Luar (2021)

A cutesy rom-com drama

If you are looking for a fun, rom-com drama, enemies to lovers romance, then this one will pretty much check all the boxes for you.

A lot of people probably will start the drama because of Ding Yu Xi and personally, he is hit or miss for me. I thought he was fine in The Romance of Tiger and Lilly, I liked him in Intense Love, but he was okay in Moonlight. I think it’s because his stature is really feminine and small and so it’s hard to see him in a domineering ML role, but I know it’s a C-drama cultural thing.

This drama has mixed reviews depending on where you look. If you look at the Viki site, it’s a little lower, but if you look at MDL then it’s higher, so I guess it depends on what type of drama you are looking for.

This is a 100% You-have-to-be-in-the-mood-kind-or-drama.

You won’t get much substance, but pretty actors and cutesy rom-com troupes and that’s okay. Sometimes you just need to zone out and watch some rom-com C drama angst. The ML can be funny or annoying to watch depending on what kind of viewer you are.

Some found it problematic when the ML was being kind of mean to the FL in the beginning, again a very typical C drama troupe, but sometimes it can be a little over the top.

I overall thought the drama was okay and I liked it. I did fast forward here and there depending on how frustrating or over the top storyline was, but I did have a smile on my face for the cute scenes.

So, if you want to zone out or are a fan of the actors, it’s a good one to watch.

Leia Mais

A story of two halves

This is one of few Dramas I've dropped that I have given a score greater than zero. That's because there was a lot to like about it, or at least one half of it.

That half is the half that focused on the FL's work. The FL was shown as competent, mature and realistic in her work environment and VERY god at what she did, while also realistic about the challenges and limitations she faced in her working life. The excellence of that part of the storyline, and especially its focus on capable, competent independent female professionals. was why I endured to episode 24 of 36.

The reason I had to drop was the indefensible behaviour and attitude of the ML. Yet another in the seemingly endless line of man-child MLs that China's romance Dramas keep churning out, his petulant self-absorption was very hard to handle at the best of times. But coupled with his penchant for physical violence, dragging the FL by the wrist, and hitting or slapping his "best friend" whenever that friend told him unpleasant truths, was just inexcusable. The ML lied to and deceived the FL for more than half the entire Drama's length, but instead of genuinely realising how wrong that was and sincerely apologising, he turned up, said "I'm sorry" and LITERALLY dragged her back to his house. THAT scene was my breaking point, when I knew I had to let go.

The message conveyed by Dramas like this one and My Fated Boy is VERY toxic - it's OK for men to act like selfish children, women need to accept and adjust. No, it's not ok.

Leia Mais

just another chinese rom-com with better characters & actors

I was really excited for this drama to air, mainly because of the actors. I have been a huge fan of Ryan Ding and Esther Yu. When I heard about pairing, I was excited and they didn't disappoint. The chemistry between the leads, and the second leads was spot on. The characters, in itself, were well thought-out and weren't superficialized for the drama's sake. I felt home with the Zhou Chuan's character, as i could relate with all his emotions and actions. Chu Li was an adorable softie, but she knows how to stand up for herself and the people she cares about.

The story and the direction had few flaws. For example, when chu li's parent just walked in to the house while they were making out? Doesn't make sense, how could they access the door? how did they find where she lives? and many more like that. Moreover, the story felt a bit dull for the second leads, as i find myself skipping scenes as I was bored out. I, however, liked the entire publishing company set up, it was something that i found interesting and could understand.

The reason i said that it's like other rom-com cdramas, because it has just the similar typical elements and the flow of the story isn't anything unique .

Overall, a nice fun watch for rom-com, but don't go looking for more.

Leia Mais

Beautiful Rhythm of Romance, Goals and 2nd Chances.

I am so lucky I've decided to binge watch this after watching the series Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. I just could not get enough of these two lovely main leads. They were so lovely and their chemistry is insane!! This series, is such is lovely! Did I say lovely again, Let me repeat and reiterate, LOVELY! This series helped me relax and its such an easy watch, and I'd recommen to watch this specially if you are stressed (like me!) LOL. I definitely enjoyed it and be transported to their wonderful and funny world.

