Wo De Ren Jian Yan Hou (2023)

Melo Romance/Action Drama that requires your patience

Having watched quite a few first responder dramas (You Are My Hero/A Date with the Future/Light Chaser Rescue), it’s difficult not to compare “Fireworks of My Heart” with them. For many elements, “Fireworks of My Heart” is very similar to these other dramas. What differs, is the romance story of the main leads. The romance between Song Yan (ML) and Xu Qin (F) is melodramatic. The romance in the other dramas are more fluffy and sweet and rom-com like. It has about 50% romance and 50 % cases/missions.

Romance
Song Yan and Xu Qin were forced to be separated due to FL’s parents' strong disapproval. They are reunited after 10 years. The drama did not set a good foundation for viewers to understand their love for each other that could last more than 10 years. I am a big fan of second-chance romance, but I had a hard time rooting for this romance in the initial 10 episodes. I disliked Xu Qin and thought she was pathetic, selfish, cowardly and greedy. She was also very shameless in wanting to get back with Song Yan and became stalkerish and clingy. I had such a difficult time continuing. HOWEVER, I stuck with it and then realized why she acted that way (more about that later below). I was expecting the romance to be rom-com like, but then it dawned on me that this is a melo-romance. Once my mindset changed, I started to enjoy this romance a lot more. I understand why she acted that way and I slowly root for them to be together. When they finally get together, we have some scenes of sweetness and fluffiness, after all the angst we went through. A few decent kisses, a lot of hand-holding and hugging. I find the chemistry between the two leads OK but not great. I heard many of the kisses were censored out because they disappeared towards the last third of the show. This is probably due to the fact that this drama is broadcasted on national TV and the content is more controlled than web dramas.

Xu Qin (female lead)
As mentioned, I disliked Xu Qin so much in the first 10 episodes. But then I realized she has been emotionally abused and manipulated all her life by her mother. She was grateful for being adopted but she was having a hard time standing up for herself. I bet all viewers hate the mother and most are disgruntled about her ending. It was really sad to see how traumatic Xu Qin and her adopted brother are because of their parents. Xu Qin’s relationship with her mother seems like a domestic abuse situation. You want to leave, but you can’t. However, I am glad to see that she’s trying really hard… little by little, step by step. It was rewarding to finally see her stand up and leave her family for the man she loves.

Missions/Cases/Firefighting
If you have seen enough first responders drama, the cases in this drama will not surprise you. They are very similar to those I’ve seen in other dramas. I think “Fireworks of My Heart” actually does a better job in showing a variety of smaller, regular missions, e.g. catching a spider, helping an old lady, snapping a ring off a finger. Compared to what I’ve seen in other dramas, the bigger accidents, fires, and natural disasters are not as dramatic and the CGI not as good.

Firefighters and camaraderie
The boys together are always the most fun and most enjoyable parts in such dramas. You can expect funny banters between the guys, shirtless scenes here and there, training very hard and unfortunately, the loss of a life. I accidentally read a spoiler in the comment section and found out who died. Arggh… don’t be like me and please put a spoiler tag, people! We all look forward to the guest appearance of Vin Zhang, and like many, it was lovely to see his bromance with Yang Yang. I was expecting a certain exit for this character, but it was different than what I imagined (it was better). Now we just need another drama of Yang Yang and Vin Zhang as leads together!

Main Acting
I am a big fan of Yang Yang and think that his acting though might not be excellent, does not warrant all the criticisms. I think he did fine here, not as good as his performance in “Glory of Special Forces”. However, I don’t find him ‘posing’ instead of acting. And if so, it was the director’s fault. His acting of emotional scenes are more subtle since he is the captain and has to maintain a certain demeanor. On the other hand, Wang Chu Ran has a more difficult role to play. You can see the stark difference of her acting when she’s with her family, at work, and with ML. She is emotionless, soft-spoken and obedient when she’s speaking with her mother. She’s a cool, genius doctor who could be authoritative and business like at work. It’s when she’s with ML that her smiles, pouting, whining come out. I think Wang Chu Ran did an admirable job. For a drama playing against Yang Yang, I think she might have gotten my attention just a little more.

Supporting Cast
I do not get the ship between FL and her brother. There’s no way I will pick Meng Yan Chen over Song Yan! Everyone in the supporting cast did a pretty good job with no obvious subpar acting. I find Jiang Yu’s character quite adorable and he’s a good stand-in after Vin Zhang’s exit. I like the feisty little cousin, who stands up for Song Yan and says everything the ‘adults’ want to but are afraid to say. I love the sweet aunt and uncle who are there to support Song Yan. I dislike the subplot between Meng Yan Chen and Ye Zi. There’s something about Ye Zi that I don’t like from the first moment she’s introduced.

