I cant really explain it, but this show is just such a disappointment, I really hoped it'd get better and nope. It didnt. It really didnt. It just got worse and pissed me off even more. And the characters. I cannot get over how bad... Damn
Get a better scrip hunty this aint it.
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Halfway through I knew this won't be getting a season 2.
A star-studded cast, grand production, and enthusiastic promotions have resulted in a lacklustre show. I don't know whether it's the limitation that a 6-episode format provides or poor direction that made this show purely average. The action, the dialogue scenes, the setup scenes everything could've been so much better. A very hopeful concept which is why the viewer is intrigued, yet repetitive details same as every other story told before this one. There's nothing to expect from the show, because what good is a brilliant set if it doesn't contribute to a proper story. I am disappointed because it had so much potential. It did make for something good to binge on, only because of the cast. But I am sure I won't be giving this a rewatch.Was this review helpful to you?
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BEST PLOT TWIST EVER
Omg I almost got scammed when I read the plot summary above. I thought the drama would be very light and easy to watch just like other hologram love drama.THIS DRAMA IS WAY ABOVE MY EXPECTATION. First, there are 4 boys who are locked up in a castle-like house and they need to become perfect. Once they become perfect, the antagonist still does not want them to live freely. Instead, the antagonist wanted gain more profit from the four boys. Therefore, the four boys need to escape to gain their own freedom. They also need to accept the risk of not being accepted by the society, since they are isolated for so long. There two girls from the outside world that coincidentally get connected to this four boys and together they help the boys to find a way out.
There are a lot of plot twist but the best one is in episode 30, where I thought that there is no way out anymore, It turns out that they are not living in the real world. They are living inside a game and to get out they need to die in the game, Imagine killing yourself when you do not want to die yet. The most interesting part of this drama is the adventurous part, where they need to find way to get out of the house but are block by Xu Guang Han numerous time.
This drama is not like other dramas where the love story gets too cheesy and boring in the end. It become even more intriguing towards the end. THIS IS ONE OF THE MUST WATCH CHINESE DRAMA!
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2This review may contain spoilers
A Visual Feast of Stunning CGI and Unforgettable Friendship
This was a visual feast! The drama balanced political elements with a touch of light-heartedness that managed to maintain my interest. As someone who isn't usually into costume dramas, it was a perfect pick.Baili Dong Jun's character was well-written; a responsible spoiled brat with an unhealthy amount of love for liquor and a soft heart for the people he cares about. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with his father. His friendship with Ye Dhing Zhi and their story were the highlight of the drama for me.
Ye Dhing Zhi's character evoked mixed feelings - it made me both sad and mad. Sad because he didn't deserve such harshness, and frustrated and mad due to the choices he made that led him to his predicament. The journey from Ye Yun to Ye Dhing Zhi was tough!
But promises were kept, and we saw our liquor and sword deity and I devoured every scene of them!
I knew how it was supposed to end, but it was still devastating for me. But actions have consequences and some of those consequences are sad! Can't shake off that bitter-sweet feeling! *sigh*
The character who I couldn't sympathize with until the end was WenJun. Her choices and motivation behind them are still unclear to me, and seemed pretty selfish and stupid at some point. (A bit harsh but I am still frustrated!) She didn't deserve Dhing Zhi.
Also, I enjoyed the master-disciple interactions. The dynamics were fun to watch !
All the fight scenes were visually stunning, some of the best CGI I have seen in Asian dramas! It was such a stand-out aspect. Also, all the cast adds up to the rich visual experience. All of them are very attractive. The title does suit the drama perfectly because everyone is truly dashing! *grins*
Though I haven't watched TBOY and thus I can't compare the two, I still enjoyed this.
Overall, this was a visual treat with an amazing cast, impressive CGI and a plot that remained engaging throughout the 40 episodes.
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GMMTV ensemble romcom
Overall: this was a Thai ensemble romcom with several sweet moments, but I wish they had increased the pacing. 16 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI exclusively for U.S., Canada and Thailand; on GMMTVs YouTube channel for everywhere else. Later re-aired on Viki https://www.viki.com/tv/40679c-we-are The director's more recent BL works include: Absolute Zero, A Boss & a Babe, Between Us and My Only 12%.Content Warnings: hit, hits played as comedy, punches in the past, vomiting, manhandling, manipulation
What I Liked
- seeing many GMMTV actors again
- whale spout hairstyle
- took a taxi when drinking
- the friend groups
- sweet moments
- the bloopers at the end of episode 16
Room For Improvement
- some lackluster kissing which in 2024 and a major production studio meant that I took off a half point
- slow pacing, the story could have been told in 8 episodes instead of 16
- voice over exposition dump/main character intro
- the myriad of comedy sound effects did not make me laugh
- nonsense "plans", cliched poor communication skills
- art students transported important paintings without any carrying cases
- because there were so many couples I (and likely others) had favorites and tended to fast forward/skip other couples
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But, MDLers, I implore you: Hear me out!
