What's Shining?
Such a tiring script.ML should just move on and give that other girl a chance who's been crushing on him since high school.
Putting a name tag of her name in his backpack for support was really sweet. Letting him know she's there thinking of him. It's not a big deal, but if she can do that little thing without even dating ML.... what about FL who got with him two times?
FL is impossible. Dates ML, but then later drops him because she wants to work far away.
She likes her job. Nice!
But not trying anymore with her boyfriend because their schedules doesn't match so lets break up.
Gets back with him years later because she wasn't happy with the new life she left him for was dumb.
Also irritated with ML behavior for taking the time to take care of her feelings again when she doesn't have the time for his.
& why is she still being around her ex?
He's there always telling her what to do and she just let him.
ML had a girlfriend his friend said so, but where is she?
He doesn't keep talking and drinking with her does he?
When can they write a ML forgetting his first love and moving on? He will be 70 and still waiting for FL to return.
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This review may contain spoilers
MDLers’ Choice Awards 2020 for Best Xianxia Romance, Actor & Action
With over 7K comments in the discussion board (setting a new MDL record at the time of writing), Love and Redemption is quite possibly the winner of MDLers’ Xianxia Romance of the year award for 2020, if ever there was such an honour bestowed by the panel of admins and as voted by MDLers themselves. And of course, our beloved Cheng Yi wins the Best Actor, Most Popular Actor and Best Kisser awards, among others I might have left out.Why is there so much passion for this show? Because L&R is a binge-worthy narcotic that induces an addiction so severe that one becomes fully dependant and invested from the very first dose. Throughout the 59 episodes, I simply could not refrain myself from “chasing after the story”, just to bear witness to the trials and tribulations experienced by our main leads (Yu Si Feng and Chu Xuan Ji aka SF and XJ) amidst much traumatic physical and mental suffering (and no little amount of blood loss, voluntary or otherwise) in the process, inflicted upon themselves and even on each other. This powerful romance truly deserves multiple awards because it is all inclusive and literally no one is left out.
As with other fans of the show, we persevere through each and every episode with the faintest glimmer of hope, and against the odds of the deeply dreaded historical C-drama curse, just to see a happily ever after ending. When a show gives you butterflies in the stomach and myriad emotions, damn it you know it’s good.
Truth be told, technically it’s not the most perfect production (then again nothing of this mortal world is perfect, except maybe Cheng Yi's acting) – there are minor flaws in directing, editing, and cinematography. But without a shadow of doubt, full marks go to the depiction of the story and portrayal of the characters. The visual effects, CGI technology employed and martial arts choreography are among the finest, if not the best, seen in a Xianxia drama for a very long time.
Story:
I did not read the original novel, “Liu Li Mei Ren Sha” by Shi Si Lang, and simply went in with a clean slate and without any expectation, demand or bias. What I ended up with was a masterpiece of storytelling. To put it simply, at the heart of this drama is a beautiful story about a love so pure and strong that it defies all odds and conquers everything that fate throws at it, just for a chance to shape its own destiny.
As is customary of this genre, we have the usual setting of the 3 realms – the Heavenly court and its entourage of Godly Emperors, Demi-Gods and Immortals; the Mortal Realm with its various sects of cultivators and loyal followers and groupies; and the Underworld realm filled with Demons, Devils and generally every other plausible kind available. Within this universe lies our unassuming SF and XJ, whose love story unfolds across the 3 realms and transcends several lifetimes, in a long and arduous journey filled with seemingly endless challenges and obstacles.
Nearly every conceivable plot element, trope and the emotional highs and lows that one could ever wish for in a fantasy is present in abundance. Full-blown action from fierce battles fought out in epic proportions in the heavens and on earth, between every imaginable species of celestial beings and affiliations, with all manner of divine weapons and cultivated powers. Many action C-dramas pale in comparison to this spectacle.
The romance is simply off the charts and has the steamiest kissing scenes in any C-dramas that I’ve seen this year. Being nearly all-inclusive, you will observe multiple relationship angles involving fabricated/ forced/ infatuation/ manipulated/ unrequited/ tragic love, whether it be romantic, familial, bromance, sismance and even BL among various characters. Normal rules of engagement no longer apply as even gender associations extend to androgyny levels in both corporeal and ethereal formats. Not many romance dramas, regardless of genres, could hold a candle to L&R.
There is no lack of focus on supporting characters as everyone is given ample room to develop and showcase their own storyline. There is enough suffering, tears, torment and blood vomit to last beyond a single lifetime (or in this case 10 cycles). No shortage either in frustrating misunderstandings, heart-breaking betrayals, sheer mental anguish, broken oaths and promises.
Thankfully it’s not all doom and gloom. I didn’t have to look too hard to find some semblance of luminescence within the darkness throughout the proverbial tunnel where memorable but fleeting moments of pure unabashed and unadulterated innocent love between our hero and heroine can be observed. This is fine dining at a Michelin–star establishment rather than buffet at a fast-food joint, but trust me, the long-awaited dessert certainly provides for a much welcomed catharsis at the very end – the last 30 minutes of the finale episode makes everything worth it.
