This review may contain spoilers
Did I accidentally switch to Chinese Disney Channel? Lmaooo what even was this cheesy one-dimensional mess of a show? Cliches GALORE, it was like a paint-by-numbers teen rom-com- The female lead disguised as a nerd (glasses, freckles, hair, clothes, she’s covered it all)
- The guy is the most handsome guy in school (apparently), they even call him ‘your highness’. To top it all off, he is an idol singer too
- The 3 popular mean girls
- The 2 dumb minions of the ‘bully’
- Is this even university, it feels more like high school
Lol is this what all web dramas are like?
But god it bugged me so much she just kept her nerd look? Like, why? Because her bf didn't like her attracting attention??? Bro you are an IDOL SINGER
Anyways, I could not stand this drama. I had to push myself SO hard to watch it. The 20 minute episodes felt like an hour.
But the biggest WTF in this trash (spoiler!!!!)
was the ‘mean girl’ turned straight up psychotic and tried to kill herself because the boy she had a crush on found a girlfriend????? She literally FORCED him to be with her (and marry her??? within 2 days??) otherwise she would commit suicide. What the actual f*ck.
Then she finds love with the pink haired gay guy??? What even WAS this show
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Different time loop, same heartbreak
This movie is a sequel in the sense that it uses characters that are already beloved — and for that I did love it. It was beautiful to see Huang Yu Xuan and Li Zi Wei fall in love again, and my heart broke again for the tragedies that they had to go through.This movie is not, however, really a "sequel" in the sense that the story from the drama is continuing; while the drama's occurrences are canon and ARE mentioned, I felt like it was almost negligible — it was treated more like a prologue, which was honestly kind of disappointing for me because I was hoping that the existing story from the drama and its loose ends would be addressed.
Instead, this movie seemed to introduce a whole new plot (a whole new time loop) — which was A LOT. I almost feel like this could've been an entire season 2 and we would've gotten much needed time with the plot and the characters who were now pretty different people from the ones we knew in the original series.
Nevertheless, as someone who absolutely loves the characters I still cried and laughed and felt butterflies along with them, and while the new plot was definitely just as mind-boggling and tear-inducing, there were just questions that I wish were answered, memories I wish were retrieved, and conversations and confrontations I wish they had.
One thing that this movie absolutely did right, however, is give Wang Quan Sheng his deserved backstory and screentime. WQS was a character that was painfully neglected in the drama despite having one of the most impactful stories, and he never had his story told until now. It was heart-wrenching and possibly one of my favorite parts of the entire film.
All-in-all, this movie just isn't what I expected and I wanted a teensy bit more from it. And yet...yes, I still cried throughout the entire thing. Yes, my brain hurts like hell trying to figure the timeline out. Yes, you should watch it.
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Don’t get the wrong picture, I like brainless action and all but it’s a fact that not every director can make it entertaining. I have my specific short list of directors that I would gladly watch their action productions anytime and Go Ohara doesn’t belong to that list Instead, he made a respectable piece of work that doesn’t wholeheartedly depend on action and guns’ play.
This film has more sides to it than the action part. The story of a cold-hearted assassin thinking twice about his life because of a girl is not original in any way but this isn’t exactly a romance, the core of this film is the friendship. Ryo and Misaki’s bromance is priceless, especially after the revelation of their past relationship and the way they survived together; that was probably my favorite part of the film. The acting may not have been the best, seriously it was unbalanced at many points but the main characters were good enough to make the whole department satisfying and the film watchable.
Action wise, this film is low leveled; it’s not because the lack of action but many moments seemed fake. An action lover doesn’t look for realism when watching the genre but it doesn’t have to be plainly obvious like that. Some fighting scenes were uneven and incoherent but the shooting angles and techniques made it up for the bad guns’ play choreography.
The ending of this film was quite expected; I’ve seen that kind of finale repeating in many similar films that’s why I had some hope that it will end otherwise. This is not a fluffy storyline and I consider that a strength point.
Watch if:
-You’re looking for a decent Japanese action film.
-You’re in the mood for action but not the shallow type.
Do not watch if:
-You’re looking for something fluffy.
