Sunday, November 10, 2024

Chinese Drama time: Well intended Love Season 1 vs. Season 2 Review by Rebekah Walton



This review may contain spoilers for both seasons.

If you were a fan of Well Intended Love Season 1, or if you struggled through the fluff-filled episodes hoping for more substance, then Well Intended Love Season 2 is a refreshing surprise. When I first heard that Season 2 was coming out, I was expecting a typical sequel: a continuation of the same drama and recycled plot points with minimal growth or improvement. But what I got instead was a season that reworks the previous story into something much more compelling, with better character development, deeper emotional stakes, and a stronger overall narrative. I, at first, was disappointed but, I realized it was a good thing overall and begin to enjoy Season 2 much better than Season 1.

The Changes That Make Season 2 Shine

For those who enjoyed the first season, you might remember the main story line where the Male Lead (ML) tricks the Female Lead (FL) into marrying him by pretending she has cancer, and that his marriage to her is the only cure. This plot point, while dramatic, was a bit of a stretch, and the deceit left a bad taste in many viewers' mouths, including mine. In Season 2, however, this element is significantly altered.

Spoilers for Season 2: The whole "cancer trick" is gone. Instead of manipulating the FL through a life-threatening lie, the ML's actions are driven by a more genuine, if still complicated, motivation. He comes up with a solution to an issue the couple faces, but does not create the problem himself. This shift makes it much easier for the FL to forgive him, and the whole "big secret" is no longer the huge drama center that it was in Season 1. The emotional stakes feel more grounded, and the relationship between the leads evolves in a way that feels more authentic and less manipulative.

The Second Male Lead Gets His Own Story

One of the standout improvements in Season 2 is the development of the Second Male Lead (SML) and his romance. In the first season, the SML was involved in the love triangle, but in Season 2, he moves on relatively quickly from his feelings for the FL and focuses on growing his business. However, this doesn't mean he's left without a love story of his own.

A new female character enters the scene, and she takes the initiative in pursuing the SML. Her boldness and determination to win his heart are a refreshing change from the typical passive roles that female characters often play in romantic dramas. The way she boldly moves forward with her feelings for the SML is both empowering and endearing, and their relationship adds an enjoyable secondary storyline that complements the main couple’s journey. Without giving too much away, it's satisfying to watch how this subplot unfolds and provides an additional layer to the drama.

Same Great Chemistry, Better Storytelling

As for the acting, the cast remains as strong as ever. The leads from Season 1 bring their A-game again, and their chemistry is just as palpable, if not more so, this time around. The rapport between the ML and FL feels more natural, and their interactions are filled with more genuine emotion rather than relying on misunderstandings or dramatic plot twists to move the story forward.

Despite the improvements in the story and characters, one of the reasons Well Intended Love Season 2 works so well is because the actors truly elevate the material. Their ability to convey both the lighter, comedic moments and the more heartfelt, dramatic scenes makes the show enjoyable to watch from start to finish. The chemistry between the leads is off the charts, and that’s what keeps the audience hooked.

Can You Skip Season 1?

For those who haven’t watched Season 1, the good news is that it’s not essential to understanding or enjoying Season 2. There are a couple of references to the events of the first season—once in Episode 1 and again in the final episode—but aside from these brief nods, Season 2 stands on its own. In fact, I would recommend starting with Season 2 instead of Season 1, especially if you’re looking for a more satisfying and well-rounded narrative. While Season 1 had its moments, the pacing was slower, and the plot often felt repetitive. Season 2, on the other hand, is tighter, with a more focused story line that makes it a much more rewarding watch.

Final Thoughts

Well Intended Love Season 2 is a vast improvement over the first season, offering a more engaging story


line, better character arcs, and a romance that feels earned rather than forced. If you were unsure about continuing after the first season, I highly encourage you to give Season 2 a try. With stronger emotional development, more interesting secondary characters, and a fresh take on the central relationship, it’s a much more enjoyable and satisfying experience.

I’ll admit, I went into this season with low expectations, but it completely exceeded them. Whether you’re a fan of the first season or a newcomer, this is a drama worth watching.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Mulan All the Chinese versions vs. Live Action Disney Mulan by Rebekah Walton

( Yes, I know that this is my Kdrama blog and maybe if I create a Cdrama blog I will transfer this post over there but,  for now this is the best place to do this analysis.)