I can see why people love this.
It's a powerful tale about a woman using her brain and talent to overcome great adversity (among other things; gender- and class discrimination) on her way to becoming a trail blazing legend and feminist role model.
This is a great premise! It's handsomely filmed, has a catchy soundtrack and is, for the most part, well acted out.
Too bad then that the overwhelming majority of the show consists of people in hanbok sitting around in cramped palace rooms, plotting and scheming their way to power.
And when they don't do that; they cook.
Now... as a foodie with a special love for Korean food - I didn't mind the amount of time that was spent on cooking. For around 20 episodes, in fact, that kept my spirits up. (While I was being forced to sit through more drab palace committee meetings than the queen of England.)
Somewhere around episode 20 though, was when I started fast forwarding.
By my own standards, that barely qualifies me to write a review for the whole drama. I speed-watched through most of episode 20 through to 45. That was when things started to pick up and get exciting again.
But I'm gonna. (Write a review anyway.)
Why? Because MDL needs a bad(ish) review to balance out the raves it's been getting so far.
In addition to all the mind-numbingly tedious conspiratorial meetings; one of the reasons I lost hope with this drama was the incessant look of surprise or despair on Jang Geums face. Both marked by a doe-eyed stare, while she wordlessly opens and shuts her mouth. It became increasingly difficult to root for what seemed like a cardboard place holder for a larger than life personality, rather than someone who had the actual range to express this.
I could also knit-pick over a number of annoyances with the script. Repetitive and weak plot devices, designed to needlessly heighten the feeling of life and death peril. However, these points are counterweighted by some truly wonderful portrayals of bonds of friendship and adopted family. So I'll let them slide.
Lastly, I see a lot of people praise the romance...
Lovers of romance; be warned! Out of 54 episodes (around 1h each) the sum total of the time that was spent on the romance in this whole series was around a couple of minutes.
Those few precious moments, often sprinkled half a dozen episodes apart, WERE sweet and memorable. Quantity doesn't always spell quality, after all...
I did expect more though. And so would probably you after reading other reviews.
In conclusion, I must say this:
I was moved to tears while watching this drama.
It was, however, mostly because I was bored to tears by all the politics.
THE GOOD
+ Feminist role model
+ Foodporn
+ Pretty cinematography
+ Lovely side characters
+ Utterly charming soundtrack
THE BAD
- Limited range of the main actress
- Very little time spent on the romance
- Endless meetings filled with scheming and palace intrigue
- No really... there's precious little else going on
THE SKINNY
You should watch this if politics and endless struggle for power gets your blood pumping.
You should avoid this at all cost if those exact things make you lose your will to live.
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Love Torn Apart
Once I saw this was another heroic firefighter series I thought of ADWTF series that ended not long ago. As beautiful of a story it was, I could not stay awake long enough to get through an episode.This is a different path and a little bit more interesting. I find myself staying awake and I binged the entire first 8 episodes.
It has backstories that need addressing of course but nothing to in depth that it leaves missing links. It tells the story of a young love divided by stations and separated by family. They both or heroic in their own way and resentment and hatred triggers hidden feelings that were buried away.
The connection the ml has with his coworkers/brothers in uniform are similar to most series with that setting.
Fl struggles to get her footing with coworkers due to her station at no fault of her own. Yet, I will say she does have a DGAF attitude about how you feel towards her, (while on her path to success for her career) in which I love.
FL only weakness is the ml Song Yan and her not being able to walk away from a very toxic family. I mean her mom used mental abuse to train and instill fear that followed her brother and herself well into adulthood. Yes, their mom and father are prime examples of Narcissistic Parents. Big brother is just as confused and suffers just as much if not more but you will learn why.
The two leads do have chemistry. It's not as deeply rooted as one would like it to be, but there is some chemistry between the two leads. There is one scene where Xu Qin seems to be pouring her heart out and she was very much in character. However, SY has a very one-dimensional look that showed little emotion besides a frown here and there. If it were not from XQ I could not truly believe they had a deep connection in the past or present. Butttt there is room for character development with his emotions and connecting.
I am not a fan of either lead but I have seen their work.
