Let's talk about drama romances!

[blobofcolour]

In my previous post on 'Manee Dan Suaan', I talked about how I couldn't care for the main couple because I didn't understand how they came to supposedly love each other. That got me wondering, what makes in you tick in a drama romance? Some people go for fairytales complete with rainbows and stardust while others prefer watching the trails and

Comments

[anonymous]

As I am getting older, my tastes in drama has become more selective, although I would like to use the word "refined." Hah. I look for both story arch and character arch, which in the small screen world means characters that grow over the course of the series and a plot that compels the viewer to feel or learn something. I especially enjoy a drama that offers me something to think about base off of the writer/director's argument. Most importantly, I want a great romance story with lots of chemistry. It certainly requires some digging and contemplation when it comes to top drama romances.

There are so many great love stories over the course of my drama viewing days.. but I'm going to start with TVB dramas since those were the first dramas that stuck with me during my youth: Heavenly Sword, Tony Leung's version. It taught me about being yourself, because if you're always doing what others want you to do, you just end up doing self destructive things, as our main guy learns. As for love, that there are different variations of love but you ultimately love someone you cannot live without. I've always remembered Wujee looking at his four loves: one he loves and feels sorry for, the other he loves but is afraid of (respects), the third he loves because she's so much like his mother (platonic), and fourth, he hates but he loves. In the end, he chose the woman whom he loves and hates because when she's out of his life, he learns he cannot live without her (not to mention that they both sacrificed so much for each other.) Ah, so romantic!

As for lakorns, SSH is definitely on my list because the OTP love is believable and developed so well. I've also remember older lakorns that taught me many things about life and love (Tawipob 94, Maya Tawan 96, Wun Nee Tee Raw Koy 93 to name a few.) I think people watch lakorns for different reasons and the writers/directors obviously know their target market. But those who think outside of the box, and dare to stretch the typical- now that, I can respect. But you're right, lakorns aren't ones to portray reality, but yet, it cannot be undermined because it manages to sustain people's attention for large spans of time. My newer favorites are: JLR, SSH, GRGR to name a few.

I've only seen one Kdrama and that's PP, which I love as well.

Great article J- it certainly requires thoughtful responses! ~Fia.

[blobofcolour]

I'm surprised you named Wuji's romances because many people (myself included) do not like that wishy-washy aspect of his character - especially when contrasted with the other devoted male leads in Louis Cha's wuxia world - but you raised a very interesting point about them being different variations of love. Certainly food for thought when I read or watch Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre again! Not exactly romance related but since you're a fan of HSDS, have you watched Jet Li's movie based on the story? It's a HK movie which means it's creatively~~ adapted but it's good for the action and it has my favourite version of Zhao Min. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_23BWterUc -> eng subs if you're interested

Your comment is inspiring me to write a post specifically on wuxia romances. I don't know why they completely slipped my mind when I typed up this post, perhaps because I read them as novels before watching the various tv adaptations, or maybe I remember them more for the action and adventure?

[anonymous]

I have not seen JL's movie version but definitely interested in checking it out, thanks for the links! Regarding Wuji's romances, I understood his wishy-washy-ness (if that is even a word) because that's sort of his personal growth in the series. The boy certainly has his traumatic experiences, of losing his parents, of constantly being told what to do, and being confused about his feelings toward his love interests. But irregardless, he is always so genuine and authentic. That's what spoke to me, a hero with a lot of weakness but obviously has the most to grow. Another attractive aspect of Wuji and Zhao Min's love is that they overcame such crazy hurdles to finally be together. I mean, she and her father were trying to take over the world, and getting rid of anyone who's in their way. I love a good action adventure with a mixture of love as well. After talking about this, I can't wait to watch JL's version now..
Oh please do write a post about wuxia romances. I'd love to see what other drama you'd mention :) Would love to add my two cents. ~Fia