thedramabear
This review may contain spoilers
ROMANTIC but not as thrilling as I Hear Your Voice
I came to know about this drama when I saw on one streaming site and the poster and the title quite catches my sight so I looked for the drama's info and found out that this drama is the remake of my favorite K-drama I Hear Your Voice. I decided to watch this drama for that reason as I want a fresher remake of IHYV.The story:
While the romance part is very cute and endearing with a loyal and one-woman man male lead, I am quite disappointed that this drama does not have complicated cases like the original one. I am not here to compare but since it is a remake, I can not help but find the differences between these 2 dramas. The cases in I Hear Your Voice was complicated and full of twists if I remembered correctly. It was also thrilling with the villain's continuous killing attempts while in this drama, sometimes it is quite bland and sometimes overly dramatic. The law cases in this drama do not really evoke my interest. So, the romance is the only one that is compelling and make me want to watch the next episode. The conclusions of each law cases are also too fast and too easy. But I am not complaining since there is a good romance story told by this drama though. I have not watched the ending so I can not give comments about it.
The acting:
Applause to the female lead, Qi Wei. Her acting is so good especially the crying scenes. She is also very good at comedic scenes. She and the male lead, Jin Han, have got good chemistry. The feels are quite the same as the chemistry built by Lee Jong Suk and Lee Bo Young back then. They seem comfortable with each other. One of the main reasons I loved IHYV was that because the great chemistry between LBY and LJS. The male lead, Jin Han, he is charming as the loyal, protective, and quite calm male lead. He is natural at comedic scenes and he can balance Qi Wei's humour while for some serious scenes, he has not reached the intensity needed for the scenes. But, man, he is very good at looking as a man in love. The one that plays as Gu Si Yu (the female lead's frenemy) is also quite good while the one that acts as Yoon Sang Hyun's character is just so so or maybe he was not given much to show his acting.
The music:
As a longtime Kdrama watcher, I am still not used to Chinese OSTs so I can just say that the music fits well to the scenes.
Rewatch Value:
Because I love the romance, I will just watch the romantic scenes.
Overall:
I recommend you to watch this drama. It is easy to watch. The male lead while he is not that vrery handsome (although I admit that he is much more my type than Lee Jong Suk and he is good looking), Jin Han is very pleasing to watch. He is charming and embodies Jiang Xia role very well.
Correct if I am wrong: this drama is not dubbed unlike other Cdramas. So, we can hear the real voices of Qi Wei and Jin Han.
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I have never been this crazy over a C-drama!
I first saw this drama's trailer around a few weeks before the premiere. I already heard about Yang Yang and Dilraba pairing quite long time ago, but as I didn't like Dilraba (because of her acting in Ten Miles of Peach Blossom), I wasn't really paying attention on You Are My Glory.Then, I saw the first trailer and was completely blown away by their chemistry and not so common dialogues unlike any other modern Cdramas. OMG not only they are so gorgeous, they can act so good! I already knew Yang Yang back then when he starred as Ye Hua in the movie version of Ten Miles of Peach Blossom.
First of all, I will review a bit about the story. I have never seen Love 020 or any other Gu Man's works, but this kind of story really touches my deepest heart as Yu Tu's struggles on his life and career path and Jing Jing's genuine love and support for Yu Tu are the things that make this drama so different from any other dramas. Yu Tu's profession is also one of a kind. As what the drama describes his job as "one of the most romantic profession" is definitely true. The depiction how he changes from a kinda stoic and always composed, never did something impulsive to a person who can give cheeky banters with Jing Jing and often smiles like his life finally lit up because of Jing Jing. This kind of change is not somewhat dramatic, but the progress is very subtle but you can see his progress in every episode. I really like how Gu Man tells her story. I already read the novel and I liked it. Her way of telling story is beautiful.
The romantic scenes will surely satisfy your thirst for sweet but not cheesy scenes. They are just like normal couple out there but with really mature mindset, therefore there aren't any unnecessary misunderstandings after they got together. It's more of a dream-chasing together drama. So beautiful.
Secondly, the acting from almost all the actors and actresses are really good. I really like Yang Yang's portrayal as Yu Tu. His eyes and micro movements are very good and on point (my ultimate favorite was his expression on the last scene of Ep 16). Also, I don't think no one can replace Dilraba as Qiao Jing Jing. Her tone and expression match so well without being too much. She is naturally cute as Jing Jing. She does not try to act cute, but it just flows naturally within her.
The OST. Sorry, but I don't find the OST to be somewhat really special. However, Fireworks and Stars by Liu Yu Ning is good and match the scene very well. I like Fireworks and Stars when it is played as an instrumental music. Just simply beautiful.
Rewatch value? Of course 10! I will rewatch my favorite scenes and episodes. Just not the game things. Oh, if you are not gamers or a fan of game-themed dramas, don't worry. You can skip those parts and just focused on Yang Yang and Dilraba's interaction.
