A Girl Like Me (2021)

Had the tools but didn't deliver...

I cannot say I actively disliked this drama. I had a lot of elements I liked which I will discuss first. The main and side characters were all very likable or interesting in some way. Even the villains I felt were written well and not over the top. The female lead was such an amazing character and a badass but still had a soft feminine side. The leads had good chemistry I loved them together and it was easy to root for them throughout the series. This is where my praise ends and criticisms begin. The overarching plot was okay but the step necessary to get to A to B dragged on and felt repetitive. The writers made the leads make the same mistakes over and over and never learn or grow from them. How many times can you use miscommunication as a plot device? I was so frustrated because I really liked the first half of this drama but struggled to get to the end. The dreams part mentioned in the synopsis is underused and not done well. The explanation also was weak. I feel like the writers threw it in here and there to make more unnecessary problems for the leads that weren't even important to the plot. I don't really recommend this drama to anyone who values character development or leads who can communicate with each other well.

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A pro-feminism show

In the beginning, Ban Hua is seen as someone who knows what she wants and goes for it. She is fascinated with the ML and does not hesitate to woo him. However, she backs off when she realizes that the ML doesn't reciprocate. This aspect of the show is very relatable since, hey, we've all been there--liking someone who doesn't seem to like us back. I like how they portray self-respect compared to other typical romcoms where the FL just gushes and chases hard to no avail, that it becomes toxic and abusive due to the power difference.

Ban Hua is also shown to be someone who loves her family dearly and would even volunteer to lead an army to the battlefield just so her family can live a comfortable life again. There is a time when she saves the ML (rather than the other way around) and ended up almost dying. This is really touching because I would do the same for my family, too. Speaking of family, her family is very supportive of her, through her bravery and shenanigans, if you're used to watching abusive families, this will be very refreshing for you! They never once blamed the ML for their daughter's struggles as she chooses to face these trials for him, anyway. In every relationship she's had, the parents are very supportive, but of course, they still worry as Ban Hua is known to bring terrible fortune to men she gets involved with.

My favourite part is when Ban Hua was looking through the catalog of eligible bachelor in Daye (their Kingdom) and her parents suggest that she chooses Rong Hua as his parents have passed, meaning, she need not deal with in-laws, which would make her life very easy and peaceful.

So yeah, if you'd like some girl power going on, this show is for you!

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One of the best chinese drama I have ever seen!

I won't talk about Ban Hua's anymore as everyone adores her already. I like her too, but not as much as I like Rong Xia. I didn't like him at first since he gave out mixed signal to Ban Hua. I was a bit confused when he got jealous and decided to express his feeling. To me, it was a bit rushed. But his acting and storyline gets better with time. He's not one of the best actors out there but good enough for this series.

How they depicted the main couple's love was adorable. I keep re-watching all cute moments (thanks youtube!). The best thing about them is that they never have to explain themselves to each other. They just knew why their significant half did what they did.

The dynamic in the Ban family was awesome. It is quite rare to see a great family in the drama. They made me feel I want to be part of the family.

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Neo killed me with his acting!

I was supposed to read the novel (bookmarked it) but ended up watching the drama instead (didn't know it was the same until I did)! ------I don't regret anything tho.

First off, the story is amazing (obvs since I was gonna read it). The FL is the living definition of a strong, clever, independent (and rich) woman - she's basically like a Goddess and a subject of envy. The ML, perfectly matching her, is just as good (and cute. and cunning). They suit each other very well and look very good together. But the three things I liked the most in this drama are:
1. How FL's fam treats her (they're family-centered)
2. Neo calling the FL "Hua Hua" (man, I can see the hearts form his eyes)
3. The OST

And since I loved the drama, I'm still super in for the novel. It's so so worth rewatching!

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This is it, this is the sign you've been looking for, WATCH IT!

OH MAN, OH MAN, never mind the naysayers, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS WUXIA CHINESE DRAMA!

I want to specifically write a review for each segment, story, cast, music, and overall.

