A love that grows stronger the 2nd time around.
I don’t often watch a drama when it just started airing, because it’s a waiting game and I can only binge-watch a few episodes at a time, but “Fireworks of My Heart” is one of the exceptions. I saw some trailers and was immediately intrigued, so I watched it when the first 6 episodes dropped. From the very first episode, I was already drawn into the story.This drama is about a second chance romance that gradually builds up, such that I’m anticipating and excited for the character development and progress of the story. As I expected, there are some side stories related to Song Yan (ML) and Xu Qin’s (FL) professions, but the drama does not digress from the main story. Here are other thoughts that I have about the plot and story:
• Although this is slow burn, there are different turning points in the drama that tell us a new page in the story is about to be told and there will be progress in the character development and relationships (e.g., episodes 10, 16, 21, 24, etc.). When Song Yan and Xu Qin finally became a couple, things were not always smooth sailing for them, since both their professions were demanding to a certain degree, more so on Song Yan, since his job is high-risk. But the important thing is how they're facing these challenges together and became stronger as a result, both individually and as couple.
• I think it’s good that they showed the challenges, sacrifices, heartaches, victories and sense of fulfillment that the characters experienced as doctors and firefighters. Their rescue scenes were well planned and executed.
• There are many poignant, touching, heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments throughout the drama (I cried in some scenes). This is generally a serious drama, but they manage to inject humor in some scenes.
• I love the camaraderie, brotherhood, and banter among the firefighters. Even the developing friendships among the doctors and nurses are a joy to watch.
• The family dynamics: I like that they showed the contrast between Song Yan and Xu Qin’s family relationships – one is warm, relaxed and loving, while the other is colder, more reserved and tense.
• And of course, I love the chemistry, passion, and sweet/romantic moments between Song Yan and Xu Qin :)! Their scenes as a couple are so natural and believable.
• As shown in the BTS, there were some scenes from their high school days that did not make the final cut. Also, some scenes were deleted, and there is one kissing scene in particular that I was looking forward to because I’ve seen it in a trailer, but it was cut!
As for the cast of characters, I think the production team chose the right people to play the roles. My comments on some of them:
• Yang Yang as Song Yan – I think he fits the role of SY. Although their high school scenes are not many, I was able to see the carefree and mischievous side of SY in those scenes. Then after 10 years, I saw the more serious, somber and mature side of him. He was withholding many of his emotions, and Yang Yang showed it through his micro-expressions and subtle body movements. And in the more heart-breaking scenes, he was able to show his emotions. I think he gave a good performance.
• Wang Chu Ran as Xu Qin – Wang Chu Ran proves that she’s not just a pretty face. She was very good in the emotional scenes – she was able to convey the angst, frustrations, pain and even the joys of XQ. She was timid and fearful at first, but as her character grows, she eventually fought for her relationship and defied her parents (especially her controlling adoptive mother).
• On the OTP: Yang Yang and Wang Chu Ran make a great pair; their chemistry is amazing. Even small actions such as how they look at each other, their smile, an embrace, are enough for me to feel their chemistry.
• Yang Chao Yue as Zhai Miao – Love her character! She’s one of my favorites in this drama. I love how she’s loyal, brave, perceptive, and funny. And her brother-sister interactions with SY are so endearing and fun to watch.
• Vin Zhang as Suo Jun – I had just finished “Here We Meet Again” when I started watching FOMH, so when I saw him here, I can’t help but think of Xu Yan Shi (his character in HWMA) :D. Although he only had few scenes, Vin Zhang nailed his role as Suo Jun. His friendship with SY is one of the good things in this series.
• Wang Yan Ling as Jiang Yu – At first, I thought his character was on the gray side, but he turned out to be one of the best and most endearing characters in this drama. He became a real friend to both SY and XQ.
The other supporting actors also gave solid performances, which helped me to enjoy the drama more. So overall, I’m happy with the performance of the cast.
The OST is good! The songs fit the different moods of the drama. The opening theme is more upbeat, while the ending theme is more serious and a bit melancholy.
As a whole, I'm satisfied with how they concluded the drama. There are no loose ends; everything tied up nicely. I do have a wish or two, but it's Ok, they don't affect how much I liked and enjoyed this drama. So I highly recommend this!
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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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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 novalSo 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.
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This review may contain spoilers
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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Typical cdrama - painful in 2023
After the huge hits of cdramas like Hidden Love etc, you can be tempted to watch the incredible Yang Yang expecting more of the same. However prepare to be disappointed. The first episode kicks off strong and then sharply takes nose dive.The concept of Firefighters x Doctors is a good combo - and they cast this show well. In fact the cast is superb and their acting is fine. Every single one plays their role well, INCLUDING the leads who have been harshly criticized for their performance. I actually think they did very well considering the poor script they were given. The script is the biggest disappointment here. At times its unimaginative-and ridiculous. The first half of the series it has us spinning in never ending circles, with no progress. It’s exhausting. At this show finished at the half way point I’d have given this thing like 3/4.
In fact the dialogue between Yang Yang and Bin Bin is the only redemptive part. They have the best friendship and scenes. To the point where you may go “female lead who?”
Thankfully we finally find 2nd gear and this show picks up, and the tension will have all of our blood pressure’s rising and the show starts giving Descendants of the Sun vibes. Everything picks up and though it continues with its slowest of snail burns and every typical cdrama trope under the sun-I stayed engaged.
There is a lot of oddities though that are hard for viewers to understand. Like why do we not see leads together much, the lengthy scenes of the adopted brother- they feel irrelevant- especially as the show goes on. Then we have massive gaos where we seem to have forgotten about the Firefighter bro’s. Quite frankly I think I stayed for them for a huge chunk of this show.
Overall I gave this a 7. It needed script editing and at least 10 episodes of irritation removed from the front half. BUT the leads are beautiful and acted well together (eventually when the script allowed). Their chemistry was on point.
I ended up liking it but it wasn’t a show I will bother with again. One watch only. That’s my only a disappointment because I love Yang Yang shows and his FL was probably the best one yet. They were on fire, which hearing they may have hooked up during filming - you could get a sense of. Great job.
The OST, a couple of great songs and the oddest piano piece ever. Its like they let a toddler loose with a piano, and recorded it. ??
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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.
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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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This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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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Nice cinematography, weak plot/script
Before this drama aired, I was pretty hyped for it bc my fave actor is in it and I watched from ep 1 - 25. I haven't read the novel.Pros:
- The director used a really pretty filter for the drama, it got some nice shots, good bgm for emotional scenes
- The budget is there, the scale was quite big and I can see their efforts with rescue/fire fighting/hospital scenes
- Decent performances from other supporting actors/actresses
Cons:
- Some scenes and lines came off as preachy, "textbook" and unnatural
- Character developments for the 2 leads are quite weak and unclear. I get that characters should have weakness and shouldn't be perfect but damn, these 2 are quite unlikeable. Some of their lines and actions were questionable. Ik there are reasons for their actions but the director didn't show it clearly enough so that viewers can understand the characters.
- The YY's acting was stiff and emotionless. And idk why he kept frowning all the time. WCR was a bit better, especially in sad scenes, but she's a bit one-note and inconsistent.
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