Turn off your brain and you will enjoy this cute and fluffy ride!
If you can watch this drama without thinking too logically and critically, this will be a fun and cute ride. I was having a hard time in the beginning to just let loose and enjoy, thus I found the first half not as enjoyable. The first two points listed in my dislikes below explain more about my criticism. However, I finally found my groove and enjoyed the second half of the drama a lot more, and felt that the drama finished strong. If you are looking for a fluffy and cute romance without any angst, this is the drama for you.What I Like (quick bullet point version)
♦︎ Great chemistry. Both couples are different but chemistry is good.
♦︎ Great acting between the main leads - they make me smile when they’re so cute together, and also make me cry when they cry. Chen Zhe Yuan and Shen Yue exceeded my expectations especially with the emotional and conflicted scenes.
♦︎ I like the secondary romance as well. It offers a good contrast to the main romance. I like seeing how the second male lead matures but doesn’t lose his quirky self either.
♦︎ Love strong and independent female leads. Both are go-getters professionally and romantically.
♦︎ FL’s mother is the MVP. We need more mothers like her in C-dramas.
♦︎ No annoying character.
♦︎ Like the two male leads’ outfits - they both look great in suits and long coats.
♦︎ It has one of the best, most heartfelt wedding scene.
What I don’t quite like or have mixed feelings about:
♦︎ My biggest dislike is the characterization of ML as someone who came from 500 years ago and transitions to the modern world without much trouble. He adjusts to the modern world too quickly, just because he’s supposedly smart and can read books at the library. I am not used to characters like that without time to adjust to the real world.
♦︎ Even if this is a fantasy drama, the plot just moves along to the romance and ignores the interesting and fun part about ML’s development.
♦︎ Initially, I had trouble with ML’s evil personality as it seems to have disappeared after a couple episodes. I want him to be the anti-hero for longer. I think the drama tries to explain his personality towards the last few episodes with the “twist”.
♦︎ FL needs a better wardrobe. Her outfits are horrendous and the worst of everyone in the whole drama.
♦︎ Not enough plot wise in the first half of the drama aside from the developing attractions.
♦︎ I forgot all about FL’s best friend and her boy toy until they showed up again in the last episode. Even then, I didn't recognize them until her name was called.
Completed: 10/17/2022
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This review may contain spoilers
This was cute, but I probably won't watch it again.
It was a mindless, cute time filler.I have to say, I was really disappointed that they did that.... Oh, it was all a book she wrote thing at the ending, because I hate it when they do that at the end of a fantasy. There is another drama (which I won't name here) that is fantastical that I really enjoyed all the way up until the ending when it was just a book she wrote, and that just ruined the whole thing for me and left me feeling like ok so THAT was a cop out. Overall, it was cute and I'm OK with having watched it but I won't watch it again.
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Sweet On & Simple
What drew me in was the original storyline and my first ever "Sweet On" series. Though very similar to "Dear Diary", this actually made sense. By no means is the screenplay perfect or even close to award winning, but it was sweet on & simple. Never seen anyone in the cast before other then adoptive mom of NX who played a very beloved character in LOF; actress is very versatile in both modern and costume roles.Pros: Favorite character actually was hard because it was a combo of XWD, mom, and YQ. Each had their own strengths as in the ML was convincing in all of his mannerisms, I even loved how he didn't blame his existential crisis on the FL. He acted very mature about it. Mom was great; she was a supportive parent not an obnoxious/controlling one like SML's dad who wanted to choose who his son was with. She was loving, caring, gave great advice even if she wasn't NX's biological mother. I really appreciated her character and the fact that she was an independent woman, not relying on a man to be happy; 2 couples were enough here. YQ, she was the bomb! Best female boss I've seen since "Master of My Own." She was a bit slow in matters of the heart but I think ultimately she did things her way with the help of those around her. Her relationship with NX was wonderful to see; she wasn't just her semi-boss, but a great advisor, and good friend.
Other favorite characters were the FL or NX though I do have some gripes with her and those I'll discuss below, LZC was the eccentric, immature man whom evolved when he had no other choice but to grow up. The fairy dude was ok...kind of weird though. The story flowed more or less though it definitely had some dragging moments while the leads were trying to figure out how to get together or even kiss. Many people in the comments didn't like the second leading couple but I disagree; I like that we had like this almost kid like attraction and then a more mature adult one with life experience. And yet in the end, both sets taught each other something and were very close. No toxic ex's, no clingy one-sided crushes.
