Reviews

An unfinished masterpiece

A geniun story of time travel. The acting, from the casting in total, was really good. There was a chemistry between the ML and the FL but the sentiment moments in which they could show a parr of their talent, were almost all interrupted. The potentials were good but the producters could have spent a bit more money to make that story a masterpiece. The music was so-so. There was a question about how the ML learned so fast the habits of the modern world, like the wedding ring but the biggest gap was at the end, the way they appeared on the graduation... In general, we can say that it was a disent production which could have been greater.

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"The life we have now, that's all there is."

"Ochoyan" is the 27th asadora that I've completed. Before I was really even aware of asadora, I wanted to watch it because I'm a huge fan of Sugisaki Hana. As such, I was really happy when Hpriest announced that they were subbing it. [Thanks again to Hpriest to subbing this asadora in its entirety.] For this reason, I feel that I'm very biased towards this asadora in particular and I think I was just destined to love it. Haha.

Sugisaki Hana is really lovely in the lead role of Takei Chiyo, loosely based on the actress Naniwa Chieko. Her facial expressions tell a thousand words and she's able to communicate effectively through her body movements as well. I'd also like to praise Maida Nono for playing child Chiyo. Her delivery of "You're not abandoning me. I'm abandoning you!" has stuck with me particularly. I was happy that they brought her back to play Chiyo's niece. She's also good in "Tora ni Tsubasa". The entire cast deserves praise, including Tortoise Matsumoto, the dad everyone loves to hate lol. There's so many great performances here that I could be here all day. Just know that there's some great nuanced characters and many get their own fleshed-out stories. A special shout-out to Shigeyama Motohiko and Katsura Kichiya [narrator], whom I really loved in the underrated "Chiritotechin."

To address some elephants in the room, this asadora might not be for everyone due to the parental abuse and infidelity storylines. I, myself, didn't really mind these storylines as they appear to be taken from Naniwa's life itself. I also thought it was kind of bold for NHK to portray terrible parents and infidelity in an asadora. Chiyo's father Teruo (played by Matsumoto) and stepmother Kuriko (Miyazawa Emma) are played to perfection and both are a great example about the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is ultimately for yourself. Once Chiyo is able to let go of the things these two people had done to her, she is able to really live her life. It is also important to understand people and meet them where they are [but don't let yourself get walked all over].

As for the infidelity, I might've preferred the storyline be left out but it was ultimately important to include it to continue the asadora's message. The storyline probably elicited the most emotion out of the entire drama. I felt angry and devastated, and cried the most during those five episodes than any other asadora. After the storyline, I wish that the drama had just dropped Ippei (Narita Ryo), though I acknowledge that they needed him for the conclusion. I just found his face annoying after that [lol].

"Ochoyan" shows many forms of entertainment from before and after WWII, including silent films, kigeki stage acting, and radio dramas. If the drama had been able to go on longer, it could've shown Naniwa's film career in the 50s and 60s which would've been interesting. It's too bad that the asadora was cut short by COVID-19. Anyway, in conclusion, I really loved "Ochoyan" and its themes of forgiveness, found family, and moving forward. I highly recommend this asadora.

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Mi reseña

Al igual que las mayorías de las reseñas, me he interesado en ver este K-drama por la actuación de Cha Eun Woo. Siempre destaca por su papel de estudiante juvenil, es simplemente su estilo.

La trama en sí tuvo mucho potencial, pero su desenvolvimiento fue fatal. Al comenzar los primeros capítulos, me fue demasiado difícil conectar con la historia. No por el guion o la trama, sino más bien por la cero química que presentaban los protagonistas.

Sin embargo, admiro el fuerte mensaje que conlleva esta serie coreana: “nada es más bello que nuestro interior”.

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falls short of expectations

The plot centers around the life of a young woman navigating the challenges of her personal and professional life in a bustling city. At first, the premise seems promising, with opportunities for rich character development and engaging story arcs. However, as the episodes progress, the narrative becomes increasingly disjointed and predictable. Key plot points feel rushed, and the pacing is inconsistent, leading to moments where I have lose interest. The series attempts to tackle various themes, including ambition, family dynamics, and romance, but often fails to weave them together in a cohesive manner.

One of the most significant shortcomings of "Flourished Peony" is its character development. The protagonist, while initially relatable, becomes a caricature of herself as the series progresses. Her motivations and decisions often lack depth, making it difficult for me to empathize with her journey. Supporting characters are introduced with intriguing backstories, but many of them fade into the background without receiving the development they deserve. This lack of depth leaves the me feeling disconnected from the characters, which is a significant blow to the emotional impact of the story.

The series attempts to explore themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery, but the execution often feels superficial. The moral lessons presented can come across as clichéd and predictable, lacking the nuance and depth that would elevate the narrative. Instead of providing thought-provoking insights, the series often resorts to formulaic storytelling that fails to resonate with me.

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one of the most talked-about drama on Tencent Video

At its core, "Guardians of the Dafeng" tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes who band together to protect their realm from dark forces threatening to plunge it into chaos. The narrative is woven with intricate world-building, drawing viewers into a universe filled with mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and moral dilemmas. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. However, while the overarching storyline is engaging, some subplots feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more depth in certain character arcs.

