The Forbidden Flower (2023)

Definition of Love - A classic for all times.

This story started out as one that a viewer would ordinarily tend to reject. This very pretty young girl pursuing a strange older man after what she feels while her hair is being shampooed. The pursuit was relentless and mindless and initially began to turn me off because of the obvious age difference. The visuals appeared to be a teenager pursuing an old man. However, each episode debunked this visual and made the viewer feel the growth of a true relationship only tarnished by "other" women who desired this extremely handsome man and had no qualms about showing their desire.

Not a unique story but the story is told with musical interludes and English lyrics that were integrated magnificently into scenes and scene changes. Without looking at the scream you felt emotion. Without reading the lyrics you felt emotions. This is the first time I felt the music was the drama and the drama was integrated and woven into the fabric and tones of the music.

Each episode became more and more addictive as the introduction of additional storylines and scenes and locations was shown. The most memorable and award-winning scenes were from the Qiang province. The village, the people, the love, and the commitment to love were just awe-inspiring.

I would watch this drama again and again except for the illness of the FL (my sis died from this diagnosis) and it was painful to watch her go through the struggles of illness. The uplifting part of this drama is asking yourself - what is love? The answer can be easily found in this drama. A must-watch and definitely my top ten modern drama in the past 10 years.

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Here we go with the 'grooming' tid bit, have you watched the drama or even the clips. SHE CHASES HIM. As for the Summer-winter affair it means a short lived romance hopefully ending well as the summer heat comes into the arsh winter realities. The story is beyond the age factor. For all of you saying 'ick' factor there are many females who never clicked with a younger man. This female character actually decided who her man is and took assertive action to remind him and wake him up to their past and future. He pushed her away several times. I admit there are many cheesy dramas with child-like females but this is not one of them. No deceptive plots no wicked jealous second lead no temper tantrums or getting back at the other person.

Beautiful drama. 10/10

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Ending part Episode 24

The drama is great aside from slow pace of the series and some unusual cut editing they aired. The main leads was awesome. And I have some few complain and it's all about the last episode which kinda messed/mixed up.
After I re-watched the drama, mostly at ending part (Ep.24), I think it is the sad ending. The female lead, He-Ran died at the snow and lake scene. Others who've watched it thinks she recovered when she went to America for treatment with her mother but it did not happen. Because at the lake scene part, He-Ran told Xiao Han that she's not leaving and wanted to stay with Xiao Han's side 'til the end. The two lay down on the snow, He-Ran told Xiao Han about the things that he promised to her were all fulfilled and she really love him. After that He-Ran said that she feels a bit tired and wanted to sleep for awhile, I think that's the signal that she was about to pass away that's why Xiao Han cried after that.

Now there's a scene after the credit roll, that they've met again after a year. For what I think, it is Xiao Han's memories of her that she will be forever alive in his heart and mind, and his last woman as he promised.

But there's a contradiction to the story. The mother said, she will do what her daughter He-Ran request that she should start a new life BUT only if she will go for a treatment in America with her and recovered. And in 1year, the mother reunited with her love interest and agrees to start living with him. And the people around them acting like nothing happen about He-Ran. Like what the hell happen and which is which is real? it confuse me. hahhaah

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From the very first scene, you’d know you’re in for a very different cdrama vibes and within ten minutes, you’d be treated with a very artistic visuals and auditory feels. This will continue throughout the drama and will only get better in every episode.

The best thing about the drama is no doubt the chemistry between the two leads. They absolutely sell the “forbidden” love really well. Like most forbidden love stories, it is usually all-consuming flames and you see that with how Jerry Yan and Xu RuoHan interpreted their roles. Whenever they look at each other, tease each other, small touches and especially intimate scenes, there was no awkwardness at all and you definitely would believe you are seeing Xiao Han and He Ran.

All the casts delivered their acts perfectly - most notable is He Ran mom/Qiu JiaRong - Huang Yi. In the drama, I think she had to give the most range of emotions - protective mother and anxiety-driven widow to a woman who is on the verge of finding a new dreamy love.