STORY/PLOT
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know where to start! The plot was just awesome, okay it may have its ups and downs but i swear it was never dragging. The filler episodes were fun to watch and I was SWOONING every time our ML and FL had sweet moments. Aside from that, the political part of the plot was enough to keep you watching more yet it's not borderline boring. I love how FL is such a badass, I literally screamed “YES QUEEN!!” Every time she did hot girl sht, it was awesome! ML is such a dashing man, smart, cunning, AND THE NUMBER ONE GENTLEMAN in Daye, hihihi YOU GUYS HAVE TO WATCH IT! Aside from that, the plot is unpredictable which makes it more exciting, I had too much “NOW HOL UP WHAT THE FREAK IS GOING ON” moments as the plot progressed, and I love it yall!

OF COURSE, ANOTHER THING I LOVE, I SWEAR TO ALL THE ANGELS AND SAINTS, SHI JIN DESERVES THE BEST SECOND LEAD AWARD. That man is so pure! His love for our FL is so freaking pure and wholesome I wanna cry- lol I already did.

ANTAGONISTS? Bruh I wanted to murder all of them one by one, but thank God they got what they deserved in the end.

CAST
THE CAST WAS AMAZING! FL, ML, Antagonists - which I cursed too many times - other supporting roles, all of it!! PERFECTLY CASTED! YES, no annoying actor/actress is present in this cdrama which makes me want to puke rainbows AAAAAHHH

MUSIC
HANDS DOWN, I’m still super lss with the ost’s. Although, at some point in the drama I wished they chose a much more appropriate set of bg music. You know, to make us cry more XD

OVERALL
AWESOME.. You have to watch it, definitely one of the best wuxia dramas I’ve ever watched. Aside from the FL being such a badass -yes I’m biased, I love women empowerment themes- the ML is so smart and super supportive of his lover. You guys have to watch it, definitely one of the best cdramas this 2021. I hope they make more chinese dramas like this! COS THIS IS SERIOUSLY A GEM!

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A Girl Just Like Me!

This drama, though not without major faults, was so engaging, high on charm, and well cast, that I couldn't help but absolutely overlook its absurdity and fall in love with it.

Firstly, the FL has to be one of the most relatable female characters in any Chinese Costume Drama. This is despite the fact that she also happens to be a martial arts wizard. That's saying a lot, that the screenwriters were able to make her both a warrior, an ultra-feminine fashionista, and still a caring and warm-hearted rounded female character. The only other female character that I can think of in a costume drama that ever came close was the FL from "An Oriental Odyssey", and that was a far inferior drama.

A FL with a loving and happy family is something I've never seen before, nor am likely to see again. The Ban family is the best Chinese costume drama family ever written, and somehow, you end up loving every single member of that family, even the "servants" (which are treated as part of the family!)

The ML, well, I couldn't stop looking at his nose to be honest, maybe it was the foundation they put on him that made him look like he had plastic surgery on his nose, and it was now too small for his face. I have since watched his earlier works, and he doesn't look odd like he does here. I couldn't be the only one that noticed this, so I am bringing it up, as it was distracting. It was difficult to really like the ML after his suspicious attitude towards the FL almost caused him to have her murdered for absolutely no reason at all. This was a stupid decision by the writers, as I have heard that in the web novel, the ML falls for the FL right away and isn't an asshole towards her at first. Over time, I did start to like the ML more, which was a relief to me, because I wanted to like him for the sake of the drama.

The SML was warm-hearted, dreamy, and a loyal friend to the FL, and of course I would have preferred that she ended up falling in love with him instead of the ML, but I didn't mind the ML by the end, and the chemistry between the FL and ML was definitely there.

There is a lot of absurdist humour in this drama. In the first episode, the FL tosses car keys at a servant after getting off her horse. There is some kind of paintball game with bows and arrows instead of paint guns, and some VR element to it, which was unexpected to say the least, but it was good fun.

All the side characters and even the villains were interesting in their own way.

The CGI here though is awful. I mean, it's just about intolerable. There is the fakest frozen lake scene, and an annoying scene that also has the worst CGI glowbugs ever, but like I always say, story is king, and the story here is engaging and well paced. Definitely watch this drama if you are looking for a good story with characters you will love.

