Di Jiu Jie Ke (2022)

Turn off your brain

my first ever review.

what i like:
1. chemistry
2. the way the scenes were shot and how it shows on screen
3. some decent acting
4. the overflowing emotions
5. interesting makjang
6. not boring
7. imperfect characters. morally grey, morally red. red flag. green flag. Mysterious character (xia yuxin), annoying character (the mom).
8. the pace, the amount of eps, and duration of each eps

what i dislike:
1. some of the logic and reasoning (i just ignore it, bcos I don't treat this as an educational material, just a pure entertainment drama).
2. sometimes ekkkk acting


overall a 8.5/10. it's definitely not perfect in any way. so many questionable morals, but heck as a makjang and rom, it is entertaining. ok that's it :)

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Not as bad as you might think

First few episodes might have you cringing.. typical spoilt rich boy acting up and pulling pranks on this new female teacher. But somehow in the process, he falls in love w her.

Our ML is 17yo going on 18, still in high school. He’s doing all these rebellious acts to spite his mom, who is the chairwoman of the parents association in the school. The mom of course is super rich, donated loads to the school and abused her power with the school principal. Enters our FL, who is a new teacher at the school, and she’s 30 yo.

The first 5 episodes were questionable : HE was obviously crushing hard on her, but SHE was gracefully holding back, but slowly falling for him as well. It wasn’t anything pedophilia but it was difficult to watch the budding romance between teacher and student. Thankfully, the explicit scenes at this stage were merely a fragment of his imagination ;)

Then comes Epi 6 with a huge plot twist, which made the story turn quite interesting. Here the drama and angst intensifies, and emotions are running wild. I must say I didn’t really like our ML’s acting. He seemed wayyyy too childish to handle a relationship w a much older woman. As the story unfolds, it gets more gripping and more and more plot twists, especially the final episode! Never saw that coming! It is a happy ending for our main couple, and somehow by the end, their relationship doesn’t seem so “wrong” anymore.

Watch this with an open mind. Yes definitely there were some steamy scenes, though it seemed a little forced lol. Bear in mind this is a Taiwanese drama ;) and good thing it’s only 12 episodes :):)

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Tales From An Incel

Ummm ... where do we begin? First things first, you don't watch this show for the romance. You watch it for the DRAMA. The drama of it all is what saved this show because the romance was sorely lacking. Also, I saw someone said that the show had a strong beginning and got worse. I'd have to wholly disagree - it had a weak beginning and got better as time went on. Sure, the plot twists were pretty predictable overall but the whole "he bullies me because he has a crush on me" shtick has gotten old. I know fans are really into this more recent phenomenon of awful MLs treating their love interests like crap, but I've never bought into that. Especially if the writers weren't going to allow the FL to have a backbone and be seen as a strong contender against the ML but I digress. You like what you like, but it's redundant and repetitive at this point.

So, the beginning of this show was NOT doing it for me and I almost dropped it because of that. I don't like bully love stories. I can't stress that enough. However, when we got closer towards one of the major plot twists of this show, things started to get a lot better. Here's where my primary issue lies - I wish they would have made the FL a lot more morally grey than she actually was. The ML's mother (yep, she's a major antagonist/villain in this story. albeit not the Big Bad by the end of the show, of course) was overcome with so much guilt that she ALWAYS assumed that the FL was to blame for every stroke of bad luck she had. Honestly, that would have made for a better story if you ask me. If the writers had decided to make the FL morally grey in the beginning before transitioning to illustrate that someone else was actually in the background pulling the strings, this show could have easily been a 9.5/10. That would have given this drama more depth and complexity instead of falling into the predictable and easy route of "Oh, I'm just a damsel in distress who hasn't really done anything wrong and my boyfriend's mom is blaming me because her guilt is eating her alive." That was boring and lackluster. Give me more!

Back to one of my original points - the romance was there but I wouldn't necessarily classify this as primarily romance because it's more suspense/thriller/mystery. The leads had decent chemistry, I guess. The chemistry wasn't the problem. Their story is the problem. I don't mind noona romances. I don't mind age gaps but this age gap is wayyy more intense than what you typically see. Sure, age gaps in CDramas isn't a new thing but age gaps in xianxia/wuxia dramas are a different ballgame for a reason. Age gaps in modern CDramas are already walking on a tightrope between acceptable and downright inappropriate. This romance fell somewhere in the middle but closer towards the latter if you ask me. The ML was 17 and the FL was 30. Sure, he eventually turned 18 during the series but it's still icky to me because I can't imagine why an established 30-year-old woman would ever be interested in a 17-year-old high school teenager who hasn't even graduated yet. Frankly, what would have resolved this issue is sticking him in college instead of high school. Yes, his mother still being in complete control of his life could have still worked here, as well. All of this could have worked in a college setting! Also, there were things that happened that were obviously misconstrued and no one ever called it out. The ML kissed the FL on the cheek at an assembly in front of the whole school, including the administration, and we're claiming that SHE seduced HIM. That was inappropriate on all fronts and the FL didn't even appear into it, but it was inappropriate because of the student doing it. Not because the teacher begrudgingly allowed it to happen. There were a LOT of bizarre instances like that. Yes, she eventually crossed the line in a big way with the ML but not at that point in time and that confused the FUCK out of me.

