This is a well balanced period drama that threads wit and humor, action and fighting scenes, politics and family feuds, birth secrets and gender-bending all mixed in one. The plot and storyline weaves, ebbs and flows and one crisis is resolved only to lead into another greater one before the end of each episode which keeps you wondering what will happen and how things will be resolved next. Thank goodness there isn't a lot of drag in this drama, and the focus was on the main characters instead of depending too heavily on 3rd party conversations.

The characters in this drama are dynamic and interesting in their own way, especially the main female lead. I appreciate that she stays true to her character throughout-Fearless, loyal, impetuous, and kindhearted, yet crafty. I enjoyed that many of the women in this drama more than held their own place, and were independent, loveable, and strong. The characters and their unique yet strong personalities blended quite well which made this drama seem to go along much smoother and pleasantly for the viewer.

I liked that the drama was upbeat, even though there were life and death crisis after crisis. I hardly felt I was watching a period drama, and would highly recommend it.

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This drama started out with the full potential of humor, casting and storyline. It really hooked me after the first few episodes. I thought the secondary characters played by Paul Hsu and Tia Li kept this drama more interesting and lively than if it depended on the main leads and I dare say they were the best part of this drama. As for the storyline and writing, it seemed repetitious and emotionally unrealistic after the first 12-15 or so episodes, and it was a struggle to complete this series because of that. Also, there was just way too much talking and explaining from supporting characters the last 3 or so episodes.

Usually I enjoy Roy Chiu in dramas, but felt some of the scenes required ranges of emotions that didn't quite fit with either the characters or the main plot. Also, it didn't feel like they allowed his character's persona to continue the positive development he started out with in the first 10 eps., such as his breaking free from conventions imposed on him by others, etc. which would have made his character and imo the whole drama that much more interesting to watch and his emotions that much more believable. (I think writers/directors were trying to put too much into it to make up for lack of storyline) If this drama had ended at 18 episodes, I would have probably given it a solid 7-8 rating, but unfortunately it didn't!

Finally, I will say there was definitely more chemistry and warmth from the 2nd lead couple than the first, which made the viewer feel like it must be a very tough acting job for Roy and Megan. This is my first time seeing Megan Lai in a drama, and I felt she did a great job in her character and the emotions she had to portray. If you have a lot of free time on your hands, go for it, otherwise The Office, which is a similar storyline and characters would be a bit more entertaining.

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Fascinating, because it takes very Japanese based characters and storyline and has Taiwanese actors portraying the range of emotions that aren't in your typical TW drama.

I've watched all the ISWAK dramas, and wasn't too impressed with Joe Cheng's acting there, and if I hadn't seen this wouldn't have believed he was as good as he is based on those dramas alone. He is able to convincingly portray the range of emotions that are quite demanding for his character in this drama. He basically carries this drama, I have to say. (And I don't say this because I am a fan of his, because I wasn't based on his ISWAK role, but you'll have to watch a few episodes to understand!)

There is a good dose of romance, enough to make you feel that warm fuzzy feeling. However, I also found there was too much crying for too little reasons in order to tie the characters together. Everyone loves a good emotional tug in a drama, but sometimes you wanted to shout "Stop being such a crybaby over nothing!" to the characters.

As with many dramas, it could have been 16 episodes, but I understand the emphasis was on character development in this drama, and many shorter dramas rush this.

In summary, I would watch this for the great acting job that Joe Cheng did, the oddity of characters, and the different viewpoints that are brought in a romance drama.

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I was really looking forward to this drama because of the high ratings and reviews. It started with a great mixture of lighthearted, enjoyable characters, and the ever charming and enigmatic male trio of friends. The story revolves around this group of friends who, despite feuding parents, have determined to maintain integrity in business and loyalty in friendship. The development in the first half of this drama was positive and interesting, leaving one hoping for more.

As the drama progressed, however, I found myself wanting to skip through some of the repetitive dialogues in hope of moving through the storyline faster. About 1/2 way through, I really began getting annoyed with the lack of creative dialogue and storyline, combined with the stereotypical characters and their nonsensical actions. A lot of the drama and emotional turmoil seemed insubstantial and unrealistic, while many of the characters lacked clear and positive development. The antagonists in this drama lacked any humanity to the point of fixated insanity, while the protagonists who started out dynamic and proactive became apathetic, compliant and indecisive to the point of aggravation.

All in all, if this drama had ended at 16-20 episodes, it would have more than sufficed, as it is more or less a pretty stereotypical plot, storyline, and characters.

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This is like 2 romance dramas put together into one long drama. There doesn't seem to be any particular 'lead' couple, per se, but rather several developing relationships. I enjoyed this drama for the obvious eye candy (Roy Chiu), but the plots were rather stereotypical of romance dramas. That being said, there will be the usual jealousy, misunderstandings, trickery and ensuing grief for all the characters.

I really enjoyed Tiffany Tang's character and thought she did a very believable and great job in this role. Roy Chiu, what can I say? His acting develops as he goes along, and you can see that from drama to drama. Sighhh, so cute. On the other hand, the antagonist was annoying and took up way too much screen time for the role, which maybe emphasized the annoyance. Also one of the main lead females they portrayed as simply too wimpy and her boyfriend even worse. Why Why did they take a hot guy (Baron Chen) and make him into a nothing? Waaaaaah!

