I wear several hats.
As some of you may know, I watch dramas to escape my everyday life and the two hats that I resolutely leave at the door when I blog are my “political” hat and my “legal” hat. I compartmentalize my writings in four categories: private, public, working and bitchcraft (aka this Bitchesoverdramas).
That said, there are elements in this drama that even when I wish to refrain from wearing my no-no hats, it would be very irresponsible of me to remain silent. So spare me a few seconds here while I don my “legal” hat.
In Episode 1, the male lead in this Taiwanese drama could be charged with false imprisonment and kidnapping. False imprisonment: he intentionally restricted the female character’s movement by restraining her against her will to the bed. Kidnapping: he grabbed her and shoved her to the bed to handcuff her. The short distance doesn’t matter. He moved her from point A to point B without her consent and for the purpose of terrorizing her.
His actions at the end of the episode constitute a dealbreaker for me.
So no. I won’t be able to continue with this series because I’m already alert to his unsavory character.
However, if I were to smack my head hard enough to induce amnesia and forget that whole actionable scene, here are my observations on the rest of the show.
1. The male character is a sleaze-ball.
lol. Can you tell that I really have it in for this guy? I’m going to roast him.
In the opening minute, he’s supposed to look like some young, brash, sexy, Wall Street kinda guy. But all I saw was a pipsqueak.
It wasn’t ONLY his facial appearance (i.e., he reminded me of a mouse) and his lack of stature (i.e., short, slight built, no shoulders, no muscles, high voice) that turned me off. What he said during his financial seminar/lecture was also supremely stupid. I’ll dissect it.
He started with, “Let me ask you this. If today you had a quarter in your hands and it falls to the ground and disappears, please raise your hands if you would do everything you can to find it. Let’s congratulate them because they’re about to be penniless fools.”
Okayyyyy….This is banal. This “If Bill Gates dropped a $100-dollar bill” meme has been going around for ages. Tell me something new, boy.
He continued, “The loss of money causes a fit of panic for people. The most important thing in a successful trade is the quality of your mind. You need to have your own ideas for every entry and exit.”
Pffffttt… he sure talks big. By the end of this episode, the audience will see that, in his own personal life, he has zero ideas for entry and exit. For one, he’s attracted to the girl Weiwei but has no clue on how to strike a conversation with her without sounding like a colossal jerk. So what’s this “entry” he’s talking about??
On top of that, he’s stuck with a girlfriend of ten-years whom he has no feelings for. He has absolutely no “exit” strategy to end that relationship.
So….he’s all hot air.
He ended, “In this world, there’s no such thing as a steady investment without loss, so we have to be able to diffuse the risk. Seriously speaking, investment and dating are actually one and the same. I believe that people in relationships who cheat also have a mentality of diffusing the risk. Investments inevitably have risk. Cheating also inevitably comes with consequences.”
lolololol. Seriously? First, it’s tacky to inject a sordid dating analogy in a financial seminar. Second, who wants to hire a financial advisor who can rationalize cheating as “diffusing the risk”? I don’t know about other people but I can only trust highly scrupulous people to manage my wealth.
From the start, in that first minute alone of this Tdrama, I already had an shady impression of this male lead.
2. Weiwei didn’t perform her morning ablutions before going to work??!!
Nope. She wanted to use the bathroom but her friend was having shower sex. The shower sex didn’t shock me. It was Weiwei going to the office without doing her morning toilette. She didn’t shower, wash her face, brush her teeth, etc. Ewww.
It’s a good thing the title of this show wasn’t, “Before We Go to Work.”
3. The receipt
Weiwei dropped her bag and her receipt floated in the air (yeah…it’s drama after all so there’s no gravity) till he grabbed it. He then proceeded to read the receipt (remember they’re strangers!) and he asked her, “It’s a receipt for NT $105 (or $3.38). Why are you chasing so hard for it?”
She answered, “The receipt is for reimbursement. Of course, I have to chase it. Thank you.”
That was their first encounter or their “cute meet” in romance lingo. If that had been me, I would have coldly thanked him and ignored his rude and condescending question.
But the other interesting thing here is before this receipt encounter, the guy had been on the phone with the credit card company. The card company had called him to verify a large transaction. He said that he was aware of that transaction, and he approved it. Later in the episode, we’d find out that it was his girlfriend who charged a large purchase on his credit card.
Girlfriend: I charged so much to your credit cards today. Didn’t you receive notifications?
Kehuan: Yes, I did.
GF: Then, aren’t you mad?
KH: No. Why should I be mad? Everything you do is for my good, isn’t it?
He gave her a pointed look and there seemed to be an uncomfortable silence between them – which made me suspicious of his remark. Was he being sardonic when he said that everything she did was for HIS own good?
I’m bringing this up because I think one) we were given a contrast between Weiwei and the real girlfriend. Weiwei is a financially responsible and a fiscally restraint girl while the girlfriend is a spendthrift.
And two, there’s a contrast between Weiwei and Kechuan. They manage their money differently. She’s all about saving and budgeting for the future while he’s about taking risky ventures and making big money.
If I continued this drama, it would be interesting to see how their different approaches to finances predict the way the handle their cheating relationship.
For instance, since Weiwei’s been conscientious about saving every nickel and dime to achieve the big goal, I suspect that she’ll be reluctant to make big changes or to rock the boat and end her boring relationship with boring boyfriend. Even if something bothering her about boyfriend, she’ll stick with him because her “big picture” is matrimony. She’s all for stability.
On the other hand, despite his big talk about taking big risks, I don’t think the Kechuan is the type to dump his 10-year girlfriend. Cheating presents such an adrenaline rush for him … like one of his risky ventures.
4. The diary
He read her diary. His excuse?
His friend: Isn’t it bad to go through someone else’s stuff?
Kechuan: If I don’t go through it, how will I find the owner?
Surrrre. If you believe him then I’ve a beach house to sell you in Mongolia. lol.
When you find an unlocked cellphone and you’re looking to return it to the owner, you either callback the most recent phone call received or you go scroll through Contacts and try calling “home” or “husband.” You don’t go through the emails and photos.
Same here. I expected him to SCAN through the diary looking for an identification, and not READ and analyze the entries. I also expected him to use his brains and turn to the front and back pages where the diary owner would normally write her name.
She had every right to feel that her privacy was violated after he taunted her about:
her housing budget “Isn’t buying a house in Taipei for NT$20 million a little too hard to find?
her meal budget, “Isn’t it painful to eat three meals with NT$150?” and
her boyfriend’s and her retirement plans and
their marriage plans, “You said you want to give birth to two kids before 35. Isn’t that a little hard?”
He was being intrusive at best, stalkerish at worst.
5. The coffee
He said, “Did you know that overseas, if a person asks you, ‘May I buy you coffee?’ it means they want to start a relationship with you?”
Au contraire, mon frère. An invitation to drink coffee is often just that: an innocent invitation to drink coffee. In fact, an invitation for coffee is a buffer-zone.
Meaning, if I don’t want to spend that either money or time with you over lunch or dinner, then an invitation for coffee is good enough. At the most, I’ll have wasted 30 minutes and the price of a Starbucks venti.
Also, there’s nothing romantic about Starbucks. It’s a neutral place with other people to witness the encounter should the meeting turn creepy. Two strangers can leave after the coffee meeting without any obligation to see each other again or to bring a stranger home for a “hook-up.”
It’s NOT like a bar scene… or Casablanca.
Of course, when the male lead Kechuan fabricated this coffee nonsense, Weiwei knew he was El Creep-o.
Weiwei: I just spoke Chinese, so I’m not sure what you meant by that. But I sincerely want to treat you to coffee.
Kechuan: You look cute when you get a little mad.
Weiwei: If you continue speaking to me this way, I’m going to call the cops.
Right on, girl!
6. Sweet but psycho
This lyrics of this song is apropos. Just change the gender.
Of course, many will think that this guy’s attractive dimples,
combined with his single-minded pursuit of her (because who doesn’t like the thrill of being chased?)
and this gallant offer of his jacket when she ripped her shirt (yes, yes. he did it suavely. With a flick of his wrist. lol)
would be enough to overlook his anger management issues and bad behavior.
Nope!
If a guy like him was chasing me, a restraining order would be filed quicker than you can say Jack Robinson…err… Chu Kehuan.
7. On cheating
This was a non-issue for me. The story already set it up that there was enough reason for the two lead characters to dump their current lovers. That’s why she selected that song, “Darling,” in that phone-booth-karaoke. Despite looking happy in that relationship, she WAS unhappy. But she was sublimating her unhappiness by singing “Darling,” when she must have been wanting to yell, “You Jackass!” Because really, now…what kind of guy would eject his girlfriend from his room on the night of their third-year anniversary and tell her that they couldn’t sleep together when she was offering her virginity all because it wasn’t THE weekend?
Her womanhood got wrecked.
Howdy! 🙂
I’m speechless especially about this one – “what kind of guy would eject his girlfriend from his room on the night of third-year anniversary and tell her that they can’t sleep together when she was offering her virginity all because it wasn’t THE weekend?”.
I have finished The Legends and am thinking of watching this as my next drama but after reading your thoughts, I will skip it. I read somewhere that the guy here was a total jerk and it seems true. LOL. I know the story will build up and he’ll be a good guy later but nah. Mind you, Jasper Liu (the lead actor) is becoming very popular in China due to this series. Anyway, I’m not into his dimples. I prefer Hyun Bin’s and Park Bo Gum’s one. Wait does PBG have dimples? LOL.
