peperomia

@abs-oluteM @mademoiselle The show is off to a good start. The burnout, depression and low points in life can be relatable to many. As with Ha Neul, I do think oftentimes people don’t realize they’re going through a depression. So, I liked how the show approached her visit with the doctor, particularly the questionnaire. Some questions and answers might resonate with some viewers.

On 1/29/2024 at 4:09 AM, abs-oluteM said:

I was in tears when she told her mother about her depression. Especially the part where she asked if she can't be sick. While these days, people are a lot more open to talking and accepting mental health issues, I can see why HaNeul would find it hard to be diagnosed with depression. The good thing was that she recognised that and took action. Also I am so glad she kicked that awful professor, quit and decided to prioritise her health.  I can also understand her mother's initial denial of her situation but I would have been very upset if mum continues to gaslight her for it.  So I was glad that mum realised it quickly and send her that message at the end.

I really loved how this whole part came together. I would need my mom's support too in this so I got quite emotional when she got it 😭

I feel bad for Jeong Woo though. His mom was the opposite. She only cared about how his ordeal would affect his dad's position and didn't bother to check if he's okay. Since he's living next door to Ha Neul's family now, I'm hoping he'll receive family-like support from them.

On 1/29/2024 at 4:09 AM, abs-oluteM said:

What I like very much from these premiere episodes was that the pace is very good - the leads are already communicating quite openly. Also I wasn't sure what to expect of the chemistry between PHS and PSH but I found their competitive bickering hilarious (it hit the right spots)  and they have chemistry.

The leads are quite petty with each other. It doesn't seem much has changed since high school, but I agree it's hilarious. LOL. What I like is despite the bickering, you can see that Jeong Woo cares about Ha Neul and vice versa. I thought the last scenes of them with the cherry blossoms in the background was pretty.

On 1/29/2024 at 2:21 AM, mademoiselle said:

Yoon Park's character seems to have a soft heart towards Jung Woo, my guess is he might accept both Jung Woo and Ha Neul into his clinic. His clinic will go down anyway, if he doesn't do something about it.

On 1/29/2024 at 4:09 AM, abs-oluteM said:

Yoon Park's character was also very funny.  Agreed that he will be the one that helps JW and HN, and of course there will be a side romance with HN's bestie. 

I like Yoon Park's character too. I'm excited to see more interaction of him with the leads and the softness hidden inside him. LOL.

On 1/29/2024 at 2:21 AM, mademoiselle said:

Park Hyung Sik's rendition of Jung Woo, especially the childish bits, really reminded me of Ahn Min Hyuk in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. It was a very familiar performance.

Same here. There were many moments where I thought Jeong Woo was channeling Min Min. LOL. He’s so cute!

I would say watch this through ep 2 because while I thought ep 1 was okay, ep 2 was so good. Who knew the two Parks would be so funny and cute together. But man, the end had me tearing up. It was definitely a message much needed from a parent to child who is sick in the way that is not easily understood.

On 1/18/2024 at 6:10 AM, abs-oluteM said:

Ladies, look at his character description! Hahahahah too perfect 

I totally can't wait to see this side of LJH Please let me know when there is an air date 

On 1/15/2024 at 11:59 AM, Tofu said:

@peperomia @rocher22 Is this true?! They are not together yet and it's almost to the end of the drama?! 

I've been really busy so I'm only on ep 14. But yeah...it's mighty slow burn so I'm not surprised they haven't gotten together by ep 21. Both leads are so clueless about their feelings. LOL. I'm entertained though so I'll continue and finish it. I believe they should be together by now. Hahahaha.

One thing I don't understand is how viewers are able to access episodes that aren't released on Viki yet. So weird...

On 1/13/2024 at 10:29 AM, Tofu said:

@OsmanthusTea I think it's confirmed. Since @rocher22 and @peperomia both chose My Boss, we should too. Hahahaha! Maybe someone will make a FMV of Our Interpreter later and we can just watch that. 

I'm on episode 12 of My Boss. I would say the script quality isn't the best. I like ZRN from her previous drama, but her acting (mainly her expressions) is a bit off here. It's not bad and CXX does look good, so I'll continue watch but just FYI. LOL. 

On 1/13/2024 at 10:29 AM, Tofu said:

I think the rumor is that if they are going to air it, it'll be done with little to no promotion and air before a sentence is decided for the Song Zu'er. @OsmanthusTea follows the gossip more so maybe she can clarify for us. Hahaha! 