Finally, I will say that I liked this drama because of the 2 leads Roy and Tiffany, as I also saw them and thought they had great chemistry and a faster moving, more endearing storyline and characters in Waking Love Up.

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This story revolves around a young lady struggling to survive on her own while caring for her young nephew. It started out very interesting and realistic, with the hardships she had to encounter to survive.

Now to the nitty gritty.
Acting: I felt the acting in this was good, for the most part the characters emoted realistic feelings. The more stone-faced character by Joe Cheng was portrayed correctly, but I was disappointed to see him type-caste in the same melancholy persona as ISWAK. It made this drama at times frustrating, because they used his uncommunicative and passive character to create unnecessary drama, while at other times he was extremely decisive and outspoken. I've seen him in The Rose, and know he can do so much more. Lee Da Hae did a great job as a protagonist, especially if you like those type who are almost TOO good and self-sacrificing to be true.

As a warning, voices ARE dubbed over (a Korean is playing a Chinese role), so if that annoys you, this drama is NOT for you.

Storyline: Moved along smoothly from 1 crisis to the next. Having seen my fair share of dramas, it is safe to say this drama included everything from jealous, maneuvering ex-girlfriends, past family feuds, hostile business take-overs, fake pregnancies, debt collectors, love-triangles, and annoying side-characters. There is, as any 34 episode drama would have it, too much dialogue about food and life towards the end of the series, but the positive side is they allowed character development to progress more naturally.

Overall, I'd rate this drama at a 6, to low 7, mainly because this wasn't a "new" plot or storyline, and in order to keep my attention and interest, you'd have to have "outstanding" acting to balance that out.

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This is an overall decent drama, with a well balanced plot, make-sense storyline, and interesting characters. The drama revolves around a trio of guys who grew up as best friends through thick and thin, and how as adults they still value this friendship over all else. This story develops, taking them from youth to young adults with individual, even eccentric, personalities as they maneuver the pitfalls of love and life.

It manages to pull in a few of the F4 group into the drama, but I enjoyed the variety of personalities that they added. This story didn't center on only 1 couple, but rather 3 and their love, life and family entanglements.

Michelle Chen and Vic Zhou were a great onscreen personality fit, with one being the warm, down-to-earth, family oriented girl, and the other being the anti-social, eccentric, introverted writer. I also felt Kingone Wang did a great job in his role and added a lot of dynamics to this whole drama.

All in all, this drama was well-rounded, and worth a watch. At times it dragged, and I did find myself skipping through parts around ep. 12-14, but for the most part it kept my interest. There was no really super annoying antagonists, (which I was very grateful for!) or any evil conniving business or family deals (also really grateful for!) which made this seem more like a low-key, mature drama. Nothing outstanding sticks out for me, which means this was a good drama, not great, not bad, but good.

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This drama had a well-paced storyline, and kept you wondering what would happen to the characters in the end. It was more of a character-developing drama that did a great job in showing the underlying emotions and reasons for each of the leads actions. This could have easily been a 12 ep. drama, instead of dragging it out to 20 episodes.

I had a difficult time feeling any chemistry between the 2 main leads, and it didn't seem their romance was developed realistically or steadily throughout the story. The little girl was cute though.
Both main leads were flat/boring and lacked a bit of character or personality.

The female antagonist got very annoying and her antics took up a lot of the drama. The people who catered to her as well, you just wanted to shake them with frustration - but not necessarily in a good way!

Overall, not a bad drama for a filler, but not something one could marathon.

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If you like worthless, annoying, pathetic, wimpy, bothersome, high-pitch voiced, blah female leads, THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU!

The main male lead - was good, did everything right in acting, action and character portrayal. He was also great looking.

Plot/story - It was inconsistent and unsure of whether or not it wanted to be a serious action flick with humor, or completely nonsensical parody mocking Korean police and film work. Unrealistic in it's entirety - but not in a good way. Made up drama to create tension.

Ugh - a waste of a good male lead, stunt-men, and action scenes for this movie. Not funny either.

Save yourself the annoyance and find another movie. This is one of my worst reviews ever. :P

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Definitely a quick time-killer. The beginning started out interesting, almost whimsical in their incorporation of cartoon characters, over-dramatized action scenes, and a kick-butt girl lead.

The story line was basic, where unhappy bad boy meets free-spirited cheerful girl who helps change his life and focus his dreams - all centered around bread. It was like they put an 11 episode drama into a 1 1/2 hour movie. It made everything move almost too fast, the characters and relationship didn't have time to develop and therefore didn't create an impact on the viewer.

Acting was good, eye candy was definitely Mike He. :)

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What can I say, I absolutely LOVED the characters and casting in this drama. Each one has their own unique persona and backgrounds, and the way they interact and develop with each other was very well done.

This drama had some great humor in it, but also was very serious and heavy at times. You really felt the highs and lows of the characters. Convincing acting by both lead and supporting actors and actresses.

I also love that this drama had a definite plot and story line to it, other than just romance. The politics and action, all pulled you into the characters and story really well. I hesitate in watching some of the period dramas, but this one was very entertaining in how they infused modern-day humor into it.

Highly recommend if you like action, love interesting characters, and enjoy more than just a point A to B love story.

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