I didn’t have time to watch Historian Rookie yet and P&P 1995 but I will find time for it. I just needed to catch up on sleep. hehehe
hahaha.
Don’t get me wrong: I wasn’t wild about the cheating but when you consider the kind of guyS she was associating with, the cheating was the least of her problems. She’s going to cheat because her current BF is a dud in bed and a bore in real life. But is the guy she’s going to cheat with, any better? I think not.
But go ahead and watch it. Who knows? You might like it. 🙂 It’s just MY opinion. It doesn’t have to be yours.
I’m suuuuuure the scriptwriter will redeem this character. All romances, including those written with stinkin’ lyin’ cheaters, do that. But I can’t suspend my disbelief long enough to envision a happily-ever-after for two cheaters.
Physically, Jasper Liu isn’t my type. But there were scenes when yeah, I could see why girls would find him hot. I think he’s supposed to have that “50 Shades of Grey” vibes. But no, thank you. I’m not feeling it.
Puffy Guo can kiss, though.
And you know, the boyfriend could have turned down her offer to sleep together in a more … hmmm… romantic way. He could have said something like, “Let’s wait till we get married because I want our wedding night to be special” or “I love you enough to wait” or something.
The guy is uptight about rules, schedules and timetables… sex will definitely be out-of-this-world with him (NOT!).
I thought it was on Viki but I didn’t see it there last night.
I don’t know, I just like my lead guy to be a snob or cranky at the most but I don’t like him the way you described Kechuan. LOL. Anyway I will see. I have a new crush anyway in Xu Kai. LOL. So far I have Yang Yang, Deng Lun and Xu Kai. hahahaha
I’m picky. LOL!
Who’s Xu Kai??
The guy is uptight about rules, schedules and timetables… sex will definitely be out-of-this-world with him (NOT!).
🤣 There’s only him in this world. hahaha maybe two? LOL.
Xu Kai is the lead actor in The Legends. It’s on Viki too. 🙂
He’s my new crush for the month. LOL!
Oh my…I’m sorry you did not like this drama @packmule3. I feel very guilty because I know you checked it out on my recommendation. That said, thank you for giving it a chance and thank you for this post! :-)You have a lot of points and I am very sad that you will not be continuing on with this drama.
@agdr03- I’ll play devil’s advocate and say that I think you should give this drama a chance. I love it and can’t wait for the next episode. I will agree that Ep. 1-2 have the male lead acting badly, but starting in Ep. 3, he begins his slow journey of change. The drama is on Viki. Here is the link to the Viki page:https://www.viki.com/tv/36591c-before-we-get-married
Or were you talking about a different drama that you couldn’t find on Viki?
I’m also looking forward to your thoughts on P&P 1995.
I just wanted to respond quickly tonight, and I will return to comment more on the drama later. Unfortunately, real life has interfered again with my dramawatching. My grandmother was in the hospital with pneumonia. She is home now but still recovering. However, today my uncle is in the hospital as he had a mild stroke. So things are a bit hectic for me at the moment trying to help with both of them.
👋 Table122000 ! I hope your Grandmother will quickly recover and the same for your Uncle. It’s so hard when our family gets sick. You make sure you take care of yourself too ok?
Don’t worry I will give it a go just to see whether it will click on me or not. I did look at Viki but not sure why I didn’t see it. Oh wait, when I clicked on your link, it said it’s not allowed in my region. I will check it again tonight to see if it is there or not. Otherwise I will look somewhere where I can watch it.
I will definitely watch P&P 1995, promise. I like Colin Firth too so I want to see which one I like more. 🙂
packmule, I totally agree with you entire assessment of the episode. That was exactly how I felt! I was telling my husband after watching the first episode, this is sexual harassment dressed as romance. It’s disgusting how people can actually write this dribble. I don’t blame the audience for liking it but I blame the author/writer for having the audacity to churn out something so insipid and then defending the reasoning behind it, all the while peddling it off as romantic.
I was so riled up mad at how he restrained a girl to the bed. I would have been hopping mad and dragged the whole bed all the way to the door just (on pure adrenaline alone) to yell my lungs out for help, not just sit meekly at the bed waiting for….? Him to come back? Someone to discover my cold dead body days later?
Also, I don’t think Wei Wei is a virgin though. She does spend the weekend at the boyfriend’s and they have been dating for 3 years (and it’s a Tdrama, they are not as chaste as Kdramas hehe) It’s just that, since it’s not a weekend, he would prefer they stick to the schedule. And what is wrong with that? I love a man with restraint and discipline. I mean, I find Wei Wei’s bf more appealing in the sense that he is not a spendthrift, has a solid plan for the future (and retirement) and has restraint which is more than I can say for Mr. I-think-I’m-too-good, I’ll spend whatever money I want, look down on other people’s plans and lifestyle, encroach on your space and privacy, give unsolicited advice etc. So I really do not get the appeal of KeHuan. This idea that a woman can only fall for a rude arse neanderthal is just outdated. What’s wrong with liking a good stable boy?
And it’s 2019 for gossakes! Who writes their password in a diary?! What is a smartphone for? Tdrama and Cdrama using tropes from 20 years ago really just…..FML. The dialog is so cringey and lacks creativity. I felt so angry after watching the first episode, I could not stop ranting for days. But you know what, I am gonna continue hate watching this though. hehe
Wait. I was enraged too but I didn’t to rain on Table12200’s parade.
@Table122000, there’s no need to apologize. I enjoyed panning this guy. And I should thank you for bringing this drama to my attention. 🙂 Although I’m sure you didn’t mean it to be in a negative way….
@PMSahjumoni, the fact that he was such an objectionable guy disturbed me more than the knowledge that this drama’s theme was cheating. It wasn’t funny when he handcuffed her to the bed. To a woman, that should be as traumatic and frightening.
Unfortunately, THIS tdrama NORMALIZES such behavior. Tell me: did many viewers even question that scene and feel that the heroine was violated? Or did more viewers secretly relish that such a guy could be so
obsessivepersistent in pursuing a virtual stranger because she looks cute when she’s angry?I’ve a feeling people like us who were turned off are in the minority. And that’s definitely troubling.
To me, the cheating theme is secondary to the wrong message of consent/coercion that this show is sending to the young generation of impressionable women. The drama is reinforcing that it’s okay to keep on pushing the girl’s social boundaries and violating her comfort zone in order to wear her down and get her to like the guy. In the end, if the girl likes the guy, then all the harassment is “fine. ”
But…
“No” means “Hell no!” and “Fuck off. I said, NO.”
“No” shouldn’t mean a coy “Uhm…maybe…if you try me again…” or a weak “If you insist, then, okay, I’ll change my mind.”
In this episode, the heroine repeatedly and clearly turned him down. But the guy wouldn’t take a hike. He crossed the line over and over again. He staged that stupid dating party, didn’t he, to meet and coerce her to spend the night with him. Even after that handcuff scene, he searched for her online and ask to friend him. Like, what the hell?
It’s as if he didn’t realize that what he did was wrong. And…and…and top it all, viewers were supposed to feel all gooey and romantic inside that he wouldn’t give the stuff toy to his girlfriend because he intended to give it to Weiwei.
That’s wrong. I’m sorry but this episode just tried to blur the line between predatory and romantic male lead characters. And the scriptwriter should be called out on this.
And yes, it sucks that this scriptwriter is going to whitewash all his bad behavior and make him redeemable in the end because yes…love conquers all.
lol. I need air. I’m hyperventilating here. lol.
Hugs. Don’t feel sorry for introducing this drama. I’m actually glad you did because it opened my eyes to what’s being offered outside the bubble of kdramas.
This is not the only Tdrama I objected to. There were also “Fated to Love You” and “It Started with a Kiss.” But I’m beginning to see a pattern here. The Tdrama writers probably want to write really scumbag guys so their “redemption” would be hard-fought and cathartic.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother and your uncle. Are your brother and aunt going to come and help you again?
Take care of yourself…and no makjang dramas now for your sanity.
🤣 🤣 🤣 Wow! Do you still have a lot to say? Just write it all now so you can have your peace of mind already and not hyperventilate. hehehe
I keep seeing WeiWei and it’s Xiao Nai’s WeiWei that comes to my mind. 🙂
The only tdrama that I love is Autumn Concerto.
You should try that one @packmule 🙂 It’s in Netflix. The couple has a child later on and he is cute.
Nothing different to the story, oh the lead guy had amnesia but I loved it anyway. 🙂
I just got myself a brown paper (ala “He’s Psychometric”) and huffing and puffing into it to cure my hyperventilation.
If this doesn’t work… there’s always vodka. hahaha.
But really…go ahead and watch it. Or skip Episodes 1 and 2 (according to @table122000 it continues on till Episode 2) and start with Episode 3.
You can update us here.
Waaaaaaaa! I saw a lot of ig videos of JinYoung and GOT7 because of their concert. He is handsome! No one wants to come with me to their concert so I’m not sure I can go but I’m not giving up hope yet.
I’ve never had vodka in years because it gave me a bad headache once. heheheh Anything but vodka will do 🙂
I will watch it and see how I go. I know what I like in my lead guy anyway so let’s see. I have to watch it from episode 1. I’ve never skipped an episode of a drama 🙂
Wait! I like Jerry Yan. Isn’t he a Taiwanese actor? I like him in that Tdrama “Down With Love.”
