Editorials 
The Long Goodbye is another adaptation of the very popular Raymond Chandler’s novel. While watching this drama you would get the exact feeling of watching an old Hollywood noir film with all of those pitch-black moments and intriguing tension. However, that doesn’t deny the persistent existence of Japanese fingerprints such as post-war atmosphere and some elements that represent Japan alone.
This somewhat mini-drama depicts a long mystery, it’s not the type of murder that will keep you on your toes to know the truth but it’s certainly the type that creeps into you to give you a nice blow at the end. The suspense part wasn’t fully used but the mystery build-up and revelation were absolutely captivating. For some reason, this drama wasn’t slowly-sailing at all, you’d expect such a drama to become heavily gloomy at some point but it didn’t. Of course it wasn’t humorous either but the use of the dark aura came with moderation; the poisonous relationships, the filthy lies and the intolerable truth didn’t come in one blow. It was slowly building up until it was mature enough to be revealed.
The name of Asano Tadanobu as the main lead of this drama was enough to make me blindly watch this; it’s not only because he’s one of the greatest Japanese actors alive or because he’s one of my all-times favorite actors; it’s also because the man can choose his roles so well. He’s also films’ star so getting the chance to see him in a drama is one of the better news I read this year. Leaving that aside, his portrayal of Banji Masuzawa was consuming, although his character was silent and he couldn’t do much about it but he was able to make it perfectly charismatic and when he snaps; all you have to do is sit back and see how high-profile acting is supposed to be like.
Other actors for this drama were also amazing. First there’s Ayano Go; someone who slowly building his acting to reach greater levels; he was able to make his character quite appealing even with the little running time. Second, there’s the definition of Japanese beauty Koyuki; she was impressive in Aiko’s role, I had a difficult time comparing this to her previous “innocent” housewife roles. Finally, there’s Furuta Arata; man is a very-underrated Japanese veteran actor, he rarely got roles to shine in them but in The Long Goodbye, he was finally given justice.
The cinematography for this drama was quite catching; Japan in the 1950’s was brought to current days with glamour. As for the music, it was too perfectly-chosen to fit the drama’s developments and tension built up. Other than that, the narration must be the strongest point amongst side effects. Takito’s way of narrating was too intriguing to describe, not only his wonderful tone or use of words; but there’s also this artistic and vibrating meanings behind it.
Watch if:
-You’re looking for a different type of Japanese dramas.
-You like Raymond Chandler’s novel because this is a fine adaptation.
-You’re into dark, slowly-building types of mysteries.
-You like Asano (Duh!)
Do not watch if:
-You’re looking for your standard Japanese detective drama.
-You can’t handle slow-sailing mysteries.
-You dislike noir dramas.
The Long Goodbye is an unusual Japanese detective drama that falls between noir and mystery. It may not be to everyone’s liking but it’s absolutely a drama that was able to distinguish itself from the crowd.
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Special Series Season 3: Adolescence Medley
24 people found this review helpful
I think AM deserved more attention. It has similar vibe as School 2013 but with more romance essence and Reply 1997 without Kpop things.I love every bit of humor parts in it. So funny,cheery,captivating & I feel like smiling throughout the episodes. The sweetness of it bromance part will make you become more in love with this bunch of high school boys. Without one of them, they're incomplete. It also made me miss my schoolhood days aloot -.-
What actually attract me first to AM is Kwak Dong Yeon. I love his performance in My Husband's Family. He really knows how to act despite this is only his second drama.His so many expressions is his charm. Ahh I really like this boy. He have something in him that can attract ppl. I can see that he has a bright future ahead as an actor. He's like the second Yoo Seung Ho to me :D And the heroine,she reminds me much of Sulli(fx). The one new who stealing my attention here is Yeok Ho. He's so good potraying his character as Brown Bear.Such a cute nickname though :P I might follow his next drama after this. Not forget to mention the other supporting actor like Kwak Jung Wook as a BF of Jong Woo.He's soooo cute & looks young with his haircut in this drama. All the actors really did a very2 good job here.
No need to say more. A must watched drama!! Even if you're not a high school student anymore *like me*, you will love this for sure :)
Was this review helpful to you?
An underrated gem!!
