Say yes to this show!

I found this show via an article that was posted on MyDramaList [https://mydramalist.com/article/recommendation-the-other-half-of-me-and-you].

This show is amazing because it highlights a very serious social justice issue (misogyny), by using humor. Note: The show isn't making fun of men nor women, but rather showing what it would be like if men were expected to endure the same treatment and have the same expectations that women have in today's society.

The episodes are only about 5 minutes long, and it's so worth the watch. Thank you China for breaking toxic trends! I look forward to watching more dramas/shows like this. FYI This show reminds of me the Chinese drama titled My Heroic Husband because it is also full of cliches (e.g. the academy of male virtuousness), but the cliches are not as obviously presented like it is in this show.

Recommended YouTube video: Have You Suffered Sexual Harassment? | Street Interview in China by TreeMan
https://youtu.be/FDVfyln4F2g

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Thus far, it seems like part 2 is better than part 1.

Review for part 2 [My final rating is a 9.8]:
One thing that I forgot to mention about this drama in my review for my part 1, was the fact that I love the introduction video to this drama. The reason why is because unlike most Chinese-dramas it doesn't spoil the whole drama for me, by showing spoilers of what will happen. I like to be surprised when watching dramas, instead of seeing what will happen in the introduction (e.g. like knowing that the two leads will end up getting married because of seeing their wedding in the introduction video). Thus far, I like season 2 better because the male lead character storyline is finally starting to make sense. Also, I like that the female and male lead didn't fall in love at first sight but grew to love one another. This drama kind of reminds me of The Story of Minglan. Not having the characters fall in love at first sight, also, makes the drama and characters more realistic!

Omg, episode 5 is the first time that I like the male lead character, while being annoyed with the female lead character lol. She is being selfish, and immature. After watching episode 6, I raised my rating from 8.5 to 9.5! Around episode 8, I feel like the drama is dragging quite a bit. Also, I keep thinking about the female lead ex-teacher (the one who is against marriage) and his storyline. Why do they keep showing glimpses of him, without including him in the overall picture? I like the fact that the female lead character didn't want to completely loose herself (good qualities) for the sake of her fiancé.

The ending (episodes 52-56) was bitter sweet. I love the fact that during the 5 years later, they showed clips of how everyones life changed. I usually don't like when movies or shows just write [X amount of time later], without showing us how the characters changed and grown. I wish they wouldn't have included an additional conflict in episodes 52-53 and 55, it dragged out the conclusion.

Overall part 2 is much better!
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Review for part 1 [My final rating was a 8.5]:
Although, I genuinely like the male lead actor, I was disappointed to see him play the male lead character. To be honest, as of episode 3 I don't think he is doing as good of a job as he did in his prior historical dramas. Not bad, but not great either. I believe this drama would have been better if they casted an actor between the ages of 30-45 (this doesn't mean the character has to be the same age), with phenomenal acting experience in political based historical dramas.

While the storyline is good, the script and production is lacking. What I mean is, in episode 1 the male lead and the army won a war and the first thing he does after returning home (well, waiting outside of the gate) was to leave and investigate a case. The political plot in the first 10 episodes, felt rushed, and unrealistic; it was as if they were looking for a way to find a quick way for the female and male lead to link up with one another. Also, there was no significant moment shown to us to explain why the male lead character liked the female lead character.

Next, the female lead characters mom, hadn't seen her daughter since she was a baby, and instead of embracing her with love, she embraced her with rules that could have waited until she started spending good quality time with her daughter. For goodness sake, she heard that her daughter often was starved by her grandmother and aunt. Additionally, at one point, she was left to die outside of their town. The mother's behavior is not endearing but it seems very cold, and harsh. Her character is enough to make me want to drop this drama. I'm hoping that the writer allow her character to develop.

If the script, acting, and mothers' character doesn't improve by episode 6, I'm going to drop this drama! Note: The mom's character doesn't become tolerable until episode 20.

