Interesting general plot but very disappointing leads chemistry
Completed: 10/6/2022 - 7.75“Thousand Years for You” is one of my more anticipated dramas in 2022 because I am a fan of Allen Ren and Li Qin. Even though the plot seems like a typical xianxia drama, what’s special is we have a strong FL that is not the typical naive, little girl. Doesn’t it sound cool to have a FL that’s the leader of a gang? Unfortunately, the drama disappoints me mainly due to the lack of chemistry between the leads. I am not sure why this happens. Perhaps I am getting old and cynical?
I didn’t feel their chemistry until the last 1.5 episodes of the drama. The leads have many scenes together, both when they are bickering and fighting, and when they’re in love as a couple. I am usually a sucker for enemies-to-lovers trope, but this is not working for me. I’ve seen Allen Ren in many of his dramas where he plays a similar role - cool, calm and collected. There are a lot of similarities in his role as Lu Yan here and his role as General Zhou Sheng Chen in “One and Only”. However, in “One and Only”, I can feel his emotions through his eyes. I could tell when he’s in love with Bai Lu’s character and when he’s deeply torn and tortured. But not in “Thousand Years for You” when he’s looking at Li Qin. I also feel that the writing of his character does not give him much to work with. This is deeply disappointing as a fan of his and I have to admit this is not his best work.
On the other hand, I am not sure if this is the right role for Li Qin either. I like her more mature roles in “The Song of Glory” and “The Wolf”. I remember also not liking her as the outgoing, bubbly character in “Fights Break Sphere”. Because the role of Deng Deng is so unconventional and interesting, Li Qin seems to be trying too hard and overacting. I like Deng Deng a lot more in later episodes when the comedy dies down, and the adventure and fantasy plots start to take center stage.
I think another reason why I have issues with the acting and chemistry is because the actors are using their own voice. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for actors using their voices. But Allen Ren is still a newbie in this respect and his line delivery seems monotone, especially when he’s frustrated and angry. Though Allen Ren has improved, the quality of his acting voice adds to the already questionable acting and the writing of his character. I am still glad to hear his real voice and he can only get better moving forward. With Li Qin, her overreacting can be heard clearly in the initial episodes. She definitely is not monotone and actually is quite pitchy early on, and a little too animated.
I do find myself liking the plot and the fantasy adventure. The pacing is pretty good overall, only a little slow for me in the middle for a few episodes. But once the plot moves on to the actual fighting against the villains, the pace is good. I do think the ending is a little rushed. I would not say the ending is predictable, but it’s not surprising given the background history and love story of the leads. I do think the drama could explain a little more about the ending instead of a few quick seconds of the glasses (I had to read the comment section to figure this out).
The production quality is OK. It does not seem like a big budget production. The CGI is not good, which is an issue for a fantasy drama. Although the main leads are using their real voice, there’s no live recording and everything was dubbed during post production. I think that adds to my dislike of the drama. On another note, I like all the songs in the OST. My favorite song is 《有时无期》by 张碧晨（Diamond）
On a more positive note, I am glad that Deng Deng (FL) is strong, smart and independent throughout the drama. She did not turn dumb or make questionable decisions when she’s in love. But since she’s human without powers, we do need ML to come in and help her out every so often. Allen Ren looks super handsome in all his suits as the all-powerful 3000-year old General. There are some fun side characters and no one is too annoying to me. FL’s dad is hitting the borderline annoying mark, but not too bad. Many don’t like 2ML but I am OK with him being the third wheel. I think I feel a little more love between 2ML and 2FL after they reunited. I am glad there are no evil and jealous secondary characters that are very common in xianxia dramas.
It seems like I hate this drama with all my critiques. I actually had a somewhat enjoyable time and liked the overall plot. I am just mainly disappointed. I would only recommend this drama if you are a big fan of the leads or are interested in a Republican fantasy-adventure drama with a xianxia feel to it.
Other Random Observations:
1. FL grew old with white hair but the other parts of her seem to stay young for a lot longer.
2. The initial comedy and over-the-topness could drive viewers away.
3. The kidnapping arc seems to be a drama of its own without having anything to do with the main story.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
I really liked the story you will think 54 episodes are a lot but it really isn't i really liked if there were more episodes. There was a great love/family story i cried and smiled watching this i really recommend to watch this drama you will not be disappointed.
Cast
The cast was great i liked everyone especially the 2 older brothers from Lee Yun Tae and i loved her with Kim Sang min.
Music
Really liked the Ost
Rewatch Value
I don't think i will rewatch everthing but i will definitely rewatch some cute scenes back
Overal
Really great family drama about having laws and a lot more.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
The drama started off so well when they were in America where there was no resentment and all we had was the love triangle starting and a pair of young adults falling deeply in love. The chemistry between the main two leads was probably the best thing about the drama to be honest and even though having amazing chemistry is needed it can't hide the little flaws which can bring down a once great drama.
When I think back to when I watched Love Story in Harvard I remember being happy at first and being thankful I gave the drama a chance because at first I was bit hesitant. In the past before I started Love Story in Harvard I didn't really like Kim Tae Hee because of her character Han Yoo-ri from Stairway to Heaven. Back then if a character upset me I would automatically dislike the actor/actress(not anymore). The second I saw Kim Tae Hee playing in this drama all of that hatred disappeared and I started to really like the actress enough to watch other of her works.
When the drama shifted from America to Korea with the many years later gap I felt I lost a bit of love for the show and even though the first few episodes in the next installment was exciting because of the resentment and falling in love again. When all was said and done the drama went down another path and I honestly found myself watching the drama very slowly and pausing constantly. In the end I made it to the end and I have to say I don't think I will ever re-watch this drama. It was enjoyable while it lasted. I would suggest spending those 16 hours of your life on another drama.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Alternate title: Lady Maeda's obsession.
Before I watched Gyeongseong Creature Season 2, my expectations was at its peak. Also, it's my most anticipated drama. As for Season 1, I didn't have high expectations for it, I only tuned in for Park Seo Jun and Han So Hee, but I was impressed with the first Season. As for this this one, which is also the Second Season of Gyeongseong Creature, I also loved it. If I were to compare it with Gyeongseong Creature Season 1 in terms of action, then I'd pick this one, it had more action scenes than the first season ever had.Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 continues the story of Jang Tae San and Yoon Chae Ok as they give it their all to survive in a world that's has been polluted by Creatures created by humans because of their greed to rule it all, become invisible, unrivaled, and if possible, they want to gain Immorality. It's a bit different from Season 1. Why? Here's why; Gyeongseong Creature Season 1 was set in Gyeongseong, which used to be the capital of Joseon during the 1945s. However, Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 is set during the Present day Seoul (the new name of Gyeongseong).
The first episode of Season 2 showed Yun Chae Ok, who now possess the Najin that's passed on to her by her mother. Thus making her much more powerful than she ever was, she's basically no less than an immortal having lived for a century already without aging. Then we see Jang Tae San, who now goes by a different name, Jang Oh Jae. Jang Tae San/Jang Oh Jae has lost his memories of the past. In other words, he doesn't remember who he used to be, all he knows is that, he's the President of a Detective Agency. This two have been separated for decades.
This time, all their miseries and nightmares are all because of a woman's jealousy and obsession, "Lady Maeda." I've come to realize that a woman's jealousy and revenge can be horrifying. A man is ruthless, but I think a woman is much more ruthless. They say an obsessed and jealous woman can be worse than a beast, I agree with that. That's exactly what's showcased in this one. Because of Lady Maeda's obsession, she
begins a killing spree. I didn't know a woman could be this ruthless, cruel, and inhumane. That's why a woman mustn't be underestimated. A man is fierce, but a woman can be fiercer. Lady Maeda's love for Jang Tae San turned into obsession, that obsession turned into hate, and that hate eventually gave birth to revenge, and that unjustifiable revenge made Jang Tae San and everyone around him suffer. She wants him to be lonely with no one to turn to. She wants him to experience sadness all his life. She wants him to crawl back to him, begging for forgiveness. That's what she deemed as her way of getting back at him for betraying her. That said, Although Lady Maeda's role played by Claudia Kim was short, it's memorable. I've got to admit, she made the drama much more engaging than it ever was before her appearance. She almost stealed the show with her acting. I love her acting. "She's beauty and talent."