Yang Yang - is great at frowning and looking serious and also confused. Yet he has a great smile when he decides to. However, it does not really add the emotion needed for some scenes with her. This is probably because his character has been hurt and does have a career that could possibly end his life as well as others at any given moment.
Wang Churan- is great at looking like she has not one emotion which is again, what her character calls for in the beginning.
She received little love growing up. She was probably traumatized. (You will later learn why she’s so obedient as an adult even when her best interests are at stake.) She does however show emotions when faced with the ml. That would make sense since she has only experience happiness while with him. Her character also calls for an empty shell of a person trying to reconnect with what made her smile so many years ago. I must say she has bodied that type of character and I’m sure it’s what the producers had in mind when they casted her for the role. She may need characters that take her away from her comfort zone.
So, my only concern would be their chemistry and not how they look with coworkers. I mean who smiles while trying to save a life. That would be awkward, I think.
It’s cute, funny, loving, calming, refreshing and enjoyable. It can make a great go to after a very intense series when you need something more calm and relaxing in the storytelling approach. Their love seems to be very meaningful to them both and that's always an interesting outlook.
Pros
•CGI is pretty good.
•Plot seems to be pretty decent.
•Love involves only two people for now. (May change)
•Producers and crew seemed to have worked hard.
•Actors are doing phenomenal. ( most are seasoned)
•Shows the risk the firefighters take and the importance.
•No ridiculously complicated script that needs analyzing over and over.
•It also doesn’t give you too many accident scenes to tug on your emotions.
•It’s all about the characters and their growth in work, family, career, life, and love.
•Rewatch value is highly as of now
Cons
•Seen it once you have seen it twice. (Similar stories have been done several times)
• It has 40 episodes so drama is heading our way.
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Not that great
The drama has definitely surprised me by turning out rather average. It is not a bad one to be sure but it is not great, nor mind blowing nor even that intense. It is mainly quite mellow for a thriller and way too melodramatic. The plot is not original, full of inconsistances and uses the same old cliches like coma, amnesia, bad guy is actually an angel inside and so on. But more then that the script is poorly thought out, not enough attention given to details and too many times the scripwriter takes the easiest way to create conflicts and not even tries to give any sort of explanation. For example the story behind the serial murders happened in the past is very sketchy and for the most part ridiculously unbelieveble. Like the story about humantraffikers or a person kept in an asylum for 15 years without any purpose whatsoever except to serve as a poorly made plot twist. Or the MLs parents' motivation to conceal the truth about the ML is what exactly?The leads are both missed opportunities. The ML is first shown cold and calculating and having problems with emoting. However it lasts for like 2-3 episodes and the other 13 episodes he spends being a big crybaby and getting beaten, tortured and framed by everyone. The FL, in theory the most conflicted charater of the drama, is actually the most bland one. She is defined only by her love for her husband and her unending cycles of trusting-not trusting him. Perhaps if more time and effort was put into her being thorn between her duty as a police officer and her feelings for the husband she would have been interesting. But alas she is a total letdown
The melodramatic part about the main couple's struggles is problematic for me as well. It is so syropy and forced. The beginning of their relationship shown in flashback gives weird vibes as the FL comes across a classic stalker who is forcing herself on the ML while he clearly and vehemently says he is not interested. She insists because (in her own words) she sees in his eyes that he loves her. Not very romantic really. Again it could have been a touching story if given more details and shown more subtly.
Now to the good part.
Lee Joon Gi 's acting is great (no surprise here).
Also I liked a lot the reporter friend of the ML. The most believable and realistic character. Sometimes weak and full of fear, sometimes brave, trying to do his best but still commiting mistakes and feeling guilt, passionate about his profession. And what a great portrayal by the actor, especially the way he shows love for the ML sister. So very sweet.
The serial killer is also great. Very scary indeed.
They should have made him appear earlier in the drama, because the evil doers in the first half are somewhat boring.
The little girl is adorable.
Nice OST. Sinister background music is especially good.
Rewatch value is zero for me
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One, the story is amazing. I mean yeah the plot could have been better written, but overall the story is good. It revolves around these kids who find their true selves in this school that teaches martial arts. But the school also teaches how to find your true self but indirectly. It gives the students challenges that they never thought they would do in their whole life.
