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My favorite C-Drama! <3
This was a show with the most bestest of all best endings: just a sweet happily ever after with our main characters being successful (girl)bosses. I loved everything about this show: the fun, the vibes, the music, the cinematography, the characters and their relationships. It was just such a fun show. Chu Li is such a great female lead: strong-willed, funny and sweet, you just have to root for her. I really loved the actor playing our male lead; he almost felt like an animated character at times, he made so many scenes sososo funny and I loved the bromance with his bestie. The second lead's second chance romance was so good too! I was very invested in their relationship!! Generally, all the side characters were interesting enough for me to care, I didn't skip a single second because I was overall so invested in the show. Shed some tears in the last episodes because it was either really sad or really sweet and happy. Overall, my favorite CDrama together with "A Romance of the Little Forest" (I knew I could trust Esther Yu! love her so much after these two dramas) - literally zero complaints: the perfect sentimental, fun romcom<333.Was this review helpful to you?
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At first, I thought both main characters were a little dumb and very silly but I gotta say this was super entertaining and fun! I actually shed so many tears in the later episodes, I didnt't expect that at all. Once our main couple got together, they were soso!! cute and even the episodes leading up to the relationship were so fun and sweet. And of course Xiao Wudi (my favorite trophy husband) and Lu Zichen are girl dads -- I expected no less hehe. I loved how this drama didn't have any toxicity between the main characters, or work partners/colleagues. The president was cool but nice and empowering as well as encouraging, Lu Zichen mostly just really awkward and so comical, and the employees kind and forthcoming. I really loved seeing the mother-daughter relationship, too. Overall, a really sweet drama with a heartwarming ending <3. Was this review helpful to you?
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Finally, it's over!
Finally done with this… show. Was CLOY’s plot this messy too?? It started out so nice, but fell flatter than a pancake. I made the mistake of taking a two-week break between episode 12 and 15, so I had to catch up episodes 12-15 in one day because I wanted to finish it with everyone else. Thank the Lord for double speed and skipping.The show was successful due to a handful of factors: the screenwriter, regardless whether one likes her or not, has created many successful dramas. The amazing leads that are known for their skills. KSH and KJW were great, though I find KSH had less to show in the first 10 or so episodes. KJW had a much more consistent performance in my opinion. The insanity of the plot. And the OST/any technicality such as cinematography, styling etc. The plot of this show was pure dogshit. It got worse with every episode especially after episode 12 (for me).
Now, me personally, I hated BaekHong! 😊 I did not like Hyun Woo as a male lead. I could never fully sympathize with him, which I did easier with Hae In. HW was just kind of unlikable to me, and I’m also quite annoyed that Hae In had to start the mature conversation at the very end of the last episode (even when she apologized for being mean after her surgery?? Girl, it is NOT your fault). How they argued over trivial matters etc. and how that was the reason they grew apart. On one hand you can argue that she takes agency to speak up (especially when you consider how YES took her autonomy the second he appeared on screen until his last breath. That man was obsessed with her and wanted full control over her. He disguised himself as a nice guy, but he was never able to hide that little psychotic sparkle in his eyes. When he wanted to have dinner with her, he chose everything: the plates, the wine glasses, the food, the wine. When he showed up as her guardian at the hospital, when he kidnapped her, when she wanted to collaborate with this dude to be part of the Trillion Club thing, etc.) , on the other it is once again her who takes accountability. Throughout the whole drama, I felt that HHI was sidelined – despite being the female lead. Her feelings, point of view, thoughts… all felt like a second-thought. Both from the POV of the other characters, but especially from the writer. HHI never felt like the priority, it seemed like she had to compromise and put herself second in order to make others “happy” or whatever, and that was annoying. Kim Ji Won is such a stunning actress, capable of giving a nuanced performance of a character that could have been so interesting. However, she gave her best with what she was given – which wasn’t much in my opinion.
The villains. You guys, I laughed so hard when Eun Seong died. Lmao. Anyway, these villains were so over the top that I could not stand it after a certain point. They felt too cartoonish. They got their karma, so that’s good.