Now, onto the plot twists. The first plot twist being that the ML's mother was the mistress that ultimately led to the deterioration of the FL's parents' marriage. Now, if you've willingly read this, then surprise! There's the first big spoiler. However, I must say how juicy that could have been in the hands of more imaginative and creative writers. The wasted potential of that arc is something I will always mourn because the places we could go! That arc was chock full of potential twists and turns later in the story but the writers dropped the ball there. The second plot twist being that the Director was the weirdo behind everything the entire time was ... predictable, to say the least. I always had a suspicion that it was him. To me, it was quite obvious that he was responsible for most of what was happening. There was a slight second where I thought it was the ML's father getting back at his overbearing, domineering wife but nope! I almost bumped the rating up to an 8 because I thought that's where we were going but then they completely went into a different direction and settled on the predictable route. I was disappointed!

All in all, the actors did a decent enough job with what they were given but I didn't buy the romance aspect of their love story. I didn't buy it at all. Unfortunately, that's not enough to keep your interest in the grand scheme of things. If you're able to get past the first few episodes, then you may be surprised. I must must underline the fact that the first few episodes are ROUGH. Those episodes will absolutely lead to you dropping it if you're unwilling to go there and I wouldn't blame you at all. I won't lie and say it's a masterpiece but it's watchable. Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I rewatch it? No.

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Lots to like but ultimately failed to convince

There was so much to like in this drama, the performances were good, the script was tight and the characters well drawn. The plot really held your interest and it managed some good twists, even if you could see some of them coming. But right at the heart of it was a major flaw as far as I was concerned, that undermined the whole thing. And no, it wasn’t the perceived immorality of forbidden love.

The fact that Edward Chen makes such an excellent job of being an immature, bratty teenager and the writing for him is spot on, makes the romantic relationship all the more difficult to understand and believe. I simply couldn’t credit that the character of the FL would be at all interested in him as a lover. Their relationship simply did not gel for me and I had to just suck it up and move on.

Plus, it’s really hard to get past the unprofessional attitude of the FL in the drama. She behaves so badly, so often, that I ended up really not liking or respecting her at all. I don’t have to like the characters to rate the show, but when it’s a romance, it’s sort of necessary to at least warm to the lead couple.

What my rating means: 7+ A watchable drama, but nothing exceptional. Good enough to qualify for the race, but finished with the pack. The sort of thing that promises more than it delivers.

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no better no worse revenge/school drama

I can see a lot of wasted potential here... It's got a lot of ingredients to keep this entertaining, but also it's got a lot of tropes, and not all of them done right!
I read a lot abt episode 6 & the turnover it brings. Indeed, there is something to it, but its aftermath not good enough if you ask me. Like someone said, two narratives are stuck together in an artificial way, as if the director received too many complaints from viewers for the story being boring and decided to add some action to it!
So, its a (student - teacher) romance + revenge (?) drama after all, and - hopefully - love wins and revenge is forgotten by the end.
Abt cast: i really think the weak spot is the FL, not the ML as many viewers said. The FL is really boring for wearing the same outfit and same facial expression all the time. While the ML is quite in the character, and though he might look more mature - which i didnt notice - it's not unusual for teens to look so. I've seen teens looking old and adults looking like teens, so this is not a concern for me while watching this.
My objection is to the plot itself, logic seems sometimes gone to the drain while cheap tropes keep recurring... Like, good ppl are in fact the creepy ones and vice-versa? Smh

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Fora da Caixinha

Quase não assisto doramas Taiwanês... Mas, esse me surpreendeu a química dos protagonista é sensacional.

E o enredo que parece cliché menino novinho que se apaixona pela professora mais velha, saí fora da caixinha com os ingredientes que o roteirista vai inserindo ao poucos, em um momento você vai do amor ao ódio... Mas, depois tudo se encaixa.

Não tem como não se apaixonar e torcer pelos protagonistas.

A idade é só um número. Aqui foi mostrado que um homem maduro estabilizado não era maduro mentalmente e um jovem vivendo com os pais era incrivelmente maduro e com objetivos.

O amor pode vencer barreiras. O final é maravilhoso.