Two, the acting/cast is amazing. Lee Hyun Woo is pretty much the main reason as to why most people watch this drama, unless you're new to kdramas and only watch it because of you're a fan of VIXX so you watch it because Hongbin. Speaking of Hongbin, he's actually a pretty good actor. I honestly thought he wouldn't be THAT great of an actor to the other drama I watched him in, but he's actually pretty good. Like his character changes and he shows the character has a bratty rich chinese kid who doesn't really want to befriend anybody but ends up befriending them anyways because of the development of the story. Seo Yi Ji was also an amazing actress because of the way she showed her emotions due to the situations that were happening. As I was watching this, I literally cried every time either Lee Hyun Woo, Hongbin, or Seo Yi Ji cried.
Three, let's talk about the music for a minute. The music is so bomb. Like legit, every time a song was on, I was turning up as I watched the scene happen. It made everything so much better like wow. Plus who wouldn't enjoy osts that are by VIXX? Especially when it was amazing to listen to. Also the song Lee Hyun Woo done also was amazing like damn. That shit was lit.
I highly recommend this drama to those who love either action or love, or even both! I loved this drama because of the way it was developing and the action of it was just amazing. The love also was amazing and I was legit on a rollercoaster ride with my emotions omg. One moment I was feeling this way, the next I was feeling something totally different.
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Wait i dont even think this is bromance because tell me who
Waits for someone for 10,000 years!?!
We can legit see the love between them
I love this series so much
Although i dont really like bromance but this serie!!!!oml
ITS JUST BEAUTIFUL!
Its a very amazing drama.
You guys should totally watch it!!!!!!!!!!
It wont disappoint you!
And the music is amazing!!!!!
You need tissues while watching this series :'(
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And it messed up. Nevertheless,
Realistic portrayal, are you kidding me?Anyone curious about why's there a comma after Nevertheless and same with the native title 알고있지만, (I know but,) No, it's not spelling mistakes xD That comma holds its own value in the story... Nabi's story, as of the fact knowing the outcome of her actions she still takes them. Nevertheless,
If I've to sum up the whole thing,
- Unlikable leads with the worst characterization
- Slow Paced with some boring episodes
- Many frustrating, you-wish-to-give-them-long-lecture moments
- Interesting subplots and side couples
- Eye candy with beautiful cinematography
- Wonderful music
- 0 character development.. at some point it feels in -ve
- And-the-main-couple-kinda-sucks, but-their-chemistry-somehow-works
- Having said that it has a realistic portrayal it ends up being like any other drama... Dramatic and unrealistic.
- Toxic relationship.. do I've to mention? it's like the second tag with a 91% score, Edit: Now it's 93% :')
Even though it has many butterflies but don't expect butterflies moments xD
Never got this mixed feeling for any drama. 'Romance' is a genre and almost everyone is wishing that leads shouldn't end up together where the best option is staying single in the end. By that, you can definitely assume how messed up things are. Not gonna comment on what realistic approach this show offers, as I'm inexperienced, so this review is about what I feel about drama not how much realistic portrayal it has,
This is almost a rant, but why is there 5.5 there. Am I being generous? yes lol. Ngl, I enjoyed and was entertained by some parts. It managed to hold me till the end and I adored supporting characters a lot and their stories (Special mention: Yoon Sol loved her). Maybe this explains,
Not a typical or cliche type one, but also story doesn't have much. But writing is messy with the pace... It wasn't even enough just for 10 episodes as some episodes even felt filler with 0 progress in the story. Despite being frustrating and disturbing in some parts, it is intriguing. And honestly, I really liked subplots, the stories of side couples. You won't find any meaningful conversation or pearls of wisdom. But you'll end up getting frustrated at some characters for their stupid decisions.
Talking about casting, I like it! not really impressed by Song Kang's acting but improvement for sure. So Hee, I just checked her profile and realized I've seen her 2 dramas with supporting roles... but I don't even remember seeing her :') well, this time she sure left an impression on me, I'll remember her. And this is the opposite for Jong Hyeop.. even after seeing him for a very short time in his previous work, he was memorable, and I think he's good as Do Hyuk.
I couldn't picturise leads before, but when I saw them on-screen together. I felt the chemistry between them,... and ah definitely a lot of tension. The heck everyone is good-looking even if some roles are just for 1-2 episodes, a perfect drama if you are finding something just for looks.
