A mix of slice of life, romance, mystery and some political intrigue
I finished "Are You the One" more than two months ago, so it's still somewhat fresh in my mind. Thankfully, I wrote down my comments and episode recaps, so I have references to refresh my memory as I write this.
This drama tells how fate and circumstances brought two strong, determined and principled characters from opposing sides together, and how they worked through their problems and challenges, and emerged with a better understanding of each other.
The story has two major arcs. The first arc is when Liu Mian Tang had amnesia and there were many unknowns, and the second one is when she fully recovered her memory and the ensuing events that happened. What I like about the first part, among other things, are the mystery, the unknown details, and anticipating when the truth will be found out. The comedy also helps. I like Cui Xing Zhou and Liu Mian Tang's getting-to-know each other phase, the slice of life moments and how they are reviving their porcelain business. For me, this part is best watched without knowing major spoilers. I accidentally read one, which dampened some of my excitement, but at least, I was a few episodes away and was near to guessing it.
Episodes 20 to 23 contain some of the major turning points in the story. I think the transitions are well done. The second part's focus is on their growth and reconciliation, as well as the palace intrigue. It's more serious compared to the first arc, but still has sprinklings of humor. The politics is not heavy here, so don't expect heart-pounding scenes. One thing I wish they had shown (instead of just mentioning it) would be some scenes or flashbacks of CXZ and LMT as forces on opposing sides, fighting for their beliefs. Not sure in what part of the drama they could insert these, but just a thought anyway. The drama's ending wrapped things up nicely, although I have a question or two, but it's not a big deal.
Now on to the main cast. Zhang Wan Yi did a good job portraying Cui Xing Zhou. He was able to show the serious, in-love, torn, heart-broken, and funny sides of CXZ. And I like his voice! Wang Chu Ran gave a convincing portrayal as Liu Mian Tang, especially in the first arc, where she showed innocence, savviness, trust and vulnerability. Plus, I find her pretty and elegant. In addition, Zhang Wan Yi and Wang Chu Ran have great chemistry. The interactions between CXZ and LMT come out naturally and are believable.
As for Chang Hua Sen, I first saw him as Li Tong Guang in "A Journey to Love", and his performance left a good impression on me. Here, his character, Zi Yu, is multi-layered, with mysteries that were eventually revealed. His portrayal is good, though I think Zi Yu's character could have been developed further. Shi Xue Ji, played by Yuan Yu Xuan, is a very likeable character. She's the dark horse in the family, someone you would root for and would want to succeed. Her growth is played out well.
Zhang Chi as Marquis Zhennan is the proverbial best friend, who's supportive and also comical at times. Liu Ling Zi as He Zhen is average for me. I've seen her play a similar character - strong, smart, but initially not appreciated by those around her.
The soundtrack is nice. The songs are well chosen and suit the drama.
Final Verdict: The romance and slice of life aspects are good, and despite some touching moments, politics, and fight scenes, it's generally a fun, entertaining and light watch. So if these are what you're looking for, then go watch this drama.
This drama tells how fate and circumstances brought two strong, determined and principled characters from opposing sides together, and how they worked through their problems and challenges, and emerged with a better understanding of each other.
The story has two major arcs. The first arc is when Liu Mian Tang had amnesia and there were many unknowns, and the second one is when she fully recovered her memory and the ensuing events that happened. What I like about the first part, among other things, are the mystery, the unknown details, and anticipating when the truth will be found out. The comedy also helps. I like Cui Xing Zhou and Liu Mian Tang's getting-to-know each other phase, the slice of life moments and how they are reviving their porcelain business. For me, this part is best watched without knowing major spoilers. I accidentally read one, which dampened some of my excitement, but at least, I was a few episodes away and was near to guessing it.
Episodes 20 to 23 contain some of the major turning points in the story. I think the transitions are well done. The second part's focus is on their growth and reconciliation, as well as the palace intrigue. It's more serious compared to the first arc, but still has sprinklings of humor. The politics is not heavy here, so don't expect heart-pounding scenes. One thing I wish they had shown (instead of just mentioning it) would be some scenes or flashbacks of CXZ and LMT as forces on opposing sides, fighting for their beliefs. Not sure in what part of the drama they could insert these, but just a thought anyway. The drama's ending wrapped things up nicely, although I have a question or two, but it's not a big deal.
Now on to the main cast. Zhang Wan Yi did a good job portraying Cui Xing Zhou. He was able to show the serious, in-love, torn, heart-broken, and funny sides of CXZ. And I like his voice! Wang Chu Ran gave a convincing portrayal as Liu Mian Tang, especially in the first arc, where she showed innocence, savviness, trust and vulnerability. Plus, I find her pretty and elegant. In addition, Zhang Wan Yi and Wang Chu Ran have great chemistry. The interactions between CXZ and LMT come out naturally and are believable.
As for Chang Hua Sen, I first saw him as Li Tong Guang in "A Journey to Love", and his performance left a good impression on me. Here, his character, Zi Yu, is multi-layered, with mysteries that were eventually revealed. His portrayal is good, though I think Zi Yu's character could have been developed further. Shi Xue Ji, played by Yuan Yu Xuan, is a very likeable character. She's the dark horse in the family, someone you would root for and would want to succeed. Her growth is played out well.
Zhang Chi as Marquis Zhennan is the proverbial best friend, who's supportive and also comical at times. Liu Ling Zi as He Zhen is average for me. I've seen her play a similar character - strong, smart, but initially not appreciated by those around her.
The soundtrack is nice. The songs are well chosen and suit the drama.
Final Verdict: The romance and slice of life aspects are good, and despite some touching moments, politics, and fight scenes, it's generally a fun, entertaining and light watch. So if these are what you're looking for, then go watch this drama.
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