Reviews

frustration at its finest

tw// mention of rape

the trailer made me go, "oh! this doesn't look so bad! it looks cute and light! let's go for it!". well... the drama in its entirety is a hot mess. no, it's not the spicy good kind of mess that makes me look forward for more episodes. it's the mess that makes you wonder what went through the heads of the writers.

one thing that made me hooked into wanting to watch this is the actors from past dramas i watched. i honestly kinda feel bad for the the actors because it feels like they were trying their best to make up to portray their characters. sadly, there's literally no depth to the characters despite ton's dad brainwashing his son with such nonsense and misogynistic beliefs. the writers had the chance to give depth to ton's character and show his side of the story but we got absoluTeLy nothing! so, the whole time i couldn't help but detest ton because he was honestly being such an ass and made chon uncomfortable in the early episodes pressuring him about banging a girl to prove his masculinity.

three years with ai and ni.... not once did ton suspect anything going on???? i may be a clown but i haven't reached this level of clownery yet. i also couldn't find myself rooting for ai and ni when they forced chon to come out to them. another character that grinded my butters was nueng... what was the writers thinking making a rape victim attempt to rape someone????? honestly.... in each episode, i felt like i'd end up hating every single character. thankfully, characters like chon's mom, na, the nail lady and miriam exist.

the chemistry between chon and ton is not bad... but it's quite plain. the way their relationship developed itself is questionable. dude legit banged chon after confessing and chon, one who's known to always be the frantic type in such situations didn't flinch one bit. i honestly found ton unlikable and his possessiveness didn't appeal to me at all.

if there's another bl drama that features a revenge driven ex girlfriend after this, i'm officially teleporting to space because i'm so done with it.

overall, this is a drama that isn't anything new that does have a few charming points (comedic scenes and few likable supporting characters) but completely fails to keep my interest to the end.

Leggi di Più

How to describe this drama with one word - CURIOSITY. It’s confusing and it feels like you are being sucked into someone’s memories, showing you just bits and pieces of what happened, but instead of feeling frustration, you just want to know more.

The characters are quite unusual, but in a refreshing and realistic way. Every one of them has a unique perspective on life and can teach you a few important lessons. Watching them interact and see them conquer their fears, accepted failures and move on to happiness is quite therapeutic.

All the characters have some kind of struggles they are facing, and all of them deal with them in a different way. We can relate to some and learn from others. Each presents a specific approach to life and striving for happiness.
It shows how people deal differently with pain: some pretend to be strong, some crumble, others live in denial and some chase after the lost happiness even when it's impossible to get it back. In a surprisingly heartwarming way, it shows the various sides of depression that does not leave the viewer drained of life, but rather hopeful.

The directing and editing has this dreamlike feel to it, which makes the drama even more appealing. Some might say it was too slow paced, too confusing, but for me it was pure perfection. Usually I dislike dramas that are this slow. I feel like they just try to be artistic for no reason. Somehow, the slower pace added a whole new level of charm that made me love A Piece Of Your Mind even more.

Any flaws? The device itself. While I can accept its existence, how it was made cannot be explained no matter how far-fetched sci-fi approach you take. Did it bother me while watching? No, since the device itself was never the focus point of the plot. It was always about the people and their relationships and how they can affect each other, not the electronics that made the connection happen in the first place.

Overall, it’s a healing story that will make you feel like you have dreamed it.

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Just read the novel instead.

This movie has changed and disrespected the original source material to the point where it's completely unrecognizable, from the little details to the overall messages and symbolism that ORV tried to convey, everything had been completely butchered. As an adaptation, it fails in every aspect. As a movie, the cinematography is amateurish, the script sounds AI generated, the CGI is a joke, and some actors with major supporting roles are just completely sidelined for no particular reason; it's underwhelming, to say the least.

This isn't a matter of an "accurate adaptation" anymore. This is setting a precedence for future adaptations to completely mess up a beloved story by removing all the aspects that make it good in the first place. ORV isn't loved because it's a generic male power fantasy, it's loved because the story subverts this. By stripping away everything to adhere to the general audience's expectations, there won't be anything left to love. There is genuinely so many things wrong with this movie from the erasure of Korean history to even misogyny (which wouldn't be noticed if viewers don't know the original story).