12 hours ago, OsmanthusTea said:

@peperomia

PoB rumored to be airs this Feb but only rumors. PoB is a big budget drama. The production house is trying to at least break even with their investment by planning to drop the whole thing in one go. SZE has not officially charged with the case yet. So there is a possibility they can let it airs. Let's wait and see.

Thanks! Seems like there is still a glimmer of hope. I saw a trailer and it looks good so fingers crossed here. Would love to see LYN soon again.

On 1/13/2024 at 10:29 AM, Tofu said:

I heard it was not a bad drama. Is it really out with no subs? I'm not following the drama so I didn't look into it. 

No worries. Yes, no subs yet. I think because it's legitimately released in China only right now.

LYN and FYL recently met up on January 6th and livestreamed it. FYL did a pretty good job singing a duet version of the theme song.

Oh, is this where we can talk anything general about C-dramas etc?

I really like CXX as well. I first saw him in a remake of The Legend of the Condor Heroes as Yang Kang. (He had some baby fat then. LOL.) After that, I've seen just about the rest of his dramas. I think he does great in roles with a bit of an edge like in Condor Heroes and Goodbye My Princess. He was good in Truth too. I like his voice so I'm thrilled whenever it's not dubbed.

I started watching him in My Boss. It's basically a typical cookie-cutter rom com. Nothing new or special, but enjoyable as a light and funny watch. I actually like ZRN so I chose this drama over the other. I thought she was good in A Date With the Future.

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Does anyone happen to know anything about the status of The Prisoner of Beauty? I read rumors that there could be a possibility for it to air but also it could be shelved.

Another disappointment is Blossoms Shanghai with Hu Ge. It doesn't seem it will be available outside of China nor with English subs.

Happy New Year, everyone! Just wanted to pop-in and comment on some of the topics.

Topic 1: What drama brought you joy this year?

Dr. Romantic 3

Revenant

Fake It Till You Make it

A Journey to Love

Topic 4: Fave relationship

Dr. Romantic 3 – Kim Sabu (Han Suk Kyu) and Seo Woo Jin (Ahn Hyo Seop). I liked that this season showed a deeper bond between them. I hope there'll be a season 4 with the same cast.

Topic 7: What drama had the best family/squad?

Dr. Romance 3 and A Journey to Love.

Topic 8: Regretful watches

I typically don’t regret anything that I choose to watch but sometimes I do wonder how I managed to finish King the Land.

Topic 12: Fave character

Fake It Till You Make It’s Xu Zi Quan (Elvis Han). I mean, what a man. Not perfect, but overall, a good-hearted, witty, and funny guy who I think could exist in the real world. The “friendship” ring was such a smooth and romantic move. I wouldn’t mind being Tan Ying (Elvira Cai) and be courted by someone like him.

Topic 13: A memorable scene from a drama I watched

The finale ending scene of Revenant with San Yeong (Kim Tae Ri) and Hae Sang (Oh Jung Se) watching fireworks in the night’s sky. I liked the message of wishing everyone happiness and finding hope, even during the darkest moments.

Topic 14: An actor/actress who made a good impression

He Lan Dou and Liu Yuning from A Journey to Love.

Topic 15: An actor/actress you wish to see next year

Lee Joon Hyuk – I can’t wait for Good or Bad Dong Jae and I’m excited to see him in Between Greetings (aka Acquaintances). It will be my first time seeing him in a rom-com.

Liu Yuning – I hope there’s a chance The Prisoner of Beauty could be released. If not, I look forward to his other upcoming projects.

For the other topics, I couldn't easily think of anything.

NYZ...I mean, LYN performed his A Journey to Love OST live for Jiangsu TV NYE show:

His post-performance interview:

Wow, I don't think I've seen LJH in a romance drama yet. How exciting that he's pairing with HJM. I like that she's the CEO and he's the secretary. Usually, it's the other way around. He's also a single father which means there'll likely be a cute kid as well.

One of HLD's BTS. She's so adorably funny. Even the other cast members are laughing at her 😂

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LYN and FYL's thoughts on the ending. This made me sad all over again 😢

7 hours ago, Tofu said:

To be honest, I stopped watching AvenueX's videos a long time ago because, at the time, she was very negative about a lot of things and her views typically did not reflect mine. I'm always surprised when she has something positive to say about a drama, because that's the impression I came to have of her -- only talking about the negatives and what she disliked. Personally, negative talks to me is draining and I think that's one of the biggest contributors as to why I stopped. 