What I also liked about the story was that it incorporated the PTSD/ panic attacks of NX and how XWD ultimately helped her heal but it wasn't rushed or some falseness was created from it. It is a real disorder that takes different ways to heal. As someone with PTSD, I was pleased with how they handled it. The comedy was a hit and miss; when they tried too hard with the slapstick, it didn't pan out but otherwise many things made you giggle. XWD's two disappearing acts were a bit eek-inducing (the first time especially) but there was literally no angst here. It was all about living in the moment and growing both apart and together so once they reconnected fully and neither separation lasted too long, they were stronger together.
Cons: My largest pet peeves in this entire series were, for starters, NX's nonstop talking to herself out loud. Didn't matter whether she was alone in her room or in public or at work; it looked so childish and dumb that it made me cringe. They tried to make it funny when she was caught but it didn't look that way at all. Every other character was equipped with inner monologues, but not our girl, she would just yammer away and I wanted to reach into the screen and duct tape her mouth. The other thing was her clothing; we're supposed to believe this is a college graduate who is working in a corporate environment even though it's for an author, but she goes to work looking like a middle school student. Even if she couldn't wear heels, they could have put her in flats. Standing next to a well dressed leading man like XWD made her look like his sister not his girlfriend. Glad she slowly evolved wardrobe wise later on but still. Production really screwed up there.
The whole childhood friend talking to XWD in his dreams arc was completely out of left field and never explained. Why all of a sudden was this introduced? And if this was all part of making her heal from her PTSD trauma, it could have been gradually brought on. It was thrown into the final maybe 5 episodes and then once he returned the second time, totally forgotten. There were no warning of time lapses in the show though those happened twice; first time was when XWD disappeared after their official first kiss (which by the way, I have no idea how that first kiss even symbolized unforgettable love, but no time to properly flush that out in 24 episodes, I suppose) and the second after they got married. One moment it's their wedding night and they are enjoying married life, the next they have what looks like a 4 year old daughter playing with the second couple's child; talk about a whiplash. Ending shouldn't have been that rushed and the OSTs were all relatively bland and forgettable.
Would I recommend it? If you want a simple rom-com and don't mind the nonstop yammering of the FL, it's an easy yes. This had zilch angst and was very easy on the brain. Watch for simple pleasure.
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Sweet quasi-fantasy healing drama improves over time
This Show works because of three things. Firstly, a well crafted script that is tropey but self aware enough to know not to pile on the clichés but works with the tropes instead. Secondly, the casting of the leads is perfect. The FL has done her fair share of dramas but her forte is a sassy girl with a heart of gold but a novice in love. She definitely has the titular role here. The ML is handsome with a bit of the bad boy vibe yet possessed enough vulnerability to make him likeable and relatable. Thirdly, the OTP has great chemistry. It is not just about the feels but they look comfortable and happy around each other so that you can believe that they are best friends as well as madly in love.I would have given this show an even higher score but for a few missteps. The start of the show is a bit weak and tropey. They steamrolled through a few plot holes to set up the main plot. It is just as well that the show improves as the story progresses or it would have been just another same-same quasi-fantasy rom-com. The fact that the show evolved into a poignant healing drama was unexpected and most welcomed. The production value is decent rather than high. Some of the set do look a bit low rent.
There is a lot of growth in the OTP but surprisingly, the 2OTP was the CP dragging their heels. Their development was definitely arrested and to be honest, a bit boring.
I think the FL really shines in this show. She displayed good emotional range and much of it feels genuine. Her interactions with the ML becomes more and more natural over time. The ML complimented her very well. Their swoon worthy moments are believable and even touching at times.
Of course, the fantasy element can complicate the plot but rather than just simply telling us to ask no questions because it is a fairy tale, the Show tries to give us a plausible explanation and a path forward. I appreciate that.
The last episode is total fan service and I really enjoyed it. The special speech in that episode was wonderful. I don't know if it was all scripted or some of it was ad-libbed but it feels natural, heartfelt and funny. Can't really ask for more.