ORV is a love letter for its readers, but this movie spat on it, tore it with a paper shredder, stomped on it repeatedly, burned it, and threw the ashes into the ocean.

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A worth watch !!

My first venture to jdramas …..and I can’t explain how happy I am to have given this one a try ….
Even after seeing that it got almost all the reviews towards the very positive end of the rating spectrum ...I still was hesitant (maybe bec first dramas are always memorable ...you wish to carefully pick the critically acclaimed ones so as to make sure you aren’t disappointed)...and I am really glad to say that this drama has me looking forward to my journey in dorama land …

This is way more than just a typical rom com ...it’s an ordinary story that gives you hope and courage to fight for what you need ...tells you to cry,stand up and face the mess ….( I feel weird writing this ....cuz actually I am team it’s okay to run away as long as you are willing to come back and fight but yaa ...it’s true that someday or the other ...you gotta deal with all the shit that comes your way)
( I haven’t mentioned the story ...cuz synopsis provided by MDL is way too good ...pls check it )

The positives …

No annoying characters …( I don’t know if this is common for doramas to not have them ...and if it is then ...I am dancing already)

They don’t keep on dragging an issue like anything and just talk it out …(dare not ask for more in a rom drama …!! )

Amazing bonding between the characters ….I love the entire house arrangement ….housemates are so supportive of each other ….and every character individually is so likable ...and the dog’s so adorable ... …(even I wish to live in a share house like that …!!)

Life Lessons ...well some dramas teach you small and important things ….I feel it’s one of those dramas ...it’s a happy happy stuff but yeah it doesn’t deviate from the fact that life got troubles too ...and just because you are good at something doesn’t mean that the path will be easy ...it might be easier than others ...but no bed of roses for anyone here.

Also I like the fact that the ML makes FL feel that not everything needs to be captured and shared over the internet ...ofc she likes doing it ….but addiction is not good you can’t start living just to share your life on internet ...you sometimes need to really snap out of it ...and live somethings just for yourself …(that’s probably the best part)

I enjoyed the side characters too ….as someone who skips scenes without much thought...I really didn’t touch that forward button ...so you know it’s amazing

Negatives …
I don’t know why but I end up watching love triangles all the time (don't yell spoiler spoiler ...it's there from the very first ep) ...I am a bit annoyed by that ...tho this one is like way better than others I have come across ..still
(guess I need to now start checking tags before I watch)
Also the show doesn't start off too well ....like the initial eps do feel weird and difficult to keep up with !
and the main couple don't give couple vibes ....they'd be better as friends.

But all in all I loved the drama ...and am way too happy to have this as my first !!
I hope everyone who’s reading this does give it a try!

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We love a future without cancer

The actors did a great job! And i don't regret watching. But this ending was lazy.

If you just watched the movie and thought:
"This was so smart because after the credits scene you realize that the wicked one woke up faster than the lead's mom, so ended up killing her and kept the lead a prisoner for 20 years, mirroring the start of the movie."

This was exactly what the screenwriter tried to convey, but the timeline doesn't add up.

The movie only presents a new future, when things are set and done (for the time being). immediately after someone survives or dies the future adapts afterwards. Meanwhile on this brand new future before the credits, the lead had enough time to search for her mom at the hospital (idk why... cause this whole going back cured her cancer in every alternative future LMAO), at the police station and also had time to run to the cemetery and meet her mom there. So this new future was somehow set. Going "back" to hear that phone call that was made before the cop and the mom arrived, warning the wicked that she would die doesn't make much sense. Unless for the FIRST time in this movie, the writer suddendly makes it possible for temporary futures to be presented to the viewers. So the wicked didn't die and woke up before the mom and killed her and made the lead a prisoner (mirroring herself when she was younger). ok, that's cool, but that never happened before though. The future was always showed after the past scene was dealt with. The lead had some solid 30/45min in this new future though, since she runs everywhere she goes... doesn't make sense.

So to me this was lazy. They had a 3 star movie if they ended with a happy ending, so they created this poorly written new ending so that they can keep people talking about the possibilities of the ending credits, and end with an 4 star movie. And that's lazy. It works for the majority of people, but the truth it's the timelines don't always match.