I hear ya. I like her attention to details, but I totally agree her views typically tend to be on the negative side. Surprisingly, this one was overall positive, which is why I dared to include it here. LOL. I’m glad despite some issues, she still views this as the best period C-drama of this year.

7 hours ago, Tofu said:

I don't think I understood the magnitude of how much criticisms Liu Yuning received about his looks. I saw a few things here and there, but suddenly it was everywhere to the point where he was addressing it on his live streams and in interviews. I can't imagine what it feels like to have to address this type of criticism every single time he's in something. These are the types of comments that will send someone into a state of depression.

Poor guy! 😥 So unfair. It's definitely bad if he's personally addressing them. I've seen comments praising him too. At least, I hope he sees these.

7 hours ago, Tofu said:

I really liked Yu Shisan and he is arguably my favorite character from Chinese dramaland this year. However, I thought that Yang Ying's character growth was one of my absolute favorite in all the dramas I watched. I love that her growth was done gradually and that you can visibly see it.

YSS is one of the most unique characters. I like his mottos. One of them being that we should live life to its fullest. His elegance, playful nature and carefree aura sometimes remind me of Gu Long’s Chu Liu Xiang. At the same time, I think he has deep emotions kept hidden inside. Maybe because of the death and destruction he’s seen as part of his position. I remember when NYZ almost died, he told Ruyi that he would likely meet NYZ in the underworld in a few years anyway. Knowing life could be short, he probably chooses to live cheerfully (even romantically).

It's hard to pick favorites really. I chose Ruyi and NYZ before YSS because I like them individually and as a power couple but also because of their influence on YY’s growth and maturity. Ruyi taught her to be a strong/independent woman while NYZ helped her realize her responsibilities/duties as royalty. But, I know YY wouldn't have come so far without her own potential and will. You are right that her gradual development was clear and visible.

7 hours ago, Tofu said:

Honestly, I think all the main characters in this drama was written really well except for Li Tongguang. 

I agree. The writer also did a great job of mixing up the characters' ages. The storytelling worked by blending the more mature adults with the younger ones together. Just maybe not LTG. LOL.

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I love this! 

I listened to a final review of the drama by AvenueX which was pretty good. In case anyone would be interested in it, I’m linking it here:

• There were 2 things that surprised me:
  • The heavy criticism that LYN received about his looks. How sad...and what's wrong with some people? He might not be as handsome as FYL, but he’s still a good-looking man to me (especially when he’s sings live). I like the little mole underneath his eye. LOL.
  • The claim that Ruyi’s character was weak by the final cut of the script. On the contrary, I thought her ruthlessness was well-balanced by her kind nature. I mean, toward the end, both Ruyi and NYZ’s fighting ability was weak from sustaining back-to-back internal injuries. This would’ve been a good reason for them to retire and live out the rest of their lives peacefully after the mission, but since we got the opposite outcome, perhaps it was an early sign they weren't going to make it.
• I loved the music as well – both the songs and the instrumental pieces. Aside from LYN’s OSTs, I really liked the songs sung by Richie Ren and Zhang Jie. They complimented the martial arts scenes.
• My favorite character was also YY. So proud of her. AvenueX’s next favorite was YSS. Mine would be Ruyi, NYZ, then YSS.
• I didn’t notice the pacing issues, but I can see how certain things were out of place/rushed toward the end. I was fine with the amount of time spent on tying-up of the court politics though. I didn’t care too much for the royals other than YY so I have no complaints.
•  When I previously said that I enjoyed every second of the last 6 episodes, I might’ve gotten a little carried away. LOL. I was disappointed with one thing…LTG’s arc and AvenueX nailed exactly why. In writing his character, it did seem like there were too many cooks in the kitchen. His development was a stark difference from YY which was odd. However, I don’t agree that NYZ saving LTG was out of character. I think he would’ve done it whether LTG was regent of An or not.

It’s Christmas Eve in my part of the world and I just finished this…ep 35 through 40. Although I’m an emotional wreck, I enjoyed every second of it. Now…did I wish for different kind of ending? Of course, but I loved that it gave me the feeling and nostalgia of the old wuxia stories that I used to watch with my dad. He would’ve really liked this one as all the characters possess tremendous heart and righteousness, 有情有義. Liu Dao Tong heroes and Ruyi courageously defended the central plains and touched the hearts of many – even the highest courts of Wu and An. I believe those whom they saved won’t let their sacrifices be in vain and will carry out their honor. I hope it is evident in how the new emperors rule and maintain peace/stability for their people. Excellent drama and I will definitely rewatch some of the happier parts.

