By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: Crush 原来我很爱你 
Genre: Romance
Broadcast Year: 2021
Country: Mainland

Synopsis:

Sang Wu Yan, a college senior, dreams of becoming a broadcaster. She works as an assistant at a radio station and likes a mysterious songwriter with the name "Yi Jin". She fell in love at first sight after a chance meeting with Su Nian Qin and later discovers that he is visually impaired. Layer by layer, Sang Wu Yan peels off Su Nian Qin's elusive, arrogant and indifferent shell due to his broken family. She then learns that he was in fact the talented 'Yi Jin'. Their interactions lead to a sweeping romance but the couple finds themselves in a tug of war between their hard-earned happiness and a fear of loss. (Source: Baidu, ChineseDrama.info) ~~ Adapted from the novel "So I Love You Very Much" (原来我很爱你), originally titled "Qin He Yi Kan" (衾何以堪) by Mu Fu Sheng (木浮生).

Remark:

I have to say that recently there are quite a lot of Korean craze going on. I have finished watching Squid Game and really enjoy BTS songs! Life is full of ups and downs, and in the midst of dealing with Covid, we just have to make ourselves happier, isn't it? But lately I have been more of watching C-dramas instead, and there are quite a few good ones that had 'melted my heart'. Crush is definitely one of them and also one of my personal favorites. I was recommended to this C-drama by a friend and it is surprisingly remarkable! 

A very simple yet not so typical story line. There is no annoying second male/female lead(s) that is trying to break up the couple, nor is there any typical contract marriage plot. I am familiar with Wang Peng but not so with Evan Lin, however, after watching this drama, I am really into Evan Lin for now, haha. His acting is good considered 'Crush' is only his second drama. Though there is still room for improvement.

I particularly like the simple story of true love with the characters - Su Nian Qin (Evan Lin) and Sang Wu Yan (Wang Peng). The whole drama is very heartwarming and touching, with marvelous chemistry of both leads. I am looking foward to more dramas of Evan Lin. Did I mention that he is also quite a good singer? He sang the OST of Crush.

I love how the Director ended the drama series with Su Nian Qin thanking Sang Wu Yan for finding back his old self. And with a thank you note for the crew as well as the viewers.

“Thank you all those who worked hard on 'Crush'. Thank you to the audience who enjoyed and supported this series. Thank you for finding us.”

This ending note reminds us to constantly find back ourselves in the midst of our busy life. I am so glad that I have found this c-drama. If you are looking for a simple, no frills and happy drama – this is the one.

 

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: Time Flies and You are Here 雁归西窗月
Genre: Romance, Period
Broadcast Year: 2021
Country: Mainland


Synopsis:

Their destinies were tied together due to a contract marriage. She's an ordinary girl who believes that woman have a right to an education too. He is a prince who needs to live up to his reputation of being lazy and unskilled. Xie Xiao Man unintentionally offended Zhao Xiao Qian, the famous Julu Prince of the Wu Jiang manor. Because of a set up, the two enter into a contract marriage leaving Xiao Man no choice but to marry into the royal family. 

 Expected to remain as an insignificant prince his entire life, can Zhao Xiao Qian become a general with the courage and capability to protect his country? Despite coming from ordinary beginnings, Xie Xiao Man is also determined to find her path. From clashing endlessly to gradually opening up to each other, Zhao Xiao Qian and Xie Xiao Man overcome many obstacles together as they learn to love and support each other as husband and wife.

(Source: ChineseDrama.Info)

 

Remark:

I like how the character of Zhao Xiao Qian (Joseph Zeng) evolves from a happy-go-lucky duke to a responsible and loving general to his people and beloved Xie Xiao Man (Liang Jie), in Time Flies and You are Here. 

 I am particularly impressed with Joseph Zeng's acting in this c-drama, hence leading me to watch his current c-drama – Rebirth for You, starring together with Ju JingYi.

 

 

 

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: To Love 最初的相遇，最后的别离
Genre: Romance, Thriller
Broadcast Year: 2020/2021
Country: Mainland


Synopsis:

To Love is a suspenseful love story in which the fate of several young people with different backgrounds and charms are entangled in two unpredictable twists and turns.

Yan Jin (Kenny Lin Geng Xin), a businessman and former anti-narcotics policeman, decides to investigate a drug-trafficking case that caused the death of his close friend.