Update:
You will start to like this drama by episode 6. Things definitely make a turn for the better. However, I still don't like the male lead character storyline. It seems unrealistic. Additionally, the actor is overacting.

My favorite episode was episode 15. I hate the political plot because it's not logical nor is it well written. However, the female lead character storyline is pretty good. Additionally, the female lead actress did a phenomenal job acting, as well as the actor who plays Yao. Kudos!

I'm currently watching episode 21, and when I see the male lead character, I sigh due to disappointment. UGHHHHH WHYYYYY I don't know if it is because of his character, or the actor, or both! Btw, who else is sobbing after watching episode 21? Where's my tissue? Also, episode 24 (towards the end) is the only time that I liked the male lead actor and character in this drama. Unfortunately, the mom in this drama reminds me of the relationship that I had with my mom. My mom has narcissistic personality disorder, and used to belittle me in front of others. So the end of episode 24, definitely was a trigger.

After watching episode 25, I realized that part 1 was focused on the female leads family and part 2 will be focused on the male leads family, and their marriage. I LOVE how the male lead rides (supports) the female lead at Yao's wedding (the end of episode 25). By episode 26, I finally start liking the male lead character (although, I think the actor could have done a better job acting).

The flashbacks at the end of episode 27 was much needed (I forgot how much the leads interacted with one another), and was a perfect way to end season 1.

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Highly recommended but do not binge watch this drama!

If you try to binge watch this drama you will end up dropping it before you reach episode 25. However, if you take a day break, after binge watching every 15 episodes (e.g. 1-15 (then a break), 16-31 (then a break), and 32+), then you will fall in love with this drama.
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Review of episodes 1-19
This drama really had the potential to be a 10. However, the romance between the two leads in the first 6 episodes was not well developed. Meaning it was not believable for adults over the age of 25. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the romance, but it's seemed a bit too rushed. She barely even knows the male lead but because she thought he saved her life she developed strong feelings for him within 2 episodes. It isn't too far fetched but on top of developing feelings she ditched her first love who she had been crazy in love with for years, for the new guy and this all happens all within the first 5 episodes.

If the screenwriters would have invested one more episode, in between episodes 3-6 solely to dedicate more conversations between the two leads, then it would have made episodes 1-6 more realistic. What I am surprised by is the sexy flirtation coming from the male lead, specifically in episode 6. He tries to do the do, after their engagement but before their marriage. That is pretty uncommon in C and K dramas. Note: I just finished watching episode 7 and I am glad towards the end of that episode, the second male lead basically tells the female lead what I wrote above this line lol. "You've known him for how many days, and you want to get married?" "You cannot be reckless."

My favorite episode is episode 9 (around the 15 minute mark), because I think the female lead actor did a fantastic job portraying her emotions. If you can get past the female lead character in the first episode, you can make it through this drama. To be honest, I didn't like the female lead character (not the actress) in the first 19 episodes. While it's not the worst that I've seen in Chinese period dramas, it definitely isn't the best. I would have preferred the female lead character to be cute, playful, but cautious about who she befriends. However, the character is cute, playful, but has no sense of caution, actually she's pretty naive, and foolish.Episode 8 at the 31 minute mark had me screaming. Basically, I intentionally acted dramatic because of the betrayal (e.g. imagine the scenes in movies when someone is screaming and they kneel down and rip their shirt off because something painful happened).
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Review of episodes 20-52
•The female lead character gets better starting with episode 20.
•The male lead character is drugged and was supposed to be raped by a servant. I hate this because the scriptwriter did not write how wrong it was. RAPE IS WRONG, WHETHER IT'S A WOMAN OR MAN WHO IS THE RAPIST.
•The male lead character slaps the female lead in episode 37, and the scriptwriter wants us to be okay with it by saying he had to physical abuse the female lead character in order to protect her. PHYSICAL ABUSE IS WRONG IF IT IS NOT SELF DEFENSE, NO MATTER WHAT!
•The male lead character is VERY toxic. He basically uses the female lead and his concubine to get what he wants, and then is surprised when they don't respond with love. Unfortunately, out of all the historical k and c-dramas that I've watched, I believe his character matches how a crown prince in prehistoric times would have really been like (TOXIC).
•Although back in the first to fifth century, it was normal for women to start marrying as early as 12. It's gross to see a 60+ year old emperor, marry, and have a child with a 18-20 concubine. I am a bit disgusted by the scenes in which they appear together.
•There were a lot of filler episodes (e.g. 25-31, 44-46). I believe Chinese period and historical dramas should have 30-40 episodes, instead of 60-70. Let's make this a thing in 2022!
•Originally I rated this drama a 9.5 but took away .5 because of the end of episode 46 and beginning of 47. It's just not realistic. They are trying to escape so that they can go back to the female lead's country. Yet they stop to attend a festival where the court officials and the king will be at. Additionally, they stop and stand below the King, male lead, and the male lead other wife (the same people they are running from). SIGHHHHH C'mon now!
•The acting in episode 48 deserves an oscar. WOW
•Unlike other reviewers, I actually liked the ending. I don't think a toxic character like the male lead deserved to have had everything go his way, it's not realistic. He murdered the female lead family, lied to her, stalked her, threatened her, slapped her, in a rage of jealousy he killed her teacher, and tried to kill her best friend. How could their relationship ever recover if they ended up together?

