Could have been so much better

Unfortunately, the sloppy/rushed script kind of ruined this for me.
The acting is in my opinion what kind of saves this, and is why I didn't abandon it. So if you like the cast and this genre, and think you can overlook a bit of a rushed script, then go for it.

This show has similarities to some other Cdramas, like Bright Eyes in the dark, You are my hero, Operation Special Warfare, and more. This veers more and more away from their daily work, maybe to try differentiate itself, but this is where I find the script to become really sloppy, and more unrealistic/extreme towards the end.
- It feels like a lot is left out / the story progresses very abruptly sometimes. It's OK if the story jumps forward, but I wish there was clearer indication of it. Sometimes it feels like they have cut scenes and not adjusted the following script properly.
- Several details annoy me a bit, for example when another rescue worker comes and says a person is trapped, and then they have to search for the person – wouldn't the original rescue workers know the location? And very obvious staged sets sometimes (stones blocking the road on a straight line on top of a line of some sort, and no one apparently thought about carrying supplies over the rocks?), there are never people in the so-called hospital, and so on.

My main impression is that this production was a bit rushed. Mostly because of smaller issues - some mentioned above, but also instances where dialogue suddenly sounds like it is spoken inside a box, too obvious use of green screen, and some more.

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Some things are great, some things are not…

Key take aways: Starts off good, middle part way too plot-heavy, gets better towards the end but feels a bit rushed and predictable.
Acting was strong, music ok, effects not great.

The following I wrote when on episode 24, but my thoughts are pretty much the same on these points after completing all episodes:

First of all: Fu Yun Shen (1st ML), brought to life by Cheng Yi, is just such a wholeheartedly good character. He didn't start out like that, but he turns out to be the kind of persona that fills you with a warm feeling. Everything from his acts and behaviour to the way he talks and smiles. Great acting by Cheng Yi.

As for Zhang Yu Xi portraying Zhu Jiu (1st FL), I have had some mixed impressions of her before, but I do think she fills this role well.

They had some sweet moments, but not off-the charts chemistry.

Fu Xin Bo as Fu Xi Zhou (2nd ML); I have liked some other works of his I have seen, and he does OK, but I think maybe his character becomes a bit "flat" as it progresses. I do like how they try to show his internal conflicts (will not divulge further to not give spoilers).

Then:
I sincerely wish the writers had skipped the family dramas and scheming character types. That would have made this SO much better. They could have created a story arch in a different way.
The drop that kind of did if for me now was Zhou Zhi Zhi's mum, but Fu Yun Shen's mother is also way over-the-top.

Some scenes are a bit too fake-looking (props & visual effects), but other part of the cinematography is quite beautiful.

I also find it a bit annoying that the female characters, especially Ruan Ruan, but also occasionally Zhu Jiu, talks in so childish ways. I know RR's character is supposed to be a bit spoiled and childish, but still - to talk like she is a 7 year old?

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Very memorable, very touching

This was one of my first historic K-dramas, and my-oh-my, did it leave an impression!
It must be at least a year and a half (probably more) since I watched it, and I have watched endless hours of K- and C-dramas since, but this still has a special place in my memory.

First of all: The acting was top-notch. They brought their characters to life in such convincing ways, displaying their inner and out emotions so you can’t not connect. That goes for both the main leads, and several of the supporting.

And then: The script. How it weaved the love story into the depiction of this difficult time in history. It made me interested in finding out more about this part of South Korea’s history, as not really something we learn about here where I live (or it’s just that I’m too old so don’t remember from my school days ?).

The cinematography and music was also good as far as I can remember.
This is one of a handful of dramas I highly recommend to my friends, and one I can see myself watching over again.
Warning: You will probably cry.

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