Characters
Characters are well thought out and the actors had fleshed them out so wonderfully. The friendships and dynamics are well entertwined. The characters are acted so well, that you don't see the actors but rather their personas themselves.

Gems
I love the fact that the male lead is such a green flag! SUPER DUPER greenflag! Once the male lead had decided to pursue his feelings its green light all the way! I also love that there is no annoying love triangles, b-chy villains, misconceptions, prolonged misunderstandings. And this show is so healthy that it didnt let the viewers suffer on the misunderstanding but instead promoted how the characters are very proactive with maintaning their connection and healthy communication. Yes! healthy communication! I LOVE LOVE this about this series. Plus the male lead is not your STUPID male that blindly believes a woman's statement at face value, but instead can see through their intentions. and not put himself in a situation where he could be misunderstood. Another plus is that the female lead is very confident and secure that you don't get that noble idiocy syndrome, like I will just go and let you be happy kind of move.

Story
The story is weaved of which it highlights character's goals - it might discovering love, understanding important truths, seeking succesful careers, rekindling one's craft as well as exploring a 2nd chance at love. I hope I didn't divulge too much but instead let this be an encouragement for you to see for yourself and enjoy this wonderful series!

The rewatch vallue is 10! I can totally watch this again and again! And laugh to my hearts content!

Leia Mais

A classic!!

As much as I love the fluff and flirting with no satisfying conclusion of the main leads new drama “ Love Game In Eastern Fantasy”…

It’s made me appreciate this drama a million times more… a proper beginning, middle and an end.

The story may seem slow in certain areas but with 4 more episodes than LGIEF… you get to see 75% of the cast from LGIEF and you get multiple kiss scenes, confessions and a proper ending with both leads in the scene 🎬

I’ll still be rewatching my Miao Miao and ZiQi clips from LGIEF but I’ll be forever binge watch Moonlight for its satisfying storytelling.

Please let the drama gods 🙏 pair these two for another Romcom in the future ♥️

Leia Mais

A beautiful love story set in the publishing industry.

Personal review:
I loved this show. I absolutely adored it. The message was simple, chase your dreams and fight for what you want, but very sweetly portrayed. One of my pet peeves with Chinese shows is that they don't know how to wrap up the show. The beginning and middle are good but the end just falls apart; not this show. The last few episodes are one of the best. I loved the ending. The relationship between the two main leads was so good and honest. It felt like I was being given a peak into their lives, rather than just them telling a story. There is no extra drama, so it might not be for everyone , but I loved its understated story telling. No character was wasted, and everyone felt like real three dimensional people with their own motivation, dreams and way of doing things. Just a wonderfully told, simple story.

If I think about it, the story shows different relationship between different people and in different time in their life's, and how they got there. Our main couple were just starting their journey into their lives, professionally and personally. The second couple were people who had already broken up once, because of circumstances, and got a second chance. There were relationships between editors and writers, bosses and employees etc. So, this show is very different from your usual run of the mill Chinese dramas. I could actually empathize these these people and there lives. It felt real.

Pros:

The main leads had amazing chemistry. The acting of everyone was top notch. Many people did find the females' leads voice a little annoying, and her way of talking did bother me in the beginning, but her character is so different from her voice; she is so headstrong, that it became an interesting dichotomy for me; analyzing how she used her voice to throw people off and then get them to do as she wants. She was manipulative, but so earnest and good, pushing forward despite all obstacles, that it was amazing to watch. She never gave up on her writers and used every tool in her arsenal to help them.

The male leads character was also one that could have been very off putting, but this actor knows how to make him seem endearing rather than annoying. It amazed me how two people that could have become so unappealing, both the leads, were wonderfully handled by the actors. They felt like real people, who are actually people you could root for and not caricatures of the traits we like in our drama hero or heroin.