I watched it without knowing anything about the donghua or the novel. And I definitely think that people who have seen the donghua or read the novel are doing the drama a disservice. Yes, they might have changed Su Beilu's character a bit, but it added a very nice touch. Also, I don't think Su Beilu's character was stupid or silly; on the contrary, he was very sweet and cute!Ah, this drama should have at least an 8! Why was it given such a low score?? It was one of the best cdramas I watched in 2025.
A great bromance drama that gave me a bit of a BL vibe.
The acting was very good; they made me feel every emotion wonderfully. The locations chosen for the drama and the cinematography were captivating!
As a bromance fan, I watched it with great pleasure. The bond between Su Beilu and Bizhi was truly very strong. The finale ended in the best way possible. I don't know if it could have been better, but it made me a little emotional 🥹 I wish it had 40 episodes instead of 30; I would have watched it without ever getting bored.
It's definitely a series that will stay in my mind, make me smile when I remember it, and that I'll want to watch again and again. It's even become one of my favorite series.
Please ignore the negative comments and start watching it right away, you won't regret it!!
(Oh, I just wrote a very long comment, but then the page refreshed and it all disappeared. I could just sit here and cry...)
Was this review helpful to you?
ON REPEAT PLAY! WHAT A SATISFYING ENDING To a Fantastic Series
I have to stop myself screaming while watching the finale, my sister was telling me Id wake up the whole neighborhood. Yes, Im an old guy and I screamed like a 15 year old high school girl.Even after watching the finale for the 5th time, i still feel the same way when i watched it the first time. I have never been so happy for characters in a show, and i have never been this attached to a show - im addicted!
Also, I have never been prouder for a Filipino content like i am proud of this one - ample plot, smart and timely dialogue, and above all - amazing acting from amazing actors.
After watching tens (if not a hundred) BL series, it is such a good change to see one which is not setup in a school or a universiry. The idea of social media style cinemathography is not original but was geniusly utilized here. Who knew that this idea of a love story in this time could work so well and has added to the viewers eagerness and excitement whenever the 2 characters meet. Also, what an amazing writing!
Elijah and Kokoy are both a revelation. I specially liked their little nuisances and quirkiness - its really like watching two real life gay guys and not straight guys playing gay characters. And i really really love the idea that the 2 lead characters are flat out gay and not straight guys suddenly realizing they like a guy. You see, gay characters can be good too, if it is written properly. Adriana is also such a breath of fresh air as Pearl, she is such a beautiful and lovable character, i kept seeing myself in her shoes. I just love her.
I am amazed that a small production outfit can come up with this amazing series. It is so.much better than all the shit that you on primetime TV. I am genuinely interested to see the other works of the director and/or writers.
I hope this series finds a wider audience cause they deserve it, and im really glad and cant wait for the spinoff and the season 2.
Again this is an amazing BL series , maybe one of the best BL series not just from the Philippines but from all over. Thank you so much for this.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Romance & Bromance at its best in (still warlike) post World War II years on once Joseon´s soil
"Road No. 1" is an intriguing KDrama that takes a close look at the (still warlike) post-war years in Korea after 1945. On impulse we might think of the Korean War of 1950-53, but for the Korean people the struggle between North and South began much earlier (see below if you like).There are definitely plenty of tragic fates and stories to tell from that time. "Road No. 1" is one of them, splendidly captured within 20 episodes full of human struggle for life and love. Here you will find romance and bromance at its best. Emotively staged against a backdrop of uniforms, guns, grenades, explosions, barbed wire, the 38th parallel and Road No. 1.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Note: ---- HISTORIC BACKGROUND ----
The 'No. 1' is the road that connects Seoul and Pyongyang - after the end of World War II in 1945, these were the two largest cities in Korea, having been annexed by Japan since 1910 as the Chōsen province. After the surrender of Japan, the province of Chōsen was (like Japan itself) occupied by the Allies. The Soviet Union and the USA, as trustee administrators, had divided the country along the 38th parallel into two occupation zones. In fact, the Korean people weren't too keen on (again) not being given state sovereignty.