Caution, this is a slow burn romance type of drama. Not angsty type of drama, but a light-hearted drama with depth. Definitely worth to watch
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This is How Chinese Modern Dramas Should be Made! Amazing Chemistry from Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi
I regret that I just know about this drama now. If only I had watched it while it was airing, I would have jumped on the same fun boat with the other watchers of this drama on MyDramaList sooner.In short, I really adore this drama to pieces. These are the reasons:
- The Story
The story is pretty simple, but it doesn’t mean that the story can not keep you entertained for the whole 36 episodes. The premise of the story is about Chu Li, a fresh graduate from Finance Major but decides to pursue her passion in editing. She applies a job as an editor in a publishing company. Though initially she is rejected because she doesn’t have any background in editing field, but because of her deep knowledge in novels and authors, she’s accepted. In order to pass the probation period, she has to make Zhou Chuan, a best-selling author who is known as not only handsome, but a gentleman, to sign his upcoming book with her publishing company. Unbeknownst to her, Zhou Chuan is also her online friend who has been chatting with her for quite a long time. She finally can persuade Zhou Chuan to sign with her publishing company and she becomes his editor. After living under the same roof, they become closer and closer and then voila, they fall in love with each other. It’s a slow burn romance for sure, but each episode provides you the progress of their relationship bit by bit. From strangers to editor-author relationship to friends to lovers. Ding Yu Xi and Esther's chemistry is great in showing the dynamic of their relationship from the beginning. Thank God that this drama does not provide any cringey and cheesy scenes unlike other usual Chinese dramas which sometimes tend to be over-exaggerated in a way that makes me stop watching them.
- The Acting
Moonlight is the 1st collaboration between Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi (luckily, we’ll be having them hopefully next year with their new drama, Yong Ye Xing He). I already knew about Esther since I loved Love Between Fairy and Devil and I must say she's a good actress. As for Ding Yu Xi, I was attracted by his acting in Love You 7 Times. Many people feel bothered by Esther’s high-pitched voice. But, I’m not that bothered because at least, she can act. When she’s needed to act seriously, she definitely can act those scenes without any exaggerations. Though I have to admit Ding Yu Xi is better in terms of showing various micro-expressions. He’s a really good actor who can act in love very convincingly and act in funny scenes without fail. Most of the main actors here can deliver funny lines very well and sound very natural. Be it Esther Yu, Ding Yu Xi, and the actor who plays the role Jiang Yu Cheng. So, as for me, not cringey though not all the funny scenes and dialogues can make me laugh. However, I do find their dialogues to be witty. I really like witty banters. In serious and emotional scenes, I find Ding Yu Xi is the best among them. His eyes can emote very well. Esther Yu is best in scenes which require her to show her earnest side.
- The Music
Unfortunately, the OSTs are not memorable. At least, they’re all well-matched with the scenes.
- Rewatch Value
I will watch my favorite scenes on IQiyi Youtube Channel. It provides all the highlights from Moonlight.
To sum up, Moonlight is my current favorite Chinese Drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Okay, I am not gonna start with the biggest spoiler regarding the ending, because I am afraid that I will hinder you who have planned to watch it. Let me tell you. Despite the not-so-well-done ending, this drama is still awesome. This is my 3rd Chinese drama to date, as I have been a loyal K-dramas watcher for 13 years, while the first and second Chinese dramas I watched were Ten Miles of Peach Blossom and Ashes of Love which I also loved very much. Then, I was looking for dramas with a loyal and swoon worthy male lead but had not been able to find any until one day I stumbled upon this drama. I saw the trailer and was intrigued by it, then I proceeded to watch the 1st and 2nd episode. Though not as beautiful as TMOPB, but I was hooked! This drama is all about the demons, mortals, and immortals, not kind of heavenly immortals like TMOPB and AOL though.
STORY: (Funny and absolutely romantic)
The story flows quickly in the first 4 episodes without wasting any time for unnecessary scenes though the parts with Immortal Sects was quite confusing at first. It is a story between the goods who was claim to be treacherous and the baddies who claim to be the good ones who will punish those whom they think are demons.
Our female lead, Zhao Yao, is the legendary demoness who was once a really naive and good girl but turned to evil after her grandfather was murdered by her crush while our male lead, Mo Qing, is a shy and timid demon king's son who is sealed in a cave and finally saved by Zhao Yao. Our lead characters are unlike the mainstream characters in other dramas. The female lead is just so badass that she does not need to be saved so often unlike other dramas. The male lead is also not the kind who will tell I love you, word by word to make his feelings known, instead, with actions and loyalty. No matter how evil his girl's attempt to kill him, he still loves her and dotes on her until she falls in love with him.
After episode 5 when Mo Qing has turned into the mature, reliable, and powerful Wan Lu Sect Leader, the story really begins to be interesting, funny, romantic, and enjoyable. Zhao Yao who believes that Mo Qing has betrayed her, tries to kill him many times but absolutely fails because our male lead is invincible now and God, he is a really one-woman man type! Not fearing anything if it means to protect his Zhao Yao!! He willingly risks his life to take the Heaven Sword for his girl though he knows it will cost him life as he is a demon, because he just wants his girl to be happy. Mo Qing has set the standard for a male lead too high.
