Flash Review: The First Half Of My Life [China]

This is one of those times when I feel like maybe not a lot of you guys would be immediately drawn to this show, but I feel it’s so good that I want to tell you all about it anyway.

The funny thing is, I wasn’t immediately drawn to this one either. My regular hairdresser hails from China, and he was the one who told me about this show.

He said that it was really hot stuff in China when it aired, and that he’d marathoned the entire thing in less than a week when he went home to visit his parents, it was so good. He said it was very well-acted, and everything was portrayed in a very realistic manner.

It didn’t sound like my usual cup of tea, but after I got home, I downloaded it anyway, thinking my mom would be interested. She wasn’t. But I decided to give it a go all the same, just to see – and whaddya know, I love it.

And I really, really hope that by writing this review, that it will entice at least some of you guys to give this one a chance, coz I kinda just want everyone to love it too. ❤️

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Here’s the OST album in case you’d like to listen to it while you read the review.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

Essentially, this is the story of 37-year-old Zi Jun (Ma Yi Li), who’s enjoyed a cushy existence all her married life, with her days mainly filled with shopping and taking care of her 7-year-old son Ping Er (Wei Zhi Hao).

Pretty soon into our story, her husband Jun Sheng (Lei Jia Yin) admits that he’s in love with someone else, and divorces her.

Our narrative focuses on how Zi Jun walks the difficult journey from brokenness to wholeness, with the help of her bestie Tang Jing (Yuan Quan) and Tang Jing’s boyfriend He Han (Jin Dong).

From being a helpless housewife with barely any work experience, Zi Jun – by putting in lots of hard work, effort and tears – eventually becomes a strong, independent, and empowered woman.

WHO MIGHT LIKE THIS ONE

In my mind, there are several main groups of viewers who might enjoy this show.

I think you might like this one if:

1. You’re a little tired of all the dramas with stories featuring teens and twentysomethings, and want something meaty featuring more mature characters.

2. You’re having a hard time with real-life struggles yourself, and want to feel a sense of solidarity and release.

We journey with Zi Jun in pretty excruciating detail, so for someone going through a tough season, it helps to feel like you’re not alone; you’re not the only one who’s suffering.

At the same time, we also get to see Zi Jun pick herself up from the lowest low, and start to walk a hard road towards a better tomorrow, and that’s inspiring. If she can do it, so can I. If there’s a better tomorrow for her, there’s a better tomorrow for me, too. That’s powerful, uplifting stuff.

3. You simply enjoy a good, well-made drama.

STUFF I LOVED

1. It’s so well-made

When I watch this show, it consistently feels like everything is put together so well. The production values are high, and the cinematography is crisp and sharp, which is completely in line with our metropolitan setting.

We also consistently get beautiful shots of the Shanghai skyline that feel meaningfully placed, and not indulgent.

I love that the background music that we are treated to, has been clearly carefully chosen and meticulously applied.

Often, the lyrics are closely aligned with what’s happening on our screens. Also, generally speaking, the music leans restrained and elegant – which also lends a touch of sophistication to our drama world.

And while there’s PPL, I appreciate that it’s woven in pretty organically, and therefore doesn’t distract from the story much at all.

Overall, even though logic tells me that the wholistic effect is the result of the work of many people, I hafta say that in the experience of watching this show, it really feels like there is one all-inclusive, loving hand at work, making sure that every detail feels like a believable component of the larger organism that is this drama world.

2. It’s thoughtful, elegant and thought-provoking

Although this could be called a melodrama, I don’t like calling it that, because a lot of people associate melodrama with heightened, more theatrical drama worlds, and this.. isn’t that.

This is more of a thoughtful drama that manages to feel both realistic yet polished; everyday yet elegant.

For one thing, there are no true villains in this drama world; nobody is painted in plain black or white. Show takes pains to show us each person’s context and backstory, and we eventually understand why each person might act the way they do.

That feels thoughtful and true-to-life, and I appreciated that a lot.

On another note, I very much enjoyed Zi Jun’s voiceovers, which we hear regularly throughout the drama.

Her voiceovers are consistently honest, thoughtful, eloquent, and even a little illuminating. While listening to her voiceovers, I felt like I had so much insight into her emotional landscape.

On top of that, her voiceovers regularly gave me food for thought too, and I often found myself taking a lesson or two, from her life lessons, and that felt pretty affecting.

3. It’s really well-acted

Show’s got a pretty sizable cast, and I have to say that I found every character well-acted, from the key characters, down to the less significant supporting characters.

Altogether, these actors did a fantastic job of making this drama world feel like it’s filled with real, living, breathing people, and not just characters conjured up by the writer.

Here, I’d like to give the spotlight to our 3 main actors and their characters.

Ma Yi Li as Zi Jun

One important thing I need to mention about Zi Jun as a character, is that she’s pretty annoying right off the bat, in episode 1.

Plus, Ma Yi Li does such a good job bringing Zi Jun to life, that it’s extra easy to feel annoyed at the self-absorbed rants and the superiority complex she seems to have.

Very quickly, though – as soon as episode 2, in fact – I began to feel less annoyed at Zi Jun. Her innocence, naïveté and caring nature quickly came to the fore, and I soon found myself feeling rather empathetic towards her.

Zi Jun walks a long and pretty arduous journey in our story, and I quickly got on board with rooting for her. When she went through particularly rough days, my heart ached for her. And when she experienced victories, big and small, I felt like a proud mother hen.

It is a truly gratifying experience watching Zi Jun’s journey of transformation and growth. By the end of our story, I had developed not only an affection for her, but a sense of respect as well.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Here are a handful of highlights of Zi Jun’s journey that stood out to me.

E8. Zi Jun refusing to say nasty things about Jun Sheng just to gain a better standing in the divorce proceedings, says a lot about her. She may not be worldly wise, but she stands by her principles.

E15. It’s pretty great to have insight into Zi Jun’s learning journey, like how she deals with Jun Sheng’s parents while thinking of what He Han would advise her to do in that situation. It almost feels like I’m learning something too, while watching her.

E17. Zi Jun overcoming her emotions to get the upper hand with her ex-classmate in the store, was pretty great to watch. What a demonstration of growth, and emotional and mental strength.

E18. It was hard to watch Zi Jun girding herself as she ran with Ping Er in her arms, in the heavy rain. In heels, no less. All because she could not allow Jun Sheng to see her and Ping Er in that wretched state.

That’s a low point in her life, and must be so exhausting on every level. Ma Yi Li really killed it, in this scene.

E27. Zi Jun’s handling of Xiao Tian’s indecent proposal is so sharply to the point and efficient. Wow.

E30. Zi Jun choosing the harder road, in order to learn, is admirable. And, I understand her. Not only does she want to do well for herself and her son, she wants to give He Han the assurance that he hasn’t wasted his time on guiding and coaching her.

Good on her, for choosing the road that teaches and challenges her more, even though it will be really tough. Respect.

[END SPOILERS]

Jin Dong as He Han

A fangirl tangent

I’m gonna have to credit Show for clueing me in to the Jin Dong swoony. I mean, I’ve consistently found him a very good actor, having seen him in Nirvana in Fire and The Disguiser, but I’d never thought of him as swoony. Until this show, that is.

I mean, it does take a little while, since He Han does come across as a bit of a jerk in episode 1, but it really wasn’t long before I found He Han to be very interesting, as a character.

And it wasn’t long after that, that I found him to be suave, charming, and generally extremely appealing. There were several times during my watch that I literally swooned, because of him (more about that, in a bit).

Let’s just say that because of Jin Dong’s fantastic portrayal of He Han in this show, I now have serious plans to check out his 2017 drama, Surgeons. And you guys know how I feel about medical dramas. 😉

He Han the character

Initial impression:

In the beginning of our story, He Han comes across as pretty mercenary and therefore kind of unsavory, [SPOILER] like when he took over the meeting in episode 1, and basically discarded all the work that his girlfriend Tang Jing had put in prior [END SPOILER], but as with Zi Jun’s character, it isn’t long before we get to see He Han in a kinder light.

His shrewd wisdom:

By episode 7, I’d begun to have an appreciation for He Han’s brand of shrewd wisdom, which I found different and interesting.

I mean, the things that he says generally aren’t things that I would think of myself, but, he does make sense when he says them. It wasn’t long before I genuinely valued He Han’s astute observations and his sharp logic.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In episode 7, the things that he says to Zi Jun, about understanding why she lost Jun Sheng, and understanding his work environment and why she lost, is so logical.

It’s stuff that I wouldn’t think to say to someone grieving the breakdown of her marriage. But, his kindness is tinged with a hard-hitting kind of grit.

He’s not one to go easy on anyone, even if you’re grieving. Plus, he puts it all in such a business-like sort of way, that it feels like he’s got a very different way of thinking than most people.

There’s a scene in episode 14 where He Han finds himself on the line with Zi Jun when she meets with her husband’s other woman, Ling Ling (Wu Yue).

Using his distinctive brand of wisdom, He Han coaches Zi Jun through her meeting with Ling Ling, and it’s pretty darn great. He ensures that Zi Jun is tough but perfectly reasonable, even in the face of the other woman, and I liked that a lot.

In episode 27, He Han advises Zi Jun about her attitude towards Ping Er’s living arrangements. Even though he’s not a parent, I really find He Han’s words about Ping Er very wise.

It’s true that it’s not good for Ping Er to feel that he’s in the center of a struggle between his parents, and it’s important that he feels loved and cared for by both parties.

And, it’s true that over time, Ping Er will come to realize that he belongs to no one but himself.

When Zi Jun takes his words to heart, it completely changes the game in terms of Ping Er’s moods and Jun Sheng’s expectations of his ex-wife, and I appreciated He Han’s wisdom a little more, yet again.

[END SPOILER]

His fairness:

One of the things that I ended up really admiring about He Han, is that he is really fair in dealing with (most) people.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In this respect, the thing that stands out most in my mind, is how He Han doesn’t hold Jun Sheng’s messy personal life against him in the least, when he ends up being Jun Sheng’s boss.

He tells Jun Sheng that he keeps business and personal matters separate, and proceeds to live up to his word.

In fact, he even gives Jun Sheng more prestigious work because he feels Jun Sheng is up to the task. I liked the fact that He Han is a boss who holds people to high standards, and is fair, in keeping those standards.