He infiltrates into the organization as an undercover cop, and gets to know Ji Xiao Ou (Gai Cass). This causes Zhan Yu (Li Qing), who has a one-sided crush on her, to be jealous. However, Zhan Yu was murdered and Yan Jin becomes primary suspect.

With Ji Xiao Ou's help, Yan Jin sets out to clear his name and to investigate the murder of his close friend.

(Source: Dramawiki, Baidu)

 

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: Love in Time 约定期间爱上你
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Broadcast Year: 2020
Country: Mainland


Synopsis:


Su Jian An (Starring Serena Cheng), an unknown novelist, falls into an unspeakable family industry inheritance crisis in order to continue her dream of writing novels.

Reluctantly, she signs a “contract marriage” with Lu Bo Yan (Starring Ming Ren), a junior high school enemy who has become a bigwig in the investment industry.

The two people with completely different temperaments and childhood misunderstandings start a “sweet cohabitation war” under the same roof.

At the same time, Lu Bo Yan does everything possible to intervene in Su Jian An’s novel writing, frequently trying to find inspiration for himself.

The two people continue to collide during their cohabitation and creative journey, pass through numerous obstacles, finally paving the way to success in love and in their careers.

Love in Time is adapted from Heng Wen Xue’s novel “Lu Shao’s New Wife in a Warm Marriage”. It tells the story of Lu Bo Yan and Su Jian An’s life trajectories intersecting and finally coming together due to various fates.

Love in Time theme songs, Heartbeat 心动合约 and Promise 约定 .

(Source: Cdramalove.com)

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: General's Lady 将军家的小娘子
Genre: Ancient, Romance, Military
Broadcast Year: 2020
Country: Mainland


Synopsis:


A notorious general and an aristocrat's daughter hold each other's hands to spend a lifetime together whilst protecting what's precious to them. Shen Jin (Starring Tang Min) grew up in luxury as a member of the royal family. After the emperor decrees an arranged marriage, she is married off to a general who defends the borders. 

Although she falls in love with her husband, general Chu Xiu Ming (Starring Caesar Wu), at first sight, she finds it difficult to blend in. Shen Jin gradually sheds her spoiled and entitled attitude and becomes a force to be reckoned with. With her unconventional methods, she solves many of the army's problems and comes to earn their trust and respect.

However, there has been a shakeup in the imperial courts and the Chu army becomes a target. Shen Jin's parents are held hostage against their will while Shen Jin receives orders to act as a spy for the emperor. Can the married couple weather the storms to find happiness and peace?

General's Lady is adapted from a novel of the same name by Yan Bo Jiang Nan.

The drama's theme song 为一人 is performed by Caesar Wu and Tang Min.

(Source: ChineseDrama.info) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: Arsenal Military Academy
烈火军校
Genre: Republican, Romance, Military
Broadcast Year: 2019
Country: Mainland


Synopsis:


Arsenal Military Academy is set in the republican era. Xie Xiang (Starring Bai Lu) joins the army in her brother's stead by pretending to be a man. She becomes classmates with the wealthy Gu Yan Zhen (Starring Xu Kai) and the calm Shen Jun Shan. Through their rigorous training, the three form a bond to become comrades, all while Xie Xiang tries to keep her cover. After many incidents, Xie Xiang earns the respect of her peers and superiors. She also becomes the object of affections of the two men in her lives. The Japanese military stations more forces in the Northeast region causing the young heroes to engage in battle as they uncover a big conspiracy.

(Source: ChineseDrama.info)

Comment:

Arsenal Military Academy is a must watch drama if you are a fan of Xu Kai and Bai Lu from C-drama, The Legends. Apart from this delightful pairing, the other casts in this drama are equally worth watching; with eye candy, such as Toby Lee, Hong Yao, Wang Yizhe, Meng En, Liu Runnan and Liu Sibo, etc. 

There are many hilarious happenings in the military academy and the story also ultimately have the students uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving the Japanese occupiers, the Chinese resistance, and the past royal descendants of the defunct Qing Dynasty.

The character of Xie Xiang is a very gutsy and independent girl, not your typical weak female lead. I really find her very “man” in this drama, definitely not someone waiting for the male lead to protect her.

