Rhea
Malaysia
STORY
So the drama is about the four boy rapunzels who are hidden from the world and their two princes(ses) who rescue them from the basement of a narcissistic CEO who wants to use them to bend the world into his vision. LOL but in all honesty, that is the best way to explain the whole concept of the drama without spoiling anything.I really want to say so many things about the drama but it wouldn’t be that fun if you already know the secrets of this drama. I can’t really say it's very realistic cause it's definitely far from it but how they kind of played with the idea and mixed it with fantasy and good idol cdrama aesthetic, I could say this is a good drama. It's funny, has a bit of action, talks about self worth, self discovery, courage, confidence, love, friendship, moral lessons and mixed it with the colorful idol cdrama aesthetic and good looking cast. It's a really good watch.
Like I mentioned on my first blog about this drama, the idea of virtual boyfriends is interesting and the way this drama played with that idea is really good. I was at first unseasy with how they were gonna play that whole virtual relationship thing specially at the very beginning ‘cause they used glasses. Although in reality glasses seem more plausible but there are so many loopholes in glasses. Like how can it be a completely immersive game when you can clearly see reality outside the rims of the glasses so when they changed into lenses, it actually made it more believable, does it make sense?
There is a part of the drama that I unexpectedly love and it's about the “Fandom” aspect especially the loveboys’s “girlfriends/wife”. I was worried that they would exaggerate fandoms and make it look bad or make us fans look like we were crazy. At first it worried me because in my perspective they were making us “fans” look like we have gone absolutely crazy and that we have become unreasonable although the ex wife part was a bit funny.There is an ounce of truth in it but I just love how they also showed the fan’s perspective in a different light. That through idolizing these people or believing in these made up relationships, people who feel lonely, lost hope and discouraged were inspired to pick ourselves again, to look forward to tomorrow. That not all fans are like sasaengs, who stalks and causes trouble, that most fans are people like Kele, Qiqi and Lanlan were protective but were not possessive or crazy.
I need to take a time and talk about the villain in this drama, Xu Guang Han. I don’t really talk much about villains in my reviews cause it sometimes spoils a lot of things but he will be an exception 'cause I really enjoyed his character. I honestly did not hate him at all, he is actually quite funny, especially with his scenes with Lei Na and Grandma Fu Shun.I get his logic but his execution is terrible. I also need to mention his narcissistic personality and obsession with “perfection” that just makes me laugh every single time. For a very smart guy whose goal is perfection, he is quite sloppy. I don’t know how to properly explain it without giving away too much but he kind of has a childish overly confident ego. Even though he is horrible at times, his scenes just make me laugh (probably biased because of the actor who played him lol)
The story is good but I personally think they could do with less episodes. Not complaining with the story fillers cause they were cute but fillers are still fillers, the story could have ended with less than 36 episodes. There were also loopholes in the storyline that I was a bit confused with. There are also things in the drama that make you raise a lot of questions, like xxxxx, if she is so influential she could have done everything without having to wait for Kele to appear in the storyline.I mean if that person was so vital and important it would have been easier for her to do everything herself. But the drama would be boring isn’t it? So I’ll just let that pass. And then there were action scenes, like when did they know how to fight? They were kicking ass but it makes me question how?? Like Qianya is a badass, the four rapunzels were also really good at fighting and last but not the least Kele’s high kick at the end??? Where did that come from?
Even though I was enjoying myself I was honestly thinking of dropping the drama even though I’m nearly at the end but! there is a humongous BUT! Something extraordinary happened! Damn did I not see that plot twist coming! OH MAH GAAAAAAAAAAD! Probably one of the greatest plot twists in modern dramas. Like Damn, I was baited into thinking that the drama is falling into the very cliches that I absolutely detest but praise the lord that I’m wrong! And thank god, my baes took a leap of faith! No pun intended (you’ll probably get this if you have seen the drama LOL)
And just when it's getting better, another mega plot twist!!!! Like seriously this drama is like Christmas that keeps on giving! The last couple of episodes were definitely the highlight of the story, the plot twists and shocking revelations were just perfection. I was definitely caught off guard, but the good kind.Yes we do get a happy ending for everyone. Although it feels a little bit disappointing that Luo Ke and Su Lei’s love stories felt a little bit rushed. They do have their happy ending but it still felt a bit rushed for them.
