Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• CrazyJennifer21

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  Clichéd Yet Captivating, Stellar Performances
  
  The narrative of this period drama may read like a classic overture of familiar tropes – precipitous falls, case of mistaken identity, the enigma of amnesia, a malevolent foe, and dangerously possessive suitors – yet its realization is superb, owing to solid scriptwriting, competent directing, and most importantly, compelling acting. Audiences will be transported by the genuine setting, the visually appealing and meticulously crafted wardrobes, the anticipated period-appropriate dialogue, and the generally plausible story progression. Above all, the on-screen relationship between...

  the lead duo is potent and incredibly authentic.
  
  Our tale commences with a twist of fate as the female protagonist tumbles from a cliff, only to be discovered with no recollection of her past. Originally a detestable figure, the new incarnation as a compassionate and endearing soul throws everyone off the scent of her true origins, despite her striking resemblance to her former self.
  
  Central to the unfolding drama is a marital connection to the noble, yet unwilling, Marquis – a gentleman whose disdain for his wife's former self is palpable. The transformative journey they embark upon through trials and tribulations culminates in genuine affection. Upon the revelation of her true identity as another, the Marquis pledges his love once more, though their union must be shrouded in secrecy for the time being. Yet, as with any good story, their attempted union is wrought with unexpected disruptions.
  
  The central casting of both the female and male leads in this drama brings depth and warmth to their respective roles, delivering performances that resonate with viewers. The female lead, known for her heartfelt performance in a previous historical hit, is absolutely radiant and delivers an earnest portrayal. Her male counterpart may not fit the traditional mold of a matinee idol, yet his acting prowess is undeniable and consistently enjoyable across his body of work.
  
  Adversaries are established from the outset, with one antagonist deftly portrayed as a constant thorn in the Marquis's side throughout his illustrious career. Meanwhile, the character of the Marquis's conniving spouse is one viewers will love to hate; a masterclass in duplicity and jealousy, it's a role that adds complexity to the protagonist's struggle for survival.
  
  The drama is rounded out by a selection of characters that enrich the narrative – a sagacious emperor, loving attendants, faithful friends, and a dedicated bodyguard – all of whom contribute to an engrossing experience. Furthermore, the gradual transformation of a seemingly benign admirer into a lethal adversary offers a poignant emotional twist.
  
  In Conclusion
  
  Notwithstanding its reliance on well-worn narrative paths and occasional narrative lapses (like the nuances around the protagonist’s memory loss), this drama manages to captivate with its romance, which isn't without its setbacks – including a year-long separation with a plausible cause. With its exquisite acting, charming storytelling, and adept direction, this is a drama that shouldn't go unnoticed by those with a penchant for romance and period intrigue.
  
  A delightful viewing experience awaits! Be sure not to pass it by!

• DullCai

  Overall 3.5

  Story 3.5,  Acting 5,  Music 5.5,  Rewatch Value 3

  The series at hand ambitiously endeavors to weave a complex narrative, intertwining a case of mistaken identity with a tragic love story. It begins with the jarring event of identical twins, caught in the turmoil of fate, falling into a river from a cliff under eerily similar circumstances. The story then veers into the realm of melodrama when one twin, who survives the fall, inexplicably falls in love with the person indirectly responsible for her sister's demise. Further muddying the waters is a jolting bout...

  of amnesia brought about by the fall.
  
  Compounding the series' myriad twists is the characterization of one twin with a veneer of malevolence, despite her privileged upbringing, creating a stark contrast between her and her kindhearted counterpart. Meanwhile, the lead male character is presented as an epitome of perfection, which paradoxically clashes with his personal life choices. His decision to entertain a secondary romance, particularly under circumstances that are rather frivolous, fails to resonate with the audience as a decision befitting a man of his purported intellect.
  
  As the series progresses, the convoluted storyline drags and stretches, losing the initial spark that may have captivated some viewers. This critique found inspiration to dwindle by around the midway mark, leading to a viewing experience that alternated between pressing the fast-forward button and entertaining the idea of abandoning the show entirely. The narrative arc eventually extends to a substantial number of episodes, prompting the question of whether the time invested in following its protracted storyline could be justified. The conclusion one might draw is that, despite its promising beginnings and moments of engaging drama, the series tests the viewer's patience with its tendency towards the implausible and the unnecessarily protracted.