Na Bi.. sorry I'm sick of your monologues, even some support roles have fewer dialogues than her monologues. She isn't stupid she knows what she is doing, from the start just she couldn't resist herself, it is called a lack of decision power and shrewdness, not stupidity. AND why everything about her should revolve around boys (the start of her story is with her first love being pure trash) or whom she ends up with, doesn't she have her own career, future? girl get a life! other than that love triangle I would prefer some development in her.. as of the fact she said a lot of times her work is just mediocre, well if you can't believe in yourself how you're gonna put your best work out there. After getting out of the friends with benefits scenario she said No every time whenever Jae Won approached her so even if I don't like her as a character but I appreciated it but then... you know ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯
Jae Eon is a manipulative jerk he's is kinda guy no one wants to encounter in rl (Please don't bring looks here, I'm talking about the character), from his first introduction his personality is clear. Now you might expect a drastic change in him, right? true-love-changing-life thing? sorry to disappoint you, you get nothing. In fact, gradually you encounter his obsession toward Nabi (and I won't call it 'love' lol). Few good qualities about him... mmhm he is handsome, anything more? oops sorry, um maybe another one he's good at his work. If you count flirting in good things? It was cringy :')
Do Hyuk aka Potato boy. He's typical ideal second lead whom everyone loves and roots for him. Kinda too perfect for Nabi to the point I felt she doesn't deserve him. Well, he's cute, caring, he knows how to cook, um what girl wants more? Though why he was so head over heels for Nabi is confusing, just because she's pretty and his first love? oh yes, dramas love to glamorize first love.
The production value is high what to expect from jTBC and Netflix, so top-notch cinematography, aesthetics, color grading, and styling. I found the intro interesting it's short but those slide with music give is an artistic vibe. I absolutely adore OSTs, Loved how the soundtrack is used, it balances everything.
We're Already - KIMMUSEUM
Nevertheless - Night Off
Whisper - PARK JI WOO
Butterfly - J.UNA
Love Me Like That - Sam Kim
So Tender - Say Sue Me
don't-let-anyone-stay-single-in-the-end well, of course, it's drama, where everyone should get their partner, so many side couples for sure... but the fact was I wasn't bothered by it, I was happy and much more interested in their stories and development between them. Ah though the crappy editing of Kim Min Gwi's scenes in some last episodes annoyed me a lot, it was uncomfortable to hearing his dialogues when the camera focus is on different faces.
I liked some starting episodes, the pacing, and execution but then it losses the momentum and becomes repetitive.. and dramatic losing the realistic touch, I mean wasn't that the key point of it before?
In the end.. we've left with nothing, ah maybe a new slang,
Do you wanna see butterflies?
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Wow.
I've been watching dramas for a very long time. And I've had a lot of experiences with these types of stories. But never in my life have I seen a cast that has just been so unlikeable from the very start of the show.The female lead is an absolute doormat who can't stay away from the male lead to save her life even though she wants him to stay away from her? She is introduced as a bad person, she's incapable of giving affection to anyone aside from her crush but yet she continues to date people regardless. She plays with people's feelings and we're expected to feel bad for her? Why would I care about someone who repeatedly continues to step on other peoples feelings. Her drunkenly calling the male leads number is not cute... Its JANK af.
And the male lead has emotional issues
(cuz of his weird ass parents that I can't even begin to understand? The "trauma" that he has due to them just seems STUPID, with the way he was acting I thought he was abused or something?)
but instead of confronting them, he continues to play games with a female leads feelings? He's a narcissist and he is freaking annoying and I'm tired of the misunderstood jerk trope. He manipulates her heart strings like some Machiavellian villain controlling with his favorite puppet. He rejects her over and over and she STILL can't get a damn clue? She tells him to leave her alone but he forcibly invades her life like some sort of chronic disease. Even when she makes it clear she does not want to see him at ALL, He forces her to see him anyway and interact with him even when she's making the effort to try an get over him( good for her). He starts liking her magically when she starts giving the 2nd ML the time of day. His ego won't allow her to forget him and cease being a source of amusement for him. I honestly found myself wondering if he even thought of her as a person?
Women chasing men who don't want they ass is so tired and played out. We need to move on from that y'all, its 2020.
Aside from the second male lead none of the main characters are likeable. The idea of them having a relationship built on desperation and pathetic schoolgirl crush syndrome is honestly kind of disgusting, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ML HAS NO RESPECT FOR HER WHATSOEVER.
This drama is a Trainwreck but I will finish it. I must. Hopefully it'll get better.
Edit: Alright. Someone took a fat dump inside of a side characters car. I hate it here and I want to go home.
Final thoughts: the drama put me to sleep on more than one occasion. I loathe the progression of their relationship. Not to mention the needless pushing and pulling... This drama itself is a cliché and I'm tired of this. This drama gets a fat juicy F.
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How Many Times Can TLC be Framed? Let Me Count the Ways.