CAST
Jiang Ke Le - Kele is an only child whose father works as a sailor. She lives with her high school classmate and best friend Qianya. She works at a convenience store (before she was fired for being 5 minutes late) and later works at Colorist, a cosmetic shop where she befriends the cashier Qiqi. Kele has a bubbly girl next door vibe who is always optimistic despite being in a series of misfortunes. She’s the type of girl who goes with the flow and doesn't really hold grudges (much). She always seems to find a way out of her sticky situations by being a good actress and liar.
Lu Xiao - Lu Xiao is one of the four “loveboys”. Virtually, he is sweet, loving, caring and funny but he is actually far from it in reality. He is temperamental and a bit aloof to the other boys. He has a teddy bear that he never lets anyone touch, it was also the reason why he first butt-heads with their new cleaner, Kele. He has aquaphobia due to an incident when he was a kid before he was later “rescued” by Xu Guang Han.
Xu Nian - Xu Nian is like the “dad” of the four boys. Virtually, he is elegant and calm and unlike the rest of the boys, he is quite similar to his virtual character. He is kind, understanding and calm. He is the voice of reason and is very trusted by the other two boys Luo Ke and Su Lie. He is very smart and based on Kele and Qi Chuan, he is boring. He is very compassionate and caring towards the people around him.
Guan Qianya - Qianya is a career woman who is seen as a “tiger” boss but behind closed doors she is haunted by her past and relies on pills to sleep. Qianya is Kele’s trusted friend and roommate and the CEO of a dating company that is currently struggling due to the success of “loveboys”. Despite having a “strong/chic” woman facade, she is actually playful when it comes to Kele.
Su Lie - Su Lie is described as the sporty, outgoing “boyfriend” but in reality he is extremely shy and is scared of girls, with a very good reason. When he first met Kele, he was very awkward and avoided her as much as he could. Su Lei has a very traumatic past which makes him a bit timid and extremely scared of women, specifically women with red lipsticks. Oh and he has extremely low alcohol tolerance.
Luo Ke - Luo Ke is described as the “boyfriend” with a warm personality but in reality he is a bit childish and naive. He was the first one to open up to Kele especially when he was bribed with food, junk food to be specific. Luo Ke is cheerful but can oftentimes act like a spoiled child. He can also be a bit outspoken but is most of the time intimidated by Lu Xiao (since he was once beaten by him).
Xu Guang Han - Guang Han is the Founder and CEO of Yao Inc. Due to the “betrayal” of his parents, he was raised by his aunt. He then later became successful in the Entertainment Industry and managed different celebrities and where he met his girlfriend Gi Lan (or was it Gi Yan? Something like that LOL). Because of his greedy ambitions and obsession on staying relevant in society they had a fall out and then she left which made him see it as another “betrayal”. Unable to take it more “betrayals” he envisioned of a “perfect” relationship and eventually started his “loveboys” project.
CHARACTERS TO MENTION
Xu Fu Shun - Grandma Fu Shun is a badass grandma who, despite her age, still rides her motorcycle and can kickass. She works as the cleaner for the “Bay House” (where the boys are being kept) but when she got into a vehicular accident involving Kele, she had Kele take her place to clean the Bay House (with ulterior motives). She is very playful and mischievous but she can be cunning if she wants to be.
Lei Na - Lei Na is Xu Guang Han’s extremely loyal secretary who is definitely in love with him (LOL) Despite being fierce and mean, she is quite hhmm… okay, let me be blunt, she is kind of stupid but still she is a bit smart (watch the drama and you’ll know what I mean). She takes things literally and that's what makes her funny even though she doesn’ intend to.
Qi Chuan - Qi Chuan is a singer who used to work for Xu Guang Han before Guang Han took rights for his compositions (like Taylor Swift/Scooter ”snake” Braun story, sorry I just had to mention it. If its not obvious enough, I’m a swiftie as well LOL) I honestly don’t know about this guy. At first he gives me the “snake” vibe (the type that betrays people) but then he seemed innocent and just a bit foolish but then he was being sus in a couple of episodes but is actually innocent sooooo...I don't know. He was funny though.
CAST
I have seen Dai Lu Wa on CrossFire before where she played the troubling Chu Ge, Wu Lei’s love interest. I wasn’t really a fan of her then but I definitely love her now. She looks really cute as Kele and a complete 180 from the stubborn and feisty Chu Ge.
