I can't believe I managed to complete a 56-episode drama. Unlike many C-dramas these years, the plot is logical and intelligent, characters' behaviour fit their personalities, story flows smoothly and does not have any glaring loopholes. I can see that effort and thought have been put into the sets, props, and background. Filming at actual locations really adds to the entertainment value.
I appreciate that the main characters are flawed and were able to learn and grow as the series went on. I also like that instead of focusing on purely romance and using everyone to push the romance agenda of the first male and female leads, the story talks about what it being a couple means, pushing societal norms, the challenges of familial relationships, and personal development. Comedy was interjected every now and again to avoid this series being too sombre and help to make supposed stern characters more down to earth. I especially like that time was given to delineate the thoughts and motive behind the characters, helping audiences understand and connect better, instead of editing chunks out just to speed up the plot and squeeze to fit into a typical 24-episode idol drama.
The acting of most of the main characters are on par but the same can't be said of the side characters, especially those that only appear for less than a few episodes, which makes it hard for the audience to connect with the storyline. I feel that as a whole, most of the cast (especially younger ones whose characters are supposed to be more flamboyant) were able to enact exaggerated emotions but fail to grasp the subtler ones and that detracts the full immersion of this show, so, I didn't award this show full marks. Regardless, I enjoyed the story a lot and I hope there would be more quality dramas like this.
I like this show for its divergence from the typical black-and-white, love-overcomes-everything, and good-always-prevails story line. First, the emperor's favouritism towards the crown prince made Cheng Yin realised truth does not matter. In order to survive in the cut-throat palace, he needs to be ruthless, thus, sending him down a path of destruction and cruelty. Although his love for Xiao Feng is true, it does not erase his evil deeds. This is precisely why Xiao Feng was never able to forgive him and love him with reckless abandonment. However, given a clean slate, they are drew to each other time and again, demonstrating that their love is not a coincidence and if given an alternative, their love could work. Cheng Yin isn't your fairy tale Prince Charming, neither is he the evil overlord. Xiao Feng may be a distressed damsel when she recovers her memories, but she doesn't stay revolved around love; she learns to care and fight for her kingdom and loved ones. Last but not the least, most of the cast are really good looking, which is definitely a plus.
I forgot how crazy and ridiculous animes can get but that's the charm of it (versus real-life films). Stories are wholesome. The plot explores relationships in general which helps audience to see that romance isn't everything. I love how the show discussed social commentary (tom boy, otaku, social anxiety, victim blaming, stalking, etc.) in a lighthearted way. I really enjoyed watching it and I wouldn't mind one bit if they had a second season (provided the quality maintains the same).
For such a recent anime, I expected the details to be off the charts, so some of the weird (and seemingly lack of effort) drawings such as the curls in Liz's hair made me thought it was a pretty dated anime. Plot wise, pretty straightforward fantasy where the FL gets transported to a new world and learns to navigate her way. It's a surprisingly positive anime; no villians, no drama. I guess I have been affected by previous animes where evil definitely lurks round the corner. So if you're looking for rainbows and butterflies, where the MC defies all odds and succeed wherever she turns, this short anime is for you.
This needs Season 2 to develop the backstory between MIjo and Jason .
As mentioned by previous reviewers, this show stands out because it's not a cookie-cutter competition show. School is in the name and I really love that participants were given help and feedback (and even tuition!) throughout just like school. It seems like there is no forced drama from the producer's side as well. As the season progresses, you see how each participant grew both personally and professionally, and it's very fulfilling to watch. Amaury and his assistants were highly competent and great coaches, and it's very bold of Amaury impart his chocolatier secrets to the public "for free." It would be great to get a special episode/summary to find out what happened to at least the winner after this show.
p,s, It's not surprising that chocolate sculptures need a lot of chocolate but looking at that row of machines dispensing endless chocolate and all those discarded products is still very triggering :sweat_smile:
