It might have been better if they made it into a 12-episode (at least) drama as it was obvious that they rushed the story in this movie (a lot isn't covered and it just doesn't seem complete nor as fulfilling).
However, I think the actors portrayed their roles amazingly well, especially Yamazaki Kento. He is such a good actor and so good-looking too!! >< The female lead was also really good. The only biggest problem I find with this is that it is way too rushed due to the short time available in a movie. I hope they decide to make a drama version of this movie soon!
Was this review helpful to you?
Watching the first few episodes- I fell in love. It was heartwarming, cute and refreshing. It was able to reeled me in (despite the terrible animation editing, it was painfully cheesy). This was mainly due to the acting of the younger actors. The younger cast was amazing!. They were able to portray the true feelings of innocent young love (if that makes sense). Their acting made you never want them to grow up. It was a sweet cute love, and the actors really had chemistry.
Moving forward to the older main cast, I was worried they weren't going to be able to portray the feelings the younger cast did, but they did. The older cast had great chemistry, I could feel the love, (although there was a lack of kissing scenes).
The story was great at first, but as it developed, it became mostly predictable. There was also a constant battle of I-have-to-give-you-up-in-order-for-you-to-be-happy-because-you-deserve-better situation between Soo-Wan and Dong-Joo that became really tedious.
(Side note: Although there is a lot of people who have became annoyed with Ku-Hye-Sun in this drama, it's not her acting that was bad, she acted upon script written by the writers. She tried to portray her character, which was perfect and annoying at the same time. It's not her fault, her crying scenes were on point.)
I enjoyed parts where there was cheerful interaction between the main characters, or scenes with Dong-Joo and the father. I also really loved the side stories with Teddy, Ellie, etc. It was more interesting to watch the side stories with the 119 team.
You might have to push yourself through "evil" parts, it gets boring and skipping is an option!
Overall, it was an enjoyable drama, it wasn't a waste of my time, but I did wish it was shorter. This drama had a good concept and story and all, but the directors did a poor job of executing it. It could've been paced a bit faster, and there were some unnecessary scenes. I DEMAND MORE KISSING SCENES. Other than that, it's an okay drama. The casting was perfect, and the music was refreshing and catchy. The directing needs improvement.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
1This is a fabulous show with a lot of depth - one of the best out there
DO NOT BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS. This is one of the best historica dramas out there. The only thing I agree with: the poster is misleading but only a little, because at the heart, it's a socio-political drama. This shows highlights:The foundation of trust and friendship is what matters most;
that agency of women has been hard fought and we are still fighting;
people in power will do anything to keep their power unchecked;
social injustice unhinges people; revenge is never pretty and is a vicious cycle, and one day someone has to sacrifice something to break it.
learning to be humble and thankful for things we often take for granted (freedom to make choices, having enough to eat, having a roof over the head, trusting people around you when anyone could kill you anytime);
And it's about making the right choice. This drama also features one the most FEMINIST heroes that I have seen in a very very long time. It's unbeleivable how beautifully that arc has been shown. His belief in his woman's capabilities is limitless and is a pure delight to watch. He is never the knight in the shinning armor, and only steps in if his woman is facing trouble because of others' prejudices. As Jay Yi beautifully says in one instance "he is a man who breaks down high walls for a woman who is stuck behind it'.
It IS a romance but not the regular kind we see today. It's more a vehicle that moves the narrative forward. Yi Hwan (the Crown Prince) falls in love with a woman he has no chance with - she technically belongs to his best friend (whether she wants it or not, she is just an object in the eyes of the soiety she lives in), while the best friend has this unhealthy attachment to a woman he has never met as an adult, making life truly difficult for the Prince; plus she does not fit any criteria to become his Crown Princess even if she were to be absolved of the murders (The Crown Princes were governed by strict rules of marriage, he had no choice in who he could marry as it was always a politica decision taken by the royal parents; the Kings however were not bound by any of it, they could choose their own Queens if they wanted). Min Jay Yi, duty bound to marry the man her family chose for her, marriage being a contract between families with no place for choice/love, is now an accused murderer on the run and, not only she loses everything - her family, her home, her reputation, her identity, but she also ends up falling in love with the most unatainable man she could imagine.
Hence, they have no chance with each other. But when does heart ever listen to reason? Yes, they never touch each other and totally adhere to the Josean principles of physical space between a man and a woman at all times. But their relationship is so wholesome, beautiful and pure that it harks back to the times when romance was all about yearning and longing. Don't miss their interactions, they confess to each other throughout without saying the actual words and it's beautiful to behold. And their interactions are hilarious at times. He is stuffy, morally upright, naive and insanely competitive. She is fiesty, unconventional, motor mouth but keeps her innermost feelings bottled up because that's how she has been raised. He falls for Jay Yi for the world she shows him outside of his very lonely existence (she is fearless and she drinks haha!), someone he can trust, rely on, beleive in, and laugh with, while she falls for his progressive thoughts, and benevolence. Both are brilliant people and never fail to complement each other for that. Or take each other down a peg when the situation demands.
All of these are packaged into a constantly moving narrative, packed with super funny moments and sparkling chemistry between Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee. The side characters are to die for - Myung Jin and Ga Ram (Lee Tae Sun and Pyo Ye-Jin) are fabulous and the four make an investigative team (Shield team) that eventually resolve the mystery, with each of them bringing something to the table. These four could easily have a spin off show. Jeong Da-Eun as princess is super adorable and a very interesting character. The main villain is one dimensional but at the end, that makes his end supremely satisfying to watch. But it's the backstory that keeps you hooked.
The cast is steller, but Park Hyung Sik is ethereal as the Crown Prince. Not only he is blindingly good looking, but boy, can this man act. He brings Yi Hwan to life, and he does it with just his voice and his eyes. You cry with him, you laugh with him, you feel his heartache, you feel his jealousy, you feel his helplessness and rage at the injustices he is trying to fight . This is an award winning performance and hope he gets recognized for it. Jeon So Nee is a perfect foil to him. She starts ordinary and then grows on you. The fact that she is drop dead gorgeous is a bonus (take her out of the Eunuch uniform, put her hair down, put her in a plain unfashionable white gown and she takes your breath away). She goes through various stages of her performance with aplomb, and absolutely aces it in the emotional scenes (her confession will give you goosbumps and stay with you for a long time). She is an actress to watch out for.
Was this review helpful to you?
First of all, I am a big fan of the original Korean version. I really liked it. It was one of my first dramas ever watched, so I have very emotional relationship with that one. Thats why I was kind of worried, when I started this one. Because make-overs are usually not that good as originals.
Usually - but not always!
Actually, this version is great! It uses the original Full House plot in a good and very innovative way. Its not just a copy of the original, but it spices it up and re-creates it in its own way. And it works very well!
About characters and acting - this was my first thai drama, so I really didnt know any actors. But they totally won me over really qiuckly. Both leads are really cute and lovable. And their chemistry is exceptional! They have so many cute / funny / lovely / romantic scenes that will make your heart race! I will say just one thing to that... you will never look at an ice-cream the same way after watching this drama :D
As for side characters (overly nice and hansome second guy, bitchy second girl, annoying main girls friends, main guys parents ect.). I didnt really pay attention to them and thankfully, they didnt get much scrren time. Most of it was just the main leads, which made this drama exceptionally good.
I admit, that I sometimes skip some boring scenes in dramas. However, I didnt skip anything while watching FH thai. If I should compare between the original and thai version, they are even for me. They are very different yet I love them both the same. I will definatelly recommend this drama to everyone! (even to those, who watch only korean dramas)
Was this review helpful to you?
