Rose in the Storm (2020)

Don't give up after the first Eps, it gets better!

1. Story
First of all, I'm really into business dramas and I don't mind business talk at all - I have alredy read that there was going to be a whole lot of business in the storyline, yet I need to say that still I was surprised about how much it actually made up of the story. I almost dropped it after Ep.4 - but I didn't, which was definitely a good choice!!!
I really enjoyed the story behind though, but some cases were way too draggy, for example the very first one with Wan JiaHe, which didn't need to take up that many Eps as it did. But all in all, the storyline develops very well, expecially in the second half (!!).
I've read reviews where people found the love story between the first lead couple too much of "back and forth", but to me, honestly, it didn't feel that way. Yes, there COULD'VE been less of it, but nothing relly felt like it was forced to me, and regarding the fact that this drama has 40 Eps, the "back and forth"s were needed to keep the story going.

2. Characters
Well, finally a drama where I enjoyed every female character! No clumsy, childish characters - instead we got smart, strong and independent women - not only the first and second lead (Lin Wo & Alisa), but also Sun Miao and even Zheng WanYing (though she was indeed getting a lot on my nerves in the first half haha).
What also surprised me in a good way was the second lead couple: They were not "only" supporting roles, but each had their own stories - really nice to watch! And I loooved Su Yuan, he developed to such a nice character and became really enjoyable to watch :)
Also a big praise to the stylists! I loved the outfits, especially Lin Wo's business outfits, and needless to talk about Hu YiTian in suits.. ;)

3. Acting & Cast
To me, the first lead couple didn't miss any chemistry, besides they look really well together.
I am really impressed with Qiao Xin's (Lin Wo's) crying scenes, they looked very real to me - except some scenes around the end where it was a bit too much for me - but I could get the emotions she was trying to portray.

The music was nothing special to me, but it did what it should and matched the scenes very well.

All in all, a drama worth watching if you don't mind too much business! Personally, the second half was way better than the first, so I'd recommend everyone to just "bear" some scenes in order to get to the more interesting parts!
The story is indeed a more mature one, the drama contains some dark scenes, facing such topics like suicide and family problems; the love story of the first leads is also more mature (which was definitely pretty enjoyable to me!).
( Little plus: Lots of slap scenes of Gao Shan (Hu YiTian), really entertaining to watch.. I love him tho lol)

-- very small spoiler --
.. aaand last: Yes, I get why everyone is hating so hard on Bei XiaoRong, but honestly.. Wasn't it already pretty obvious that he is not gonna win over Gao Shan? :) So why not lean back and enjoy some more drama in the making..? ;))

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Never thought about falling deeply in love with you? plus complicated revenge story?

To be honest wasnt quite sure what to expect of the drama before watching it. I saw some reviews that said it was bad, but after I have watched it, overall was good but towards the end I would skip. I almost contemplating dropping it towards 36 ep because it started not to make sense... but the overall drama is acceptable. Although this drama has some traces of revenge , it wasnt the main factor/drive behind the story, a good chunk was about their job and being a financial headhunter, that make the story more breathable, but towards the end they kinda stretched the story a little too much.

Male lead is Gao Shan. He is in the financial business. He has a complicated past. His father committed suicide from having not enough money to pay the people in his warehouse( i think he also went bankrupt) Gao Shan saw his father's suicide and his mother became mentally unstable. He completes to find a job in the financial industry, more over he wants to investigate what actually happened to his father. He meets the female lead Lin Wo, she is a financial headhunter. Their jobs are to find the perfect candidate to fit the financial job opening offered by the company. Lin Wo is smart, confident. Initally Gao Shan doesnt know that Lin Wo was the suspected person that was responsible for his father's suicide. Of course Lin Wo and Gao Shan fall in love. After he finds out about her identity, he attempts to break up with her.

He eventually gives up his revenge for her which I find sweet. I mean love can overcome hatred!!!But then the story gets weird and introduces to a character named Bei xiao rong. He was someone that Lin Wo took care of when he was younger. He use to have autism when he was younger... This character is introduced at a bad time and the introduction of his just makes the rest of the drama unbearable... He also complicates things and does things to ruin the relationship between the leads.... just because he likes her...

