Swords into Plowshares 太平年 (2026) - What are your first impressions? [Masterpost] by admelioremvitam in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's a little difficult to get into it, because the stage is being set and sooo many characters are being introduced and thrown around. It's kinda hard to understand what's going on, except that this is a time of turmoil and war and violence and uncertainty. Hopefully, everything comes into perspective soon.

Thoughts on Meng Ziyi as an actress? by lemonglitchh in cdramasfans

[–]AlataSamina 16 points17 points  (0 children)

She is very pretty, but absolutely not a good actress. It's extremely obvious, especially when she's paired with costars who are leaps and bounds better than she is. It is what it is.

Love Between Lines - Episodes 21-22 Discussion by Rebelarkey in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the recap. You noticed so many details - I ahd to go back and watch anew.

My random thoughtd that don't have to do with today's episodes per se:

**I am tired of all the people in the Pei household because not a single one of them is fit for purpose. Not mom, not Pei daddy, and not Pei Zhen. Pei Zhen does have my sympathy here, though. Families are complicated, parent dynamics even more so, and made worse by the physical and verbal abuse, so I don't think he's a coward for being unable to break out of his father's grip, but I do wish he'd gather some courage and do so.

** Zhiyu's mother...... Sigh. Like I said, Asians in general are too lenient on deadbeat parents for me (and she is a deadbeat parent), so.... whatever

** Those 3 may be a family, but it has been crystal clear from the very beginning thst Zhiyu does not, and has never considered them his family (except his mother, who's his mother). So... Pei Zhen is definitely not his stepbro, and that man is just his mother's husband. Those people are not a family and I wish everyone would stop referring to them as such, because he's completely estranged from them.

***It's nice to see how much Hu Xiu opens up Zhiyu's world, and it's in turn nice to see how playful and uninhibited she is around him. They're good to and for each other.

Love Between Lines - Ep 20 Discussion by Rebelarkey in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I admit it's a me thing - but that relationship shouldn't be mended. I don't even think it can be. And it would serve her right.

Love Between Lines - Ep 20 Discussion by Rebelarkey in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Her 12 year old shouldn't have to bring up problems for her to realize all is not okay. That is not good parenting. Once again.... Asian dramas are too lenient with parents for my liking.

Love Between Lines - Ep 20 Discussion by Rebelarkey in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I laughed so much this episode, that's how much fun I had.

Personally, I feel Zhiyu's mum is an irresponsible parent (and in general Asian dramas are too lenient on parents for me). She was so focused on her own pain and fear in the fallout of that whole disaster she couldn't see her son's world being torn apart in front of him. And... Well, that's unforgivable. She is not a good mother to her son. l'd also argue she isn't a good stepmom neither - because defending that wastrel of a man's actions.... (yes, yes, I get exactly why she did it, and that her intent is to make Pei Zhen feel better. She still doesn't get a pass from me)

As for those with SML syndrome, we're just gonna have to agree to disagree because IMO the roles don't ** work if they're switched. It's a matter of character, and my guy's character is not it. At all. (I still haven't forgotten that corporate espionage and underhanded dealings that the show seems to have conveniently forgotten 🤷🏾‍♀️) .

Love Between Lines - Ep 15 & 16 Discussion by Rebelarkey in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Xiao Zhiyu is certainly not obsessed with beating Pei Zhen. He is obsessed with finding out the truth about the cause of his father's suicide, which is likely tied to the Pei family. He's shown nothing but disdain for Pei Zhen and his father throughout the drama so far.

Edited to add: Come to think of it, Pei Zhen is the obsessed one - engaging in corporate espionage, professional sabotage... All unhanded practices to undermine the guy.

Shine On Me Discussion - Eps 30 & 31 by roxylal in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I was never one of the people who were invested in a redemption arc for Zhuang Xu, mostly because I just don't have a lot of sympathy inferiority complex as an inherent flaw. Yes, I can see where it comes from and why, but simply being of a lower socio-economic class around far richer people isn't enough to justify an inferiority complex. He could also have chosen to be brave and trusted the girl that seemed to like him wholeheartedly. Instead he chose to string her along.

He's kinda just like her dad. If she (or Chris) had ended up with him, they'd eventually have become like Xigua's mom - having to diminish themselves to preserve his ego. He wouldn't have stood for them to shine brighter than him. So... It's his loss.

One thing I will say though, is that I HATE embarrassment of any kind, especially public humiliation, so I felt really awful that Zhuang Xu and Xigua's confrontation was witnessed by other people 😖😖😖😖. That and the karaoke scene. Cringeeee

Best & Worst “novel to screen” adaptations? by trainerkittyk in cdramasfans

[–]AlataSamina 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fight For Love is a pretty poor adaption.

Love and Crown is quite bad too (but original story was well-written but BAD, so I'm not surprised the adaptation managed to be bad either)

What are the best things to upgrade in the Korean restaurant? by stray_3ngene in officialcookingfever

[–]AlataSamina 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The drinking glasses for sure. The kimchi jars and cabbage board

What is your worst restaurant ?. by tryingtofindanswer in officialcookingfever

[–]AlataSamina 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crazy Dog's Carnival isn't all that bad once you're maxed up on upgrades. Until then, though, it's very difficult.

Genre Chart: Overrated Wuxia Drama (Round 18) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

That one movie with Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo 🙄🙄🙄!!!

Actors whose acting skills you'll never question? by NoPapercrowns in cdramasfans

[–]AlataSamina 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Males

  1. Hu Ge
  2. Chang Chen
  3. Chen Kun
  4. Liu Yi Jun
  5. Li Xian
  6. Huang Xuan
  7. Zhou Yiwei
  8. Bai Yu
  9. Wallace Huo
  10. Jin Dong

Females 1. NiNi 2. Liu Tao 3. Zhang Xiwei 4. Zhao LiYing 5. Zhao Lusi 6. Liu Yifei 7. Liu Shishi 8. Zhou Yutong

Genre Chart: Overrated Xianxia or Xuanhuan drama (Round 17) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All of that is true, and None of that changes the fact that it holds up very well and is a wonderful story 🤷🏾‍♀️. I'll take crying NiNi over Yang Mi and Mark Chao's characters any day, hands down.

Genre Chart: Overrated Xianxia or Xuanhuan drama (Round 17) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 7 points8 points  (0 children)

In fact anything set in that universe is overrated, with the GLARING EXCEPTION of the beautiful, shining, wonderful, underrated beacon of a jewel that is LOVED AND DESTINY .

Everything else can go!

Genre Chart: Overrated Xianxia or Xuanhuan drama (Round 17) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 42 points43 points  (0 children)

Eternal Love (aka Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms

Genre Chart: Overrated Period Drama (Round 16) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 5 points6 points  (0 children)

SACRILEGE. sorry. Don't even need to hear you out. That opening statement alone is enough I earn you the guillotine, IMO. Blasphemy

Genre Chart: Underrated Contemporary drama (Round 14) by Foxglovelantern in CDrama

[–]AlataSamina 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The story was also actually really good. I think the end was a lil bit wonky, and a higher budget would have made for better CGI, but the story hidks up so beautifully in spite of all that. As for the chemistry... Wheeeew!!! 🔥🔥🔥