This drama could have been a nice little character-driven story – had the writer given the characters more depth. Instead, we got a mix of insanity, barely any (good) romance, lots of trauma, annoying villains… To be very straightforward: this was a clusterfuck of a drama, and I’m happy it’s over.
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“Annoyed that Hae In apologizes to Hyun Woo about her treatment towards him after surgery. Not her fault she didn’t remember him, why must she take accountability… also, when has his ass ever apologized to her? Seems like she compromises all the time for him throughout the show – oh, finally an apology at the end for forgetting his promise to always love her. Instead, he caused her pain.” – live commentary/thoughts while I was watching the last episode LOL.
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Good start, but failed to keep me hooked
I watched until episode 7, but I didn’t catch up in time, so even that episode I watched with some delay lol. I did like it until that point, but people complaining about further development and plot points made me decide to DNF. I didn’t want to see miscommunication, heartbreaks, etc. Episode 1-7 were good, but I don’t want to bother to finish this. I enjoyed the acting, especially Jung Woo Sung's. You can tell that he is an experienced actor, his eye acting and subtle expressions were perfect. The music and cinematography were also very beautiful and complimented the drama well. But again, I don't want to invest in the drama if we get too much *drama* instead of healing vibes lol. I am also currently watching other shows that are able to keep me hooked much easier than this one, unfortunately.Was this review helpful to you?
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I will start with the ending.... because what was that 😭🤣 I really would have preferred something a little more clear, though I think that it was a sequence. Like he imagined her, she died but she never left his side metaphorically...? I don't know.Anyway, I watched "Count Your Lucky Stars" and really wasn't a big Jerry Yan fan, but I have to admit that he was really good in this show. He looked super handsome, the long hair suits him well (minus the extra volume though....), and his styling was much better in this show. I thought it was almost comical how he almost doesn't really talk but overall I enjoyed his calm demeanor.
He Ran was a cute girl, but she could be a meanie when she was jealous lmao. I also think that her pursuing Xiao Han was quite.... intense and intolerable at times, she seemed super obsessive and almost stalkerish at times. But the actress did a really great job playing the character. She is youthful and absolutely stunning, conveyed emotions very well and had great chemistry with Jerry Yan! Loved that a lot.
Another thing that was STUNNING was the music as well as the beautiful cinematography. Just for that, the drama is already worth watching. Just stunning to watch in general. The wedding scene in the last episode was also just mesmerizing and beautiful, wow. The actress looked soso pretty in the traditonal costume and the whole ceremony was just filmed so nicely.
I skipped all of the mom's story and love-plot because I didn't care, I also HEAVILY disliked Han Yu. He was so delusional, I don't know why he bothered He Ran all the time. If someone showed disinterest THAT obviously to me, I would just call it a day. He just never read the room....
Overall, this was a surprisingly SPICY (??? omg) show, the acting was great from the leads, but the ending was only so-so for me. Highlights were the female lead's acting, the OST, and the cinematography.
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Epic!!
Man, did I bawl my eyes out in the last handful of episodes… This was one epic show wow. I loved the beginning and knew immediately that I would have a fantastic time watching it. And I was right (obviously🤭). While it had its quieter moments (in comparison to future epic moments), this was amazing from start to finish. I loved the beginning and second half (especially episodes 20 to 26), and last handful of episodes (8 maybe). I loved the steadiness of the characters, their loyalty and understanding of each other. The chemistry between the lead actors was amazing, and I just generally loved how despite the occasional banter the overall romance remained quite mature🥹. They both listened and tried to see the other’s perspective despite having different principles or views in specific situations. Their love was unconditional. I also loved the OST, it’s so perfect and epic. Whenever Shen Li’s theme played, I was happy. I was always anticipating it whenever a fight scene came up because I knew it was going to look extra cool with the music🙏🏻! The cinematography, settings, styling, fight scenes, etc. were also just *chef’s kiss*. And that ending… 🥹🥹 Granted, the last episode was like a big side quest for our couple, and hilarious at that, but the final scene was just so wholesome🪻🥹. Overall, great show, loved it a lot!!💞Was this review helpful to you?