Would you believe this is my first ever LYX costume drama? I've seen him in only one modern before where he did good but his FL dragged the show down. Needless to say I wanted to see him in a genre that fit him and here he definitely didn't disappoint; actually none of the actors did.Pros: The entire series centers around the ML or TLC as it should and his evolution. He initially had 3 arcs as someone else pointed out. The first one was as an over confident immortal who wanted to bring his senior Fang Zhou back to life; that was his obsession. He had tried to save him but failed because their other disciples walked in and one (LY) got into the middle causing a massive backlash, killing FZ. LY went crazy and joined as I called them "Team lunatic" and the third one simply disappeared and we didn't see him much other than in flashbacks and at the end of the show.
TLC's obsession with bringing FZ back was an ever consuming thing (he lived, breathed it); he put FZ's heart into his own stomach and kept FZ’s body in a coffin because of the power he had could essentially bring FZ back but at the cost of his own life. Unfortunately, LY stole half of that Rebirth thing and the puppet GMD the coffin with the body replacing it with a fake. TLC's obsession was such that he treated the people around that he first hired or saved like tools for his own means. When he came out of seclusion 4 years after the incident (and healing from LY's savage attack), it was to clear his name that LY, GMD, and the biggest villain YM who created puppets like GMD in images of himself and GMD followed. The opposition had a lot of middle villains that could do serious damage to TLC. LY kept harming TLC but he didn't kill him. Couldn't bring himself to. Because though TLC couldn't die, because he was from another realm, his immortality could be depleted as we saw his hair go from black to gold to white in the last episodes.
The dynamic was that there were many villains especially the main one, plus LY that was always doing something in the way and TLC's over confidence though he most of the time could predict his opponents move and outsmart them, they did get a few on him too. He didn't anticipate just how many people/puppets he had to deal with plus the evil pill disaster and YM and bringing FZ back to life. TLC's first thought personal arc was all about FZ and that he didn't matter as long as he could bring FZ back. Things started to shift as he started noticing the people around him weren't tools but helped him out of life threatening situations like AS with her blood or CY and SLH always on the frontlines willing to sacrifice for him. At first only FZ and LY were his only friends and LY later a lunatic enemy until the end; but than he started to open up and have feelings of friendship and protection towards these new people in his life. SLH was one of the best characters because he saw through TLC and told him what was what. He wasn't just a cold assassin but also preceptive. He called TLC a lot on his cover ups and made TLC really think hard about his steps.
FZ taught him how to read, write, and how to have feelings. Though when ZCJ confessed to him, he told her he didn't learn that emotion. He felt something for AS and felt CY was his younger brother. AS was also very preceptive but she understood his heart unlike SLH was more tactical. He had had other friends like XX who was comic relief in this otherwise, Puzhu, General Jiang who though we lost among others, went above and beyond for TLC and his little group. There were other great characters especially Jeremy who played GMD/YM. He was an amazing villain. FYL who played LY; first time in a lunatic villain role and he nailed it. I have to say absolutely every actor did a wonderful job as their characters. Master Shao's actor I've seen many times before was great. CHS though a guest from Bilbao Palace along with all the other guys whose character names I don't remember, the dude who was always directionless, his disciple who fell for ZCJ. ZCJ and her beginning arc was great. All the villains (even little Xiao Shi which was sad), except one who just didn't hit villain will be in the cons.
By the time TLC's final arc came around and he started to regard his friends very closely, they started leaving or getting killed off. AS turned out to be FZ's sister and GMD erased her memories so she could get close to TLC but her pure heart didn't harbor hatred but caring and love. Once her memories returned even though she did harbor some hate, she really didn't but she needed to grieve so after helping TLC destroy the first GMD in secret while pretending to be on GMD's side and saying mean words to TLC, she left altogether, more about this in the cons. But before any of this TLC finally let go of his obsession with bringing FZ back to life but releasing his heart from his stomach (ironically he needed to be kidnapped with FZ's body in the coffin as bait which still fell and shattered and FZ's body dissolved as TLC wounded, cried tortured tears. And ZCJ--who had turned to the dark side as while her own kidnapping LY tattooed a butterfly which made her a long lost fake princess--shoved a poisoned needle that LY cultivated for 4 years with poison just for TLC into him believing LY's lies that the needle will cripple him and she could control him like a puppet and make him love her; her own obsession), and the heart absorbed the needle and the poison so even in death FZ saved TLC's life as his heart, needle, poison and all was released.