Then there is my bae Zhang Ling He, the reason why I wanted to watch this drama. As expected, he is really good looking and did not disappoint. There is also He Luo Luo sho plays as Lu Xiao, out of the four he is actually closest to his character since he is an idol and a member of R1se.
And ofcourse Chang Bin who plays as Luo Ke and Yan An who plays as Su Lie needs recognition. I actually expect them to be idols in real life but I can’t find much on their bio on MDL and although they are not main leads, I think this is their first time to have big supporting roles and I’m very proud. To think that this is Yan An’s first and only drama, it amazes me cause both are really talented and I heard they also sang parts of the OST. Stan talent.
Now to the biggest unexpected actor on this drama that just made me nostalgic and feeling like I’m a teenager once again is Ming Dao who plays as Xu Guang Han. I have only seen 1 drama from him (this will be the 2nd) but my heart will always remember him as Shan Jun Hao my Prince who turned into a frog Dang Ou HAHAH. Oh it feels like I’m back in 2008 just before high school.
PRODUCTION
I mentioned on my blog before that I was nervous about the CGI on this drama and that it might be one of those cringey super fake CGI that I really hate but it turns out it wasn’t bad, the effects were actually really clean and not bothering at all. The aesthetic is also what you would expect in Modern Idol CDramas, very colorful. I also quite like the fashion on this one since it wasn’t really over the top but something that anyone can really rock but that velvet suit though LOL.
FINAL THOUGHTS (Rating: 8.6/10)
The drama is not perfect but very interesting and fun to watch. It wasn’t exactly serious nor very dramatic that I could still tag this as a pick me up drama. It had the characteristics of modern romcom idol dramas that we love, it had the colorful aesthetic, good looking young cast, wonderful set, funny and a bit/somewhat relatable characters with cute and romantic scenes that will make your heart flutter, and just a tad bit of drama and action to make it more deep.
Like I mentioned it wasn’t perfect but I personally enjoyed watching this and will include it on my re-watch list. So I’m giving this quite a big rating cause I really enjoyed my time and had good laughs from this. Would I recommend this? Yes, I definitely would. Its quite a good modern + Sci-Fi meets Idol drama. And will definitely add this on my pick me up drama list as well.
So the drama is about the four boy rapunzels who are hidden from the world and their two princes(ses) who rescue them from the basement of a narcissistic CEO who wants to use them to bend the world into his vision. LOL but in all honesty, that is the best way to explain the whole concept of the drama without spoiling anything.I really want to say so many things about the drama but it wouldn’t be that fun if you already know the secrets of this drama. I can’t really say it's very realistic cause it's definitely far from it but how they kind of played with the idea and mixed it with fantasy and good idol cdrama aesthetic, I could say this is a good drama. It's funny, has a bit of action, talks about self worth, self discovery, courage, confidence, love, friendship, moral lessons and mixed it with the colorful idol cdrama aesthetic and good looking cast. It's a really good watch.
Like I mentioned on my first blog about this drama, the idea of virtual boyfriends is interesting and the way this drama played with that idea is really good. I was at first unseasy with how they were gonna play that whole virtual relationship thing specially at the very beginning ‘cause they used glasses. Although in reality glasses seem more plausible but there are so many loopholes in glasses. Like how can it be a completely immersive game when you can clearly see reality outside the rims of the glasses so when they changed into lenses, it actually made it more believable, does it make sense?
There is a part of the drama that I unexpectedly love and it's about the “Fandom” aspect especially the loveboys’s “girlfriends/wife”. I was worried that they would exaggerate fandoms and make it look bad or make us fans look like we were crazy. At first it worried me because in my perspective they were making us “fans” look like we have gone absolutely crazy and that we have become unreasonable although the ex wife part was a bit funny.There is an ounce of truth in it but I just love how they also showed the fan’s perspective in a different light. That through idolizing these people or believing in these made up relationships, people who feel lonely, lost hope and discouraged were inspired to pick ourselves again, to look forward to tomorrow. That not all fans are like sasaengs, who stalks and causes trouble, that most fans are people like Kele, Qiqi and Lanlan were protective but were not possessive or crazy.