Acting and Cast:
As the ML, this show has potentially propelled Cheng Yi to celestial popularity levels. His portrayal of the much adored character of Yu Si Feng through his seemingly innate ability to emote convincingly and project poignant scenes of excruciating torment while shedding TONNES OF BLOOD AND TEARS has deservedly earned him legions of new fans, including yours truly. Yuan Bing Yan, who plays FL Chu Xuan Ji, displays the necessary depth in portraying the character’s growth, from a sensory-impaired and downright clueless young woman to a multi-faceted divine being of supernatural awesomeness. Perhaps at times Cheng Yi’s superior range and mastery of acting became too overpowering, but there is no denying the explosive chemistry between these two leads. The intense emotional connection that they share does indeed feel tangible and real rather than artificial and contrived.
There are several villains who dish out multiple levels of annoyance and angst. None more so than the top two of Hao Chen and Wu Tong. Without Liu Xue Yi, L&R would not be as satisfying (and torturous) as it had been. He brings to the table his version of Hao Chen, a complex and egocentric multi-dimensional piece of work who’s armed with a deep-seated sense of self-serving twisted logic that is borne of extreme bitterness and utter resentment. I doubt HC himself even realises that he is an actual villain because in his mind, he believes himself to be the righteous and spiritual holier-than-thou sacred existence while everyone else who does not share his convictions is almost certainly in league with the Devil himself. This is where the actor succeeds in his ability to consistently maintain the angst levels and turning it up a notch or two when the situation calls for it, throughout the entire show.
Huang You Ming plays the other villain, Wu Tong. It would be unfair to vilify WT as an outright villain because in a way he is a victim of circumstances that turned him into a sociopath. Constantly filled with contempt and uncontrollable rage, coupled with insatiable bloodlust for revenge, this is a deeply troubled individual who has no control over his own fetishes either. The actor’s looks, sadly for him but fortunately for us, projects the character’s vile vibes completely.
I want to add that the voice dubbers for Yu Si Feng and Hao Chen in particular, did an absolutely amazing job in adding the emotional nuance that brings to life the actors’ portrayals ever so vividly to the viewers.
The rest of the cast generally did pretty well too. Zhang Yu Si playing Chu Ling Long displayed a remarkable transformation from the spoilt princess persona to the role of an abuse victim struggling with PTSD. Together with Li Jun Yi, who plays Zhong Ming Yan, they both formed the second main couple in the show (among many other couples) and gave the OTP a run for their money in the pain and suffering stakes.
Did I mention this drama is filled with many charismatic and good looking male actors? In addition to Cheng Yi and Liu Xue Yi, we have Zhu Zi Xiao (Yuan Lang), Fu Fang Jun (Wu Zhi Qi), Li Xin Ze (Luo Hou Ji Du), Bai Shu (Ting She) and Zhou Jun Wei (Ruo Yu).
Overall:
Love and Redemption is definitely not light and fluffy (except for very few episodes). Make no mistake, this is as heavy and serious as it gets, and the drama is extremely adept at reducing viewers into emotional train wrecks. Mercifully, it did not take too long for viewers to get an overhaul. At least we got what we deserved – a truly happily ever after ending. I had thoroughly enjoyed this dramatic journey and I think you would too.
Thanks for reading :)
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
PeiRong- Loveable Bickering Married Couple
The Princess Royal is on my list of favorite dramas of 2024!You will find TPR enjoyable if you can get by the SML without him annoying you too much. To me, he was there for the plot and did not take away from my enjoyment of this drama. Focus on the main couple and you will enjoy it.
*Except for a few specific chapters, I did not read the novel.
*The review is based on the drama.
*I went in with no expectations other than great acting and chemistry, but I understand the novel readers' frustration with any adaptations.
What I love most about The Princess Royal is the main couple. Both Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan died on the same day thinking one killed the other. They are taken back in time to when LR was 18 and PWX was 20. Both were married in their previous lifetime but lived apart due to a misunderstanding. The first 2 episodes are tough to watch due to the way LR bullies PWX because she thinks he killed her. Thank goodness that was cleared up quickly. The misunderstanding that caused their separation was cleared up by episode 11 and from there, the couple starts to grow closer as they try to discover who was behind LR's death. By the time you get to episode 12, you will have a better understanding about LR and PWX's viewpoint on their relationship. I wish I could say it was all settled by then but it will take time for LR to admit her love fully. Be patient. The ride is entertaining. There are comical moments, frustrations, and sweet moments.
The chemistry between LR and PWX is unique. They are like old married couples. They bicker, but they understand each other. In one sense, they are comfortable with each other, but LR is not ready to trust her heart to anyone yet. However, it was clear to me by the little things she did that she cared deeply for her husband. On the other hand, PWX has no qualms about showing his affection. But he is also capable of petty jealousy that you will be sure to find entertaining. Nobody does petty jealousy like Zhang Ling He! I loved watching this couple especially when it became clear they loved each other.
This is one of the best cp I have seen. Jin Mai and ZLH were outstanding with their depiction of a couple who was on the one hand familiar with each other and acted like old married couples sleeping next to each other and knowing what each other needs and wants, but on the other hand getting to know each other as they came to realize the misunderstanding that caused their separation.