-You’re looking for a romantic story.
An Assassin is a good action films that stands out a little from the usual Japanese norm. It’s not a masterpiece but it’s definitely a nice watch.
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This is such a lovely atmospheric drama, featuring real and recognizable human beings. Eiji is a simple man with a hidden past, and Katori absolutely does not overact in his characterization. He is slow and plodding, and one of the kindest, most selfless creatures you’ll ever see. Yet the drama weaves his past in such a way that the slow unveiling of his life history and the history of the woman he loved is almost as integral to the story as the events that happen in real time. Throw in his obvious affection for Shizuku, and their own adoption of a neighborly grandmother, another loner desperate to feel needed and loved, and just try not having any feels for this beautiful little family structure.
Keep in mind, all this is even before the lovely Mio steps into their lives, cane in hand, full of anxiety and uncertainty about this new direction in her life. And maybe with just a few secrets of her own, hidden behind a web of lies. And perhaps she’s not the only character to have more than one secret.
Conclusion- I love it. All of it. The only reason it doesn't get a perfect score is probably because of some of the pacing issues, but after I’d finished the drama and started to reflect on it, I realize just how lovely it is. I’m not yet that versed in Jdramas, but I think this was a rare find for me.
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At the beginning: Beautiful and warm...
Near halfway: Heartbreaking... (on unrequited love)
Halfway: Dark and destructive
Ending: Hopeful (That's a hint that it ended well.)
WHAT I LIKE:
The cinematography and the amazing music went well with all the scenes. I just wish Xia Mu would have more dialogues, but I understand he's a stoic and emotionless character from the start so he wouldn't speak much. Rather, he will progress and develop as a character through action. You'll see how much Xia Mu has grown and how he became a stronger person throughout the movie. He had gotten himself in trouble many times for Ya Wang. Even though he was impulsive, he was heroic on most events, and brought together this message and lesson to the movie:
"Love is courage, love is joy, love is sacrifice, love is not a sin. Once missed, it'll be a lifetime."
NOTE: Also please watch the movie first before you decide to dig up the real ending to the original story... You'll thank me later.
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2026 Most creative Drama
Refreshing story line meets perfect casting = me binging through 18 episodes in 2 days.This drama is the perfect way to "decompress from the real world" especially if you've ever lived through a 9‑9‑6 type of grind.
The characters are all great, even the minor ones, each with their own distinct personality.
Beyond the quirky humor, the show delivers real emotional depth and sheds light on the everyday struggles of modern salaried workers.
Casting is perfect. There are so many seasoned comedic actors.
I can't say the ending was truly satisfying. I wished for more happiness but overall a great watch!
Mikah's song "Shadows Dancing" as ending song is just icing on the cake!
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Short, Sweet and Decent.
This drama reminded me of a excerpt from "Me Before You", a romance novel by Jojo Moyes with a successful movie adaptation, which goes like: "...I told him a story of two people. Two people who shouldn't have met, and who didn't like each other much when they did, but who found they were the only two people in the world who could possibly have understood each other."Created by NHN Bugs and Produced by Red Nine Pictures plus Xanadu Ent., "Soundtrack # 1 (사운드트랙 #1) [2022]" is one of the initial Disney+ Original Korean Drama ventures. Written by Ahm Sae Won and directed by Kim Hee Won, the drama got only 4 short episodes with approx. 45 mins runtime, and stars Park Hyung Sik & Han So Hee as leads.
Soundtrack #1 is a story of two best friends of two decades at their early 30s, who have stayed together through thick and thins, but the fine edges of friendship & love becomes hazy as they are attracted towards each other while staying with each other for two weeks. Will they end up together?
Even so it is this short, given the title, characters living through words, lyrics and music was expected (at least it was me who did), however, this wasn't true for most of the part; not disappointed, still.
I think the synopsis and the concept of "friends to lovers" trope tell it all and provided a total of around 170 minutes short runtime, it's pretty much guessable what's gonna happen; but what we should be looking forward to are: the execution and the ending, while peeking through the messages. In my opinion, the show was able to revive and relieve the hidden thoughts within us, while attempting to achieve a decent score. Although the show feels short and felt lil off at few instances, the development was squeaky clean and satisfactory.
