A Girl Like Me (2021)

Phenomenal and addicting! So good!

I normally only leave reviews for shows that really impresses me. I can only say wow! It's rare to see a story with strong leads that stay strong all throughout the series--when I say strong I mean leads who aren't foolishly blinded because of "love" and are strong all on their own regardless of the other person(s). They are independent and can make their own decisions. I love that there aren't any of those annoying drawn-out misunderstandings that historical dramas usually have.

Both characters of ML and FL are very likeable and loveable all on their own, with their own individual quirks which makes their coupling even better. Also, for once the main girl has a good family--no family drama which is really refreshing for me. The FL is strong, fierce, smart, has good martial arts, has influence and confident which is uncommon for historical dramas. The ML is equally great. I also especially love that they incorporated comedy appropriately into the show. I laughed so much almost every episode and there were a lot of "aww!" scenes. This is a very fun and wholesome show.

Both Neo and Gabrielle did such a phenomenal job displaying their character and roles. The storyline is unique and refreshing; misunderstandings are resolved without viewers having to pull their hair out from frustrations. I'm currently on episode 36 of 40 and will be sad once the series is over. I already know this show is worth a re-watch!

**EDIT: I have now completed the series--all 40 episodes. I am so sad that this show is over, but really enjoyed watching it. I have already re-watched twice. A very addicting show and also quite uplifting and wholesome. This is a great show to watch, especially for those who hate angst-filled dramas because this drama is not--it's more light and fluffy. ♥

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Empowering Drama for Girls

I really love the female lead character in this drama - independent, unconventional, fearless, strong (good in fighting), forthright (doesn't hide anything - speaks her mind), intelligent, decisive, compassionate, confident, will not be manipulated, smart, at the same time, loves her family dearly and will protect everyone with her own life. Together with an eye-candy male lead, this drama is really an enjoyable and easy watch.

Ban Hua (Guan Xiao Tong aka Gabrielle Guan) has come from a bloodline of royalty. Her paternal grandmother is also the aunt of the Emperor who respects her greatly and grants the Ban family unlimited privileges and protection from the other noble families who constantly want to harm them and even want them dead.

Ban Hua doesn’t take orders from anyone, not even from the Emperor himself. Despite her high status, she’s being shunned by most eligible men in town because of her ‘bad luck’ reputation, her unabashed demeanor, and most of all, her being the best fighter around as she’s learned her skills from her grandfather who was a great general. She is fierce and forthright with her feelings, beats the shit out of men whom she finds intolerable, as she tells them “even the Lord of the Netherworld is scared of me”.

The Ban family is one of the most wonderful families I find in any historical dramas, with loving and open-minded parents who respect Ban Hua’s opinions and supportive of her, a little brother who is sweet and streetwise, and a couple of adorable maid servants who are like sisters to her. Despite the high status of the Ban family, none is well read. It is hilarious to see how they struggle to read a simple letter or poem flawlessly, and to make sense of it. The family dynamics are precious and it’s always a joy to watch them.

After an incident, Ban Hua is bestowed the ability to see her future in her dreams. However, most of these dreams are omens to the fate of herself and those she loves. She finds ways to change course of their fates. As one can imagine, the steps and processes she takes are hilarious. And as in her dream, she meets her true love, Rong Xia (Hou Ming Hao aka Neo Hou).

Rong Xia is the most handsome man in the world. Not only is he handsome, he is also the most intelligent man. In contrast to the Bans, Rong Xia is very well read and gentle. He is also the Emperor’s most treasured strategist who holds important official post. Together with Ban Hua, they resolve multiple conspiracies hand in hand, saving each other time and time again from death.

Guan Xiao Tong is very beautiful with great acting skills. As Ban Hua, she brings out the fierceness in her, at the same time, not losing her elegance as an anointed princess. Dressed in her unconventional outfits purportedly designed by Ban Hua herself, Guan Xiao Tong brings Ban Hua to life. I really love her stylish outfits with bold colors and designs.

Hou Ming Hao is one of the most handsome actors around. He looks amazing in his scholastic outfit with a fan, he also looks so good in his somber court official uniform, and he looks mysteriously wonderful in his dark martial arts clothing. His acting is good too in bringing alive the gentle Rong Xia who viewers come to love so much.

My Verdict
I really love Ban Hua’s kickass demeanor and her beautiful stylish outfits, the handsome face of Rong Xia, the wonderful dynamics of the Ban family, Ban Hua’s and the second prince’s hostile relationship, the hilarious rivalry between Marquis Xie and Ban Hua’s father, the lovable side couples, among others.

This is a wonderful and happy drama not to be missed. The badass female lead alone would make any viewers love this production. Together with a very smart and good-looking male lead, this drama indeed is a great entertainment for all to enjoy.

Recommended!

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