Probably the most anticipated for me because of Qiao Zhen Yu yet I felt disappointed in it. Not because of the other cast or anything. I surprisingly liked Alice Ko in here since she hasn’t really clicked for me in her past dramas. Then perhaps it was just the plot or strange characterization that made it hard to relate for me. In here, she was really cute and funny as Qi Ting and was cunning and creepy as Jing Lan. The same for Liu Dong, portraying two roles so seamlessly alongside Alice. However, the plot was just dragging on and on between the Zhu sisters fighting over Tao Yue Ming that it didn’t appeal to me as much. Well, Qi Ting wasn’t fighting with her sister, but it seemed to shuffle back and forth between the love story so I wasn’t as interested in it as I would have.
Surprisingly good. I was having doubts about this pairing of Cecilia Han Xue and Chen Long. Yet their chemistry was quite good. I enjoyed their story more because of the combinations of the battle in the demon realm and how the story eventually played out. What was funny was how my mom (who is a major fan of Norman Chui) thought that he was just in here for some side, unimportant character that needed to be rescued. However, when the twist came around, it was indeed quite chilling. It was a nice twist though. He had to be the big, bad guy. How could he just stand aside and play some small role, right? Nice. Bittersweet ending, but it wasn’t too tragic. Well, it was when the ending was unknown. But once the last scene rolled around, it wasn’t too bad.
The chemistry between Lin You Wei and Kimi Li was so cute. At least initially. Having done the translations for the plot summary, I had expected the inevitable. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying their cute moments. How she hugged him when she finally arrived at the town. He was so happy and hugged her back. Then there was also the part where she tried to act all civilized and polite with the courtesy, so of course, she didn’t eat as much. It was so funny watching her trying to find food and then finding food at last. I totally sympathize. How could anyone eat so little? The cutest part was how he placed a cup of water/tea on the table. It showed that the person who prepared the special midnight dinner for her was him. So she hugged him, so touched. Only he would understand her. It was really cute and nice. He told her not to hold back since it was her house after all, so she could eat all that she wanted. Indeed, so cute. It was hard to see how he could betray her later on. Yet when the scenes finally came around regarding the betrayal, I realized that it wasn’t what was let on in the summary. There were many factors to think about. So in the end, I sort of forgive them for the mess. I felt that after all that was said and done, Heng Niang and Tian Fu belonged together.
Poor James Wen, once again had to play the bad guy. Yet I think for this type of short story, it was all right. He didn’t disappoint. After all, they needed to cut Lin You Wei some slacks, considering how he had to play some not so likable characters in the past. It was about time he stepped out of the shadow, right? Somewhat dramatic but was entertaining enough with a mixture of fantasies and all. Not to mention how they got past the ‘time travel’ thing! LOL! If only it was that obvious to cut out, right? Nicely done.
Hilarious. At least at first. Because of how Royce Wong’s character, Yang Yu Wei, was so freaked out by the ghost haunting his new house. It was insane. He tried everything but it didn’t work. He tried to reassure his brother that he was fine, but of course, he was far from fine. The story was quite intriguing at various points, with both sweetness and bitterness. Plus other very terrifying aspects, once again visiting the theme of people sometimes are scarier than ghosts/demons.
Sad, so sad. But it wasn’t too frustrating. Okay, it was in a way since there was a little more time before the ending yet the main guy died. But I think it wasn’t for nothing. The prince grew up still remembering him and still referred to him as his father. Talking about that, I especially like the relationship between Medic Ye and the young prince as father and son.
There were twists and turns about the plot and the unexpected thing led others to realize sometimes things weren’t what they were seen. Even if you think you got the story straight. A very touching story on many levels.
Interestingly my favorite story among all. I was just curious about how Bianca would fend and how the story would be. I also have doubts about her pairing up with Calvin Li. Yet they were awesome. I loved them from the start. Their story was touching and quite real. I meant aside from the whole fantasy elements, lol. I know, sounds ironic. But their relationship with living in the mountains and taking care of his mom as a family was quite nice. Then the other elements made it quite tragic. What was nice about it was how the Taoist wasn’t such an uptight, not knowing the gray areas–like some other stories in the past had led on. He was quite cool and knew that there were actually good demons as well, not just outright lumping them all together. At least, it was when he realized what was going on after the initial disagreement. What was a bit ironic about the situation was how she was the demon at the beginning of the story yet in the end, he was the demon. How could they work it out? Well, I guess they waited for so long, they would find a way to get past that obstacle as well. Not to mention how they needed her father’s approval too.
So conclusion? I think it’s clear that story #8 is my ultimate favorite. Then story # 2, #5, #4, #3, and #1–in that order. It’s because I haven’t watched the other two yet so I couldn’t place them. But will go back for those later and possibly change my answer. Anyway, I would’ve placed #3 higher but I think because of some repeated stuff, I want to switch it out. Although #4 was quite frustrating at some points too, I think the overall sort of made it worthwhile. Even if it was really tragic. Number #3, only found Lin You Wei and Kimi Li cute. Although the story with the fox demons was intriguing but also frustrating so I didn’t care for it as much. And I already explained why #1 is so low on the list.
Constable Xin Fang Ping (Chen Long) was born carefree, exuding a very righteous feeling. His senior Qu Rou (Yu Xiao Lei) had a deep and abiding affection for him. At the county town, there arose a set of unsolved rape cases. In addition, the most urgent case was the robbery within the imperial court. A series of important unsolved cases. The county town’s official, also his adopted father, Qu Qing Lei (Norman Chui) was executed by the emperor, and his corpse had disappeared. Xin Fang Ping was determined to seek justice for his father. While solving the case, he ended up going to the demonic realm. Ahead, there were many trials thus leading to him and Qu Rou entering death and going to the demonic realm. Incidentally saving a demonic girl Xie Ling Er (Cecilia Han Xue). Furthermore, finding out that the demonic leader wanted to control both worlds. The two maidens who loved Xin Fang Ping dearly fought along his side in the battle of the demonic realm. The truth and ending nevertheless will cause one to be heart-broken.