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The Thai version is the best one.

This is my first time watching a Thai drama, as I'm not into BL dramas. Most that I've seen rated on MDL are BL. If you guys want to recommend any Thai dramas outside of BL, please do so. I'll add them to my plan to watch list.

I've watched the Twianese, Chinese, and Korean version of this drama. I think the Thai version is the best. At first, I thought I liked it more than the other versions because like the Chinese version, it is the most up-to-date, meaning the screen resolution and quality is clear and better due to modern technology. However, I've come to realize that I like this version the best because the director did an excellent job at clearly making the point that one's socioeconomic status shouldn't be the reason why people are treated horribly. I didn't see that in the other versions. In the other versions, the directors made it seem like F4 toxic traits should be accepted.

I feel like the female lead actress, at the end of episode 1 (beginning of episode 2), should have shown more emotion when kicking Thyme. Her scream should have been a little more dramatic and powerful. Also, the cry scene with Ren and the female lead at the end of episode 6 was a bit weird lol. Nevertheless, she did a great job acting and she's gorgeous. As did, all the actresses and actors in this drama. Appearance wise, out of all the versions, F4 in this version is the most attractive in my opinion.

Good job director!

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So worth the watch, ignore the low ratings on MDL.

I really don't understand why good historical Chinese dramas get low ratings. While, horrible Chinese romcoms get unusual high ratings.

***Review for episodes 1-5
I usually start writing my review for a drama around episode 5, and then add to the review until I finish the series. This allows me to be more thorough with my review, and it gives you the opportunity to know whether or not you want invest more than 5 episodes into the drama. As I mentioned before, I really don't understand why good historical Chinese dramas get low ratings. While, horrible Chinese romcoms get unusual high ratings. The first 5 episodes (what I've watched thus far) is worthy of a 9.0. This historical drama uses a lot of tropes, but when done well (written well, acted out well), I don't mind. The first 3 episodes is focused on the female lead character when she is a child. The pace of the character development for the female lead character is well done. The actress who plays the female lead character when she is a child is so freaking cute. She looks like she could be Dilraba Dilmurat's daughter. I hadn't checked the cast page yet, but is the actress who plays the female lead character as an adult, the same actress who played the female lead in Good Bye My Princess?

Btw, I think producers and directors read our reviews on MyDramaList, because I've recommended that Chinese historical/period dramas have 30-40 episodes instead of the usual 60 episodes, unless absolutely necessary. This drama only has 40 episodes, and that's a plus in my book. =)

So far, so good...
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***Review for episodes 6-15
Still good! Great pacing!
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***Review for episodes 16-30
Still good! Great pacing!
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***Review for episodes 31-40
Still good but I was hoping for more romance between episodes 28-32. I know that Chinese dramas like to keep it conservative when it comes to on the screen romance, but I think there's a way to have romance and chemistry between the main leads, and still be conservative.

