Good series but did not need to be 70 episodes

Overall a good show, good storyline and good casting/acting. But it really did not need to be 70 episodes, that is too long especially for a modern drama.

Storyline / Pacing
- The first 1/3 of the series was so promising, I didn't skip thru any of the episodes. Then it started to get a bit draggy and repetitive after that. I started skipping a lot after that.
- Way too many flashbacks of their childhood scenes over and over again
- The amount of times characters were injured and hospitalized was ridiculous, especially the FM Jiang Shen - she was constantly getting in accidents, getting hurt by other people. It got to the point where that you start to expect her to get hurt yet again every few episodes
- Jiang Sheng's internal conflict of which 'love' to choose makes sense...familial/brotherly love or romantic love. But Liang Sheng's perspective...how can he romantically love Jiang Sheng even if they found out as adults that they are not blood related? They grew up together believing they were brother and sister. So there was a bit of a creepy/ick factor that he wanted her to love him romantically.

Characters/Acting
- ML Tian You (Wallace Chung) did an amazing job in this, your heart just ached for him the entire time! You felt joy when he was happy, your heart sank when he was sad, you felt anger when he was wronged.
- FL Jiang Sheng - this was the first time I've seen this actress, she was cute, did a good job. No real complaints, other than she was incredibly so thin that it looked concerning in some outfits.
- Other ML Liang Sheng - acting fell very flat. He just looked like a mopey walking zombie.
- Child actors that played Jiang Sheng, Liang Sheng and Bei Xiao Wu - those kids did an amazing job, really natural and adorable, not the forced over the top cute/sassy kids you typically see in dramas
- Wei Yang - ok, she is literally psychotic and possessive. Her rationale makes zero sense, being jealous that her crush cares too much about his own sister? And justifies her vile actions just because she's loved Liang Sheng and devoted so much time into their non-official relationship? She caused Jiang Sheng to have a miscarriage, she caused her to have a head injury, etc...but then expects that an apology should suffice?
- Tian En - the sociopath brother. I immediately tensed up every time he was on screen. Something so creepy and gross about him. And his acting of trying to appear innocent to his brother Tian You, his acting came across as childlike like a 5 year old, not a college age man! Can't decide who was more annoying, him or Wei Yang.
- Ning Xi - I liked her character. She surprised me. I expected her to start out as a kind, understanding woman who's love was unrequited then slowly jealousy would creep in and she would turn vindictive and scheming. But she didn't! She stayed true to that character quality.

Music
- this was probably the best OST I've heard for a modern drama. Usually historical dramas have way better OST and the modern ones are kind of cheesy or try to hard to be cool.

Rewatch value - no way. Its way too long.

Read More

Dragged way too long

Plot:
The storyline is a good concept - the harsh realities of a struggling actor trying to succeed in the entertainment world. But it dragged on so slow and for way too long. I considered dropping it so many times, but still watched it to the end to see if it redeems itself...skipping thru most parts of each episodes. It finally started to get better by episode 30! What stood out in this series was all the shouting. EVERY episodes, so many characters are always shouting, excessively shouting even if they're having normal conversations...its shouting at one another. I had to turn down the volume often. It centers around a team of 3 kind, generous but feisty family/friends that rally around to support the male lead to realize his dream as an actor. But it's really illogical how these people literally devoted their time, money and their life to him unconditionally.

Acting/Cast:
- Male Lead (Hao Ze Yu) - I mainly watched this because of the ML Allen Deng because I loved him in Ashes of Love. But I must say I'm disappointed w/ him in this series (and honestly all the other series he's been in besides Ashes of Love). His acting wasn't necessarily bad, but as the male lead, his character was just so unlikeable from beginning to end. He was supposed to be the humble underdog that you empathize with and root for, but he just came across as an aggressive, whiny, unhinged victim that lashes out at everyone who tries to help him.
- Female Lead (Fu Zi ) - this is the first time I've seen this actress in any series, and she's quite good. She was one of only two characters that I really liked in this series. Her acting was sincere and heartfelt. Her innocence and kindness really shined through for this character.
- Fu Shang Fu, the female lead's father. He played the part well, the character was very endearing as a father and as a trusted/loyal friend. Tough on the outside, but funny, sweet, caring, and generous on the inside. His relationship w/ his daughter was so touching.
- Niu Mei Li, the male lead's agent - she really got on my nerves the whole series, up until maybe episode 25 or so when her motherly, nurturing side came out. The last maybe 10 episodes, she was able to pull at my heart strings.

