PastelRose
United States
Expected Nothing Less from Gu Man
Both Yang Yang and Dilraba Dilmurat's acting abilities shine bright in this drama. Acting alone deserves a watch. Gu Man's story telling never falls to impress me. While Love O2O, is a sweet early college love story this is a mature drama. It's nice seeing the female lead already know herself and very clear where she stands both in her job and her own feelings, while the Male lead is the one confused and lost on an uncertain path he doesn't fully understand. Both characters shine in their own right but also like the chemistry it's the real personal moments of encouragement and questions being asked in the dialogue that make this drama relatable especially to people who are in their late 20's and beyond. The uncertainty in life, and striving to work towards your dreams even after time has sunk in, hit close to home for me.I highly recommend this drama. Gu Man didn't disappoint and Yang Yang and Dilraba's acting in this is some of their best I have seen.
This drama is honestly the first one that made me feel sad and alone...it was a weird feeling to have. Still don't know how I feel about that...
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: 5.0Real quick rehash: The story follows the Elric brothers, Alchemists, as they try and get their original bodies back after trying (and failing) to bring their dead mother back to life.
But the story of FMA is so much more then that in the long scheme of things that they don’t really go very deep into in the film. Such as blind patriotism, Authoritative governments, & a discussion on whether ‘just because we can, does it mean we should?’ sentiments. The Ishvalan war is a major theme that they kind of minimized in this film. Scar isn’t present at all & some character arcs have merged into others. Leaving me confused on who is supposed be what from the original story line.
When viewing it the first time, I remember thinking how it felt like they were trying to write a book report on a book they read years ago and were having trouble remembering how it went without looking at the source material. On a second watch, I could understand the flow a little bit better, but it still falls flat in terms of how I, a fan of the series since I was 15, would have liked to seen it done.
The problems I had mostly with it, was how they decided to pace things out. Having watched the Anime and Read the Manga, I can see their viewpoint. I wished they would have stuck more to the timeline of the overall FMA instead of trying to condense so much into one. With FMA where there really is no clear “arcs” throughout the manga or Anime it just blends together and mixes like a fluid storyline, this would have been better paced out over 3 or 4 films.
I still found myself enjoying seeing characters I love brought to life in new and invented ways. The film was still an enjoyable watch and even though the storyline is kind of different in terms of how things progress and who is who, I still think it’s worth a watch. In terms of ranking, I would place it below Brotherhood and the Manga but better then the 2003 adaptation. So third overall in the series of my FMA Journey.
Acting/Casting: 9.0
I think this was really well casted in the actors they chose to play the roles. In terms of whether they should have actually casted it in terms of non-japanese actors, it was clear that this wasn’t a quote “hollywood” movie like Death Note (Thank God). This was a Japanese produced, Japanese Animated, & Japanese casted mainly for a Japanese Audience. Which clearly the backlash it got on twitter was stupid.
I remember my first time watching it took me a while to get used to the animation and Ed’s terrible hair, but the second time I realized how well casted the roles were. Though Winry can be more comical, Tsubasa Honda has very good chemistry with Ed, Ryosuke Yamada. I think for Al’s voice they should have gone with a voice actor that actual did anime and not someone who mainly appears on screen. It’s two different types of acting and I think they would have gotten more out of someone being more acting vocal wise. Dean Fujioka was great as Roy Mustang and had great chemistry with Misako Renbutus, Riza, & Ryuta Sato, Hughes.
Overall it was well acted compared to other Japanese dramas and films. Everyone was very good, fit their characters, and the style of the overall film.
I believe what a lot of people who don’t seem to like this film haven’t really watched Anime adaptions before. So some the characterization or mannerisms that I’m used to Japanese Dramas & films.
Music/Costume: 8.0
I finally decided to talk about music & Costumes, something I can actually talk about!
Music - So firstly the music throughout helped place me in the world of FMA. The little orchestra sounds helped me focus on whether they meant the scene to be more of a Joking vibe that FMA is famous for or the serious part. Just like other Japanese Dramas, this has a very lack of musical elements to it as well.