If I remember correctly, I liked him because the girl was in love with the second male lead and he was the one who tried to help her recover. .
Wait. I’ve to review Rookie Historian. pwahahaha. This is another crazy show.
Are they in Australia right now? How’s JinYoung doing? I hope he’ll do another drama soon.
I’ve to review Ep 4 of Hotel del Luna. Just finished watching it. I like the voice of this actor. He’s not much to look at but I like his deep voice.
I think Jerry Yan is a Taiwanese actor and he starred with Vaness Wu (Autumnn Concerto guy) in the original Meteor Garden.
I’ll see about Rookie Historian too. They said rating is low because of the acting. hehehe I guess even if his good looking but if he doesn’t give me the feels then I can’t watch him. We will see. 🙂
GOT7 will be down under in August. The actual concert is August 22. 🙂 Yes. I want him in dramaland soon but I think they’re still very busy with the concert.
The actor in Hotel del Luna is the actor in the Clowned King, right? I don’t mind him too but I find him too young.
I was too busy reading the subs to worry about the actor’s acting. But yes, the times when I actually looked at his facial expressions, I had to LOL … no, make that SOL (snort out loud).
But the script isn’t that good either so it’s not as if he had to study acting for a shakespearean play.
I don’t see much romance between him and his female lead.
The interesting male characters are the Crown Prince and the male Historian. I think they’re there to bolster the acting. Cha Eun Woo can’t do it on his own.
hahaha SOL!
I wouldn’t mind a sageuk after watching cdrama periods but I want a good one. I’ll check this one tonight definitely.
Where else can I watch P&P 1995? I’ve been searching but no luck so far. 🙁
I didn’t pay attention to his age. How old is IU anyway? I didn’t pay attention to their ages (in real life and in the kdrama) because Manwol (IU) is supposed to be than 1000 years old.
But I did feel squeamish in Episode 1 when Manwol fisrt saw Chansung and he was only a young kid at that time. Her car stopped in front of him and her window rolled down. He smiled at her.
I don’t know IU’s age and his age. Is it scary, Hotel del Luna?
I don’t like scary/thriller that’s why I didn’t Abyss too.
It’s on Amazon prime.
But won’t your public library have a copy of this?
I looked for P&P 2005 in the local library but they didn’t have it.
I’ll check the 1995 series anyway just to see if they have it. Thanks 🙂
It’s not scary because you know whatever happens he isn’t going to be harmed.
But it’s scary because of the surprise and the suspense. The ghost pops up when you least expect it.
As for the ghost faces. They’re not too ghastly to look at. Most of them just have darkened eyes and dried blood. But no fangs nor devil faces.
Hmmm suspence/ghost pops up when you least expect it, is what I don’t like. hehehe It makes me jump. LOL.
Anyway, I will see BWGM and Rookie Historian first then Hotel del Luna.
I actually want another cdrama. Which reminds me I have not finished MTF and YHCM. I’m up to episode 29, I think. 🙂
Ooooh Deng Lun!
I gave up on Your Highness, Class Monitor. I skimmed through some episodes and there was a We-could-be-siblings!! trope. hahaha.
I’m waiting for Deng Lun’s drama with Sandra Ma, called “Mr. Fighting.” He must have
been really busy last year. How many dramas did he work on last year? Did he even go on a hiatus in between shows?
Off to bed now. I’ve a long day tomorrow. 🙂 GNigh!
Good night and sweet dreams my friend!
I’m not sure how many dramas Deng’s done but he looked busy, as in. I’ve never heard of that Mr Fighting one. I know he has one drama with Krystal, forgot the title. Anyway, let’s update each other on Deng’s dramas ok. 🙂
Yes, YHCM had the we could be siblings trope but I want to finish it off because and see the ending. If it’s any good. LOL.
Catch you later! 🙂
@packmule3 and @agdr03 Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement regarding my uncle & grandmother. Things are settling down now as my aunt and my mother are helping out too, so between the 3 of us we’ve got things covered.
And thanks @pm3 for not holding this drama recommendation against me.
I’m worn out for tonight so I will return later to comment on the drama.
I’m glad to hear that your grandma and uncle are feeling better and that you have a support from your mom and aunt. Every little pair of hands are welcome.
🙂 No worries about the drama BWGM. Drama taste is like food taste. If I got served delicious massaman curry for the first time and I didn’t know I was allergic to coconut milk, then I’d know quickly after I keeled over. lol.
Same here. I don’t like it when the ghost pops up. And the scary part is there’s no warning in the change of music. Like, the romantic music is playing in the background, then BOOM! scarface is right there beside him.
But I tolerate it because I know he isn’t in danger of dying. I hate those gory horror stories where everybody. but one lone hero) dies at the end.
How about this Go, Go, Squid? I don’t like the actress so much (she’s that same baby-voiced actress in Ashes of Love) but I grin and bear it if it’s funny and romantic.
Morning! 🌻
I’m about to ‘log in’ when I read your comment. 😊
I’ve watched Rookie Historian and I actually don’t mind it BUT it’s not because of the lead actor, I liked the braveness of Shin Sae-kyeong’s character itself, Hae-ryung.
Can you believe it? I’m not into the lead guy for the first time ever in a drama. 😂 There’s something about the way Cha Eun-woo speaks that’s getting to me 🤔 Maybe it’s just me.
But I’ll continue to watch it because of Hae-ryung and because it’s light. ☺️
I’ve been seeing that Go Go Squid too. What’s with the title? 😄 Anyway I don’t mind checking it out.
I’m trying to look where I can watch BWGM but no luck tonight.
I might skip Hotel del Luna altogether because of the ghosts bits. ☺️
I have to say I don’t find him that handsome in the drama. He’s ok for me. Not fan girling at all here. 😊
You saw my tweet? ☺️
Nooooo. Don’t skip Hotel del Luna. 🙂 Read the recap first so you’ll know when they show up.
Ok. I’ll read your recap then watch episode 1 tonight. ☺️
I saw your tweet and I had to laugh. Next time, put me on those milk cartons “Missing people” labels. Have you seen one of those?
I didn’t have access to private phone, personal laptop, emails. I was on official business. I even dyed my hair dark brown.
Or read the recaps somewhere. Mine doesn’t tell you where the ghosts will pop up.
Watch with your husband sitting near you if you’re scared. I do that. I open the doors to the study so I can see my husband watching tv in the family room. I can’t stand sitting beside him because I get distracted by his shows and end up watching along with him. lol.
A couple of days ago, I forgot to use my head phones so he heard the Korean dialogue. He tried to mimic the language. Rude!
🙂
No I haven’t seen those ‘missing people ‘ labels 😄.
I need to dye my hair too but no time so it’ll do. 😄
I’ve read your recap and comments but I’ll have to watch it tomorrow as I’m getting sleepy now. Funny I can’t fight my tiredness anymore, old age! 😩
Have a good day!
Laters! 👋🏻
Finally have some time to give my thoughts on Before We Get Married. I like this drama and find it addictive. But then I like darker stories. I came into this drama expecting flawed characters and that exploration of mature themes (i.e. infidelity). What I actually got was a little bit different as story progressed. I also like Puff Guo/Jasper Liu, so I wanted to see this new collaboration. They had a great chemistry in their last drama together, but here they are on fire! This drama is now entering its second half and so much has happened since ep. 1. Episode 1, reviewed here, is very much the set up. We are given snapshots of the characters, viewers are led to make assumptions and then starting with Ep. 2 the drama goes on to question those assumptions. Here in Ep. 1, the male lead often acts like a jerk, an “anti-hero”. By episode 3, there are baby steps, and certainly by ep. 4, most of those jerk behaviors are gone. I’m going to repost my initial thoughts on Ep.1 here, and then I’ll talk more about the points that @packmule3 raised.
“Wow! I’m drawn in by this first episode. All 4 lead characters have a mix of good and bad points, so I am interested to see where this story will go. In this first episode, we can see quite clearly how each of the main leads relationships with their current significant other is not ideal. First, WW has been in a secret relationship for 3 years. She can’t let anyone know about her boyfriend for fear of both of them losing their jobs, leading to constant stress at the workplace for fear of being found out, along with the stress of not talking or seeing her boyfriend outside of work hours during the weekdays for fear of being seen by co-workers. Add to this that WW boyfriend is completely bound by rules and plans, not to mention his complete devotion to keeping the budget low, he is very stingy. It is wonderful to be financially aware and have goals but WW boyfriend takes it to extremes. WW boyfriend is so regimented he even turns down his girlfriend when she wants to celebrate their 3 years together as a couple? Really? All this because it’s not the “designated day”? WW has gone along with her boyfriend’s plans and has sublimated her own wants and needs during these 3 years, but not for much longer I think. As for CKH girlfriend of 10 years, she seems to be a quiet, mousy type of person, quite unambitious (she doesn’t seem to have a career), and devoted to shopping and spending his money. Her world revolves around him and she looks to be clingy as well. Total opposite of his direct, go getter, risk taking personality and workaholic nature. I can see how they are a total mismatch, but I’m baffled as to why he didn’t break up with her years ago? Something else is going on for sure to keep him tied to the relationship. The girlfriend is totally in a one sided love and knows it. You can feel a little of her desperation to hold on to him in this first episode.