The FL, Li Rong, is a complex character due to who she is. She is THE Princess Royal raised to view marriage and love in a way that makes her more restrained and unwilling to trust. And yet her character possesses kindness and empathy for others. There are some viewers who do not like LR. They believe she is a stupid FL. I DISAGREE! She is not perfect, but I like her. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she is in no way an evil person. She is caring and strives to improve the lives of the common people. She is proud. She grew up in a royal family where everyone had an ulterior motive. And even though she seems to reject getting closer to PWX, she constantly seeks reassurance that he will always be by her side. Her actions are not because she is stupid. She is the way she is because her trust issues are from a deep and complex place. Lucky LR that she has her Prince Consort..her love, Pei Wen Xuan! She appreciates him and in a rare moment told him, "....let me tell you, you do not need to compare yourself to anyone, let alone Su Rong Qing."
The ML, Pei Wen Xuan, is the Prince Consort. Zhang Ling He played his role in such a way I was able to see him as an intelligent man who is a strategist with a high IQ and EQ as well as a patient and understanding man. He is the perfect match for Li Rong. She comes to lean on him when at times she needs support. PWX is my favorite character in this drama. As a husband if only a nominal one at first, he wants LR's happiness and will do anything he can to help her. But he will also point out her mistakes quite vehemently at times and patiently at other times. And he also has another side. While he appears soft when he is around LR, he is also commanding, confident, and fearless especially when he must defend his princess. He has the greatest lines. Many times I found myself going back to listen to his words:
"Either I die with you, or take you home."
" As a husband, no one can touch you unless someone steps over my dead body. As your ally, I'll stand in front of you even if you're cut in pieces. So whether we are husband and wife or allies, our fate has long been tied together."
The Princess Royal is filled with romance and palace intrigue. It is a story of a second chance in life, acceptance and forgiveness, trust and love. The question of who to trust is a recurring theme. It was surprising to me to see the emperor hesitate to eat pastries brought to him by his daughter, LR. It is no wonder LR has trust issues. By the end of the drama the only person she could trust was her husband, PWX. And even when trust is betrayed, it is possible to forgive when given the chance to change your life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some viewers feel that the SML is actually the ML. I disagree. Pei Wen Xuan is very much present and the ML! The SML became more visible in the second half of the drama when the plot picked up concerning the details of who killed LR and the truth about the SML and his part in her death. How else is the drama supposed to head into resolution without addressing the SML's part? Perhaps it is because I was fully invested in this couple and was totally convinced of their love for each other that I did not feel frustrated with the presence of the SML. He became annoying and frustrating to watch, but this did not take away from my enjoyment of the main leads. I enjoyed The Princess Royal because I watched it for LR and PWX.
SPOILER BELOW ON EPISODE 40!
However, I also understand the disappointment of viewers with the final episode. The screenwriter chose to use the final episode as Su Rong Qing's grand farewell. Understandably, SRQ must explain his actions. And perhaps the producer wanted to emphasize all that he has lost with flashbacks to his previous life with LR. And perhaps pity was the emotional reaction this producer sought. While I can see the focus and understand the motives, I felt it went too far and showed too much. Some of it was cringy. But while many dropped ratings due to this, I did not because there were so many more beautiful scenes and outstanding performances to make The Royal Princess a drama I will rewatch. Would I have liked to have seen less of the SML in the final episode and more of LR and PWX? Absolutely! But I was happy with the outcome and the happy ending. Even better, there is a bonus episode!
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Beautiful Gong Shim began as a drama with infinite promise in the rom-com area. The two main characters are quirky and at first glance, you just expect a cute little romance that you can enjoy without much thought. I'll also point out that the first few episodes included some of the most ridiculously funny moments I've ever experienced in any drama, so my expectations were incredibly high as the rest of the episodes came out.
A little past halfway through it, though, the plot tried way too hard to be serious and suspenseful, thus losing its initial humorous merits. The feeling is somewhat like listening to your grandparents tell stories: at first, you're pretty interested, but it quickly gets boring, yet you feel an obligation to sit there until the very last word. I stopped finding things to laugh at. The romantic moments were less rewarding in the midst of the mess of the conspiracy plot the writers drew up for no apparent reason. The characters deteriorated and lost every trait that made them unique.
If there were one redeeming aspect of this drama, I'd have to say that it's Nam Goong Min. Usually a professional in depicting a psycho serial killer in other dramas, this time he's the lead male with a fair amount of goofballness. He was a joy to watch, but his character was not spared in the enormous *let's-make-everyone-generic* massacre. Everyone else fulfilled their roles nicely, but Goong Min's really the star of this show. (Which is interesting, as I thought the directors would give Minah more of a spotlight but she really dropped off the radar late into the drama. I could say less of the wig they made her wear though.)
The music was fun; there were multiple tracks that cheered me up along the way and altogether, they were nice to listen to.
In general, I'd recommend watching maybe the first ten episodes, if not less. The beginning is worth watching, as it puts a smile on your face pretty frequently. It's just the second half that becomes appallingly boring (trust me, you probably wouldn't even miss anything if you skipped straight to the last episode as soon as the story even starts to drag).