Also can't someone just call 911. ffs.

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Give it a chance

! There Might Be Spoilers !

Yes, there are no spice scenes at all, and yes, there is no kissing (the little one while Hem was asleep, doesn't count)

But I think everyone should watch this series at least once.

This is a MAJOR SLOW BURN, so don't go in expecting anything else. With that being said, there is a lot to it, honestly, the underlying message that the series gives overall.

The whole series is stunning, the secenry was enough to make me watch but the tension that Fifa and Hem give off was enough to make me stay, there is no spicy scenes at all or even kissing and I kept yelling "Just kiss already" may times in the last episode but after thinking about it, it doesn't need all of that, the tension between the two was some of the best in any Thai BL's.

It's easy to forget that we don't need heavy spice scenes to make a good series. I think if you're reading this and on the fence about watching it, give it a chance because I believe you will be missing out on a fantastic series.

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I had mixed feelings once I finished this drama....first I felt very very sad. Then I felt relieved that I finished this drama and now could be able to do my homework in peace. Overall I was just feeling a whole mess of emotions.

Ok I'm going to try to make this short...

So plot wise this story was a very heavy melodrama but for me it wasn't overpowering like most melodramas. It had a different feeling to me. A bittersweet feeling. It always felt as though even during the happy moments there were hard ones.

Yes this drama is painful to watch. It's a story of a forbidden love filled with heartbreak. What can you expect? I loved every single second of it though.

All of the cast gave of this real and raw energy. The emotions that they expressed just felt so real...
Park Shin Hye was only 16 at the time when she filmed this drama but she was able to portray a adult and someone who was being abused with ease. I was impressed not very many 16 year olds would be able to do what she did.

Lee Wan who I had never heard of before was great. He didn't speak for a large part of the drama but was able to express himself without talking. That's when you know their good actors.

I tried listening to the OST after finishing the drama but I kept on visualizing what had happened. The OST was astounding but I recommend waiting a few days before you start listening to it again.

I gave this a low re-watch value because for me it would be to hard watching this drama again..while knowing what happens.

I would say to everyone go and watch this drama! I highly recommend but do it when you are feeling happy and are in a good place.

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Warm and fuzzy atmosphere, it hurts a bit but in a good kind of way, oh and lots of pining

Soramame and Oto meet for the first time and as a watcher you instantly know they have a connection which only deepens as they get to know each other. Both of them are talented in different fields but what they have in common is that they aren't living up to their true potential yet. They can rely on each other and help each other tackle the various hurdles life throws at each of them.

They banter with each other like siblings but at the same time you know they care for each other deeply. The mutual pining will tug at your heartstrings, it may become a bit frustrating at times but all in all their journey is quite plausible to me and I enjoyed it a lot.

It has to be said that the romance part of the series is not the main focus, each lead has a lot on their respective plate. If you're looking for a drama where there's an abundance of skinship or where the couple starts dating in the third episode or so, this drama might not be the right fit for you.

The atmosphere is what I love a lot about this drama. You get those warm and fuzzy feelings when they sit together at dusk (!) sharing what happened that day or to give the other a push in the right direction if they're stuck with something they're working on at the moment. The title of the series fits really well because a lot of the scenes take place in the quiet evenings when you can see the last sunrays of the day on their faces. The setting is very intimate and I liked the conversations they held.

The music underlines the cozy atmosphere, sometimes with a nice song and with the slow piano and strings version of said piece at other times - or no music at all which leaves the deepest impact. I already checked out Yorushika and put some of their songs on my playlists.

I'm by no means an acting expert but I think the cast did a very good job. They made me laugh and shed a few tears (which is not something that happens to me a lot when watching a drama) so in my opinion they accomplished their goal.

Rewatching a series is not something that I do frequently but I can safely say this one will be a candidate.

This has become one of my favorite romantic dramas from Japan. Most of the times there's a point at which I get bored but that was not the case here although I have to admit the ending was a bit drawn-out.