I would not recommend this series. The plot could have been good, but they missed the mark...pacing was too slow and dragged on way too long.

Read More

One of the best Cdramas I've seen so far

This is the very first time I've given a 10 rating for any c-drama. I mainly watch historical/costume/wuxi series, but I will occasionally watch modern dramas if there's a ML or FL that I loved in a historical. I finally watched Princess Agents and fell in love w/ the ML Lin Geng Xin (Kenny Lin) so I watched this series. He did not disappoint!

Story:
Action packed, not super predictable. Threw some unexpected curve balls. Almost every episode was a suspenseful cliffhanger.

Pacing:
Good pacing, this is the ONLY show that I did not skip through much. Even some of my most favorite series I did a lot of skipping during draggy parts. This series was not draggy at all. I found myself skipping some parts mainly because I couldn't stand the suspense and needed to know what happens next.

Music:
Good, but not particularly memorable where I would listen to the soundtrack later.

Acting:
- Kenny Lin (ML - Yan Jin) - He is probably my most favorite ML actor at this point, on the heals of watching him in Princess Agents then this show. I think he has surpassed my other ML favorites: Ken Chun (Rise of the Phoenixes), Mark Chao (Eternal Love/TMPB) and Allen Deng (Ashes of Love). Every single scene with Yan Jin was engaging, entertaining, funny or heart breaking. He was incredibly believable with all facets of his character: the handsome rich playboy, the silly brother/friend, the loving boyfriend and the badass tough guy cop. His chemistry w/ the FL was off the charts, extremely endearing, funny and saddening all at once. I can't wait to watch him in his next show.
- FL (Ji Xiou-ou) - first time seeing this actress. She did a good job.
- Support cast was awesome as well. Among my favorite were: Yan Shen (Yan Jin's twin sister), Cheng Rui Min (Yan Jin's best friend)

Read More

Good series with some flaws

This is my first modern dram - I usually only watch historical/wuxia/costume type dramas. I waited for this drama to come out solely because of Ethan Juan (who was amazing in Legend of Fuyao). He did not disappoint in this series. Swoon worthy with sex appeal and great acting skills. That in combination w/ the FL (this is the first time I've seen her in any show) who is simply adorable. Her ability to come across as an innocent naïve hopeless romantic was spot on. She didn't do the over-the-top annoying cutesiness. Her genuine kindness and pure heart was balanced out w/ some reactive outbursts to injustice, rather than portraying her as a total Mary Sue type. She balanced out the character w/ some flaws.

Pros:
- ML and FL carried the show w/ their great acting and sizzling chemistry; you just yearn for their scenes together whether it was mentor/apprentice; platonic friendship or romance
- the cinematography, visual and audio of the food preparation was amazing; from high end restaurant scenes to mom and pop restaurants to street vendors; it left me salivating
- support characters - some of them were endearing (Uncle Lin, Kesong's parents, Nina and Da Mai), but most seemed like filler characters to add sub plots

Cons:
- the worst and most obvious was Elise's (and other foreign actors/characters) dubbing, it was painful and awkward, like watching old Bruce Lee movies where the mouth movements don't match the dubbing/scenes
- the antagonists never get their justified karma; its like the last 3 episodes the writers/producers got lazy and rushed it to tie everything up in a nice little bow and everyone lives happily ever after
- unnecessary sprinkling of broken English lines into the scenes - like why was that even necessary? The characters would be speaking Chinese...but then 1 or 2 lines for emphasis was done in English? Very awkward

Overall: I really enjoyed the series, but likely won't re-watch it.

Read More

Long awaited but a dismal disappointment

I was so eagerly waiting for this series to come out because of this main couple's unforgettable chemistry and performance together in Princess Agents, and the ML is one of my favorite actors. Unfortunately this series was a dismal disappointment in so many ways. I skipped through a lot of it, it was so boring. I cannot even list out any redeemable good things about it...so here are the reasons it was so terrible.