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The Best Korean Neo-noir, with action packed bromance ！ A New MASTERPIECE In K-Neo Noir !
Reminder :- “ This work will not be about who is evil or who is good, but about everyone becoming empty and lonely in the end” . It will penetrate the hearts of viewers with noir action with deep emotions set in the 1990s, Totally It's an intriguing story of betrayals, loyalty, and allegiance in which each character strives to achieve what is important to them.
➟ Critical Analysis :-
While “The Worst of Evil” is an exceptional series, it may not be suitable for those seeking a light-hearted watch. Its unrelenting darkness and morally ambiguous characters can be unsettling. Additionally, the series’ brevity leaves audiences craving more, but perhaps this is intentional, leaving room for speculation and discussion.
➟ Conclusion :-
In a landscape filled with crime dramas, “The Worst of Evil” Season 1 stands out as a gripping and thought-provoking masterpiece. Its exploration of moral decay, outstanding performances, and impeccable direction make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Brace yourself for a visceral experience that will challenge your perceptions of good and evil
➟ Emotional Resonance : -
What truly resonates with “The Worst of Evil” is its unapologetic exploration of morality. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the darkness that resides within its characters. As the lines between good and evil blur, it prompts viewers to question their own moral compass. The series leaves a lingering sense of unease, forcing introspection long after the credits roll.
Themes and Tone: “The Worst of Evil” grapples with themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It’s an unflinching look at the criminal underbelly and the corrupting influence of power. The tone is dark, gritty, and unforgiving, perfectly complementing the story’s exploration of moral ambiguity.
➟ Acting and Characters :-
The cast delivers stellar performances across the board. Ji Chang-wook’s portrayal of Park Joon-mo is nothing short of captivating. His transformation from a dedicated cop to a cunning infiltrator is a testament to his acting prowess. Wi Ha-joon as Jung Gi-cheol brings an eerie charisma to the leader of the criminal organization, making him both menacing and oddly charismatic. Im Se-mi’s Yoo Eui-jung adds depth and emotional complexity, BiBi's Hae Ryeon role contributed more buzz to the series, it's her first drama( small screen appearance) but she delivered magnificent performance ..
➟ Direction and Cinematography :-
Han Dong-wook’s direction shines in “The Worst of Evil.” His ability to build tension and maintain suspense is commendable. The series is visually striking, with a noir aesthetic that enhances the ominous atmosphere. The cinematography captures the neon-lit streets of Gangnam and the shadowy underpasses, creating an immersive experience, it's complete masterpiece in Neo-noir genre
➟ Score and Production Design :-
The haunting score elevates the series, enhancing the sense of foreboding. It’s a perfect companion to the dark and moody production design. From seedy nightclubs to dimly lit alleys, the attention to detail in the set design is exceptional, corridor action
➟ Special Effects and Editing :-
While “The Worst of Evil” doesn’t rely heavily on special effects, when they are used, they’re seamlessly integrated. The editing is crisp, allowing the story to flow smoothly across its 9 episodes. There are no wasted moments, every scene serves a purpose
➟ finally :-
"It is not a story that you can watch with the family for a good laugh, but you would be able to feel something new,"
------------------------------------------------------ENDING SPOILER -------------------------------------------------
ENDING SPOILER :-
After completing the drama everyone's question is
1) Why did Joon Mo kill Ki-chul ? ?
From What I understood is...
" Jung Ki-chul's suicide is a curse aimed especially at Yoo Eui-jung.He is a man who has liked her since childhood.He's a man who tried to get out of the dark for himself. The guilt of driving such a man to death can last a lifetime to Eui Jung. Park Jun-mo shot Ki-chul because he wanted to free his wife Yoo Eui-jung at least by taking responsibility for Jung Ki-chul's death alone.
2) Did Park Joon Mo Yu Eui-jung broken up ??
In the last scene Joon Mo visits Jung Ki Chul's grave, he left his wedding ring, hinting that he and his wife had broken up. At same time we can watch the chain of Eui Jung ( Ki-chul gave her to in their teenage) on Ki-chul's grave it means she ends Ki-chul's love there , this the chance for their new life. Hope they will meet again after sometime and start new life.
brought by:- Shinnosuke_Lee
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The Princess Bride.
Lost You Forever is a dark, beautiful, suspenseful and, poignant tale of intrigue, treachery and longing. This drama is immersive with its air of mystery, the shiver of danger, a whisper of regret and a sense of profound loss and longing that saturates every scene. It is a story about love but it is not a love story. It is a far more complex and expansive exposition of the many kinds of love and how it can be restraining and boundless at the same time.Set in Dahuang, a magical, treacherous and unpredictable world where humans, demons and deities co-exist, two forsaken royal orphans vow to always cherish and protect one another. Shattered by a broken promise, Xiao Yao loses herself, misplaced during a time of great turmoil. She assumes the appearance of a man and lives among the humans and demons of Qingshui Town as the village fertility doctor. This is the most exciting arc because everyone has secrets and danger lurks around every corner. When cornered, Xiao Yao is most adept at grovellng, lying or poisoning her way out of trouble. Yet she is carefree, uninhibited and almost contented in Qingshui Town with her found family. Alas, destiny catches up with her as Cang Xuan, Tushan Jing and Xiang Liu all converge upon Qingshui Town, shattering her refuge.