I worry many dropped this drama because they couldn’t get past the first 10 episodes, and were also expecting a rom-com instead of a melo. But if you like a more angsty, melodramatic romance in a drama like this, I would recommend this for you. This is not the best drama for its genre, but it has its own charms.


Other Random Observations:
1. Bad teenage wigs!
2. So many coincidences for the leads to meet in the first few episodes.
3. They really like to pour a whole bottle of iodine (?) on the wounds and cause pain.
4. Love the scene when families cook meals for the firefighters (but also quite unrealistic).
5. Like the healthy competition between the doctors. Not too many medical cases.
6. I quite like the songs in the OST. The lyrics are perfect for some scenes.


Completed: 7/29/2023 - Review #335

Lire davantage

Everything is too slow

I may be suspicious to talk about this ckrama since I'm not really into Chinese drama BUT I decided to give this one a try since I enjoy fireman's stories. But... Another big BUT, I was enjoying it at the beginning but even though knowing what kinda story I was going to found (I mean, they "don't" like each other) I knew they'd take a long time to get together but I have to say it's taking too long hahahahah. All the episodes I've seen so far is based in "she's trying to approach him and he hating her" and then "a lot of rescues scenes" I mean, I know that it's a story about a doctor and a fireman but how come nothing more happens than this? I'm seriously getting bored watching it, I want to keep going but the thought of seeing the same thing over and over again makes my will to watch it disappear, I mean... There's absolutely nothing more interesting. All I know is that the next episode there'll be a rescue scene and she trying to approach him again 😂😂

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The rescue scenes are really the best, it's gave me goosebumps

I don't know why too much negative reviews for this drama. If you just want to watch dramas that could make you giggle all the time then it is not for you.

Although the base story is quite cliche about family matters but I found out it's realistic. Like what do you expect from a adopted young girl to choose between her Family and boyfriend?. Or what do you expect from a grown man to act in front of the woman who abandoned him 10years ago. They have their owns reasons and perspectives. That's what make this drama interesting.

The story not only focus about the main leads romance but also shows many other aspects like their careers, friends, family. Specifically i really love the rescue scenes it gave me goosebumps.

And for all the cast, i don't need to explain it. They really kill it. The chemistry among all of them and their emotions drive my feelings up and down. Specially for the two main leads, big applause for them. Just by their gazes, already showing their feelings.

Lastly, if you want to review some dramas or movies. Please you have to be objective and not be influenced by personal feelings because you don't like one of the actors.

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For The Slow Burn Enjoyers

If you are a slow burn, will-they-wont-they, mutual pining, unresolved tension enjoyers, this show is like a gem falling from the sky. Personally, it feels like that for me.

FOMH has everything I want in a drama. Lively characters, strong character backgrounds, and chemistry. Plot wise it might now be new, but the casts are all very good in making the story alive and exciting, the dynamics between the firefighters and the families are all so refreshing and enjoyable to see. I just love how everything comes to life in this drama, and how no one in this seems awkward.

Character wise SY is a bit similar to YY's character in YAMG but here he's a bit more brash and clueless(?). Also if you are sensitive to evil mother in law trope, this has some of it, so maybe be prepared.

Also, i love the second male lead's story with his couple, their dynamics are unique, their story is no less gripping, and i think their own story could be told in a whole drama. The chemistry is really good, and they both seem a bit morally grey to me(?) so it's interesting.

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So I'm a huge Yang Yang and Bin Bin fan so this was right up there with their LOVE 020 vibe. I love this show as well.
I hated the mother for her tearing them apart, but in the end I think it made them stronger and more resolute to stay together. I was scared they wouldn't get back together at first. But they did so I'm happy about that but I'm a bit unhappy with the dad and the brother not having a backbone to stick up for her until closer to the end.
I'm mad that Zhan Da Peng died. They could have at least given him the relationship with the other Dr. I cried so much my eyes are stinging. In my opinion one of the lesser seen characters would have been better. I wouldn't have cried as much as I did.
I hope they make a second season. I want to see their careers and relationship progress maybe add a couple of kids.

Lire davantage

Enlightening and Enjoyable

Apart from a few episodes in between around the earthquake where the story feels a bit slow, the show as a whole was amazing and worth watching till the end.