Costumes - what I have a degree in. I applaud them for trying to be true to anime/manga. They don’t take as much liberation in character design as I kind of wished they did on some aspects (Costume wise). For me what I found that made this feel low budget and almost too Cosplay like, instead of a big budget studio produced film, of the types of fabric used & wigs. These were heavy fabrics for the uniforms that gave it the almost cartoonish look rather than realistic. Some of the fabrics clashed with the real life background, making it feel slightly unnatural rather than more fluid and something you would find in this world. The wigs also threw me off with how fake they look. It’s the kind of wig level work I expect from people on a very low budget and people who have been taking care of wigs to be at conventions not films. I also think Al & Ed’s Arm and Leg shouldn’t have been animated in some instances. When Al & Ed are fighting, it makes sense, but when they are standing around talking or doing simple movements it wouldn’t have seem so out of place & unnatural. I believe the main reason it seemed out of place was how realistic everything else was in the background. (They literally shot it in Italy.)
Rewatch Value: 8.5
I’m reviewing it on a second watch. The story plotline isn’t hard to follow if you know FMA at all. It seems to keep more closely to FMA: brotherhood then the original anime (Which is a good thing). The weird little quirks that the show has for me, don’t hinder my viewing experience. It’s not that deep that it’s hard to rewatch over and over again. A solid movie I would again. Not the best anime to live action I have seen (That title will always be hold by Rurouni Kenshin), but not the words. *Cough* Death Note (2017) *Cough*
Note: After writing some of my review I found out that Warner Bros only bought the rights and didn’t really have any help in making the film. When I saw Warner Bros name attached I kind of thought this had a must higher budget and more of inter-country working film sort of like The Great Wall did with China and the US markets. That was not the case for this film. (most of this has to do with the animation & costume part)
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: 7.0A fifty shades of grey, with a pg-13 rating. I don’t know how else to describe it, other then it wants to be more but it just isn’t. The storyline is easy to follow, in terms of it making sense, plotwise, there is no transition in between points, so it’s kind of difficult until you get in the flow of things. One episodes shes getting a job, the next she’s getting stalked, the next she’s moving in with him.
It’s fast pace, and one that is trying to cover at least 5 volumes worth of context in a little under 10, 25 minute episodes. If you are used to cheesy quick Japanese dramas, this one isn’t that bad compared to some others.
For this storyline, you also have to suspend your viewpoints and realize this scenario can only ever happen in dramaland and no where else. If this happened in real life, the lead character would probably be the police’s most wanted list. And the female lead would definitely have been dead by now.
Acting/cast: 8.5
I don’t think with this plotline you could get better actors. The script is cheesy, and the two leads have chemistry which makes it work, but the overall script is a little wonky. This type of genre goody-two shoes is right up Fukuhara Haruka’s ally, so she pulls it off well. And anyone who thought she should have ended up with the second male lead in Good Morning call, He just happens to be the lead in this one!
Music: 10.0
I honestly thought the background music was fantastic. It was well placed and matched the mood of each scene. I have no qualms with the music throughout and I have had the theme song stuck in my head all day! It’s catchy and I find myself dancing to it, when it comes on.
Rewatch Value 8.5
Each episode is only 25 minutes long. The plotline isn’t hard to follow at all, it’s a corky kind of drama, so it’s short, sweet, with some laughs. Something you can easily watch in a bored afternoon not knowing what to do.
Overall: 7.5
Just don’t think too hard on it, come in with zero expectations and you got yourself a relaxing afternoon.
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There were moments where the touched on their career throughout their years, Hyoyeon even remembering back to when they all entered the company. Even though there were only 5 members (Girls' Generation Oh!GG Subunit) on the trip, you never felt like the presence of the other 3 weren't there (Sooyoung, Tiffany, & Seohyun).
You also got to see different sides to members who normally don't get the spotlight as much. Such as Sunny, Yuri & Hyoyeon. Seeing a different side of Taeyeon, as a fan was very refreshing. Even Yoona Taking charge over the older girls was fun to watch! The show didn't feel forced or that they didn't want to be there together, but felt like old friends finally getting some time to have a vacation and take adventures with one another.
If you enjoyed Hyori Bed & Breakfast, you would enjoy this. It's nice and relaxing.