The Show is sweet but not loaded with artificial sweeteners. It has a decent amount of skinship and it will lift your mood. . There are angsty bits but they are necessary to propel the story forward. Thankfully, there are no silly breakups, nasty parents or psycho ex's.
OST works well. Rewatch is not a chore. I would recommend this Show.
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Drama was good but disappointed with 3 Points in the Drama
**** I've watched 24 episodes which marks the End **** I'm updating the review based on overall experience!I liked Chen Zhe Yuan's performances of Renascence and Our Secret!
Overall Review:
Although Story is stretched a bit. It's worth watching. Male Lead, Female Lead and 2nd Female Lead are good. 2nd Male Lead is kind of boring and cold. There are few instances where I enjoyed watching like Xiao Wudi's stylish fight scenes and Escape room scenes.
I had few disappointments with the Drama: (These would have been improvised a bit)
1. FL and ML relation from Ep 1 to Ep 14 is too slow and stretched longer. FL cannot realize the Xiao Wudi character despite helping her all the time. She feels that Xiao Wudi is a Devil just because she created the character in the novel.
2. 2nd FL and 2nd ML story is quite boring and confusing at times. 2nd ML is kind of boring. He is like an out of touch character.
3. It took 16 Episodes for Nanxing to understand Xiao Wudi is a good guy and fall in love with him.
As story progressed, all questions were explained. I guessed that Xiao Wudi and Nan Xing would have a daughter named XiXi (Episode 24) in the comments earlier which turned out to be true.
Note: I've been watching Chinese and Korean Dramas for longer and I know that it takes a lot of effort to make dramas. I'm not an Anti-Fan or Fan to the any person involved in this Drama. I select dramas based on the trailer. If I liked the Trailer then I'll watch it. I do not spread any hatred towards the actors or crew involved in the drama. I just put my opinion about Drama. Hope this review doesn't affect fans or haters.
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THE BEST ROMCOM DRAMA FOR THE YEAR 2022!! BEST CHEMISTRY SHEN YUE AND CHENZHEYUAN
I'm not really a fan of CDRAMA, but this drama of Shenyue and Chenzheyuan makes me hooked with it.I love this story, very light drama. The best romcom for me so far, Shenyue has chemistry among her male leads.
But with Chenzheyuan, arrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggh they have the best chemistry even watching their Behind the scenes it so natural.
The best part of this drama for me is their wedding vows, I'm shoooookkkktt. LIke what? am i watching a real wedding????????
Their tandem is the best. After ALSB, this drama of Shenyue Mrbad is i love the most.
Hoping that in the near future they collab again with Chenzheyuan.
Chen zheyuan is handsome and shenyue is so gorgeous.
Again, THIS DRAMA IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Dont agree with others with low ratings.
SUPERB C-DRAMA FOR ME.
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THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN SHEN YUE AND CHEN ZHEYUAN REALLY IS AMAZING
i love it, everything, from the director, the plot, the cast, and the team..mr bad is just a fluffy, funny, light hearted romcom you need in this cruel world, haha..the douban rating is 7.1, which consider high for a modern drama with small fanbase main leads, no traffic actors casts, small to limited budget, even the male lead had to use his own prop since the fake prop look very fake lolx..as for me who watch limited to none cdramas, im obsess with mr bad, like really obsessed..what makes mr bad superior? if u want no 2nd leads pining for 1st leads, stress free drama, mr bad is just for you..their wedding scene? the most realest i have seen in cdrama..also, shen yue and chen zheyuan write their own wedding vows, n the director didnt even say cut since she wants one take only, so its just them both acting but it felt so real..
also, again, shen yue and chen zheyuan chemistry really is amazing..
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The best iQiyi Sweet On drama for Q3 2022
I love this drama for its simplicity, feel good, unpretentious charm. As a fan of #shenyue, I am so happy to see her wirh #chenzheyuan having a good time and acting out their role very very well.The quirky story of NanXing and her made up character going to be a real person is weird, but as a story it doesnt feel forced. It was a natural connection they have and the rest of the casts with their back story contribute to the whole drama as well.
The ending is a surprise, but I was pleasantly surprise.
Definitely worth a re-watch as a happy place drama!