The cracks are showing for both main leads relationships, we see that both of them are dying emotionally and are looking to feel again. I like WW character: she has that same directness as male lead, so I can see why she is drawn to him and vice versa.”
I will say that Ep. 2 gave a lot more insight into each character and their relationships and that information began to change my perceptions of the characters. For example, my sympathy for CKH girlfriend of 10 years-well, I lost a lot of it in ep. 2 and kept losing it as drama progress. As for WW boyfriend, it becomes clearer just how controlling and selfish he can be as the episodes roll on. But this is what I like about the drama: slowly things are revealed as time goes on. The drama is more a character study in that viewer watches to see what is motivating these characters, why they make choices that they do. Definitely not for everyone with its dark tone, but I am liking it. Ep. 2 gave more insight into the current relationships with significant others of the main leads and suffocating is a good word for it. ML girlfriend, yes, I now silmultaneously both pity and despise her and his need for escape is understandable.
Now, on to Packmule3’s points:
1) Male Lead is a Jerk: Yes. when we first meet Chu Ke Huan he is an “anti-hero” for sure. And thank you for recognizing that his action to handcuff WeiWei was born out of anger, not any rape senario. WW called him out on his behavior toward his girlfriend and then he got angry at her accusations and lost his temper and retaliated by handcuffing her to the bed and leaving the key just out of reach. He does return later after he has cooled off andd releases her. I guess for me the reason I can go ahead and watch further is that I never felt WW was scared of CKH. She was furious at him, but not afraid, and even at this early point, she was intrigued by him. The mutual attraction is there and I want to see what will happen next. Also, CKH return and let her go. This is a fiction story and not real life and I make the distinction. I did not like his behavior and did not agree with his actions, but I want to see where the story will go. Obviously, everybody has their limits, and his actions here were a dealbreaker for you personally and I respect that. You ask later if viewers comment on CKH actions here and the answer is yes. No one find it funny or romantic. Many viewers are angry and do not like the behaviors.
You don’t find CKH physically attractive. Yes, for this drama to work a viewer must believe that the 2 main leads feel a strong connection to each other and a strong physical attraction, so much so that they can’t help themselves and succumb to “forbidden love”. We’ve got to be tempted like WW. If you don’t find CKH attractive it will be difficult to buy into the drama. Have to say, I think Jasper Liu is very good looking so I can believe it that WW does too.
His financial philosophy: To be honest, I wasn’t paying too much attention other than to note that writer is setting up contrasting financial philosophies between FL and ML, and giving foreshadowing on the cheating aspect. For me, CKH subscribe to the adage: “You have to spend money to make money”. He just express it in a silly way, I agree.
2) I thought WW went to the shower sometime after guy said “bye”. I don’t know.
3) Again, yes, scene showing contrast in life philosophies and help to explain CKH interest in beautiful girl who so different from himself. Yes, there is reason for him to say the words to his girlfriend ZY. We find out later that these words ” Everything I do is for your sake” is her mantra and her excuse for her controlling and suffocating behaviors. WW is reluctant to leave her boyfriend HY and struggles with the feelings. I will give big spoiler now…you are right that CKH take the risks and here his feelings for WW give him the courage to finally break with his girlfriend of 10 years. Yes, CKH is a free man at end of ep. 4 and ready to pursue WW. Surprise, CKH not a “cheater”. he do get a “thril” of seeing how far he could push Wei Wei’s buttons and what reactions she would have to his antics, but the more he is around her the deeper his feelings are growing.
4) Yes, he was intrusive with the diary. He is very curious about WW and so give into tempation and read all about her. I can understand as I am very curious person too and understand that it hard to resist temptation of snooping. I probably would be the same as him!
5) Agree with coffee scene-CKH being a jerk here and we get to see WW sassiness and strength as she tells him off. Everyone like it. For me, I am mainly wondering how the writer come up with this statement in the first place.
6) We viewers see how CKH will be both positive and negative sides in the later episodes. For example, in Ep. 2 he respects WW boundary not to contact her again, but outside fate conspires to have them meet again. In Ep. 3 he apologize to WW for his behaviors in Ep.2 I think CKH (WW Too) dealing with strong feelings that are new to them both. In Ep. 2, WW asks CKH “Are you crazy?” several times during that charged encounter and he responds ” A little bit”. Also in Ep. 3 he is says to himself ” What am I doing? I must be crazy” so I think that his behaviors are really not the norm even for him and he recognizes this but can’t stop himself.
7) As drama progress, we see that the cheating is really just a framework for other issues that the writer want to explore about being true to yourself, and other things. We clearly see how each of the main leads is stuck in relationships with controlling partners who are not able to satisfy their needs. Both are unhappy. One note, WW is not a virgin. She and HY have been dating for 3 years and are in a committed relationship. Unfortunately, HY is so ridgid and regimented that nothing can be “off the schedule” I agree with you like, really?? His rejection of her love overture just point to one of the glaring problems in their relationship. HY so focused on his “plans” and not on WW.
I’m here to tell you that the “50 Shades of Grey” vibe of Ep.1 was a bait and switch. CKH is not any “50 Shades”.
“The guy is uptight about rules, schedules and timetables… sex will definitely be out-of-this-world with him (NOT!).” -Truer words were never spoken. WW and HY are not sexually compatible and WW is starved for feelings, which she finds in CKH. The sexual tension is high in this drama.
@PMSajumoni- agree that not having her password handy (actually I couldn’t believe she didn’t have it memorized) was pretty stupid script moment.
As I said before, yes, viewers not like handcuff scene. I think CKH pursue WW because she is beautiful, her direct personality, and her opposite lifestyle. He very intrigued. When they meet at the karaoke booth, he takes the opportunity to quiz her about her life choices and is able to see more clearly how their personalities are similar: she is direct and self confident like he is, as well as a career woman. Like him, she doesn’t back down from a challenge, as with the claw machine game, and he likes that about her too. Total opposite of his mousy girlfriend. He becomes more drawn to her, and as we see, she is also unconsiously attracted to him as well.
This is not the only Tdrama I objected to. There were also “Fated to Love You” and “It Started with a Kiss.” But I’m beginning to see a pattern here. The Tdrama writers probably want to write really scumbag guys so their “redemption” would be hard-fought and cathartic.
You make a good point here. Now I have better unsderstanding of these “jerk lead” stories. I hated “It Started With A Kiss” as well. Loathed it for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was the total asshole male lead and his cruelty.
@agdr03- I also like Autumn’s Concerto. SLS was so strong in that drama for me who rarely suffer from it, thanks to Chris Wu’s great acting. I wouldn’t advise skipping episodes of Before We Get Married as each ep builds on the previous.
Here is links to the drama from “other sites”:
https://kissasian.sh/Drama/Before-We-Get-Married
https://www2.dramacool.video/drama-detail/before-we-get-married
I’m sorry you can’t watch at Viki as Ep. 2 has a bit of corrected dialog which isn’t available at the other sites. If you make it to Ep. 2 I can tell you the correction.
“I didn’t have access to private phone, personal laptop, emails. I was on official business. I even dyed my hair dark brown.”
Good job 007. Mission accomplished. Welcome home. 😂
I will comment here because of the mention of Go Go Squid. That’s been popping up on my other forum list for a bit and the name is one I couldn’t ignore 🤔… Especially since the Chinese title has nothing whatsoever to do with the Cephalopod. The Chinese title literally translated says, “My Beloved, The One I am passionate about”. Where did the squid come into it? 😂. Curiouser and curiouser. Anyway, I went to research it and it’s based on the novel “Honey Stewed Squid”… so I guess that dish has something to do with the story and that’s where the Cephalopod link was. 😳😂.
Hahaha.
Seriously, there’s advantage to blending in with the crowd and not attracting attention. And to knowing 5 different ways to go to your neighborhood Starbucks. 😂 I still get occasional reminders to vary my route when I go to work. 😎
Anyway, about Go Go Squid, I’m watching right now. I’m at the 20 min mark and the main leads just met and went separate ways. I don’t know anything about “squid” in Chinese, but I know from the Korean variety show Running Man, when Kwangsoo and Gary were called “squids,” it was meant to be an insult because they’re ugly. For instance, when they stand by themselves, they’re ordinary-looking. But ehen they stand by a handsome guest like Siwan or Kim Soo-Hyun, they other RM hosts start calling them squids. 😝
So that’s how I initially interpreted this title. The girl is a “squid.”
But now after watching the first 20 minutes, I don’t think the title means she’s physically ugly because the actress is after all that cutie-pie Yang Zi. Maybe squid means something like “runt of the litter” or the baby and therefore, the weakest member of the team.
I’ll find out soon enough….
This is for @Table122000 How are your Grandmother and Uncle? I hope they are much better. Glad to know that your Aunty and Mom are able to help you too. 🙂
Okie, I have read your comments on BWGM before watching the drama. I have watched episode 1 & 2 and between hand cuffing her on the bed and putting her on top of the railing of his balcony, the latter really shocked me 🙁 I’m really afraid of heights and really that was extreme for me. I felt he really man handled her while all the while she was saying no. I should have counted the times WeiWei said no to CKH in the two episodes. I can’t remember the last time I watched a scene where the lady got hand cuffed and all because she said something that upset the guy but really she didn’t know anything about this guy who was all over her personal space. I thought she had every right to say nasty things to him.