I found myself pleasantly surprised at what a good boss He Han turns out to be, to Jun Sheng, and I also very much enjoyed the comradery and genuine friendship that grew between these two men.

[END SPOILER]

His tough love:

The thing about He Han, is that he can be tough when he thinks you’re being too needy or weak, but when he judges that help is needed, he consistently goes above and beyond, to extend help where he feels it’s needed.

I couldn’t help appreciating him more and more, as I got deeper into the show.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In episode 16, He Han helps Jun Sheng finish up the work so that he can go home a little earlier, and then he not only brings over toys for Ping Er, he fixes it all up, and shows Zi Jun how to prepare dinner.

That’s really not something I would’ve expected from the He Han that we were first introduced to.

In episode 17, He Han volunteers to spend more time with Zi Jun to coach her about life, which I found an interesting development, since he started the show not being to stand being in Zi Jun’s presence.

His remarks to Zi Jun are a perfect example of his brand of tough love; his words aren’t always pleasant to hear, but they certainly cut to the chase and distill a lot of shrewdness and wisdom, and end up being extremely useful to the hearer.

[END SPOILER]

His potential for swoony:

Let me just say that He Han has a lot of potential for swoony.

There is actually not a lot of skinship in this show, and if memory serves, there is only one kiss. But in his actions, his words, the look in his eyes – the entire vibe that he carries – He Han brings a very solid swoon quotient to the show.

[SPOILER ALERT]

I will mention a couple of other instances later in this review, but for now, here are 2 times when I found He Han decidedly captivating.

Exhibit A: Hero to the rescue

In episode 27, when Zi Jun is stranded on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere, with her phone battery dead, and under threat of a severe thunderstorm, it’s He Han who immediately drives almost 200km out of Shanghai, to track her down.

In the pouring rain, with poor visibility and no way of contacting Zi Jun, He Han drives right past her. But, just as I’m thinking that he’s missed his only chance to rescue our girl, He Han takes my breath away as he comes running through the rain, carrying an umbrella, looking all fierce yet all swoony at the same time.

OMG my heart couldn’t help but swell with fangirl squee, as I watched He Han grab Zi Jun and bundle her away under the safety of the umbrella – and his protective arm.

Melt.

Exhibit B: Tang Jing’s defender

In the same episode, He Han goes to Hong Kong and makes it a point to ask to see Tang Jing.

But long-time admirer and clingy, crafty fox Vivian (Zheng Luo Qian) shows up in his hotel room before Tang Jing does.

Vivian does everything she can to plant doubts in Tang Jing’s mind when Tang Jing does arrive, and OMG He Han’s words to Vivian, to clear the air with Tang Jing, is the stuff that would make any woman swoon to the floor.

“Everything that you said earlier were totally quite the opposite of the truth. I hope that it can be clear to you that the person between me and Tang Jing that doesn’t want to get married is Tang Jing, not me.

The person who has been shamelessly chasing after the other person is also not Tang Jing but me.

The person who has been waiting all this time is me, not Tang Jing. That’s why, you and all those meddlesome gossips out there got it all wrong. The woman that my heart admires is called Tang Jing.

If ever she is willing to marry me, I will immediately gratefully kneel in front of her and marry her. Understand? That’s why, no one can besmirch Tang Jing right in front of me.”

Augh. And he says it all so matter-of-factly, too.

SWOONNN.

[END SPOILER]

Yuan Quan as Tang Jing

I seriously love Tang Jing as a character, and I also seriously love Yuan Quan’s wonderful delivery of the character.

As a character, I love how strong, capable and smart Tang Jing is. And she’s fiercely loyal too. Right away from episode 1, I was a fan.

[SPOILER ALERT]

She’s strong:

I love that Tang Jing’s a strong woman; I feel like we could do with so many more strong women like her, in dramaland.

There is a lot of gossip that swirls around her at the office, because of her relationship with He Han. I love that she takes things in her stride and doesn’t let the gossip or needling get to her.

And even when it does get to her, she never lets it show. She has the presence of mind and strength of heart, to manage her emotions on the inside, and show only an even-tempered, collected surface.

That takes a lot of emotional fortitude, and I admire her for having it in spades.

She’s sharp:

I love that Tang Jing is so smart and capable. She’s extremely successful at work, and she’s also super sharp in general.

When He Han shows up at her home with a sudden marriage proposal in episode 11, she’s smart enough to ask herself what had happened prior, to trigger the sudden proposal. I love that she’s so impressively whip-smart and yet, so kind and caring, at the same time.

She’s loyal:

One of my favorite things about Tang Jing, is what a fiercely caring bestie she is.

In episode 1, when she smells even a hint of trouble, with Jun Sheng’s interactions with Ling Ling, she goes out of her way to take matters into her own hands, to do everything in her power, to ensure that her best friend Zi Jun doesn’t get hurt.

She has no qualms making threats to protect the ones that she loves, and there’s something very ballsy about that.

She’s elegant and beautiful:

Perhaps the thing that lingers the most with me, about Tang Jing, is how elegantly beautiful she is, even when she is in pain. Major props to Yuan Quan, for her lovely, eloquent interpretation of Tang Jing’s most painful moments.

Here are just a couple of times when I found myself entranced by Yuan Quan’s performance.

E19. I can see the pain in Tang Jing’s eyes when she talks with He Han about her date. She tries to make it sound like everything’s going swell, but it doesn’t take much for the strain to show in her temples, and the tears to sheen, ever so subtly, in her eyes.

Her pain feels so acute, yet she contains it so elegantly.

E22. During a phone call with Tang Jing, Zi Jun reads aloud from Tang Jing’s early journals, of He Han’s words of advice and guidance.

As she listens, Tang Jing’s mind swirls with thoughts, feelings and memories of her times with He Han, and his words of promise and affection, and the tears start to stream down her wan face, her gaze full of wistful sadness, for the past, and for the future that now would never be.

Again, I’m blown away by how much elegance and eloquence there is, in Tang Jing’s tears. Yuan Quan is amazing.

E23. He Han’s final words to Tang Jing over the phone are heartbreaking.

It’s cordial and sincere, but it also puts distance between them, in a way that implies finality, like there is now, officially and definitely, no way back for him and Tang Jing, to return to their romantic relationship.

The way Tang Jing cries is ever so elegant and beautiful. The more I look at her, as her vulnerability and sadness shines through her tears, the more beautiful I find her.

[END SPOILERS]

Special shout-out: the friendship between Zi Jun and Tang Jing

You know how so many of us have been saying that we need more strong female friendships depicted in dramaland? Well, the friendship between Zi Jun and Tang Jing is one for the books.

I loved the extremely strong and loving display of friendship between these two women. They always made sure they were there, one for the other, and both of them would often go out of their way, for the sake of their friendship.

Even though their friendship suffers some setbacks in the course of our story, this still ranks as one of my favorite sisterhood friendships in all of dramaland.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In the beginning of our story, Zi Jun finds herself without a husband, without work experience or skills, without a job – and without much of a will to do anything about it.

It is Tang Jing who goes out of her way to help Zi Jun. She doesn’t just focus on comforting Zi Jun. She also puts a lot of effort into encouraging Zi Jun, and she basically hauls Zi Jun – mostly against her will – towards better and more positive steps.

I love the mixture of gentle care and tough love that Tang Jing shows Zi Jun, because that is exactly what Zi Jun needs. And Tang Jing cares, so much.

Even when Zi Jun herself doesn’t have the drive to find herself a job, Tang Jing looks for one, for her. And talks her through it. And takes her to the interview.

And when Zi Jun finally gets a job, Tang Jing takes time out of her work day to visit her on her first day at work, and basically supplies everything that Zi Jun needs.

She gives her hand cream out of her handbag, and then feeds Zi Jun lunch because coz Zi Jun’s hands are too slick from the hand cream, and she even swops shoes with Zi Jun, coz Zi Jun wore impractical high heels to work.

Tang Jing is such an awesome friend, seriously.

Of course, the care and emotion flows both ways, and Show makes sure to let us know that too.

In episode 23, in the face of Tang Jing leaving Shanghai for a year or several, the two women share a private moment, where Zi Jun expresses her deep gratitude for Tang Jing, and Tang Jing reflects on her own journey as well.

The tears flow easily and freely, and the two women share a heartfelt embrace as they cry into each other’s arms.

There is so much raw love and honesty between them; I can palpably feel the magnitude of their gratitude, empathy and appreciation for each other, and it is all just so achingly beautiful.

When the tables are turned and Tang Jing is in trouble in episode 40, Zi Jun chooses not to board her plane to Shenzhen, so that she can help Tang Jing.

Even though the two women are officially estranged, and even though Zi Jun might be putting her new job at risk, and even though she has no guarantee that she can help Tang Jing, Zi Jun shows no hesitation in making her decision.

That says so much about how much she treasures Tang Jing, and how much their friendship means to her.

So much love and devotion, both ways. I love it.

[END SPOILERS]

Other special shout-out: Chen Dao Ming as Old Zhuo

Old Zhuo isn’t a major character in our drama world, but I really appreciated Old Zhuo’s style.

He cares, but always remains professional.

He’s observant, and knows things, but never judges. He sometimes offers a friendly word of advice, but never in a very specific manner, so that he doesn’t overstep his boundaries.

He’s a cool dude, and I totally can see why Luo Luo (Chuo Ni) has a crush on him.

MY TAKE ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE MAIN LOVELINE

Background [MINOR TO MODERATE SPOILERS]

If you’ve seen this show’s synopsis on DramaWiki, this wouldn’t be a spoiler for you, but basically, in the course of helping Zi Jun, He Han develops feelings for her, and her for him.

But wait, before you dismiss Show as being makjang, and this being a loveline you can’t get behind, let me just say that Show treats this problematic love triangle with sensitivity and respect.

He Han and Tang Jing don’t break up because of Zi Jun; there are deep-seated issues between them that are the real cause of their break-up.

And, it is only after they break up, that Show shifts the focus to the burgeoning feelings between He Han and Zi Jun.

Through it all, our characters continue to behave like real people, and Show is unflinching yet sensitive, in showing us how regular people might find themselves in such a situation.

He Han & Tang Jing [SPOILERS]

Although He Han and Tang Jing look like a perfectly matched couple to the casual observer, it is true that from pretty early on in the show, we can see the cracks in their relationship.