- The dubbing was so awful! It was so distractingly bad and was a disservice to the actors and ruined the overall experience. No proper background sounds or anything - just silence and then the dubbed voices.
- Weird sound effects like farm animal noises are used in an attempt to emphasize scenes that are supposed to be funny. Felt like you are watching random TikTok videos w/ stupid sound effects, It was so distracting.
- Pacing was so slow and boring. Oddly dragged out staring or walking scenes.
- ML (Lin Geng Xin) is one of my favorite actors. His performance fell flat in this role. I understand that these types of roles for ancient gods they are supposed to be stoic - but he just came across as a boring character with little depth and lack of effective emotional expression.
- FL (Zhao Li Ying) - I am not a big fan of this actress, I don't think she has good acting range or facial expression/emotions. She's really only good at playing a cold & tough fighter. And half of her lines were delivered as voice narrations of her inner thoughts! The entire series, she barely actually spoke to the other characters but just had internal monologues!
- Makeup and costume were not terrible, but not great either for this type of high budget production. The FL's makeup was so bad! Her eyeliner always looked smudged like she slept in her makeup overnight. And close up shots you can clearly see the fake eyelashes over her real eyelashes so it looked like she had 2 different levels of eyelashes!
- Chemistry - the main couple could not replicate the intense chemistry they had in Princess Agents
- The last 2 episodes were completely unnecessary! The storyline had wrapped up, the main couple had their happy ending. So WHY the need to drag out 2 more episodes to showcase that random other couple getting married (the Snake god lady)? I just don't understand it.

I am so upset that my eager long awaited anticipation and time spent watching it was a total waste!

Read More

A bit overrated - its just ok

I delayed watching this because the trailers all made is seem like a silly comedy, rather than a drama. I prefer dramas. The first 1/3 of the series was more comedic, but then it turned into a more serious, heavy drama. Pacing was off, took too long for the love story to build up. It seemed to dragged on too long after the climax of the series...it was like they just recycled random characters who had smaller parts earlier on, then disappeared for most of series...then suddenly reappeared towards the end just to continue the series? Felt forced and odd.
My main issue w/ this series is the main couple - both the ML and FL fell flat in terms of chemistry. I didn't feel it, but you feel like you have to root for them because they are the main couple. I wasn't convinced of any deep, intense love between them.

Acting/Characters:
- Wu Lei / Ling Buyi (ML) - the only other series I saw him in was when he was a child actor in Nirvana in Fire. So it was hard for me to take him seriously as an adult actor in this series. His acting was a bit stiff.
- Zhao Lu Si / Chen Shao Shang (FL) - she plays the cute, funny role fine. She doesn't fit the image of the most beautiful maiden in the capital. Her sad/crying scenes did not tug at my heartstrings, except for 1 scene where she was bullied by the princesses and almost drowned in the pond - when Ling Buyi unaware of what happened came to visit her talking happily....she turned her back and cried out of self pity but tried to hold it in. That scene broke my heart.
- The Emperor - acting was fine. But the script writing for him seems off - I have never seen a period drama where the emperor was so funny and kind. Even if they are kind at hear, they usually appear serious, stern, intimidating.
- Imperial Consort Yue Fei and the Empress - I liked them, it was refreshing that they were genuinely kind people and not scheming like most royals. I liked the spunk and grit that Consort Yue Fei had, and her relationship w/ the Emperor was cute.

Read More

Good but did not tug at the heartstrings

This was a good fantasy series, typical tropes, but a decent watch. The main issue I have w/ this is that this type of love story has to really tug at your heartstrings and leave you w/ lingering feelings long after watching it. I did not get that feeling like I did w/ other love stories (i.e. Ashes of Love, Rise of the Phoenixes, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, Goodbye My Princess).

Pros:
- ML lead (Dylan Wang) this was the first time seeing him in a series, he absolutely nailed this role. He was convincing in all the various stages of his character development: cold & powerful, funny & bubbly for the body swaps, tender & emotional. His facial expressions made you feel every emotion he felt.
- 2nd ML (Cheng Heng role) - first time seeing this actor. I liked him - usually I tend to really root against the 2nd ML, but his character was likeable.
- Support characters - usually the support characters are rather annoying, but most were likeable except for Jie Li, she was super annoying. I had zero sympathy for her plight. I special shoutout to Danyin. She character seem to start off as one of those psychotic love-obsessed women that would do anything to steal a love she feels entitled to, but Danyin was an upstanding character rational logic and ethics. She was my favorite support character. I loved the relationship w/ her and the Chang Heng in the mortal realm - her undying/selfless devotion to Chang Heng was sweet and funny.
- production quality was impressive

Cons:
- FL was just ok. I think she was overshadowed by the ML's screen presence. She did not seem to match up to his acting/screen presence. Her cuteness was a bit over the top that it was annoying at times, and came across like a complete fool. And when she did the body swap, she could not pull off the cold/domineering effect. She just looked silly.
- the chemistry between the main couple was just ok, not terrible, but not great either. The chemistry for this type of love story is crucial.
- some of the costumes looks really silly. The headgear of the gods looked very plastic. And the gold flower wrap around the FM character as the Goddess of Xishan looks so cheap.
- the ending was confusing. They never explained why/how Dongfang Qing Cang came back to life suddenly.

