{year}=2025{episode}=EP.18{type}=TV{ongoing}
Plot Summary
I tried this because the ost sounded really heartbreaking, even though I wasn't interested in it at all when I first heard about it. I'm so glad I gave this a chance instead of judging it and giving up without even trying. When I tried the first episode, I knew I was wrong and that this had potential. I never knew what I would have missed if I hadn't tried this. Now that I've finished 30 episodes, I'm so sad that it's over and I have to say goodbye to Mu Chuan and An Ran. :((
This movie really surprised me with its logical plot, storytelling, and acting choices. I felt like every episode was exciting and there were no unnecessary scenes. I couldn’t stop myself from moving on to the next episode every time I finished one. I especially liked how they incorporated flashbacks into the new timeline because that’s how you tell a flawless story without wasting any valuable screen time. Each scene made sense and connected to the past. The cinematography was also well done. They used some narration for some scenes with the characters painted, and those parts really added to the story. Also, I didn’t notice any obvious plot holes or plot devices which was really cool! Each plot was well written and logically thought out from the character’s perspective. I was on the edge of my seat for several minutes of the movie, and there were many times when I didn’t see what was coming - Which is really exciting. This is the main reason why the drama is so good because there are no unfinished parts, everything flows smoothly. I was surprised by this because it is a time travel story, it is really hard to pull it off. Another important point is that none of the characters are stupid or written smoothly without any depth. I like how An Ran is a strong heroine and Mu Ze is more of a typical antagonist, while Mu Chuan is more of a male lead. Each character is written with a lot of thought and is well acted by their respective characters. Even the supporting roles are well written like Ling Xi and Dong Qing and the other villains. I can understand their motivations and they make some unpredictable moves that I have never seen before.
More importantly, I think they cast the right people in every role. Xing Fei really brought An Ran to life and I didn't expect her to be so good at crying and emotional scenes. Her performance pulled me deeper into the story and I kept rooting for An Ran. I cried many times when I saw her cry. She showed me through this role that she can do more than just those sweet drama roles and move towards these serious and deep characters. Now I really want to see her in another modern or historical drama with a complex character like An Ran again. She really showed me and the audience that she can be a sweet romantic lead. Next Zhai Zi Lu is so cute and adorable as Mu Chuan! I haven't seen her previous work but this role really showed me her potential. He needs to act in more dramas as a male lead and play a more serious and muscular character. As a lead, I was surprised by how well he delivered emotional scenes, especially his eyes, which really helped me get into the story, and the love story between An Ran and Mu Chuan. I really liked the chemistry between them and I hope I can see Xing Fei and Zi Lu in another project again. And Jing Chao is also great as Mu Ze. As the villain in the story, I found Mu Ze to have a deep backstory that Jing Chao did a great job of pulling off. He made Mu Ze more than just a villain, and I found myself understanding some of his decisions, even though sometimes I really wanted to beat him up for the things he did. I never really understood Mu Ze’s choices, but it was fun to watch him. Anyway, thanks to Jing Chao. Mu Chuan and Mu Ze's romance was also good. I felt for their kinship and loved the scene with the wooden bird and the toy that Mu Ze made for Mu Chuan. I was so sad that they had an ending, considering all the things they went through and how much they cared for each other. Apart from these main leads, I felt that all the other characters were well-cast and I couldn't imagine the series without the same people.