I finally got around to watching 71: Into the Fire. I think it took me this long,
because I am not much of a war movie kind of girl. I think the only war movie I actually like is Platoon which is set in the Vietnam war, but the others sort of bore me a little. But I decided to watch this, since a lot of people asked me to watch it and it has my ulitimate bias, Choi Seunghyun (T.O.P) in it. So I had to give it a try, since I have heard he is a great actor. (I havent seen IRIS)
Man am I glad I watched this movie. It wasnt the typical war movie, where there is a whole lot of strategy and stuff going on. I find that war movies bore me because there really isnt much emotion put into them, just a lot of fighting, with a tad bit of character emotion in it, and that really bores me, because we don’t get to know the characters’ back stories and all that important stuff that makes us realize these characters are human, and not just fighting machines. In this movie though, we had a lot of emotion. This is more of a sentimental movie, with a lot of focus on the characters, with the war built around that, and I think that’s why I loved this movie so much. We got to see a lot of the student soldiers, and their personalities, and got to know them, so we of course are more attached to them, and if they die, well that breaks our heart.
There is a lot of violence and blood in this movie, but of course it is a war film after all, so if that turns you away from it , I completely understand. And there is not a romance line, which obviously a lot of movies have and everyone wants, but to me love lines are not needed, so once again that may turn you from this movie. But I hope it doesnt, because all of those things are so insignificant , because this movie has heart. This movie is a “coming of age” movie, I have no other way to describe it, where boys become men, in a very sad kind of way. They may start out as students/immature little boys, but by the time this movie is over, you will see them as men who are willing to die for their country, and that is pretty great to me. You get to see many characters dealing with things, and scenes of extras having going through a hard time, which makes it even better, because even though they are not the “important” characters in this film, they still play a person going through this, and we get to see the scared/sad side of them too, and see how they become heroes, or not and I liked that about the movie.
The acting in this movie was on point. The actors, all of them, brought a lot of emotion and personality to their characters, even those who are not the main focus. Each person stands out on their own, and that made it great. Choi Seunghyun (T.O.P) did a great job with his character. He brought the emotional/scared side of his character out perfectly, while trying to be a good leader. I think that is pretty darn good if you ask me, since he isnt that experienced of an actor. I have to say Kwon Sang Woo did a good job as well. This is the first time I have ever seen him in anything, and he didnt disappoint me with his acting skills either. He played that character that you hate, but yet have to love. Though his character may be annoying, he had a lot of soul & heart, and Kwon Sang Woo showed that. Cha Seung Won also did a fantastic job at playing a North Korean commander. I have only seen him in one other thing, and I was impressed with is acting in that, and he yet again showed me how talented he is in this as well.
The cinematography was absolutely beautiful in this movie. I mean its a war movie, so I really didnt expect much in the artistic shooting side, but I was pleasantly surprised with the soft filter, the lighting, and the way that the slow motion and cut scenes were used, and that made it even more interesting to watch. The music complemented the movie, who doesnt love a nice orchestra piece? It made it even more heartfelt and some what intense as well.
Over all, I found this to be an outstanding film, and I can see why there are so many people who enjoy it. I must say though, you may not think you will cry, but you better have a couple boxes of tissues ready just in case. I know I cried a lot, towards the end, it struck my heart and ripped it out. So if you are looking for a nice movie, that may or may not be in your usual comfort zone, I think you should check this out. Don’t think of it as just a war film, because it is so much more than that. You will really appreciate it, and plus it’s based on a true story, which makes it even more interesting/heartbreaking. So give it a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed. There are many aspects of this movie that I think a lot of people, who like different genres of films, would really appreciate.
Was this review helpful to you?
Advice: don't question the story... just enjoy. XD haha
Was this review helpful to you?
Can't get over it!
Do you know why i gave this a full star? I'm a cdrama fan since 2021, and mangoTV dramas are always the best, that why sometimes, u can't find their episodes haha, and this one is the best, it's from novel, and even though i didn't read the novel i know that all the scenes in here did not change. I know very well the chinese attitude in writing a novel, that's why the series is soooo novel-like!! Love it, and also the casts are chef's kiss i loveee them! Their filming camera!!! It's soooo cool! Both leads are so perfect, they can show me what is in the novel. This series is my taste that's why i like it, also, this wang hedi is so handsome. I can't!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Must Watch Series
The bromance is strong in this one and I have no complaints! The friendship between these people are always my favorite part of these series.If you have been an avid viewer of the series, then you will really like this adaptation. Even if you haven't watched the other series, you will still understand the overall idea of what they are talking about. So, this storyline is supposedly set after lost tomb 2, however due to differing production companies and other logistical stuff, the story plots don't flow smoothly from one series to another and has a bit of a time gap. Despite that, if you watched the other series, you will get hints of events here and there and can connect some dots.