Episodes 32 & 33 is when I actually start to have a dislike. I get that the female lead character is upset with the male lead character but it's to the point where it's not making sense. He saved her life so many times and when he made one bad call (trying to save her life), she no longer want to talk to him anymore? This part of the storyline should have been written better.

Towards the end of episode 35 you'll start to understand the reason why this drama has low ratings on MyDramaList. Personally, I don't think all dramas have to end with the female and male lead getting together, in order for the drama to be good. If you read my other reviews, you'll notice that I enjoy realism over a "perfect" ending. However, if the female lead and male lead in this drama do not end up together about time I reach the last episode, but instead the female lead and the second male lead (the crowned prince) end up together, I want my time back. I will def. lower my rating from 9.0 to an 8.0 or 8.5. The reason why is because there was little to no romance between them two, and for at least 80% of this drama the romance has been between the female and male lead character. If the writers wanted the female lead and the second male lead to be together, they should have allowed the second male lead to find out that she was a female around episode 28, instead of waiting 5 episodes before the end.

I am currently watching episode 38, and the drama could have ended at episode 38, and it would have been fantastic. I don't know why I have a bad feeling about the remaining 2 episodes. BTW, I wasn't feeling that kiss towards the end of episode 38, it seem like the male character (I am not going to tell you which one), was distracted by something on the set when filming. It wasn't passionate/romantic lol.

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China's dating reality tv show - Highly recommended!

I like the Chinese version of Heart Signal much better than the Korean version. On the Korean version of Heart Signal, the commentators talk too much and for too long (most of the show, is the commentaries giving their feedback). It is one of the reasons why, although I've watched two seasons of Heart Signal Korea, I never made it to the last 4 episodes. However, with Heart Signal China, the commentary was very good (not too much, not too little). Additionally, the contestants on the show are kinder to one another, specifically the women. The men also seem more sure of what they want (I believe this is a cultural difference). Lastly, the women on the Chinese version don't do aegyo/sājiāo unless it's a joke. The only con to Chinese variety shows is the shallowness of the famous people. Mostly everything is focused on the importance of physical appearance and name brands. I hope globalization from the west (I am a westerner) didn't encourage Chinese people to be like us. SIGH!

Note: There was no acting/cast. To be honest, I probably would never rewatch a reality tv show or dating show.

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OMG - YOU HAVE GOT TO WATCH THIS!

Firstly, I am convinced that directors and producers from China read our reviews on MDL. I am starting to see a new wave of historical/period Chinese dramas that don't involve damsels in distress female lead characters, but rather vulnerable women, who are forced to be strong because of the events of their life, who are not willing to be treated as second class citizens because of their gender (even if the law force them to act like one). Also, I've made request in the past, asking for C-drama episodes to decrease from 60-80 to 20-30. Thank you for listening. Now, I can finally start my review...

THE REASON WHY I RECOMMEND THIS DRAMA [EPISODES 1-20]
What I like about the drama A Dream of Splendor is the realistic, normalized, matured storyline of two people liking one another. There was good pacing (you'll be relieved to know that the side conflicts (not the main one) are usually resolved within 1-2 episodes); I like how the main scene changed twice (city 1, to the boat, to city 2)within the first 10 episodes, and how the transition made sense. Pacing, setting changes when necessary, and a well written script are what helps keeps the viewers intrigued. Additionally, there was almost no unbelievable plots, and no slow motion-fall-into-your-arms-then-stare-at one another-for 20-minute effects.

Regarding, the chemistry between the two leads, there was hardcore flirtation going on (no I don't mean sexual) but rather normal flirtation (how grown-ups flirt). This is almost unheard of in Chinese historical/period dramas with storylines that involve romance. Additionally, since the drama is told from the point of view of the female lead, and the female lead was a registered worker (not prostitute) due to the punishment that her father who was a minister, received from the king. The female lead character doesn't act cutesy and too shy to do NORMAL things. Like, remove the bandages from the male lead body when he was hurt. Yes, I am making a big deal about this because in most C-dramas there's a fake innocence that's presented in these dramas that is not believable. It usually makes me want to drop the drama or forward the scenes. If someone you care about is bleeding, dying or hurt, being shy about their body parts, doesn't make sense.