Han So Hee plays Lee Eun Soo, a struggling lyricist who strives to do better with her own accord and is honest & outspoken in nature. Han Sun Woo played by Park Hyung Sik is a budding photographer with aweing skills who has a shy yet warm personality. We have Kim Joo Heon, Park Min Jung, Park Hoon and Yoon Byung Hee as supporting cast, while Lee Jung Eun and Seo In Guk play guest roles.
Wishing Ahn Sae Bom jakkanim a goodluck for his future endeavours for he was able to make an up to snuff delivery through this, and,also, congratulations on his debut. Kim Hee Won PDnim surely is one of the leading lady directors who has created qualitative up&down shows through years. And, for a short show like this, she has indeed carried out the overall execution well. The cinematography along with light hue and warm pallettes, made it an easy watch though I am a bit unsatisfied about the sound editing.
There are a total of 12 OSTs which is actually a lottttt for a show of apprpx. 3hours, but would you say you didn't want it? No, bcs the quality is so majestic to just not ask for. Not gonna write a lot but surely wanna mention all of them, for I have come to love all of them...
# "Want to be happy" by Park Boram
# "Love beyond words" by KYUHYUN
# "Your tender heart hurts me" by DAVICHI
# "My Love" by Kim Jong Kook
# "Talk to me" by KIM JAE HWAN
# "Prettiest One" by Standing Egg
# "A little more" by DOYOUNG
# "Wanna be your lover" by Monday Kiz
# "We'll shine brighter than any other" by Lee Hi
# "Love Love Love" by SEOBIN
# "miss you more, I'm sorry by" Lee Yejoon
# "Love beyond words" by DOKO
What I didn't like...
# Han So Hee seemed to struggle a little; which wasn't really visible but for someone who has watched almost everything she has acted in, she appeared to be having a difficult time to fit into a role which is radically opposite from others played by her.
#Even though I am fond of all the OSTs, I believe the show needed to be longer particularly to utilize them well in the story.
# Given the title, characters living through words, lyrics and music was expected (at least it was me who did), however, this wasn't true for most of the part; not disappointed, still.
Final Remarks... "Soundtrack #1" is indeed a satisfactory delivery about love & friendship and the essence they offer you in life, even for a short period. Screenwriting, direction, performance and execution are overally good and up to par. Won't say it's a must watch, but definitely a short and sweet journey, that will entice you to core. Please go ahead :)
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THE RATINGS ARE WAY TOO LOW
Motel California is a beautifully crafted drama that delves into the complexities of first love and the emotional distance that can come between two people who are meant to be together. The story revolves around two characters who reunite after a long time apart, only to find that unresolved feelings and misunderstandings create a barrier between them. While the initial episodes are filled with angst and longing, it's essential to take the time to appreciate the gradual development of their relationship.The frustration that arises from their inability to communicate is relatable, and the dual perspectives provided by both leads allow viewers to empathize with their struggles. Unlike typical dramas where one character pines away while the other moves on, both leads in Motel California are deeply invested in each other, which adds a layer of depth to their story. The slow burn of their relationship is both heart-wrenching and rewarding, making it a captivating watch for those who appreciate emotional storytelling.
The female lead in Motel California has sparked a lot of discussions, with many labeling her as a red flag. However, it's essential to recognize that her complicated feelings and reluctance to fully engage in her relationship stem from a deeply rooted backstory. Her experiences of feeling hated and abandoned, coupled with a strained relationship with her father, shape her character in a way that makes her relatable and real. It’s not uncommon for someone to protect themselves emotionally, especially when they’ve faced such turmoil.
What I appreciate about her character is the depth and complexity she brings to the story. She's not just a simple love interest; she embodies the struggles many face when trying to reconcile their past with their present. Her journey reflects the reality of being human—feeling vulnerable while also striving to be strong. The internal conflict she experiences, especially as she sacrifices her first love for her own emotional safety, showcases her strength and vulnerability.