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I can understand for people going into this plot with no idea before hand of the story, why it’s awkward and weird. For me, this was one of my favorite Manga growing up. So I had high hopes for the adaption. This was very well done and very well portrayed. The director's vision was very interique and I loved how it was shot. I found myself laughing and crying, just how I did with the manga. For those who loved the original, this one is not to be ignored. It’s a great adaptation and one I hope to be watching again in the future.
Acting: 10
For me the acting was perfect. Everyone was casted to how I would have wanted them to be. The lead actress did a great job in pulling in the audience, (though I would like to talk to someone who was in charge of her makeup. Her lipstick color bothered the crap out of me) THe lead was the right choice and everyone in between. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better Yuu or Miki.
Music: 8.0
The music flowed with the story very well, it didn’t ever take me out of the plotline at all. I question a couple of the music choices, just because it’s weird to me to have an all english song in a Japanese film, but the lyrics and meaning behind fit well with the story.
Rewatch value: 10
I honestly would rewatch this again and again. It was very well shot, and I loved every second of it. It wasn’t too drama heavy and I think because I knew what to expect, and the fact that I used to re-read Marmalade boy over and over again, I would be willing to watch this over and over again and still be happy.
Overall: 9.5
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This review may contain spoilers
Story/Plot: 2.0 The overall plot of the childhood friends falling in love is what initially got me to watch this film. But with how it was directed and portrayed, it felt like a recipe of everything a relationship wasn’t supposed to be. The fact that she is taught not to like nice boys, and that he is trying to portray that in order to get her, is slightly disturbing and shouldn’t be really celebrated.
The story is a romantic comedy, but the comedy parts with their heads adult heads being transported on a child’s body, made me think it was a horror flick. There is many questions, I have over this, and I think this is one Manga that was best left alone as it was.
Acting: 3.0
This was not executed well. The acting was over the top and it was cringe to watch. I give them points for trying, because there were moments that they portrayed emotions well. But overall I think this production was just a mess from start to finish.
Music: 2.0
There was a lack of music throughout, it felt unnatural. Sometimes, the lack of music is the point, but with the music either being too soft in the background where you can’t hear it or it just not being there, it created a weird suspense kind of feeling, that didn’t mix well with the comedy that was trying to be portrayed on screen.
Re-watch Value: 1.00
This drama is insanely awkward, portrayal. I would find great difficulty in rewatching it or even recommending this film to anyone.
Overall Score: 2.00
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The story and plot revolve around the initial trauma of a building collapse. Throughout the story, I found myself wondering both what happened under the building and what was going to happen next. Though some plot lines you could tell where going to happen in the next couple of episodes, instead of feeling bored with guessing, I found myself wanting to watch it be delivered. Growing from Trauma, dealing with the the aftermath and the effects of it, never truly go away, yet you are just trying to move one day at a time until you find yourself moving on thinking about the future days. This drama perfectly captures that and so much more. I highly recommend to people who need a healing drama. The user Fanitha wrote an article about healing dramas, and I couldn’t picture another drama being in the number one spot. A must for Korean drama lovers anywhere. (Link to article below)
Acting / Cast - 10
This is the type of acting and casting I love to see. Everyone, and I mean everyone, to me was perfect to a capital T. The relationship between the characters is all that I wanted it to be and more. There was more depth to the chemistry of the whole cast, which is something I haven’t seen many times. The whole cast, shined brightly also due to the chemistry of the two leads. It would be hard for me to pick out a relationship or line I didn’t think was well acted or well thought through.
I have only seen Lee Jun Ho’s one other time in the movie Twenty, but even then I knew he’s acting was great. This honestly put him on my favorite list. I’m excited to see how his career goes from here.
Music - 10
The music….guys, the music! There is this one song that plays and I know, my heart is going to go! This was it for me, regarding music. I always let everyone know, I’m not a music person, but this is fantastic. It didn’t distract me from what was on screen, in fact it helped pull me in. A++ for whoever was in charge of this, it was fantastic. (I already downloaded the OST to my spotify playlist. One of my favorites)
Rewatch Value - 8.5
The subject matter is heavy, definitely not something I would recommended to watch every month, but there is something in it, that seems to heal you as you go. This drama is something I would definitely watch again, and would recommended to my friends who do watch dramas. Even those who don’t. Trauma is Trauma, and the way the depict each person’s journey and growth to overcoming is relatable to many. This drama left me with a good feeling and one I hope to keep onto the next one. It felt complete.