Hua Mulan is a legend which is possibly to be based on a real story although no one can tell for sure. The legend was about honor for the family and the country. I enjoyed reading English translations of the two most common written versions of Mulan: The Ballad of Mulan,and The Fallen Sakura. The animated Disney classic, strays away from either version of the legend and makes the story of Mulan about more protecting the family and not fitting in with everyone else but, using your smarts to outsmart the enemy. Which I guess is okay, but I never wanted a live action remake that followed this version. So, I was glad when they announced they wanted to make it more real and like the legend of Mulan. 

My dream live action version of Mulan is similar to The Great Wall movie: cool clothes, bright colors, and lots of action and strategy. This is what I wanted going into watching the movie. But, as people kept giving Mulan bad reviews I felt it was best to watch the other live action versions of Mulan before I saw the Disney version. 

In this way, I could give an analysis on what each of them gave us and figure out what the Disney Mulan gave to the audience that was special.

Since some of the movies made of Mulan cannot be watched anymore I decided to stick to those I could easily watch online with subs:

Mulan Joins the Army (1939)- This was a remake of a film that had been made a couple of times before, but, this version I could find easily on youtube. This is the only black and white film on the mix. 

What it brought to the table: This black and white movie is very comedic and has a romance, lighthearted and gritty and realistic like later adaptations.

Please read reviews on Letterboxd to get more in depth.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan (1964 film)- This is an opera musical and the only one based on Mulan that I could actually watch on youtube easily. This movie was such a delight to watch.

What it brought to the table: Comedy. Cute romance. Emotions show by clothes. Singing. Follows the Ballad of Mulan as closely as it can. Only Hong Kong version.

Mulan (2009 film)- Also known as Rise of the Warrior. This is as realistic as they are going to get. This was mostly based on the second version of the Tale of Mulan:

Sad ending, but, super impactful and it makes a lot of sense. Frankly, I kind of wish Disney had taken this story for their live action movie and made their twist based on this plot. It is a war story. Often we forget that Mulan was a war veteran and that wars are brutal. 

What it brought to the table: Realism. The Horror of War. The pain of Death. Brutal Honesty. 

Matchless Mulan (无双花木兰) (2020) - People actually know she is a girl in this version because they are from her village. When new recruits and herself are ordered to rescue the prince, Yuan Hong, she realizes that she must fight to protect her loved ones. 

What it brought to the table: The plot was made up of different smaller missions. More realistic approach, but, only spends a few minutes with her being a woman at the begining. 

Read the reviews on this page for more in depth:

https://mydramalist.com/61011-matchless-mulan

Mulan Legend (2020) - This was just trying to capitalize on Mulan and truly was a different sort of story.

What it brought to the table:

Wuxia-style action adventure that re-imagines the life of Mulan of folklore as a military general instead of a soldier. She goes on a mission to rescue a princess. 

Best review of this version is the only review on it's mydramalist profile page: https://mydramalist.com/68119-mulan-desert-rescue

Mulan Disney (2020)- Suppose to be based on the animation they made years before, but instead is not, they took out music, and added a random evil witch for a Mulan to fight.

What it brought to the table: Nothing, except for the fact we know they filmed on reeducation camps in China. Went along with the message of the CCP eventhough, they did not have to because they are in America and not China. Worst ever. Had the main Chinese American actress talk about about Hong Kong.

Here are the list of actresses that played Mulan in the different versions:

Mulan joins the army 1939:Chen Yunshang



Lady General Hua Mulan 1964:Ivy Ling Po

Mulan 2009: Zhao Wei 



Matchless Mulan 2020: Hu Xue Er





Mulan Legend 2020: Zhang Dong




Disney Mulan 2020: Liu Yifei 






Which actress I liked best:

Zhao Wei from the Mulan (2009).

What storyline was my favorite:

Lady General Hua Mulan 

Mulan (2009)

Which ones I would recommend: 

For those that like Musicals: Lady General Hua Mulan

For those that like Realistic war movies: Mulan (2009)