The Exchange Luck (2020)

Final Review (my first impressions were added below the final review for comparison)

Let me be honest. It's not as bad as everybody makes it out to be. But it's also not as good as all the Shen Yue fans are making it out to be either (I'm an SY fan so I have no intention to 'shade' their opinion).

Acting-wise, I think it was quite good despite the dubbing. In fact you get used to the dubbing as the drama goes on so it doesn't turn into a big deal. Definitely not Shen Yue's best performance (please check out Another Me, she was amazing there) but you can tell she has improved a lot in terms of portraying characters like Dong Shancai and Chen Xiaoxi. Tong Xiaoyou is simply a better and more polished version of those kind of characters. I see a lot of hate for Jerry's performance but I don't think it was that bad as he was very boring in the beginning because that's how his character's development is supposed to be. He's great at emotional scenes. However, I do understand how some people are irritated at how slow he speaks and his vocal expressions in general.

The plot is cliche to begin with but it could have been presented much better. Lots of parts were dragged on just so that it would reach 34 episodes. It should be a 24-episode drama instead. The slow pace would have been alright if they didn't repeat so many instances (Jiang Yan's antics, Lu Xingcheng being depressed, all this is repeated a lot of times). I did enjoy the romance element of the story. I loved how they made it a slowburn relationship because it's very appropriate. Jerry Yan and Shen Yue's chemistry isn't even bad, not strong, but not bad at all. I find them cute actually in a couple of scenes.

In general, it really depends on your cup of tea and what things you can handle. The production of this drama is quite a mess as editing isn't impressive at all for a delayed project. If you don't mind slowburn relationships and prolonged character development, this should be an okay drama for you. In the end I definitely think it's more of a 6.5 drama but I rounded it off as I loved watching the characters and setting. It was simply overrated before release which may be why a lot are disappointed because it isn't as good as well expected. I enjoyed it while it lasted, so that's that.

(FIRST IMPRESSIONS)

Episode 1 was not particularly amazing but it gives you a good idea of the character you'll be dealing with in the next 33 episodes. The beginning of the episode is also very good! It's a nice introduction that shows how Tong Xiaoyou (Shen Yue) and Lu Xingcheng (Jerry Yan) will officially start their story. You'll want to keep watching to find out how they end up that way. After the prologue, time is rewinded a bit to explain what happened prior.

I'm perfectly fine with Xiaoyou (Shen Yue did a good job in making her adorable and relatable!) but not warming up to Xingcheng. He's only either quiet or scolding one of his employees. But! Based on the MV and credits of the drama, they actually have decent chemistry. Looking forward to the romance parts!

Cast is very suitable for their roles too. Right now I'm looking forward to knowing more about them.

Pretty sure the actors dubbed over their own voices but there's something off about it. Mostly bothered by Shen Yue's dubbing. It's like they gave her a poor quality microphone to record her lines. They don't match perfectly with the video. Looks unnatural. Good news though is you get used to it later on. I'm not so irritated about it anymore by Episode 4.

There's an interesting film style to this drama. A lot of close-ups to the characters and you also see this in the beginning. Not a bad choice, it may need time to get used to. But sometimes it comes out as awkward.

I like the theme song and closing song but the background music during some scenes bother me. Sometimes they're dramatic for no reason.

After watching more episodes, the drama does get better (Episodes 1-3 is not attention grabbing but by Episode 4 I started to enjoy it more). The drama is very promising. I say try it out. Not surprised if it ends up as an international hit. I'll absolutely watch until the end. Even if you have other concerns I feel like it's worth checking out because of the cast. That's all for now, I'll update my review when the drama is finished!

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Great chemistry between the leads, bad story

Contrary to many opinions here, I had no issues with the chemistry between the leads. I thought they made a cute couple, despite their age difference. Jerry holds up very well for his age, and his character had a childish, sweet side, so I wasn't weirded out to see them fall in love. There was a lot of potential because of this. Unfortunately, the rest didn't deliver.