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Magical
I first watched this drama back in 2022, and really liked it. Though I found the plot a little confusing at first, I absolutely loved the male lead and the romance between him and Tae Eul. Personally, I love Tae Eul as a female lead and I would let her kick me if she really needed to. Maybeee her character seemed a little fiercer in the initial episodes, but she didn't turn into a complete damsel at all. I really loved the bickering and banter between her and Lee Gon, who is super funny himself. I loved Lee Min Ho's delivery of his lines in the show. Sometimes, it could be a little cheesy, but overall, I have rewatched this show twice, and loved it again and again. Both times, I only watched the romance between the leads to be honest, but it really hits😭💞 Even if the love story starts rather abruptly, especially from the female lead's side, I still love it so much. I mean, Lee Gon literally went through every universe to find Tae Eul... that's commitment!Was this review helpful to you?
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Epic and tragic tale
Bai Qian and Ye Hua aka chronic gatekeepers of vital information and their true feelings for one another. Ye Hua – King of gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss 🎀 Also… justice for my man Mo Yuan 😔✊🏻.Well… I finished this show. I understand why it is considered a classic. It’s an epic tale of a fated yet heartbreaking love. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite skipping through some parts I didn’t care about (the Winged Tribe lmao). Ye Hua is a male lead that I loved and hated if I’m being honest. This man never properly communicated with Su Su/Bai Qian, which was so annoying. He also forced himself onto her several times, which is… not great.
My girl Su Su/BQ went through so much pain in this show, and it really pissed me off how her pain was constantly invalidated and how her person was vilified. The Heavenly Tribe is one pretentious, hypocritical and annoying tribe. Ye Hua’s mother is on my hit list because she had the audacity to downplay my Qian Qian’s pain as if didn’t matter at all. As if didn’t matter how badly they treated her when she was a mortal, and how she lost her eyes simply because she was falsely accused (this made no sense: how would she 1) know where the Immortal Execution Platform even is? She was always locked away. 2) She was pregnant, ready to give birth. Why would she start beef with that witch Su Jin and push her down the platform? How would she, as a mortal, have the strength to fight the immortal SJ? Made no sense, and everyone lowkey knew. But they regarded her as less because she was a human.). Even when they found out that she was Su Su, they didn’t feel bad for their physical and emotional mistreatment and abuse. No, they feared that she might harm their darling Crown Prince. Always seen as the bad woman. The disrespect the Heavenly Tribe showed Green Hill will always piss me off.
I’m also so sad that my babes Dong Hua and Feng Jiu didn’t have a happy end ☹. I will have to watch their spin-off to cleanse my soul because their conclusion was so upsetting.
Another upsetting thing is the fact that we did not get a wedding?? I mean, yay, Ye Hua is back from sleeping, but give me the wedding you’ve been talking about for the last 30 episodes😭😭🎀… oh well.
The OST is iconic, I absolutely love it. Anyway, this was a rollercoaster of emotions: I laughed, I cried, and I yelled (anger and surprise because Ye Hua might have been a 70.000-year-old virgin when he fell in love with Su Su, but he was one horny Prince!). I can see myself rewatching certain scenes, but might have to skip the sad (and annoying) stuff... farewell peach blossoms🪷🌸.
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I have a headache from crying so much
Cried so hard that I got a headache, my heart is broken and my chest is heavy. I'm taking this personally; I am in severe pain. This show was… absolutely sickening.I was immediately in love from the first episode. The cinematography and tones in this show are so beautiful, the production feels rich and completely took me away. Every episode felt like it was only 5 minutes. The quietness of the show and deep affections of the characters is what makes this drama a high-quality show. None of the characters had to explicitly say anything, it was always understood. The longing, the adoration, the respect – it was all in their actions, in their eyes, in their behavior – I’m getting sad again as I’m typing this.
The actors… Bai Lu is absolutely insane in this show, and so was Ren Jia Lun. His eyes said so many things. He knows eye-acting to a T!