CKH’s initial attraction was all because of how she was scared to lose her receipt for NT $105 but it grew after reading her diary (which was very rude). I get his attraction to her, I really do but there are better ways to express your interest in a girl and none of them includes what he did.
I admire ZWW because she’s a strong woman and she wants to have a clear path of her future with her bf but when she started questioning her future, then that’s when I knew she’s attracted to CKH too. I’m glad she kept saying the right things to CKH’s face even though it really didn’t fazed him.
I found the coffee/karaoke booths cool but then I don’t think I can just sing my heart out in the open like that. LOL! If they put a curtain on the booth, I’d love to see those here in Sydney. hahaha
ZWW’s housemate is something else. hahaha I think she’s pretty too but wow, she’s always on the lookout for guys.
CKH’s gf on the other hand is another matter, all together. I think she knows that CKH is only with her because he promised her Mom that he will be there for her. But how could she live like that? No work, shopping everyday and even asks her bf to come over because he had to pay for her dinner with her friends? My mind boggles.
ZWW’s bf is not bad looking but I would get tired whenever he says ‘it’s not the weekend’. 🤦
Anyway, I saw an ig video and CKH was asking ZWW if she wants to go with him after kissing her senseless. I thought that was a hot kiss. @packmule was right that Puff Kuo can sure kiss, their kiss was hot. There will probably be lots of kissing in this drama because of the strong attraction but I will give it a miss. I’m sorry @Table122000 I know CKH’s character will become the good guy and I really do hope that he will do out of this world everything for him to be worthy of ZWW’s love.
As much as my son even told me that it’s just a drama Mum, 🙂 I still can imagine CKH’s character putting our leading lady on the balcony railing. It scares me. 🙁
Enjoy watching it ok 🙂
@agdr03-
Things are a lot better with my grandmother and uncle, thanks so much for asking. Everyone is back at home now and things have stabilized, so I’m back to my routine and between the 3 of us, plus the home health aide, we got it covered.
Thanks for giving this drama a chance. I’m very sorry that you didn’t enjoy it, but I understand that everyone has their own limits and you reached yours and I respect that. Plus, not everyone enjoy a story with “anti-hero” plots. So I thank you again for taking a chance on this drama and watching 2 episodes.
Yes, CKH will slowly change and prove that he is the right one for WW. In fact, he apologize to WW in Ep. 3 for his behaviors in Ep. 2. This is his baby steps. By Ep. 4 WW ask again for him to stay away and he does respect her wish. The outside forces conspire again to bring them together, and this time WW have a hard time staying away from CKH.
I also like ZWW character-she is strong and direct person. Yes, CKH was the push she needed to voice all of her unspoken doubts about her relationship with her boyfriend Hao Yi. Her attraction to CKH just keeps growing and she tries to stop the feelings by running to HY, but it doesn’t work. She always trying to do the “right” thing, but WW need to understand that you must be true to yourself first to find happiness, and staying in an unhappy relationship is not fair to your partner either.
The karaoke booths are very cool. I notice that the ones in the drama do have curtains.
WW roommate Kei Fei starts out in the first few episodes as more like a comic relief character but as drama progress, we see how loyal and good friend she is to WW. They tone down her OTT behaviors a bit, and she becomes more rounded character. I was exasperated with her character in the beginning of the drama but now she is getting to be one of my favorite characters in the drama.
CKH girlfriend, Zi Yuan, I lose my sympathy with her in Ep. 2. First, she just goes and puts their house on the market for sale without telling CKH in order to force him to do what she wants and then she is on another level with her emotional blackmail bringing up his promise to her dead mother. Yes, why is she OK to just be shopping, spending his money, and “doing everything for his sake”, for the past 10 years instead of focusing on herself and building her own support network so she can live an independent life? At least now I understand why he has been enduring her for 10 years: it’s out of obligation from the promise he made to her dying mother to take care of her and her sister. Which is amazing when you think of it because if he were a total bad guy he just would have broken off the relationship years ago.
Boyfriend HY is very much a mixture of good and bad traits. He’s so focused on his “plans”- no discussion on them, WW just supposed to go along. He is controlling personality shown in a different way. He neglecting WW in favor of his plans as well.
Oh my, yes, the sexual tension is high in this drama, and Puff and Jasper are doing a great job showcasing it. Their kiss scenes for the drama are amazing! Both Puff & Jasper are giving 100% and not holding back. Ep 9 love scene between the leads was an amazing piece of filmmaking-kudos to the director and both actors! I felt the passion and the tenderness, a rare combo to pull off successfully. One of the best bed scenes ever. Please check out the clips. And yes, Puff is a good kisser in all her dramas. She like the Taiwan version of Yoon Eun Hye or Park Min Young-she always bring it with her love scenes.
No worries, @Table122000 🙂 I’m glad you’re back to your routine and can enjoy your dramas now. I think if those two ugly scenes were not in BWGM, I reckon it would have been my second fave Taiwanese drama, after Autumn Concerto. I forgot to ask you, what does SLS mean? 🙂
Yes, I’ll check out the clips. Thank you.
Oh I totally didn’t notice the curtains on the coffee/karaoke booth because I was too upset at what happened while our leads were there. LOL.
hahaha. You were sputtering mad, were you?
I’m putting the finishing touch on mu Go go Squid review Phew! I had to jot down the dialogues. lol. Have you started yet?
@agdr03- Yes, BWGM is high quality production and it definitely going to be one of my favorite all time Taiwan dramas. I think it is worthy successor to Autumn’s Concerto, although I feel Black & White still #1 best TW drama ever. SLS stands for Second Lead Syndrome, which is where a viewer falls in love with the second male lead over the main male lead and wishes the female lead would end up with him rather than the main male lead at the end. As I said, I normally don’t suffer from this- I understand going into a drama who is ending up with who, and normally not bothered by the pairings.
I have only had SLS twice in all my drama watching: Autumn’s Concerto and Playful Kiss. For Autumn’s Concerto, I love Chris Wu’s acting so much and was devastated when he didn’t get the girl. He was just so nice and do everything for female lead. Male lead character was meh-bland compared to Chris Wu character, and why she choose ML, ugh! For Playful Kiss, well, I can’t stand male lead character. He was so mean and hateful to female lead. I loathed him, I hated him! He verbally and emotionally abuse female lead, ugh! He was a complete asshole!( And he never change-not even after they get married-he was asshole to her on their honeymoon even!) Second male lead was so sweet and truly love female lead. He help her all the time. I actually cried when FL reject him, and I hated FL for choosing ML. If ever there is a drama/story that is harmful for the young girls and send wrong message to young girls then Playful Kiss is that drama, in my opinion. Thank goodness the original manga writer give the second male lead a happy ending later on where he find love with a wonderful girl who is completely devoted to him.
Ah Second Lead Syndrome. Thank you. 🙂 I have to agree with you that Chris Wu was definitely ahead in acting than Vaness Wu in AC but I found the leads had more attraction to each other and my swoon worthy scene was when he saved her when she was set up by the jealous ex gf. I watched it without knowing all the actors beforehand and I just loved it. Even my 97 year old Grandma watched and enjoyed it. 🙂
Oh yeah, I regret watching Playful Kiss. LOL. If I can have a delete button for the dramas I’ve watched, it will be the first one. hahaha
@packmule 😁 Actually I wasn’t sputtering mad but more very scared for the leading lady. I was like ‘how could you do that to her?’.
My mind couldn’t get passed it even if it was only fiction. 🙂 Like I said my son said ‘it’s only a drama, Mum’. 😁
I’ll start on Go Go Squid today. I noticed that the lead actor in A love So Beautiful is there too. And yeah, I like Han Shanyan’s looks. You know me, I like my lead actor cute/handsome! 🤣
@pm3’s post made me curious about BWGM and I wanted to watch the first episode and drop the drama afterwards. While I hated the handcuff scene and the balcony scene, there was something that hooked me. I got the same vibes from the drama that I had got from Ji Sung’s k-drama Secret.
@Table122000: I watched the first 5 episodes of BWGM and I see what you mean – this drama is strangely addictive. I’m glad the male lead improves as the story progresses. It’s dark and not an ideal relationship at all, but I like it so far.
I recently watched the T-drama Behind Your Smile which is a kind of revenge melodrama, but I didn’t find much passion in the relationship between the main leads, though the hero was supposedly getting close to the heroine to further his revenge on her mother. In contrast to that, I find the acting in BWGM much more mature. Let me see if the drama stays good enough for me to watch till the end. I think it raises an interesting and very pertinent point – what if one meets a more compatible person after one is already committed to someone else? Is it better to leave the old relationship which is not working out and take a chance on the new one, or is it better to stay on in the old relationship and try to make it work?
@pm3: I’m going to go through all your posts of Go Go Squid and I think I’m going to pick it up.