The latter arcs take on a political tone as Cang Xuan emerges as a contender for the Xiyan throne with Xiao Yao clearing the path for him. They must establish Cang Xuan's support base among the restless and resentful Central Plains; where the noble clans and families have complicated blood ties to remnants of the defeated Chenrong state. Xiao Yao is the princess bride, a chess piece that Cang Xuan dangles temptingly in front of the scions of the powerful aristocratic families he seeks to win over. Marriage to him is simply a means to seal alliances. He supresses his heart's deepest, secret longing by sheer willpower. Zhang Wanyi adroitly portrays Cang Xuan as a consummate politician, a very dangerous, smiling tiger / xiàomiànhǔ 笑面虎 who has his enemies in a death lock before they even know it. Love is not of paramount importance for Cang Xuan and Xiao Yao, whose destinies are interlocking as a result of their childhood oath. They work towards a greater purpose with one heart and one mind. Anyone and everyone else is always subordinated to this purpose. They are both unattainable characters who have already carved out so much of themselves for each other that there is not much left for anyone else. This is why what Xiao Yao seeks is an unequal relationship with essentially, a doormat. The princess in her however prefers that it is a doormat made of fox fur rather than a rather foolish, entitled product of too much in-breeding.
Xiao Yao is by far the darkest, most complicated, and most independent female protagonist I have come across in Chinese dramas. This is an awesome and challenging role that Yang Zi delivers magnificently. As someone who had a huge allergic reaction to her earlier works, I am speechless at her portrayal. Her Wei Xiaoliu has decisively unseated Ni Ni's Fang Weizhi as the most convincingly acted female disguised as a male character. But it is her heart-wrenching homecoming scene that can squeeze tears from a rock that truly captures the depth of Xiao Yao's sense of abandonment and despair over the person she lost forever. I can't think of another actor that has so visibly taken their acting to a high a new level the way Yang Zi has. That said, no power on this earth will make me revisit her past roles though I enthusiastically look forward to her future ones.
Tushan Jing is the weakest link in this drama both in terms of how the character is written and portrayed. Despite his stunning physical appeal, this is not a role that a promising but inexperienced actor like Deng Wei is ready for. He pulls off a charismatic and endearing Ye Shiqi that melted Wei Xiaoliu's stone-cold and lonely heart. But he lacks depth and range and visibly struggles to get into character as Tushan Jing. His perpetual stricken, deer-in-the headlight expression threw me out of some of the drama's best, most intense moments. When the Haoling King assures his daughter that the shrewd and canny Tushan Jing must have already guessed her identity, the camera pans to a dumbfounded looking Tushan Jing! I burst out laughing even though I am absolutely sure I was not supposed to. It does not help that the character's weak and indecisive waffling does not match Tushan Jing's reputation as one of the most brilliant and cunning minds of Dahuang. There is clearly also a writing issue but it does not excuse the actor's inability to make the character seem deeply conflicted rather than just weak and lacking basic smarts and survival instincts. This is a glaring weakness that weighs on both my viewing experience and my rating.
Xiang Liu is Xiao Yao's greatest nightmare, a demon that she is bonded to by a spell no one fully grasps. He is her soul mate; they are both lonely, realistic characters trapped by a cause that is bigger than themselves and thus have no free will. Tan Jianci's masterful, subtly tragic rendering of this vicious, resentful and enigmatic nine-headed demon with a shockingly passionate heart has catapulted this fantastic actor to a new level recognition. His styling is spectacular but what takes my breath away is how with the angle of the head or a flicker of an eye, his expression can change from unholy amusement to vicious cruelty; from tortured to pure, unbridled joy and affection. I don't know how Xiang Liu's story ends but the fact that he is committed to a lost cause that pits him against the person Xiao Yao protects at all costs fills me with dread. I cannot see any scenario in which this ship does not somehow sink but my heart won't listen to my head that urges me to get on the lifeboat to safety before it is too late.
Season 1 sets up the backstory of a world torn apart by war and introduces many well-written and multi-faceted characters that were collateral damage in the conflict. Intricate relationships and debts that will at some point come due accumulate between the various stakeholders. After some draggy politicking, Season 1 ends triumphantly with an unexpected twist and sets the stage very nicely for Season 2. I expect Season 2 to reveal even more secrets from the past that will force Xiao Yao to make some impossible choices. How unbreakable is her bond with Cang Xuan? Will the tragic story of Chi Chen and the Xiling witch repeat itself? Will Deng Wei finally get his act together and give us the real Tushan Jing? Will Xiao Yao shock us with her marksmanship by shooting her rival in her black heart? I hope we will not have to wait too long to find out. At the same time, I am grateful that this breaks in a good place for a time out. I have come to care too much for these characters and something tells me that this is the kind of story where even those who get what they want may not truly want what they get.
So far, Lost You Forever is the most addictive and immersive drama I have watched in 2023. I rate this a 9.0 for now because there are some notable flaws but if Season 2 comes together well, there is scope for me to revise it up.
