I waited until i finished the series before posting this review and overall this version was the closest to the manga, about a solid 85% accuracy. I reread the manga while i wait for it to be uploaded on drama sites and i can guarantee its the most precise adaptation ever, even down to some of the lines/scenes from the series. Of course its impossible to recreate ALL of it and there's a bunch of fillers as well. (talking about that confusing meizuo/caina arc)

Here's some of my main issue with this.

1. Its not a high school setting but on a university. I don't know why they did that, probably to save money for the uniforms but i saw one of Daoming Si's outfit and its freaking Dior. Apparently it was sponsored. Although they can still wear them because the F4 doesn't usually wear uniforms. OH and i guess another reason was the amount of booze they consumed here, they can't be having all that wine while they're still underage right?

2. NO RED TAGS. this irks me to hell and back. Okay so before you whine about 'how abusive and toxic' it is just bear with me. We all know Daoming Si was a grade A juvenile douchebag and all around jerk but we also know the reason (im just pissed that they didn't highlight this well enough) Dylan Wang's portrayal of this was watered down, one dimensional and honestly quite bland. However this is his first major project so I'll give him a pass and a pat on the back for a good effort.

Shancai on the other hand, because they omitted this tiny detail and replaced it with a non threatening game of cards instead of the horrible bullying it didn't feel scary or frustrating and honestly Shancai could've easily ignore the man who stepped on her phone and have it fixed somewhere, she wouldn't have to deal with F4 because she couldn't care less about the school's elites. The end. But she then challenged Daoming Si and we have this 49 episode long remake. Lol

Because there were no red tags, they completely changed Shancai's strong sense of justice which made Shen Yue's Shancai feel a little bit selfish. Sure, she fights for her friends and all but Makino Tsukushi also fights the school system, standing up to her bullies multiple times and this made Domyouji even the rest of F4 notice her perseverance.

3. ALL THE SHAMELESS PRODUCT PLACEMENTS. This i absolutely can't stand. I don't mind some marketing for the major sponsors but holy hell they literally wasted an episode for the meizuo/caina date with all those annoying cinematic shots for the sponsors. Who the f asked for a meizuo love line anyway. He's supposed to be the noona bait but they totally ruined his story.

Seriously, i get super pissed when the cast suddenly promotes a gadget, moisturizer, game, app like its a part of the damn story.

4. I don't know if I'm stressing this well enough but THE MEIZUO/CAINA ARC IS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY. They could've focused more on Daoming Si, hell even his mother because she's not intimidating enough. They just dragged the last few episodes it eventually feel a lot more forced.

5. Daoming Feng the main antagonist just because. That's it. Daoming Group was supposed to be a force in the finance and banking business and hotels not food and catering. Shancai's parents suffered only a smidge when her dad was fired but they eventually survived because of the mom's catering business.

6. There was no wedding in the manga, Tsukasa proposed but Makino accepted it much later. They were separated actually and its a long distance relationship. This series totally milked the sweet moments for the fans so they will have more materials to edit for their tribute fmvs.

7. Those three random English songs. Its hella cringey.

8. Oukawahara Shigeru >>>>>>>>>He Xiaoqi. Its non debatable.

On the lighter and positive note, I'm completely satisfied with the Ximen/Xiaoyou arc, they never disappoint. Soujirou/Yuki (manga ver.) didn't end up together BUT I definitely prefer this version. Their story isn't drawn out and paced just perfectly.

Also, Zhuang is fantastic, she was fun and animated and she totally captured Domyouji Tsubaki's character.

Another one, when Daoming Si asked for Shancai's hand for marriage and he stayed on the fishing village, there was a moment with his future in laws. I was ready to thrash Shancai's parents for being a little apathetic but this moment saved it that i decided to drop the issue. Its simple and hearfelt, especially when Si and Shancai's dad talked man to man. You can see the uncertainty and inner turmoil on her dad when he entrusted his only daughter to him, coming from a well known and powerful family, there's no doubt Shancai will face a lifetime of hurdles just to stay with Si. Not to mention having Daoming Feng as her mother in-law.

Overall, i strongly suggest you read the manga before watching this or else you'll be disappointed if you're like me, a major judgmental bitch. It is a little thin (regarding the storytelling, delivery and overall flow) and it'll feel like a shallow puddle compared to its predecessors especially the Japanese version.

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Descending Hierarchy

A complete waste of my rest day.
This has been the most incomprehensible and forgettable kdrama i have ever seen. Confusing, convoluted and mediocre at best. Its a total big bag of nothing covered in the most obvious boujie product placements. Just whats with the wattpad inspired rich people and how they probably live clichés is this?

The only positive thing i could possibly say about this is the intriguing teaser that made me watch this dumpster fire. Im sorry the cast probably did their best, but honestly it is so disappointing and i hate myself for giving it multiple chance to change my mind until i had to will myself and finish this.

First of all, its called "Hierarchy". Alright, rich kids in rich centered school they pointed out the school's adage, Noblesse Oblige, basically the rich taking responsibility and acting noble about giving back to the less privileged, hence why they were giving out scholarships to the "peasants". This should be the main center/cause of conflict, and it did for a short while, until it became overshadowed by the (probably the most infuriating, stupid af) love triangle.

The murder mystery plot, which should have been the main focus here, was cast aside because the FL needs the spotlight, because poor her, she's a rich sad girl who's dating the heir of the school/conglomerate's son. There's nothing likable about this FL. She's so self centred and spineless her arc was pointless af. Don't even get me started on the chemistry because like the plot, it is non existent. The whole "she's changed, she's acting differently now" at the end made my eyes roll back i could see my brain melting into a mush. She was so afraid of what? Getting tf outta her abusive dad's house and psychotic half brother? Also its not like Kim Rian was an asshole through and through, he's a jerk yes, but he cared for Jaeyi, loves her even. To the point that he got so mad when she yeeted herself to NY because "reasons". She could've told him and as if he didn't have money to pay for hackers to trace that person who's threatening her. Like cmon girl, dafuq???

Also, the ML, he's here for some reason. Until he forgot because sad pretty girl. His brother's death was glossed over until the last episode and we're given this weird af character arcs from the elites, like wow, what's exactly is the point of this drama? Dont judge the ultra wealthy? They have morality and able to change the years and years of over indulgence and narcissism because hey the main girl changed? They are humans (tho rich af) with feelings and they only do what they do because of pressures we plebians will never ever understand. Let's punish the middle class teacher (she's a predator dont get me wrong, she deserved it) and believe that all the bullies will magically change their ways just as long as their boss bully have his character arc. The key to end all bullying unlocked! World peace achieved at long last! Hurrah!!!

I think i need to watch something to cleanse my brain. If you managed to read all of this, do yourself a favor and just skip this. You are welcome.

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