Good cast, awesome acting / action with a typical ending. After investing so much time the endings seem to fall a bit flat of the expectation with regard to the build up. I’ve heard it’s because of the editing that cut some 10 episodes out. But I loved the story.
The chemistry between the couples, all of them were well matched and convincing. However, none of them had the ending that could’ve been.
All of the actors were awesome as is my experience watching these dramas. I appreciate how, no matter what their character/role is, they bring their best talents in their portrayal.

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POW!!

Park Seo Joon (PSJ), like I hadn’t seen him before. From “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” to OMG Park Sae Ro Yi! I loved every second he was on the screen in this story. However, here’s what worked and what didn’t work for me:

What worked for me was the story of a young man coming out of the dark, sticking with his principles, and standing in his truth. I loved how his character accepted responsibility for any and all of actions. Lots of great learning themes like, “emotions, love, and expectations are not give and take.” All of the bad guys did an amazing job! I sincerely have come to appreciate the outstanding level of acting Asian actors bring when portraying the ultra-bad guy. As an American, many times I am actually screaming at the screen about the depth of evil doing portrayed in these stories. For me, if at the end all I want is the bad guys to pay in the worst way for their nefariousness, I give all that credit to the actors (Yoo Jae Myung, Ann Bo Hyun, and Won Hyun Joon). I will certainly be on the lookout to see them again.

Park Seo Joon (PSJ) is perfect (period) in his ability to portray the tortured, disappointed, hurt, and angry young man. Part of the intrigue for me was just watching PSJ tell this story. Toward the end though, I found myself growing weary of the revenge aspect in this character’s end game. All that hate and pain only lives as we continue to feed it. Was Sae Ro Yi ever going to grow and realize that he drank the poison and is still waiting for the bad guys to die. While one can exact a revenge plan of action, the emotional toll is heavy on losses and expensive. Overall, the interest to stay the course to end of this drama was PSJ. I will continue discovering his storytelling as a new fan of his work.

The IC team all grew accordingly in most instances in this story. I loved the diversity, however awkward at times it felt. The awkwardness felt authentic, appropriate, and timely with regard to being new to the medium of storytelling in this instance for the culture. I loved the loyalty, and again, the consistent message to be sure to follow your own path. Live the life that serves your dreams. No one owes us anything and we don’t owe anyone, especially some misguided “fielty” that might include deferring our dream in honor of expectations. This message made the story worth watching until the end as each of the characters would have to step into their own understanding of it.

Here’s what didn’t work for me. The love interests, period. I did not love Yi-Seo as a character and especially as any love interest. The one salient point she made was in some later episode where she tells Oh Soo Ah, and I paraphrase, “while you’re just waiting on homeboy to come riding in to save you from your own delusions, Imma stick right here by his side become what he needs, and watch his heart melt for me. And so, we saw that happen. However, I just couldn’t get into who she was as a character. Both of these ladies were equally annoying and insensitive, I was not rooting for either of them to win his heart. Again, chalk that up to the actors, Kim Da Mi and Kwon Na Ra. Bravo!! I didn’t really miss the usual sexual tension in this drama. I was more interested in Sae Ro Yi. I couldn’t see him winding up with either one of them. Loved seeing the actress, Kim Yeo Jin (since Vincenzo in a better light) as Yi Seo’s mother, however, that character was just as annoying and shallow.

While the message to take responsibility for one’s own outcomes in life based on those experiences that build character, it was sad that Sae Ro Yi and bad guy, Jang Geun Won, were kind stuck in the past emotionally.

I would rewatch only to watch PSJ’s lovely face, fabulous acting range and to admire his talent. Otherwise, no because the female leads are just too annoying and uninteresting.

The production, story and soundtrack are very good. That’s my fifty cents worth! Enjoy!

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At last a story with light hearted fun and well appointed drama!!