With the departure of the Japanese, the struggle for the future of the country began - a struggle between different visions and perspectives. The allies favored the political positions they liked - e.g. Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong with Kim Il-sung a communist state in which only one politically active party should exist; the USA a Western-style constitution for the South with a Christian-capitalist orientation. However, there actually was also a nationalist, anti-foreign grouping within the country that (by tradition) particularly opposed the American occupation and its Western values. They engaged in a guerrilla war that began as early as 1946. That is, where "Road No. 1" has its roots and starts off. And that's a good thing, because this aspect is sometimes lost in the historical representation of the western hemisphere...
This resistance struggle´s position was much closer to communist ideas than to the western value system, which still seemed rather foreign up to that point. Just because the former colonial ruler Japan was one of the losers of war, the former Joseon doesn't have to be happy to make a 100° about-face towards Western democracy... What the country or its people wanted was actually not seriously considered. The promised election did not come about. It simply fell underneath the wheels of the Cold War. For the Soviet Union and the USA, Korean policy was based on post-war events and global political muscle flexing. However, for the Korean people, who had never been never tired of resisting oppression under colonial rule, things just kind of went on. From the rain in the eaves...
--- People's Republic of Korea - a non-starter ---
In fact, it completely escaped my historical knowledge that BEFORE the division into a communist North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) dominated by the Soviet Union and China plus a South Korea occupied by the USA (Republic of Korea), there had also been a KOREAN vision for the future of the peninsula. After Japan's capitulation, the 'People's Republic of Korea' (NOT EQUAL to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea alias North Korea) was proclaimed as a provisional government on September 12, 1945 for BOTH zones of occupation. Initially, the basis of the new constitution and government was supposed to be created from a network of people's committees. The program was radically social. The aim was to establish Korea's complete independence and a democratically governed public life for a free people.
In the north, the People's Republic was taken 'seriously' by the communist occupiers (effortlessly, so to speak, due to the similar attitude). In the south, however, the military controlled political events were based on a rigorous anti-communist attitude. Of course, the USA did not like this communist-affine new political perspectives towards the peninsula at all. In 'their' southern provinces, they even went so far as to ban the ´People's Republic´ (purely because of its communist ideas). This fueled resentment... and there it was again: resistance.
--- National Uprising ---
In 1946, the so-called Autumn Harvest Uprising marked the beginning of public, sometimes massive, resistance, which took on further forms in 1947 and finally culminated in a national uprising in 1948. The USA had to react quickly and so they sponsored the lesser evil: the elections for the first 'Republic of Korea' in August 1948: the autocratic Rhee Syng-man. Although he was not in principle friendly to the USA, nor was he an enthusiastic democrat or even an advocate of human rights, he was opportunistic enough to also cooperate in the interests of the USA. He was also anti-Japanese and anti-communist. South Korea was given a Western-style constitution, and from then on it had to be guided by Christian and capitalist values. Of course, after the South voted, the North had to follow suit (with the formation of the DPRK).
The Korean people were thus separated - politically, geographically, economically and socially - and had been incited against each other by propaganda and degraded to the pawn of global political muscle flexing. Industry, resources and energy supply were concentrated in the north, while two-thirds of the 30 million Koreans were living in the south. And they initially fought against the paternalism of the American military. Between 1948 and 1950, guerrilla fights against the South Korean Republic's military and police cost the lives of around 7,500 official security forces and around 34,000 civilians - even before the actual Korean War even began. The people strived for unity. But politically there was only an either-or (communism vs. ultra-nationalism).
--- Korean War with international participation ---
In 1950, Kim Il-sung made use of the situation in the south as well as of his military and material superiority. He wanted unite the country in his interests (and under his constitution). Rhee Syng-man had his military resist as best they could until international intervention by the UN led by the USA actually pushed back the North Korean army. However, in view of the new situation and the global dimension, China rushed to North Korea´s aid. There was fierce fighting, on land and at sea. At the end, the armistice, which is still in force today, includes the concession against the background of the Cold War that there will still be the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north.
After ca. 2 million civilians, around 1 million Korean and Chinese soldiers, as well as ca. 40,000 UN soldiers having given their lives to this war, everything remained just as it had been before. In sum: A divided country that had been cheated of its autonomous sovereignty. Patronized Koreans. A people with split identity. Separated families.