In this series, the story plot thickens and more secrets are unravelled for Wu Xie and his team to find, mostly revolving around the Nine Families and Xiao Ge. It gets pretty confusing at times due to so many unanswered questions, however it does get my brain moving coming up with possible theories. The acting by the actors are phenomenal, I especially liked the actors that portrayed Wu Xie and Xiao Ge. I think this is my favorite Xiao Ge portrayal. But man am I glad to see so much xiao ge and wu xie interactions, I was a bit sad that there wasn't much interaction between the two in previous series. Also, xiao hua and hei yan interaction was not something I expected but loved.
Overall, this is a solid storyline where a group of friends set out to seek the missing memories of a friend and along the way happen to unravel hidden (not so hidden) secrets. It was an enjoyable watch and I really loved it as an avid Dao Mu Bi Ji fan.
So, I most definitely recommend this series to people if you like this genre and/or the actors that portray these characters!
***Ending Spoiler ***
The ending is a cliffhanger, however, I kind of expected that already because the author of the book is notorious for that and the previous series are also like that. The end leaves me with more questions than answers, like did the team leave the mountain unscathed, what is Wu Xie planning to do with the mask, and is this all set up by the elders? However based on what I read from the book I do have a small idea of what happens. However, after watching Reunion (set 12+ years later) and tomb of the sea (7-8 years later), I can already tell what happens to them.
* * * * * *
Happy Watching!
Was this review helpful to you?
Now, that is what history remembers Wu Ze Tian as - brilliant, perfectionist, strategist & murderer. But is this the personal Wu Ze Tian? This series acted and produced by Fan Bing Bing give viewers a different take on the cruel empress - one that colours We Ze Tian as a kind woman who fell victim to broken relationships, lies and plots of others around her. A helpless and vengeful Wu Ze Tian??? Hmmm....I know many who are skeptical of this! At least I know my aging mum who's a bit of a Chinese history buff cursed this portrayal of Wu Ze Tian. All Chinese knew this empress as a cruel person - why is she suddenly a nice, innocent and victim-of-circumstance person? Perhaps, this is just another perspective - albeit a more feminist perspective of Wu Ze Tian. We all know that Fan Bing Bing's a consummate feminist and this is her attempt to give the world a different portrayal of powerful Chinese female historical figures. Her next project is a drama on Empress Dowager Cixi. The Chinese hated Cixi even to this day. There is a tradition in China where ppl spit at her grave and curse her even to this day - that is how hated this woman is. Like Wu Ze Tian, she murdered many - including her own children and relatives. She's also the woman who signed away HK, Macau and many important Chinese ports to the Brits so she could continue with her opium addiction. Unlike Wu Ze Tian who at least ruled the country wisely and contributed to the expansion of the Chinese empire, Cixi actually almost destroyed it. The Chinese saw the last of the Chinese emperors, partially thanks to her. So, how will Fan Bing Bing portray Cixi as a heroine in her next project? Let's wait and see...
Acting/Cast: Acting is good as all actors and actresses are very experienced. No problems in this department. The costumes are brilliant. Although the cleavages are common to the Tang dynasty's fashion, the elaborated designs, bright multi-colours and accessories may be a little too modern (and fanciful) to the time. There are also many instances when Wu Ze Tian has a more elaborate costume compared to the other women who were higher ranked than her. She even out-shone the emperor's costumes.. which is a no-no. It is obvious that the best costumes are reserved for Fan Bing Bing's main character of Wu Ze Tian which kind of created an unrealistic atmosphere. She should have gone with less elaborate costumes as befitting her station in the palace instead of insisting on being the 'peacock' of the lot.