I completely enjoyed this story and can agree with much of what the reviews have already stated. I started watching to follow the FL having watched her in “Brilliant Girls” and thought it would be interesting to see her in this period piece. Which my habit of following interesting actors from on story to another and then happily discovering new actors. I was not disappointed and I’m so glad I did. The ML, while some reviewers are saying he’s not “typical handsome,” I find him very handsome because of his essence and virtue that is not too heavy handed in this story. I will add him to my list of leading men that I can watch tell good stories.
I was laughing out loud right away and continued to do so in those places that were meant to be funny! I found the places that had seriousness to be well pointed and perfectly placed within this story.
I loved the development of each and every character and the way the story arced was excellent. I cried and laughed throughout.
Overall, this story surprised throughout and delighted me with a very good ending.
I would rewatch to remember the fresh take on a good period piece.
Bravo 👏🏾 !

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Be In Love Already!

I had to realize this story takes place before the “Me Too” movement. Was it just me or was that Ex-boyfriend "Cha Seo Hoo" super toxic?! I just couldn’t stop being so frustrated that the FL’s Ex was not a safe dude. I truly appreciated the sincere concern from her family and friends. I am still learning many of the nuances for the culture that depict love and communication. We know now here in 2022 that that relationship was no good and headed for disaster. The actor, Yoon Kyun Sang was excellent in telling this character's story though.

I loved the chemistry between the leads, but I became very frustrated with the pace of their love story. Otherwise, I thought the ending brought it all together.

I first watched the ML: Lee Jin Wook in “Bulgasal: Immortal Souls” decided to follow his acting repertoire from there and was delighted to watch him in this romance comedy. His character was so tormented in BIS. Before I watched this, I watched him in Voice S2 and would love to see more of him in S3 but can’t find that season anywhere. I think he did a good job in this story however, downplayed/silly his character is in this story. I will continue to complete his works as I think he’s a great storyteller!

I first watched the FL: Ha Ji Won in “Chocolate.” I hadn’t realized this was her again until I looked up her acting repertoire. She is an “OK” actress and did a good job in telling this character’s story. I liked her more in Chocolate.

I loved all the supporting characters. They brought much needed comic relief in what could have been a very boring story. Being an American, I am still getting used to Asian story telling culture with regard to “Adulting." I found it unrealistic for the main couple to still be treated like children at 34 years old. But, like I said, it seems to be a running theme/Trope in many of the stories that I’ve seen. I’ve watched more than 141 dramas and this Trope still fascinates me. I have learned to appreciate the Asian movies versus the dramas for their ability to be more realistic with how adults truly behave in a given situation.

All in all, the OST was good and matched the emotions in the story appropriately. I always get a kick out of the soundtrack when American music is being played in background or as part of the OST.

I gave this story a 9.5 because I liked the ending but the march up to then was daunting for me. I wouldn’t watch this again as the pace up to the obvious was waaaay tooooo long! I think this story could have revealed the obvious around episode 10 not 14.

This is my two cents.

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Hello, my name is IjeaGrace and I’ve become a major C-drama addict!
This is my very first review here on this site. I keep a notebook with my insights, inspirations and takeaways from many of the CDrama’s that I've seen so far. So please have patience as I get the hang of it.

Ode to Joy 1 and 2:
I loved this huge peak at life from China’s contemporary POV in real time. I’m an American having recently discovered Chinese Dramas. I absolutely LOVE them!!!

My love for the language and history continues to grow. So much so, I even have a very small lexicon of words in Mandarin that I can now recognize. By no means am I even remotely ready to watch without my English Subtitles and I only speak them out loud to my dogs. But without doubt, my favorites are, wo ai ni; wo xi huan ni, wo ming bai /wo ming bai le and wo fu ze. Not just how beautiful they sound but how significant they are when spoken. Any who, on to the review.

Ode to Joy is just that and was such a roller coaster ride. I found myself screaming at the screen, releasing a lot of “western cultural mindset”, having a few drinks during particular episodes (those that know, know which ones) and having to adjust to many of the cultural perspectives quite a bit. Wo ming bai le/”I got it,” but it’s just so different in terms of the freedom from families of origin/“siblings” in particular; expectations and the like expressed here in my culture. I found myself thoroughly grounded in “An Di’s” camp having been raised in the US with regard to folks “meddling.” In my culture here’s an idiom we say, “You are all in the Kool-Aid (An American instant soft drink) and don’t know the flavor.” Very frustrating, but I got it.