Hotel Del Luna is very intriguing but I have the same issue with ghosts popping up unexpectedly that @agdr03 has 😛..and I stay alone..noone to grab onto as well!! Don’t want to get sleepless nights!!😱😱
@Phoenix-
So glad that you are enjoying this drama. It is intriguing, and not just about “cheating”. They ask more the questions about being true to yourself and other themes. I have watched to Ep. 9, and I’m still wanting to know what happens next. Yes, I can see now it does have a similar vibe to drama Secret. I thought of Que Sera Sera drama after I watched the first few episodes, in that the 4 leads are all tangled up with each other like in QSS. Yes, CKH becomes so much a nicer guy as drama progresses. To be honest, I think he is a layered character from the beginning, mix of good and bad. But, yes, the longer into the drama the nicer he is showing. His girlfriend, Zi Yuan, though, it’s like the longer the drama continue, the more we see her “descent into madness” almost. She just getting loony with her continued clingy and denial of the breakup. I wish she would listen to her sister. The sister is the best character in the show-so wise, and the voice of reason. I’m still waiting for subs for Ep. 10, but the episode pace feel kind of slow this week. From the preview, Ep. 11 is going to have a lot of drama moments. i’ve decided to do a drama rewatch while we wait for Ep. 11 to be subbed next week, so I’ll post more thoughts later.
@Table122000:
I agree the drama is not about “cheating” but about having the courage to be true to what one really wants. I don’t think it would ultimately make anyone happy if WW or CKH stays on in their dead relationships all their lives, knowing there is someoneout there more suitable for them. If they compromise and stay on just because that’s the acceptable thing to do according to society, it will spoil all four lives. I’ve read a lot of comments where people think it’s an extra-marital affair which is wrong. But till the actual marriage takes place, isn’t there always time to back out, and wouldn’tit be more prudent?
CKH’s character really grew on me, because of how constantly supportive and understanding he is
of WW’s needs. He gives her space when she wants and is always there for her theough thick and thin. Jasper is killimg it as CKH – how his eyes express so much longing and pain when he looks at WW is one of the main reasons I watch this drama. I really felt his pain in that scene in the music booth where he says that life is so unfair that he should meet her when it was too late (just after saying that she was the only one who could have found her at that moment, i.e.known where he would be).
About WW, I sometimes want to shake her because of how passive she is in her relationship with her boyfriend. She should never have accepted his engagement ring in the first place. Though she says she is desperate to get married somehow, that’s so not the way to go about it. I don’t understand if all she wants is marriage, why doesn’t she just ask CKH instead?! Anyways from the preview of ep.11 it seems that she does take a stance and refuse her boyfriend, but I’m comfortable with her using lies about her relationship with CKH as an excuse. At this point, I’m not sure if WW loves CKH as much as he loves her, or is just using him to hurt her boyfriend.
Anyways, it is still ok because this drama is about flawed individuals trying to make sense of their messy relationships- and which is why I like it. We all know that relationships in real life are not like Love O2O (which will always remain our fastasy escape from reality😛).
I’ve already rewatched Eps.1-9 and will hold hack watching eps.11-13 till the drama is over. At this stage, I don’t think I can handle an unhappy ending. I read on some forum that the ending in the Chinese novel from which it has been adapted is kind of open ended, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed🤞🤞
By the way, in ep.9, did you also feel that before doing certain activities (**cough cough**) which not only CKH/WW but all viewers have been waiting for so long, they should have put that mobile on silent mode or switched it off?😤😤😜😜
Oops I meant I’m NOT comfortable with the way WW is using lies about CKH as an excuse to get back at her boyfriend, snd CKH gets hit too! He’s too much of a gentleman- so I’m sure he will not correct the boyfriend’s misconception.
I’ve not watched Que Sera Dera, @Table122000. Looks loke it’s an okder drama. Will see if I can find a subbed version somewhere.
Hi, @Phoenix!
Sorry to be so long to return and discuss this drama-real life intervened and things have been a little hectic, but I am back on track now.
I’ll have to agree with you on TW drama Behind Your Smile-I also felt a little let down by that drama. Certainly BWGM is much more intense feels and mature vibe. Perhaps I had too high expectations with Behind Your Smile since the same team that created Autumn’s Concerto created BYS. In many ways, I feel like BWGM is much more the worthy successor to Autumn’s Concerto than BYS.
To be sure, Jasper Liu’s acting is so good here in this drama and I’ll agree his portrayal of CKH is the highlight for me as well. After seeing him in mostly boy next door roles, it was an eye opener to see him take on such a layered character and nail it, especially in the first episodes when CKH is definitely not behaving in a nice way. This role has proven to a lot of people that he’s grown as an actor and that he’s got range. Yes, his micro expressions and eye acting are so good here and he really makes you feel for CKH. To be fair, I think credit must also go to Puff Guo as well. She is doing a great job as Wei Wei, and when you have a strong acting partner that you can work with, it raises your own performance level.
I’m still waiting for subs on Ep. 11, but yeah, I didn’t like it in the preview that WW lies to HY that she and CKH slept together several times while he was in Shanghai. I’ll be interested to see the context of that comment in the episode.
As for Ep. 9- oh my yes, WW turn off your dang phone! And 321-you’re not calling, and NOW all of a sudden you call? Why change your routine, hmmn?
Seriously, the bed scene in Ep. 9 was one of the best I’ve ever seen. I could feel both the passion AND the tenderness. Kudos to the director for all the choices-how it was shot. The decision to slow the camera speed down about 25% ( I think) along with that choice of background music really made the mood more romantic and focused on building emotional connection between the characters and the viewer. And kudos to both Jasper & Puff for their acting here! They were totally committed to the scene and really invested in their characters. I’m not sure how much was directorial influence but I really liked the small touches they exchanged- touching each others faces, hands. Puff caressing Jasper’s face I really felt like we were finally seeing just how much WW is in love with CKH.
As for Que Sera Sera, you can find it at the “other” sites. Here’s link to Kissasian:
https://kissasian.sh/Drama/Que-Sera-Sera
Hello, @Table122000! So glad we feel the same way about this TW drama 🙂 I’ve been down with flu too; so haven’t been logging in too much either.
I re-watched Episode 9 of BWGM – that bed scene is really so intense and perfectly acted and filmed. So much is expressed in small gestures without words or showing anything too revealing.
I dislike that clingy ex-GF of CKH so much – I think I saw her even slapping WW in a Ep.11 preview! She thinks she owns CKH!
Just like kdrama friendships, I also like how steadfast WW’s friend is in this drama. She’s always there to shield WW.
One thing I don’t like is that we have only one episode per week for this drama – which is a really, really long wait 🙁 Usually, there are two episodes per week in all dramas – don’t know why they decided to torture us for this one! 😛
Here’s hoping we get our longed for happy ending for this couple 🙂
@Table122000: Thanks for the link to QSS. Will try it out sometime. Need to re-watch Autumn’s Concerto first, I think. I watched it a long time back.
@Phoenix-I’m so sorry to hear that you have been sick. I hope that you are feeling much better now.
Yes, the 1 episode a week format for TW dramas is such torture here for this drama. The struggle is real! It’s hard to believe that there are only 2 more episodes left. I hope that these final 2 episodes will really focus on development of WW & CKH relationship and we see lots more scenes of them getting to know each other. One of the things I like about this drama is that it shows that WW & CKH like each other as people-it’s not just about the passion. So I do hope we get to see more of that compatibility, and definitely some sweet couple scenes too.
However, from the Ep. 12 preview, it looks like the 2nd leads drama will still be going on, plus someone posted at another forum that Puff said the 3rd big love scene wouldn’t happen until the final episode 13, so I don’t have much hope of getting a lot of OTP focus over 2nd lead craziness. There are some 321 scenes that we saw in the 10 minute teaser and also the credits that haven’t happened yet as well. It’s a shame because I think the drama works best when it lets the acting chemistry of Jasper & Puff shine-their scenes together are on fire! We need more, not less of them. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
Oh, the character of Zi Yuan is now driving me crazy! I mean how many times does a guy have to tell you he is not interested in you any more? She is just so much in denial. It doesn’t help that the Chairman’s wife? is enabling her obsession by giving her the assistant job. The woman needs a therapist ASAP!
Yes, Ep. 9 love scenes are just so good! It not only is so passionate, beautifully acted and shot, but it actually advances the plot forward. It’s on my list of top scenes of all time.
I am also hoping that we have a happy ending for our OTP in this drama. Please, no sad endings!
My rewatch continues so I’ll try to post more thoughts later.
@Table122000: I’m feeling much better now, thank you 🙂
I too really want to see more of WW/CKH sweet interactions because as you correctly said, their wonderful compatibility as friends who genuinely understand each other is what comes across in those scenes. I really am sick of both the ex-s hanging around now.
I will wait for your analysis on the ending to start watching the remaining episodes 🙂 I don’t want another weak ending please! That MOA ending is still fresh in my mind.
Hugs and hello to you @Phoenix 👋🏻😘
I hope you’re good and in good health.
How’s our Yang Yang on King’s Avatar? ☺️
@agdr03: Hugs to you too💕 I’m better now, but was sick for almost a week – so lots of tasks piled up at work 😤 No time for dramas yet.
I’m consciously keeping off starting to watch King’s Avatar for a time when I have a disturbance-free weekend. I want to fangirl over our Yang Yang without interruptions 😛 I’m targeting it for a weekend in the beginning of September 🙂 I hope ot lives up to my expectations!
Haha. Maybe we can do a watch here. Watch it together and post our reactions at the same time.
@agdr03 and I are veterans of rewatches at soompi but I’ve never done it on this blog. And I’m scheduled to travel again in the fall.
Get well soon! Fighting!!