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No time to die.
I have never watched a Chinese drama quite like Joy of Life. It Is pure entertainment, a heady, masculine cocktail of science fiction, political intrigue, espionage, martial arts and laugh out loud comedy. A dying young man laments his life cut short before he experiences the joy of life. He finds himself reborn an infant in another time with intact memories of the 21st century. Raised by his grandmother, this cunning, cynical know-all kid is expertly schooled in martial arts by his uncle Wushu (pun fully intended) and in medicine by a deadly poison master. Summoned to the capital by his distant father, Fan Xian sets off eagerly, anticipating the beginning of his carefree, happy existence. But his glee is short lived as someone wants to kill him dead. He finds himself saddled with a political marriage he is hell bent on squirming out of and his mother's legacy - control over immense wealth and the incredibly powerful Oversight Bureau. This is at odds with his desire to indulge in joyful pursuits and worse, catapults him right in the middle of a power struggle between two princes. Soon it appears as if everyone wants him dead. But Fan Xian literally has no time to die as he is swept away by a whirlwind of timeless secrets, murky political conspiracies, shocking betrayals and sinister encounters with opaque characters that could be friend or foe.Fan Xian is the central, core character that the plot revolves around;, there isn't really a female lead or a second lead. Fan Xian is a smart, ruthless and cunning rascal with very strong survival instincts who is not about to let anyone short change him of his second chance. His life philosophy and indifference to common inducements stymies family, friend and foe alike, leaving them at a complete loss as to how to motivate or manipulate him. Unlike his mysterious mother, a woman beyond her time, lofty aspirations like changing the world in the pursuit of social justice couldn't be further from Fan Xian's more self oriented goals. Until the world changes him when someone with joy of life shows him that there are things worth giving one's life to protect. This moves Fan Xian unaccountably, makes him do things against his nature and better judgement, it stays with him and forces him into the fray, to risk his life for what he wishes to protect. This pivotal moment and how it sparks a growing flame adds a defining dimension and substance to Fan Xian, one of the best written, most layered and entertaining characters I have come across in a long time.
This serpentine political chronicle satirizes the ruthlessness of man's ambitions and how it coincides with life's cruel and random vagaries. Most of the characters, including Fan Xian are scheming, ruthless, violent, deceitful and utilitarian. Bad things happen to good people, actions have consequences, people die, forgiveness and justice are not always possible. This underlying dark tone with its bitter notes and philosophical questions is so artfully disguised by the wit and humor that drenches this drama that it easily passes off as a comedy. The entire tone of a scene or a conversation can just shift with a bizarre interruption or a non-sequitur mundane question or digression that shouldn't even be funny but somehow is. The wit and comedy from clever word puns to baffling allusions to 21st century concepts are not merely for laughter's sake they are intended to hint at character traits, hidden motives and unspoken truths. The plot is action packed with many twists and is littered with thrilling martial arts encounters where moments of imminent peril can be unexpectedly broken by well timed comic relief.
To put it simply Zhang Ruoyun simply owns the character Fan Xian, it is unimaginable that anyone else can pull off this jaded, irreverent, manipulative and utterly irresistible rogue in such a compelling way. Even though this is not much of a romance, Fan Xian seems to have an affinity for and way with women that recalls Jin Yong's lascivious and vile Wei Xiaobao but in today's day and age, it is only acceptable that he is limited to one true love. From his hilarious sidekick the venal and wily Wang Qinian to his riotous siblings Sizhe and Rou Rou to his numerous antagonists, Fan Xian is surrounded by exceptionally well cast supporting characters that are properly fleshed out and have agency and free will. My personal favorite is of course the emperor, who is the best example how this drama dazzles with the art of the unexpected. I was completely nonplussed to see an emperor slither around in dishabille; with escaped hair tendrils and in oddly sensuous low cut nightgowns that flaunt his tanned bare chest. I was right there with Fan Xian in refusing to kowtow to such a slob and surprised he didn't have to leave a thumb or two behind as a result. Multiple clues to one of the big plot twists hide in plain site, from the oddly misplaced pieces of wardrobe and styling to the borderline goofy, eclectic 1980s subtly Latin background music. The unique and creative combination of casual (much dialed down) violence, cartoonish character traits, strange props, out of genre music, and the odd wit and humor in mundane dialogues reminds me of Tarantino, something I did not at all expect here.
This is of course just the first of three seasons. And I must admit I dropped this after 5 episodes when it was airing. I don't even remember why I didn't like it at all at the time. On my second attempt, I was addicted from the first episode and enjoyed almost every minute of it. I do think that the Bei Qi arc was not at the same level of the first arc, which set a very high bar. I was less invested in the characters in the Bei Qi arc and I found Xiao En's big reveal too long winded and his giant secret overly built up. One of the main roles in this arc is very poorly acted and noticeably several notches below the level of the rest of the veteran cast. The actor tried so obviously to be opaque and inscrutable that I pinned them as a backstabber right away. Their fixed wooden stare failed to connect with Fan Xian at any level and in several scenes I felt like Fan Xian was talking to a mannequin or to himself. This made it look like after being so smart and distrustful for so long, Fan Xian inexplicably let his guard down way too easily. Into the final moments of the last episode Fan Xian continued to be dumbed down and was pretty much thrown under the bus to force that completely unnecessary ending "shocker" that I could see coming a mile away.