Overall Score: 9.6
Links:
Healing Drama article by Fanitha - https://mydramalist.com/article/5-healing-dramas-recommendations-063182533
User Fanitha (Check out her many other articles! She definitely knows what is talking about!)
https://mydramalist.com/profile/fanitha
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This review may contain spoilers
Groups Highlighted in this documentary: EXO (10), TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, Red Velvet (first SMTown debut as 4), Super Junior-M, Girls Generation, BoA, Kangta, and a mix between them. If you are interested in any SM Entertainment artist or their Songs, this is the documentary for you. What I liked most about this was it actually showcased the behind the scenes look at what makes SM Entertainment click with audiences and how the concert is put together. Mixing the artists experiences and what they like about the company and why the wanted to be apart of the company in the first place.
SM Entertainment's philosophy when it comes to making music, shows, and their trainee system. Looking at it from a neutral prospective, it's an hour and half infomercial getting you to buy their product, but the difference is, they actually deliver on their promises. Interlocking the artist talking about the hard work and dedication they put into their craft, while working with people behind the scenes, the respect they have for others in their company, both famous and not is the highlight of this documentary. The in-depth interviews in between the musical performances I believe is reason enough to watch this documentary, if you don't leave, feeling something for the artists involved and with the feeling that every artist in SM deserves to be on that stage, you weren't paying attention.
It's a unique look at how the company functions mixed in with great performances at shows in multiple different locations around.
The one real drawback for me, was the fact that it was hard to tell if they were singing live at all or not. As someone who does enjoy SM artists, I Know they all mostly sound like they eat CD's for breakfast, so I was sad to see this didn't highlight their live skills as much as it could have. But I understand for the purpose of film why the audio is also put over as well.
A second one is that it focus's a lot on the Male performances for the majority of the documentary which again, I understand they have more male groups than female, but I wished, it gave a little more attention spread out. The first half was Male (minus red velvet's song) and the Second was focused on female performances. I think it would have made the documentary a lot better structure if it was more mixed.
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If you like murder mysterious and twists and turns that you necessary wouldn’t be able to predict, this is the drama for you! Though I have some things that I didn’t like, about the plot, mostly that at times, it seemed they added one or two things that were slightly irrelevant or didn’t tie up as nicely as I would have wanted, that doesn't mean I didn’t enjoy the ride. It is well worth a watch.
Acting/Cast 10.0
Everyone in this drama was perfectly casted for me. I wouldn’t change anything when it came to casting choices. If you want to see a drama that is very well acted, you should definitely check this drama out. I don’t think people quite understand how changeling and hard it is, to play someone like Si-mok, and have others interact around that type of character. As someone who understands the field and challenges of acting, I thought it was very well done, and if you had gone for someone else, odds are you they wouldn't have been able to pull it off.
It was really nice for me to see Bae Doona in a roll that wasn’t as serious or at least she smiled and had acted goofy in this more than what I have seen her do. Her ability to change between the two is, really wonderful and very well executed in this role.
Music 10.0
The music for this show was very well placed and very well chosen. There wasn’t any over dramatic song choices that didn’t fit the concept as far as the OST goes. The music was subtle at points that it needed to be. I have no problems with the music, in fact, ti made some moments even more intense for me.
Rewatch Value: 2.0
I found the story topic and the overall surprises, wouldn’t be good for a rewatch to me. Because I know all the twist and turns once watching it, I don’t believe there series would be as exciting the second time. Acting wise, the drama would be enjoyable to watch an episode every once in awhile. But if the sequel does happen, you better be sure I will be watching it.
Overall Episode Average Score: 9.28
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Story - 7.0
I enjoyed the murder mystery type of feel. It was interesting, and it made me keep wondering how they got there. I was disappointed with the many plot holes throughout but I still kept watching. I think it’s worth a watch at least for the story wise if you are wondering what watch. Maybe you’ll also be trying to figure out why the girls were forced there.
