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Autumn's Concerto had all the hallmarks of an epic romance novel. Rich, larger than life hero, sweet innocent heroine, the adorable love child, scheming parents, the ever present love triangle, grandiose declarations of love ... yeah, the whole nine yards. It SHOULD have been wildly entertaining, the type of love story to sweep any and every romantic off their feet. Sadly, it just did not happen. Not for me. In fact, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more had it been a novel rather than this TV show.
The story had enormous potential, but fell apart under the weight of crappy, disjointed writing, dubious casting and uninspired direction. I can’t have much respect for a drama when things happen to suit the writers, rather than the circumstances they’ve placed their characters in. I can’t have much respect for a drama when things aren't consistent.
Couple a bad script with a not so great lead actor and you have a bit of a hot mess on your hands. I know I'm about to raise the ire of many a Vaness Wu fangirl, but I'm sorry, it has to be said: the brother cannot act. At least not in Autumn's Concerto he couldn't. There were times when he seemed really into his character and other times when he literally seemed to have lost the plot. He just did not embody that charismatic stage presence required to bring alive a larger than life character like Guang Xi. I also didn’t find him attractive enough so not even brownie points for being man candy could save him. Lead actress An Andy came across more natural and a lot more comfortable in her skin, however given the horrible material she had to work with her character didn’t amount to much. She had a good start, but not much later she morphed into a bland, uninteresting shell of what she could have been. She pretty much spent the entire drama after the first 6 episodes being frustratingly passive.
Thank goodness the supporting cast were decent. I liked President Fang even though she seemed to have ice running through her vains. She was an intriguing character who I felt strangely sympathetic toward even though I couldn’t tell why until the end. The villagers of Hua were a wild, hilarious bunch. I was particularly taken with second lead, Hua Tuo Ye. It was very easy to like this guy. You know the saying ‘what stays too long serves two masters’? Well, this pretty much sums up Guang Xi and Mu Cheng’s relationship to the point where Hua Tuo Ye started to look like the better catch simply because he was PRESENT in Mu Cheng’s life, taking on duties and responsibilities that should have been Guang Xi’s. Yet another indication of shoddy script development if your audience spends most of the drama wishing somebody else gets the girl. Last but not least there’s Guang Xi and Mu Cheng's son Xiao Le. The kid’s a show stopper. I loved him, but for a 5 yr old, little man sure had some ridiculously grown up lines and was too wise beyond his years. I didn’t buy an ounce of it. Another failure of the script? I think so. Lousy direction? Yupp!
Finally the music choices in this drama were atrocious. They played the grating, high pitched theme song literally every 10 seconds throughout the entire drama. When the theme song wasn’t on, random use of different genres of music were tossed in. There were a couple scenes covered with medieval tunes which had absolutely NO relevance to said scenes at all. I mean, WHAT??? Did an amateur compose the score?
And it doesn’t end there. Constant flashbacks (which slowed the story down to a snail’s pace), disruptive cut-ins to repeat a scene that just played or to show spoilery future scenes ran rampant. Imagine, just when you’re getting into story … BAM! You’re pulled right out of it by these ridiculous machinations.
I don't know what the producers were thinking. It had a great premise, but was executed with catastrophic results. While I was still able to enjoy it somewhat, watching this drama gave me a major headache. I can't give it more than a 6, and that's being quite generous, considering...
It's okay to watch Autumn's Concerto, if only for the few romantic scenes. One thing I did appreciate about this drama is that it showed intimacy between the characters quite realistically without compromising the virtue of the actors. The Koreans could learn a thing or two from Autumn's Concerto in that regard.
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The music is super catchy; they played it at the right emotional times and the songs make me emotional. The OST at the end is very cute as well.
I would rewatch some of it, but not the whole drama again. I would rewatch the scenes between the leads again because of their sizzling chemistry.
A definite watch if you like melodramas with poignant romance, with the factor of family (the little boy!)
