibe of the series for me. Why did no one realize from the very start that her behavior was toxic and uncharacteristic of a well-minded person?
I would have preferred to see more scenes of Fai and Kaphrao before they officially got together. While I don't think Fai's love for Kaphrao felt rushed or forced for her character development, it still would have been special to watch her realize her feelings and yearn for Kaphrao a little longer. Instead, I feel like Kaphrao never received the apology or the love she truly deserved, even by the final episode during their mutual apologies and the proposal. It felt like she always had to step aside and sacrifice her own needs for others. Even when Fai hated being distant from Kaphrao, she still did it just to appease her aunt.
I did enjoy some of Fai and Kaphrao's scenes together, especially their bickering and the way they tried to hide their affection for one another. However, as I mentioned, the entire series felt deeply uneven because of that one idiotic, selfish aunt, alongside the frustrating behavior of Fai and her father.
The core of their marriage at the end wasn't what I expected, and I wasn't fond of how it played out either. I was so uninterested at that point that even seeing the other main leads at the wedding couldn't highlight the moment for me. By then, I was just happy that they were finally a couple.
Out of the entire 4 Elements series, I would rank The Earth in a good place for its amazing performances, strong plot, and refreshing fashion sense. I also really liked The Water, despite its plot. And given how disappointing The Air turned out to be, The Fire was definitely a better watch than The Air.
:/
Regarding the series itself, I had been eagerly waiting for it to air. The enemies-to-lovers concept in the pilot felt so thrilling, and since this was Namneung and Noey's first official series as a lead couple, my expectations were a little high. Unfortunately, the plot wasn't very appealing. Why did the aunt treat a literal child that way? It is infuriating how selfish she was, and who did she even think she was? Despite her high status in the family, her behaviour felt incredibly small-minded and immature for her age. There is absolutely no excuse that could ever justify her misdeeds toward both Kaphrao and Fai.
Furthermore, I strongly believe that Fai's father was entirely in the wrong too. All of the elders who should have been responsible ended up misleading the children instead. I was quite annoyed by Fai in the first few episodes, but the later episodes explained her perspective and made her feelings somewhat convincing. Imagine having a distant father who brings a child home, calls her your sister, and then starts taking care of her more than you. Even though young Fai was small and unaware of the full situation, we are shown the full extent of her character flaws. I still believe she should have taken accountability for her actions and helped Kaphrao in their childhood itself, no matter what the rumors were.
I honestly wonder how the aunt managed to get such special treatment, letting everyone—Fai, her father, and even Kaphrao—bend to her will. Her manipulation and dark, timid, selfish aura completely ruined the vibe of the series for me. Why did no one realize from the very start that her behavior was toxic and uncharacteristic of a well-minded person?
I would have preferred to see more scenes of Fai and Kaphrao before they officially got together. While I don't think Fai's love for Kaphrao felt rushed or forced for her character development, it still would have been special to watch her realize her feelings and yearn for Kaphrao a little longer. Instead, I feel like Kaphrao never received the apology or the love she truly deserved, even by the final episode during their mutual apologies and the proposal. It felt like she always had to step aside and sacrifice her own needs for others. Even when Fai hated being distant from Kaphrao, she still did it just to appease her aunt.
I did enjoy some of Fai and Kaphrao's scenes together, especially their bickering and the way they tried to hide their affection for one another. However, as I mentioned, the entire series felt deeply uneven because of that one idiotic, selfish aunt, alongside the frustrating behavior of Fai and her father.
The core of their marriage at the end wasn't what I expected, and I wasn't fond of how it played out either. I was so uninterested at that point that even seeing the other main leads at the wedding couldn't highlight the moment for me. By then, I was just happy that they were finally a couple.
Out of the entire 4 Elements series, I would rank The Earth in a good place for its amazing performances, strong plot, and refreshing fashion sense. I also really liked The Water, despite its plot. And given how disappointing The Air turned out to be, The Fire was definitely a better watch than The Air.
:/
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