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Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

I decided to watch this movie on a whim not knowing what to expect, little did I know, that 2 hours later, I would end up being left mesmerized. This film is not for everyone (a word of caution there is strong sexual content and nudity), some may even call it disturbing, but if you look past it, you'll see and hear a beautiful story being told right in front of your eyes and ears. The directing, acting, casting, and music painted a canvas so breathtaking, it would almost be a shame not to call it a masterpiece. The ending was so poignant it left me feeling something I've rarely ever felt before, the feeling of breathlessness.

This is one of those films that you watch once in a lifetime (as reflected in the scoring I prescribed) not because it isn't worth rewatching, but because you'll still remember it, way down the line.

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Zhen Zhen: A Tale of Courage, Survival, and Justice

INTRODUCTION:
Prepare yourself for a breathtaking journey as "Drifting Away" takes you through the transformative growth of a teenage heroine. Witness her evolution from a life of bullying and trauma to a determined force of justice, overcoming her past and catching those who wronged her. Zhao Jinmai’s portrayal of Zhen Zhen is nothing short of extraordinary—her "deathly gaze" and powerful presence define the series. This is more than just a show; it’s a testament to resilience, emotional depth, and the raw power of storytelling. Get ready to be captivated by Zhen Zhen’s journey and Zhao Jinmai’s unmatched performance.

PLOT OVERVIEW:
The story follows Zhen Zhen, a young woman who escapes a brutal criminal gang that manipulates and tortures victims to sell human meat. After enduring unimaginable trauma and surviving through sheer resilience, she’s inspired by a police officer to join the force.
Haunted by his past failure to identify the gang’s leader, Detective Peng teams up with Zhen Zhen to bring the criminals to justice. As Zhen Zhen heals and reconciles with her family, she grows into a courageous officer, ultimately helping to capture the gang and ensure their sentencing.
A gripping tale of survival, justice, and redemption.

Characters:
Main Lead:

Peng Zhao Lin:
Peng Zhao Lin’s most endearing trait is the quiet strength of his wife, a woman who consoles him in his darkest moments, simply sitting beside him when the chaos within becomes overwhelming.

As a detective, Peng’s character is defined by his unwavering resolve—if he sees a criminal, he cannot look away, no matter the cost. Deeply caring for those around him, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring Zhen Zhen, offering her the push she needs to grow and ensuring the case is pursued from start to finish.

By the end, Peng reflects on his regrets, particularly the time he lost with his family due to his dedication to his work. This realization pushes him to prioritize his loved ones, and he becomes not only a better husband and but also a father figure to Zhen Zhen.

Zhen Zhen:
Zhen Zhen is a woman who stays true to herself—fearless, smart, and incredibly brave. Her acting is mesmerizing, and her strong character shines through in every scene. She embodies a cool, fire-like aura, effortlessly pulling off any look, proving that her face card is unbeatable.

When she moves to a new school, Zhen Zhen becomes a target for bullies, but she bravely confronts them. Unfortunately, her efforts are met with harsh punishment from her mother, who offers little love or understanding. Feeling increasingly alienated, Zhen Zhen’s frustration grows, especially when her mother slaps her, leading her to run away. She tries to find her old friend but learns she’s no longer living there, so she ends up sharing an apartment with a tenant.

The criminal gang relentlessly targets her, but despite their best efforts to capture and torture her, Zhen Zhen remains resilient. During her torment, as she recalls her parents, her voice trembling, you can feel her heartache. In that moment, I just want to tell her to hold on—she’s strong, and everything will pass, making her a version of herself that won’t be afraid anymore.

Zhen Zhen fights back with determination, escaping multiple times even after being caught again. Though she’s physically and emotionally broken, she crawls away, half-dead, haunted by nightmares. But she doesn’t let the trauma define her. After being rescued, she decides to join the police force to overcome her fears.

As a police officer, she excels, even displaying a deadly gaze during boxing that radiates anger and strength. Over time, her parents come to understand her, respecting her decisions and finally showing her the love she longed for. Zhen Zhen leads a strong, fulfilling life, never giving up. She works tirelessly to ensure the criminals are sentenced, finding support from a mentor and a kind-hearted partner. Her transformation from a victim to a fearless woman is inspiring, and she learns to love herself more every day, with her short hair symbolizing her strength.