Acting/cast - 6.0
The casting in the beginning was questionable. The only one demeaning to be decent was who they chose to be left at the end, except for the one, who I won’t mention for spoiler reasons. Some actions that they were told to take, were questionable, and you could tell the girls didn’t really know much about acting. They did manage to give of the sort of theme, but I found the casting choices were questionable at some points. But it did manage to show off the band if that’s what they were trying to achieve.
Music - 5.0
The music was a little light and a little off putting to me, at some points. I found the theme song didn’t really necessary go with the overall dark tone theme, but that could also just be personal taste. I understand that this was to showcase the group now, but at the time of watching, some of the music background I wish was a little darker. Also I’m not really a music person, so this section is always a slight mystery to me.
Rewatch - 1.0
I enjoyed watching the film towards the end due to the plotline and I honestly just wanted to know why, so with that knowledge, I don’t believe I would ever venture to rewatch it.
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Note: I haven’t read the novel this is based on, simply commenting on the film as a single entity.
Story 9.0
I like the idea of old meets new, battle of this vs. that, but in the end they meet in the middle and peace comes over. A dying art, should be cared for by all, both new and old. The instruments melding together was perfect. The only thing lacking I found was the romance line, was predictable. I found myself wanting the plot line to be excluded from this film and focus on the rivalry.
Acting/Cast 9.5
The cast didn’t bother me when it came to acting. It thought that the lead, Xu Lu, did a good job. I couldn’t really think of an actress who could replace her. It’s not the best emotional acting, but the story and plot line doesn’t really call for it. The comedy part really shined for everyone.
Music 10
I don’t really know much about music. I am more of a costume person, but the music in this really was amazing. The battle scene, the last song, everything was so well done, that I couldn’t fathom not giving it a 10. Because this plot follows heavily on music, It was really well done. I even found myself loving some of the classical chinese instruments amazing and trying to find instrumental recordings to listen to. Job well done!
Re:watch Value 8.5
I honestly would watch it over again. I think I would get tired of the story plot after a few watches, but I could watch the battle scene everyday for the rest of my life and never tire of it. The plot line can be repetitive, but the music is beyond interesting to me.
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This story made me wish I had a sister. The plot wasn’t very complicated which I enjoyed, and its a simple 10 episode drama that you can binge in a day/night. The story had me laughing and crying all at the sametime. This drama is a definite for anyone who likes a strong female cast, and enjoys the family dynamic that comes with sisterhood.
Acting/Casting: 10.0
This was so well casted! I can not tell you how much I enjoyed the two female leads in this. The only question I would have had would the casting choice of Sakuraba Soichiro just because he seemed a lot older than I thought he was supposed to be. The overall acting kept me wanting to click to the next episode. I truly have become a fan of both leads, their bond between the two showed on screen.
Music: 10.0
The music in this fit perfectly. It kept me into the story and didn’t take me out once. The intro song was very well with the drama. I’m not a music expert, but it was really well done, and they knew when to not play any music.
Rewatch Value: 10
I wouldn’t hesitate to rewatch this the moment I feel lonely because it left me feeling happy and appreciative of the family I do have. This is truly a jem and added to my favorite list of dramas.
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The storyline was one, I’ve seen before involving the plastic surgery to become beautiful. But the murder thrown on top was just the perfect touch for me. I know some people didn’t enjoy how long it lasted but I quite enjoyed the added the suspension at the end. If they had tried to end it 16 episodes it would have ended in a blur without a full follow up on some questions, so 21 episodes was a good length.
One thing I enjoyed about this drama was the two themes that played out. That truth will win out in the day, and that actions have consequences. For me, those are something I always remember, and I really do enjoy it, when dramas actually show it.
Also I liked that they didn’t really take Plastic Surgery with such a faint heart. Yes she had it, but she suffered consequences from it. They weren’t exactly completely against it, but it was more, of a way of warning that you shouldn’t chose plastic surgery just become pretty.