Was this review helpful to you?
The beginning scene and the ending scene are both too long and repetitive, to the point that they have no desired impact. This movie is about a rise and fall of an actor, so it makes a lot of sense to have these almost identical scenes to complete the message. But that theater scene is just way too vague and boring and it barely makes any sense. How I understood it was that Oh Young was talking to himself not the woman. In the beginning the director of the play told him that if he doesn't want to acknowledge his co actress then he should go talk to a mannequin doll that is... to himself.
He talks to the doll, imagines it to be the actress, he wants to go to the beginning and start over on a better note. "I wish we could go to how we were." He is talking to himself, he wants to go back to being himself and get free from the role he had been trapped into. The actress says in the beginning "If we get a chance, I hope we could do it again." So in his imagination he looks for her because he believes that she can help him. She also fell from her position and ended up on the stage of that theater. She was starting over and he was only starting. That's what Oh Young realizes only at the end of the movie when he mentally goes back to that stage. The script is about love, but Oh Young doesn't talk about love, he talks about himself and his own desires. "Getting back together and loving someone" is all about getting himself back to reality and learning to love himself. He finally sees himself in that woman. "I'm not that bad, see?" he tries to convince himself. That's why in the end he finally gets his role right, he finally understands what acting is all about. Not losing yourself but being what you are.
Oh Young is a narcissist and he has no control of himself whatsoever, when he gets into a role he really gets into it for good. After he leaves the theater he gets to play gangsters on the big screens and he becomes that gangster because he gets too immersed into his roles. His only role models were the cocky actors, show business gangsters, and his manager who tries to whore him around. Oh Young gets out of control and lives his life like there are no consequences of anything he does, he rapes women and hangs out with questionable people. He is bad yet I was left wishing that his character would have been darker. His only link to reality is his mother but since he Lee Joon doesn't get deep enough into the darkness the contrast between Oh Young who talks to his mother on Oh Young who has turned bad, that contrast is not strong enough.
At some point, Oh Young meets the gangster who almost makes him sell his life for something scary, Oh Young's cousin saves him, but apparently that was not enough for him to grasp the reality. By the way, notice that the gangster man was the only one who actually respected Oh Young, he is the only one who acknowledges the boy after his fall.
No matter what, Oh Young loves acting and even after falling down he gets up and starts over, even if that means becoming a punching bag again. But now we see that other new actor has become cocky too, immersed in his own fame. Everyone falls in this movie, everyone goes up and down except those on the top, the gangsters and the directors, they stay at their respective places. Actors are just tools to them.
For sensitive viewers, this movie might be too hard of a nut to crack. A lot of people were shocked that Lee Joon's character actually raped someone. Get a grip people, this is a movie about those kind of issues. Pay attention to the summary and warnings. Overall, I fount the script too messy. This film tried to be very artistic but tried too much thus failed miserably. The message was displayed too vaguely but not vaguely enough and at the same time too blatantly but too vaguely to be gritty in a cool way, there was no sensibility whatsoever. So instead of being cool the movie turned out lame. Nothing had an impact and everything just melted into a dull draggy boredom.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
im crying form the inside :( i want season 3 like right now but first of all lee yi kyung we missed u i really want him to come back so i hope what happend in this episode means that he's coming back ,Noh min woo you rock ;) im so excited for season 3 when you join force with Do ji han , and doctor Baek you really need some romance ;) ,and prosectuors Eun really needs some romance too , and i really wanted more action like season 1 but still it was awesome so i dont know if i can wait another year for season 3 :( but i will try when im crying Was this review helpful to you?
When i watched the first episode i thought it was going to be just like almost any other drama out there, girl meets super rich and handsome boy, they fight and fall in love. But this drama isn't like that!! It's about three different couples, who all have their own problems. It's about growing up and love!! It is very realistic!
The actors were also great!! They showed alot of emotions, there were also some kids who played in the drama , and they were awesome!! One kid (meeju) was so cute i had to cry .. Hehe
This drama is light-hearted and fun to watch, but it isn't an immature story, it also makes you think about and it makes you cry till your eyes are red and puffy...