Besides the weird condition that they have set for themselves, to not talk about marriage or the future when they are together, there is also a deep-seated trust issue that prevents them from becoming closer.

Not only has He Han shown that he can be ruthless in business, even if Tang Jing is involved, there is also a big elephant in the room, in the form of He Han’s alleged past indiscretion with Vivian.

Even though He Han has gone to great lengths to assure Tang Jing that nothing happened between him and Vivian, Tang Jing can’t seem to fully believe him. Turns out that he never did betray her by sleeping with Vivian.

But, he did lie about not seeing Vivian at all, since he did visit her while he was in Hong Kong. But that’s where the trust issue comes in.

She can’t trust him when he says nothing happened with Vivian, and he can’t trust her to believe him, and so he doesn’t tell her about seeing Vivian in Hong Kong.

I feel that this trust issue – plus this couple’s habit of leaving more unspoken than spoken – is ultimately what breaks this relationship down.

It’s sad to see Tang Jing actually explicitly close things off with He Han, in episode 18.

He clearly doesn’t want to, and she doesn’t want to either, but it’s true that the ten years speak for themselves. If in ten years they couldn’t find it in themselves to settle down together, then perhaps it never was enough, regardless of what the reasons may be.

He Han & Zi Jun [SPOILERS]

As we progress deeper into our story, He Han becomes more and more open to helping Zi Jun, and I believe that neither he nor Zi Jun saw this in a romantic light to begin with.

I believe that He Han becomes interested in helping Zi Jun more, because he sees potential in her, and is curious to see how far she can go, given the right guidance.

I can see this appealing to the mentor in him. At the same time, I can see how all these moments spent in each other’s company can add up to a connection that is stronger than they originally anticipated.

At the same time, I can see how this situation would inevitably cause He Han to become more and more involved in Zi Jun’s matters.

Since he’s the one who is guiding and advising her, he becomes invested. And the more invested he is, the more likely he becomes involved. Which is how, slowly but surely, we see the care and attraction growing between them.

And let me just say, the chemistry between these two, is strong.

In episode 20, there is a moment that He Han and Zi Jun share, when he tells her that she’s worked hard and deserves all the things she’s earned.

She thanks him in a barely audible whisper with tears welling in her eyes, and he quietly tells her that she is welcome. It’s such a quiet, restrained moment, and yet, it felt pretty electric, to me.

And then in episode 32, there a scene where I feel like the chemistry between He Han and Zi Jun is so strong that it sizzles.

At the hotel lift lobby, Zi Jun tries her best to dissuade He Han from going up to her mother’s hotel room, so that he won’t end up being entangled in more of her family matters.

She works so hard to dissuade He Han that she can’t hold back the tears, and all the while, He Han resolutely refuses to agree to her request.

There is so much tension between them; the close proximity, the urgency in their voices, the restrained, low registers of his voice, even as his hands grasp her shoulders, while their faces almost touch.

OMG. I simply couldn’t look away.

These two are so hyperaware of each other, but at the same time, so deeply entrenched in circumstances that don’t allow them to be together.

The tangled web [SPOILERS]

In the last third of the show, things begin to unravel as Tang Jing comes back to Shanghai after a health scare, and decides to bite the bullet and propose to He Han.

By this time, He Han and Zi Jun have each become aware of their feelings for the other, although things are left unsaid. And, it is excruciating watching things unravel.

During this stretch of the show, I felt like my heart was being pulled in every direction possible.

I wanted all of these people to be happy, but given the situation, I knew that they couldn’t all be happy. Neither Zi Jun nor He Han wants to hurt Tang Jing, but He Han’s heart is with Zi Jun, while Zi Jun is tamping down all her feelings, in order to honor and protect her best friend.

It’s all very painfully tantalizing, because He Han and Zi Jun’s feelings for each other feel so strong that it’s palpable through my screen.

And yet, at the same time, it’s just so forbidden and wrong, with Tang Jing still continuing to blissfully believe that the two most important people in her life are never going to betray her.

It’s a terrible fix to find oneself in, and I couldn’t look away.

Here are a couple of scenes that really stood out to me, during this stretch of our story.

E31. When Tang Jing is telling He Han why she wants to marry him, while glowing with happiness, He Han is fidgeting under the table, not smiling at all.

But he does propose, dutifully, and when Zi Jun arrives on the scene and starts to congratulate them, He Han subtly but visibly stiffens and looks uneasy, almost like he’s been caught red-handed doing something he shouldn’t be doing.

It’s pretty clear that he feels like he’s somehow cheating on Zi Jun, by proposing to Tang Jing. The body language says so much.

E36. The meeting between He Han and Zi Jun is so intense and powerful, I could barely breathe. He’s just so focused on her, and he’s finally giving voice to his feelings for her.

The fire in his eyes, the urgency in his voice; it’s impossible not to be swayed. Kudos to Zi Jun for refusing to give in to her own feelings, even though she admits in voiceover that part of her was basically about to implode at his confession that he loves her.

E36. I feel so badly for Tang Jing; the realization, as it sinks in, completely breaks her. Her confrontation scene with He Han is so powerful. She’s focused, she won’t take any crap excuses, she cuts to the heart of the matter.

And when she feels enough has been said, she ends the conversation, her voice wavering, but her dignity strong. She states quietly for the record, that she will buy her own pretty ring, and she will cherish herself well. Kudos.

And kudos to Yuan Quan for a masterful performance. I love her and am in awe of her.

E40. The scene when He Han waited by Zi Jun’s door, to ask her to stay, is so intense and so full of restrained emotion. His confession of love for her, and his promise that he would wait for her forever; his word of honor, that he won’t marry anyone but her.

I found Zi Jun’s response so beautifully restrained. She admits that she loves him; he’s been so wonderful that she possibly might never love again, but they simply cannot be together. She gently hugs him, and quietly says goodbye. So painfully beautiful and graceful.

STUFF TO KEEP IN MIND

1. It might be a bit of a slow burn, at first

I was genuinely surprised when I started this show. Right away from episode 1, I felt more interested and engaged than I had expected to, especially given this show’s more mature, melodramatic-sounding premise.

The thing is, though, the hook that made me want to watch back-to-back episodes didn’t bite until about episode 9. So I did go through a spell of going for days between episodes.

I found this show absorbing once I started an episode, but in between episodes, I didn’t feel the urge to actually watch more episodes.

That all changed at around the episode 9 mark, though. I once inhaled about 5 episodes in a single day.

What I’m trying to say is, even if this one doesn’t hook you early, hang in there. It’s worth it.

2. A little bit of suspension of disbelief is required

Even though Show is pretty darn good at portraying a drama world that feels realistic, there are times when I felt the need to exercise some suspension of disbelief.

[SPOILER ALERT] 

The main stretch in logic is that Zi Jun is able to enter Chen Xing after just a year at her previous company. Given that Zi Jun’s first real job in this show is as a shoe promotor on the shop floor, this is quite a stretch.

It’s clear that Show is just trying to find a way to have Zi Jun in the same orbit as Ling Ling, Jun Sheng and He Han, and Show does work to make it somewhat plausible, with Ms. Wu’s (Vivian Wu) recommendation, and Zi Jun’s consistent hard work and proven ability to adapt.

But it’s.. still a stretch.

[END SPOILER]

3. Occasionally the subs don’t tell the full story

I am grateful that subs exist for this show, because this means that more drama fans will be able to appreciate this gem of a show.

At the same time, I realize that there are times when the subs don’t manage to bring out the full meaning of the dialogue. Most times, these inconsistencies didn’t make much of a difference during my watch, but there were a couple of times that I felt the difference pretty acutely.

To help add some clarity, here’s a key scene where I found the original dialogue much more impactful than the subs.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In episode 21, He Han and Jun Sheng meet for drinks, and Jun Sheng asks about He Han’s relationship with Tang Jing. I love what He Han says about her, in response.

It’s not that he doesn’t love her that he doesn’t marry her. It’s that he can’t bear to stand in the way of her ambition and potential. The subtitles don’t do his lovely words justice.

The subtitles say:

“If I married Tang Jing, there would definitely be one person who gives more in the relationship, more time. Who would it be? Me or Tang Jing?

If we wanted to have a child, then Tang Jing would have to give up even more time giving birth to the child, giving even more time and effort in bringing up the child being with the child until he’s grown up. How should we divide it?

Everyone will definitely say…  Of course it should be Tang Jing. But I tell you even if she is of this opinion, I neither have the patience nor want to.

Because you don’t see it. I do see she has to fight with all her might on this road. You all don’t know how hard she had to work in order  to achieve what she has presently. I know she wants you to see that in whatever she does, it is effortless.

She’s more like a work of art to me. You know, I’ve done numerous cases but among all of these they cannot be counted as the most satisfying work of art.

Tang Jing is my most satisfying work of art. Don’t you think I love her? There are a lot of smart, virtuous young women. Tang Jing’s just one of them. But I hope she is capable of getting even better, more perfect.”

He doesn’t say “I neither have the patience nor want to” but rather, he says, “I can’t bear to.”

He doesn’t say “There are a lot of smart, virtuous young women. Tang Jing’s just one of them,” he says, “There are a lot of smart, virtuous young women. But there is only one Tang Jing.”

He loves and cherishes her so much more than the subtitles give him credit for, that I just had to get it out there.

And when he says all of this, I finally understand why he says that he knew that one day either he or Tang Jing would have left; that it would be the only way to conclude things between them.

Because, as long as she is around him, he is unable to let go of her, even when they say that they are only friends. The only way he can really get over her, is if she is no longer in his orbit.

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

What a poignant, bittersweet ending this finale gives us.

I was immensely disappointed with Jun Sheng for not reporting the truth, and instead, letting He Han shoulder the blame. But I was glad to see that his conscience wouldn’t let him rest easy. Additionally, it was rather gratifying to see how so many people acted selflessly in this situation.

Jun Sheng summarized it well, in his conversation with Tang Jing:

“I couldn’t bear to let [Ling Ling] suffer, so I didn’t dare say it. He Han couldn’t bear that you were misunderstood, so he risked everything and became the scapegoat.

You couldn’t bear to see He Han’s reputation be destroyed like that, so you turned around and wanted to clear his name. Ling Ling, on the other hand, couldn’t bear to burden me, so she exposed the whole truth about this matter.”