I like the fact that this drama shows how emotional trauma impacts the brain, and body (the scene on the boat). That scene is very realistic; I am glad that they allowed the character to process her emotions, and choose what's healthy... instead of having her going back to her no-good husband begging him for mercy just because she's a woman (around episode 5).

Lastly, I like the fact that the storyline allows for women to have a business (merchants). Their lives are not solely focused on finding Prince Charming, but it includes NORMAL things like working to make a living. The story shows the sexism and misogyny that they faced, dare they outshine men (episode 16).

CHARACTERS & ACTORS
I also enjoyed watching the female lead character and the actress. I had never seen the actress who played the female lead in any dramas before but she played her role well. The female lead character is independent, witty, and I'd go so far as to say that most women nowadays can relate to her story in this drama. Especially what happened towards the end of episode 15 (the conversation between the her and the male lead). She had been hurt before, and didn't want to get her hopes up because of her low social status. She told the male lead, if you aren't sure; if you aren't ready...then don't let the door hit you on the way out (meaning, don't play with her feelings, leave, if he can't commit).

The actress who played the 30 year old woman who was abandoned by her husband and child, also did a great job. I enjoyed her character because she was always ready to fight and protect, but in a very humorous way. Also, when she realized that she was abandoned by the people she gave her all to (the scene on the boat), she really portrayed what normal people would have done.

The male lead did a great job acting too. I love how flirty he was without being gruesome. Also, he is easy on the eyes, so that helped me like his character more. =) At first, I was confused about how him and the female lead started liking one another so quickly but as you continue to watch, you'll see the inference around episode 12-14. Whew that neck kiss in episode 17 around the 7 minute mark, took me by surprise. LOL! Btw, what happens with the lead characters in episode 20 may also catch you by surprise.

The female lead ex-fiance went about things the wrong way. He should have been truthful about not wanting her to be in danger, like the male lead did, instead of making her feel worthless and like their love was meaningless. I still can't tell if he is a good guy or bad guy (episodes 9-12).

I think this drama could have a modern (2022) remake, and it'll still be great. Keep everything but their style of clothes (makeup, hair, etc) and mode of transportation (no horses, but cars). I'd like to see this as a modern work drama or romcom.

Great drama, I look forward to watching the rest of this drama. I watched up to episode 21 because I am waiting for the other episodes to air.

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You will only LOVE this drama if you stick it out to the end!

Both Leo Luo, and Jing Chao deserve an award for their acting in this drama. OUTSTANDING ACTORS!

I watched Princess Silver back in May 2021. Princess Silver is how I found out about MyDramaList.com, and is the reason why I created an account. I was so amazed by this drama, especially one person's unconditional love, selflessness, and sacrifice, that I searched for a website that would allow me to write about my opinion of this drama. In most dramas, the screenwriter portrays a very toxic idea of love between the leads, usually, it's not even close to love but rather is normalized mental/emotional abuse. However, in this drama, there is one person who truly loved the female lead, he put his pride aside, he humbled himself, he gave up his life, and he was very patient with her. BTW, the character that I am speaking about you will be able to identify in the last 2 episodes.

To be honest, Princess Silver is a drama that I wanted to drop 3 different times before reaching the end, but I am glad that I did not because in order to understand the beginning and middle, you must watch the end. The end will change your rating of this drama from a 7.0 to a 9.0. I will say for most of the drama, I had second male lead syndrome. I never rooted for the female lead and the male lead romance/relationship. At the end, I had third male lead syndrome lol. There were two things I believe was unnecessary in this drama. One was the second male lead storyline towards the end. It wasn't 100% bad, but it wasn't 100% ideal either. I don't care about happy endings, as long as the story make sense and is realistic. However, the alliance between the first male lead and the second male lead towards the end felt rushed and a bit unrealistic. The second unnecessity is the additional 4 episodes, as I think Princess Silver could have had 54 episodes instead of 58. It def. would have increased my rating from a 9.5 to a 10.