Visually, the show was stunning. The music was beautiful too. The acting was the cherry on top. I don’t have any words to describe this heart-shattering show, but despite my pain right now, I love it. Watching “Forever and Ever” is a must though… this heart asks to be mended – and quickly. ❤️🩹
P.S.: don't take my rating for the rewatch value seriously lmao. I'm extremely sad right now, how could I want to go through this pain again❤️🩹?
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Eternal farewells
Their first meeting was their eternal farewell; her past was his future, and his past was her future. No one talk to me, this was such a unique story, so beautiful yet so heartbreaking. What a drama. From the characters, to the plot, settings, music, and costumes – this was a delight to watch from start to finish, but I am so sad now😭👍🏻This show is great proof that sometimes even a small production can create something amazing and worthwhile, I can only recommend to plunge into the story just like Shen Bu Yan and see for yourself how eternal and bittersweet this story is!Was this review helpful to you?
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Infuriating classic
Wow. I finished this show, I cannot believe it. It took me 2 months (with a little break in between), and I can say.... it was a rollercoaster of emotions.the good:
- The music slaps so hard, it should not be THAT good. The OST for this show was absolutely amazing, one of the best I dare say!
- Lee Min Ho looked adorable in this show. I think he was like 21 when this aired, and he looked so cute and handsome (despite some of the terrible clothing and his curly hair lmao)
- Woo Bin. I feel like the poor guy did not have any lines until Jan Di went to Macau lmao. He deserved some more screentime because I found him so funny with his random English phrases lmao.
the bad:
- The show was 25 episodes long, and it definitely could have been a little shorter. I got tired of the antics in the last couple episodes.
- Ji Hoo. I am a Ji Hoo hater first and foremost. I do not understand the hype around this man at all. I never liked him, from start to finsih I disliked him. He just kept being too close to Jan Di, even when she was with Jun Pyo, which was super annyoing to see. Especially when he visits her in the fishing village, and he tells her he can't live without her... boy, she is in this fishing village with a broken heart, what are you doing? BE QUIET. He gave me the ick.
- Jan Di's parents. They were so annoying and delusional
- Jun Pyo's mother, obviously. The woman was a complete loser and stalker. Literally pretended like her husband died too, like wtf was that? I hated seeing her smile in the last episode. Also, her double standard?? Jae Kyung was basically Jan Di in rich and privileged? Otherwise, both girls had similar personalities: outspoken, bubbly, thick-headed, outgoing. But anyway.
- Jae Kyung. I liked her at first but my dislike grew stronger once she decided she would move in with Jun Pyo while Jan Di was working as a maid. When she asked Jan Di to her room, showing off her wedding dress, that was when my hatred grew stronger. JK told Jan Di that she would not give up on Jun Pyo, but her means were unfair and annoying. Literally asking Jan Di "Did you not think of me as a friend", but then basically showing off her privilege and wealth.
- Whatever that plot with Yumi was in the last episode lmao??
- The bullying here was far more terrible than in "Meteor Garden" since our F4 had a cult-like following of boys and girls, and these people just decided to joint-bully whatever student. Physical/Emotional abuse/assault and even attempted murder, like ??
- the styling was terrible. Why were these high schoolers dressed like grandpas :(
Overall, the show is cult or whatever, but it was so exhausting to watch it. It had its good moments but there were too many wtf moments. The OST deserves some Grammy's though!
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fantastic treat
The ending… please have mercy on me. This was such a fun and delightful treat. I was so looking forward to this ever since my tiktok was flooded with beautiful edits of this show and i waited for it to be fully released because I knew deep down I would love it (that sounds very dramatic, but it's true!!) Although the plot only moves quite slowly, the characters and their interactions carry the show and make it special. I have to admit that I have been watching a lot of other shows that have shorter episodes so maybe that is why I felt like the episodes were dragging a little, but I always had a fantastic time watching this show.... The settings, cinematography, music, the magic, … just everything was such a great watch. Deserves all its hype. The only character I couldn’t warm up to was Choyeon… she put Mudeok in trouble (several times), always whining or pouting and bratty… I don’t know, she just wasn’t my favorite. But overall: great watch. I am excited and scared for part 2.Was this review helpful to you?