Of course, it is Zi Jun who convinced Ling Ling to come clean with the truth, and it is a fitting full circle, which she points out in thoughtful voiceover.

At the beginning of our story, it was Tang Jing who had taken her to Chen Xing, to show her the truth about Jun Sheng’s work life. And now, she is taking Ling Ling to Chen Xing, also to show her the truth about Jun Sheng.

Later, when Tang Jing and Zi Jun meet by chance at the restaurant, I love that Tang Jing is so non-confrontational, considered and honest in how she talks with Zi Jun.

She thanks Zi Jun for being the one to convince Ling Ling to set things straight, and she is also clear about how that situation, and the personal situation between her and Zi Jun, are two different things.

She is so calm, as she tells Zi Jun, without malice in her voice, that she does not know whether she will be able to forgive her in the future, but she knows that the time isn’t now.

I love that she is so true to herself, and is able to express fully her thanks as well as her inability to reconcile with Zi Jun right now.

A year later, we see that Zi Jun is doing well at work, and that the new project which she will be heading, will be near a fishing wharf. We also see that He Han now works at a (the?) fishing wharf.

We also see that they both still instinctively look for each other, in the people around them. We don’t see them meet, though, and Show leaves the future as an as-yet-unwritten open book.

Perhaps Old Zhuo put it best, in his conversation with Zi Jun this episode: “The process is a good one; it’s hard to say, about the outcome.”

The process of our story was a good one; each of our characters grew and matured, and ended up in various places, where they could learn to live in a way that felt true to themselves.

Tang Jing no longer needs to live in a way that she feels He Han will approve of; He Han is no longer fettered by his responsibilities and reputation – nor by his guilt towards Tang Jing; Zi Jun, planting new roots in Shenzhen, is now free to learn, and grow, and explore her full potential, without the shadow of guilt hanging over her.

It’s true that we don’t see Tang Jing and Zi Jun reconciling, and it’s true that we don’t see He Han and Zi Jun finding each other again.

But these are all painted as possibilities for the future, and I feel like our characters will fill in the details in due time, as they live the second half of their lives.

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Thoughtful and elegant, yet approachable and accessible. Absolutely worth making time for.

FINAL GRADE: A

TRAILER:

WHERE TO WATCH:

The full series is available on YouTube.

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LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
10 months ago

You grabbed exactly all those moments, exactly all those emotions when/which(respectively) I felt so moving, in your words so accurately.

How?
I mean I feel so ‘in-phase’ (one term w.r.t. waves, (any be it light or sound)) with you.

While reading your review, I said to myself, “wait a minute,

WHAT!,

this is what exactly me too felt in that episode, this is exavtly what i observed about HeHah, L ZJ, T J, “.

Drama was just so good, I thoroughly enjoyed.

Except one part,

All the time my heart was literally aching/crying .

However was the circumstances compelled for the happenings that happened between He Hah and LuoZiJun,

well I would just quote what T J said to HeHa.

“letting you love her, is the greatest mistake that she did (Luo ZiJun did).”

And I agree with T J.

LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
10 months ago

I rewatched this drama a few days ago, n reread your review.

LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
10 months ago

Excellent review👌

I did not understand what you meant by this,

there are times when I felt the need to exercise some suspension of disbelief.

KS
KS
2 years ago

OMG, what a well-made drama it was!! I was so invested in the characters and the range of emotions they go through in course of the story. Another spot on recommendation from you. Frankly speaking, i have put my trust in your recommendation/ suggestion that I eagerly wait for your reviews.
Btw, do you know when is the second season coming out ?

Stella huang
Stella huang
3 years ago

This was a lovely show which had me hooked completely. And i loved how you have analysed the story and character so well.

kfangurl
3 years ago
Reply to  Stella huang

Hi there Stella! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed this show. It truly is very special, I think. So elegant, and so beautiful, even in its bittersweetness. Thanks for enjoying this review! <3

Poney
Poney
5 years ago

hello Kfangurl, any update on the second season.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Hi there Poney, according to Google, it’s scheduled to start airing on 3 July 2019, I hope that helps 🙂

Poney
Poney
4 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Hello, I have done a search and not able to find the the first half part two. Any idea have ut start airing? And where can we watch online?

Poney
Poney
4 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Thanks for the prompt reply. Any idea where can I watch it online? Tried to do a search and not able to any site that is able to watch online.

poney
poney
5 years ago

hello~, any update on the second season. =p

Karren Plaza
Karren Plaza
5 years ago

“Your ten years is also my ten years”

I’m so heartbroken for He Han and Tang Jing, i’ve been thinking about it the whole day 😭😭😭

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

I know what you mean, Karren.. It’s just so real, isn’t it? This one sank it hooks into me in a big way, it made me feel, so much. <3

Karren Plaza
Karren Plaza
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I’m at episode 38 and i don’t want to continue yet.. i just don’t want it to end yet 😁😊 and you’re right, everything about the show is elegant. No catfights, no shouting and no ugly confrontations. Just real people, reacting in a real way..

And i have to constantly remind myself that tang jing is second lead, her role is bound to be heartbroken 😭😭 i love her so much 😍😍

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

I completely feel you on not wanting this show to end, Karren! I’ve held off on finale episodes in the past, just to prolong the journey, even if just for a little bit. I also am with you on loving Tang Jing. Such a great character, and delivered so flawlessly. <3 To Show's credit, I thought the story was concluded in a manner that felt respectful to all parties. 🙂

Karren Plaza
Karren Plaza
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I love the ending.. so much that i’m scared of what they might do with the second season.. i hope they won’t undo all the character development that the leads have achieved with this season.

I applaud and admire ZiJun’s strength, and it’s very real. I will always choose friendship over love everytime. The respect the writers have on these characters is very evident until the end.

But, i will always be team TangJing/ZiJun. I hope they reconcile first before moving on with any other loveline.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

I’m so glad you loved the ending, Karren! I loved the ending as well, it just felt so thoughtful and sensitive. I’m totally with you on holding my breath for what they will do with Season 2. I really hope they will continue to treat this delicate situation with sensitivity and dignity. <3

Karren Plaza
Karren Plaza
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Congrats on overcoming the hectic real life and drama/writing slump. I hope we, as your readers, can inspire you on overcoming more in the future.. 😍😘😁😁

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

Aw, thanks Karren! I very much appreciate all the reader support, and it does add to my motivation to keep on writing! <3

LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
1 year ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

I second your opinion.

Drama is very beautiful.

I would have had enjoyed more, had I put zunjian as first female lead.

All the time I was rooting for tang jing, and looking at zunjian as THE OTHER WOMAN.

In doing so, I did not cherish the chemistry that was developing with HeHan, I was telling luo zunjian, no don’t do that, he is your best friend boyfriend/fiance.

@Fangurl, 👌 a very well written review.

LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
10 months ago
Reply to  Karren Plaza

Exactly.
Me too was rooting for Tan Jing.

And all the time was feeling that Luo Zijing is doing ‘infringing intrusion’ between HeHa and Tan Jin.

Terence Lim
Terence Lim
5 years ago

Good show…

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Terence Lim

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Poney
Poney
5 years ago

Hi would like to know is the second season/part 2 of the first half of my life drama is out.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Hi there Poney. I did a quick search online, and it seems that season 2 will air in October 2018. I hope that helps! 🙂

Poney
Poney
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Wow that great! 😁Looking forward to watch it.. thank you so much for your help. I did tried to search online and was not able to find it. Only able to find some short clips of the part two.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Ah, it might’ve made a difference that I searched in Chinese.. the page where I got the projected air date was also a Chinese page. I plan to check out Season 2, but I must say I’m a little disappointed that Ma Yili will not be reprising her role as Zi Jun. :/

Poney
Poney
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

oh no~… ='(… anyway do share here which online website you be watching from when season 2 is out. previously i watch with YOUKU. i did tried to search in chinese wording but maybe i just glare through and nv really read so could have miss out that it will be out in Oct.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Yeah, it looks like Liu Tao will take over the role of Zi Jun, while the other key actors remain the same. So, we still have Jin Dong and Yuan Quan.. But, I keep wondering if it’ll be hard to adjust to a different Zi Jun. 😛

Poney
Poney
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

i like Jin Dong in that show, carry himself so well and good looking. hmmm i also wonder will it be weird to a different Zi Jun.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Poney

Jin Dong is 😍😍😍 in First Half! I like the show enough to give S2 a try even with a different Zi Jun, but I guess only time will tell if the switch in lead actress will work. 🤔

Poney
Poney
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Yes yes… really is 😍😍😍. Yes i can’t wait for the s2 to be air.

seankfletcher
5 years ago

Fangurl, thank you once again for recommending such a remarkable and thought provoking show. I found it became very much like the jigsaw of life – a tapestry if you will of the uneven and broken pieces each character experiences that somehow come together to complete the canvas.

TFHML is so well written, filmed and acted. I liked that you saw detailed insights into the characters and their hierarchy of needs. Even the most minor character is well fleshed out. This show could not be done with different actors, I’m convinced of that. The awards it has received are well deserved.

As for Zi Jun – delightful (a diamond as we say). I enjoyed her character from the beginning to the end. I know a lot of people had an issue with her to start with, but I didn’t. The range Ma Yii showed was incredible. In terms of He Han, I must say Jin Dong’s acting made me appreciate this character. Otherwise, he was a conundrum for me regarding his ethics, integrity and loyalty. When it comes to Jun Sheng – well, I appreciated he worked hard and perhaps had some talent, but despite the changes he went through, he still lacked a spine in the end (but that final hug with Ling Ling was very special). Now for Tang Jing (brilliant acting) – the perfect example of how fear drives a person in both their personal and working lives. Despite the great friendship she had with Zi Jun, she even had to test that. Many people out there described Ling Ling as a witch. In fact she is bewitching, slightly (well, more than a bit) naughty and just went about a lot of things the wrong way.

I thought Zi Jun’s mum was marvellous. I even had a soft spot for the sister and heavens above for Bai Guang. The scene where the three very inebriated amigos (He Han, Jun Sheng and Bai Guang) talk about their (mis)fortunes in life was brilliant. Then there was our Japanese restaurant couple – just lovely.