While it’s easy to get frustrated with her actions, it's crucial to understand her motivations. She’s a character who evolves throughout the series, and her development is a testament to the writers' ability to create a nuanced portrayal of a young woman grappling with her identity and choices. This complexity makes her journey all the more compelling, and it’s refreshing to see a character that feels so authentically human...she is a character who embodies the complexity of being human—making mistakes, feeling regret, and attempting to mend those errors while sometimes needing to take a step back. This frustration is a reflection of real life, especially when she stands in contrast to the flawless male lead, who is calm, collected, and unwaveringly loyal. While she may appear villainous to some, her struggles add depth to their relationship, which is both thrilling and heartwarming, infused with a palpable angst.
The chemistry between Na Inwoo and Lee Se Young is palpable, and their performances convey a range of emotions from longing to love. Their eyes tell a story that is both heart-fluttering and deeply emotional, capturing the essence of their characters' journey from fear to a warm embrace. This drama is beautifully crafted, with a cinematic quality that feels like a movie experience. The soothing OSTs enhance the magical chemistry shared by the leads.
While the pacing may be slow at times, it is undeniably addictive as the story unfolds. It may not resonate with everyone, but it’s worth giving it a chance—don’t just rely on ratings. The acting is exceptional, and the overall experience is one that leaves a lasting impression....
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This review may contain spoilers
Draggy story-line and fake looking studio set. Otherwise a good series.
Despite having 2 of the biggest names in the c-drama industry in Zhao Liying (ZLY) and Wang Yibo (WYB), the “Legend of Fei” will be regarded as a disappointment of 2020. The series will gather a lot of internet traffic, talked about by various fans for its plusses and minuses, dissected over its story lines and its adherence to the novel, discussed on Zhao Liying’s apparent discontent upon completion of filming, etc. To the fans of the 2 main characters, there is nothing wrong with the series. But to me as a hardcore fan of Chinese costume drama, and who just wants to watch quality series, there is plenty that is wrong with “Legend of Fei”. And it is reflected in the Douban’s pedestrian rating of 5.6 score with over 200K reviews.Before I dwell on why this drama disappoints me, let me highlights the good points about this web-series. The casting is obviously the drama’s strong point. Zhao Liying and Wang Yibo – the 2 main protagonists in these 51-episode costume drama – are highly accomplished, successful, marketable and very sought after actor/actress. Zhao Liying is the queen of c-drama. Most of her drama was a sensation, and this one is special because it marks her return after giving birth to her first child. Wang Yibo is currently the hottest male actor in China due to his success in “The Untamed”. The strength of these 2 main characters alone should give this c-drama considerable mileage and headstart from internet buzz, traffic and interest particularly from both hardcore fans. Even the supporting cast were established actor/actress like Zhang Huiwen (Yimou’s girl), Chen Rou Xuan, Sun Jian, etc.
As of late, there has been many instances in c-drama of pairing older FL with a much younger ML, and this is also the case in Legend of Fei. There is a 10 year gap between ML and FL, but you don’t feel the gap as ZLY looks much younger than her actual age. I don’t think even Yang Mi or Tang Yan could carry the 17-year old persona better than ZLY. Tang Yan was heavily criticized for her portrayal of a young Yanyan in “Legend of Xiao Chuo”. Similarly, Yang Mi did not fare much better in “Legend of Fu Yao” playing a young Mary Sue character devoid of any imperfections, while being protected by the all-mighty Crown Prince of the Five Kingdom. What sets Zhao Liying apart from Tang Yan/Yang Mi is her petite and slim figures which belie her actual age, and that makes playing a 17 year-old Zhou Fei – believable. Did you watch how Zhang Ziyi got blasted for her betrayal of a 15 year-old teenager in the first 8 episodes of “The Rebel Princess”? There were even critics who stated that the producers of “The Rebel Princess” should have gotten a younger actress to play a young Zhang Ziyi. Zhao Liying does not have any issue playing a young Zhou Fei because she looks young. Not sure whether in 5 years time that would still be the case. On an unrelated note, her skin looks flawless on a close-up. You could see skin imperfection on Zhang Huiwen who is an unrivalled beauty in her own right, so it can’t be down to post production magic.