Keeping this review simple, I'll list out some of the highlights of this show for me:
1. The firefighting was what attracted me to the show as there are not many shows that cover this line of work (The First Responders kdrama also do an excellent job). The show detailed all kinds of rescue work that firefighters are involved in and the kind of equipment and techniques used in their missions along with use of technology making it quite fascinating.
2. The romance plot is a bit of a slow burn but was also an interesting addition to the show. Highlighting the professional and personal lives of both the main leads and how they maintain a balance as well as how one impacts the other giving a well rounded idea of both characters.
3. The strict mother plot also gives another interesting perspective to Asian families and how even adults are forced to juggle between independence and not upsetting their parents with their personal decisions.
4. The portrayals by the actors were interesting and memorable. I also noticed that the female lead would change her mannerisms while at work, dealing with her mother and her boyfriend. While at work she was strong, reserved and unflinching. With her mother, she was quiet and timid. And later with her boyfriend, she was happy and almost child-like and carefree. I loved all these sides to her and the actress did a very realistic job with it. Similarly, the male lead was strict and stern at work, unwavering almost as the leader who is responsible for everyone's safety but with the female lead, he was protective, caring and playful in the latter half of the series. Even when they were trying to hide their affection for each other, they had moments where they let down their guards.
5. Each cast member also had some part to play in the story and made it quite a strong performance and an outstanding series. The sister, the firefighters and the medical staff added a bit of comedy and fun so it was not as serious as one might believe.

I don't have too many complaints.
1. Somewhere in between the show was a little slow so I wish that was cut shorter and other scenes that were cut out were added back instead.
2. No wedding scene. Though it's not a big issue but I would have liked to see that.
3. The second male lead (portrayed by Vin Zhang) had a very short role.
4. I wish we could have seen Da Peng and Dr. Li Nan's story move forward. That was disappointing.

The series also has lovely, soothing OST. I hope more viewers give this series a try. It's certainly worth your time.

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this is the first Chinese drama that I rewatch each episode 2 or 3 times, Yang Yang and Wang Chu have very good chemistry with each other. One of the most captivating aspects of this drama is how every member of the cast delivers exceptional acting. Each character is portrayed with nuance and skill, bringing their individual storylines to life. The well-executed performances contribute to the overall quality of the drama and further engage the audience. However, there is one aspect of the drama that left the user disappointed. Vin Zhang, a talented actor, exited the drama early on. I really wanted to see his own love storyline too.

Lire davantage

Worth to watch

First of all I'm not fan of any of them nor YY or neither WCN so it's honest review by casual viewer because I have already read the noval and I quiet like the noval

So before starting or dropping must read my review.

Ok let me tell you this drama is definitely worth to watch no doubt first 10 episode is little bit slow and if you don't like action or profession work you might get little bit bore but the these episodes keep u hook with story.
The story is quiet realistic not typical C romcom drama with same old story having crush, youth love, CEO and poor FL, this is story of 2nd chance romance

ACTING AND CHEMISTRY
Coming to acting and chemistry some people are commenting that their acting is not good enough but I think and their acting is quiet realistic not over or under. Both Male and FL is quiet prefect they show each emotion perfectly on point.

And the Chemistry BTW leads OH My God it too HOT 🔥 specially after when start dating I can say this is going to hottest couple of the 2k23

MUSIC
Music is quiet good and decent one


Lastly for me YY as SY and WCN as Dr.XU is just prefect and it definitely worth to watch.
If you want realistic love story with hottest chemistry.

Lire davantage

C dramas are improving dramatically......

This is the 3rd cdramas that is blowing my mind.
Maybe it's sponsored by the government maybe not, I wasn't interested in finding out.

First - What's fascinating is the production value!
Detailed, expensive, aesthetically done, just wonderful!
The whole earthquake scenarios........gosh, was that created just for this drama or was that a real life event which was superimposed?

Second - the minutely detailed environment, training, incidents in the life of a firefighter.
Again there may be many complainers who will comment that those scenarios are not accurately portrayed (for example when doctors comment that medical scenarios are not accurately portrayed).....-and that may very well be true. But to a complete outsider like me, it was very inspiring to watch.
What added to the admiration was the size, beauty and layout of the full fire station. Impeccable!
Watching the details of the fire truck was also enlightening.

Third - Yang Yang! His face should be etched and saved for posterity. What genes did he get to look like that? Plus his romantic expressions - especially where he was sipping his soda with a straw and intensely watching the FL moving her hair. Heart Fluttering!! I saw some comments regarding negative reviews by the C netizens.......but I don't think I will read those.

Fourth - as a romance junkie, the chemistry, slow burn and some intimacy work just fine to give this drama an 8!!

Kudos to the production team, and everyone else involved.