The real stretch for me was Jun Sheng becoming CEO. It he was to last, I would be extremely surprised. As for Zi Jun developing her career so quickly, is it possible? Well, actually it is. She is what we call a diamond employee in this situation. Someone who you spot and know will rise to the occasion, and quickly. In terms of He Han’s work ethic, like many consultants, he gave what the client wanted. It wasn’t necessarily about the work output, it was all about reassurances. So overall, the nod to such a competitive industry was well handled.

The final scene was just amazing and on point. If they ever get together, that is left up to the viewer, but for me, although I appreciated how things developed between the two and the emotion of it all, I wasn’t a real fan of them coming together. But, the story was so compelling (so, maybe just a tiny bit in favour of them getting together).

The problem I now have is that after watching such a grown up portrayal of life, the other Cdramas I am watching at the moment pail in comparison. I will have to readjust my mindset.

It’s time you turned your reviews into an e-book…

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  seankfletcher

I am so, so pleased that you enjoyed this one, Sean! 😀 Thank you for giving this one a chance, even though it’s flown under the radar for a lot of folks. 🙂 This really is quite a special drama, it’s so elegant and grown-up, as you said! 🙂

I, too, feel like the casting was perfect for this show. I can’t imagine anyone else playing our characters, the actors did such wonderful work breathing life into their characters and portraying them with so much heart and nuance. <3 I agree that He Han's integrity and work ethic was questionable at times, and like you, it was Jin Dong who sold the character for me. In fact, I started out not liking a number of characters, but ended up feeling something positive for each one, by the time I reached the end. Even Ling Ling was portrayed with a measure of empathy, which I appreciated. In fact, I thought Show did a fantastic job portraying her as more than just a one-dimensional witch who wanted someone else's husband for herself. So, so well done, all around.

In terms of the ending, I was very pleased that the writer chose to leave it open-ended, and allow the spotlight to shine where it mattered most: on the fact that Zi Jun had grown so much and developed into such a strong, independent character. I feel like if He Han and Zi Jun had a reunion in the final episode, that that would have muddied the spotlight and taken away from the beauty of Show's central message: that you can start over, even when you think you have nothing; that you're stronger and probably more talented than you think you are. <3

And yes, it's so true, after this show, other dramas do get ruined for a bit, because most other dramas aren't this elegant or this nuanced in their handling of characters and their relationships. But, so worth it all the same! 😉

PS: I don't know if anyone would buy a collection of drama reviews, Sean.. especially since all the reviews are available right here online.. 🤔😅

seankfletcher
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

There are two Chinese dramas I’m currently watching: My Story For You (as it’s true to life re Tang Jia San Shao’s rise from IT engineer to successful author, there’s hope that the ending is uplifting!) and Long Time No See (Quite good so far re tackling life’s issues, but I wish the Chinese would cut back on the main male characters having to display their superhuman prowess all the time).

So, my mum says to me the other day: “are you watching Mr Sunshine?” I said yes, and enjoying it immensely. Mum then said “it’s very good, it’s like Saimdang re the filming, historical elements and so on”. Then she asked if I had watched Hwarang. That stopped me in my tracks. I said “no Mum, the storyline isn’t really my thing – a bit too young for me”. Too which she replied: “well, yes, it went on a bit. Are there any other Kdramas you can recommend? They are really well made – I really enjoyed the Good Doctor”. I responded that there was Stranger (Secret Forest) and that I was now watching the Japanese version of the Good Doctor (not quite on par with the original yet, but much better than the US version). She also enjoyed I Can Speak.

Maybe it’s time to point her towards your blog so she can make some very good informed decisions on what to watch next! Mind you, I can imagine what she would say if she ever read some of my comments 😜

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  seankfletcher

I looked up the 2 dramas you mentioned, and My Story For You sounds very promising indeed! So much so that I’ve already pinged my sister about it, even though I haven’t started watching it myself. 😛 I’m less drawn to Long Time No See, but I’ll keep it on my list for later 🙂 Thanks for pointing me to these shows, Sean! I find it hard to keep up with all the new shows coming out, and I especially tend to miss the C-dramas, since I’m relatively new to the C-drama landscape.

How fun, that your mum’s gotten into watching kdramas! 😀 That ought to make for some great conversation! Although, I don’t know if pointing her to my blog would work so well for her, considering that I didn’t enjoy the dramas she mentioned. 😛 I didn’t make it past E1 of Saimdang, dropped Hwarang, and didn’t manage to finish Good Doctor – though I did very much enjoy I Can Speak. 😉

seankfletcher
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

My Story For You is one of those shows that creeps up on you as it builds momentum and has some good side stories as well. It has a great theme song as well 🎼🎸🎹

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  seankfletcher

It sounds promising! I’m putting it pretty high up my watch list, so I should be starting on it fairly soon! 😀

escapismworldblog
5 years ago

HAHA I’ve only just finished the series and omg my heart is in knots from that ending!! My dad didn’t like it LOL but mostly cuz he’s not used to those types of endings (he’s become a fan of the show thanks to me lolol) I, however, am not hating the ending but to say I love it would be inaccurate since it’s so bittersweet. He Han’s character development was quite unexpected, like I knew he’s gonna change heaps but I definitely didn’t expect him to end that way. And poor Tang Jing!! She’s my fav character so to see her so heartbroken really breaks my heart too. Will probably reread your posts and the spoilers to get the feels back lolol

kfangurl
5 years ago

Oh wow! Kudos on turning your dad into a fan of this show, even though he didn’t like the ending! 😮 The only show I’ve managed to get my dad to watch was Nirvana in Fire, and that was with extra persuasion from my mum!

I agree, my heart was in knots at the end as well, and it was definitely a bittersweet ending. But I sincerely felt it was a very good place to end our story. I think if they had given He Han and Zi Jun an onscreen chance to start a relationship together, that would’ve been too cruel to Tang Jing. Realistically, I agree more time would be needed, for wounds to heal and scars to fade, before this would be feasible. Also, I feel like by omitting romance from the ending, the focus became more clearly, Zi Jun’s personal growth. Which, I think, was the whole point to begin with. If romance had come into the picture, that might have muddied the picture and taken the spotlight away from Zi Jun’s personal growth. So I personally felt very satisfied with where Show left us, even though it was bittersweet, because while it was bittersweet, Show also painted a picture of hope for the future. Now that’s something I can get behind. <3

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

My dad got into A Love So Beautiful too which was so unexpected and had no persuasion on my part. He also watched Ode To Joy 2 (starting to see a pattern here lol)

Oh yes that is such a good analysis! I agree with you a 100%. The ending for me is like veggies that I don’t like. I don’t like it but doesn’t change the fact that it’s good LOL. I think the ending really supported your point on how they treated the love triangle with respect. To the point where they didn’t allow Zijun and He Han to get together onscreen or else not only will it hinder Zijun’s growth like you said, but it’ll also ruin the purity of it. I just wished Tang Jing had a better ending. Felt like she was the only character who got thrown under the bus.

kfangurl
5 years ago

Oh wow! Your dad sounds super cute, enjoying ALSB and also Ode To Joy 2! Those are SO not shows that I would associate with MY dad! 😆😆

Glad you resonate with my perception of the ending! Yes, it’s not a feel-good ending, but to me, it was a feels-right ending. And although Tang Jing experienced a lot of emotional pain, I didn’t feel like she got thrown under the bus, personally. To me, this show felt quite real on the emotional front, even though suspension of disbelief was required on other things, like how quickly Zi Jun became successful in her career. And so, in my estimation, what happened to Tang Jing is one of those things that can happen in life. Just like Zi Jun had a bad time when her husband asked her for a divorce, which she totally didn’t see coming, Tang Jing also had a bad time when she realized that Zi Jun had developed feelings for He Han and vice versa. It sucks, but it can happen, in life. And I felt that the show treated Tang Jing’s reaction with sensitivity and respect. She was allowed to feel, to react, to be strong, even in her vulnerability. I feel that she chose what was best for herself, and she was honest with herself and with Zi Jun and He Han as well. I love that she was able to thank Zi Jun at the end, for her help, and yet articulate that it’s too soon for her to forgive her. That was pretty awesome, from my point of view. You know, talking about this, I would like the sequel – if it happens – to actually focus on Tang Jing as the protagonist instead, and tell her story, of healing and restoration. Gah. Now I SO WANT TO WATCH THAT, especially with Yuan Quan reprising her role. 😍😍

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

LOL I would’ve have associated those shows with him either. I can still remember the day I walked into the room to see Ode To Joy 2 playing on the TV and getting the shock of my life.

Now that you’ve explained it I kind of agree with you. It’s a step up from the way most dramas have treated characters of her type, the strong-willed career woman. I especially hated how Ode To Joy 2 treated An Di and compared to that, Tang Jing is a lot better off lol.

Yes I REALLYYYY want to see Tang Jing find a happy ending, and especially since she so desires to find love I really hope to see that she does!! I mean even if she ends up deciding to remain single forever I just to want to see her happy! Omg yes Yuan Quan is queen LOL. Now I’m getting excited too hahahahahah

kfangurl
5 years ago

HAHA! I can just imagine how shocked you must have been! I would’ve been shocked too, if I walked in on my dad watching Ode To Joy2! 😂 I haven’t seen Ode To Joy (1 or 2), so it’s good to know that Tang Jing was treated better! And YESSS, I’d love to see Tang Jing’s journey, brought to life by Yuan Quan. She really IS a queen, she’s so regal and elegant, and so beautifully expressive 😍😍😍

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Yeahhh they’re all really good tbh. Ma Yili played annoying Zijun so well HAHAH. The casting is seriously so on point.