As for the romance between the lead, I felt they had a decent chemistry/passion. Although I wasnt the biggest fan of all their " punch kisses" ( lol term I made up) All their kisses were so forceful, like they plant the kiss in their face with force like punching someone lol. Can't they just be gentle?

Can we talk about the choice of clothing for the female lead? some formal outfits were so opened and low cut? ( something we dont really seem much in Chinese dramas)

Im so glad it wasnt just revenge driven or else it would be a very negative drama....It honestly did better than I expected.

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I would just like to state that Bei Xiao Rong basically almost ruins the show because he's absolutely USELESS and an IDIOT. I hated him. lol

I tell myself I don't like revenge dramas but I'm always watching them LOL and this isn't any different except for the fact that it really kept me on my toes. I loved the chemistry between Hu Yi Tian and Qiao Xin; it seemed like all revenge and he had everything planned but the love was unconditional and there and a surprise to me really. They went through a lot and had ups and downs but I kind of liked that they stayed a little strong. I mean there was ups and downs but the friends we're cool, the families weren't even that bad either tbh but fk you Bei Xiao Rong.

I loved the acting, the kisses, IMMACULATE, the chemistry muah, everything was solid.

Music was nice!!!

I would actually rewatch it. 40 episodes seems like a lot but honestly, it wasn't. It was solid. Quick and easy watch, super nice.

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I ENJOYED IT

The drama wasn't as bad as I thpught it would be. Yes, the storyline is a typical revenge-fall in love drama but that's my type of drama anyways. I really like tge plot and the acting, everyone's acting was amazing and fit ever characters. However, I would have to say it drag a bit in the middle and I kinda lost interest mid way but I got back to it after all the episodes was out. There are some scenes or situations that was very unnecessary to the storyline, other thab that the drama was very entertaining.

A little warning: lots of slap/kiss, force kiss and misunderstanding between the main characters.

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I liked this drama at times and other times it got so draggy I really wanted to drop it.... but right as I was going to drop it, the actors delivered a great scene that kept me watching. It took me a while to see the chemistry between the ML and FL and it wasn’t until the middle that they finally drew me in. There were some sweet moments and I liked the change in ML’s character as the drama progressed.

I had a hard time with the FL though, because she had SO many people “protecting” her and looking out for her (ML, dad, best friend, crazy sidekick) that she lost her credibility as a strong and independent woman. She came across as being incapable and always needing to be taken care of. FL didn’t want to be deceived by the ML and gave him such as hard time, yet she had no idea she was being deceived and lied to by her crazy sidekick. The kicker was when she praised crazy sidekick for taking care of her when she was at her lowest.... yet he was the reason for her pain. Sigh. I don’t know if she ever figured that one out.

Overall, I think this would have probably been a good 24 episode drama... the fast forward button helped but 40 episodes was just too long.

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One time watch

I have no words how to describe this drama. Female lead lived with her friend not with her father because she always thought that his father cheated her mother and when she needed him the most he wasn't there. So she always resented him . On the other side male lead misunderstood her father , he thought that he was the killer of his father. When the leads had fallen in love ,then he came to know that she was the daughter of his enemy but he still love her and because of her he didn't take revenge of his father but he made her hather realised about what he had done with his father and he never forgave him . At the same time he came to know that his father's killer was someone else . Female lead thought that he never loved her ,with planning he enter in her life and then she broke with him . They got separated . But he never give up . He continued to pursue her. And then there was a happy ending.
Sometime some episodes bored me and some episodes were good.

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IF any one want to confuse the mind can try it...

STORY
when i consider my personal experience i loved the story flow very much. the introduction was amazing as client . the story full of revenge and the same while the ML have a love track with FL was awesome .the very problem that solved in a proper manner . i enjoy when they were searching evidence for every problem which connected with only one main issue .and also the 2ML and the 2FL love track was superb . and also the that little boy Xiao Bao ;his acting in office was touch my heart. even though the story has 40 ep it has it own flow .they have make every part with meaning full content .and also the last 15 ep was touch my heart .those give some meaning full message to everybody .
:):):):)Here , thought a new thing that is for some couple there will be more important work when than their marriage and they are supporting each other that time as well :))))))
When consider about the acting they gave their full energy i think because every part was perfect for me .

