Zhu Yong Teng

Review: Nothing But You [China]

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A very feel-good, uplifting sort of story, once you are able to tune into Show’s vibe.

Our story world is on the simple, almost sanitary side of things, and our emotional arcs lean simple as well, which, together, makes it feel a little Hallmark-Disney, in terms of tone.

If you’re able to roll with that, the underdog story that Show serves up is accessible and engaging, and quite slurpable too.

Also, if you’re able to appreciate the idea of “romance in the small things,” instead of the more common big, sweeping romantic declarations that Dramaland tends to serve up, you’d have a good chance of loving the central romance in this too.

On balance, I found this one to be very enjoyable, and well worth the drama hours.

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Review: The Bond [China]

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

The Bond is basically a sprawling slice-of-life family drama, that is showcased in a pretty condensed sort of format.

Show does a very good job of making its characters feel like real people with real flaws and real struggles, and one can’t help but be interested in the lives of these characters, as a result.

Our cast is strong, in the sense that you don’t really feel like these are actors putting forth their best performance; you just feel like these are real people, with some flaws more glaring than others, all trying to do their best, with their varying lots in life.

A solid watch, particularly if you enjoy everyday insights into Chinese culture and China’s modern history.

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