I loved Ode To Joy tho regardless. Probs not as good as The First Half of My Life but it’s still pretty good. I preferred the first season

kfangurl
5 years ago

I agree! The casting was PERFECT, for this show!! 😍😍😍 I can’t imagine anyone else playing these roles. Oh, I did try Ode To Joy. Twice. But it just didn’t stick, for me. Don’t know if I’ll give it a third try. 😛

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Oh…I guess if it didn’t stick twice it’s must mean you’re not into it haha. I tend to judge a drama from it’s first two episodes. LOL

kfangurl
5 years ago

I didn’t hate what I saw.. but I wasn’t as engaged as I wanted to be. I guess that’s why I gave it another try – that, and I was fresh off First Half, and looking for more Jin Dong to fill my screen, and I’d read that he was the most charismatic of the girls’ various romantic interests. That was enough to entice to try again, ha. I didn’t get very far though, before I got distracted. Again, coz I wasn’t as engaged as I wanted to be. 😛

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Are you talking about Ode To Joy? I’m abit confused hahah Ode To Joy does start off slow so it might not be for everyone. But good on you for still giving it a try I wouldn’t have been so patient

kfangurl
5 years ago

Oh sorry, yes, I was referring to Ode To Joy! 😅 And you’re probably right.. it’s likely just not for me! 😆

LaVieEstBelle22
LaVieEstBelle22
10 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Yes, we want Tang Jing telling her side of story now.

escapismworldblog
5 years ago

Really late in the bandwagon but I’ve just started on this show and only at ep 8 atm but already im loving it!! It has that Ode To Joy “realistic but still melodrama” vibes which I’m a sucker for, though I was hoping He Han and Tang Jing would last //cries// but I’m sooo looking forward to how they’ll develop Zi Jun’s character (since I’m not exactly a fan for now)

kfangurl
5 years ago

Eee!!! You started on First Half!!! 😀 I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, I just want EVERYONE to give this show a chance. It’s so elegant and well done! <3 I'm so glad you're liking it so far! It does take some time, but Zi Jun's character definitely evolves very positively as you get deeper into the show. Lots of help from Tang Jing and He Han, of course, which is the whole premise. I <3 Tang Jing. She's quite possibly the perfect bestie, ever. 😍

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Do you find First Half sort of similar to Ode To Joy? Its as if these shows go out of their way to break all the typical rom-com tropes and I love it LOL.

I love Tang Jing as a person and character like I would LOVE to be her but I know Zi Jun will eventually grow on me and I’ll start loving her too. In fact I’m starting to REALLY like her already lolol

kfangurl
5 years ago

Hm, I can’t say whether it’s similar or different from Ode To Joy, because I never did get very far with Ode 😛 In my head, these two were very different shows, with one being a mature melodrama, and the other being more of an ensemble cast show akin to Sex and the City. 😅

YAY that you’re starting to like Zi Jun! She does change a lot over the course of the story, and grows so much that by the end, I was just really impressed with her. And I loved Tang Jing from start to finish.. SUCH a good friend; so fiercely loyal, and so generous and giving of her time and herself, even though she was living such a busy life. <3

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Ohhh hahah I’ve never seen Sex and the City but I get why you’d think they’re similar.

Zijun reminds me of one of the characters from Ode tho, mostly cuz they start off incredibly annoying and have the greatest character development. But Zijun is definitely a stronger character. I think Tang Jing will be my all-time fave from this show but I’m starting to not like He Han as much, mostly because I don’t agree with a lot of the things he does and his influence on Tang Jing.

kfangurl
5 years ago

I thought He Han was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but he really does demonstrate a lot of heart by the mid to later episodes. And there were some moments when he legit made me swoon – QUITE the turnaround, eh? So.. maybe you might find yourself changing your mind about He Han too, sometime in the future 😉

escapismworldblog
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I can see him doing so, Even now they’re so many swoony moments with him and Tang Jing, from what you’ve said I’m expecting him to have a really big character development that’s to do with Zi Jun. And since it’s Jin Dong, I’ll probably fall back in love with him anyway LOL

kfangurl
5 years ago

Tee hee. Yes, Jin Dong really can turn on the swoony when given the chance! I was melting over He Han quite a few times while watching this show – something that I would’ve never expected, given how I felt about He Han at first! But by the end of the show, I was all He Hannn~ 😍😍😍 Lol!

Dame Holly
Dame Holly
5 years ago

As promised, I have managed to fit this into my busy viewing schedule 😉 and am about to start it.

INAR is finished and I have restored my emotional state. I am now ready for a new show – (I did watch When I See You Again over the long weekend, I admit, but as a Taiwanese piece of fluff I don’t think it actually counts).

Here I go…

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Dame Holly

Ahh!! YAY! I’m so glad that you’re starting on this one, Dame Holly! 😀 I really hope you’ll like this one. My sister recently marathoned this and loved it – and she came away so impressed with Chinese dramas in general too. Hopefully you’ll feel similarly 🙂

Dame Holly Has A Hat (@Lee_Tennant)
Reply to  kfangurl

Firstly, when I agreed to watch this I didn’t realise it was 40 episodes. Oh, give me a 16 episode kdrama! This will take a while

Secondly, I’m supposed to loathe the female lead in the beginning, right? I don’t identify with her at all. Her life is so different from mine and she has such completely different values from me that I don’t sympathise with her in any way. There’s a cultural factor here: even the most self-involved Australian woman would never behave like she does. We are embarrassed culturally by this kind of behaviour. So if I hadn’t promised to watch it, I’d have already turned it off.

But I do know this is a story of personal growth so I’ll keep going for now…

Dame Holly Has A Hat (@Lee_Tennant)
Reply to  kfangurl

Re-reading that comment, it sounds really negative. I don’t want to give that impression. In fact, I thought this had very good characterisation and excellent performances, even in the beginning.

When you hear a premise of a show about a middle-aged woman’s husband leaving her, you assume he’s going to be a douche. I actually liked that he wasn’t. He was just a man who’d made the wrong decision on who to marry.

More importantly, I felt like the main character’s obsession with money and “young women” – while extremely annoying (really really annoying) – showed a deep insecurity on her part about relationships. She was so worried about “young women” because she genuinely believed that marriage is a business transaction. Men buy young pretty things and then at some point replace them with other young pretty things. There’s a sense that, to her, that’s just *who men are*.

I found it interesting that she accused her best friend of not believing in love and marriage when, as far as I can tell, it’s her that doesn’t. She certainly didn’t believe in her marriage so it’s not surprising it ended.

So, yeah, 40 episodes and a so-far unsympathetic female lead may be daunting. But there’s a lot of nuance here to savour. I just might take a while to finish!

kfangurl
5 years ago

Aw, thanks for coming back and sharing more, Dame Holly! ❤ Yes, our female lead is pretty annoying right off the bat, and I felt it pretty acutely in E1. But you are right, this is a story of personal growth, and I am pretty confident that as you get deeper into the show, that you will find the female lead a much more likable and empathetic character than in the beginning. I promise that she doesn’t stay whiny, and eventually becomes a strong, self-respecting, independent woman. 🙂

This was a slow burn for me at first as well. I think it was at the E9 mark that I began to feel more keen to watch this show, instead of wandering off for several days at a time between episodes. From the E9 point, I was steadily watching an episode a day, and then once I hit the E20-ish mark, I found myself watching several episodes a day – and I also found myself watching this show exclusively; it had bitten me good. I’d become so invested in these characters, and entranced as well, by the storytelling, execution, characterization and overall restraint and nuance in the show, that I just didn’t care to spend my drama hours on anything else. So, perhaps you might similarly find your journey with this one evolving as you go.. I’m hoping that this one will grow on you in a while, in spite of the current annoyance level of the female lead! 🙂

sera
sera
5 years ago

What a thoughtful and insightful review! I’m so glad I came upon this blog. I was shying away from this drama because I was afriad that the writer will mistreat the stronger and ambitious second female lead. I’ve seen too many stories where the the second female lead becomes hell in favor of the heroine. I just want a female character who make our hearts torn because we can understand and empathize with them. You’ve convinced me now.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  sera

Aw, I’m so pleased this review managed to persuade you to give this one a chance, sera! 😀 That makes my day, because this show is so elegant and special that I get happy thinking that it’s getting more love and attention 🙂 And you are absolutely right, this show does create context and empathy for all our characters – which makes it possibly to understand and empathize with them. 🙂 Hope you enjoy this show as much as I did!

Ivy
Ivy
5 years ago

Ah I’m trying so hard to stay away from Chinese drama – only because I’m already so occupied with everything coming out of the Japanese, Korean, European and US entertainment industry! I can hardly follow those… but this does look really good…Thanks for the review and for marking the spoilers 🙂

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Ivy

Hi there Ivy, welcome to the blog! 🙂 This one really is very good, so I hope you do give it a chance. As for keeping up.. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never be able to keep up with everything (there are just SO MANY dramas coming out of just Korea, it’s insane!), so I’m just watching stuff that I feel drawn to, whether it’s a Korean, Chinese, Japanese, or Taiwanese or other drama, and that’s been working out just fine for me. I miss out on stuff, sure, but I feel like I’m happier following my heart than trying – and failing – to keep up. Just my take – maybe it might help? 🙂

Julianne Lin
Julianne Lin
5 years ago

Oops I think I posted a duplicate. My bad

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Julianne Lin

No worries about the duplicate, Julianne! I’m not sure why your comment got filtered into the spam folder. That’s why it didn’t appear to post. Double posting is good insurance, I think! If it happens again, do go ahead to post again, if you are able, because I’d much rather just fish out one comment and delete the other, than risk having your comment disappear into a virtual black hole created by buggy internet, and not be posted at all. 😛

Julianne Lin
Julianne Lin
5 years ago

I heard about this all of 2017, but I thought, this is definitely not my cup of tea so I refused to watch it even though everyone was raving, it won so many nominations, I love Jin Dong, and I’ve thought Ma Yi Li was a goddess since her Return of Princess Pearl III days. I think I just plain refused out of spite cuz I’ve been burned by so many “slice of life, thoughtful themes” dramas in the past (I could never get into them). BUUUUUUUT.

I totally totally totally agree with every one of your comments on this. I literally started this last week, and binge watched half in a day continuing well into the night and then finishing it up the next day. I was hooked. Even with the heavy topics and sometimes the problems are piling so high the world feels like it’s coming down, NEVER does this show feel dramatic. It’s so restrained, and yet never had I cried so much. Literally I think I teared up and cried several times, at least 4 or 5 separate times every 10 episodes or something. It was that ridiculous. Granted, I usually cry moderately easily, but lately I’ll admit, I haven’t really cried while watching something in a good while. And it’s not even all, I’m so sad, kind of crying. There was a lot of me crying with Zi Jun in frustration, in shard pain. Often I felt just as relieved and weight-lifted-off after a good cry as the characters did.