It was wonderfully balanced, especially the main male leads scenes with the second male lead. Their friendship is goals. They sometimes felt like two gossipy ladies, constantly fighting each other, but still the first person the other went to for help. They made me laugh at their antics and I enjoyed every minute they were on screen.

The music was very subtle and beautiful, quite fitting of the story they were trying to tell.

Cons:
The biggest issue I had with the show was that the story of the second couple felt underdeveloped. The only time I was bored during the show, was actually when the second couple was on screen. Their story had so much potential. I understood what they were trying to show, but I had to make leaps of conclusion, which annoyed me (I am not giving more details to avoid spoilers). I could logically deduce what was going in the characters head, but their story needed a little bit of oomph, some details; something just felt missing. I still liked their input to the show, and the second female lead was also a badass, she just felt like two or three people, throughout the show, without me as a watcher being shown the transition between those three personas. Same with the second male lead. He changed his mind and opinions, and they were unable to make me follow his logic.

Other than that, the show is a unique piece of storytelling that might not be for everyone, but one that I loved. What I would suggest is that you definitely give this a try. It is show that deserves being watched.

Leia Mais

not exactly my cup of tea, but enjoyable all the same

I came to this drama after finishing Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, excited to see Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi together again, however, I found that Esther’s characters just ain’t for me.
I guess LGIEF was an exception for me since the plot had everything I liked, but on this one, I found myself getting put off my Esther’s overly cute acting yet again. Both main characters come off as quite childish in this drama.
It ain’t that the acting was bad, but just not my cup of tea. Zhou Chuan’s antics were just so… childish is the only word I can use, really. He was a grown ass man who bullied the girl he liked, for lack of tact on how to treat her properly and, as I woman myself, I honestly can’t see how she chose him instead of the second male lead, who was more affectionate and direct in his intentions and a lot more attractive for that. Still, the chemistry between Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi is undeniable, as annoying as their characters were to me, the both of them still look insanely good together (the kissing scenes were are little lacking tho, the secondary couple delivered a much better job at that).
On the other hand, the story of the drama was great, about dreams and supporting/going after one’s goals and hopes, and I loved that, which makes me think this is an enjoyable drama.
Also, as childish as the main couple were, the secondary one is a lot more mature with adult drama in their lives, looking more like adults in love than a couple of cute teenagers like the mains couple did to me.
If you’re bored or like Esther’s acting, do check the one out, since it’s a nice enough drama, however, I wouldn’t consider it a must watch, it’s just nice enough.

Leia Mais

My favorite C-Drama! <3

This was a show with the most bestest of all best endings: just a sweet happily ever after with our main characters being successful (girl)bosses. I loved everything about this show: the fun, the vibes, the music, the cinematography, the characters and their relationships. It was just such a fun show. Chu Li is such a great female lead: strong-willed, funny and sweet, you just have to root for her. I really loved the actor playing our male lead; he almost felt like an animated character at times, he made so many scenes sososo funny and I loved the bromance with his bestie. The second lead's second chance romance was so good too! I was very invested in their relationship!! Generally, all the side characters were interesting enough for me to care, I didn't skip a single second because I was overall so invested in the show. Shed some tears in the last episodes because it was either really sad or really sweet and happy. Overall, my favorite CDrama together with "A Romance of the Little Forest" (I knew I could trust Esther Yu! love her so much after these two dramas) - literally zero complaints: the perfect sentimental, fun romcom<333.

Leia Mais

A hidden gem meant to be explored

So for those confused the story is about a young girl, Chu Li who has become an editor, a book editor and has managed to get the famous author Zhou Chuan who is supposedly very hard to deal with. The story doesn’t explore much on the editor and her work, rather it focuses on two couples - Chu Li X Zhou Chuan the main couple and the second couple Mr. Jiang also an author and Gu BaiZhi am editor.
The story is sweet and charming with lots of cute and lovely moments, and for people like me who watched this after Love game in eastern fantasy, this drama gives me everything the other lacked. That is a lot of cute moments and kisses.
I won’t touch down on Love game here.
This drama has one of the most peaceful couples in the entire history of Romantic dramas with no misunderstanding, hate or whatever. They are so in sync and the ML is so kind and considerate, it was refreshing to see such a mature relationship, especially after watching the dramas in which the ML sold his common sense for peanuts.
Though the romance was great I wish it would’ve showed us more of the editor’s work. After Zhou Chuan’s first novel is published we don’t see anything about the editor, nor we get to see anything about her office. After the first book the job just disappears and our complete focus is diverted to the relationship.
The drama did try to touch on many things like divorce, second chance, self worth but again it didn’t go too deep on any of these topics. Which will forever be my one complaint from this drama but other than that I would say it a nice watch and a great pic for suckers of cute romance (like me 🤭)