Acting/Casting: 9.0
For me, the acting was great and I thought the casting decision was spot on. I felt like the main actresses acting could have been a tad more realistic, during a couple of her crying scenes, more towards the beginning than at the end. It hadn’t felt like she was fully developed in her character during those moments, but it improved as the drama went on. The seriousness that she brought to Sara tied with the old sa Geum-ran’s character traits really was very delightful to watch. The reason I was pulled into this drama though, was because of the acting of the supporting role, yet a crucial one of Hae Jae-sook, she played the first Sa Geum Ran, and she fit perfectly in a way that wasn’t so over the top. it had that despesperation that the character needed. She as was so wonderful, had me in tears.
I always give props to the villain of the group, because if you can make me dislike you so much, you did a wonderful job. Wan Ji-hye did a fantastic job as Gyo Chae-yeon, I couldn’t have asked for a better main antagonist.
Everyone did a wonderful job in acting out their own characters, and I also did enjoy the lead male, but the woman in this show for me outshined in a way that made it enjoyable.
Music: 9.0
I loved the music. It felt really fitting for this drama. I always teared up when I heard Jonghyun’s voice come in for the main theme. His voice was very fitting for this drama. The music never once took me out of the story plot, but I’m always unsure about music because it’s not exactly my forte.
Rewatch Value: 3.0
Though I enjoyed the storyline the first time, watching a second time would probably bore me since I know what is going to happen. I think this is a good drama to watch once, and maybe come back to again after a couple of years to rewatch it, once the storylines becomes a little faded. But as I always say, rewatch value is always up to you!
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Overall, I enjoyed watching the series because it was short and cute. Could I watch hour long dramas based on these characters, storylines, & Acting. No. The storylines were chessy and over done, but for this cute little concept I enjoyed it. Each episode was only about 15 minutes long. My favorite storylines was the last two, the Part B series. I enjoyed the emotional aspect of them as compared to the first two.
Story: 9.0
The overall premise of picking your own story based on your favorite character, is actually a great idea for a drama lover. No second male lead syndrome, no wishing you could imagine the lead with the other. Every loose love interest loophole is tied down. I really like the story premise, that life is full of choices, pick yours and you can change the outcome. That life isn’t so simple after all. That I did like, and I did enjoy the cliche moments. What can I say, I’m a romantic at heart. (I would pick the ex-boyfriend)
Acting/Casting: 6.5
I didn’t take this as serious as I would an actual drama. The acting was tolerable, but I could see need for improvement with all the leads. The lead actress is an Idol/Actress from the girl Group AOA, by the same name. According to My Drama list this is her first time starring as the Lead in a drama (although a web drama), and I would like to see her improve a lot more, maybe with a different subject matter. The role didn’t seem to really fit her all to well. This is also coming from someone who actually likes Idol Actors/Actresses. She has the emotional moments down, I just think she didn’t fit for this role. The male leads are all from the group SF9, before they debuted as idols. There were FNC Entertainment Trainees at the time. The male lead of Cha-ni, the actor by the same name, has actually been acting since 2009. I can see need for improvement. I can also understand that we didn’t really have much character depth with such a short time period of knowing the characters and the writing of the quick drama series.
Music: 9.0
THe music fit for the teenage web drama that this series is. I thought it was great, and didn’t take me out of the moment. It wasn’t over the top with anyones group vocals, and was purely about just moving the plot along with each new story.
Rewatch Value: 9.0
It’s short, it’s cute, it’s cheesy. Rewatch value is always up to the beholder, but because this show did get a good couple of laughs out of me, the Rewatch value is high. This drama is only 15 minutes per episode and can easily be watched in less than 2 hours. Nothing to waste the day over, but enough to pass sometime. For that reason, the Re-watch value is high for me.
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Story: 9.5
I know this story has already been made into a film, I have yet to see by the time I have finished watching this drama, but I find the complexity of the plot to be more suited for the format of a drama. There are many romances and plotlines going on at once that it almost seemed like it needed to be so many episodes and so much time. For all intentions purposes I can break this series down into three parts.
Part One, where she is a disciple - I thought this part was the slowest of the three. I am not a huge fan of the gender-bender sort of story lines mostly because I lack the mind to ever think that they can’t obviously see that she is fact a female, but this drama got over that, by having the first (second?) love interest see through the magic, that others couldn’t. So I was won over by the portrayal. The plot for this point was very clear, and forward, inducing the viewers to the complex world of the drama. The back story that you really needed for the rest of the drama, and the main setup for the love story to come.