I’m so impressed. I loved Zi Jun, He Han, Tang Jing. I eventually learned to appreciate Jun Sheng, and while I never stopped disliking Ling Ling, I grew to pity her more than I hated her. And even through all my hate for her, I could never say I didn’t understand her motivations.

One thing I felt very very admirable and strong about Zi Jun is learning to look past her feeling of injustice and being wronged to see the logical truth in others’ advice. This is something I personally struggle with a lot. I felt it was very very amazing of her to sit calmly and ACTUALLY PROCESS, UNDERSTAND, and honestly give serious thought when He Han and Tang Jing took her to see the workplace and even Ling Ling’s notes. That LL and JS handled things very shittily, and that they were in the wrong and totally victimized you, BUT Ling Ling wasn’t the evil mistress who seduced your husband through feminine wiles, and that they had truly camraderie and understanding and emotions that developed quietly, restrained, in the long hours of overtime deep into the night. At that moment, the understanding paints such a quiet developing relationship that you almost feel like LL and JS were forgivable (obviously not really, I still hated them to an extent for a good while, but in that moment, with Zi Jun’s calm thinking and thoughtful voiceovers, it was very easy to let go of that hate, and just ponder and fall into that quiet mood).

Out of curiosity, what did you think of Ling Ling?

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Julianne Lin

Oh, I’m so glad you ended up giving this a chance and loving it, Julianne!! I am in awe that you managed to marathon this in just 2 days though! That’s passion for sure!! And yes, you are so right. Even when it felt like our characters’ worlds might be falling down on them, somehow this show managed to never feel overdone or dramatic. It’s just so restrained and elegant – I am still in wonder at how they managed to accomplish that, and accomplish it so well too!

I fully agree with you about Zi Jun, He Han, Tang Jing, Jun Sheng, and even Ling Ling! I felt the same way. Jun Sheng grew on me by the end, because I could see how earnest he was, and how hard he was trying, to make up for his mistakes, and to do good by the 2 families he ended up creating. I didn’t hate Ling Ling, but in the earlier stretch, I did think she was a sly fox who was pretty clever at manipulating her husband. But towards the end, I did pity her.

I also totally agree how admirable it is, that Zi Jun was able to look past the unfairness of the situation, and really process the objective perspectives and advice that He Han and Tang Jing gave her. I suppose that was already an early indication of her potential for strength, wisdom and growth, that even in that situation, even with those emotions threatening to drown her, she was still able to see an alternative viewpoint, given the right guidance. I so loved her voiceovers, they were always so thoughtful, reflective, quiet and eloquent.

The elegance and depth of this drama is really lingering with me.. which doesn’t happen often. Now, a lot of other dramas feel rather flat in comparison. That’s a sure sign that this one is extra special, I think. <3

My2Girls
My2Girls
5 years ago

I could have told Jin Dong was swoony. I loved him in Surgeons. Felt he was criminally underused in In both Ode to Joys. Hapy that I now have something to fill in the void left by completing A Love so Beautiful. Thank you for yet another brilliant review.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  My2Girls

Yay that you’ll be checking this out, Amy!! 😀 It’s a lovely, empowering watch, and it’s so elegant too, in its execution. I do think you’d like it. 🙂 It also sounds like you liked A Love So Beautiful, which, YAY, coz I loved that one too. <3

As a new Jin Dong fan, I looked up his filmography, and realize that he was listed as a guest on Ode to Joy. That might account for him being underused.. As for Surgeons, I'm planning to check it out purely for Jin Dong, so I'm intrigued that you loved him in it.. perhaps Surgeons will be the first medical drama I actually love? 😋

phl1rxd
5 years ago

Hi FanGurl! I did see this a while ago and it was hard to watch at times mostly because I have ‘been there and done that’. I agree that it was well written and talk about real! I suffered along with Zi Jun at every step. I actually cried at some points in this drama. If only I had Jin Dong when I had to go through it. She had to walk through the fire but she made it to the other side. It was pretty inspirational. I personally loved the ending and it made complete sense to me. Lot of character growth and life lessons for all in this drama.

You mentioned Surgeons – I did see that as well and decided to watch it soley based on the fact that Jin Dong was in it. It was a while ago but I do remember feeling that Bai Bai He’s character was a little bit too abrasive for me and I felt the main story line got a little lost. You will see a few NIF faces in this too.

Jin Dong excelled in The Disguiser – he did so well portraying a man under the gun at every minute of his life with never a second of peace. Loved him in this and his performance was outstanding. As I type I am recalling him in his office calm as a cucumber when all Hades was about to break loose – whew – he was so doggone good!

As always great review! Great analysis! Grab some tissues for this one!

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

Ahhh!! I’m so glad you watched and loved this one, phl!!! <3 And, thanks for enjoying the review too. 😘 I know what you mean about it being hard to watch at times, when Show touches on a nerve that's close to home. But it was so uplifting and yes, inspirational too, to see Zi Jun walk through it all, and come out the other side so much stronger and wiser and so much more lovely and gracious.

Like you, I felt the ending is pretty perfect the way it is. After all, Show's main message is to shine a light on Zi Jun's journey to healing and independence. If the fulfillment of the love line was allowed within these 42 episodes, I figure it would be too easy for viewers to muddle up the message, and think that the whole point was for her to have a happy ever after with a new man. But that was never the point. The point was for her to learn that she could be strong and happy on her own. And realistically, I do think it's way healthier for her to heal for at least a couple of years, and savor and get used to that independence, before she allows love to enter the picture again. That's what I think anyway.

Heh. Surgeons is on my list purely because Jin Dong is in it. My hopes aren't super high coz I don't think I've ever watched a medical drama I liked. But I'm willing to at least check it out, to see how it lands. Maybe Jin Dong will make it worth the while – or not. 😉 I actually haven't finished Disguiser coz I found it a tough subject to watch, and it got pretty intense with the torture. But, I'm thinking I might need to get back to it, now that I've got newly appreciative eyes for the Jin Dong awesome. 😉

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago

When this first came out, I already wanted to watch it – later I told myself I was going to wait till it was done airing but then never got back to it (yeah, until now). As for the whys, it’s a long story hah. Plus I think it wasn’t getting subbed at first and I later didn’t keep track of it. I like Jin Dong a lot; which not only includes endless fangirling but after getting to know him through talkshows and interviews I came to admire and respect him for the person, and actor he is. I’m really happy that he reached another peak in his career through Disguiser, which opened up many more opportunities for us to see him onscreen. I think you have convinced me to put priority on this drama and watch it real soon hehe. It was a great read, thank you kfangurl 🙂 And I’ve missed you, hope you are doing well <3

kfangurl
5 years ago

Jas!! Really great to see ya! I’ve missed you too – hope all is good with you! <3 I had no idea you were such a big Jin Dong fan!!! As you can tell from this review, I'm a brand new Jin Dong fangirl, heh. He is so, so swoony in this!!! 😍😍 I think you'd definitely enjoy this, as a Jin Dong fan. 😉 And since you're not only a Jin Dong fan, but a drama fan too, all the more I'm convinced you'd like this, coz it's so well-written and so well-made, all-around. I feel like anyone who appreciates a good drama would be able to like this, it's just so well done. I'm so grateful to my hairdresser for recommending this to me. I'm so happy you're bumping this up your watch list – I'd love to know how you like it when you do get to it! 😀

I never did finish Disguiser coz it's a tough watch, with all the war and torture, but for Jin Dong, I might have to go back to it 😛

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Hehehe welcome to the club! [See my twtr dp, heee] He truly is swoony and talented! Also says his lines so well 😀 Awwww guess what, I’ve started on it and you’re totally right about the annoying part, lol. I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve gotten through it further 😉
By the way, he also has a newly aired drama called Mr. Right, with Jiang Shuying. It’s some kind of a rom-com, probably something closer to what you’d prefer to watch 🙂 And also in Ode to Joy, where he’s a friendly cameo!

kfangurl
5 years ago

AHH!! I’m so thrilled that you’ve started on the show, Jas!!! 😀 Don’t worry, the annoying bit improves very soon. I felt that Zi Jun was more likable by E2 already, so hopefully you’ll feel the same! The show really hooked me by E9, so you’ll get there soon! 😉

I’ve got Mr. Right on my list.. hope it’s good!! I do like a good rom-com, after all. But I think my tastes are evolving again.. lately I’ve been enjoying the melos more than before. Case in point: The First Half Of My Life! 😄

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I’m thrilled too, because Jin Dong 😍😍😍 For me I think the annoying part never really goes away (for now), but at least I can see that the characters are also going through phases and change, so I’m personally excited to see their development. Even for Tang Jing. 😉

I hope so too! Apparently Jin Dong’s character in Mr. Right is more playful this time round, he kinda has dual roles (something like JCW in Healer but with the same name) I’m not really sure how to explain it though it will be different from his usual mature boss roles in modern cdramas. Yeah, our tastes do change, evolve slowly over time. Hmm yeah, but like you said TFHOML is not really a melo, I would say a drama, with family/business elements plus romance(?) Drama is a genre itself after all right? 😀

kfangurl
5 years ago

Ooh, what episode are you at, Jas?? 😀 For me, Zi Jun eventually wasn’t annoying at all, but it did take a while to happen. In the beginning, I felt most annoyed with her in E1, and that lasted a while, even though I started to feel sorry for her as early as E2. By the middle portion of the show, though, I realized that I wasn’t annoyed with her anymore. 🙂 And yes, the character development is beautifully done in this show, I’m excited for you to see it too! Yuan Quan is magnificent as Tang Jing. I am a new fan. <3

Jin Dong being a playful character? Haha I have no idea what to expect! But it does sound interesting, and I'm definitely curious to check it out! I might wait for the show to finish airing first though – just in case I find myself in the mood to marathon it! 😉

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I am at episode 11 I think! Yes I totally understand, because through her thoughts and expressions I can get why she acts a certain way – but there is an underlying frustration? It’s kinda like how He Han finds it hard to deal with her and doesn’t really want anything to do with her, save for the fact that he helps her only thinking of Tang Jing. Agreed, and I’m truly excited to see that as well! 🙂 Yes, I’ll be sure to look out for Yuan Quan more in future. <3 I also feel like I relate to Tang Jing more than Zi Jun, but that's just my personal thought.