It is now August 2021, and I decided to rewatch this drama for the second time, solely to watch the love between the female lead and the character that I mentioned above.

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What caught my intention was the female lead (she's a regular on Running Man)

I was not expecting the vivid sex scenes in this movie, and honestly it didn't bother me as much as the storyline. The story is about a selfish king (who is gay), and from a young age, he preys on the little boys who are in training to be guards. BTW, I was shocked seeing this within the first 5 minutes of the movie. One of the guards grows up and becomes close with the king. The king probably brainwashed the guard into sleeping with him, as kings in those days had authority, and probably would kill a person and their family if they rejected the king's request. The king doesn't have an heir to the throne, and instead of fulfilling his duties as king by impregnating his wife the queen, he would rather be dethroned, send his wife to basically live as an exiled queen (aka nun), or offer his wife (the queen) to sleep with his bodyguard male lover. This happens all within the first 30 minutes. Honestly, I am disgusted with the storyline. None of this screams romance.

Note: My review maybe bias, as I am not interested in BL dramas or movies.

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China's dating reality tv show - Highly recommended!

The only reason season 2 is a tad bit better is because they brought the 4th housemates in earlier, and they allowed the 4th woman housemate to have dinner with the 4 men, without the 3 other women. The major con for this season is the overflow of advertisement in every episode (it's way too much, and takes away from the show). Oh yeah, I liked the commentators in season 1 better, and it's probably because they were the furst commentators that we saw. I had to get used to the new commentators for season 2.

I like the Chinese version of Heart Signal much better than the Korean version. On the Korean version of Heart Signal, the commentators talk too much and for too long (most of the show, is the commentaries giving their feedback). It is one of the reasons why, although I've watched two seasons of Heart Signal Korea, I never made it to the last 4 episodes. However, with Heart Signal China, the commentary was very good (not too much, not too little). Additionally, the contestants on the show are kinder to one another, specifically the women. The men also seem more sure of what they want (I believe this is a cultural difference). Lastly, the women on the Chinese version don't do aegyo/sājiāo unless it's a joke. The only con to Chinese variety shows is the shallowness of the famous people. Mostly everything is focused on the importance of physical appearance and name brands. I hope globalization from the west (I am a westerner) didn't encourage Chinese people to be like us. SIGH!

Note: There was no acting/cast. To be honest, I probably would never rewatch a reality tv show or dating show.

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Don't lie, in our 20's we've all dated at least one guy like the male lead!

Those who wrote a review, and had only watched the first 2 episodes, will probably have a different opinion than those who watched the first 5 episodes. Both characters are pushing and pulling out of fear, not just the male lead (read the synopsis).

I think the direction that Korean script writers and dramas are heading towards is realism meets romance. I think this drama would be liked more by western viewers as opposed to South Koreans. However, I could be wrong. I usually dislike dramas in which there is an overflow of toxicity within the storyline or for a character, and if the toxicity is not needed in order to tell the story. However, with this drama it's different because there's a true purpose behind this story, the toxic traits behind both the female and male lead characters show us something. I think a lot of South Koreans tend to like the aegyo style romance (judging by the reviews on MyDramaList), but it doesn't make them asexual. I think westerners and Asians are both sexual beings but westerners tend to be more upfront with it. As a person who doesn't like overly sexualized movies or dramas, I think this drama is shining the light on the fact that Korean men, are no different than western men when it comes to dating; some men have good intentions, some men have bad intentions. Side note: The male lead actor is hot, as well as the second male lead (wheeeew)!