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Addictive series with good storyline and acting

What started out as a "filler" series to watch while waiting for new episodes of "my heroic husband", turned out to be an addictive series that I binged watch the whole 40 episodes over 3 days!
Although the storyline may sound familiar but the plots, twists and turns made it worthwhile and will keep you wanting to watch more.

Worthy to also mention the whole team of actors (not only the FL/ML) were able to bring their characters alive and kept the momentum of this series. The talent of this younger generation of actors are definitely to watch out for especially Guan Xiao Tong and Hou Ming Hao.

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Que garota!

Uma ótima história. Ela é destemida, corajosa, forte e classuda. Ele é mais frágil, mas não vacila no amor por ela. É divertido, mas tem uma parte muito, muito triste, preparem os lencinhos para o fim da vovó!!! Ela é tão fofinha, as vovós não deveriam morrer, nunca!
Tem um elemento que eu gosto particularmente: O príncipe estrangeiro. Sempre agrada aos olhos, deu uma peninha, ele nunca teve chance.
Uma história de justiça, de usurpação de poder e de família, o da protagonista tem um amor muito bonito.
Tem uns finais que eu acho que poderiam ser melhores: O do prícipe herdeiro/imperador e do SML, Shi Jin, eles mereciam muito mais!!!

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Easy watch, not a serious drama

Lately there's been a lot of this kind of stories: Free spirit strong FL. The story genre is not new but if you enjoy easy watch costume dramas with happy endings (assuming) then this is enjoyable.

It's not as good as Romance of Tiger & Rose which I would say it's been the best so far but its got decent amount of humor.

Positives:
1. Supportive family for FL. The family scenes are quite enjoyable. Dad/Brother are especially funny
2. FL's character's got some sharp come backs. Quite witty
3. If there was a Chinese Ken doll the ML would be it for those who likes idol looks
4. Fun names "ran mian mian" "ying bang bang"
5. Creativity in costume design. I love the use of bright colors: orange, dark teal with some creative head pieces

Negatives:
2nd lead is not strong
The 2nd prince looks older than the king LOL

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Funny! Good! Great Cast!

This is such a good drama. I am so invested in this show. My only regret is watching too early and now I have anxiously wait for new episodes to come out.

I love both the female lead and male lead. Their roles are so interesting and their characters are so strong and independent. The female lead's family is so refreshing and funny. 100% worth a rematch.
If you enjoy shows with interesting likeable characters, good comedy (yet still serious enough), and enjoy a sweet love story with some action this is the show for you.
Also a plus is a strong fierce female lead who is cool, smart, beautiful, and confident.

**Wonderful acting too. The actors/actresses did such a good job. Very talented cast and crew!!

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Phenomenal acting and so very addicting!

REVIEW: This is not the typical damsel in distress kind of plotline. Yes, it follows the current trend where the female-lead has prophetic dreams that guide her along the way, but it is really unique. The FL is independent but compliments the ML in her own way. The acting is phenomenal as I could not sense the usual awkwardness that is present in the usual Chinese drama and the chemistry, casting, and most importantly the OST's are amazing! This is the first drama that made me download the whole 40 episodes so I can watch it over and over again.... enough said :)


SUMMARY (literally cntrl+v from the top, so no need to read...): The beautiful baroness, duchess, princess (She gets promoted a lot!) Ban Hua has skirted marital bliss three times. Her straight-shooting manner and explosive temper ensured that each relationship ended in disaster – for the potential grooms! Despite her awful reputation, she is quite well-meaning and thoughtful deep down. Of late, her dreams have been forecasting danger around every corner, She has interpreted them quickly in order to keep her family safe and to protect those around her. Her life changes forever when she meets Count Rong Xia, a young gentleman scholar whose family suffered a tragic fate. Rong Xia is on the hunt for answers regarding the past, namely the true identity of those responsible for his family’s demise, a secret long-kept from him. A friendship is formed, with Ban Hua determined to help Rong Xia learn the truth.
As their alliance deepens, could this be a case of ´fourth time lucky’ for Ban Hua?

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