On 12/22/2023 at 4:55 PM, Tofu said:

He is the best! I was sobbing when he was talking about how he's the best runner. 

Ugh, me too!  His part rocked me the hardest.

@OsmanthusTea Thanks for the info on A Journey to Glow. I agree it being a sequel to AJtL does not make sense. I read viewers are split on the interpretation of the ending. I've only seen a few clips of it, but my conclusion is they did not miraculously survive.

I'm on ep 30 so I haven't gotten to the part of  YY and LTG's marriage yet, but that is an interesting point of view of their relationship. 

@Tofu LOL. Given the ending, I have no clue what the sequel could be about either. Story could be about Yang Ying and LTG, or a story with completely new set of characters but maybe with ties to AJtL. According to the MDL page, the Chinese title for A Journey to Glow is 一念江南, which I can't read/understand all the characters. When I see my mom, I might ask her for her thoughts about it. Anyway, if anyone happens to hear anything about it, please let me know. 

On 12/19/2023 at 4:58 PM, Tofu said:

He is currently filming with Zhao Lusi. Both of them were previously paired together in The Long Ballad, so this will be their second project together. I'm hoping their storyline is more interesting than it was in The Long Ballad (in TLB, it started out really slow and at one point I couldn't understand what purpose their characters had in the drama). 

Good to know. I like Zhao Lusi so I look forward to his project with her.

On 12/19/2023 at 4:58 PM, Tofu said:

I like him too and he's improved a lot. I first saw him in The Heart of Genius and while he was good, you can noticeably tell Fu Bo Han is superior to him in acting. 

Fu Bo Han is another good young actor. I know him from Who Rules the World and A Date With the Future.

On 12/19/2023 at 4:58 PM, Tofu said:

 

Aww...they are so cute! I hope they participate in another drama in the future!

I'm at ep 28. So, I saw Yang Ying and Yuan Lu's rooftop scene! I understand why they're so shippable now.

I read some viewer comments wanting a modern version of A Journey to Love (similar to Scarlet Heart). Chances are slim, but it would be nice for these two to have their happy ending in an alternate story or just star in a completely different project works too.

I also read some comments that there'll be a sequel to A Journey to Love called A Journey to Glow. I'm not good with this kind of news so if anyone hears anything concrete about it, please let me know!

1 hour ago, Tofu said:

A Journey to Love Fashion Show, hahaha!

As expected, Qian Zhao still isn't smiling and Shi San is so extra! LOL.

5 hours ago, Tofu said:

Even though I might have cried during some of the scenes from the last couple of episodes, I'm not upset about the outcome. It's one of those where I wished it could have been different, but I'm ok with what we got too.

@Tofu Based on the premise of the story, I knew going into it that we'd likely get this kind of ending. Same as you though, I just hope that possibly it could be different. So, I'm sad but not upset at all. I watched a few more episodes last night (at ep 25) and luckily, I found my enjoyment isn't affected by knowing the outcome. I think the journey and everything in between counts here. The love - whether it be romantic, friendship, brotherhood - shared by the characters is wonderfully portrayed in the story. That, even in death, I don't think can be taken away.

Plus, I'll continue to enjoy it for LSS and LYN. I admire LYN as a singer. He always nails the OSTs. I'm glad my first drama of his is this one because I can't imagine someone else portraying NYZ. I hope he gets more good ML roles.

I did see some clips of the ending including one of CY encountering a boy in the fields. Real or not, I'll take it because I wanted to see their wish of having children come true. (I like the actor playing the boy. He was so good in My Journey to You as Tong Zi.)

Sigh...I'm on ep 22 but have caught wind of the ending. Don't know details so I'll still finish it all and decide how I feel about everything.

22 hours ago, Tofu said:

From my experience of watching wuxia dramas, usually one of the main characters is sacrificed. With Yuan Lu's illness, the drama is setting it up to be him, but it could very well be Yuanzhou or Ruyi too. I really hope everyone is alive and happy at the end.

My experience from watching costume dramas is similar, but I hope this story won't follow suit. I want everyone to be alive and happy at the end too. Yuan Lu has to live past 20+!