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Headache-inducing heartbreak but sooo worth it!
I have a headache, I cried so much. At first, I didn’t even cry, but the last 10 episodes hit me as if a train and truck and bus had run me over. I thought I was okay in the last episode, but then they had to kill the 13th brother too… my heart hurts just a little bit 👌🏻.To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about the romance because I found 8th prince’s advances … not that cool lol: he wants the throne AND his sister-in-law? Like, let’s not be greedy, you have her sister already, and she doesn’t even like you, bro. But, in comparison with the 4th prince, later emperor, the 8th wasn’t so bad, I guess. It was at least a lot more peaceful lol.
My poor Ruo Xi looked so… drained, tired, and exhausted from the second half on that I just felt so bad for her. Just like her sister, she longed for freedom and not for palace’s restraints and the prince’s schemes.
I really enjoyed the political intrigue and scheming of the drama; the storytelling and pace were great too, there was never a boring episode! Especially in the later episodes, I felt tense and I was anticipating the next plot… I really LOVED the costumes/styling and the music a lot too.
Anyway, I’m sad now and need a no drama-drama to heal my heart💗🧍🏻♀️. Might (probably) rewatch once I feel delusional again.
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Shameless cat??
I am in shambles. Cried too many tears, it’s not okay. I think it took me a bit long to watch the first ten episodes, but once I reached episode 10/11, I just inhaled the show. It had me hooked and anticipating it the same way “Eternal Love” did earlier this year!!🤭🤣 I was just always looking forward to watching more!I loved the OST (so sad that it’s STILL not on Spotify 💔) and the styling in this show! Although, Wei Zhao’s assassin’s wig was … not my favorite to be honest!! But everyone looked so, so dashing⚔️🥹, and I really enjoyed the scheming and plotting throughout the show. If you’re into scheming plots, political/internal power struggles with a pinch of heartbreaking romance, then this show is great! Also, Li Landi’s acting was so good, I need to watch more of her shows! RJL was great as expected and Jeremy Tsui had a very impressive and intense screen presence as well; everyone acted amazingly in this show!!
My favorite episode was probably the one during this Winter party when our leads were dressed in red, both looked so good (and HAPPY and WELL). Anyway, I have a headache now🤣💗 Ren Jia Lun, I deserve compensation after this and “One and Only”!!!!!💰
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Meh
This started out intriguingly and had my attention for a good while, but after episode 25 I was so done with the show. It was too long in my opinion, and the last episodes had too much filler content that made it boring. I am also disappointed how we didn’t see more of YCW’s autopsy skills as it was barely relevant. The romance was underwhelming to me because the chemistry between the leads was only so-so. To me, the male lead created better tension with the female lead than the other way round. Also, what … was that ending? What was the reason for the last 2 minutes?? 🧐🤚🏻 Could have lived without that. The settings were very pretty as were the costumes! I also liked the music a lot – specifically the instrumentals! The actuals songs were okay, but not outstanding or memorable to me. I feel like the show was overall a whole of … bland after a while because they just dragged out the ending, and I found the revelation of the bad guy kind of random because we literally meet him so late in the show🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️Opinions on the acting. While I agree that JJY’s acting/interpretation of YCW is different than the other actress’, I find it a bit harsh to only criticize her. She is not solely responsible for the characterization and development of said character. That is actually the writer’s as well as the director’s job to lead her along the way. Of course, as an actress, she could do a better job (and I only say that because other actresses voice their opinions on how to interpret the character, an example would be Zhao Lu Si, I don’t know how involved JJY really is), but in my opinion, YCW as SGZ is just written differently than the YCW we were introduced with. Sometimes, her actions and behavior don’t align with the character we met in the first two episodes, but again, JJY didn't write the script, so I don’t really understand why she gets flamed so much🧐
It was okay, but it is not a must watch – to ME. 🧚🏻♀️🌺
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