I've got to say I loved their reunion. Just like the first Season, or should I say it's a bit different? Anyway, just like the first Season, these two reunion came abound with a fist fight. I loved their reunion. When Yoon Chae Ok called his name, Jang Tae San, the way it echoed into his ears. The familiarity. And when She embraced him, and he just stood there like a frozen ice. I loved that scene. That reunion was epic.
I loved so many scenes in this drama that I can't mention them all, but I've got to say this one. That battle scene in EP 5, I loved it so, so much. The soundtrack, the OST, everything were excellent. My favourite OST is "Time by Baek A." What I loved most were Jang Tae San's words. Here's how it goes; "I was existing, but I wasn't living. I just wanted to see her again. I wanted to embrace her. I wanted to hold her in my arms. Even if it was just one more time. If it meant I could see you. If it meant I could touch you again." I loved those words. I almost cried while watching that scene.
Oh, the chemistry of Park Seo Jun and Han So Hee is overflowing in this one. Their gazes, their interaction, all of these were excellent. Park Seo Jun and Han So Hee performed exceptionally well in their respective roles as Jang Tae San and Yoon Chae Ok. Plus, their action scenes were exceptional and engaging, I couldn't stop watching. When I said "Season 2 outweigh Season 1 in terms of action, I wasn't lying, neither was that an exaggeration, it's the plain truth. All the casts performed exceptionally well in their respective roles.
Although Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 had almost everything. It's still lacking in some aspects. The flashbacks were there, but they weren't explored enough. For one, how Jang Tae San's Najin was removed from his body. How he was able to harness his power to such an extent where he could control it. Also, how he lived his life all these years. There are many more, that's just to mention a few of them. I'd have love to give this a full 10, or even a 9.5, but with all the backstory on the leads character development that were not explored well enough. Also, the ending was not detailed. After a long and hard battle for survival, we see Yoon Chae Ok who doesn't remember who she used to be, now a college student, and as she was on her way, she saw Jang Tae San a few meters away. The two saw each other a few meters away. There's no explanation on how Yoon Chae Ok survived, how she became a college student. Whether Jang Tae San still remembers or not. Nothing. The romance is 10/10, action scenes also 10/10, but I just can't give it more than a 9. Will I recommend this? Most definitely. It's a drama that's worth every hour, minute, and seconds of anyone's time. If you're an empathetic person, get your tissues ready, this one is a bit emotional.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Love this miniseries!
I absolutely love this miniseries. The chemistry between the male lead (ML) and female lead (FL) is utterly captivating. Their performances in their energy and emotion creates a perfect harmony on screen. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and moments of pure joy and laughter that leave you eagerly anticipating for the next episode.Adding to the charm of the series is the SML whose humor and wit provide a delightful contrast. His acting is spot-on, bringing his character's unique personality to life in a way that's both endearing and hilarious.
And let's not forget Guo Jinan, who graces the series with his incredibly good looks. He truly melts hearts with his on-screen presence. I can't wait to see more of him in leading roles in the future. This miniseries is a true gem,
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
How are there no reviews about this yet???
How are there no reviews about this yet???This is my first time writing a review for a series but....
It's literally one of the best thrillers out there and the acting, cast and story is crazy amazing!!!!
Tor and Gun are literally the best pair and their chemistry is no joke!
We don't know if it's a BL or not but if you're having second thoughts about watching it... Just go watch it right now!!!
Oh and you don't want to miss out on the cameos in every episode.
Ps: Triphob's onlt line in this drama is 'Her name is Bam' lmao
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Dang !! this was good . I didn't expect it too be that good. I very seldom watch this type of drama. Im more of the romance/school type but this one I really liked. There is some romance but that isn't the focus. Its hard to say what genre this drama falls under , its a mixed between some martial arts/ actions/heist/. Story: The story is really intriguing! There is a set of 7 people who have different martial arts background ( one is swift with a knife, one is good are using wiring and rope/ fast hands , one knows a lot of information,/historian , one is smart with technology/ inventions and has a good memory, one is the social person/ skilled in making powders that can hurt people, another who is good in martial arts and another which i forgot.