Bộ đầu Hân Phương Bình (Trần Long) trời sanh dễ tánh, phát ra một cảm giác chánh nghĩa. Sư tỷ Khúc Nhu (Vu Tiểu Lỗi) đối y nhứt vãng tình thâm. Ở huyện thành liên tiếp không ngừng những vụ án hái hoa phác sóc mê ly. Khẩn cấp hơn là vụ án bị cướp tại hoàng cung. Một loạt trọng án không phá được. Huyện lệnh dưỡng phụ Khúc Thanh Lỗi (Từ Thiếu Cường) bị hoàng thượng tru sát và thi thể bị thất tung. Hân Phương Bình quyết ý vì phụ đòi lại công đạo. Trong lúc phá án, y đã lọt và ma giới. Trước mắt có rất nhiều quan ải đã khiến y và Khúc Nhu nhập tử và vào ma giới. Ngẫu nhiên đã cứu được ma linh nữ Tạ Linh Nhi (Hàn Tuyết). Còn biết được rằng thiên ma đại nhân vọng tưởng xưng bá lưỡng thế. Hai người con gái yêu Hân Phương Bình tha thiết sẽ cùng sánh vai bên y trong cuộc đấu tranh ở ma giới. Chân tướng và kết cuộc sẽ khiến người vỡ lòng.
*All information was from Baidu, and all translations were by DTLCT.
*All images were collected around the net hence belonging to their rightful owners.
I’m finally reviewing this after soooo long. Yes, I sure took my precious time. So, first thoughts? I thought her voice would take on a sweeter feeling, considering how her normal talking voice is. But it doesn’t mean I don’t like it. I find it unique. I also like the artistic approach for this album, and how the theme seemed to reflect with keeping it real. There was some added sophistication into it but that reflected her different sides.
1. Epiphyllum (曇花). Such a beautiful song. The music flows nicely along with her voice. The lyrics blend nicely along, weaving a very mystical picture. Yet what’s so mesmerizing about the song is the imagery along with the string instrument used to tug at one’s heart.
2. Song of Midsummer (盛夏的歌). Lyrics were penned by Cecilia. A very fun and uplifting song. Just right for the summer season. Very nice and cute in a sense. It started out with a mild sense of upbeat but intensified itself midway through. Worked out great.
3. They Say (他們說). Another song with its lyrics penned by Cecilia. This song really appealed to my rebellious side. More like how society kept telling and dictating for us to do what’s supposedly “right” yet it’s not their lives. It’s our lives. We should know what we want and we will have to deal with consequences, not them. So why listen? Love this song! Like the beat and a strong ending.
4. This Is Our Youth (這就是我們的青春)(2012年的蘇州市吳中區形象宣傳片主題曲). Yet another song penned by Cecilia. Not that I’m complaining, lol. Another beautiful song, so nice and innocent, just like how youth usually is. Really love the overall feeling of this and the mood is nicely set.
5. Fatalism (宿命論). Lyrics penned by Cecilia. Fast and upbeat song. Has this ‘rocker’ feeling to it. Or maybe it’s just me, lol.
6. The Best Time, The Best Love (最好時光最好的愛). Yeah, it’s another song written by Cecilia. Another lovely song.
7. Midnight in Paris. Lyrics were penned by Cecilia (once again, lol). Started out slow and built itself to a really fast and upbeat song. Cecilia’s voice took on a cuter side for this one. The music is so addicting for this one–although just a simple song. Kudos to the composer.
8. Love is Like a Fire (愛就一把火). Penned by one of the best lyricists, Lin Xi. Another nice song by this lyricist. However, not my favorite among all the other songs.
9. Can’t Leave You (離不開你). Lyrics adapted by Cecilia. I was having mixed feelings throughout this song. Yet she won me over again. A sad and somewhat touching song. I didn’t mind that it was leaning toward the ‘whining’ side. Because the ending made all the difference.
10. Fleeing (逃離). I love them as a team as lyricist and composer. ‘Cause I really enjoyed their other collaborations (tracks 4 and 7). A somewhat sad song but it didn’t take on a pitiful tone. A feeling of reminiscence and a touch of a haunting past.
11. 1050﹣2009. Same team from tracks 4,7, and 10. Another epic collaboration to finish out the album. Love the piano mix in this one. It provided a beautiful flow for the song and splashed on it a very nice touch of an ancient feeling. Like a classic era, which fitted nicely for the theme of the song.
Cecilia is truly a chameleon lyricist. I was really amazed and surprised by the range and theme she managed to capture in each one of the songs she wrote. Of course, the accompanying of the wonderful composers helped. However, the lyrics she used for each song made it unique and how it wasn’t repetitive like how lyricists often fall into. Each theme of the song was different, so even if some of the simplest characters repeated (which was essential), the language used was totally different thus giving a different feeling for the song in general.
Recommended? Up to you. I felt it was worth it for me. It reassured me once again that I could still listen to qualify stuff and enjoy pop music on its own, lol. PHEW! (LOL) But seriously though, it was worth it. For real. I was surprised that I enjoyed it that much. The first listen was misleading. It was a very beautiful album overall if you understand the flowery lyrics and imagery used.
*All images were scanned by DTLCT
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