@packmule3: Thank you😊 After all the encouragement from everyone here, I’m feeling much better 💕 More than physical weakness, the flu has left me feeling depressed and irritable for some reason. Think I need to watch a good comedy drama over the weekend to avoid snapping at people at work 😛 Any k-drama recommendations in the comedy genre? It’s not a genre I usually watch – so don’t have much idea myself.
The watch idea for King’s Avatar sounds like a fun party 🙂 I’ve never ever participated in one before. Please let’s do it! Once you are back maybe. It’s so much more fun dissecting scenes and Yang Yang expressions with everyone here😛
To be honest, I’m a little scared of starting King’s Avatar alone because I don’t want to NOT like it 😛 I think I need to have a little talk with myself not to expect Love O2O standards, to avoid getting disappointed.
@Phoenix-
I’ll be sure to post about the final episodes. I understand your fears about an unsatisfying ending as I’ve been burned before too. (Cheese in The Trap, oh my!)
For a great comedy drama to watch, I have to recommend my all time favorite rom com Marriage Not Dating. It’s hilarious! I love it because it is one of the few rom coms that actually never forgets the com right thru to the final episode. Marriage Not Dating is available at Viki and “other sites”.
Otherwise, I’ve heard good things about Welcome to Waikiki, although I haven’t seen it. It’s also at Viki.
@packmule3 and @Phoenix
I think I can watch King’s Avatar with you gals here but do we need to set up a time for it? Or do we watch episodes then put our highlights 🙂 Anyway just tell me and I should be ok 🙂
It’s best to do it when your back from your travel @packmule3 🙂
I do miss my Yang Yang.
@Table122000:
I don’t ever want to re-watch Cheese in the Trap because of that crappy ending – the way a drama ends just spoils just the whole experience for me and makes me forget all the good moments the drama had given me earlier. Don’t want that to happen to BWGM 🙁 I have high hopes for its ending (some more mushy WW/CKH scenes please, like Puff Guo hinted 😍😍).
Thanks for the comedy drama recommendations. I’ve heard good things about Welcome to Waikiki too, though at the moment I’m leaning more towards Marriage, Not Dating for this weekend as I do want some romance to go along with my comedies and am in need of some light fluff, I think 😛
@agdr03: Yippee! Just the thought of that watch party with Yang Yang fangirls has me super excited🤩🤩 Let’s wait for packmule3 to decide if, when and how to go about it as she’s the pro😎 Maybe after HDL and GGS are over and she’s back from her travels, we can do it on this blog. Do let us know @packmule3😃
@Phoenix-
Oh my, yes, bring on the love scees for BWGM! I’ll be interested to read your thoughts on Marriage Not Dating if you decide to check it out. It is so funny (to me, anyway). My favorite rom com of all times because it’s got comedy all the way through, 2 great lead actors with a very nice chemistry, and nice kiss scenes. Also the sound editing in this drama was really great and added to the comedy.
For light fluffy watch, my go to is Brode of the Century. The silliness is just too cute. It is a very light watch-truly a ball of fluff. Anyway, be sure to get some rest and continue your recovery this weekend.
@Table122000: Thank you 🙂 Will check out Marriage, Not Dating soon and let you know. It sounds interesting!
I’ve watched Bride of the Century. I agree it’s cute, but I don’t like the actor and the actress for some reason, even though the drama was funny. I’m peculiar that way – I need to like the lead couple to fully like a drama 😛
I still have a persistent cough and have taken the day off – I’m planning to sleep the day off today 😇
OMG! I just opened Netflix and found King’s Avatar there!!!**faints from excitement**
Really?! Woohoo!
But wait, I’ve to watch Love Alarm too. I’ve to put in on cue. I can make a post for you to update us, if you want. Just like this BWGM.
Hi @Phoenix and @packmule3 👋🏻
I keep forgetting to mention about King’s Avatar on Netflix ☺️ But last time I looked at it there was no episode yet that was ready.
That would be nice @packmule3 if we can make comments on it here ☺️ Still not sure how good it is.
Also Vagabond of Suzy and LSG will air September 20 or 24, I believe. I want to watch that one. 😊
Thanks!
Yes, to Vagabond. I’m watching that.
Okay, I’ll put up an open post for King’s Avatar where we can write-in comments.
Yes please, please do that @packmule3, but it will be more fun once we all start watching it together so we can comment on other’s comments like we usually do😃 I’m so super excited right now! I think I’ll start watching from next weekend (this weekend is too busy for me).
@agdr03: I double-checked. There are 20 episodes up now and all with English subtitles..Yoohoo**happy dance**
@packmule3: I saw a few minutes of Love Alarm on Netflix yesterday. May want to watch it too (if I have time). @packmule3 and @agdr03: Vagabond on my to-be-watched list too😛 Exciting times ahead!🤩🤩
@@Table122000: So the last episode of BWGM is up on Viki but not subtitled yet. I cheated and saw the last 5 seconds (though I didn’t understand the dialogue, I guessed from the scenes) and was happy😃😃 Seems today is my lucky day🤩🤩 I can now safely watch the remaining episodes without palpitations😛😛
@Phoenix-
Yes, I skim watched Ep. 13 without the subs- Of course, I couldn’t wait for the final love scene (but no translation needed for that, haha!) And I did see it’s a happy ending-phew! Well, everyone was smiling andd CKH gave WW the OK sign, so I took it to mean HEA. Sorry I didn’t post about it-real life happened and there was stuff going on, but now is OK again. I’m still doing rewatch of the episodes, but I will definitely post more about this drama hopefully over the weekend. I hope you are all recovered from your illness.
@Table122000: Look forward to your views on the ending. I’ve been tied up with office work too; so still need to see the last 4 episodes. I’m waiting for the weekend 🙂 But I’m really happy they overcame all obstacles to be together in the end..and they were looking quite cute together in the ending scene💕
Yes, Happy watching and then I look forward to discussion later!
@Table 122000:
I’m completely recovered now, thank you 🙂 I have finally finished watching episodes 10-13 of BWGM and my opinion about this drama remains unchanged – I really liked it, especially the realistic way they showed how and why people grow out of long-standing relationships, and the same realistic way they ended it too. So I’m going to put down my thoughts about BWGM now **long post alert**
Things I liked:
1) How control and power imbalance in relationships can be subtle instead of direct and how it is often masked in the name of love –
Both WW and CKH were caught for so long in controlling relationships but probably didn’t realize that they were being controlled just because the nature of the control was not overt. Control over a partner is not always in the form of abuse, but in terms of controlling aspects of the partner’s lives – how much they should spend in a day, if they can go out with friends after work or not, if they can freely buy new dresses for themselves or not. There’s a significant comment on this in episode 11/12 when WW suddenly feels liberated after breaking off her relationship with 321. She goes out and splurges on a red dress, walks around the city by herself and just spends time alone absorbing her new-found freedom. I have seen such relationships in real life where people don’t realize that something’s wrong because on the surface everything’s right between a couple – but somewhere one partner is subtly controlling the other’s life and wishes in the name of love. The same goes for CKH – for all his success and forceful personality, he unknowingly allowed his ex-GF to subtly control where and how they should live, how he should build his career, when they should have their baby. She always kept saying that she was doing it for him and their future together (the same pattern that 321 followed). In the last episode, I liked how CKH too walked out of the job that she had created for him once again, still trying to control his life and thinking she owned him and his career. She hadn’t really changed her nature till the end, though 321 showed signs of changing for the better.
I think the writer managed to portray very well that in spite of all the foreshadowing about infidelity in this drama, it was not CKH and WW’s growing relationship that broke the two pairs apart, but the cracks and imperfections already in their existing relationships. The fact that WW and CKH met probably helped them realize that their existing relationships were all wrong, but it was never about them breaking their old relationships to get together. Ironically, for all the heated discussions on extra-marital relationships that this drama generated, they didn’t even sleep together till the last episode, and hence technically they weren’t having an affair.
2) How WW was the one who chose the speed of progression of her relationship with CKH, and how CKH constantly respected her decision –
For all those who thought CKH was too forceful and trying to manipulate WW into sleeping with him in the first 3 episodes, it is a testimony to how much he matured and changed over the series that he never pushed her to get into a relationship with him, even though he wanted it. He let her keep her distance when she wanted it, without protesting, and was there for her when she needed him, again without expectations. It was WW, not CKH, who chose when they should take the relationship to the next level – they went on a date and slept together only when she was ready, which was not until the the last episode.
CKH always admired her independence and respected her intelligence (notice how admiringly he was looking at WW when she managed to convince the Chairman to aid them on that fishing trip).