Ooh and one thing i was very pleased about was that no-one died or got ill in this drama, because of personal reasons i don't like dramas where someone gets ill and dies..
I think that this drama isn't that known because it's about married couples and pregnancies, but don't let that get in your way to not watch this drama. Because it's finally something different, and close to real life!! If you think this drama isn't for you to watch because your not married and a bit to young to do so, you still have to watch it!! I'm also not married andnot thinking about it because i'm a bit to young , but i still thought it was great!!!
So please consider watching this drama because it certainly won't let you down!!
Thank you for reading!! And i'm sorry for some mistakes in my english grammar!!
Was this review helpful to you?
an action-comedy at first glance - but a lot more!
To be honest, I was waiting to watch this movie since I saw the very first trailer, so my expectations for this one were really high. And I am not dissappointed!First of all, if you go into this movie expecting a love story, you will probably be dissappointed but still, I recommend giving this movie a try.
I expected to see a action-comedy with supernatural elements, without any deep meaning behind it ("just a good laugh") but this movie offers way more than that. All the different pieces of this movie are nicely put together, nothing feels out of place. The story focuses more on the relationships between the characters (not only the main characters) than it does on the action - still, the action scenes are done great! Additionally, there are twists in the story, making it unpredictable and never leaving the viewer bored. The pace of the story is perfect, making the ~2 hours a good frame to tell the whole story without feeling like pieces were left behind in the end. Also, the ending, in my opinion, is a perfect ending to such an unique story.
All the actors do a great job portraying their characters. The unique personalities of the characters are portrayed nicely and seem realistic, as well as their own character development throughout the story. Especially the main characters are lovable in their own way. Their relationship throughout the movie feels genuine and realistic.
Talking about the OST, I was already in love with "Come with me" (the soundtrack in the trailer) before I was able to watch the movie, so obviously I am giving the OST a high rating. At the same time, the other songs in this movie feel just as nice, which made me add every single one to my personal music library! The music is used nicely throughout the movie without feeling annoying or out of place.
Overall, this is a nice movie which offers a lot more than I expected and a movie that I will most likely rewatch a few (=many) times. Therefore, I recommend that you should give this movie a try, it's totally worth it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Chaotic and messy but intelligently written thriller!!!!
Man I honestly didn’t expect this show to get under my skin the way it did. 6 students, one teacher, messy relationships. Full of emotional damage. I mean in just 6 episodes they perfectly build up so many characters . Every character has so many layers--they showed both their loving + vulnerable parts . What I love most is that the show refuses to hand you a “good person” and a “bad person.” Every episode shifts your perspective a little more. Someone you sympathized with suddenly disappoints you. Someone you hated starts making painful sense. I mean you feel for everyone , you get sad when they get sad , you get happy when they are happy.The writing deserves a lot of praise because the pacing could’ve easily collapsed with this many characters, but it never feels like that. The backstories are revealed at the right moments. The acting is also really really strong . Not just the emotional breakdown scenes, but the quieter moments too--the awkward pauses, the resentment, the jealousy, the tension when characters are clearly hiding things from each other. It feels natural instead of overdramatic.
And can we talk about the atmosphere? The directing and soundtrack give the series this heavy, uneasy feeling almost all the time, like something is constantly about to explode. The ost is very very enjoyyyable. When will they release the MV...i need to see it right noww lol. Girl Rules was meant to be like this. Chaotic and messy. But dont worry Shades beat it to us. This is probably one of the most emotionally messy and intelligently written Thai GL dramas I’ve watched in a long time.
Can’t wait for Part 2. I already know this show is going to ruin me emotionally.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well-deserved 8.2 rating on Douban- give this a try!
How do I even begin to describe how unexpectedly good this drama turned out to be?I went into it completely blind, barely reading the synopsis, knowing just that it was a crime drama focused on one murder case in this apartment building. With just 16 episodes, the length is perfect, giving enough screen time to focus thoroughly on each "suspect" and to add in on the back story of our victim, Mei Bao. Everything tied up beautifully and logically together by the very end with fast pacing and plot development. The pieces of this mystery fit together at the end intertwining flashbacks as the detectives investigate the crime in present time.