Music: The OSTs are ok but not the main feature of this drama.
Overall: It's a good enough entertainment but let's be honest here, with 96 episodes... I don't know anyone who is crazy enough to re-watch this again. It is not the 'WOW!' kind of drama that would cause you to re-watch it. It's a once-off drama that is good enough to keep you entertained.
Was this review helpful to you?
Itazura na Kiss is a fantastic story but reality is that is a bit outdated and doesn't really reflect society nowadays no matter how romantic one is or is not on my opinion. Kiss me instead of sticking to the original and become known as just another remake of the story, it elevates it to an entire new level by giving it their own spin of it and make it actual without compromising the essential storyline.
Naoki aka Tenten is fantastic to watch. He's relatable as a person, not the arrogant genious every other version tried to make him as. Yes, he's a genius but he's human and the humanity of the character that Mike D'Angelo portraits is what differs Tenten from all the other versions for me. Tenten is by far the most complete character of all the versions.
Kotoko aka Taliw...she's sweet and clueless at times and she's simple but she's caring and genuinely in love with Tenten without going overboard or being annoying like other versions I believe, which makes me like the character and empathize with her.
Kiss me is not a copy paste of the other versions, making it more authentic and interesting to watch. The soundtrack is also quite good.
Overall, it is a great adaptation of Itazura na Kiss!
Was this review helpful to you?
I started this because of Jung Il Woo. I've seen him for the first time in High End Crush (go watch that!) and fell in love with his natural acting and expressions so I can say I had no expectations about the show to be frustrated.
It was beautifully executed (apart from the slow motion scenes that had me rolling my eyes all the time) and everything that makes this overdramatic (imo) are the headcanons of the Cinderella concept - evil step-mother and step-sister, absent father, diseased mother and a helpless little princess... wait. Helpless? Not so much and that's what I love about Eun Ha Won. Despite of her heart being too good for her own good, she's positive instead of victimizing herself, she goes get it, she stands up for herself and doesn't get oversensitive over things. She hangs it in there alright.
As for the male leads, Seo Woo was kinda cute (never seen an idol with that much free time! lol), Hyun Min is adorable (typical spoiled and arrogant brat we love to not hate) and Ji Woon... ah... now that it's over I kinda wish I had him to myself. At first he really annoyed me but as soon as he started smiling I was sold. Guess that has Il Woo's to blame, though. But honestly, his character is kind, protective, righteous and also stands up for himself and though he has a strong sense of pride, he didn't let it get in the way of his relationship with Ha Won (like it usually goes).
The side characters are appealing too... all but Hye Ji. (And that annoying fangirl but I really can't stand Cho Hye Jung's face so I think that's completely biased, ignore that). Perhaps she would be appealing too if Naeun COULD act at all but she's worse than a paper doll. Very much like Korea's very own Kristen Stewart right there, lol. I'm beyond pissed because she seemed to be doing alright in Twenty Again but in this show... is she perhaps Jaehyun's fangirl? That's why she got so affected? I could understand that...
Jokes aside, I kept telling my cousin how Cinderella and The Four Knights was a guilty pleasure of mine. Not so guilty anymore now. The ending was spot on, it wasn't intense as the others use to be and everything got solved and worked on. I felt completely fulfilled by it. Then again, the show starts out great, I was hooked from the very first episode but it takes a displeasing U turn on the second half that had me postponing it for a bit but the ending completely made up for it so much I had to come here and write a review.
This show isn't anything exceptional, not at all. But people tend to compare shows is different categories and that's unacceptable! If I was to give it a grade based on everything I've watched so far it would get... what?... a 5, perhaps a 6. But that wouldn't be fair at all - or right, for that matter. Cinderella and The Four Knights is a ROM-COM and AS SUCH it did such a WONDERFUL job. It's funny, good paced, has some elements you wish weren't there (but that's a given) and the chemistry between the leads is A M A Z I N G to say the least. I was in love with their chemistry because... I don't know if it's Il Woo's fault again but he generally seems very relaxed in scene. And they look really playful together, it's almost as if I'm seeing through it, as if he's just being spontaneous and surprising So Dam with things his character wasn't supposed to do. It's like I can see them having fun BTS, you know? And that... I really love that because.... even if it's unprofessional, it makes everything look natural and convincing.