The biggest drawback of this drama is of course the long wait for season 2, which still has not even started shooting as of May 2021. However, this shouldn't hold you back from watching this now due to its high rewatch value. I rate this a 9.5 for now but it has a potential to be upgraded to a 10.0 if the next two seasons deliver.
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The acting... OMG!! The cast was amazing but the acting was more than I expected of a movie like this. Night is like my new bias. I also love the subtle hints of vampirism that they used with Night like the Dracula haircut and the red eyes which signifies eye dryness (they are not human) or exposure to too much sunlight. Wine was so creepy and psycho it was scary how good he was.
The music was amazing. I really want the soundtrack. One minute there was beautiful, opera-like music and then 5 minutes later, it was eerie, dark and creepy music that made the atmosphere which is what music in movies is supposed to do.
I recommend this SO MUCH if you like vampires, revenge, psychotic behavior, and amnesia in the story (it has it all!). I certainly will watch it in the future when I remember it as being an mind-blowing movie.
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Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas
54 people found this review helpful
But if you're looking for a thought provoking drama where you can spend half the time guessing whom the murderer is, and the rest of the time studying the abilities of the human mind; then this is the one for you.
This drama is based on the question "Are monsters born or made?" and focuses on the psychologic part the story. Now before you back away (I know I usually back farfar away from movies that have a psychologic theme) this one is really worth the watch!
There were frustrating parts and questions that weren't fully answered. I also wish that there had been more shown about each characters background. I rated the rewatch value low only because of the fact that once you have watched it, you will already know how it will end and who the murderer is.
Over all, a very interesting and thought provoking story that pulls you in and allows you to ponder about one of life's greatest questions; "Are monsters born or made?"
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This review may contain spoilers
Couldn’t stop watching till I finished all episodes.
Couldn’t stop watching till I finished all episodes.”Cheer up” one of the best Korean dramas of this year in my opinion. The acting, storyline and of course music and performances was so great! I swear I will definitely rewatch this show again and again. I know that some people were disappointed with love triangle but I really like both male leads equally despite annoying love of the second male lead. Despite that he has interesting plot about his family and their relationship. Also, I’m in love with FL 😍 she portrayed her heroine so well, and I like how she could be dead serious and so funny and playful too. I was really impressed by her acting. Really recommend everyone to watch this show if you like good story and also amazing music and shows.Was this review helpful to you?
Story
Welcome to the ugly side of the business and enterprise world. The drama talks strictly about the ways CEOs and company presidents try to multiply their revenue, manipulating each other, using and abusing their power and money in order to achieve their goals.
In its core the drama wants to express how in such power games there are no friends, presidents are ready to form alliances to destroy their opponents and then turn their back on their “friends” to become the winners. It is a constant, never-ending battle for power filled with dirty scheming and despicable plotting. Therefore the drama ends up being quite unfulfilling and frustrating as it makes us feel like it goes nowhere.
Night Light focuses on a female ceo who wants to become the richest woman in Korea destroying her opponents, having no friends, using and throwing away people in order to accomplish her ambitious goal.
The drama does not offer any comic relief, no side stories, no romance at all, no sad backstory, nothing. It is firm and brutal staying in the same strict line of corporations.
Best thing I could mention about the drama was the constant turning of tables, the winner never stays the winner for more than 1-2 episodes while the alliances between the power people changed all the time depending on their interests.
My favourite thing however was easily the amazing underlying chemistry of Lee Yo Won and Uee in their roles. Usually in kdramas the female leads are enemies or frenemies at best. Here on the other hand, the chemistry was off the charts and the relationship was a lot more fluid which made the drama very interesting and kept me going. Moreover, i feel inclined to mention the incredible clothes fashion by the main cast that was a pleasure to watch as well as the spotless background music instrumentals that made most of the drama pretty atmospheric.
At this point i feel inclined to talk about the girl power in the drama. The drama is all about female empowerment. We get a female lead who is vicious and strong beyond imagination. Saying something sophisticated and memorable whenever she opened her mouth, slaying men, scheming and plotting, destroying them in their own game. If this isn't stimulating and exhilarating in a sea of weak female characters in kdramaland, i don't know what is!
The first half of the drama was more interesting for me as there was some background story and the relationship between the main characters was quite intriguing as well as the drama talked about relatable stuff like the importance of money. That being said, the second half of the drama focused almost completely in the subtle battles between the companies and that in combination with the characters being completely difficult to empathize with and the situations being thoroughly unrelatable made the drama very difficult to keep up with and rather boring.
Acting
I read quite some viewers had issues with the acting, but I beg to differ.
I could easily say that acting is the best part of the drama mainly because of Lee Yo Won. Her naturally cold aura fitted perfectly with her strong, cold-blooded and ruthless character. I was utterly impressed by her performance from start to finish. Best and most vicious character I’ve seen in a kdrama and best portrayal of such character!