The seven have to protect the one ( which is their head) who hold the scrolls. Putting the scrolls together can find treasure.
It starts off as the male lead coming back from college and he some hows becomes the leader of the scrolls. Along the way he meets the different people with different abilities that wants to protect the scroll and him. The female lead is one of the protects , she mistake him as her senior( her "brother") . I like the female lead because she is cute, cheerful and good at martial arts. Many people also want to get their hands on the scroll. The main evil dude is a general.
The story played out really nicely. My favorite parts are when they come up with a plan/heist to save. Each person does their part. When they are about to be in danger , another member from their team saves them. In the story they are traveling and along the way encounter the bad guy. They travel to each of the 7 member's house/ where they are from
The rewatch value isnt as high because there some surprises at the end that once you watch you already know, but actually might rewatch for the action apart.
totally would recommend this drama :D plus oho ( the male lead is pretty cute), and the female lead is really pretty
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Although at the beginning I found the lead girls acting and mannerisms annoying to the extreme, she started calming down about half way through the drama.
The mother is the character that ended up annoying me the most, Her behaviour and actions were inexplicable. She wasn’t evil or good just strange & indifferent. She changed her views without any epiphanys or learning new facts. The premise of the drama was that the mother wanted to get her 4 single daughters married off. She does absolutely nothing to bring this about & when two of her daughters find prospective bridegrooms she objects to them both. She should have been a character that is sympathetic but I am afraid I just found her odd.
I would have liked more of the story to focus on all the sisters romances rather than focusing on non-existent family feuds & a birth secret storyline which goes absolutely nowhere.
The shining beacon in this drama is Lee Kyu Han, his acting both the excellent comedic turn and dramatic was a joy to watch. He is the reason I kept watching and I would urge anyone to give this drama a go if just for him.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
The story seems very ordinary, yet very unique for me. It's like a hidden gem.The charm and beauty of this drama lies in the mood followed all through, you know that kind of mood we all know of those very beautiful and great old dramas you rewatch over and over again. So I can proudly say that Marriage Contract is my guilty pleasure. ;)
However, what'll make this drama forever engraved in my heart and soul is atmopshere( I liked the lighting in this drama, orange, yellow, blue), one of the best chemistries I've ever seen, natural, real and out of this world acting, fantastic characters and their natural developing, memorable music. I liked how this drama was getting better and better with every single scene and episode, without hysterical yelling, unnecessary illogical plots and happenings, and it was calm and logical till the end.
Acting was simply wow. Lee Seo Jin grow so much as an actor and his character is a heart of this drama. He freaking rocked this role. From the jerk to the sweet, caring and loveable husband, son and dad. His strong and powerful acting plus sexy dimples is not easily to be forgotten, for sure. And now what surprised me was Uee. I've always been neutral with her and I've thought that her acting is so-so, but she made me prove I was very, very wrong. She did a marvellous job. I simply can't get out of my mind the way she caress Eun Sung, how she holds back her tears, her gestures, biting her lip and smiling. She literally ruined me because she wasn't ashamed to show her deepest emotions, she cried when felt like crying, she smiled when she felt happy and she loves with all hear heart. She learned to appreciate life, to live in this moment without any regrets. Since I definitely agree with her she has my sincere respect for that. And our little Eun Sung. Withouth her this drama wouldn't be alive. That little girl is such a sweet heart. I've always adored kids since forever and that's maybe why dramas with kids are my weakness, but what can I do. Eun Sung made me to cry bucket of tears because that child is simply fantastic.
I have no words to describe that phenomal and electric chemistry. Both of them showed deepest and raw emotions, their gentle touching, passionate and sweet kisses, tight and warm hugs, their sincere tears and words for each other. As I said you have to see it for yourself, because explaining something wonderful as this is is impossible. I guarantee you that. ;)
Music is very beautiful especially that nice mumbling instrumental which played in the most fantastic moments. OSTs were also addicting and I listen them from time to time. :P
Marriage Contract is a drama full of life lessons with excellent dialogues and wise words. A drama which makes you appreciate and love your life. The one that will hit you hard, crawl under your skin and bones and forever be remembered.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
WISH YOU: Your Melody From My Heart the Movie
16 pessoas acharam esta resenha útil
A Progressive Tale About The Melody of The Heart in Seoul ...