I need to take a time and talk about the villain in this drama, Xu Guang Han. I don’t really talk much about villains in my reviews cause it sometimes spoils a lot of things but he will be an exception 'cause I really enjoyed his character. I honestly did not hate him at all, he is actually quite funny, especially with his scenes with Lei Na and Grandma Fu Shun.I get his logic but his execution is terrible. I also need to mention his narcissistic personality and obsession with “perfection” that just makes me laugh every single time. For a very smart guy whose goal is perfection, he is quite sloppy. I don’t know how to properly explain it without giving away too much but he kind of has a childish overly confident ego. Even though he is horrible at times, his scenes just make me laugh (probably biased because of the actor who played him lol)
The story is good but I personally think they could do with less episodes. Not complaining with the story fillers cause they were cute but fillers are still fillers, the story could have ended with less than 36 episodes. There were also loopholes in the storyline that I was a bit confused with. There are also things in the drama that make you raise a lot of questions, like xxxxx, if she is so influential she could have done everything without having to wait for Kele to appear in the storyline.I mean if that person was so vital and important it would have been easier for her to do everything herself. But the drama would be boring isn’t it? So I’ll just let that pass. And then there were action scenes, like when did they know how to fight? They were kicking ass but it makes me question how?? Like Qianya is a badass, the four rapunzels were also really good at fighting and last but not the least Kele’s high kick at the end??? Where did that come from?
Even though I was enjoying myself I was honestly thinking of dropping the drama even though I’m nearly at the end but! there is a humongous BUT! Something extraordinary happened! Damn did I not see that plot twist coming! OH MAH GAAAAAAAAAAD! Probably one of the greatest plot twists in modern dramas. Like Damn, I was baited into thinking that the drama is falling into the very cliches that I absolutely detest but praise the lord that I’m wrong! And thank god, my baes took a leap of faith! No pun intended (you’ll probably get this if you have seen the drama LOL)
And just when it's getting better, another mega plot twist!!!! Like seriously this drama is like Christmas that keeps on giving! The last couple of episodes were definitely the highlight of the story, the plot twists and shocking revelations were just perfection. I was definitely caught off guard, but the good kind.Yes we do get a happy ending for everyone. Although it feels a little bit disappointing that Luo Ke and Su Lei’s love stories felt a little bit rushed. They do have their happy ending but it still felt a bit rushed for them.
CAST
Jiang Ke Le - Kele is an only child whose father works as a sailor. She lives with her high school classmate and best friend Qianya. She works at a convenience store (before she was fired for being 5 minutes late) and later works at Colorist, a cosmetic shop where she befriends the cashier Qiqi. Kele has a bubbly girl next door vibe who is always optimistic despite being in a series of misfortunes. She’s the type of girl who goes with the flow and doesn't really hold grudges (much). She always seems to find a way out of her sticky situations by being a good actress and liar.
Lu Xiao - Lu Xiao is one of the four “loveboys”. Virtually, he is sweet, loving, caring and funny but he is actually far from it in reality. He is temperamental and a bit aloof to the other boys. He has a teddy bear that he never lets anyone touch, it was also the reason why he first butt-heads with their new cleaner, Kele. He has aquaphobia due to an incident when he was a kid before he was later “rescued” by Xu Guang Han.
Xu Nian - Xu Nian is like the “dad” of the four boys. Virtually, he is elegant and calm and unlike the rest of the boys, he is quite similar to his virtual character. He is kind, understanding and calm. He is the voice of reason and is very trusted by the other two boys Luo Ke and Su Lie. He is very smart and based on Kele and Qi Chuan, he is boring. He is very compassionate and caring towards the people around him.
Guan Qianya - Qianya is a career woman who is seen as a “tiger” boss but behind closed doors she is haunted by her past and relies on pills to sleep. Qianya is Kele’s trusted friend and roommate and the CEO of a dating company that is currently struggling due to the success of “loveboys”. Despite having a “strong/chic” woman facade, she is actually playful when it comes to Kele.
Su Lie - Su Lie is described as the sporty, outgoing “boyfriend” but in reality he is extremely shy and is scared of girls, with a very good reason. When he first met Kele, he was very awkward and avoided her as much as he could. Su Lei has a very traumatic past which makes him a bit timid and extremely scared of women, specifically women with red lipsticks. Oh and he has extremely low alcohol tolerance.
Luo Ke - Luo Ke is described as the “boyfriend” with a warm personality but in reality he is a bit childish and naive. He was the first one to open up to Kele especially when he was bribed with food, junk food to be specific. Luo Ke is cheerful but can oftentimes act like a spoiled child. He can also be a bit outspoken but is most of the time intimidated by Lu Xiao (since he was once beaten by him).