Overall it was good. Not one of my favorite dramas but still good. I may rewatch it if I'm bored.

Read More

Started out good, then dragged

The storyline is a good foundation for a great drama/tragedy. The first half was good, then it just dragged on repetitively for the remaining half. The series would've been great if they just ended it sooner. Midway thru the series, the scenes just kept repeating over and over. How many times can a Crown Princess Consort sneak out of the Imperial palace, get into mischief and get saved by her creepy stalker. This type of tragic love story should leave you with lingering emotions after watching it. That did not happen for me.

Acting/Cast:
- ML was just ok, nothing great, nothing terrible. One weird thing that I couldn't get past was his hands...his fingers are freakishly long and bony. Every time I saw his hands I was distracted in a bad way.
- FL was good. She was adorable. But the character was a bit cliche.
- 2nd ML (Gu Jiao) - the FL's teacher/first love - he was probably one of the most annoying characters. He came across as a creepy stalker. And how unrealistic that he stood in the tree overlooking her room in the palace every night. If she can see him...can't the palace guards?! He's always wearing white clothing...standing straight upright on a tree branch in a tree w/ barely any leaves/foliage.
- Prime Minister/Imperial Material Uncle - my god he was annoying, I skipped every scene that he was in. Not sure if it was the dubbing of the voice, but it was like being put to sleep when he was on screen
- Support characters, and the ONLY likeable characters were A Du and Pei Zhao. Loyal and conflicted conscience. But it also irked me that they did not speak up to reveal the injustices, atrocities, misunderstandings.

Pros:
- Cinematography and production quality were great
- Music was beautiful
- Good storyline potential

Cons:
- Dragged on way too long, many repetitive scenes/topics
- No real likeable characters other than the Xiao Feng, A Du and Pei Zhao
- The main couple lacked chemistry. Their intense love when they were in Dachi, just didn't make sense to me. And I still don't understand how they fell in love again in the palace after losing their memories. He was so cruel to her, constantly humiliating & degrading her in front of others - so how could she fall in love with him?

Overall it had potential, but fell flat. Won't be re-watching it.

Read More

Adorable love story, one of my favorite modern dramas

I'd rank this as my #2 favorites of modern dramas (just behind To Love starring Lin Gen Xing). Great storyline, great acting, pretty good OST. Overall I gave it a 9. Took off a point for the last 2 episodes dragging out beyond the climax of the story.

*** Spoilers below ****

Acting/Cast:
- William Chan (ML) - he's one of my favorite male leads right now, I've been binge watching a lot of his shows. He's not the best actor w/ a ton of range, but he just lights up the screen with his charisma and adorable smile. He plays the action hero role very well. In this role as a fierce firefighter he shined in every way. He was able to convey the tormented, tough, cold & aloof on the outside, but caring/loyal on the inside persona so well. As much as I adore William Chan, he usually does not have much chemistry w/ his female leads (other than Sandra Ma in Age of Legends). However in this series it's the most chemistry I've seen him with a female lead. They had great chemistry.
- Xu Lai (FL) - this is the first time I've seen this actress, she did a great job. She was believable conveying the sweet bubbly innocence w/out being annoyingly over the top, but also tough w/ grit and rational determination. When she cried you can feel her sadness.
- Dr. Zang Qui (Support Female) - first time seeing this actress. She's beautiful and did a great job being the tough logical sounding board for people. But the flashbacks of her youth she was so sweet and bubbly, and the scene where she broke down crying begging Jin Sichuan to let her see her dying husband...that scene was just heartbreaking.

PROS:
- Storyline - I loved it, it was very reminiscent of Backdraft from the 1990s, one of my all time favorite movies with Kurt Russell, Billy Baldwin, etc. The emergency calls/situations were very plausible, unlike a lot of Cdramas.
- The character development was done well showing how people experience and recover from traumatic life experiences
- The death of Liu Xu and his secret recording being played to his brigade team after dies, oh man that was a tearjerker! Get your tissues for that.
- The scene of Jin Sichuan in the coma...trying to follow the dead Liu Xu into the light...but getting pulled back by Xu Lai. That was powerful. I was on the edge of my seat holding my breath.