Another plus point to me was the wardrobe. Love them. The costumes on Zhao Liying are simple but beautiful and it outlines her slim figure. Zhang Huiwen is gorgeous in anything she wears. There is not anything particularly hideous that stands out like Zhang Yaqin’s (Fei Kou’er) thief character that made her look short and stubby. The costumes were pleasing to the eye and not too striking in tone and color.
The fight choreography is average at best, and mediocre at worst. Even-though this is a jianghu/wuxia type of drama, there are not very many fight scenes in it. There is not an excessive amount of slow-motion fight sequence either, and that makes it bearable. In fact the whole fight sequences looked slow and choregraphed, and gave the fight scenes rather “unnatural” feeling to them. But at least they are bearable to me – it does not give me that cringeworthy feeling every time Zhou Fei wields the sword and engages or kills the enemies. I like it when Xie Yun uses his qinggong and flies/glides effortlessly from one end to the other. It was beautifully choreographed.
The sound track was nice and I really enjoy the opening track. The CGI was average, and was only limited to very few scenes especially involving animals. There are plenty of CGI involving snakes and the snake charmer, Ying HeCong – a Great Medicine Valley’s disciple played by Leng Jiyuan.
Now why was this c-drama disappointing given all the plusses above? There are 2 main reasons why I believe this is an average series; and disappointing because it has limitless potential from the casting of 2 very famous artistes. Firstly, there is a fake studio setting that keeps popping up in this drama. It is so fake, that it makes me very uncomfortable. The fake studio scenes feature secondary forest, and were used extensively. It was certainly very disturbing to me because everything looked so fake. It reminds me of 80s Hong Kong films and I have not seen this type of mediocre studio-set production in any of 2020 historical costume drama, even from those low-budget ones. Even “Novoland – The Castle in the Sky 2” had a much better studio setting than “Legend of Fei”, and I was very critical of “Castle in the Sky 2” for its rather cheap-looking set. I could understand if they have to use studio setting for a place like the cave inside the mountain where the treasures were hidden, but they could find a nice forest and film the scenes easily rather than building a cheap looking set.
My second grouse was the overall pace of this c-drama. The pace is awfully slow – I mean really slow. I could go and cook myself a dinner, and come back and watch the end of an episode and not miss anything. Fillers are being added to make the drama longer than necessary, and at times, watching it feels like a drag. Too many unnecessary scenes where the 2 main leads just talk endlessly and pointlessly. The scenes before the Demon’s Convention, Episode 29, illustrates my dislikes with the series’ pace -- too draggy. This drama could have been shortened to 35 episodes and we won’t be missing much of the storylines. The whole storylines are not worth 51 episodes especially when the first few episodes were speeded up to quickly introduce the ML (Wang Yibo) into Episode 1. In the novel, the ML and the FL did not meet one another right away. The producers of this c-drama were too eager to get the ML into the action, when there are 50 more episodes to go.
Now the ending – typical. Some will like them, some won’t. I am in the negative camp. My overall verdict of this series is 6/10. Give it a miss unless you are a die-hard fan of Zhao Liying and Wang Yibo.
Story - 6.0/10
Acting - 7.5/10
Music - 9.0/10
Rewatch value - 5.0/10
Overall - 6.0/10
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Dilraba & Chen Feiyu’s Chemistry is Addictive! Cast Them in a Modern Drama
Love Beyond the Grave is the series I was most looking forward to this year, and I have to say — it didn’t disappoint me even a little bit!The story follows He Simu, the powerful and immortal Ghost Queen who lacks all five senses. She appears cold and detached on the outside, but deep down she’s incredibly fragile. Then there’s Duan Xu, the young and mysterious general with a brutal past, who turns out to be fiercely devoted and surprisingly gentle with her. He’s willing to give everything for her. What begins as a chance encounter gradually blossoms into a beautiful, intense, and heartwarming love that transcends the human and spirit worlds.Both lead actors delivered fantastic performances. Especially Dilraba — she was outstanding and played the role with such depth. She beautifully portrayed the transformation from an emotionless, icy queen to a young woman slowly learning about love and vulnerability. Every scene she’s in looks stunning and majestic. Chen Feiyu also did an excellent job conveying Duan Xu’s obsessive love and inner pain with subtle, nuanced acting. Every glance and every action makes it crystal clear how much he loves her.The supporting cast was generally solid, though I really hated Yan Ke’s character — he was so annoying and frustrating that he genuinely made my blood boil. On the bright side, Wei Zheming was great, and Zhang Li looked absolutely glamorous in her role as Jiang Ai.