Dear readers,
PLEASE PRACTICE SAFE SEX, ESPECIALLY IF THE PERSON YOUR WITH IS PROMISCUOUS.
-XOXO From Your Private Parts

Dear readers,
You're single until your married.
-XOXO From TalkingWithYou

Dear readers,
If you have to guess where you stand with a guy, he's really not that into you. Move on, or stay and get your feelings hurt!
-XOXO From middle aged women, who have been there and done that

Dear readers,
I hope that everyone who reads this review will heal from childhood trauma, and any trauma acquired over the years before they consider dating someone else and or sleeping with someone else. If you do not, you may end up ruining someone else's life because you chose not to get rid of your toxic traits ahead of time. Thanks in advance!
-XOXO From all the singles who healed already

I didn't watch the last 2 episodes so I lowered my rating from a 9.0 to an 8.5. I dropped the drama because I kind of got bored seeing the same thing play out over and over again. Thus, my review is only for the first 8 episodes

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Where to begin?

Episodes 1-7 are good, then between episodes 8-15 it's really bad, and then 16-31 it's great but then episode 32+ it is so so.

I can understand the reason for the low ratings on MDL. This drama promotes fat-shaming, and toxic beauty standards (skin bleaching). Interesting enough, I liked this drama because the three main leads don't quite fit China's beauty standards and I felt that it was good of the producer to cast women who represent the everyday Chinese woman but then they fat shamed one of three leads throughout the whole drama. So, it took away from the positive message that the producer was trying to achieve. Additionally, between episodes 8-15 they bullied their friend because she lied to them. She was wrong for lying but promoting mean-girl/bullying culture on tv is bad. I wished the producers and writers would have found a better way to handle the lie situation.

Also, the finance intern crossed boundaries with her boss, the CEO, and it was unrealistic. This is what made me like episodes 33+ less. The CEO finally confesses that he "likes," the intern, after he ask her to be a scapegoat for the organization. What kind of toxic ish is this? What's worse is that she actually does it.

Man-child lol is the only one whose character truly developed for the better. I'm glad that she didn't show up towards the end of episode 38. Move on sir,and find someone who wants you too.

Whoever styled the tomboy gamer girl character, did an excellent job. In this drama her outfits were on point but most of the drama I couldn't stand her character. She's a passive aggressive communicator and it made everything more difficult than it had to be.

Sigh, this had so much potential to be an excellent drama but it felt short at crucial moments. Nevertheless, overall it was decently good.

Btw, I think this drama only needed 36 episodes. I skipped most of episodes 38, 39, and 40.

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A review in 2021 - This is worth the watch, but ...

The bad:
My review may have some biases, as I am reviewing this drama in 2021. If I watched this drama in 2016, I probably would have given it a 9.5 instead of an 9 but I cannot do that now, and here's the reason why, ignorance is bliss! What I mean by this is nowadays, I loathe toxic male leads, you know, the ones who tell you they are going to kill you one second, and then the next tell you that you belong to them. As much as I wanted to romanticized the female and male lead in this drama, I couldn't because the male lead character screamed toxic, although his acting was on point! BTW, in real life I do believe monarchies were very toxic people, so it's not unreasonable for the characters to exhibit such traits. The male lead was looking to the female lead to give him the maternal love that he never received from his mother, or older brother. Thus, he sought that in the female lead, but it was never truly love as much as it was his self-appeasing nature. He grew up trying to appease his family but all in all he still wasn't wanted. I did have compassion for the male lead, as he went through extreme trauma growing up, and it's human nature to make mistakes and try to learn how to behave better, as we grow and learn. Nevertheless, I am over the misogynist male lead characters (e.g. kissing women without their permission, not understanding that no actually means no, putting their hands behind the female characters back and pushing her up for a kiss, etc..). Although, there's a level of toxicity with the princes and princess, I am so glad that I did not get the damsel in distress vibe from the female lead character. Oh yeah, I think the music was somewhat too dramatic for certain scenes. Like in one scene around episode 6, the song "I love you," is played when the male lead is threatening the female lead. It's a bit weird.