Xie Xiang looks really handsome with her short hair and male outfit, in fact, I like her better in her male outfit in this drama, compared to her in feminine dresses. And not to mention the sexy and humorous Gu Yan Zhen, very protective and caring to Xie Xiang. I totally fall in love with Xu Kai in this drama!

I also like the pairing of Shen Ting Bai (Starring Hong Yao) and Qu Man Ting (Starring Wu Jiayi). Shen Ting Bai's cool character and Qu Man Ting's hilarious mannerism makes a wonderful couple. 

I cannot help but notice the elegant dresses of Qu Man Ting, wonderfully tailored for the historical 1920s fashion style. Although the costumes of Qu Man Ting were supposedly meant for a century ago epoch, I am pleasantly surprised that some of her fashion styles could even be suitable for present day. They are just fascinating and beautiful.


One of the soundtracks, “Enter a Dream 入梦”performed by Xu Kai and Bai Lu.

 

 

 

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By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com

Title: Our Times 我的少女時代
Genre: Romance, Comedy, School
Broadcast Year: 2015
Country: Taiwan

Synopsis:

Our Times opens in the present day, where Lin Truly (Starring Joe Chen) is an ordinary office worker who leads a stressful life. Her name, "Truly", literally means "sincere of heart", reflecting her hard-working nature which often gets her ridiculed by her younger subordinates. Dejected, she listens to a cassette recording of an old Andy Lau song. This brings her back to her high school days, when she was an ordinary high-school girl, who idolized Lau and lived a simple, care-free life. She had a crush on Ouyang Fei-Fan, (Starring Dino Lee), the school's most popular male student, and had two good girl friends.

One day, seventeen-year-old Lin (Starring Vivian Sung) receives a chain letter, warning her of impending doom if she does not pass the message on. Naively, she passes it on to Hsu Tai-yu (Starring Darren Wang), the school's notorious gangster boss, her math teacher and Tao Min-min (Starring Dewi Chien), the school's most popular girl. While Hsu Tai-yu reads the letter, he gets hit by a car. After weeding out the letter's sender, the angry Hsu Tai-yu makes Lin Truly his 'friend' and forces her to run errands for him in exchange for leaving Ouyang alone, thus making her his errand-girl.

By chance, Lin Truly accidentally overhears a conversation between Min-min and Ouyang and discovers that they are in a secret relationship. Dejected, she creates an alliance with Hsu Tai-yu, who likes Tao Min-min, to break the couple up. Throughout the course of events, Lin Truly and Hsu Tai-yu begin to understand each other better, and their friendship evolves as they began to learn a thing or two about true love. Eventually, they develop romantic feelings for each other.

Hsu Tai-yu later discovers that he has a blood clot in his brain, caused by the car accident and further exacerbated by his frequent brawling and falls. His parents decide to send him overseas, leaving Lin Truly with no way to contact him.

In the present day, Lin Truly leaves her unhappy job and relationship upon having rediscovered herself. She is still unable to book a ticket to an Andy Lau concert that is set to take place in Taipei, but fate intervenes and allows Andy Lau to act as the means by which Lin Truly and Hsu Tai-yu (Starring Jerry Yan) are reunited as adults.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Chinese Movie ♦ Fall in Love at First Kiss / 一吻定情 ~♥

By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com 


Title: Fall in Love at First Kiss 一吻定情

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Broadcast Year: 2019
Country: Taiwan

Synopsis:

A love story between an ordinary girl with a stubborn crush and the school genius adored by all girls in their campus, ended up staying together in the same house. 

When a fool falls in love with someone way out of her league, is there hope for a happy ending? Yuan Xiang Qin (Starring Jelly Lin) is an ordinary girl who has a persistent crush on Jiang Zhi Shu (Starring Darren Wang).

After she express her feelings to him and was cruelly rejected. Xiang Qin considers giving Zhi Shu up for good. 

However, things happened and her dad brings her along to move in temporarily with Zhi Shu's family until their house is rebuild. 

In a sweet and pure romance set in high school. Xiang Qin's cheerful buoyancy shines. Zhi Shu begins to wonder whether Xiang Qin is merely a deviation or the person that he is fated to be with. 

Fall in Love at First Kiss is a remake of idol drama, Itazura na Kiss.