The constant that continues to draw me in to these dramas and keeps me posted is the high level of outstanding acting that every last one of these actors brings. Every one brings their “A-Game”, even when it’s obvious the material is limited and or the character is written in such a way. Which to me is fabulous! I love how each one just plays that role so convincingly no matter what. Ode to Joy was no exception, and did not disappoint on this point.

I loved the evolution of their “sisterhood!” Particularly the emphasis on asking for help. “Pride goeth before the fall.” Why suffer all alone? Truly, that’s what friends are for.

Character take away’s:
"An Di"/ Liu Tao. I first saw this actress in Nirvana in Fire and was happy to recognize her. Her character in this role is still a bit to staid, but I knew "Bao Yi Fan"/Yang Shuo was the man for her the moment he showed up all uninvited on her little vacation in S1. I Love him for her, love them as a couple and I love him on his own. I will be on the lookout for them acting in other stories, but I can’t wait to see their story Arc even more so that keeps melting away the ice wall/false pride she puts up.

"Fan Sheng Mei"/ Rulu Jiang, WOW!!! I can’t tell how many times I wanted to call her cell and say “G-U-R-L Please!” Her situation with regard to her family of origin (is what we call the folks that birthed us) was the most difficult for me to understand or embrace. Second, how she discounted her strengths just drove me right up the wall. I’m so glad she let ole boy, "Wang Bai Chuan" Zhang Lu off that crazy and “toxic” hook! OMG! My heart was steeping like a tea bag in gasoline for him. That “Mama” of hers though! OMG!!! REALLY?! I am all with “Xiao Xiao” in being about that “gangsta” life when it comes to her brother and that sister-in-law though! They were pushing all of my inner gangster buttons. But I see where I hope we are going in terms of her character arc in S3. Fabulous actress and fabulous acting!

"Qu Xiao Xiao"/ “Olivia” Wang. SMH. This character had to grow on me. I do not like a “butt-in-ski”, and especially one with bad intentions to just be mean. I do love her drive and now I understand her motives. My heart completely goes out to her with regard to her over-the-top behavior sometimes. Love her and “Flirty Dr. Zhao” Qi Ping/ Wang Kai. I love, love, love how they don’t pretend in their physical attraction with each other, that they have one, and how he showed up for her in the end especially with her parents was outstanding. My western sense of self and independence wants her Mom to be free from being in a loveless marriage that no longer serves either of them because the kids have grown up. Awesome story arc for these two. Hope the evolution of their love story continues in S3. I paraphrase here but, “If y’all (urban slang) don’t want her, I’ll take her and create a peaceful, simple but loving life with her.” BOOM!!! He put that work in. My type of guy, Right?!

"Qiu Ying Ying"/ Yang Zi. OMG!!! I am so glad I saw Yang Zi in Ashes of Love [AOL] first! This character, OMG! This lady truly knows how to play these roles. Even in AOL, her character drove be nutz in the beginning (well most of the way still up until “the Mortal Realm”). I sincerely hope she gets to bring more of her acting magic to this role out like she did in AOL. I’m on the bench with the character, but completely sold on Yang Zi’s talent. What and asshole, “Manager Bai” was indeed. I loved Wu Hao Chen/ “Ying Qin” in Nirvana in Fire 2. I watch actors for their growth and talent in bringing their character’s to life through their ability to tell the story. He does this very well. I just feel his character in this story is moving too fast and there might be some more drama for these two in S3. “Boy, get your Mama on a very short leash!” What a bitch! I would hate to see Ying Ying lose sight of her wins in becoming his wife. I hope “he treats her well.”

I have saved the best for last!

"Guan Ju Er"/ Qiao Xin. What can I say about this young lady? So refined in this role. Her character arc is awesome and frustrates me at the same time. I applaud her strength and grace all through out because for me, integrity is the key to every success. How-some-ever, in terms of "Xie Tong"/ Deng Lun, please know right now that I only started watching this program because I knew he was in it. OMG!! Again, I’m truly glad that I’ve seen everything available with English subtitles the man has been in. He is the young actor (I like to watch) ascending and I am loving watching his star rise. I know this is an early role in his career, he is just beautiful to watch act in anything, and now I’ve seen him singing in character. It’s great. I love how she stood up for him in front of her Mother (what a “condescending” cow she turned into, huh?!) and what she said to him after they ran away. I was there screaming, ‘YES, YES!” Say all of that! “Imma a grown woman, and I do what I want to do” (a Beyoncé favorite of mine) came to my mind.