**edit**
after watching this for the second time, and crying again (!), i came to appreciate this drama even more. It really is a classic, and one of the best dramas I've watched, especially since I hate super vindictive second leads, and this doesn't have that. I grew to like all the characters, even the cliche overbearing mom. The plot, though a "cliche" one, is one done right and all the elements are incorporated well. It's not too melodramatic, or too exaggerated. It's definitely lives up to the hype on MDL. If you're wavering on whether to watch this or not, watch it! (10/9)
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The plot was excellent, although I really wish both the female lead and the guy's mom would have just told the truth sooner than they did to make the story "easier", but then it would have been less realistic. This drama had a bit of second lead syndrome, aka where you want the girl to end up with the other guy, at parts but I liked how they resolved all the conflicts.
Acting of everyone was exceptional and I thought the little boy was super adorable and excellent in his role!! I will rewatch this someday and I highly recommend seeing this drama at least once.
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The story is just great (although I have seen some Indian serials with the same story line) but Taiwanese direction made it more amazing. The acting from Ady An to Xiao Xiao and Vaness Wu, they make the perfect family cast I've ever seen. The main leads look so compatible with each other that you actually start imagining them as an actual-real life family!And the side actors won't disappoint you as well. Everyone contributes beautifully. I loved the second leads as well, Xu Tiffany and Wu Chris. They are both equally good looking and attractive on screen.
MUSIC!!! The whole Original Sound Track is just marvelous! "Wo Ai Ta", "Family","I thought" etc are so nice. It makes you feel the emotion of the scene where it is played.
Re watch value is high. I watch it when I wanna remember the amazing scenes from this drama because the acting is worth your time.
I'd like to make a special judgement as well. The dialogue writer of this drama is awesome. There are some many quotes from this drama that are actually worth remembering.
The most famous one being, “Did you know that in the skating ring, if you give your hands to the other person it means that your life is in his hands? I said that I will hold on to you so that means I promise to protect you, no matter what…” – Guang Xi.
Overall, its very nice and it will touch your heart. Don't keep it any longer on the "Plan To Watch" list. GO WATCH IT! :)
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Original score in 2011 - 10/10
If I were to rate it now - 6/10
The FL is a pathological liar. I never picked up on it b4. She is asked to tell the truth 4x, she still lies. She pawns her wedding ring, and lies about that. She lies about several things. In the beginning you (kinda) get her motivation, but the levels of cruelty she goes too, WOW. However, I suppose we're meant to detect she has a good heart. As a rule, I like these kinda ppl in my dramas, but I'm not rooting for their eternal happiness, tho in the past, I clearly supported her all the way - so I can't help root for it, like I once did.
The ML is pitiful for all he went thru. All the lies. All the deceit. When he FINALLY got the microchip (felt an age), I went into the thrill of him seeking revenge. Turns out he loves her still. The thrill was a former echo of what I felt. Not as intense, but appreciated. Wu is a great looking guy, when he was on his knees yelling to heavens, you can't help but admire his physique than his acting. He is a good actor tho.
What surprised me - I remember when younger, I was VERY bored with villager drama. This time round, I was very interested in it. WHAT A SURPRISE. I did fast-forward gardener bits, (2nd ML) when he had his own spin stories that lasted 10+ mins. Like I don't mind the guy, but I'm fast-watching this u know. I'll like to stress, when I originally watched this, I didn't fast watch.
The little kid!!! I remember I loved him soooooo much when I originally watched 9 years ago. Now I was this close to finding him annoying. (gasp, my maternal side gone). If he was few years older, he'd be annoying for sure. Why? He kept insisting calling his dad, "alien daddy" (which yh fair enuff, he is ur real dad) but the lil kid is constantly told not too. He keeps throwing tantrums and acting clingy. But then when he withdraws this amount of love, I felt it deep.
Look, I still love the kid. Not as much, but he's so frigging cute
Will I ever come back? YES
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Story: A lot of people will hate me for this, but the story honestly isn't that new or that interesting. You have your typical "arrogant jerk" meets "sweet female lead" and they fall in love, then you have your typical mama-drama in which the mom opposes the relationship, then you have amnesia, then a time skip, and then the inevitable "we meet again". You can tell where I'm going with all this, right? It all leads up to the "happily ever after", where all the heartbreak is forgotten and everyone is forgiven and the whole world is just rainbows and butterflies and sparkles.