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A glorious blend of the good, the meh and synchronised flag-waving

This is a very watchable show, but its plots and tone change so often that you feel exhilarated and exhausted in equal parts. This makes it hard to give a concise rating. When it is good, it is heartfelt and stirring. But it can also get cheesy with a side order of jingoistic flag-waving. I suppose my rating is between 8 and 8.5.

At its core, this is about the aborted love story of a pair of teenagers who met towards the end of high school. Their budding relationship was torn apart by the FL’s domineering mother. They met by chance ten years later and things develop from there. If the plot sounds tropey then here's your gold star. This show walks on familiar paths but it does set a cracking pace.

During early episodes, our leads would "chance" upon each other repeatedly. When you realise one is a firefighter and the other is an ER doctor it means they only meet at emergencies. Consider even a small city in China can house millions, that’s a very small but dangerous corner they live in! It feels so contrived and is almost farcical.

All these entanglements finally brought them back together and this is essentially the glue that held the show together. Once we get past the push-pulls and denials, we have a very romantic pairing. Our leads have good chemistry, and they are certainly photogenic. It was gratifying to see the FL grows a spine and stands up to her controlling mum once she is all in. Amore trionfa sempre!

While both stars are beautiful people, Yang Yang is the face of this show, and he is everywhere. This can cut both ways. Fans of YY will rejoice but someone who is less enamoured might start to notice some flaws in his acting.

The other star of the show is the firefighters and their daily grind provides most of the subplots. A shoutout to the ensemble cast who filled the ranks. They must have trained hard for their roles. Some of the action/training scenes look very challenging. They are ably supported by the staff of the ER department where the FL works. However, these plots are a mixed bag. It can go from inspiring and exciting to banal. I appreciate the work of first responders, and I'll not begrudge their moments in the sun. However, some of the dramatisations are over the top. Plots and pacing is uneven. There are a lot of nationalistic messages aimed at the local audiences. Your mileage will differ.

The mother of the FL is straight out of central casting. She is the personification of a rich, immoral, domineering matriarch. She can probably trace her matrilineal line to a Tang Empress. She is a force of nature and rules with an iron fist. The only problem is that her role is very one dimensional. Her only goal is to obtain power, wealth and a total control over her serfdom. She never has a moment of self doubt or regret. It is tiring to watch her do the same thing over and over. Her “Death Bed” conversion feels particularly contrived.

In the end, fans of the leads will be happy, the production value is high, particularly some of the action set pieces. There are impactful and poignant moments that will stay with you. The romance is sweet and swoon worthy. Once the OTP get together, they skipped the handholding and went straight to home base which is rare in a c-drama. However, it is an inconsistent grab-bag of highs and lows, original ideas and contrivances. This annoys me because I really wanted to recommend this show unreservedly, but I can’t.

I can certainly rewatch some of the romantic scenes (repeatedly) but not the whole 40 eps. OST is very nice.

Lire davantage

This is my favorite Yang Yang drama (so far)

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 45%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 20%

Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Really good

I tried to watch O2O and . . . no. For a lot of reasons, no. But mostly because the two main characters were the most boring main characters I've ever had the displeasure of attempting to watch. Then I watched 'You Are My Glory' which was okay for a while but then it was very *meh*

But this one was SO GOOD! I loved the story. I did not find the main female lead / character at all wishy-washy. Her perspective and actions made sense to me, as did the unfolding of their story together. Unlike most modern CDrama where things tend to drag in the middle episodes, this one did not.

And their chemistry was top notch. You could tell the actors were really comfortable with each other. This is the best chemistry I've seen (so far) anyone have with Yang Yang.

Also the side-plots were also quite good. I loved the supporting cast.

But watch it for the chemistry between the two leads. SO GOOD

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Disappointment for me?

As soon as I saw the ML is yang yang, immediately started this series and since I LOVED his acting in “you are my glory” I thought it’d be the same with this series as well.. so let me begin:
-storyline is actually not bad but the amount of action scenes are not really homogen. Like, the ep starts with full of action but then nothing really happens towards the end and rest feels empty :(
- as for acting… I had really high hopes for Yang Yang but I really hated his acting in this series, it was really blunt. (Still love you yangyang but I have to be honest :( ) FL's acting was not bad but her's felt blunt too, no bright emotions etc. BUT WEI DAXUN OMG he really was the star of this series, he almost carried the entire show by himself. The acting, the coldness, the emotions were all on point!!! We can understand this from weibo as well because whenever new ep was released he was trending on weibo
-I'd not watch it again, it was already so hard for me to watch the rest after a few episodes :// storyline was promising and they could’ve done better…

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