Leia Mais

I say this drama is a good one to watch should you need to watch something while waiting on another drama. I don't think this drama would be a drama I would say you must watch or if there's anything that makes it shine but it does avoid a lot of drama clichés, like no last minute breakups, no evil parents/in-laws, little to no misunderstandings, and I felt like it was executed well that we had a good & happy last 2 episodes that I was very satisfied with how it ended.

So what does this drama feature?
1. Jealousy is considered a tag for this drama and let me tell ya, I never seen the amount of jealously this bad (in a funny way though). The ML is literally a jealous character for about most of the drama. He does tone it down a bit after Ep 24 but honestly, his jealously is what makes this drama funny and I love it.
2. A fairly weak love triangle: Actually there's 2 love triangles, one for our main couple and the other for our secondary couple. I say weak love triangle because the one who doesn't end up with the couple moves on easily. No conflicts, no plot to ruin the couple. I say this is a love triangle I can watch.
3. A villain does persist in this drama. He does caused mischief and is pretty annoying, especially the beginning and middle of the drama, but thankfully the actions aren't as bad as other villains I seen in other dramas, and he doesn't appear on screen as much later in the drama.
4. It centers around a publishing company and writers trying to get back in making their writing known. Now, I'll admit, there are some great scenes around this but there are also other scenes that I just found boring that made me just fast forward certain scenes.
5. The Bro-Ship: The ML & SML as best friends stole the spotlight for me. I just love every scene of them together.

The plot itself is okay. Sometimes it moved at a good pace, sometimes it was too slow that I got bored in a lot of scenes. Music played in this drama was just okay but very repetitive for one of the songs, but I did think the actors and actresses did justice on their character roles in this drama. Overall, a slightly above average drama.

Leia Mais

Inspiring, and definitely a slow burn

My favorite part about this was undoubtedly following Chu Li from the second she joined the publishing house as an intern and her development onwards. No matter what your career is, it was really inspiring seeing how she handled entering a new environment, dealing with the ugliness of (very relatable) office politics, and overall just being very dedicated and passionate about her work and persevering to get there.

For the most part I also really enjoyed the romance, but it's definitely a slow burn for both the couples. The main leads took a long time before they even realized they had feelings for each other (which I had no trouble with). The second ship was a case of exes-to-lovers and they also took a long time to deal with the reason they broke up in the first place. Both of these, I didn't have a problem with the pacing because it felt as realistic as the progression of the FL's work was: like life, but just a little more exciting.

With that being said, there were some parts with the romance that was either frustrating or simply confusing. First, it was like they kept telling us that there was a love triangle but then hinted that there wasn't and then went back and doubled down on it; either way, I kept trying to understand what the characters were feeling and kept feeling this disconnect.

Second, I wasn't a huge fan of the way the male lead acted sometimes — meaning that sometimes the reason the drama was a slow burn was because the male lead was being pretty dim and immature; there's some things I would definitely change with how some arguments were "resolved" but overall the character development is there (albeit slow).

Nevertheless, I was glad that the romance never got overdramatic and that once the main leads got together, there were no more annoying break-ups or misunderstandings.

One thing I also liked about this drama was that there are few purely evil and obsessive characters — there are annoying people in the office, but anyone who has ever worked knows that you'll really run into those kinds of people and seeing Chu Li (who I really liked as FL) deal with them was almost cathartic.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this drama for any cdrama rom-com lovers out there.

Leia Mais