This whole drama sort of gives me conflicted feelings. On one hand, I want to like it. If I were to stop comparing it to other dramas, I probably would like it. If this were the first drama I had ever watched then I would like it- but the thing is that "Autumn's Concerto" is unoriginal and predictable. If I were to rate it based on it's merits, then this would get a 9. Compared to everything else? A 6. There are some fresher moments- I've never seen a drama where there's a kid involved, or a rape case, and while the writers did use those to their advantage, it wasn't really in a new way.
Acting: Bin Xiao Xiao is brilliant and the supporting characters are nice. I had a bit of a problem with Vanness Wu in the beginning. Not because his acting was bad, because he was pretty good, but because he looked way too old to be a college student. His hair and almost-stache made him look like a middle-aged ex-teen pop idol. I felt like the designers were trying too hard to make him look younger and it didn't really work out. As far as Ady An goes, the writers didn't really give her much to work with. Her character wasn't really a "Candy" girl, but she wasn't really anything new either. It felt like she didn't have any real personality of her own.
Music: The music was amazing. I loved almost every song on the OST.
Rewatch Value: I might, but at the same time I don't really want to.
Overall: I think the only reason this is a classic is because Vanness Wu is in here. Other than that I can't really see the reason why. This was a nice story, but it was a little boring and a]had really anti-climatic ending.
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Usually I don't watch Taiwanese dramas because of the language, but i decided to give it a try because of its high rating . It's the first Taiwanese drama that I've watched and it's already in the list of my favorites. It mixed all my emotions... while watching a drama, i almost never cry, but after episode 6 i couldn't help crying. when i watched it for the first time, I was hooked by the computer and rewatched episode 16 for 1000000X.
Wu Vanness and An Andy did a great job. the acting was awesome.
It's an absolutely must watch drama...
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So, what’s so special about this drama? Most of the time I refuse to watch dramas with mediocre premise, except if they have something special in it. For this one, I found the promotional posters are so beautiful and have special warm feeling in it. (well, I'm such a sucker for visually beautiful scenes)
Get hang for the first two episodes. Many people like this drama from the very beginning. I was not one of them (I did like the opening scene though. The short background of Mu Cheng’s childhood life was so beautifully done. Unfortunately, the later scenes fails to keep me impressed).
Anyway, if you like it from the first episode, I guess you will love it till the end. But, if you still cant get into the story even after the 3rd episode, I guess this drama is simply not your cup of tea ;)
For me, after watching the first 3 episodes, I started to get addicted. There’s something in this drama which I can’t describe clearly. Maybe because of the beautiful scenes, maybe because of Guang Xi’s mighty charm, or the uber touching lines, or Xiao Le’s cuteness, or the beautiful background musics, I dont know, I’m not sure. Something I know for sure is I like how the scenes are cleverly connected to each other when you dont expected it, and how the two second lead characters which arent bitchy.
What I didn't like from this drama is, it dragged quite long in the middle episodes. If they shorten it into 10-15 episodes, I think it will be a lot better :)
Detailed rating:
Plot: 2/10 » As I said before, the idea is really not at all great and even cheesy. That from-hate-become-love plot. That gorgeous rich playboy who “unexpectedly” fall in love to that “special” poor girl (yes, that Cinderella plot). That 4-square love plot. We all have seen many other stories which conveys this kind of stories. Not even to say that amnesia! Oh God! These types of plot I usually stayed away from. (I hate all of these cliche so much I wanted to rate this 1/10. I give them extra +1 point for featuring parenting issue)
Scriptwriting: 6.8/10 » The interesting side is, even with those lame plots, the story will keep you digging for more. What happen “now” is related to the next story. There are many beautiful scenes and touching lines which will warm your heart for sure. But they dragged it too much in the middle part. The first 6 episodes was great but the latter was not. Anyway, the story was split to 2 parts with episodes 6-7 acted as divider episodes. I prefer the earlier part. The later was just dragged too much.
Directing: 7.5/10 » The scenes are well-filmed, and the editing is nicely done
Acting: 8/10 » Ady An and Van Ness Wu did a very good job here. About the little boy Xiao Xiao Bin’s, well, he wasn't bad, but sometimes we still can clearly see he is not that natural in acting. Dont get me wrong, I love him too! I know, he is cute. I admit for his age, it was really wonderful acting skill. The rest of the cast are excellent. I’m not too fond with the villagers acting, forced acting, but I think it was okay regarding they’re just minor supporting roles.