The production is spectacular. The visuals are premium-level, the CGI and fight scenes are well-done, the costumes are incredibly intricate and gorgeous, and the soundtrack perfectly enhances the emotions of every scene.
What I loved the most is the chemistry between Dilraba and Chen Feiyu — it’s off the charts and so addictive! Their skinship feels so natural, both on and off screen. Every time they share a scene, the chemistry flows effortlessly without any forced moments. It really feels like the whole world disappears and there’s only the two of them. It’s such a shame that the production cut out so many kiss scenes in episode 30. Those were some of the best kiss scenes ever . I really hope the leads do another drama together, maybe a modern one next time.
Overall, Love Beyond the Grave is a romantic fantasy series that was absolutely worth the wait this year. The leads have incredible chemistry, the production is grand and beautiful, the fight scenes and CGI are top-tier, the costumes are stunning, and the soundtrack fits perfectly. 10/10 — I highly recommend everyone to watch it.
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I find it annoying that 16-20 episode dramas are always one or two episodes too long, unnecessarily stretching out the story just to fill space. However since there's only twelve episodes, not a moment is wasted here. Song Ji Hyo and velvet voiced, Lee Seon Gyun are amazing as the leads, portraying every emotion of a struggling couple from start to finish, but what's great about this drama is that even the side stories are just as interesting. I honestly loved the PD Ahn and Writer Kwon couple most. Lee Sang Yeob played PD Ahn so well you couldn't help but find him adorable and fall in love too.
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Pure Fluff
StoryIf I had to describe this drama in a few words, I'd say it is a drama that is more on the cliché side but executes it so well, that even the more predictable things are just a joy to watch. I think most people would agree that what carries this story and journey is the impeccable chemistry of the Main Couple. Just for that, I think this show is worth a watch.
But further, than the absolute fluff and wholesomeness, what really made this drama memorable is that you don't hate any characters. Sure, at times there are the villains that of course you dislike but as far as I am concerned, every one of the key roles gets their redemption.
What I truly love about this kind of drama is when there are no misunderstandings. For someone like me, that is very sensitive towards angst and drama, I really enjoy it when I see a couple that trusts each other and goes through everything together.
OST
I have not a lot to say except that I fell in love with the Soundtrack. I downloaded the whole OST already and I have it stuck in my head all the time. It's just so fitting and cute and well, just plain good.
Should you watch it?
If you are like me, a sucker for fluffy and domestic romance with a little drama here and there that doesn't make you too anxious, you should give it a watch. If cliché and a few predictable plot lines aren't a turn off I genuinely think you will enjoy watching!
The rest of the review will contain spoilers:
What I didn't like:
- I was a bit disappointed that the second lead Du Lei was made very evil, if I may say so, in the last few episodes. I mean I get that he loves her but, please my dear, that's plain assault:( So I was happy that they cut him off from their friend group.
- The allergic to tears plot point could've been build on more. What I mean is that towards the end it was as if the writers forgot it existed. I first suspected that it would cause more of a drama but maybe that's just me.
What I liked:
- I said it earlier but, the MC chemistry is just off the charts. Amazing. One of my new comfort couples.
- I love when every character gets their happy ending. This show satisfied me.
- Dog
- The side couples weren't overwhelmingly great but I still rooted for all of them and loved their collective support and friendship.
- Another thing about the Main Couple, I love how they support each other and just have trust. Even though they fight sometimes it felt like they truly cared and that was what made this romance feel real.
- I can't pinpoint many other things right now but overall I just really looked forward each week to the new episodes. It is a nice show that I won't forget!
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This is the story of the first Empress Dowager of Chinese history.
This is a story which takes place before the beginning of the Qin dynasty.