Xu Guang Han - Guang Han is the Founder and CEO of Yao Inc. Due to the “betrayal” of his parents, he was raised by his aunt. He then later became successful in the Entertainment Industry and managed different celebrities and where he met his girlfriend Gi Lan (or was it Gi Yan? Something like that LOL). Because of his greedy ambitions and obsession on staying relevant in society they had a fall out and then she left which made him see it as another “betrayal”. Unable to take it more “betrayals” he envisioned of a “perfect” relationship and eventually started his “loveboys” project.
CHARACTERS TO MENTION
Xu Fu Shun - Grandma Fu Shun is a badass grandma who, despite her age, still rides her motorcycle and can kickass. She works as the cleaner for the “Bay House” (where the boys are being kept) but when she got into a vehicular accident involving Kele, she had Kele take her place to clean the Bay House (with ulterior motives). She is very playful and mischievous but she can be cunning if she wants to be.
Lei Na - Lei Na is Xu Guang Han’s extremely loyal secretary who is definitely in love with him (LOL) Despite being fierce and mean, she is quite hhmm… okay, let me be blunt, she is kind of stupid but still she is a bit smart (watch the drama and you’ll know what I mean). She takes things literally and that's what makes her funny even though she doesn’ intend to.
Qi Chuan - Qi Chuan is a singer who used to work for Xu Guang Han before Guang Han took rights for his compositions (like Taylor Swift/Scooter ”snake” Braun story, sorry I just had to mention it. If its not obvious enough, I’m a swiftie as well LOL) I honestly don’t know about this guy. At first he gives me the “snake” vibe (the type that betrays people) but then he seemed innocent and just a bit foolish but then he was being sus in a couple of episodes but is actually innocent sooooo...I don't know. He was funny though.
CAST
I have seen Dai Lu Wa on CrossFire before where she played the troubling Chu Ge, Wu Lei’s love interest. I wasn’t really a fan of her then but I definitely love her now. She looks really cute as Kele and a complete 180 from the stubborn and feisty Chu Ge.
Then there is my bae Zhang Ling He, the reason why I wanted to watch this drama. As expected, he is really good looking and did not disappoint. There is also He Luo Luo sho plays as Lu Xiao, out of the four he is actually closest to his character since he is an idol and a member of R1se.
And ofcourse Chang Bin who plays as Luo Ke and Yan An who plays as Su Lie needs recognition. I actually expect them to be idols in real life but I can’t find much on their bio on MDL and although they are not main leads, I think this is their first time to have big supporting roles and I’m very proud. To think that this is Yan An’s first and only drama, it amazes me cause both are really talented and I heard they also sang parts of the OST. Stan talent.
Now to the biggest unexpected actor on this drama that just made me nostalgic and feeling like I’m a teenager once again is Ming Dao who plays as Xu Guang Han. I have only seen 1 drama from him (this will be the 2nd) but my heart will always remember him as Shan Jun Hao my Prince who turned into a frog Dang Ou HAHAH. Oh it feels like I’m back in 2008 just before high school.
PRODUCTION
I mentioned on my blog before that I was nervous about the CGI on this drama and that it might be one of those cringey super fake CGI that I really hate but it turns out it wasn’t bad, the effects were actually really clean and not bothering at all. The aesthetic is also what you would expect in Modern Idol CDramas, very colorful. I also quite like the fashion on this one since it wasn’t really over the top but something that anyone can really rock but that velvet suit though LOL.
FINAL THOUGHTS (Rating: 8.6/10)
The drama is not perfect but very interesting and fun to watch. It wasn’t exactly serious nor very dramatic that I could still tag this as a pick me up drama. It had the characteristics of modern romcom idol dramas that we love, it had the colorful aesthetic, good looking young cast, wonderful set, funny and a bit/somewhat relatable characters with cute and romantic scenes that will make your heart flutter, and just a tad bit of drama and action to make it more deep.
Like I mentioned it wasn’t perfect but I personally enjoyed watching this and will include it on my re-watch list. So I’m giving this quite a big rating cause I really enjoyed my time and had good laughs from this. Would I recommend this? Yes, I definitely would. Its quite a good modern + Sci-Fi meets Idol drama. And will definitely add this on my pick me up drama list as well.
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