Part Two, where she is Su Su - I find the plot twist to be exciting! Coming from a viewer who hadn’t known about the plot twist, it was very exciting. I have not read the book, nor had I thought that, that wasn’t coming, even though it was in the description. I thought she was going to be a reincarnation, or differently I guess. Though in a way she was. This plot point, I think showed both mains acting ability to adapt to a change of character.
The third part Bai Qian again - Where she becomes a high god, a queen, feared by those who were cruel to her in her mortal form. It was actually enjoyable to see her back at her position, though I do think the amnesia plot line is over used on dramas, for this one it worked well. This part had you falling in love all over again with the main couple, wishing that it will work out in the end for them.
The second romance line that I really enjoyed was the one between The little princess and the ex-heavenly lord. I honestly could watch an entire drama with these two. I can understand why some people didn’t enjoy this storyline, but after watching Dilmurat Dilraba in previous dramas, I enjoyed seeing her in a not as serious role, a mix between her characters in Pretty Li Hui Zhen & The King’s Woman. The ending for them is sad, but you leave knowing that he truly loves her, he just can’t be with her.
Overall, the plot of this drama never dwindled down, and there never felt an episode was meant to be a filler. Every episode was packed with information, if not for the one lead story then the other smaller ones. Even the small romance between the 16th disciple and the Ghost Princess was enough to keep you wanting more. I think that was the best thing that this drama could accomplished, even though it wrapped things up brilliantly and didn’t leave loose ends, (maybe some really minor ones), you made you want more. This puts it on my top 3 Favorite Chinese dramas along with Love 020.
Acting/Casting: 10.0
This is by far one of the best casted Chinese dramas I’ve seen of an historical/fantasy genre. Though when I mean historical it isn’t the usual based on a history, more so the scenes of a period drama through the use of costumes in this matter. I was a little hesitant at first just because I thought the male lead was a bit awkward, but I got over the initial awkwardness once I realized that, was the type of character he just was. A royal, pain in the ass, yet had the ability to love. The way he played the twins’ was at first a little shocking at how similar they are, but than when it come to the subtle differences I thought he portrayed the two characters very well.
I had seen Yang Mi act before in the interpreter, which was one of those dramas where it had good acting but a very convoluted plot and story premise. I believe that this series is a better representation of her acting abilities then The interpreter. In this I enjoyed the characterization of Qian Qian and Su Su. Both were her. Su Su was more like Si Yan in the beginning not having to abide by so many rules yet kept her wits about her like Bai Qian. The portrayal of a mortal being pushed around by gods had me fuming, and when Bai Qian came back for repayment, you were happy about it.
I know some people found Feng jiu’s character a little bratty and childish, but that was something that I actually loved. Instead of bratty I found her headstrong and stubborn taking after her Aunt Bai Qian when she first arrived at the Kunlun Mountain. I also liked her Childish demeanor that she out grew over time yet still kept that young naivety about her throughout. It was a good contrast to the high strung elder Dong Hua. I found both character’s to be one of my favorite pairings. I could watch an entire series just based on these two. I honestly hope that vengo Gao and Dilraba Dilmurat will get a chance to work together in the future, maybe one not as tragic.
Overall the supporting characters are really fantastic, you hated the villains, yet felt bad for them in the end, and could related to the others struggles and pains. Throughout it felt like a watching a greek tragedy off the past loves. One last note, Ah Li is the cutest purest thing to come out of these series and will make you laugh, cry, and say he is just like his mother.
Music: 10.0
As I am not a music expert, I will keep this brief. This series music fit very well for the drama. In fact it was one of the best fit I’ve seen for a while. I love instrumental music and this piece was filled with Chinese classical instrumentals throughout the background. I enjoyed that the music throughout the drama never once took me out and only kept me engaged. It set the right tones, and helped you follow along to the multiple different plots.
Rewatch Value: 9.0
Rewatch value is always open to the viewer themselves. I find that there is so much going on this drama, that rewatching it again wouldn’t bore you as much as others because you would be finding something new to watch and see each time. Between the multiple romances, the storyline, the graphic design, and the fantastic costumes, This is a wonderful show you could watch over and over again.
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