• loudangelina32

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 10

  Caution: Spoilers may be present
  Ruminations on character dissections in this period-drama adaptation—do take note, the televised retelling diverges from its literary roots, seemingly tailored to amplify the appeal of a particular leading man. It garners chuckles as its intent.
  
  Stepping into the light, we meet our male protagonist—outwardly a stoic and unfeeling nobleman, yet beneath the surface, he nurses a tender, canine-like heart. Esteemed in his public duties, his domestic life is a series of untouched marital connections.
  
  Our cold, relentless female character is born into...

  privilege and luxury, growing into a woman who finds pleasure in her dominance over servants. Seemingly bereft of self-reflection, she forges a dark path sealed by her own vices. A truly misguided soul, indeed.
  
  Then, there's the shrewd business mind, secretly her fraternal match—separated in infancy and driven by her hunt for lifelong affection. She navigates the world as one would a corporate boardroom, viewing others through the lens of commerce, governance, or service, yet with an undercurrent of humor and benevolence.
  
  A loyal retainer mirrors his lord almost comically in his steadfastness, demonstrating the same fierce devotion when it comes to the matters of the heart. An amusing, loyal companion.
  
  In the case of the deceptive damsel, her external gentleness hides a more sinister agenda. Her machinations ensnare the nobleman under a ruse of victimhood, forcing his hand. The folly of her ways only becomes clear when she is outsmarted and faces the ultimate retribution—a lesson learned all too late.
  
  A friend turned adversary embodies the archetype of jealousy and ambition but ultimately finds redemption by correcting his course and thus, sparing his own fate from the executioner's axe.
  
  Amidst the bandits, we uncover a heart of gold, pumping the purest affections. In the company of our central couple, he abandons past grievances, choosing to unite in the name of communal benefit.
  
  Even the Emperor plays a divine role, curating matches with thoughtfulness and care, akin to another regal character from a famed series who aids our protagonists on their journey towards unity.
  
  In conclusion, the narrative gifts viewers with tender exchanges between leads that will have audiences pining to place themselves in the midst of such romance. The moral here rests on the foundation of shared virtues—a partner in life who echoes one's principles and kindness ensures a mutual shouldering of life's burdens.
  
  Happy viewing, and may your repeated indulgence in this drama stoke fires of adoration.
  
  Remember, finding a spouse of a similar moral compass can pave the way to a harmonious life.
  
  With fervor—until next viewing!

• silentunforgiven

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 10

  A Serendipitous Spring Delight: Romance Unfolds with Laughter and Love
  
  Amid the spring bloom, there emerges a series that whispers tales of whimsy and affection—a romantic comedy that promises to charm and delight with its simplicity and wit.
  
  Narrative’s Heart:
  In essence, the series is an uncomplicated dance of hearts, woven with threads of humor and romance. Tailor your expectations to embrace the lighter side, for those in pursuit of complex plotlines may find themselves drifting amidst its straightforward stream.
  
  Wins and Whims:
  The true magic of this saga is...

  its effortless nature, quietly enchanting those who savor mysteries in unlikely places. Though seemingly straight-laced, it manages to entangle its audience in a lattice of curiosity, masterfully revealing resolutions in due time. It’s a storytelling gamble that pays off, as what appear to be narrative gaps are cleverly stitched together, rewarding viewers with a satisfying tapestry by the finale.
  
  There lies a careful craft in its narrative—the judicious use of foreshadowing and meticulous attention to detail. This is commendable, as subtle hints and seemingly innocuous objects blossom into significant revelations, enhancing the allure and inviting audiences to revel in the intricacies upon re-watching.
  
  A Scene Stealer:
  One cannot forget the culinary catastrophe turned comical romance, a scene executed with unexpected logic, a testament to the thoughtful construction that runs throughout the tale. This astuteness also breathes life into the characters, shaping their arcs into a journey of twists and revelations.
  