You are following Miyue, a princess who was told to be in the future the one who will impact greatly on the country. She's has a very strong personality, despite her mother having no social status and was only a servant of another concubine. Miyue and her sister Mishu, the oldest daughter, and the daughter of the queen. Despite their social statues are as different as a lion is different compared to a cat, they have really good and close sister relationship.
They grow up, they fall in love, they slowly change, they became enemies.
It's a love and hate story.
But it is also the story of Miyue, of how, a princess like her, grew up to be the first Empress Dowager of Chinese history, and how she established strong foundation to the unification of China for the later Qin dynasty.
I see 3 parts in this story:
1/ Miyue as a Princess, as a big sister, and as a teenage girl with her first love.
You will watch her grow up in a very difficult environment despite her being a princess, how she's going to keep herself real and virtuous, and how she starts to spent her time on knowledge, how she's teaching her younger brothers to be a good man when they grow up etc.
2/ Miyue as a servant of the future Queen of the Qin country, her older sister Mishu, then as a concubine of the Qin King, and how this king will impact on her greatly.
I won't say much, but this part is really important for Miyue : she's had a strong personality when she was young, but with him, she's going to have more and more ambition and quit being a teenage princess but slowly step by step, becoming an intelligent woman.
It's also a part where you see how Mishu is changing because of her selfishness, also because of her misunderstanding, because she's also a mother, and how these sisters are slowly distancing themselves from each other.
3/ Miyue as a responsible mother, then as a political leader + her 3rd love story.
To put it shortly, you're going to see how Miyue try to reach her ideals and how she's going to sacrifice herself for the country.
/! what is good in this drama, it is also that the script took a lot of fact of the real history :)
* Acting / Cast :
Nothing to say, perfect.
Betty Sun improved so much, she was not acting Miyue, she WAS Miyue.
Big up to MaSu, to LiuTao and to Fong Alex, who impressed me with their acting skills! They were great really...
* Music :
Well, the music disappointed me...
speaking the music only, it was not that good, and i think it did not match the drama.
like the music in the legend of zhenhuan were a perfect marriage with the drama
but here i want the music and the drama to divorce, and ask LiuHuan to create another music, and ask Liu Lianzi from the heaven to sing one more time.
But the music with the instrument that Miyue is often playing is really good.
* Rewatch value :
well it's a very long drama, but if you ever have free time, definitely recommending to rewatch this drama :D
* Overall :
minus 0.5 for the music. it is not horrible, it is in reality very pleasant to hear, but i just NOOOOOoooooOOOOOOO these musics because it doesn't match at all the drama.
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If you can stomach the dark ruthless reality that we tend to ignore, I strongly recommend you to watch this.
There is no filtering the truth here, no flowery feeling that K-dramas usually give. This drama is dark & brutally real. You know how there are usually some politics/not interesting subplot in dramas that you just want to skip, well this one doesn't have that. The story is flawless and well balanced, there is no stupid mistake, no plot hole, nothing that made me flinch for a second.
The characters are complex and well developed. They are not perfect little imaginary ppl; they are real with depth and dimensions. Their pasts and their hopes for future enable us to understand their present and their actions. There aren't any filler characters, no one that you feel he's just there to fill the space/time/episode. Every one of them serves a purpose, and adds something to the story.
What I love about this drama is that it doesn't tell you everything; it gives you enough information and leaves you to be the judge. I'm not talking about one scene or one episode, but rather throughout the entire drama. It never tries to make its audience feel in a certain way ... it just tells you the facts and leaves it up to you to interpret it and to understand the characters/story.
Cruel City is like a good wine, the more time passes from watching it, the more you realize how amazing it truly is. It is a drama that makes its audience ponder upon life, good, evil and the gray between them. I'm sure I will watch this again and again and for this it gets 10 for rewatchability from me.
The choice of music in this drama is phenomenal! I loved all the musics that were used specially the OST, I mean even the music makes me think deeply!!
I don't think I can ever compare this to any other drama or any TV shows in general - well I haven't watched breaking bad, but other than that I've watched all the famous TV shows you can think of, and Cruel City not only doesn't lack in any aspect, but it rather makes the others lose face in comparison. It has created its own space on top of my drama/TV Shows/movie list.
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