I sincerely am interested to see what becomes of these two in S3. I love how she came into her independence, but still with a respect for her parents. I love how her father supported her ability to think clearly through a challenging situation with her Mom. IDK though, the chance to see the world/ a new world with the man I’m loving at the moment held more of an appeal to me than staying in a job, town, and playing it safe. I am much older and wiser now, I realize so many opportunities come and go when we are young and before we know it.

Barring the financial support from An Di, I did not appreciate the judgment and apparent lack of sincere mutual support from her “sisters” at 2200 with regard to “Xie Tong” after the jail situation! I did love her rebuttal. Ole “Ying Qin” treated “Ying Ying” like a dog, but he’s good to go now…hmmm. How much drama did we go through with 'Ying Ying" behind all of that?! "Xie Tong" can’t get a pass his first time out of pocket with the sisterhood? Oh, and let me hit you with a hot fact…btw “Xiao Xiao,” really?! I did not love him being a drunk who likes to fight either (shades of Ike Turner). I loved that she spoke with him directly about the ex-girlfriend and the manner to which she did. Loved the acting in that scene. “I’ll wait for you.” I’ve learned a great deal of importance about how significant communication in relationships {of any kind} being the key to a lasting friendship, but most specifically in love, even if the romance fades watching these programs and this one in particular, has taught me again.

Overall: I loved it and I look forward to Season 3!

Re-Watching Ode to Joy 1 or 2:
There a many episodes that I treasure, will watch again, and truly enjoy, but I don’t think I’d binge watch this again.

Thanks for reading.

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Haunted by their love

Bare with me as I typically do not write reviews. I first watched Ji Chang Wook in Love Struck In the City and fell in love with his talent. As such, watching an actor in all his/her work is how I become a fan. I have not been disappointed so far with this man’s talent. The exception role I couldn’t sit through watching him in is Backstreet Rookie. I felt it was beneath him in terms of his amazing storytelling.

This story is beautiful and came together well. Kudos to the writer. I will definitely seek other works by them as well.

So glad to see Yoo Ji Tae in something that shines a better light character wise. First saw him in The Good Wife. I’m a fan of both the Korean and the American versions. This show introduces me to Park Min Young who I will look to watch in something else as well.

All of the characters in this story brought their A game. Outstanding bad guys and surprising good guys. When I absolutely hope something terrible happens to the bad guy in the story, it’s kudos to the actor’s talent in my book. These characters/actors brought me right to the edge. Bravo!!!

I too, do not want to be redundant in this review as many have already said exactly what I’ve experienced overall. I am hauntingly in love with this OTP and can’t get enough of their love. I’m used to the “clean”perspective of these dramas (in this medium) not showing what happens under the sheets. The actors ability to tell that part of the story through their chemistry/talent makes me appreciate what I don’t need to see. I know what it is and these two have IT!

The wrap up was great and I would watch this story again. Of course I am now an even bigger Ji Chang Wook fan as this role has been stamped “worth every minute” he’s on screen on it!

Enjoy.

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I am still quite neophyte to C-Dramas and I am seriously learning how to understand Mandarin with a positive high regard! Next to the Rise Of Phoenixes (Netflix drama - EXCELLENT), which was my introduction to a whole new genre of storytelling, Ashes of Love is now my all time favorite, along with the actors Deng Lun (forever, can now watch him stand still and chew gum) and Yang Zi (in this role specific).

Since this, I've watched quite a few stories and have a very small Mandarin lexicon of words I can now recognize when I hear them. But from Ashes of Love, the number one word/name for me is, "Fenghuang"/ Phoenix / "wo ai ni / I love you!" Cried like a baby during that scene. OMG, I can watch Eps.19-63 over and over again just to see the build up, the wait to hear it and then to watch the reception of it. Fabulous!

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