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Chinese Drama ♦ General and I / 孤芳不自赏 ~♥

By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com 


Title: General and I / 孤芳不自赏

Genre: Ancient, Romance
Episode: 62
Broadcast Year: 2017
Country: Mainland

Synopsis:

Bai Ping Ting (Starring Angelababy) had never believed in the saying that “ladies without a talent is a virtue.” 

She is Xiao Jing An Wang’s maid, yet lives with more dignity than the usual ladies, what she relies on is not beauty, but instead is her head that is more wise and intelligent than that of a man’s. She does not need others to sympathize on her average appearance. 

What she wants is another soul of the same level as her, whom she can compete with. So, even if that man is the general of the the opponent country, even if all between them is deceits and schemes, she is still unable to not be tempted by this man. 

If between love and loyalty, there is only one choice, she can only hope, Chu Bei Jie (Starring Wallace Chung) love, is not as deep as she expects. (Credit: Soompi Forum)
 
General and I is adapted from a Chinese novel, by Feng Nong.


                                                                            Gallery ~♥

 

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Korean Drama ♦ Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo / 달의 연인 – 보보경심: 려 ~♥

By: http://seoulinlovenow.blogspot.com


Title: Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo / 달의 연인 – 보보경심: 려
Genre: Historical, Romance, Time-travel

Episodes: 20
Country: South Korea
Broadcast Year: 2016

Synopsis:

This drama is based on Chinese novel “Bu Bu Jing Xin” by Tong Hua which was originally published online in 2005 on Jinjiang Original Network. The novel also adapted into the Chinese television series “Scarlet Heart” which was aired in Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) from 2011-Sep-10 to 2011-Sep-29 and also “Scarlet Heart 2” which was aired in Zhejiang STV (ZJTV) from 2014-Apr-22 to 2014-May-07.

This drama was fully pre-produced before airing which is a departure from the live-shoot production format that characterizes most Korean dramas. The Filming Began on 2016-Jan and Completed on 2016-June-30. The series will be simulcast in China, Japan and Hong Kong.

The story set up in the early of Goryeo regime. Hae Soo (IU), a 25 year old girl from modern era got transported back to Goryeo dynasty and got trapped in the conflicts and struggles between princes of Wang’s House. There, she falls in love with Wang So (Lee Joon Ki) who makes other people tremble with fear. (Credit: Koreandrama.org)

Comment:

Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo aired its last episode in November 2016 and I finally find time to write my review on it. This drama is adapted from Tong Hua's novel, Bu Bu Jing Xin - Startling by Each Step. I watched the China version some years back and was really touched by the sad ending. It was quite a hit at that time and I was hoping the Korea version will not follow the sad ending.

The Princes = Eye Candy ^^

I cannot help compare both Korea and China version while I was watching Moon Lovers - Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. I find the Korea version more emotional, with the sad childhood and background of Wang So (Starring: Lee Joon Ki). By the way, I just want to comment on Lee Joon Ki's acting. He is really marrrvelooous! He portrayed the emotions of Wang Soo fantastically. I feel sad for his character. And when he is cold and angry, he is really fearful. I wonder why they call him the wolf dog though, this is something they did not follow the China version. Personally, I feel that its not very appropriate. And Lee Jong Ki even go on a diet to appear 'thinner' for this character in order to look more like an...ahem..."injured animal". He lost 15kg on a diet of 5 to 6 months. Seriously?? But honestly, I did find his jawline very sexy in Moon Lovers - Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. His jawline does became sharper due to his weight lost. Haha. And he is really cool with his face mask on.

Anyway, IU, on the other hand might need to brush up on her acting, but I think she is consider okay, given that she is a young actress? I find her exceptionally sweet and cute in Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. She looks pretty in all those colorful period costumes. 

I like how the director of this drama shoot some of the scenes, it makes the setting of the drama very beautiful and epic. And not to mention the gorgeous costumes and eye candies (all the princes ^^).

I thought the portrait of King Gwang Jong looks like the real life Wang So, lol! Anyway, I hope that the Korea version will shoot a second part, as I personally feel that the ending is not complete. I was actually looking forward to a scene where by Wang So will meet Hae Soo in modern time. But it just end with him saying he will look for his Hae Soo.
 

Don't they look good together? :)

If you have watch neither Korea version, Moon Lovers - Scarlet Heart: Ryeo or China version, Bu Bu Jing Xing, please give this drama a chance. Both versions are definitely worth watching!

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