And their kiss scenes... ooooooh boy. I don't know about the previous ones (except the drunk smooches that were the cutest I've ever witnessed *-*) but those on the couple last episodes are BREATHTAKING! I was squealing like a fangirl wishing I was So Dam bc damn, lol. Love the attitude and the natural look they have unlike any other kiss in every drama I've watched so far - all of them. *sighs* I wish I could kiss Il Woo too. hahahahaha I'm so sorry, don't mind me. x_x
Anywayz... I would SO recommend this drama if you're into rom-coms. Nothing new for sure neither did it intend to be (I'm guessing that from the title lol), but totally worth watching. ^-^
Was this review helpful to you?
A short but soft flame that stayed lit!
It honestly feels like China has cracked the cheat code on how to deliver BLs and they have been quietly doing a good job at it.Trapped in Osaka is a bite-sized series, just four episodes, each around 10 minutes. Super short but very digestible.
The plot is as straightforward as it gets: a debt collector ends up falling for the guy he is collecting from and somehow, they end up living together. It hints at a lot of backstories and possible subplots, but never dives deep considering the run time. Strangely enough though, it still works. You just get what is happening, both on screen and between the lines.
It sure does lean into cliches but I don’t mind a cliché when it’s done well. And this one is.
The two leads were a total visual treat.
Their acting felt really natural, nothing over-the-top, just smooth and very believable. The chemistry between them was from the get go. It did all the heavy lighting when plot ran thin.
There was this constant lingering tension in the air like something was always about to happen...Even when they were just standing, it felt like something is gonna snap but somehow it does and doesn't at the same time! No dramatic or big moments, just this lowkey connection that kept building.
It works without making a big deal out of itself and honestly, that is what makes this good.
The production is clearly low-budget, but it never really feels lacking. In fact, some of the beach shots were genuinely pretty.
I know giving it an 8.5 might seem kinda generous, but it earned it. It's not at all flawless and there are number of things that could have been fleshed out more. But for something so short and low-budget, it had a surprising amount of heart. You can tell they really tried and honestly, that effort landed. It didn’t need to be perfect to be good.
Definitely worth checking out. And it’s so short, even if you end up not liking it, it’s really not much of a loss.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Thriller/Comedy with a touch of warmth short drama
This is by far one the best T-drama I've watched in years. It has a touch of comedy, thrilling adventures, warmth feeling and life lesson all in 12 episodes.I watch this without any expectation and got me hooked from the 1st episode.
The writer of this drama did a great job in depicting each story in all of the episodes.
I love how the characters developments for all 3 main characters were portrayed nicely.
Every actors and actresses portrayed their character very well.
(SPOILER)
I’m surprise that Derek Chang can play a villain as he has that good boy look and often play a good character (boy next door kind).
I love how they made Pu Yi Yong (PYY) become more mature as the story progresses and how he mastered the skill he was given after waking from his coma skillfully. His empathy towards others made him to be a great person despite all the lack of education. He was deemed as hooligans because of this. But he was actually a great person.
As for Cao Guang Yan (CGY) and Chen Chu Ying (CCY), they both became his faithful companion and sidekick ready to defend him anytime.
PYY's mom and CGY's dad were hilarious and make the drama fun to watch too. (of course other side characters were good as well, too many to mention).
Here are some life lessons can be taken from this drama (and maybe apply it in real life):
1. “You are most important” (this is an advice PYY’s Dad gave at the last episode). Although many will interpret this as being selfish, I actually think the dad wants PYY to love himself despite all the weaknesses in his life. One’s compassion and empathy are not a weakness rather it’s a skill that many people lack these days. I love how wise the dad actually is despite his silly actions.