CONS:
- Hospital scenes - as battered up as Jin Sichuan gets, rightfully so as a firefighter, most of the hospital scenes he still looks perfect, other than 1 time when he saved Xu Lai from the kidnapper he was bruised and battered. But even when he was supposedly in a coma for awhile (maybe months, as they did not really specify how long) - he had not 1 scratch on him, hair perfectly done, clean shaven, etc. Very unrealistic, but this is pretty typical of most cdramas anyway.
- Xu Lai in the beginning came across as some crazed stalker at first w/ zero boundaries and thick skin.
- The annoying coworker of Xu Lai - dumb as bricks and the trouble she tries to inflict on Xu Lai is lame. But she was barely held accountable by the news station even when caught several times - except for the last straw when she almost killed her.
- Rescue dogs were cute and the scene when Windhound died saving Jin Sichuan - gut-wrenching. But the dogs and dog training got too much screen time.
- The dubbing wasn't always the best. Some voices just did not fit w/ the character/actor.
- The 3rd support couple - Lao Huo and Shi Shi the actress. The entire series he was irrationally obsessed and possessive of Xu Lai, while Shi Shi followed him around like a pathetic puppy. Then suddenly at the end of the series he magically realizes...Oh, wait, ok, I love you now Shi Shi (because he can't have Xu Lai). It felt like an unnatural progression, as if the writers wanted to force some sort of resolution for Lao Huo out of pity.

I've never re-watched any modern dramas (except 1 other one) - but I'd probably re-watch this one.

Read More

Good storyline but missed the mark on casting

Overall the storyline was good, production & costume quality were good. My main issue with the series is the casting. While most actors did ok with their individual parts (except Xu Kai Cheng) the casting and chemistry were seriously lacking. They really missed the mark on the casting with this one. Especially w/ the ML and FL leads.

While ML and FL acting was decent - they didn't quite fit together. They really lacked chemistry and I didn't root for them. Jian Ming had a more youthful look but his character was supposed to be quite older than the Haishi. He was a grown adult when they met and she a child. But when she became an adult he still appeared younger than her. They should've casted an older actor for the ML or a younger actress for the FL.

ML (Willam Chan) as Fang Jian Ming - this is the first time I've seen this actor in a role. He was not able to exude the tough, stoic demeaner that the role entails (such as actors like Wallace Chung in Sword and Brocade or Lin Geng Xin in Princess Agents). But in the last few episodes where he was more carefree & and happy, and then the tragic ending he did really well portraying the exhaustion and utter sadness.

FL (Yang Mi) - she did fine as she typically does. But I couldn't help but feel like she played the exact same character/acting as she did in Legend of Fuyao. Took me a bit to get accustomed to her real voice.

2ML (Xu Kai Cheng) - the Emperor. I had zero empathy for him. He was supposed to portray a tormented, conflicted emperor with morals and compassion, but he just came across as an unhinged sadistic lunatic. He completely overacted. Scenes of his abuse towards Tilan were uncomfortable to watch.

2FL (Tilan) - Started off w/ some edge to her but fizzled out and became a limp doormat. She overplayed the sweet forgiving angelic aspect.

3ML (Zouying) - he did fine, I liked his loyal/playful bond w/ Haishi. But his portrayal of the evil twin brother was overacted and not believable.

3FL (Zheliu) - she did a good job. this is the first role I actually like this actress in. I couldn't stand her in all the other series I've seen in her.

Read More

Cute and realistic romantic comedy

Storyline:
It was refreshing to watch a drama that just followed the natural progression of a relationship without inserting unnecessary villains trying to break them apart and having the main couple dealing with unspoken misunderstandings. It's a cute and realistic romantic comedy about a normal couple that are wholeheartedly in love and devoted to each other but navigate through the challenges of maintaining a relationship due to the nature of their demanding careers as a SWAT officer and a ER doctor/Neuro surgeon.

Characters/Acting:
- Main couple were cute and had good chemistry. What I liked most about their relationship is their open honesty with each other rather than letting misunderstandings or conniving people (those annoying sisters) get in between them like you see in most cdrama relationships.
- ML (Xing Ke Lei) I had an hard time seeing him as Mr. Tough Guy because he has such a young baby face. And I still see that actor in his quiet, naïve role in Rise of the Phoenixes. But his acting was good. It was so endearing how much he loved Mi Ka and always looked out for her.
- FL (Mi Ka) This is the 2nd series I saw her in (she was in Mr. Fighting w/ Allen Deng). She's a good actress. She always manages to come across as wholesome, sweet and genuine with a little spunk. She's very likable.
- Support couple (Wenbo and Xiao Xia) - cute progression of their relationship, particularly Wenbo who was utterly clueless when it comes to women and love but so honest.
- Xing Ke Yao - ML's older sister. She was one of my favorite characters. In the beginning you expect her to be a cold and controlling sister/character. But underneath that hard exterior she's such a loving, honest and nurturing person. I love the witty banter and relationship she has with her brother Xing Ke Lei.