I was able to power through some more episodes last night. I’m at ep 12. I thought it was a good stopping point where Yuanzhou and Ruyi are officially together. I loved how their baby talk circled back and played a part with them confirming their relationship (and commitment). I couldn’t help but smile when Yuanzhou surprised Ruyi by finally agreeing to having a baby together, but the right time is when the mission is over. I believe their plan is to retire and live peacefully. This part made me really hope they achieve their happy ending. The rest of the family too.

22 hours ago, Tofu said:

I thought this scene was very touching and it shows how much Yuanzhou loves Ruyi. I don't think I would get in an ice bath for anyone. I would just dump them in the ice bath instead. 

Looks like there will be some sweet and touching scenes coming my way. Yuanzhou makes me want to be Ruyi. But yeah, I wouldn't get into an ice bath for anyone either. LOL. 

I’m only on ep 9 so I can't comment on Yang Ying’s preferred love interest. Just wanted to say though that I have high hopes for her as a person of high power in the state of Wu. Ruyi seems to believe in her potential and so do I. I would like to see the experience and knowledge that she gains from her journey outside the place to be meaningful. I hate to say this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some lives are sacrificed for peace by the end, so I hope for her role and growth will be impactful.

Yuan Lu has a heart of gold so I totally understand why everyone wants to protect him at all costs.

Just started this and already really liking it at ep 7. The elements of wuxia and court politics are well-balanced and well-developed which I feel are a rarity nowadays. Of course, the romance gives me the warm fuzzies. I like the slow-burn and push/pull with Ruyi's persistence and Yuanzhou's resistance. LOL. But seriously though, Yuanzhou won me over when he said he wants Ruyi to know there are many interesting things to experience in the world besides killing. I thought okay, the English title is kinda clicking now. Will we actually get to see baby "Xiaochuan" by the end of their journey? 😏😂

I like that Ruyi and Yuanzhou are strong characters equally and individually. Together, they might end up being one of my favorite wuxia pairings in a long while. And as a whole, the envoy crew might be one of my favorite squads.

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Oh boy. From skimming the comments, it looks like I need to brace myself for an overly obsessive character. I was hoping Li Tongguang would be an interesting character (maybe a wild card) on the An side.

On 12/5/2023 at 9:45 PM, SilverMoonTea said:

Journey To Love is a must. I think almost all of us watching this now. @Tofucan sell you on that.

On 12/5/2023 at 9:50 PM, Tofu said:

@peperomia -- As @SilverMoonTea said, skip Kunning Palace and watch A Journey to Love especially if you like a good wuxia. I heard the ML is a bit of a red flag in Kunning Palace which is why I'm not watching it. The ML in Journey is not a red flag and the FL is Liu Shishi, who is just amazing.

Thanks! I will flip my list and start A Journey to Love first. I used to watch more C-dramas back in the days and a lot were LSS' projects so I am definitely interested in watching this for her. I only know LYN as a singer (mainly his OSTs) so I'm curious to see him act!

I do like a good wuxia, but a lot of them have been disappointing lately. Either martial arts scenes are oversold in trailers and lacking in totality, or the story starts off great but can't maintain the momentum. But...I've heard great things about A Journey to Love so hopefully, it's a good one all around.

On 12/5/2023 at 9:45 PM, SilverMoonTea said:

For romcom, maybe give My Man is A Cupid a try? The premise a bit wacky but somehow it's interesting. Also have murder mistery as background.

I will look this up!

2 hours ago, SilverMoonTea said:

Oh did you not enjoying any romcom or marriage contract trope? This day most dramas about that lols. Any other preference than police procedural? So I can sell you more dramas hahahaha...

LOL. Not sure about contract marriages, but I do like romance/rom coms. I have a short attention span though so they have to be really good to keep me to the end. This may be why I prefer police procedurals and mysteries. Naturally, the just hook me. I also watch some C-dramas. I've been trying to find time to watch Lost You Forever, Kunning Palace and A Journey to Love.

@SilverMoonTea I'm answering the question here in case I mention any spoilers. Yes, I finished Behind Your Touch pretty quickly a while ago. I enjoyed it especially LMK and HJM. Love these two. But...I wasn’t fond of how Suho’s character was mostly utilized as a red herring and given a tragic ending like that. As a second lead, I just thought he deserved better. Otherwise, it was a good story. Kept me guessing throughout and I laughed a lot. The references to 25-21 as 55-51 were clever!

I haven’t had much down time to come here nor watch dramas since this and The Day. I’m hoping for a plain old police procedural soon though. I'll always make time for that. LOL.