As for the cons, editing has its goofs but the most obvious flaws are its lack of characterization and underdeveloped storylines. Han Yu and Xiao Han suffered here the most. Han Yu was sidelined as nothing as comic relief until the very last episode while you will keep waiting for Xiao Han to get this big background story but nothing was ever explained properly. Instead we get side characters from him that came in and out without real impact like QuanQuan and QinZao. I should not compare drama with the book but if they did not plan for QuanQuan storyline to be same as her(his in book) then maybe they should have done away with her suddenly appearing and disappearing in the story. As for Qin Zao - maybe they were tried of ex-lovers appearing to bring complications so they chose to make her sister to Xiao Han’s ex instead but her appearance was again a problem as it did not add any depth to Xiao Han’s character. I prefer drama Xiao Han(obviously kinder and more responsible than book) but at least book Xiao Han, I knew him more and I know by the end, he had grown as a character and as a man.

Overall it is a great and definitely memorable drama. Directors deserved kudos for art and feelings translated to film medium. Music scoring a top tier. Lastly, a big salute to all actors!

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This is one of the best series I’ve seen, the casting was phenomenal, both main leads played their roles to perfection, the plot was straight forward and easy to follow, and not at all cliche or generic. The cinematography and the storytelling was also very well done, honestly 10/10 for everyone that worked on this project, I can tell they put their heart and souls into this piece. And the music! God you’ll find yourself unable to wait for the next masterpiece to blast through your screen, and if it’s not blasting the first time you watch this drama, I can guarantee the second time you will be listening to it on the loudest volume possible. (And I say second time because if you watched it once, you’ll definitely watch it again, I found myself skipping back so that I could experience each scene again, again and again. that’s how good this drama is, and the chemistry between the leads! Let’s not start on that or I’ll never finish writing this review!) Each song was carefully selected so that it fits each scene, characters and setting perfectly. For example I can’t stop thinking about the scene in Ep 1, the first scene where we actually meet Xiao Han whilst He Ran is searching for the mysterious man who left an impression on her. Grasshopper from Half Time Of Heart is playing in the background and it’s honestly the most fitting song for Xiao Hans character. Liao has truly outdone himself playing him, and I could say the same for all the actors and actresses, Xu Ruo for example is so easy to love and you just can’t help but root for her. I can say without an ounce of doubt, if you do watch this you’ll enjoy it. I’m glad I came across it. :)

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Age Gap x2

If you’re going to take issue with the age gaps of both couples. The main couple and the secondary couple . This series isn’t for you. Westerners are hog wild about the age gap relationships now because women have finally gain some power and are starting to date younger men. Now the media is all in an uproar about men grooming little girls to be child brides so women shouldn’t do it too. Women can’t date younger men. Even if the women looks significantly younger than her age. The casting is interesting because ML was 46 and FL was 25 while the 2ndML was 30 to the 2ndFL was 45. Proving a 21 age gap when it’s a man to the 15 age gap when it’s a woman. Now that the elephant in the room is talked about. I will say this. Don’t take your western POV into this Asian series because social norms aren’t universal. Spare me your judgmental self if you’re going to watch a series that wasn’t made for westerners.

The story was very different and interesting as you watch along. Since the acting is superb. Even if some aspects of it seems like it’s cliche. It isn’t.

First off He Wan is a very willful young woman who has been shelter by her mom who has a very traumatic life. She was married off to a famous artist to be nothing more than a trophy wife. This man is weak willed so he kills himself after he was diagnosed with leukemia. That husband is a self prick. He only care about his art and seemed to have left his wife to raise a daughter on her own while he focuses on his art. The he just offs himself and leaves his wife to raise his daughter with no afterthought. The fact that this women had to sell all his art to support herself and her daughter shows how resilient she is. Then she builds a successful business by herself by being the brand herself. She fakes a persona of being the organic queen so she binges on fried chicken and booze in private. It just shoes that imposter syndrome is real. She has to be this perfect women to be the face of her company.

The male lead. I don’t understand what is his attraction that the FL is gaga over him. Perhaps it’s because he is a good looking guy nearing 50. Maybe she’s looking for a daddy figure since hers killed himself. Maybe it’s because she sheltered by her mom after she’s diagnosed with leukemia like her dad. Maybe she knows her life is shortened so why not do whatever she wants. The fact that the ML had a slew of women who are after him is something I don’t see other than his looks. I mean he doesn’t seem to be sociable as he is curt with people. He doesn’t seem to have any money or ambition. He takes care of plants and does odd job landscaping. I don’t get the barber shop as he’s never cut anyone else’s hair except the FL in episode 1. Yet he has women chasing after him.

The chemistry and dynamic between the main couple is really good. The FL is the aggressor and a jealous fiend. I love how she told the ex-GF’s sister off with so much gumption.