Plot: Focused on a murder case in this "tower" apartment building. Two detectives work on this case and investigate a bunch of "suspects" as the drama goes on. Through flashbacks, you'll find out Mei Bao's life and how things led to the way it turned out. I won't say any more than that to keep you in suspense (so go on and watch it!) Also, this drama also raises some current issues women face in our society today, which I did not expect either but I liked it.
Characters: Mei Bao and Detective Yang Rui Sen were the stars of this drama. As the investigation goes on, you'll learn more about Mei Bao's painful story and in that process, you also get to know our young detective and her passion to get justice for the victim. Mei Bao's family and friends as well as the other people living in the Horizon Tower will share their stories as well and it's really clever to designate 2 eps per character's story. I want to say more but that would ruin the fun of this drama as you try to find out who the killer is. I just have to say the emotions of each character were so understandable that I could see why a specific character ended up deciding to do this certain thing.
Acting: I have to first say Angelababy did an awesome job. I don't usually watch her dramas because her acting is not that great, but she has improved! I love how she did her role as Mei Bao, conveying the pain in her emotions. Moving onto the rest of the cast, everyone did great too. Quite a few of them are experienced actors and others are new faces but they all did very well. For the young actors especially, I can see their potential. The young actress who plays young Mei Bao played Pu Pu from The Bad Kids!
Music: Beautiful music. There's just one, which is the ending song, and it's so good. It's in English and with the sadness of the melody, it matches perfectly to the tone of this drama. Not only that, the BGM was excellent in setting the mood of each scene, especially the sad and suspenseful parts. They definitely kept me on my toes!
Was this review helpful to you?
It's as it is title suggests Failing in Love not falling in love.
It was a good watch for me, I enjoyed it and specially the ost was amazing it's one of best part of this web drama. As it's name suggest it's about failure in the love lives of teenagers, their feelings, struggles, emotions, confusions, finding what they want from life and the friendship between them. It's a pretty much portrayal of a regular teenagers life I can understand cause I'm passing through same phase.The execution is pretty much realistic, I liked the fact that even though it's just a short drama we get to know the backstories of characters and also pretty much big character development in the end. Although the ending wasn't fairytale like they lived happily ever after together but I really liked that it wasn't typical but everyone was happy and satisfied in there own life in own way, it was perfect ending for me.
This isn't about who ends up together or who gets the girl it's much more than that.
Was this review helpful to you?
For people who want eye-candy, there is the Shoujo Prince and two Tokusatsu heroes... but their pretty faces can't beat the talent of the veteran actor Yakusho Koji. His gentle smile, his determination to achieve his goals, his tears of frustration, of happiness. President Miyazawa, who loved his little company, his employees... always wearing his blue hanten. This man impressed me so much I was constantly posting about him.
Short version of my review: this drama reminded a lot of the anime "Haikyuu", in spirit.
Real rating: 100/10... thank you to yamazaki-kento dot com for subbing this amazing drama <3
Was this review helpful to you?
I don't really know anything about cults, but after watching this drama, I want to stay as far away from them as frickin possible. They're horrifying. And the amount of nonsense people are willing to believe and devote themselves to is absolutely baffling and terrifying. *shivers* I personally would have had serious issue with ever forgiving my father after everything his devotion and brainwashing put his daughter, the female MC, through.
The only qualms I really had with this drama was the rushed ending. I would have really liked to have seen more than 15 minutes dedicated to bringing down the cult. I really needed that satisfaction of seeing the cult brought down in detail. A court hearing, and the leaders in prison - something more to feel a true sense of justice for all those people murdered and kept hostage. As well as a more detailed resolution for the female MC and her friends/saviors. I would have really loved to see something more substantial in regards to their friendship in the epilogue. The drama was building up for so long and the characters were working so hard to bring down the bad guys that only 15 minutes (seriously, 15 minutes compared to 16 hours) was not satisfying. I also felt that toward the last 3 episodes or so, things started to drag out a bit because they weren't wrapping things up and defeating the cult fast enough. *That* definitely dragged. I think a minimum of an entire episode (1 hour) dedicated to the resolution/aftermath of bringing down the cult would have improved the ending significantly.