3) The level of understanding between WW and CKH as friends first before they decided to become lovers –
WW and CKH genuinely respect each other as individuals, and understand each other as individuals. There is a scene in episode 12 where after that terrible scene with 321 in office when 321 had come back to propose to WW again, WW comes out to find CKH waiting quietly for her on a bench below her apartment, because he knows she will not respond to calls, but he knew she would come out for a walk to clear her mind. They both grab cans of beer and just smile at each other, even after one of the most difficult days of their lives. CKH even jokes that if the whole world believes she slept with him for a 8 million dollars discount on her apartment, they might as well make it a reality it 😛 The fact that they are so comfortable with each other now that they can joke in such a situation shows how much they just get each other and support each other. This, to me, is how a true relationship should be – where each partner gives the other enough space, respects the partner, and allows them to make their own choices, while being there for each other in times of need. There is another cute scene (in episode 10 I think) where they are in a playground playing like kids and drinking and just randomly chatting like good friends who genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
4) Jasper’s acting (and the chemistry between him and Puff) –
I know I have spoken about this earlier as well but the way Jasper changes the expression of his eyes without saying a word is just awesome. Theirs is such a slow burn relationship and Jasper is constantly forced to not voice his feeling, but his eyes reveal his every emotion. Notice the same scene I talked about earlier in episode 12 (I think) where they are both sitting on the bench talking about that horrible day in office, and they stand up to leave, when WW touches the spot on CKH’s face where 321 had hit him. Then she proceeds to say they are just friends, and notice the expression on Jasper’s face at that time (it clearly says: Who are you kidding? But if you want to pretend that, so be it). There’s a whole paragraph there in his eyes where there’s much more left unsaid than is actually said, and it’s moments like this throughout the drama which made their chemistry special to me.
5) The final love scene and the ending –
When in episode 13, WW finally was able to move on and offered to go on a date with CKH, CKH was surprised and pleased, and when they finally slept together, I’m sure the viewers were too 😛 That first date was cute, by the way, and I liked their banter as always (WW: Why do you like me? Why have you been so persistent? Do you like my body? CKH: But I haven’t seen it :P) I also liked how realistic CKH’s explanation of liking WW was – he said he liked her just because, and there was no specific reason. I too think we love people just because they are what they are – love doesn’t need a reason, it just is. Their final bed scene was all that I had hoped for (thank the drama Gods we finally got one, after teasing us for 13 episodes!). It was tastefully shot again, but what I liked more was the morning after conversation where WW said she needs more time to herself. I liked how she doesn’t immediately just into the next available relationship to recover from the old one, because that’s a common mistake people do.
The liked the way it ended too – that scene where the four of them were whispering in the church while the wedding wow were being said was so hilarious, with their friends paying more attention to WW and CKH’s conversation than their own wedding wows 😀 I liked that WW said she was not WW 2.0 version yet, maybe only WW 1.8, but she was the one who initiated the next date again and asked CKH out for coffee. I think that was a perfect note to end this drama, with the viewers understanding that CKH and WW’s long wait is finally over and they can now look forward to their new relationship without any past baggage.
I’m very happy I didn’t give up on this drama (as I often do), and will definitely re-watch it anytime I want to delve deeper into relationships (it’s shorter than kdramas at 13 episodes). I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to not take it at face value, but to wait and watch to realize that it doesn’t talk about infidelity or non-consent but about relationship issues that we can all relate to.
@Table122000: Would love to hear your thoughts too when you have had time to watch all the episodes. Thank you for being on this drama’s journey together with me 🙂
@Phoenix-
I have finally finished all 13 episodes of this drama! And what a ride it was. For the final episodes, well, I liked them but I do wish that the focus could have been more on developing the main leads relationship and less about the 2 leads not being able to “let go”. However, I liked that it was a happy ending with the promise of CKH and ZWW becoming a couple. Overall, I really enjoyed this drama and I found it a very refreshing change to watch a drama that was not afraid to explore what happens with people in long term relationships in a more realistic way. Now, I respond to your post 🙂
First, thank you for sharing all of your thoughts about this drama. I loved the long post!
1) Drama exploration of power/control issues in relationships: Oh my gosh, YES! You say it so well, @Phoenix. I agree with everything! Man, just copy and paste this over onto Soompi forums and MDL because I think you are exactly right in that the writer was not really exploring “infidelity” as such, but rather how couples relate to one another over time, the nature of power in a relationship. And you are so right, control in a relationship doesn’t have to be abuse, overt or even physical. It is often subtle and a mental attitude, and is done with loe. I, like you, also liked how the writer(s) of the drama made it so clear that the stresses and cracks were already present in both main leads relationships, and that the cause of the existing relationship breakdowns wasn’t the presence of a new lover, but rather the issues already present. And yeah, I also liked how CKH told Ziyuan thank you for loving me for 10 years, but I don’t want to be controlled anymore.
This drama often surprised me with the themes it explored, such as being true to yourself in relationships or is it better to stay in a relationship where you are unfulfilled or break things off? I don’t know how to express it. I know some viewers were frustrated with WW character’s indecisiveness, but for me I thought it one of the most interesting aspects of the drama because it was so true to life. I mean, that’s how real people who are in long term relationships act. They do struggle over their feelings, and go back and forth, and it can be a very long process. (years even) From a dramatic standpoint it can be boring to watch that type of behavior play out long term on screen as dramatic tension is built on action, so I commend this drama for having the courage to show how a person does go back and forth. it’s a credit to Puff Guo acting skill that we viewers are invested in her journey. Of course by the time we get to Ep. 11, WW has made her decision and there is no going back-she stays firm. I’ll never forget the scene in I think it was Ep. 9 where WW basically tells Hao Yi “not tonight honey”, and HY kind of ignores that and then WW tells him where to go and they have a fight. I just thought “Wow! A drama that is so true to life as to put that type of scene in it” Extremely rare in a drama from any country really.
2) Yes, it was very nice to see the female lead WW in control and setting the pace for the relationship and how the male lead CKH respected her boundaries and just followed her direction. CKH character really developed into perfect boyfriend material.
3) Yes, I totally agree with you. I have said before how much I loved that this drama took the time to show how CKH and WW actually were friends and really liked each other as people, it wasn’t just physical attraction. It’s one of my favorite aspects of the drama. I just wish we could have gotten more of those type of scenes in the later episodes rather than the 2nd lead craziness. That scene in Ep. 12 is a great one. It really illustrates how attuned to each other they are, how “right” for each other. I also like the scene in Ep. 10?, I think, where CKH gives WW a dress and shoes to wear to the investors party/get together and then at the end it just shows the 2 of them sitting in the gazebo talking and laughing together.
4) Jasper’s acting (and Puff)- You have said it all for me. Jasper’s acting is a revelation here in this drama. His performance is easily the best I’ve seen from him and he proves here how much he has grown with his skills. He nails the character, especially in the beginning episodes when CKH is not a “nice” guy, yet Jasper is still able to give the character some little nuances, so you can see that CKH is not just one way, but complex and layered. His facial expressions, just wow. He is able to convey just so much.
The on screen chemistry between him and Puff Guo was on fire. The scenes between them were magnetic and they were a joy to watch together. Best example for me was their first bed scene in Ep. 9: from the “looks of love” to the little touches, it was an amazing piece of acting by 2 professionals who were feeding off of each other’s energy and both giving 100%. They are friends in real life and it really shows in the more intimate scenes because they are just so relaxed and comfortable with each other.
5) The love scenes in this drama were some of the best I have ever seen, not just in Asian dramas, but for all dramas. The kiss and bed scene in Ep. 9 stands out as just perfection for me. However, the other love scenes were also well done such as the kiss in Ep. 4 and the final love scene in Ep. 13. What was good about those scenes was that they actually were tools to advance the plot, not just there for “fan service”. The director is to be commended for the love scenes. The Ep. 13 bed scene I did enjoy it overall and it was also well shot. I was certainly ready for it! (I think I never wanted a bed scene to happen so bad in a drama before!) I found the choice of music and then the voiceover by WW to be distracting, though. I wish her thoughts could have been conveyed in a different way. I also felt it was just a little bit lacking somehow-can’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe I just hyped it up too much in my own mind waiting for it, especially after the excellent bed scene in Ep.9.
I also didn’t mind the ending. Would I have liked to have seen more of CKH and WW after they get back together, sure I would have, but I was satisfied with the ending as it was a happy ending that showed CKH and WW were going to start their relationship as a couple. So for me they were together at the end. I think the drama stayed true to the spirit of the novel’s open ending, and to the drama’s more realistic tone. Some viewers did not like the time jump, but I felt that it was fitting. A lot of dramas the time jump trope feels unnecessary, but for this drama it made perfect sense as both WW and CKH really needed that time and distance from each other to just focus on finding themselves, and not jump immediately into another relationship. You just know that their relationship when they do start it will be all the stronger for having waited.
Overall, I enjoyed this drama and reccommend it for people who are looking for a drama that explores relationships. And a big thank you to @Phoenix for discussing this drama with me and sharing lots of insights!
@Table122000: Loved reading your final thoughts after finishing BWGM. I’m so happy that your feelings for this drama are exactly like mine😊 This will always be a drama I can re-watch, especially because of the complex relationship issues it tackled and the fabulous chemistry between the leads that I couldn’t take my eyes off. I could have done without the troubles caused by the irritating ex-es in the last few episodes, but no drama is perfect anyways. So this drama left me happy at the end 🙂
@Phoenix- Yes, I am also happy that we both enjoyed this drama. I agree with you that this drama is a good one for rewatch because of the things you point out- the script is layered and the performances and on screen chemistry of the 2 main leads is riveting. I will admit that on rewatch I will probably end up fast forwarding through a lot of the 2nd leads craziness. Like you, I wish that the final episodes turned the focus onto exploring the 2 main leads and their relationship rather than more of 2nd leads failures to “move on”. As another viewer pointed out we didn’t get to see any real backstory about the main leads-like did CKH have parents or siblings? Was he an orphan? But, as you say, no drama is perfect. All in all, this was an addictive drama and I was anxiously awaiting each episode.