Soundtrack: 10/10 » The soundtrack was simply perfect. All of the songs beautifully captured the emotions of the scenes. Well done.
Overall Rating: 7 » Enjoyably good. I just hope they shorten it though. Not recommended if you can’t stand slow-paced series. Highly recommended if you like romance stories mixed with family theme.
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i really love the music.. i love him by ring ding della is the best.. every time i hear the song, i want to re watch the drama..
i totally gonna re watch it if i have the time..
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I loved the chemistry between the leads, they made it so good its impossible to stop watching and rewatching. Every second of the drama couldn't be missed, therefore drove me to watch it within 3days!!
I hope you all will watch this drama, its a classic!
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It's all about Lies, Lies and More Lies!!!!
Watching this Taiwanese classic in 2024 is definitely interesting and my expectations are high (maybe too high). I can look past the fashion and ML’s ugly hairstyle, but “Autumn Concerto” has so many different tropes and illogical things. I also feel that I need to stop my critical thinking and enjoy the ride on a more emotional level. That way, the drama is more enjoyable.I love the mature Aidy An in “Legend of Dugu”. She’s the best part of that show. But a younger Aidy An is somewhat annoying in this drama. Her acting is not quite there yet and gave me this bland expression. But I think what’s worse is I don’t like her character, Mu Cheng. She is definitely pretty in this drama, but Mu Cheng keeps a secret for way too long. She should and could have spoken up many times in various situations, instead of acting like a victim. I also do not like her voice, which is supposed to be gentle and soothing. I just find it annoying, unfortunately.
Despite not liking Mu Cheng as a girlfriend, I like her as a mother. Her relationship with her son Xiao Le is the highlight of the show. This little kid is adorable but I don’t think there’s any other 5-year old who speaks like him out there. I am going to look past that and just enjoy how kind-hearted, sweet, adorable and smart he is. Xiao Le’s interaction with every single adult brings me so much joy. Yes, even the little kid bully.
Vanness Wu is another draw to watch this drama. But I find his acting very inconsistent. There are scenes I think he did fine and was natural, but not when it comes to more emotional (angry or sad) scenes. I really feel for his character. Poor Guang Xi suffered so much and is being lied to by everyone. I was rooting for him and actually wanted him to not end up with FL. I think he deserves better.
When it comes to acting, Chris Wu is the best out of the main characters, only second to ML’s mother. I cannot believe “Autumn’s Concerto” is his very first drama (He did have a few movies under his belt). But compared to Aidy An and Vanness Wu, he’s the less experienced one but I love his acting the most. If it’s in any other drama, his character would be the male lead. His confession to Mu cheng is so touching and sincere. I want to marry him! Chris Wu is the best part of the show and he doesn’t seem to have aged.
The pacing of the drama is a little uneven as well. I found the first arc when they were all in college went by pretty fast. A lot of things happened but each mini subplot or misunderstanding is resolved rather quickly. But once we switch to the present-day timeline, the pace slows down. They spend a lot of time in the village with those loud villagers. I am not surprised they are loud but at least they’re not too nosy. Towards the end of the drama, the pace picked back up a little with the court cases. But also felt that the editing and storytelling are choppy. I also think that the drama waited too long for the shit to hit the fan (the big secret to out).
For a melodrama with a focus on romance, it’s really hard for me to enjoy when 1) I don’t like the female lead, 2) I don’t think the leads should end up together, 3) I think the secondary leads should just go and date each other and forget about the leads who don’t deserve them. For a romance-lover like me, if I am not rooting for the leads to be together, there’s no way I would end up enjoying the drama. I also need to shut down my brain because there are too many ridiculous things that happened. I don’t want to list them all as they could be spoilers.
But luckily, we have an adorable kid, a handsome Chris Wu, nice secondary leads who are not evil and Vanness Wu showing off his abs. This is enough to keep this at an 8.0 for me. Even though I like the songs, they are WAY overplayed. I wonder if I would have loved “Autumn’s Concerto” more if I were watching this in 2008 and not in 2024.
Completed: 1/25/2024 - Review #398
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