  From Novel Roots to Screen Blossoms:
  Originally sprouted from literary soil, the adaptation takes creative liberties to bloom on screen. Deep-rooted in a novel's narrative, it shapes into a form that is both necessary for approval and enchanting to new eyes—enough to consider it a distinct creation, rather than a mirror to its origins.
  
  A Fade from Intricacy:
  Losses in the adaptation are felt, with the intricate domestic power plays and the palpable fear of a misstep leading to dire consequences being dulled. Some characters, rich in villainous depth, have had their edges softened—a sacrifice for wider appeal and adherence to regulations.
  
  What Remains True:
  The essence, though, is not lost. The leads, navigating the trials of personal growth and partnership, portray a relatable evolution from adversarial beginnings to a unity rooted in mutual support and adoration. Existing rivalries give way to a narrative of sisterhood, rendering the tale more digestible for its audience.
  
  Casting a Vision:
  Neither of the protagonists hail from the pantheon of blockbuster stardom, yet they shine with potential and prowess. While occasionally the performance may tiptoe into exaggeration—perhaps a directorial penchant for heightened drama—their chemistry and development remain unaffected, ensuring a partnership that is strong, authentic, and replete with charm.
  
  Beauty in Simplicity:
  With a costume palette favoring simplicity over extravagance, the visual styling allows the actresses to shine through their unaffected features, focusing audience engagement on their performance rather than the adornment.
  
  A Directorial Dichotomy:
  Critique holds its gaze upon the direction, with some believing that the vision could sparkle under a different creative lens. However, the director's ability to weave the narrative together with precision cannot be overlooked, ensuring a compelled audience from start to finish.
  
  Threaded Themes of Triumph:
  Beyond performance, the series is embroidered with compelling motifs—self-improvement, empowerment, and the fruition of love intermingled with personal aspirations. It celebrates a spectrum of femininity, cheering on female characters as they shape their destinies with tenacity, intellect, and an unyielding spirit.
  
  Sweet Satisfaction:
  The series leaves a lingering taste of its sweet narrative, enticing viewers to revisit and delight in moments of realization and romance. This is a tale not just about finding love but also about the beauty of becoming one's best self alongside another.
  
  An Invitation to Indulge:
  This is not a venture for those seeking the shadows of complex dramas, but it’s a perfect parchment for those yearning for a gentle laugh, an endearing romance, or the unique flair of a heroine whose strength is not gauged by stoicism alone.
  
  This series calls to those who appreciate the rising talents of its lead actors, the allure of a heartfelt comedy, and the tender journey of a love that matures amidst trials and triumphs. It's an ode to the quiet power of joy and the stirring beauty of love in its purest form.

• mightyleonardo47

  Overall 4.5

  Story 5.5,  Acting 8,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 1

  Be aware that the following critique may reveal key plot elements.
  An exercise in frustrationWhat began with a flourish of anticipation, courtesy of a star-studded lead duo, swiftly descended into narrative chaos. It's as though the writer juggled too many thoughts, failing to determine a clear path for the protagonists – a route that seemed excessively convoluted for an otherwise straightforward tale. Characters oscillate between moments of impressive insight and bewildering naïveté. The heroine's choices defy logic, as she echoes her twin's unfathomable leap sans...

  any discernible motive.
  
  Peripheral characters drift through scenes, devoid of tangible connections or relevance, serving as little more than time-fillers. Rather than crafting a compelling love story, the series forces an ill-fitting portrayal of mismatched souls through contrived, trivial obstacles, diminishing any sense of genuine ardor.
  
  The antagonist is as over-the-top as melodrama allows, while the secondary male lead, despite his aesthetic appeal, becomes another hollow figure in the backdrop. Attempts to weave romance and mystery are reduced to stilted interactions and half-hearted physical contact, set to a soundtrack that can't salvage the awkwardness.
  
  Every time the music cues a semblance of romance, it's undercut by yet another inconsequential impediment. And the frequent, melodramatic farewells – the "I shall depart and thus we shall never cross paths again" charades – become tiresome due to their predictable resolutions fueled by an overstated love.
  
  In conclusion, the anticipation and time invested in following the series have given way to exasperation. I find myself vexed and bewildered at the squandered potential of what could have been a captivating drama.