The only part that I find really annoying is Jiang Wu! He is really annoying and his part was dragged too long. So, be prepared for an annoying second male lead.
I watch the last 4 episodes from the fan edits in soompi forum so I do not have much complaints, except that I just wish they can add 1 minute of a real happy ending or if it is supposed a sad ending, then be real sad, not that hanging. Based of the version I watch, the ending is when the Heaven Sword rises from the bottom of the tomb and Mo Qing calls Zhao Yao which means that he finally can free himself from the Wanjun Spirit and also the stab of the Heaven Sword. Based on the Youtube version, the series ends with the children scene and thus if the fan edit version and the youtube version are compiled, then after he calls Zhao Yao, he finds her and finally get married and live peacefully in their private place they first met. It has potential to have a great happy ending, but sadly it did not.
ACTING:
I like Xu Kai as Mo Qing/Li Chen Lan and Bai Lu as Zhao Yao. Bai Lu is really badass as Zhao Yao. The way she smiles arrogantly is really contrast when she acts girlish towards Mo Qing which make her a really good actress. Xu Kai as Mo Qing, OMG, he is so suitable as the powerful, handsome, young, smart, and quiet sect leader. He is the same age as me but he can look both young and mature when he acts. When he cries, he really cries as if the world has fallen especially when he is afraid that Zhao Yao will die in episode 43 and also when he can not find Zhao Yao's body in the Sword Tomb. When he fights, he can act as if he really fights his soul off. The chemistry is good.
MUSIC:
Just so so.
Overall, I am really in love with this drama. Li Chen Lan aka Mo Qing has set the male lead standard definitely too high. He is almost in the same level as Ye Hua. If I can put it in rankings regarding the male lead character in Cdramas I watched:
1. Ye Hua of TMOPB
2. Li Chen Lan/Mo Qing
3. Xu Feng of AOL
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A Passable Xianxia Cinderella and Prince Charming drama. Good CGI. Great acting from Ding Yu Xi
Love You Seven Times is an adaptation of a popular novel written by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. I liked that novel back then. So, I had this high expectation when I first saw the trailer of this drama last year. I was a regular Korean drama watchers that time, so I did not know about Ding Yu Xi nor about Yang Chao Yue.When it finally aired, I decided to watch it. The premise is definitely the same as the novel. 1 god and 1 fairy from The Matchmaking Pavilion have to go the mortal world to experience love trials. But, there are so many differences that I do not expect that I will point out though here I do not want to waste your time to read them. So, I'll just get straight to my review about this drama:
- The Story
Not trying to compare the story between the novel version and the drama version. However, the set up could have been much better if they follow the beginning of the novel version. It is more logical. In the novel, the Male Lead and the Female Lead are punished to go the mortal world because they have created such a great mess in heaven. Here in the drama version, the Male Lead and the Female Lead go to the mortal world just to help the Male Lead restore his power because he lacks in the love aspect and it's a coincidence that he and the female lead are accidentally bound by the red thread. But, it's still okay for me and I still keep watching. The more I watch this, the more I find it quite hard to go the next episode. Not even the secrets of what happened 30,000 years ago to keep me feel intrigued. Thankfully, the character Chu Kong (played by Ding Yu Xi) is what keeps me from the boredom. Though the FIRST half of the story especially the ones set in the heaven realm seems like an ordinary Cinderella and Prince Charming in the Xianxia world. But, I'll keep watching this drama till the end because after all, I like dramas with heaven realm, gods, and goddesses setting.
- The Acting
I find Moonlight because of watching Ding Yu Xi here. He's a great actor. Though many find him not eligible for the god role, but I like his manly and strong screen presence. He's great in crying scenes, especially in episode 12 in which he was crying his eyes out when his lover died. I cried with him. He's so bloody good in crying scenes and the scenes that require more depth. The one who played the role of Yue Lao is good as well. Between the 4 main characters (Chu Kong, Xiang Yun, Xiu Ming, and Hao Xuan), I must say that Ding Yu Xi and the one who plays the role Hao Xuan are the best. As for Yang Chao Yue, because I did not watch her previous dramas, I'll only review her acting here. Her acting is quite in the range of passable and below passable. Not that bad as others point out, but definitely so much room for improvement. I have to admit in her crying scenes, I find her to be not engaging and sometimes I feel like that she's forced to do so. Even the tears seem can not come out. I can know that she's acting, therefore I can not bring myself to cry with her. It's a totally different feeling when Ding Yu Xi cries. Yang Chao Yue's eyes in most of her scenes look bland. But, I have to admit she's good in portraying a good girl character that even her acting is bad, you can not bring yourself to dislike her. It's just I hope in her future projects, she can practice more and more to balance herself with her costar. It's quite unfortunate that when Ding Yu Xi has tried his best to create great chemistry with her, she can't balance it well. Beside the story, her acting is what hinders me to continue watch this.
- The Music
Quite similar with the Love Between Fairy and Devil OST, but not as good.
- The Costume and CGI
Beautiful and so dreamy
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