omonaijaJ
Earth, unfortunately
Had You in the First Half, Didn't I?
As a Republican Era Cdrama veteran (my all-time favorite is SPARROW (2016), similar spy and communist themes, but much darker and tragic) and someone who minors in Chinese Language and Ancient/Modern History, I will say that this series is not bad so far.
I'm aware many people don't watch these shows because of "CCP propaganda," but this series is more romantic and nerve-racking than it is preachy. It holds a good level of seriousness and authenticity to the danger of their cause, the oppressiveness of Japanese occupation, as well as how some of the Communist spy cells used to operate, all while showing the chemistry between leads. And nonetheless, whatever your political and ideological stance, the terrors and political turmoil these people lived through at this time were no less real.
The leads are smart but not TOO smart that it makes you roll your eyes. There are mistakes they have to make up for here and there (the letters being snatched, the Hospital Morgue fiasco) that require them to realistically problem solve. I will say, I am a bit surprised by the anxiousness and apprehension to highly rate this drama in the comments and other areas. (ᵕ—ᴗ—) Maybe they are having a buffer to ward of disappointment, or they are fans of the leads (Elvis Han, Guan Xiaotong) and are cringing at the fear of seeing these two actors in a Republican Era drama, or maybe they are still sour at the Mr. and Mrs. Smith claimed remake. In any case, I must honestly say that my expectations were very low, but watching the first 4 episodes made me have to change that mindset.
Now, if this goes down the drain I'll be VERY mad. The side characters and even allies seem to be quite formidable and clever. They should not waste them.
========================================================
Hey. It's me again. I'm v e r y mad.
The once stunning and opportune Female Lead has been relegated numerous times to a damsel in distress, there are plot holes and inconsistencies with the ML ability to stay alive till this point, AND. . . the chemistry is dying... and they are dragging the "ignorant of the other party being on my side" situation. Now their marriage DOES look like a farce.
And before the non-romance people object, I understand your point. I also usually avoid roms in Cdramas, as I'm mostly a thriller, mystery, politics and bromance/sismance(?) watcher, BUT WHEN HAS A MATURE ROMANCE HURT ANYONE? And even when the romance is minimal in the aforementioned drama genres, atleast it's done well. But no, now we have to endure this dry pairing forced down our throat while the Communist espionage suffering persists.
WHY would anyone seek to recreate a Mr. and Mrs. Smith situation, when you have the leads cosplaying marriage and more so playing bother and sister? Well. Their acting is fine, but you know who I blame? The freaking screen director. As a Republican Era espionage story, the worldbuilding is too limited anyway, not to mention the plot is becoming predictable.
Peace out, all others. Maybe you will fare better than I did.
I'm aware many people don't watch these shows because of "CCP propaganda," but this series is more romantic and nerve-racking than it is preachy. It holds a good level of seriousness and authenticity to the danger of their cause, the oppressiveness of Japanese occupation, as well as how some of the Communist spy cells used to operate, all while showing the chemistry between leads. And nonetheless, whatever your political and ideological stance, the terrors and political turmoil these people lived through at this time were no less real.
The leads are smart but not TOO smart that it makes you roll your eyes. There are mistakes they have to make up for here and there (the letters being snatched, the Hospital Morgue fiasco) that require them to realistically problem solve. I will say, I am a bit surprised by the anxiousness and apprehension to highly rate this drama in the comments and other areas. (ᵕ—ᴗ—) Maybe they are having a buffer to ward of disappointment, or they are fans of the leads (Elvis Han, Guan Xiaotong) and are cringing at the fear of seeing these two actors in a Republican Era drama, or maybe they are still sour at the Mr. and Mrs. Smith claimed remake. In any case, I must honestly say that my expectations were very low, but watching the first 4 episodes made me have to change that mindset.
Now, if this goes down the drain I'll be VERY mad. The side characters and even allies seem to be quite formidable and clever. They should not waste them.
========================================================
Hey. It's me again. I'm v e r y mad.
The once stunning and opportune Female Lead has been relegated numerous times to a damsel in distress, there are plot holes and inconsistencies with the ML ability to stay alive till this point, AND. . . the chemistry is dying... and they are dragging the "ignorant of the other party being on my side" situation. Now their marriage DOES look like a farce.
And before the non-romance people object, I understand your point. I also usually avoid roms in Cdramas, as I'm mostly a thriller, mystery, politics and bromance/sismance(?) watcher, BUT WHEN HAS A MATURE ROMANCE HURT ANYONE? And even when the romance is minimal in the aforementioned drama genres, atleast it's done well. But no, now we have to endure this dry pairing forced down our throat while the Communist espionage suffering persists.
WHY would anyone seek to recreate a Mr. and Mrs. Smith situation, when you have the leads cosplaying marriage and more so playing bother and sister? Well. Their acting is fine, but you know who I blame? The freaking screen director. As a Republican Era espionage story, the worldbuilding is too limited anyway, not to mention the plot is becoming predictable.
Peace out, all others. Maybe you will fare better than I did.
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