Now I'm not one to care much about wardrobe, but it was grating to see him wear the same 2-3 unflattering outfits. If he had pulled a Steve Jobs, he would have looked fine, but those outfits looked ridiculous. It's like they ran out of budget when they got to him, but he's the ML and a designer???

Wardrobe aside, the story was not good. There were a few good moments with the FL's storylines, watching her grow in confidence and seeing her struggle but not give up on her dreams. But his storyline was nonsense, cheesy and overdone. People can have trust and confidence issues, even without the most horrible things to have happened to them in the past. This hidden, tragic past trope has gotten old for me, and I have no patience for it. Apart from this, everything about his career and the design competitions felt nonsense; I was only invested in his development related to the FL, which was not good. The antagonists were mostly caricatured villains. The SL was too much of a white knight to find him interesting. The rest of the side characters were ok, but I wasn't that fond of their stories.

Now I did mention having felt good chemistry between the leads. It did put a smile on my face a few times, but overall their romance was disappointing. There weren't many great moments between them. There was some cute bantering, flirting, but I needed more substance. It's not the actors fault; it's just the script they were given.

Why did I watch this then? The answer is Shen Yue. For some reason, I find her adorable, and I like her characters. Even though I don't always find them relatable, I always end up caring for them.

I'm disappointed with C-dramas. Lately, they are starting to seem like a waste of time. The stories all seem quite samey: overstretched, uninspired, cheap comedy, telenovela-style conflicts, too superficial relationships between the leads. And I'm not talking about skinship. I've just watched a few mini-shows taking place during the quarantine, and the chemistry and connection between the characters felt off the charts. But those shows focused on what's essential, the leads and a couple of side characters only, and the storylines were relatable but straightforward. C-dramas nowadays seem to be bloated with a gazillion characters that I didn't give a cracker about, and the stories just so cheesy and removed from reality.

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Brilliant Acting Skills, Strong Chemistry of "2001 Dao Ming Si and 2018 Shancai" Couple, Lovely OST

Many people complained about the age gap that makes them look like an uncle and his niece, but to be honest I don't see such a thing between them at all.
They naturally look like a couple, even their chemistry is so strong, that I cannot move on from them ❤ Jerry Yan is still so handsome and hot that I cannot believe that he is 43 years old! His acting is even very good, he could animate the character of Lu Xingcheng so that we can feel the darkness, the gentleness, and the fragility of Lu Xingcheng's character all at once. This proves that he succeeds enough to get out from his Dao Ming Si's nature like what he wants, although we will always remember him as the legendary Dao Ming Si ❤ Shen Yue's acting skill is also improved much better, and I enjoy watching her acting in this drama ❤ It all makes them a very cute "2001 Dao Ming Si and 2018 Shancai" couple, so my waiting for a year is not useless at all, because I'm also a huge fan of the 2001 Meteor Garden. So when I heard that the iconic Dao Ming Si from the 2001 Meteor Garden is gonna team up with Shancai from the 2018 Meteor Garden Remake makes me very excited and happy, though I don't like the 2018 Meteor Garden at all. Even the OST from Count Your Lucky Stars also makes me unable to move on even more, I always hum it ❤
But what I cannot accept the most is that there are lots of good scenes cut out, why oh why? :( Is it just because of the China TV cencorship? Ummm I don't think so.
But then again, I still ship Jerry-Shen till now, and I really hope that they can be a couple in a new movie or a new drama again ❤ a real couple if they could.

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I could have been better...

When I heard that Jerry Yan and Shen Yue will be paired up. I was really excited. Like hello Dao Ming si (2001) and Sanchai (2018) will be in a drama together. I buy it already.

The storyline is same with Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine's "Just My Luck" which is intriguing for me on how they will pull it off.

After watching the drama, it gives me mixed feeling. I don't know if I liked it or I was just really overwhelm by the fact that JY and SY were paired up.

I find the story boring. In all honesty. The actual supposed twist where they switch luck was not really utilize. I mean it WAS but not entirely in the story which I find a big waste.

As I watch longer, I just felt tired and the excitement all washed up.