CY's death was very hard (you had tears as did TLC) and XFT's meddling as well as GMD poisoning him and it distracted TLC, so XFT and GMD could kill Master Shao; she had already infiltrated the sword society thanks to the worst mistake Puzhu ever made by vouching for her (because of three year chess experience; though she was using him every moment. Then them being stuck in a cave, sharing secrets with his broken leg, their attraction to each other that wasn't meant to be. And lastly she supposedly helped him in the war by helping getting rid of the transformer and the dude creating them). After that greed, power hungry sword society leaders quickly sided with her against TLC no questions asked even when SLH, XX voiced suspicions; it was hushed.
Then when LY was finally captured after TLC rescued him this was after beating the ever loving snot out of him; I'll be honest I rewatched that scene several times. It was so deserved and overdue and giving LY his own memories and pain of what really happened so he would understand once and for all. Wish it was done way before though (as bait for TLC to come to Master Shao's funeral) when he was rescued by TLC and TLC of course attended and when they accused him of killing Master Shao and again of being YM, and than the tongue twisters between Puzhu and TLC at the mourning place; TLC showed off the fact that XFT knows how to block his heavenly power. All the other guys got the message. (Not to mention the not knowing what freedom was to the Peach Bitch calling her pathetic). And Puzhu said that whole you don't leave with LY or you will be condemned by everyone on purpose because he knows TLC doesn't care about being condemned by all as we've seen happen time and time again here. Then when he sees that TLC is fading and XFT stupidly takes advantage of that to kill both (by herself mind you; all her lackeys just stand there stunned) all the other guys warn him plus Puzhu disperses both powers as back up arrives for TLC. TLC takes away LY after which XX gives a very smart and intelligent speech (about stupidity of the sword alliance and blindly trusting the enemy; how disappointed Master Shao would be in them) a food for thought to everyone else and then you see everyone whoever stood by TLC's side just walk away saying they are done they are not dealing with this anymore. I'm going back to my island or whatever it is but it's quite obvious right then and there whose side they really chose. Sometimes words like that do not need to be spoken. They are just acted out. That's called real faith and trust. And the antidote is in the world.
LY sadly dies because of Xiao Shi's palm strike when he arrived at the cave for no reason and TLC though he checked everything on LY, didn't know about that. It was a heart wrenching moment because from the original 4 brothers of Z Tower, TLC was the only one left. LY returned the half of the Rebirth scroll he stole so TLC could kill YM once and for all. Probably the most gut wrenching was when TLC was broken and crying over little plates he made for CY, Master Shao, and LY. He was devastated and said he was all alone now which wasn't true; while he was in that cave, his friends like ZCJ who got a redemption arc along with the miracle physician, Ms. Hong, and XX dressed as a woman (which was added as the bit of humor to this somber part), Puzhu, SLH, the disciples, Fu Ren, were going all around the regions distributing the antidote and helping each other. These were still his friends and I really wish he knew that.
Meanwhile, TLC created a devise to reverse time to go back before YM was born meaning he wouldn't be born either; essentially rewriting history and bringing everyone back to life. The other price is that no one would remember him because technically he never existed. So after battling YM as the latter connected their realm to the mortal one nearly destroying that one, TLC killed YM with a sword and the full rebirth scroll; telling him his essence will be mortal knowing all of the emotions and just to make good choices; starting from birth without memories. TLC hit his time reversal device and fell into the void dissipating himself as he said an important line FZ once spoke "saving thousands of lives at the price of one is worth it."
Then next scene everyone is alive, SLH is reunited with his wife and FZ is having a meal with AS whose chef is Zhumei. They all manage to bump into each other but not now without knowing each other. Some funny moments and I'd like to believe that TLC was reborn as a white fox mixed with a dragon as the last scene was with XX who I honestly think recognized TLC but other then laughing and saying "silly fox", that was all that was needed and a bit of a voiceover made sense.
Woof, didn't think I'd write so much and we still haven't done the cons but the ending for me was done properly. I think TLC did everything he needed to do and lived his life and evolved as the people around him helped him. I can't see it any other way. Because if he stayed alive, YM would be reborn. They were connected and TLC wanted to sever that connection once and for all. I just wish we saw more of the important people alive that were great allies to the gang at the end.
I loved the costumes; they were stunning. TLC loved flapping his massive sleeves at people though BTS they could be cumbersome for other people. Every accessory, the scenery and sets that were real were beautiful too and the CGI was just right. The OSTs didn't overpower. And LYX's crying in particular as well as when he would really fight, people weren't kidding when they said he was born for costume dramas.
