Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• fastharrison75

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 5.5

  Initially, my expectations were tempered by the lackluster ratings and sparse commentary in the online drama landscape, but the casting of an illustrious lead actor tempted me to delve into this series. To my delight, the experience surpassed my hesitancy. It shimmered with storytelling prowess, character dynamics, and a nuanced touch to staging that all too well merited the viewership it was struggling to garner. The drama, exuding ingenuity and originality through its script, keeps the audience engaged, even as the narrative sometimes meanders in...

  its latter episodes.
  
  Set against the bustling backdrop of two iconic cities—New York and Beijing—the series offers a duality of action and aesthetic beauty. However, the instances of clunky English dialogue deliver an unintended awkwardness from the Chinese cast, eroding the fluency of performances. Meanwhile, the portrayal of American characters in New York by less adept actors somewhat diminishes the series' overall brilliance.
  
  The narrative wrestles with contemporary quandaries: the friction between career ambitions and romantic desires, the differing dreams of men and women, and the stark contrast between ideals and harsh realities. It probes the essence of life, challenging its characters—and thereby its audience—to navigate personal aspirations and values within a societal framework that doesn't guarantee fulfillment of one's desires. The thematic density rides the line between profound and overwhelming for a serialized drama.
  
  A title critique arises regarding its resonance with the show's themes, suggesting that a more fitting moniker would directly reference a poignant line delivered within the storyline—a declaration from a man whose love goes unreciprocated by a woman entangled in her own emotional maze, grappling with the concept of love in its numerous flawed and painful manifestations.
  
  We follow the trajectory of two childhood friends who nurture grand ambitions to make their mark in the fashion industry. Raised in Beijing, their paths diverge as one ventures to New York, buoyed by familial wealth and the quest to realize her dream through her own boutique, while the other, hindered by physical ailments and financial constraints, remains in their homeland, hustling to sell original designs on the unforgiving streets.
  
  In this multilayered tale, our protagonists encounter a no-name Chinese-American lawyer with altruistic motives, a fashionista entangled in a complicated romantic triad, and another character, a proponent of women's empowerment yet personally adrift in the turbulent seas of love and sacrifice.
  
  The series deftly interweaves various interpretations and expressions of love, inviting viewers to ponder whether every story within its tapestry is destined for a happy conclusion. Ultimately, the series proves to be an enticing watch, woven with emotional complexities and resonant themes that echo beyond their on-screen portrayal.

• OldMorgan82

  Overall 5.5

  Story 6,  Acting 6,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 1.5

  Upon my viewing, I found myself encountering a drama that lands squarely in the realm of the mediocre, despite the allure of a compelling premise. Initially, my enthusiasm was piqued, chiefly due to my fondness for the charming Li Yi Feng, whose presence is usually a high-water mark in any production. However, as the narrative unfolded, the pace slowed to a cumbersome crawl that rather unfortunately sapped the vigor from the story.
  
  A particular sore point was the dubbing, which introduced an element of dissonance in...

  the performance, rendering what should have been poignant moments somewhat artificial. It's disappointing, as I believe that a tighter episode structure and perhaps a rethinking of the dubbing strategy could have significantly elevated the dramatic impact.
  
  There was, however, a moment of authenticity that deserves commendation. Our female lead's command of the English language, tinged with her native intonation, was refreshing. It's a creative choice that stands in stark contrast with the oft-trodden path of flawless, but characterless English dubbing that strips the personality from the parts.
  
  Nonetheless, this detail alone could not carry the series. As much as it pains me to say, this drama does not make my list of recommendations, unless of course, you are an unwavering devotee of Li Yi Feng, in which case, your mileage with the series may distinctly vary from my own.