I fell for the 2ndML. I almost always do. I want this dude so bad. His voice is sexy AF. The way he eats up the 2nd FL in those kisses. ??? Whenever he cries. I feel it in my loins.

The mom being the 2nd FL really has me giggling and doing double takes. Like how I detest her in the beginning. Then she softened me up after she is spotted gouging on the fried chicken and booze. All the while making the 2nd ML fall for her. But when she was there for her daughter during her relapse. I was like. Protect this woman at all cost 2nd ML.

What can I say? I loved this series. I am now back to straight series after gorging on BLs since Covid. BLs have lost their mojo with me this year.

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Wonderful!
I just don't give it a 10 because of the ending. ( lt's not exactly a sad ending... )
Despite some nonsensical parts...

lt has a very beautiful story around gardening and an ML with an unimaginable character and personality.

ML is one of the most wonderful personality MLs that ever appeared in dramas. Kind, patient, compassionate, loyal, faithful, sweet, passionate, warm ( and hot), SUPER responsible, gentle, humble, noble, committed and generous...
A personality quite similar to ML from hotel del luna

FL despite having some flaws was also had a wonderful and courageous personality...

I believe that this is one of the few dramas where there were two main protagonists with the most indescribably passionate and wonderful personalities.

Really a shame the ending was sooooo dry...

The drama makes us really want to be a better person!!!!

The music is also beautiful...

[ SPOlLER ]

The only flaw is the ending where she comes back was so short.
It took away almost all the emotion it should have.

[SPOlLER END]

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I want a follow up to these people and their lives I am very invested in their characters.

This is a very stylish drama the cinematography is quite adventurous and the warm pallet is pleasing. Throughout the drama the music is prominent. Beautiful words and tunes are very evocative and set the mood especially as the sadder details are revealed. Often the actors are shot in close-up with just the music as their internal reaction to the earlier scene is processed.
The two main actors are mesmerising. The young female He Ran, played by Xu Ruo Han, whilst having her hair washed meets the ML Xiao Han, played by Jerry Yan, and is immediately attracted to him and his deep sexy voice. Thus begins her persistent pursuit of him.
There is more social taboo in their culture around great age differences so even though they become lovers the relationship has many secrets.
I fell for the charismatic Xiao Han, his calmness, deep voice and hidden talents married up with a rocking physique.
The female leads character at times was annoying, however, her actions were in keeping with a young adult that has been secluded away and cossetted and controlled by her fearful mother.
Her mother is a strong, yet damaged character and the offer of a relationship with her much younger coworker is charged with expectation.
The pairings work because of the directing, writing and all the many talented people who finalised and edited the story.
Spoiler: watch the credits for the conclusion.
I want a follow up to these people and their lives I am very invested in their characters.

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THIS IS FREAKING GOOD... Not typical C-drama... NO REGRET FROM START TO END

This drama is totally a new and feel fresh among typical C-drama... The script, the cinematography, OSTs, The Casts, the chemistry between leads everything are so perfect. Love every details...... Give big claps to scriptwriter and director... they really did a great job for this masterpiece except many many uncut scenes (this is really bad). The leads how they portrayed each characters to fit in, just wow! I can't imagine with Xiao Han and He Ran if not Jerry Yan and Xu Ruo Han pairs... you may think the age gap before you watched... but after you watched it, you won't even remember... Sure you won't regret to watch... 101% Recommended!!!

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You don't come by something like this everyday❤

Binged it within 2days, and now I'm a whole mood.? The drama got me exactly where it wanted me to be, from the opening sequence to the ending, it has been such a visceral, bittersweet experience and a celebration about the soft underbelly of humans, about basic desire, about life. It was naive and simple most of the time, and was deep for the exact same reason. I really applaud the entire cast and crew for doing this project.
It didn't always make sense, but it didn't have to, either. Such is life. Sometimes you realise when you are overly critical of stories and character dynamics it is actually your own prejudice speaking, that you think only your moral standards are valid and noone else's. It is not easy to unlearn that, and to just lie back and listen to the story that the other side has so generously decided to share with you, faults, fragmented and all. It is very freeing and that's what this drama was to me~ it broadened my scope in lots of ways than not.
It was 99% vibes, 1% plot story with tenderhornysad feelings and with amazing kaleidoscopic camera language, don’t miss it!

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