Deng Li Gang:
His performance makes you despise him deeply, and he embodies everything sinister about a ruthless criminal. A total red flag, he doesn't hesitate to kill or beat people to hide his tracks. Despite establishing a family to cover his crimes, nothing can protect him from the consequences of his horrific actions. He controls everyone in the gang with fear and manipulation, but ultimately, his bad deeds catch up to him.

Message:
the message is clear: no matter how hard you try to escape, the law and justice will always catch up with you. Life is a journey of facing fears, fighting through challenges, and eventually overcoming them. Even when you’re pushed to your limits, like Zhen Zhen, you must hold onto your strength and never give up. You may endure hardship, but through resilience, love, and determination, you can transform into a version of yourself that is no longer afraid. Every struggle has its purpose, and with the right support and inner courage, you can rise above and find justice—both for yourself and the world around you.

Direction: The direction effectively balances emotional depth with intense action, building tension and keeping the audience engaged throughout. It guides the narrative smoothly, particularly through the character-driven moments of Zhen Zhen and Detective Peng.

Cinematography: The cinematography amplifies the story’s tension with dramatic lighting and close-up shots that highlight characters' internal struggles. It enhances the gritty atmosphere, making each scene feel raw and impactful.

Soundtrack & Sound Design: The haunting soundtrack complements the emotional tone, deepening the atmosphere of fear and hope. Sound design intensifies the action and emotional scenes, especially during moments of torture or confrontation.

Special Effects: Special effects are used effectively but sparingly, adding realism to the action and brutal moments. The practical effects during intense scenes make the violence feel grounded and believable.

Costume Design: The costume design mirrors the characters’ growth and roles. Zhen Zhen’s transformation is reflected in her evolving wardrobe, while the villains’ attire highlights their menacing nature, contributing to their characterization.

Writing & Dialogue: The writing is sharp and impactful, with dialogue that resonates long after it’s spoken. It balances character-driven moments with action, highlighting key themes like justice, resilience, and personal growth, adding depth to the narrative.

Overall:
This series was an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling everything—anger, tears, and immense pride for Zhen Zhen. Zhao Jinmai’s portrayal of the character was absolutely stellar, bringing so much depth and realism to the role. Her performance will definitely leave a lasting impact.

"Choice and perseverance are like the cycle of day and night—alternating yet coexisting. In the moment of decision, feel the profound embrace of perseverance, like the meeting of dawn and starry night. Together, they form a radiant yet tranquil painting, quietly awaiting the arrival of each morning’s light and the serenity of each starlit sky."
~Zhen Zhen

Leggi di Più

I watched this drama before because of the summary of the story. As a married woman, a drama like this is really inviting especially if it's about in-law things. hahaha!

The story of this drama shows how the life of a normal family really is. You'll learn many things by watching this and it'll make you understand each situation of an individual in the family.

The actors really did a great job because they had shown their versatility as actors and actresses. This sitcom is long but you'll love every part of it because it'll really make you laugh and cry.

This drama is excellent and you'll never regret watching it.

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A story with great potential, that lost its spark along the way

I was really looking forward to this drama, it seemed like it would be fun and refreshing, and I have to say it was. I loved this drama so much during the first half. It was funny, the characters were all so real, and the drama was also able to deliver meaningful messages. The ost was cute, and I loved Eu Ddeum, he was such an adorable character. Hari and Yisang continuously made my heart flutter, and I would always look forward to their scenes. There was cute bromance as well. Oh My Baby was everything I had been looking for.
However, the drama lost its spark for me at around episode 10. The characters suddenly became so immature. The angst really didn't suit this drama. Hari and Yisnag suddenly began acting like children, breaking up and getting back together again, not trying to face the problem. The episodes felt boring, and I started to watch them in 2x. I was expecting actual third lead syndrome from this, something new, but Jaeyoung and Eu Ddeum were practically useless. Jaeyoung was so frustrating. His character had such a unique setup: a man who had it all, a beautiful family and well paying job, who was now at the lowest point of his life, with a daughter to take care of. But we barley got to see his growth and he was just there to frustrate viewers. I was also disappointed with the use of Eu Ddeum's character, he was just there to add humor. For a drama that focused on an infertile couple, we hardly got to see their struggles. Instead we got unnecessary break up scenes. In the last episode, everything that had been empathized on, was suddenly no longer a problem.
The ending was cute, a little predictable but I still enjoyed it. Overall, it was an okay drama. I really wish it didn't lose its spark for me, because it could've become one of my top dramas.