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highly recommended!

I usually don't like romance between students and teachers, but this drama is an exception!! the characters and storyline are all SO GOOD. The couple's chemistry is also very good. I highly recommend this drama!🖤🖤🖤

such a harmonious couple, I really like the flow of their love story that doesn't beat around the bush. try to watch 1 episode and you will know how good this drama is, so you will want to watch the next episode🖤. this drama have Happy Ending story

Even though it's only 12 episodes, the plot runs so neatly and naturally. I have never and don't want to watch a love story between a teacher and a student but for this drama I really like their story

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If you don't like this trope, just save your precious time

If you don't like the typical teacher-student romance with a bit of mystery, this is definitely not for you. In the first few episodes, you will be annoyed with some characters, but if you continue to watch, you will understand them. Personally, unlike the other viewers, I didn't feel that much chemistry between the leads. I didn't even care if they would be the end game or not. It's not that I hate them. They are just so blinded by love that it's ridiculous sometimes. The female lead's words, "I will still love you even if you are my stepbrother," threw me off. I knew it was impossible for them to be siblings, but still, it's kind of disgusting to hear. The characters are not that likeable, and when I say characters, I mean most of them. The plot twists are pretty predictable since they are constantly dropping clues and everything else. The male lead is immature and aggressive. The female lead confused me so much with her intentions. I thought at first that she was smart, but she's also naive. About the family history and the mother itself, they were not as problematic as I thought it would be. Although the mother was not likeable, she didn't deserve so much hate as well. She's just being a mother, sadly her ways were wrong. Nevertheless, it's not that bad, but I would not recommend it, especially if you don't like this kind of trope. But if you don't have anything to do and don't mind this trope, it's a pretty decent time killer.

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Initial cringe aside, deep themes and societal exploration enrich the narrative.

"Lesson in Love" is like the surprise party you didn't see coming, earning a solid 7.5 stars. Now, I'll admit, at first glance, you might roll your eyes and think, "Oh, another teacher-student romance," but let me tell you, this show is a rollercoaster that defies all expectations!

The drama starts off with what seems like your typical forbidden love affair, and you might think, "Okay, seen it before." But hold on to your popcorn, my friend, because it's like you're suddenly whitewater rafting through a river of unexpected twists and turns. The slow start? Just the calm before the storm. When that 'white water' hits, you better buckle up for a wild ride that keeps you clinging to the edge of your seat.

Emotionally, it's a rollercoaster too. You'll find yourself laughing, cringing (especially at the start, I won't lie), and you might even shed a tear or two. The characters, especially Zhang Yi Xiang and his wise dad, inject depth and charisma into the story. Edward Chen's portrayal of Yi Xiang? Absolutely deserving of a standing ovation. He transforms from a bratty teen to a character oozing integrity and tenacity, and you can't help but root for the guy.

Now, this drama isn't afraid to dive into deep themes. It's not just about the 'forbidden' love angle; it delves into challenging assumptions, tearing down stereotypes, and unraveling the hidden complexities within relationships. And let's talk about the art of misdirection—it's like watching a skilled magician at work, keeping you guessing and second-guessing until the very end.

Sure, there's an initial cringe factor, I won't sugarcoat it. But trust me, it's worth pushing through. The brilliance in storytelling and character development is like unwrapping a gift—you don't know exactly what you're getting, but you know it's going to be good. The ending, despite being emotionally charged, gives you that warm sense of closure that just feels right.

In conclusion, "Lesson in Love" goes beyond the surface. It was worth the watch, but if you're asking me if I'd re-watch it, well, I'd have to say no. It's a one-time thrill, the kind that leaves a lasting impression but doesn't necessarily call for a repeat performance.

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When a show tries to be dark, then light, then melo... And THEN yet something else

This show opens with such opening credits that show you they tried to make this look DARK (and actually overdid it a bit, lol), but then the "molested student" in question looks like he's about to hit his thirties soon. And you can see it since minute 1. THAT early and you can ask yourself: what's going to be believable about such drama? In contrast to the opening, following episodes insist on cutesy, lighthearted atmosphere and we watch a montage with someone going around the school with a camera and casually interviewing students on what are their thoughts of teacher-student romance. Like it's something the evolving society is learning to accept, similarly to gay love, for example. Everyone on the show answers lightheartedly and it's not made clear that this is NOT the same and it SHOULD be condemned. Same like with the early bullying sequences: they were brushed off so lightly like they intended to signal to the audience that vievers are to watch a guilty-pleasure show here, not a DRAMA...