Music:
- Decent. The upbeat song went well with the happy scenes.

Rewatch Value:
- Overall I enjoyed the show but not enough to re-watch it.

Read More

Slow and uninteresting

Only watched it since I had just finished the prequel Nirvana in Fire since its so highly rated (it was not good). This sequel wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't good.

Characters: Most of the acting and character development was not good. The actor/character that stood out was Xiao Ting Sheng (the MLs father). He portrayed the character as a fierce and loyal hero at the same time a kind and selfless brother, father and prince. the ML was just ok. The FL was terrible. She didn't have any real emotions or any changing facial expressions . The chemistry between the ML and FM couple was non-existent. I was not invested in them and could not care less if they ended up together or not. The supporting male and female couple - they had chemistry and their love story was endearing.

Music: nothing memorable.
Costumes: average
Pacing: the show was so slow, I skipped through a lot of it

Read More

I don't understand the hype

I've heard so much hype about this Nirvana in Fire and the sequel Nirvana Fire 2. I watched both. Unimpressed. Overall this series dragged on way too long. I found myself skipping so many parts and sometimes entire episodes. I only sat thru the entire series just to find out what happens to see if the show redeems itself at the end. It did not.

Characters: While the acting wasn't bad, I was never truly invested in any of the characters, including the ML. The lead couple had zero chemistry. The only character I rooted for was Concubine Jing (wonderful actress, saw her in Rise of the Phoenixes).

Music: The OST wasn't bad but nothing memorable.

Read More

Decent but not great, lead couple had no chemistry

Decent, but not an great series that really tugs at any of my emotions or lingers long after I've finished the series. Seems they didn't have much budget for a star power cast.

Pros:
- I only watched it for the ML (Chen Xing Xu) because I loved him in Goodbye My Princess and the recent modern series My Boss. He just stood out so much compared to all the other leads and support characters.
- The storyline had such great potential - but the cast seemed to fall a bit flat.
- One of the few scenes that tugged at my heartstrings was when the ML was portraying the La Mu shard (fire demon) went to make peace w/ the villagers who misunderstood and accused him - he showed up w/ such hope, innocence and kindness but instead they attacked him. That broke my heart - and Ye Tan's reaction of pity and heartache for him. That was so sad.
- The scene of Man Man's death was really sad. I like her character and the funny, loyal friendship/sidekick relationship w/ Ye Tan was cute.

Cons:
- The lead couple Ye Tan and You Qing had little to no chemistry at all, which is crucial for this type of storyline of undying devotion/sacrifice for love (such as Ashes of Love, Ten Mile of Peach Blossoms, Love & Destiny).
- The cast was weak, no star power. I watch a LOT of dramas and I didn't recognize any of the lead or support actors (other than the ML Chen Xing Xu). The Heavenly Emperor was one of the worst, his acting was just awful, he literally had ONE facial expression the entire series!
- The two FLs (the sisters Ye Tan and Qing Kui) did not have the screen presence that these lofty roles required to captivate the audience - their acting wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Qing Kui character was renowned for her beauty and gentle kindness - while the actress did portray the gentle kindness part, but she did not embody stunning beauty. She looked more like an actress that would play a 2nd or 3rd support role.
- When the ML was playing the womanizer shard, he came across as super gay/feminine rather than a womanizer/playboy.

OST - just ok, not memorable

Re-watch - nah, not worth the time

Read More

Song Zu Er (FL) the only redeeming quality

I don't understand the rave reviews and high scores this drama got. It was very draggy where it feels like you're watching the same scene/plot on repeat. The only redeeming quality and why I watched until the end (with a LOT of skipping) is because of Song Zu Er. She is one of the best young actresses with such a range in genuine acting - adorable, witty, fierce, emotional, heart-wrenching...she nails it every time in every series I've seen her in.

I just could not get into the male lead and his hair. This is the first time I've seen this actor in a series, and he was not good...not terrible, but not good. He had zero chemistry w/ the FL.

I did not root for anyone or any couple in this series other than the FL and her father. All the supporting characters and their storyline were uninteresting.

Read More