The good:
*The scriptwriter did a great job explaining why the male lead end up killing his brothers. Usually when we hear of stories like this, we automatically assume that the killer was a psychopath murderer. Instead of investigating the real culprit working behind the scenes. The female lead did have visions about the future, but those visions didn't tell the full story but rather what would happen.
*The acting was on point. While watching this drama, I thought the female lead was the same female lead from Records of Youth. I never watched a movie in which IU acted, until this one. Neither am I familiar with her music, so my opinion is not bias. I think she did a fantastic job acting as a woman who was wanted by all the princes, except for 2. That's not an easy task to be able to act that out so well, that it doesn't turn the audience off. I believe each actor played their roles well, although this series probably could have had 23 episodes instead of 20 in order to allow for the romance between the female lead and male lead to seem more realistic. I believe their romance between episodes 7-13 was a bit rushed. However, the screenwriter did a fantastic job, with what she had. Btw, Eun's death was so tragic (episode 16), him and his wife are so cute in that episode. Good acting, I am in tears!

Overall, this drama was good but watching this in 2021, and not being ignorant of how media plays a role in sociocultural, and the viewpoints of society is the reason why I cannot give it a 9.5. BTW, I know it's a creative licensed historical drama, thus, there has to be some toxic traits, and that is the reason why I did not give it an 8.

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WHY DID THE STORYLINE CHANGE AFTER EPISODE 4?

The drama is good, but since the drama started off so strong, and with a focus on politics in the monarch, I was expecting the storyline to move that way but it totally flipped around. WHY DID THE STORYLINE CHANGE AFTER EPISODE 4? =/

Before reaching episode 5 I wondered why the reviews for this drama was so low because the first 4 episodes are worthy of a rating of a 10. However, after episode 4, the storyline turns from political to romance. However, the romance was not as well crafted as it could have been. Don't get me wrong, it's good but just not great. It is full of common tropes, and slow motion side effects when the female and male lead just so happen to mistakenly find one another in each other arms. Note: After episode 6, it recovers and is back to being great again!

Btw, the female lead actress did a wonderful job acting. The second male lead (Mr. Dimples) is super cute!

Okay, I'm back with an update after watching episodes 7 and 8 and the political part of this drama is good but the romance scenes are horrible. I don't think the writers and director did a good job at trying to convince me that the romance in this drama could work; they should have stuck to a political historical drama without romance. I have to lower my rating from a 9.0 to a 7.5.

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Strong female lead!

Excellent drama! Unlike most historical or period c-dramas and k-dramas, the female lead is strong minded, strong willed, knows what she wants and isn't afraid to speak up for herself and others. In other words, she isn't a damsel in distress constantly making mistakes and looking for the male lead to save her. Additionally, the script writer did an excellent job, as there isn't any super long and unnecessary conversations between the characters. I also like the fact that the plots are not dragged out for 30 episodes; each scandle is resolved within 2 episodes and I love it! This is the type of historical drama I dreamed of, but to be honest I am shocked that I found. For example, when the female lead actually defends herself, take actions, and doesn't back down, I am pleasantly surprised because I am not used to this level of female confidence in c-dramas. I love it! I was turned off by the king's character, but realIstically, in every culture throughout history, kings most likely acted like this king (e.g. rude, arrogant, hasty, etc). So, while I hated his character at first, I've grown to be okay with it because it's a realistic character trait of kings throughout history. I am currently on episode 23, at the 36 minute 45 second mark to be exact and the queen's brother as fine as he is, just made a stupid mistake. I had to pause, to remember that it was culturally acceptable back in those days to disregard women, and slaves. So I decided to write this, while I allow my emotions to cool down.

GREAT DRAMA
GREAT ACTORS
GREAT WRITING
GREAT FILM QUALITY (RESOLUTION)

Edited on 5/6/21:
One thing that kind of throws me off a bit is the fact that the emperor was going to rape the main lead but she was able to get away. She ends up falling in love with the emperor who wanted to rape her, and him with her. Most dramas have some level of toxicity but this is problematic because it romanticized rape, which is the reason why I dropped the rating from 9.5 to 9.

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