2. “Never give up” This is what I also get from all the “creatures” that PYY help through his writing. Although they are not human but their persistence help them to move on.
3. “Obsession holds others down” This is why most “creatures” PYY encounter existed. A human obsession can be a scary thing just like hatred and jealousy. People blinded from all of these often can’t see or appreciate the things they have in life and beside them.
If you still hesitate to watch, don’t… just go and watch it without expectation. You’ll enjoy it much more. Every episode keeps you on edge (like I did). I’m totally gonna miss this drama every Saturday. I’ve gone attached to Pu Yi Yong character. I will definitely rewatch this drama later on.
Hope there’ll be a second season although Taiwanese drama seldom do more than 1 season.
Wishing other fan of this drama enjoy the drama as much as I did. ^^
Was this review helpful to you?
Brutal, Logical, True to Itself.
Hard to Find, indeed. The only flaw I can point out right from the get go is the music which sometimes sounds too loud, and the rules of Lin Chuan's ancient tree, which I personally found unclear in some instances. This might have also taken the ‘impact’ away from the final episodes as I was trying to make sense of the character's actions and trying to link events and laws.Alrighty, now that I've got out these *cold pricklies* away from my mind, I'll dive straight into why I think this drama is far better than many other throwaway idol dramas released per year.
Also - thank you to whoever selected the English title and designed the opening credits. If it was some big budget drama out there, we'd probably be stuck with some title such as ‘Love Lasts Forever/Forever Love’ or the word which is currently in vogue - ‘Blossom’.
When Master He Lian Xi of the divine Lin Chuan clan married Princess Feng Yuan, a marriage with a foreigner after almost a century, he expected to live a quiet life with his wife and the rest of his tribe away from the turbulent world as always. What he did not know was that Feng Yuan was purposefully sent to him with a motive far bigger than what his tribe could've handled. The fatal marriage results in an unprecedented bloodshed in which his entire tribe is wiped out and Lin Chuan falls into ruins, forgotten by all.
Three years later, he returns with vengeance to seek for answers and find the divine artifact that can bring back his clan, which belongs to Feng Yuan, the person who initiated the tragedy.
The drama runs for around 19 to 20 minutes and it does not dawdle around unnecessary plot points and ‘twirly’ swirly dramatics.
It's one of the most brutal ones I've seen in terms of CDramaland with plenty of knife cuts and torture. The entire aura of the story is dark right from the start. Not to mention, the very ominous all-black end credits.
The Characters in particular are given plenty of background and depth. I could see why they made the choices they did, their anger and despair. I felt particularly sad for the Lin Chuan clan – they were pure souls who did not deserve the fate that had befallen them. Props to Zhao Yi Qin in particular. He is definitely one of the best actors in CDramaland and it's a shame that he is not given an opportunity to showcase his talent in some full length drama. Or maybe it's safe that he is away from toxic fandoms.
Shen Yu Jie was not behind at all, but for some reason, I kept getting distracted by her well manicured nails, which seemed out of place in certain situations. [There were close up shots of her hand.]
Her emotional scenes were convincing enough, and I liked how strong her character was.
Also, two familiar faces: Feng Yin and Hua'e. Though, I have to tell that I liked Feng Yin better in A Familiar Stranger. His character was more challenging here, and kudos to the actor, particularly in the final episodes.
With supporting characters such as Shu Yin, Qing Sang and Xiu Jiu, the ultimate finale seemed more hopeful.
The costumes were beautiful without being overdone, leaning more towards darker shades without any splash of color for Feng Yuan and He Lian Xi.
Though, I have to say, the outfit designs for Xi Jiu were the most eye-catching to me.
Music was hauntingly beautiful. But, it was overpowering at times. Also, the background score was to die for, particularly the one in EP16 and EP27. I hope they release every single track.
I'd suggest this to anyone who wants a break from filler-stuffed long dramas and seek a solid plot with excellent performances and chemistry. This is the second time I was relieved that a drama was over, (the first being Goodbye, My Princess) both for myself and the leading couple. They deserved a break after all that mayhem.
Was this review helpful to you?