I mean it's not that bad, I just felt the execution could have been better. There is also no spark for me between the 2 leads. I just felt they are like brothers.

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Shen yue and Jerry Yan all the best!!!

Shen yue and Jerry Yan did a great job, while doing this drama. Shen Yue, improves a lot. Aside from that she so blooming and perfect for the role. The fact that CYLS would be broadcast worldwide is just a wow. Shen yue, just ignored those moron haters who gave you poor rating in douban app. Just always remember, we are here for you. Your international fans, love u so much. Your an inspiration.You go girl.Don't mind them.
From our hearts you did very well. We appreciate your hardwork. Shame on those chinese fans, who always critized your acting. For us, your one of a kind. C drama will be different without you. I dont care about the other chinese actress. I once noticed C drama because of you.
I love also the Official Soundtrack sung by Jerry Yan and Shen Yue. Shen yue can sing the OST of her future drama. Beautiful face and beautiful voice.
More blessings to come.
Kudos Shen Yue and Jerry Yan.

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Cute and Fluffy

I've only watched a handful of Chinese dramas, but I've noticed an overall vibe from the ones I've seen. They're what I would describe as "cute and fluffy," meaning they make me smile and relax. Of course, "Count Your Lucky Stars" like any drama has its share of emotions. However, for the most part, the drama was just a nice escape. I would also recommend not going into this drama with too high expectations. It doesn't take itself seriously and you shouldn't either or you'll probably be disappointed.

Jerry Yan and Shen Yue's chemistry was amazing! Honestly, when I heard they were going to do a drama together, I thought they were cashing in on Meteor Garden's popularity. I was pleasantly surprised. (P.S. I don't mind the large age gap, but you might. Fair warning.) I also enjoyed the side romances, though Ruru and Bao were dragged on a little too much while Wen Xi and Mu Yang happened at the snap of a finger! The second male lead was so wholesome. I really hope he gets a main lead in a drama. Another warning, Shen Yue's love rival was so annoying!

That's it cause I don't want to give away too much of the story. I recommend this drama if you're fans of Jerry Yan or Shen Yue. But remember to keep your expectations low! This isn't some revolutionary drama. It's just a cute, light drama to relax to. Also, it's very suitable for binge-watching.

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Love the cast

It was long time never see Jerry Yan acting. And this is my first time watching Shen Yue acting too.
I must say, they are super cute, despite their 20 years age gap. Veru good chemistry !! Wow
Shen Yue is great actress in her age , sweet and adorable. I was long want to try to watch Meteor Garden 2018 which she on it, but I was a little doubtful because of her looks. I kinda have a good memory of Barbie Hsu , who is beautiful and sweet girl with long hair. But, after watch this drama, yet I must say she's very good actress, and I will give a try to watch MG 2018 and a Love so beautiful :)
For Jerry Yan, omg he looks the same since I watch him on Meteor Garden 2001. He's just a little look older ^,^
Love, love the chemistry. Love the music and soundtrack.

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Better than What I expected

This drama received a lot of backlash as people had a problem with Shen Yue's and Jerry Yan's age gap of about 20 years. But I felt that the chemistry turned out really well. I read many reviews about people not liking the story line. But I Kind of liked it. Lu Yanzhi is kinda cute. I felt that Jiang Yan, the love rival was way too evil. They could've avoided some parts. There are some cute scenes which really brought a smile to my face. I also have to mention about the funny character Daly. I liked him too. I really liked the ending. I would not say "wow amazing drama" but still I think that it was a pretty good watch.

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My first impression when I read the title ‘CYLS’ was aaa it’s another lovey dovey C-drama ...

It was the OTP of the drama that caught my attention “Jerry Yan n Shen Yue ... Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai” .

I love the way Jerry Yan potrayed the dark side and the cute site of Lu XingChen and i also love how Shen Yue balanced Jerry with her acting.

Although the story is very light but it’s refreshing. Truthfully, i don’t see the age gap between the OTP and i also feel the warmth the love whenever there’s romantic scene of the OTP.

Lastly, i’m hoping JerYue will be paired again

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