First was refuse to watch but after watch it loved it......

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Would have been better if Xiarong didn't show up.

I would say that it's really good. I was really interested with the trailer that's why I watched it plus it's Hu Yi Tian. I really stayed for him lol. I haven't watched many revenge themed dramas so I'm fine with it. The first episodes are great for me. I'd say that I really like plots where the leads are solving problems/mysteries. I love the four, I love their friendship. Have nothing to say with the chemistry of two, love it. And yes, at the first episodes, or the first time that they got together, there are really instances that Yi Tian or Gao Shan is trying to manipulate Lin Wo. Though at the middle, after they broke up the first time, I could see the changes to both of them. Afterall it was part of the reason that Lin Wo was always inferior when they broke up. At first all Gao Shan had in mind is to have his revenge not until he really fell for her. I actually love the character development, not only to the two main leads but as well to Su Yuan and Alisa. That's a good point for me. Plus, love how they used the cases that they solved as a way to give development to their characters and bond. Some might say that it is dragging at the first half but it's fine for me. Really, I would give the first half of it a 9/10. Everything just went downhill after the existance of Bei Xiarong. He ruined it. Liked, literally. I'm not really a fan of love triangles, I hate him so much. I skimmed through episodes 34-37 because of Xiarong. Yes, I'm blaming all the mess to him, yes I hate him to core, yes I'm biased. Seeing his face makes my blood boil, seriously. Episodes 33-36 was painfully dragging for me. I really can't stand the face of Xiarong. The drama would have been shorter if not for him. The couple, for me, was really strong and holding on to their relationship especially after seeing how they deal with the truth on Episode 30. Things just really got messy because of Xiarong, had he not told the delivery to come earlier, then there would be no mess. Just thinking of it still makes me so frustrated. But well, I guess that's really how drama works, I told myself and hold on to it (seriously I'm on the verge of dropping it). I tried to shake off my irritation, but to my disappointment, Lin Wo just forgave him THAT fast. And he wasn't even punished for what he did!! She was so mad when it came to Gao Shan then she just let it slipped so easily when it came to Xiarong. Also, I can't see any purpose of his character besides being obsessively in love with Lin Wo and ruining their relationship to drag the drama even more. I might exceed the word limit if I continuously rant about him and it still won't be enough to discuss my annoyance with his character. Well, moving on, the last things that I'd just drop here is how quick the proposals are haha. Or maybe it's just me? Think it would have been better if they dated for a few more months after what happened, you know. Also, why did Sun Miao's son didn't grow up? He's still seems to be the same kid haha. Guess I'd wrapped it here then. I'm really disappointed with the last parts and how it went down the hill. Really liked the first parts, sighs. Actually planning to rewatch it but after seeing the second half, well, no thanks haha. Still, I think it's a good watch if you're not bothered with love triangles and annoying character like Xiarong. I just really came for Hu Yitian, though haha. Well, at least I don't regret that I watched it and I'm satisfied seeing him and watching their chemistry.

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Draggy story....Too much on again and off-again b/n the leads

To be honest i watched this show only forHu Yi Tian and I don't think it was worth it because MY GOD!!!! Female lead is super duper irritating. This is my 1st show of hers and I got to know that she is an experienced actress. I really don't know how is she experienced or how many more dramas she need to do inorder to decently emote the character's emotions. In this show most of the times, no all of the times her facial expressions were strange i mean it didn't go with the situation. I am not telling this to disrespect her but she had constipated expressions throughout. She had that expression when she was in love, when she was angry or sad. So it became really difficult to make out the situation. As it is 40 episodes long, it became very unbearable to watch her even for a sec. Second thing I want to point out here is her hair do. Who ever her stylist was in this show should be fired. Her hair cut was like some rat has bitten her hair. It made her look very ugly and manly. Combination of her acting + her hairstyle = It was super duper eyesore.
Third thing is there was too much of push and pull, on again and off again b/n the leads. It was again very irritating.
Apart from that it was really a medicare drama.

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Revenge dramas? Bring it on!