Going into this movie without a lot of prior knowledge of the series beforehand , left open a lot of ground to analyse and draw up where issues and strengths lay within the movie overall.
The biggest thing to say is that the series both portrayed our male leads , rising singer Kang In Soo ( playing himself ) and novice producer Yoo Sang yi ( Lee Sang) ‘s relationship in a refreshingly less cliche way than previous same-sex pairings in Korean productions - not through their sexuality, but through Sang Yi’s journey in making sense of his genuine feelings for Kang In Soo over the course of the movie.
It was an undeniably sweet and modern love story for our two male leads , yet nonetheless sugarcoated in favour of avoiding more difficult issues about Korean society. Whilst South-Korea is undeniably becoming a lot more progressive than other Asian countries and in comparison to its past towards homosexuality, some members of Korean society are still prejudice and homophobic towards homosexuality and gay relationships.
First of all it is important to say that whilst this wasn’t the main aim of the movie to home-in on a “ realistic” relationship and certain Korean beliefs towards this, it still felt a little odd in the particular plot’s centralisation of the music industry, not point or at least suggest this. The repression of sexual orientation amongst musicians and producers in K-pop has particularly come into light in recent years , something which although gradually getting better, is still something which should’ve have at least been raised or emphasised upon the other pressing issue of “ masculinity” as well.
Undeniably, Kang In Soo and Lee Sang were brilliant within their portrayals echoing a certain level of heartache and emotion behind their performances. Their characters were also evidently Kang In Soo was set out to be the “ mysterious” and “ handsome” musician, whilst Lee Sang acted as the “ awkward” and “ kind-hearted” producer. Yet apart from these roles and their evident relationship onscreen, their characters often felt lacking in greater depth.
What makes a character intriguing is getting to know them either through their pasts, friends, family or interactions. Sans from some interactions with In Soo’s best friend Choi Min Seong ( Baek So Bin) and Sang’s Lee Yoo Jin ( Su Bin), we were left a lot in the dark a lot in the movie about our characters as actual individuals- their journey to their respected career choices, if they have faced problems with their sexual orientation as well as problems or connections with their family.
Whilst these points may seem minor, it would have been probably made the relationship between In Soo and Sang Yi more “ fleshed-out” if we’d actually got to know more about them as “ realistic” individuals first, rather than just mere plot devices.
Overall WISH YOU: Your Melody From My Heart isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it was a surprisingly sweet and progressive love story in Seoul with a fairly intriguing premise and brilliant acting from our male leads. However, the show lacked a lot of character depth and realism within its portrayal and the issues around both the music industry and homosexuality in South-Korea, making the production feel sugarcoated and generic at times as well. Certainly worth a watch as a sweet romance movie , but certainly flawed within its deliverance of story and characters.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Underwhelming time slip drama: strong start, uninteresting midpoint, OK ending
The first episodes grip you in entirely as the series introduces the fantasy aspect through a time slip, right in the middle of an inciting incident—from here on and for the entirety of the series, the female lead navigates her second chance in life with a playbook as her compass.There were definitely plot devices and symbolisms used, but like other fantasy series, they were not elucidated as time slip is not the focus of the story, but merely an incident that sets off the story.
The first few episodes are also used to establish the female lead and male lead as the couple, which is one of the contributing elements to the romance in the series. However, once this has been introduced, the story’s focus deliberately shifts, with politics taking the centerpiece.
That being said, while there is romance in the drama (both for the main and secondary characters), this is not the main theme of the series. The romance is merely a subplot.
Casting Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui, who have been constantly secondary leads in their previous projects, is not a bad choice, though.
Meng Zi Yi is not stiff and conscious when acting, while Li Yun Rui has the standard characteristics of a male lead. Li Yun Rui, though, still has a lot of areas to improve on, specifically in using his expressions.
I have no qualms with the pacing as it's pretty consistent throughout the series. Still, while the drama started off strong, the second half of the series hit a sharp decline in the quality of storytelling.