Also, not really important, but a side question - when did they ever sleep??? Services were at dawn every day in addition to an evening service. Then everyone went around on adventures at night AND during the day, soooooo when did anyone sleep?
Anyways, I'm not sure if I'd ever recommend this drama to the average viewer. I watched it mostly to see Woo Do Hwan (who sadly didn't have nearly as much screen time I was hoping for, even though he was technically a main character). It was worth it seeing Woo Do Hwan for sure in his action scenes though! I think this drama would be good if it were to be watched and analyzed for a sociological and psychological perspectives.
Was this review helpful to you?
Humorous, Beautiful Romance, Super Cute, Fine Acting
I love this delightful drama. It is visually aesthetic, the plot is light but deadly, the romance is cute and satisfying, the acting is on spot and convincing, the comedy is oxymoronic and can be ironic, both male and female leads are good looking, and the second couple is adorable. This is a story about a group of young and talented musical instrumentalists coming together and forming a girl-only heavenly orchestra during the fictional Sheng Dynasty in ancient China. There, little fox meets old fox.Li Sasa (Bao Shang’en) is an excellent first seat pipa instrumentalist. One day while performing, she mysteriously time-travels back to 1,000 years ago. To return to her present life, she needs to divorce a man who mistreats his wife, Li Runiang, her other self, and then to seek out and marry Li Runiang’s true love. After divorcing her good-for-nothing husband and losing everything, Li Sasa is desperate to find shelter so that she can find Li Runiang’s lover. Impressed by her talent, she is taken in by Lu Jingnian (Wu Chengxu) who is in need of a pipa instrumentalist for his team to take part in a very important competition in front of the Emperor.
Lu Jingnian seems like a Casanova on the outside as he’s loved by all the girls in town and he’s very kind and nice to each one of them, and with his colorful and flowery outfits, he earns the nickname “flowery peacock” from Li Sasa. Lu Jingnian is also very intelligent, crafty and cunning, thereby is double named as “the old fox”. Bringing her present-day directness and smartness, Li Sasa seems like a “little fox” to Lu Jingnian. But behind that flamboyant façade, Lu Jingnian is a devoted man, just like his father who finds life meaningless when his wife dies, and follows her in death soon after.
Lu Jingnian has a noble but dangerous mission to accomplish. As he and Li Sasa encounter problems with their team members, mysteries and dangers, each time Li Sasa assists Lu Jingnian overcome the problems, and in turn, Lu Jingnian selflessly saves her multiple times. They fall deeply in love with each other. When Li Sasa realizes she will leave Lu Jingnian and back to her modern life one day, she’s torn. She knows Lu Jingnian would be devastated to lose her. What follows becomes very heartbreaking and the story is being told beautifully with coherent logic.
I must applaud these two very young actors, Bao Shang’en 20, Wu Chengxu 22. This is Wu Chengxu’s second drama playing the main lead and Bao Shang’en’s debut. Their acting is natural and very believable. Despite their relatively inexperience, they have worked hard and put up an excellent show, making viewers falling in love with the characters instantly.
The overall acting by other cast members is good with some more convincing than others. The costumes and interior wall decors are very colorful and beautiful which match well with all the exquisite classical instruments. The ensemble is picturesque, and it feels like looking at a historical painting.
My Verdict
I have absolutely enjoyed this under-the-radar drama. The classical ensemble reminds me of today’s the 12 Girls Band of China. Visually, it’s beautiful and the ancient music is soothing. The romance is cute and humorous, and the acting and story are better than my expectations. Though some scenes are cliché and tropey, I love how the writer uses idioms to express the musical terms, and how coherent the overall storyline and logical the plot are. Cheeky instrumental music with animal sounds are widely used to match the funny scenes. Red eye and fake dimple makeups for the girls take a bit of getting used to for me.
Sacrificing one's life for love seems romantic but unthinkable. Though many people continue to live a fruitful life when the love of their life dies, many also die with their loved ones simply out of broken heartedness. Here, the ending of the ancient lovers feels like the butterfly lovers to me. Having said that, this is not a sad ending story (read comments below for my interpretation of the ending).
Yes, this is a wonderful little gem not to be missed. Romance buffs will love this story. Strongly recommended.
BRAVO!
Was this review helpful to you?