Have watched plenty of revenge K-dramas so I would give my two cents for this particular revenge-romance C-drama.

Of course, who wouldn’t start this drama because of Hu Yi Tian ( also because of the plot 😂). The business element in this drama is a plus, with all the politics and stuff going on, throw in a little romance and comedy this drama really has spice and everything nice!

Some parts of the drama really have you going on a emotional roller coaster! But it’s definitely worth it. You really can see how the FL grow in this drama (relationship wise).

Do give this drama a go!

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Long review

Story
I was attracted by the premise. It sounded interesting. The trailer made it look even more promising; it gives you some dark vibes because the drama has some heavy themes (at least for me, they shouldn't be normalized) like murder, mental illnesses, suicide, etc. It is a quite a mature drama, mostly centered in business, with a little romance, friendship and self-improvement.
It has some funny scenes and many plot twists, but it also has some ridiculously dramatic and very convenient moments, but which drama doesn't have them?

Acting/ Cast
Both main leaders (Hu Yitian and Qiao Xin) have improved a lot in their acting skills from their previous dramas. I think they perfom decently, not perfectly. The second leaders (Sean Zheng and Tiffany Zhong) did a better performance.
The four main characters are likeable, they have their strengths and flaws but are all smart, and they had a great development.
Gao Shan- He has a tragic and complicated past. Initially, he was so focused on his revenge that he was able to use and manipulate people just to fulfill his purposes. But, he changes for good. He tries to do things better for Lin Wo, because he truly loves her, but is not easy to forget and let go.
He is arrogant, selfish and always wants to do things on his own so he can't be completely honest, but he has a strong sense of justice and is very protective. He is the most human character.
Lin Wo- At the beginning, she was a little unexperienced on businesses, so she got in many troubles, but she stood up again and again and became more mature and reliable.
She is so hard-working, competitive and smart.
She is the best character for me, because her personality makes you empathize with her, you understand her decisions, you feel her pain and you want her to succeed because she deserves it, she never gives up.
Wu Dongna- I bet everyone got the wrong idea of her at beginning. At first, she was entirely superficial and only cared about what benefits her the most, even if that affects other people. But, her heart slowly warms up because of Su Yuan and Lin Wo influence, as she starts prefering love and friendship over success and money. She is without any doubt the smartest: is so clever and shrewd.
Su Yuan- First impression of him was that he will be that character that its only function is to be funny to relieve tension. And that is true but not 100% true.
He wants to stops being a spoiled rich boy to prove he can be independent and reliable. He is clueless most of the time, but is always helpful, is a good friend and is so charming and romantic.

Side characters were okay. The most likeable ones were Deng Li and Sun Miao and Qin Shengsheng (he was only a misunderstood man that only wanted to prove his daughter tht he loves her).
The worst ones were Bei Xiaorong and Zheng Wanying (both were so annoying and out of place most of the time).

Music
Very accurate to the mature theme of the drama. It was good, but nothing special.

Comments
Like:
-The opening doesn't give spoilers.
-It is by far best Hu yitian and Qiao xin acting.
-The storyline is original.
-There are no dumb characters.
-The main couple leaders are both attractive and tall. Their looks make them fit well.
-The photography was great.

Dislike:
-It is so focused on business matters that some scenes are kinda boring.
-Too tragic and dramatic. It has a happy ending but some moments feel so depressing.
-Some scenes were cut and not well edited, because it was easy to notice that mistakes.
-A lot of break-ups.
-Many kissing scenes were deleted.

Rewatch value
Yes, in the future I will, I would like to watch it without waiting for the episode to come out.

Overall
It keeps you watching, wanting to know what is going to happen next. But, I think is not for everyone, you hate it or you love it.

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Typical Plot

The story is very cliche. There was too much drama. It got me bored from Ep 30+ till finish I would want to drop it .But I'll give good credits to the main characters especially the Male Lead and the supporting characters. The chemistry between the ML and FL was so so and the acting was promising as well. The story is very cliche. There was too much drama. It got me bored from Ep 30+ till finish I would want to drop it .But I'll give good credits to the main characters especially the Male Lead and the supporting characters. The chemistry between the ML and FL was so so and the acting was promising as well.

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