By the second half, I was struggling to keep my attention on the drama and was seriously considering skipping a few scenes just to fast track.
As the drama comes close to conclusion, nothing was making any impact anymore: writing was steadily becoming askew. And while the drama occasionally delivered good cinematography, the OST is mediocre at best and did not help elevate the experience in any scenes. The political turmoil plot alone cannot carry the entire series.
There was an effort to tie loose ends, and the ending was definitely conclusive, which is an important factor to the majority, but aside from introducing the potentials of Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui as actors, and having a strong and smart female lead (with a good head on her shoulders) who actually (and finally) takes the lead (and is dominant in the relationship with the male lead), I will give this a pass. Romance, politics, time slip, rebirth—there are far better choices, with mid dramas that can easily topple this.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Suspenseful historical set in an immersive and authentic Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty.
The Longest Day in Chang'an is well-written, the characters are complex and the politics are intricate. While the first half of the show literally had me on the edge of my seat because of the fast-pace and suspense, the second half is a bit slower. It focuses more on our characters backstories and on politics. That does not mean the show gets boring during the second half though. It just shifts its focus. By the time we got there I already cared about quite a few characters. So, I loved that we got to know them even more in the latter part of the show. Something I really enjoyed about the characters was how multilayered they were. Each of them had their own ideologies and motivations and while I did not always agree with them, I loved finding out more about their pasts. Trying to figure out the motivations and getting to know the different layers of them, was one of the things I really enjoyed about this show.The cast is excellent. You can clearly see the effort the production team put into finding the right actors.
I really need to praise our two main leads. Lei Jia Yin as Zhang Xiaojing is incredible and takes you along with him throughout this whole journey. Jackson Yi is ridiculously talented at such a young age and I loved how nuanced his portrayal of Li Bi was.
The cinematography, the sets and costumes are gorgeous. Everything looks stunning, and I found myself rewinding a lot, just so I could watch a particularly breathtaking shot again.
The production team paid a lot of attention to details and historical accuracy. You can see this in pretty much every shot, and I was constantly impressed by it.
I do realize that I'm basically telling you this show is perfect, but it's not. One of the biggest problems was the sound engineering. The music is often way too loud while the dialogues are sometimes so low that you can't really hear it. And while I really appreciate that almost everyone used their own voice, some parts were clearly dubbed in post-production. It is just awkward when the voice changes into the dubbed version mid-sentence. At times, I thought the plot and politics got a bit convoluted and even a bit preachy at the end. The last 8 episodes are not as good as they could have been. But that never took away from my overall enjoyment.
This show is probably not for everyone. It takes some time to get into it, and you really have to pay attention while watching. That being said for me this show just worked. You could easily watch this as a beautifully shot historical drama full of suspense and action. Or you can watch it while savoring every shot, paying attention to how well-crafted the sets are, the little details in each scene, the poems, the songs, historical facts and so much more. It's really your choice how much you invest into this show. And that truly was what I loved about it so much. I found myself researching about Chang´an and the Tang dynasty or other details that caught my eyes while watching. And that is something I really appreciate.
Going straight to my all-time favorites.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Extremely good plot twists and engaging plot
When this show came out i purely watched it because the cover page looked cool but from the second episode onwards i was hooked!! the plot was so good that i was at the edge of my seat till the next dayActing/Cast:
Jing Boran has done a great job in demonstrating the various sides to "fei-ke" he made me hate, love, pity and empathize with this fictional character that had lived a very pitiful life....The supporting cast also did well and they did their parts especially the actress who played Xuan-er, i felt enraged on her behalf and she did a very convincing job at switching personalities...The female lead was pretty good but her acting wasn't a show stealer for sure, what i mean by this is that although she does her part very well her role itself isnt that impactful in the actual show
Plot:
The plot was done so well!!! I read a comment saying that this is a special type of drama where all crimes are punished at the end regardless of the reasoning and I think that I would have liked this drama regardless of whether it had a happy/sad ending...The parallels drawn between the "victims" and "the fraud" were very well done and by the end you can't really hate anyone....I also felt like it aptly shows how even the most intelligent people can be affected by their past and how important a good upbringing is for a person.....One thing i will point out though is that you will enjoy this drama way more if you wait for the next episode rather than binging (in my case i spent a lot of time theorizing which made it a more exciting experience)
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a short drama that has a pretty conclusive ending (an extra season is not required but i read some comments on the speculation of its possibility)
there is no textbook good or evil, and every character is a person rather than a plot device for the protagonist
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE SHOW, although there are meaningful gazes between leads and hinted feelings, and skinship between the supporting role with ml there is no actual romance as a plot in the story
( I tried to avoid saying anything close to a spoiler but if you want to know anymore details feel free to dm :) !)
