A Stellar Production All Round with a Brilliant Cast, Excellent Screenplay & Scripting ... showcasing the interplay & development of four Relationships played out amid the backdrop of sufficiently engaging Corporate intrigues & rivalry in modern Shanghai. Undergirded by a seamlessly executed OST which heightened the ambience.
The chemistry between the main lead couple is deliciously palpable. Meeting again after 7 yrs following a crushing breakup for reasons that remained nebulous, audiences are then drip fed the reason over the next 48 episodes. The angst, restraint, longing ... Exquisite. Yummy.
The FF Button was a helpful friend during the first viewing for a quick overview of the main storyline ... but this is where the rewatch value comes in, one then finds that one needs to go back to the other sections to mine for answers that are hidden "slow released" in the dialogue - to patch the holes.
May not appeal to every demographic, likely the over 30s set with a high urban bias with patience for dialogues. But there is good depth and thought in the scripting and storytelling. Artistic licence and a respect for cultural values.
Hair tearingly frustrating in parts with things left unsaid or the unhelpful naggings, hilariously funny in others, loyalties tested in friendships, dilemmas, melting tender moments, cunning moves, fierce competition, love. & corporate rivalry, sabotage & betrayal, personal insecurities and regression, regrets & resolutions ... there really wasn't any part in the script that was cringeworthy though admittedly the "again" breakup in Ep 44 18:17 was unnecessary I thought. A Hollywood ending in 30 episodes could've gained it higher scores perhaps. A little protracted. The ending was slightly flat (and corny) compared to the velvety crescendo midway. (Eps 28-30)
However in hindsight, true to intention in storytelling, one could see how the latter 18 episodes was "needed" for all the subplots to fully unfold and various relationships to ripen. Diverse, believable and relational content between love interests, siblings, family friends, colleagues, business associates and rivals...
Great script. acting, setting, hairdstyles, complexion & makeup, costumes, handbags ... A cinematographic billboard for goods & services.
Here to Heart sets the standard.