As for the main couple, we have contrast again. One look at Edward Chen says his character has to be really stupid to repeat at least 10 times to still be a "high schooler". He looks like rogue even in the cute school uniform. He is too old for the role. Not a very good actor either, BUT not afraid of skinship scenes:) The main actress is completely different. She's the kind of heroine I want to watch in romance drama. Way more than any student girl, to be honest. No problem to believe the boy should be smitten: Tiffany Hsu is absolutely charming, even now in more subtle, quiet form. She was always strikingly attractive, now she's like delicately withered... Does she look good with Edward Chen? Hell, yes.

As soon as episode 3 we can see (a dreamy) bed scene. Woow... I'm afraid that got me hooked on this show, lol. But WHEN will drama makers understand that high schoolers are like 15-18 yrs old, not 25-32? LOL. So, I enjoyed, because I watched guilt-free, knowing the age of the actors. But being her student, and in high-school at that, was a bit too much, and morally disturbing (also quite corny). While there seemingly was no reason why would the hell of a woman be interested in a schoolboy, there WAS something between them: they had understanding, kindness, humour... Else I would not - despite wondering why the woman was so careless - liked them together...

Then, at 1/2 of the drama, it is revealed, why the main heroine, the teacher, should have a motive to get into an affair with her student. It is like something from hispanic telenovela. Also it is a major disappointment in the main character. Because what I did like about the woman was that she was COOL, level headed. She was not supposed to be all livid because of some kitchy family feud. The romance line got spoiled, the boy's mother, nicknamed "Devil", also ceased to be impressing, after we watched her hispanic telenovela background story in detail. Sometimes less is more. My fun was gone, suddenly I was watching a family drama. And I'm not interested in family dramas...

The writer then played with a possibility of the two lovers actually being half-siblings: but even with such a desperate card, I ceased to pay attention, and since episode 6-7, I just watched the pretty pictures (the bedscene does not disappoint) and quit caring about the "drama", which in my opinion was worse and more incompetent than had they just let this be "shallow" guilty-pleasure show. Lesson in love? This was not.

With the "family secret" being now the only plot, after 10 episodes I wouldn't mind if the "drama" ended, it was annoying and going in circles, the hot scenes were over and for the angst Edward Chen was not good enough actor. I just smirked at his reaction when his "teacher" dumped him, and scenes like him running after her car were so ridiculous that I openly laughed. Thank goodness they got back together soon. I really didn't need anything but a nice couple of couple scenes from them;-)

Any attempts for something "deeper" didn't strike it with me. I couldn't care less for the boy's mother, or his classmates, or for the fellow teacher/director who knew her situation best, and was such a good friend to her, yet suddenly insisted on being her suitor. Just the fact she still did teach in the same school where everyone knew she had an affair with her student made the whole thing ridiculous. Like watching Edward Chen in that uniform. They should do more scenes when he's NOT wearing it. Yeah, I mean it that way, lol:)

Final episode keeps solving "problems" I didn't care rat's a** about, but I liked the scene where father & son went together for a drink. And then the following scene of both the main boy's parents. Yeah, weirdly enough, after I've already given up on the mother, my interest was brought back in last episode by the side-character of the father. Well, at least the father's actor was decent. Unlike Edward Chen, who was practically constantly making faces, which presented the majority of his "acting". Still, kind of symbolical of this erratic show. Yes, erratic: good, SIMPLE scene is followed by a scene where I had to smirk, when reporters appeared with so many microphones, like they were to inquire about a state-level incident, lol.

But, what was NOT out of proportion in this series? What was not the writer's failure? Why was I glad for the couple that saved their marriage, who were not exactly the characters I was supposed to care the most? Why the most levelheaded character ended up to be the one I was afraid will rape the main heroine or something? I'm not even mentioning the last 25 minutes of the runtime had yet another Genre change. This was SO all over the place. But, to find that out, just watching 1st episode should be sufficient... Decide for yourself, whether a few skinship scenes would be worth the time for you;-)

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I had several problems While watching this drama

1. I don't mind noona romance but this was insane
He was just an immature adolescent literally
How can he made an adult woman feels safe
I can understand this if he was at college and she was his professor
But this wasn't comfy

2. She didn't mind keep going on this relationship although there were many doubts that the ML was her brother which was really disgusting

3. When there was a suspected person, there must be an introduction for that
But no, every thing was ok till the last episode, till you discover suddenly that the manager was psycho

4. The last 4 episodes were in rush and I didn't enjoy much

5. The ML acting was horrible I had a great problem while watching him he was too poser


The only thing I liked was the romance between them but I couldn't enjoy according to the age gap between them
Or to be more accurate according for being just an adolescent
If she was older than him max 5,6 yrs it could be much more logical
But the timing for their feelings was weird and bad

And what made me frustrated more the subtitle was the worst one I've ever seen

5/10 just for the romance

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