The characters in "Guardians of the Dafeng" are a mixed bag. The protagonist, who embodies the classic hero's journey, is relatable and well-acted, showcasing a range of emotions as they navigate the challenges ahead. Supporting characters, however, sometimes fall into predictable tropes, lacking the complexity that would elevate them beyond mere archetypes.

One character who stands out is the enigmatic mentor figure, whose wisdom and backstory add layers to the narrative. The dynamics between the characters are often compelling, with moments of camaraderie and conflict that resonate with viewers. Yet, there are instances where character motivations feel unclear, leading to moments of frustration as audiences try to understand their choices.

Visually, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is nothing short of breathtaking. The cinematography captures the beauty of its fantastical landscapes, from lush forests to sprawling castles, immersing viewers in its world. The special effects used to bring mythical creatures to life are impressive, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The production team has clearly invested time and resources into creating a visually stunning series, which is a significant draw for fans of the genre.

The series explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. It delves into the complexities of morality, challenging characters to make difficult choices that test their values. While these themes are commendable, there are moments where the execution feels heavy-handed, with moral lessons presented in a way that can come across as preachy. Balancing these messages with subtlety would have added depth to the narrative.

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is a visually stunning drama that offers an engaging story filled with adventure and fantasy. While it has its flaws, particularly in character development and pacing, the series succeeds in capturing the imagination of its audience. With its impressive interaction metrics and dedicated fanbase, it’s clear that "Guardians of the Dafeng" has made a significant impact in the realm of contemporary drama. For those who enjoy epic tales filled with magic and heroism, this series is certainly worth a watch.

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weak character development

Bailu's character lacked depth and complexity. Her character felt one-dimensional, often relying on clichés rather than evolving throughout the series. The script did not provide her with enough backstory or motivation, making it difficult for me to connect with her journey.

While Bailu has shown talent in previous roles, her performance here felt underwhelming. The emotional scenes lacked the necessary intensity, and at times, her delivery seemed forced. This disconnect made it hard to invest in Bailu's struggles and triumphs.

The storyline had some intriguing elements, but the pacing was inconsistent. Key plot points involving Bailu felt rushed or poorly executed, leaving me with more questions than answers. The lack of clarity in her motivations and decisions contributed to the overall confusion of the narrative.

On a positive note, the cinematography and production quality were commendable. The visuals were stunning, and the setting added a magical touch to the story. However, even the beautiful aesthetics couldn't fully compensate for the shortcomings in character development and plot execution.

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Rewatching this beautiful nontoxic love story again I’m 2025

This is one of my favorite romantic Chinese dramas to rewatch with a smile. Yes, their are moments of tears but they don’t last long because their love is solid no one can interfere every when they are not together they are thinking of each other. I love how FL understands ML . She is his perfect match. He loves her and shows it in his own way. I love the way they both get jealous of each other. I love how they handle their pursuers. Even when they are not together they find excuses to be around each other. Their relationship started as arguments to falling for each other then after 3 years they start back with arguments but are glad just to have contact with each other until they can’t take it anymore and give in. FL will not let mom or no one keep her from her love 💜

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One Dollar Lawyer – A Legal Drama Masterpiece! ?

One Dollar Lawyer is an absolute gem that kept me hooked from start to finish! Namkoong Min as Chun Ji-hoon was phenomenal, bringing charm, wit, and emotion to the role of a lawyer who charges just 1,000 won yet fights for justice with unshakable determination. Beneath his humor lies a man seeking justice for personal tragedy—a heart-wrenching journey tied to his late wife and father, which adds incredible depth to his character. Kim Ji-eun as Baek Ma-ri was equally impressive, balancing strength and vulnerability as she worked alongside Ji-hoon to tackle corruption.

The supporting cast, including Choi Dae-hoon as Seo Min-hyuk, Lee Deok-hwa as Baek Hyun-moo, and Park Jin-woo as Sa Mu-jang, brought so much personality and life to the story. Every character shone in their own way, including Lee Chung-ah as Lee Joo-young, whose presence added mystery and emotion.

The OST was absolutely brilliant, with songs like "Get in Line" by DinDin and the main theme enhancing the humor and emotional beats perfectly. The blend of comedy, drama, and heartache made this show unforgettable. If you’re looking for a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, One Dollar Lawyer is a ten-out-of-ten must-watch!

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99% perfect romance

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Story

Great series with 2 amazing actors Chen and Jingyi..
ML and FL. A hard watch as I found Li xun everything I hate in a man ruthless.. coolly calculating and
manipulative to the extent he messed with zhu yuns head with his total disregard for any of her feelings.
I wanted her to tell him to get lost but she was so obsessed with him it took over her life. There was no excuse for his behaviour where he totally destroyed her self esteem that she felt worthless. He had his moments of showing his feelings for her but he was a Jekyl and Hyde character one minute loving next very cold. It was a great watch.. The storyline was good. All the actors
were excellent. It was a happy ending at least for both of them especially for Jingyi as her love for Li xun never faltered.

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