Yes I am going to wait till it finishes before watching as well, plus I already have loads of unwatched stuff waiting hah. Here's playful Jin Dong for ya 🤣

kfangurl
5 years ago

Yay! You’re moving through the show pretty fast! 😀 I remember that once I hit about E9, I felt significantly more engaged by the show, and after some time, even wanted to watch back-to-back episodes, everyday 😉 I remember that part of the show, where He Han wishes he didn’t have to deal with Zi Jun, but helps her out of loyalty to Tang Jing. I agree, at that time, Zi Jun is still difficult to handle in some ways. You’ll get to see even more character development from her, in the episodes to come 🙂

I wonder why the gif of Jin Dong didn’t post – thanks for emailing it to me – it made me laugh! 😂 SO different from the Jin Dong I’ve seen so far! Makes me even more curious to see whether I’ll like Mr. Right! 😉

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Yeah, but I’m slowing on the progress. Episode 11 was from few days back. Hehe, can’t say I’m really engaged by it yet but I am certainly more invested than when I just started out. Yup! I know and I am looking forward to that very much~~ 🙂

Hmmm.. I’m not so good with html, that’s probably why. And you’re welcome! 😛 I laughed when I first saw it too, because I would never have imagined Jin Dong doing that, even in a drama hahaha. Truly a different side of him and like you, I am also curious and excited at the same time to see Mr. Right when the time comes! <3

kfangurl
5 years ago

Ah, looks like it’s a slow burn for you.. but yay that you’re feeling more engaged than in the beginning! 🙂 This one was a relatively slow burn for me too. My sister, on the other hand, felt hooked right away. She just wrote to me to tell me that she stayed up way past her bedtime last night, and has just finished E9. I guess it really varies among viewers. Regardless, I’m confident that you’ll enjoy it more as you go! 🙂

I feel ya on not being good with html – I’m a total noob at it myself! 😛 Yes, fingers crossed that Mr. Right turns out to be a good drama – I could use more swoony Jin Dong on my screen. Preferably in large servings, heh. 😉

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Yeah, I did watch continuously but then stopped – but I will move on to complete it regardless of when hehe. Awww, it’s always nice to have someone close by watching a show you recommended <3 I'm glad she is enjoying it ^^ It sure does, and either way I think this drama isn't for everyone. Thanks!

Yes I'm quite bad when it comes to html, but pretty sure you are better than me kfangurl 😉 Same here! Give me more Jin Donggggg 😍😍😍

kfangurl
5 years ago

Yes, it’s so cool for me, that my sister is loving the show! Best part is, she only knew about it coz she saw my instagram post for the review. Yes, this show wouldn’t appeal to everyone.. I think especially those who prefer youth, young adult stories, or the more common romances between twentysomethings would find it harder to get into this one. But I think a lot of more mature viewers would enjoy this one. 🙂

Heh. I don’t know about that Jas. I’m really noob at html! 😂 I’m super pleased to be on the Jin Dong train now – he’s way more awesome than I knew him to be, and that’s such a pleasant surprise. <3

dramalandloverj
dramalandloverj
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Hehhehe yay! Then you can talked about it with her when she’s finished watching 🙂 Yes, not only that; I also get the feel that it’s not a romantic show on a whole (although yes there is romance), it’s more about people going through phases in life and experiencing growth as a result. Romance is not a genre I’d actively seek, but it’s there in a lot of dramas. So I’m also willing to try out dramas like these, and perhaps even learn from it. 😉

Me too, I don’t even know html for simple text so I think I’m more noob😂 I’m really glad you’re onboard now kekeke – he’s indeed really awesome <3

kfangurl
5 years ago

Yes, you’re so right.. this one’s not a romantic drama, and more of a story about personal growth. I did feel like watching it was a learning experience of sorts, and I am still enthusiastically recommending this drama to almost everyone.. my sister is managing to zoom through it quite fast, considering she’s got a packed schedule filled with work and kids. When I last spoke to her on Sunday, she was already at E19! I hope you’re enjoying your watch too 😄

Mary D
Mary D
5 years ago

Thank you, Fangurl, it sounds absolutely wonderful! I have found I am a ‘one drama gal’ when they’re excellent, and I’m in the middle of the gorgeously perfect Just Between Lovers…..I will watch this once I’m done (and recovered!)

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Mary D

Ah, I’m so thrilled that you’re putting this on your list, Mary!!! It really is a wonderful watch, and I really just want EVERYONE to give it some love, heh. I absolutely know what you mean, about being a “one drama gal” when it’s a really good drama. Once this drama bit me good and proper, everything else that I was watching got temporarily shelved, so that I could just focus on this one. It just adds to the watch experience, and makes me feel properly immersed and invested. <3

GREAT that Just Between Lovers is keeping you so happy – that one's on my list for soon, and I hope I'll love it as much as you do! 😀

Owl Star
Owl Star
5 years ago

I’d heard good things about this drama and started watching out of curiosity even though I didn’t think I’d be too interested. I ending up finishing it and I actually don’t make it through a lot of dramas esp since C-dramas are so long. This has such a quiet/elegant and bittersweet feel to it, and such an interesting subject matter that is rarely explored in such detail… kind of couldn’t look away from the trainwreck that I knew was coming, but not in a bad way and the show didn’t leave me feeling angry or upset. Jin Dong definitely helped lol. I didn’t think too much of him in Nirvana in Fire but he’s pretty darn good as a romantic lead. I have a thing for the way a male lead looks at the female and he’s definitely got “the look”.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Owl Star

OMG, YAY that you enjoyed this one, Owl Star!! 😀 Seems like our drama tastes are very similar, coz I didn’t think I’d end up liking this one all that much despite the glowing praise my hairdresser heaped on it. But, I loved it, and I agree that it is just so elegant and interesting! And YES, Jin Dong is an excellent romantic lead!! There’s technically so little skinship in this show, but he killed it with the gazes and just the entire vibe he exuded. I am a new fan. 😍😍

Timescout
5 years ago

Sounds totally like something I would like. But… but… when do I have the time?! I got so behind with my drama roster and I’ve been trying to play catch up with them. ☺ I’ll definitey give this a go when I find a spot for it.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Timescout

YES, I actually personally think you’d like this one, Timescout!! I feel ya, on falling behind on your drama roster. But do find this one a spot when you can, I’d love to know how you like it! 😀

Lady G.
5 years ago

This was a beautiful read. This drama is honestly not my cup of tea. But I enjoyed your views and the synopsis to the end. You’ve explained it all eloquently. Open endings make me die a little inside, especially if it’s after 42 or more episodes, heh, even if it’s 2 eps. but I understand the character growth was the focus, and that real life relationships can become open ended when time flies by and we make major changes…i have a few myself! But I prefer my fiction stories end, unless there’s meant to be a sequel.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Lady G.

There’s fan demand for a sequel, but nothing’s confirmed at the moment. Who knows, there just might be a sequel to this? 😉 I actually feel like this is a writer’s drama.. characterization is so well-done, and the voiceovers are so thoughtful and eloquent. I thought you’d enjoy that. I personally didn’t think this would be my kind of drama, but I ended up loving it enough to write it 7,000 words, in hopes that others would consider giving it some love too, heh. And since the personal growth was the point – and that point is clearly achieved – it’s technically debatable whether our ending is open-ended? (yes, I know that was a really long shot 😅)

Lady G.
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Why must you always make such convincing arguments? lol. I shouldn’t say I would never watch this, I trust your judgment on good writing and characterization. I think this is the type of drama i need to be in the right mood for however. I’ve often surprised myself with what dramas I fall in love with. This could be one of them. I’ll add it to the list.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Lady G.

Lol. I’m glad you are willing to give my convincing argument a chance! 😉 This one really is quite a feast for the writer’s eye, I feel. I do understand about mood, it can make or break a watch indeed. I hope you do get to this sometime! 🙂

bev
bev
5 years ago
Reply to  Lady G.

It sounded so good until I got to the ending. Maybe I need to stop reading spoilers on the endings so I take more chances…..or it could mean I just end up really upset after 40 hours.
Though I am still tempted as I love a slow burn, just I like a strong resolution.
Decisions.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  bev

Actually, knowing to expect an open-ended finale might make the watch better for you, bev.. As in, knowing what to expect, you won’t feel disappointed at the end, and would (I think) be able to enjoy the journey better. With this show, I feel like the journey itself is so beautiful that it’d be a pity to miss it. <3

If I might quote Owl Star on her comment lower down on this page, she watched this one apparently not knowing about the ending, but the ending didn't leave her frustrated or upset. I hope that helps? 🙂

Lady G.
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

“As in, knowing what to expect, you won’t feel disappointed at the end, and would (I think) be able to enjoy the journey better. With this show, I feel like the journey itself is so beautiful that it’d be a pity to miss it. ❤”

This is what people tried to console me with the ending of LOST. Nobody knew the ending, but after a lot of shocked fans were like – umm…it was the journey that counted?? LOL. It was all about the journey. And they aren’t wrong.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  Lady G.

HAHA. Ok, I never did watch LOST, so I can’t compare. But at least in this one, you already know it’s mainly about character development. I actually feel very satisfied with this show’s ending, personally. 🙂

bev
bev
5 years ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I still might try it because I like the way you described the characters and their growth. Plus a slow burn that doesn’t sound too OTT angsty. A bit of angst done right can be fun.

kfangurl
5 years ago
Reply to  bev

Yay that you’ll consider giving this one a chance to wow you, bev! 😀 It really is a lovely watch, it almost feels luxurious to watch as a drama fan, coz everything is so well done and so well acted. And the ending feels appropriate and quite satisfying, to me. I feel it’s a wiser choice, for Zi Jun’s growth and independence to take centerstage, with potential romance reserved for the future. I think Show gives enough hints that it’s easy to reconcile in your head, that they will inevitably meet again, because of their proximity to each other. I hope that helps! 🙂

Lady G.
5 years ago
Reply to  bev

Bev, I should stop reading spoilers too. lol But I couldn’t stop reading this post, I just had to get to the end. lol For me, if I decide to watch it, I will somehow twist that open ending to, they will meet again by Asian drama law because they have both wound up working in the same area at the Fishing wharf! lol

bev
bev
5 years ago
Reply to  Lady G.

If I watch it and like it I will end up doing the same thing. I will imagine a dozen different scenarios of how they got a HEA.