Uee has a lot of haters but I think her acting was equally as good in a very sweet but determined character. She stood well next to Lee Yo Won and in a very weird but beautiful way they complemented each other. It was a blast seeing them on screen together hope they can work together again.
Jin Goo’s character was rather weak and a pushover. I think he didn’t suit the character well at all, it was almost annoying seeing him act but I can’t say his acting was bad per-se, he just wasn’t a good choice I think.
Recommend/Rewatch
The drama is difficult and not for everyone. If you want romance, melodrama, comedy or anything usually found in kdramaland, this is not for you. This is strictly a business drama only for lovers of the backstabbing and the fluidity of such situations which is the beauty of them. I will never rewatch this.
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This review may contain spoilers
I want the main leads together in another show!!!
This is was great show. I wish it would've been longer than 12-13 minutes. The ML is an asshole but it's been so long since i have seen such characters in dramas.. it's my guilty pleasure😝The Acting was GREAT. The cast is top notch. The chemistry between the main leads is the main thing that keeps you watching this drama till the end.
i LOVE the OST.
The ending scene of two years later didn't even make sense so i will pretend it did not happen. But i wish FL would've known the truth about the actual culprit of her family's death and the true villian is zhou zichen. BUT THEN AGAIN, she would've been guilty of killing the ML and kill herself out of guilt rather than loving ML too much to stay alive. So i guess it made sense for her to die first.
And this way... FL actually is the one that kills ML... and i so wanted this to happen. ML deserved to die from FL's hands!!!!
I hope we get to see both main leads together in another show, probably a modern day office romance drama! Their chemistry is reallyyyyy good and they'll look even better together in Modern day dramas!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Honestly, it’s not too bad. I’m impressed
There’s not many dramas that take place at uni, so this was nice to see.PROS
- Topics you might be interested in: university admissions for low income students; general financial problems; computer engineering students; the ethical and dangerous problem with dating apps; diabetes; ocd; cheer leading; app and game development and more!
- A group of six friends who are comfortable with each other
- Childhood lovers to friends; campus couple; and noona relationship (by only 2 years)
- Jeong jaehyun (he did really good) and the kisses? My jaw dropped
- Sibling relationship
- Simple plot - easy to follow
- Characters had own backstories and problems they dealt with throughout
- 12 episodes so no dragging plot
CONS
- The female characters (main and side) were stereotyped a lot in the first half. Whilst the men seem to be very laidback and chill whilst the women are obsessive and jealous and crazy, but it does improve by the second half
- The side characters - at some parts, they were more relevant than some of the main characters. For one in particular, they made them do something very shady which I didn't like (basically just to get ride of him), and by the end of the drama, they all became irrelevant. I was kind of disappointed. There was another character introduced very late and didn't really contribute anything...
- At times, certain main characters were background characters because they weren't in a relationship and most of the problems in the drama are relationship problems
- Miscommunication. This is a big turn off for some. I didn't think it was as bad as some people have said. But the weird thing is, when characters did communicate, there would still be problems and some characters went two episodes without talking to each other properly
- I expected better confrontation for certain characters
There are some other things I want to mention.
I though the plot was quite interesting, especially considering that it’s a campus romance. It didn’t feel like a typical university drama where everyone falls in love. The main six each have some sort of problem in their personal life that also defines their personality and choices at times. I also like how they depicted uni life. They actually go to class and do work (because they genuinely care), and have a social life. As mentioned before, I like the incorporation of their majors and the apps they use. And of course, the anonymous love letter that was posted, and the mystery element behind that which was a catalyst for misunderstandings and confusion.
There’s also a few other small things I enjoyed that I wanted to mention. Joo Ah and Min Ho’s friendship is really cute at the start: them sharing a drink, him typing his jacket around her, him calling her mum, ‘mum’ as well. They had a good platonic relationship which I like to see. And of course, him being in love with her for a while. And the small things he did when he was jealous were hilarious since they weren’t actually mean spirited in any way (e.g. the lip balm scene on the road trip - p.s. I LOVE ROADTRIPS IN DRAMAS SM!!.) Jaehyun's character spends half of the drama being 2nd ML but he doesn't fall in any good guy trope, and isn't possessive or toxic. Despite knowing he she likes someone else, he doesn’t treat her differently (i.e. badly). And lastly, there’s a main character (Bo Young with diabetes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character in a kdrama have diabetes. I can’t speak on how accurate the representation was, but I did appreciate how she briefed the people she was close to in case something ever happened. It felt realistic. And we also had a main character with OCD which he really took pride in (once again, can't speak for representation).
Also, I teared up during the last episode when Jaehyun gave his speech...
All in all, this is a drama that doesn’t do too much or too little. Aside from a few things, nothing else felt unnecessary. If you’re a fan of any of these actors, and of course, if you want to finally see Jaehyun’s first acting role, check it out!! For my fellow nctzens, you will not be disappointed - jaehyun knew the assignment. And the kiss scene!!!! wow
At the moment, I've given this drama a 8 but it may change in the future. This series is not my thing at all and I only watched for Jaehyun, but it was decent enough to get through
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