Cons: How many times can TLC be framed? Let me count the ways. Dear lord the first arc of the series LY framed him at least 3 times and it was like a hamster wheel, so repetitive. I've never had a drama drag in the beginning, it was getting old. I have to say that the writing and some editing was the worst here. Not to mention the zillion and a half flashbacks; twice each would have been enough (and also not in the same episode), they would had another 1/4th extra to film if most of that was deleted. It was a hot mess; many episodes had multiple of the same flashbacks. Like we get it already! It felt like the writer thought we had brain damage and wouldn't remember something we saw 20 minutes ago; absolutely ridiculous.
I'm going to address a very important point as it had the comment section divided. Personally, I think AS did exactly what she needed to; she just got her memories back and had a brother to grieve for and literally had no time because there was war and so much going on around her. I don't know how she didn't lose her mind. The man she fell for and cared deeply for though he claimed to have killed her brother, everything pointed to the opposite. Plus she had had the heart disease because she had been feeding him her blood so he could survive each time the situation was dire. What was completely wrong was the way they made her disappear after writing him a "Dear John" letter and not even explaining that she had the heart disease and didn't have long to live. It made him think she just didn't want to be around him anymore and given her relationship to FZ things were complicated so he let her be but it was like she was just sliced off with a knife and that's it. Very poorly written. Or when she would just appear out of nowhere like she did in cold as hell northern forest; people were searching for him in one specific and she just magically appeared to save him, didn't make any sense. At least write that they had a connection and she could feel him or something. But nope. Many times things needed to be explained and then acted out and neither were done so you felt lost like can we have a bit of a backstory?
I don't care who she was or wasn't but XFT was the peach bitch from start to finish. She only ever cared about herself. She killed people without a second thought; her own freedom was all that mattered, I think regardless, her crocodile tears for Puzhu were fake. She was a seductress and she knew how to manipulate people especially men as long as she got what she wanted like infiltrating the sword society and corrupting them by killing Master Shao and than cutting off his arm; like why and blaming the murder on TLC first portion of frame job and then came the rescue of LY where she just went all out and called him YM altogether like LY had done in the beginning. It was stupid because LY had never seen YM but she working directly for GMD knew YM made GMD look like him so how was that even remotely believable. So again we circle back to the frame jobs of the beginning. Eye roll worthy. So the fact that she took herself out in the last episode had nothing to do with anyone. And I personally didn't need to see her again reborn though I know it was more for Puzhu's aka Crown Prince's now sake, still could have done without. She wasn't a villain like the word would be but just an eh that followed instructions and was a puppet in a sense herself. Nothing anyone said made me like her. Her actress did a good job, that's really all. Oh and ZCJ's antler princess head piece looked ridiculous.
The last battle between TLC and YM was supposed to powerful because this is it and yet it fell flat because for starters they're darting in and out in between that metal tree contraption, secondly there's dialogue nonstop, so you somehow have to manage to read what they're saying and watch them fight but it wasn't like an actual full fight but darting, striking blades, than using spells and repeat plus constant dialogue. Editing had to be better here; fight like really fight not soft fight, don't talk, you can have instrumental music in the background to build the fight. Had that happened it would have been awesome and appropriate; 40 episodes were building up to this and it was very anticlimactic. And episode 40 felt rushed.
Would I recommend it? I would. It's gorgeous and the story though had issues sometimes with writing and editing; it was a deep and complex story which you really have to delve into. So get on watching.
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Learning to Accept Love and Live Without Regret
The story was written quite well I feel and overall had solid acting from all characters, major or minor. In a time where many k-dramas feel they have grown formulaic, this one felt fresh in many episodes. I felt that it had a strong strong and somewhat flat but overall appropriate ending for the story's meaning and purpose. The few qualms I have with the drama are easily ignored as it truly shines with Go Young's internal monologue and how it never drops the original meaning it wants to convey.I'm truly glad that the ending did not result in a rush to mend Go Young's love life with the perfect guy and end off with a happily ever after. The eight-episode format as well significantly improves the drama's quality and its ability to convey all it has to say in a timely manner. By the end, it was nice to see Go Young grow as a person and understand that while he has changed so much from all his experiences with love, he's still learning. However, he doesn't let his regrets consume him by the end, whereas a more naive version of himself may have.
However, as mentioned earlier, there are a few minor points where the story can feel a bit weak. Particularly, Go Young's friend group's hangouts occasionally. While I'm glad they don't slowly disappear in screen time and the supporting characters have depth to them, it can feel empty watching some of the scenes and seeing nothing happen or be said. This is true with a lot of these pocketed scenes across the plot, where it feels like 5 minutes just passed by and nothing, even in the overall episode, was contributed.
But, again, all of these are more than made up for in the acting, the story overall, music and great depiction of a variety of gay men and how they'd actually interact.
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