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All style no substance.

I was really excited to watch this Republican period detective drama. Having enjoyed Hu Yitian and Zhang Yunlong's chemistry in My Roommate is A Detective, I couldn't wait to see them team up again in a similar setting. The adaptation of Agatha Christie's Poirot mysteries seemed like an added bonus. Sad to say, despite the visually sumptuous set and costumes, both the characters and cases are bland, uninspired and the pacing is very draggy.

While Situ Yan is the lead detective, he is not meant to be a literal adaptation of Hercule Poirot. Poirot with his known eccentricities including his fastidiousness and obsession with symmetry, is one of the the most distinctive, well dimensioned fictional detectives ever. He has a clear process and methodology that is based on human nature and psychology for solving the case. I would never cast Hu Yitian as Poirot and I am ok with the fact that Situ Yan is not Poirot. What I am not ok with is the colorless, cardboard characterisation of Situ Yan as simply a highly intelligent but rather lethargic lawyer with a strong sense of justice. Hu Yitian does his best with the role but he doesn't have much to work with. This is made worse by Luo Shaochuan, the money guy whose contribution to the crime solving aspects of the partnership is unclear. This character is so indifferently written it is not worthy of an actor of Zhang Yunlong's calibre. The two leads get little screen time together as they go down disparate paths in the investigations. Unlike their previous best loved collaboration, Zhou Mowan is more often Situ Yan's sidekick than Luo Shaochuan is. Thus we don't get to enjoy their banter and their incredible chemistry that builds up and fleshes out both characters as they work through the cases. While both female leads are well written and likeable, they crowd out the bromance.

When it comes to adapting these beloved Poirot classics, I am no die-hard Christie purist. I am receptive to and have seen good adaptations that take a fair amount of liberties with the original works. This can be successfully achieved because changes notwithstanding, the adaptation remains true to the essence of Christie; the psychology of the crime. This is where Checkmate fails to deliver. The supporting cast is very mediocre and lacks screen presence. Bland storytelling and poor pacing with unnecessary romantic digressions disrupts the build up in suspenseful tension into the final reveals. The cases must be evaluated convincingly from the point of view of each character, to assess their psychology as a sense of imminent peril escalates. Who was the victim? Why would someone want them dead? Who would cross that line and actually do the dastardly deed? This drama fails to make me feel invested in the human aspects - the victims and potential suspects; it fails to create a sense of urgency to solve the case or engender that mixture of sorrow, pity and revulsion for the perpetrator that is signature Christie.

The first case is Murder on the Orient Express, a well known case that has been adapted to death. While this version does not stand out, it stays close to the original and is fairly well done. Although Roger Ackroyd is also quite well done considering how difficult it is to adapt an unreliable narrator case into this format, from there, things start to go downhill. These cases are masterpieces; material changes should be weighed carefully and not made with the misguided idea that such impeccable Christie plots have scope for improvement or merely for the sake of delivering a surprise twist. Which is what they did to one of my personal favourites. They went for the plausible alternative solution which simply did not fit the human nature aspects of the case. And thus fails to deliver Christie's magic wow factor, the thrill and the chill and that sense of shock, sorrow and acceptance that it all made sense; that it is the best and only solution. It devolves further as cases are stitched together in a cut and paste fashion that is increasingly incoherent. The final case bears little resemblance to what I think must be the original. While it took no genius to spot the the final antagonists a mile away, their motives are uninteresting and unconvincing and the ending is frankly farcical.

If you are a Christie purist, I would say avoid this drama. You will feel they have desecrated some of the author's best works. If not, this is a watchable if unexceptional adaptation. The production values are quite good and the Republican period setting in Harbin has some novelty appeal even though the drama overall is all style no substance. This is a 7.0 for me but I would have rated it 7.5 if they didn't ruin Five Little Pigs and finish in such an absurd manner.

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