Another proof that if a story is good, directing is good, actors are good - no need over the top promotion to be an enjoyable and popular drama. A ‘dark horse’ indeed.
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It is a fairy tale type drama so there are things that are unrealistic but nothing exaggerated
And the acting of the actors and actresses is quite natural as it is hard to expect from this kind of drama.
Although it is said that Shen Yue always plays the same type of character, there is no doubt that she is doing well in whatever she does.I never felt she was overacting.
Chen Zheyuan, the character of Xiao Wudi is also very enjoyable. He is lively, withal,cute, he is not a romeo type character but caring enough, a bit naughty but not really bad. He suits his role well.
The second lead actor is good looking but the character seems to be very strict at first but later it turns out to be sad, his character is changing, but I don't like this kind of extra romeo character, I don't like to think of myself as a failure if I fail in love.
The 2nd female lead character is pretty good. Second male lead loves her so much even though she doesn't understand!
Nan Xing's mother who plays the character doesn't look like a mother but a friendly demeanor!
I'm already sick of seeing female characters look childish in Chinese modern dramas, at least I don't see it in this drama for now.
Fantasy dramas are characterized by dramatic elements amid unrestrained fancy, extravagance, caprice, eccentricity. This drama is not very logical so if you look for logic you will not get real pleasure but other than that everything is fine.
But the most positive aspect is the chemistry between the ml and the fl.
*This review based on 10 episodes.*
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This drama is a pure gem!
Omg , the humour and romance this drama holds is just so amazing. First impression is the last impression! From the 1 ep till the last I haven't skipped a part , usually I do while watching c dramas. The storyline is fab, the cast are so good🤩 watched this for shen yue and end up liking her more n moreGuys if you're in a bad mood just go for it!
You won't regret 👍😍
Nan xing and xiao wu di , the nan wang couple are way to sweet to handle . The love hate relationship 💕
The second leads were also good 😌
This was better than expected the director really had chose a good cast🤩
the humour and romance this drama holds is just so amazing. First impression is the last impression! From the 1 ep till the last I haven't skipped a part , usually I do while watching c dramas. The storyline is fab, the cast are so good🤩 watched this for shen yue and end up liking her more n more
Guys if you're in a bad mood just go for it!
You won't regret 👍😍
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Melting Icicle meets a not so pathetic female lead...
This was sweet, fun at times draggy at times... You may also need to know that this is a FANTASYI am a complete sucker for cruel, cold and brutally honest male leads, and this guy had it all.... The female lead was not overly stupid or pathetic and was actually pretty lovable most of the time. And the mother of this drama is probably one of my all time favourite moms... to add to this there are also a whole lot of gif worthy moments and fun/honest/absurd dialog.
And while some of the twists are highly predictable there were a few that did manage to surprise me... The side characters did not show any overbearing or annoying tendency so I should probably have rated this higher than I did but there was just something in there that was missing. Could be a lack of chemistry between the second couple, could be that the lack of "it" in the rest of the side characters and it could just be that some side storys seemed unnecessary and just deviated from the plot. Or some cringy dialog/monolog here and there... Or it could just be my mood and the fact that I had misjudged the timing to binge this and had to take a break in the binge... Whatever it was it affected the score of this drama that has more or less all I love in a drama.
P.S. there was also a hint of gay representation that flashed by in an instant but it was still there to make me happy.
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So much filler
What I liked:-Both actors in the lead. I've liked them in other projects.
-You gave us a wedding at the end!!! Thank you so much, it almost makes all the time I spent watching this worth it.
-Cute, low angst, supportive mom, no triangles
-The lead couple were cute together, but I didn't feel a romance vibe from them. More like best friends.
-Happy ending.
Not so much:
-multiple really bad kisses.
-Lack of "couple" chemistry.
-I didn't care for the secondary storyline.
-2ML. Either it was written poorly or acted poorly, I don't know which.
-This could have been condensed down by quite a few episodes, in my opinion.
I will just acknowledge that I seem to be in the minority on this. Please don't come at me with hate, it's my own personal opinion. Maybe I'm jaded, maybe I'm impatient, maybe it's ADD, but I fast forwarded through most of this and STILL felt it went on too long.
But don't listen to my opinion, if you like low angst, fluffy romances, you will probably like this, it just didn't have enough to hold my interest.
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