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Revenge is best served cold! Scheming & slow burn romance as subplot.
The story is about the female lead who returns home after being cast out for 17 years. Though searching for home and love, she quickly finds herself thrust into the web of lies and schemes. Things get more complicated when the male lead, who is her ‘former’ brother-in-law, takes an interest in her and sees right through her mask of lies.The revenge plot is one, if not, THE best I’ve ever seen. Ep 1-19 kept me at the edge of my seat. However Ep 20-25 were… I wouldn’t say a let down but definitely not as strong. Lots of new characters were introduced with the focus on side stories that DID connect with the main plot but were just… not as interesting to watch. However, Ep 26-30 picked up the pacing and delivered a fantastic conclusion to the story.
Unexpectedly, one of the biggest highlight for me was the mother-daughter relationship. At first I hated the mother and per usual expected to dislike her till the end however I ended up absolutely loving her character. It’s rare to see a mother-daughter relationship so real and raw, it was written beautifully.
As a romance girlie, I was very much satisfied with the romance here. Some might say that there is barely any, but for me it WAS absolutely part of the story. If you expect grand gestures of love, fluffy dialogue, lots of intimacy or passionate kisses, you won’t find that kind of romance. What I loved was the slow burn, the fact that the relationship was always will-they-won't-they tension, the gradual build of trust, the way they unknowingly fell for each other, and the way they supported each other even though they were simultaneously against each other. Their love story felt organic, not forced, and connected seamlessly into the intense revenge plot.
POSITIVE:
- Revenge + scheming. A female centric story.
- Morally grey male and female lead.
- Badass female lead.
- Slow burn romance as sub-plot.
- Angsty and intense vibes.
- Lots of twists and turns.
- Captivating story with nicely written characters and their motives.
- Mother-daughter relationship. The true highlight of the drama.
- Great pacing.
- Best villain. I’m trying not to spoil anything, but this villain is the best psychopath I’ve seen in a historical cdrama. The way he kept one-upping the leads till the end had me going crazy.
- Fantastic OST.
NEGATIVE:
Ep 20-25 were not as strong as the rest of the drama (mentioned above).
OVERALL:
I picked this up as I was intrigued by the trailer but I truly had low expectations going in. I wasn’t a fan of Chen Du Ling but this drama completely changed my view of her. This role was MADE for her and she was brilliant in it. The revenge was 10/10 perfection, the characters were multilayered, the villain was so psychotic that he had me going crazy, and the slow burn romance was a nice cherry on top. That said, it's clear I absolutely LOVED this drama (especially as I’m in a huge drama slump and yet I binged this so fast). I wholeheartedly recommend this if you want a badass, scheming female lead with intense revenge and angst.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
I have never seen her in anything before, but I did NOT like Krystal in this role. I could be wrong, but it seemed like she was trying to emulate Park Shin Hye's acting style, but she did it poorly. The expressionless face, always speaking slowly in the low tones.... only works if your voice is rich and your eyes alone, can express more than one emotion .
I don't know how Korean Culture views this, but I had a big problem with the idea of a girl hooking up with her dead sisters fiance'. It is just not something I can feel sympathetic about. Even if he was my soul-mate and I didn't find out the connection until after I was pregnant with his child.I still wouldn't date my dead sister's boyfriend. lol... okay, I am exaggerating, but you get the idea. That said, the story itself would not have been as much of an issue, if the Chemistry between the leads was even remotely believable.
On a side note: I enjoyed L in this part, I hope to see him as a romantic Lead in the future. I also always love the second lead female in everything she is in, and would love to see her as the lead in a noona romance... maybe with L. That would be worth the watch.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
