The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020)

Fun and Forgettable

My initial tagline for this review of The Romance of Tiger and Rose was “24 episodes of wasted potential.” I had planned to recap and break down episode by episode, but by episode 8, I was ready to call it quits. I decided to pause reviewing episodically and binged the rest of the drama instead. The subsequent sixteen episodes went a lot better and made me reassess my original opinion. Once I stopped getting angry at the little things, this drama became a lot more fun!

The Romance of Tiger and Rose (Chinese title: 传闻中的陈芊芊) is about a young screenwriter Chen Xiaoqian who, after transmigrating into a world of her own creation, has to see through the story she wrote as the previously ill-mannered and short-fated villainess, Chen Qianqian. Things get complicated as her numerous intentional and unintentional interferences cause the plot to deviate, even more so after the main male lead, Han Shuo, develops feelings for her instead of her in-world sister and the original main female lead, Chen Chuchu.

What separates Tiger and Rose from other transmigration drama out there is its setting; Huayuan City, which Qianqian is Third Princess of, is a matriarchal society where women are heads of households, political officials, and in positions of power in every way that socially matters. Their neighboring and enemy city-state, Xuanhu City, where Han Shuo is from, is the exact opposite. This difference made for some hilarious setups… and it’s also, unfortunately, a failing point. Not a huge failing point. Or maybe it is.

Qianqian, Han Shuo, and Their ‘Ehh-pic’ Romance
We’ve all seen the “smart but ditzy female protagonist who charms the male characters with her unconventional quirks” archetype, and Chen Xiaoqian/Qianqian is that down to the tee. I say “smart” and “ditzy” because she seems to remember and forget her advantage as the near-omniscient author of her own script at the most convenient times. Although I often got frustrated with her because of it, her smarts win over her dumb moments by a considerably large margin.
Han Shuo took me a few episodes to get on board with, mainly because it took until he first fell for Qianqian for him to show any redeeming traits—that for all of his ambition and ruthlessness, he’s kind of an idiot in the best ways possible.

Even though their setup positions them akin to star-crossed lovers, their romance doesn’t come off as dramatic as the trope implies. While Qianqian’s mother doesn’t like Han Shuo, her love for her daughter wins out against everything else time and time again. And while Han Shuo was duty-bound to destroy his wife’s city and home, he revises his plans so immediately after falling in love that it doesn’t become an external cause of conflict to their romance for a long while.

As the story progresses, Qianqian and Han Shuo learn how to grow together as a couple, to trust, forgive, and overcome their individual shortcomings to become each other’s strengths. I love that they actually learn to communicate and come to not just love, but respect, each other, especially later on. It’s sweet to watch, if you can overlook certain unsavory choices and actions in the earlier episodes.

I’m not going to get into all the lies, assassination attempts, and emotional manipulations that happen between Qianqian and Han Shuo because as far as Asian romantic dramas goes, they aren’t that bad. (I know, I know. But having seen so many of them, it’s true lol.) However, the one scene I could not get pass was the attempted rape scene after Chuchu and Han Shuo took over Huayuan City. I genuinely thought the drama, for all its sprouting of gender equality and feminist ideologies, was going to address how very not okay it was via Xiaoqian and her modern-day sensibility. Instead, it’s simply played off as playful behavior from Han Shuo trying to test his wife, and the story never mentions it again.

(I actually have a lot of problems with the half-ass, borderline bizarre ways this drama came at the subject of gender equality, but 1) I recognize that my views came from a western upbringing and 2) this shit is too serious for an online review of a 24-episode romantic comedy series, so I’m not even going to try opening that can of worm. It is what it is.) For the majority of the drama though, they are just two bumbling young adults trying to figure out how to be in a relationship without being the worst of themselves, like every young couple ever.

Why Chuchu Disappoints Me as the Villain
I started out rooting for Chuchu—not in an I-prefer-her-over-the-female-lead kind of way, but I had hoped that she’d flip the script and wouldn’t let resentment and jealousy get to her. I wanted her to stand by her sisters, and to choose her relationship with them over power and romantic attachments. Unfortunately, that was too much to hope for. That being said, her path to antagonism makes a lot of sense. A person can only take so many years of abuse and bullcrap from their own family before they snap.

What I don’t understand is why her sudden infatuation with Han Shuo needs to be a part of it. Even if that needed to happen for plot purposes, why have her prioritize him over her own desire for power at times? It really dampens her effectiveness as a villain. Without it, I think she would have more room to be cruel and it would’ve made her a more interesting and badass character.

The Side Stories and Characters Made Up for a Lot
- Zi Rui and Bai Ji? Talented. Amazing. Spectacular. Showstopping.
- Su Mu and Yuanyuan? *chef’s kiss* Before Chuchu’s blackening, I had thought that Yuanyuan was going to be the main villain, and Su Mu her tragic accomplice/unrequited love interest. I’m glad to be wrong because they’re just the sweetest.
- Lin Qi? Questionably at first, but badass and loveable as hell. I wish she was a little less abusive towards the “musicians” in her “academy,” but hey, nobody’s perfect.
- Meng Guo? MY MAN!
- Han Shuo’s parents? Probably the funniest couple I’ve seen in fiction this year. I disliked Han Shuo’s father up until the feet washing scene, and the way he froze at his wife when she glared at him was so funny and indicative of his character that it made my opinion of him do a one-eighty. With Han Shuo’s parents, I could see exactly from whom he inherited different aspects of his personality, and I love that.
- Pei Heng? To be honest, he’s a better character on his own than as a second male lead. He’s at his most interesting and compelling when Qianqian isn’t part of the picture. I like that.
- The City Chief? She’s somehow both the best and worst mother ever. There are just so many layers to the mother-daughter relationships in Tiger and Rose, so much angst and complexity, that I don’t know where to begin. For instance, if she had shown Chuchu half the affection she showed Qianqian, things would honestly not have gone this bad. On the other hand, her unconditional love for Qianqian is literally everything a mother should be. Also, she literally doesn’t pay attention to Yuanyuan. What’s up with that?

I really appreciate each and every single one of these side characters for how well-rounded they are. Definitely one of the highlights of Tiger and Rose.

The Ending Is a Cop-Out
First of all, let me just say that I know the whole plot reason why Chen Xiaoqian even transmigrated is because of Mr. Han’s criticism that she doesn’t know how to write romance. I know that her whole purpose within the universe of Tiger and Rose is to learn how to fix this flaw in her script. The problem is that it matters very little.

I wasn’t following Xiaoqian’s journey as a fresh-faced screenwriter. We weren’t emotionally invested in her real life. We were being shown and told to care about these “fictional” characters she created. Yes, her relationship with Han Shuo is a huge part of the drama, but it’s the backdrop of the world Xiaoqian transmigrated to, and the characters we met there, that gave it life.

That isn’t to say that I dislike the ending. In fact, I think the succession ceremony was the perfect place and time for Xiaoqian to return to the real world—Han Shuo was dying, Chuchu’s claim to the throne got thwarted by bad omens, Yuanyuan finally stood for herself with Su Mu’s help—but I can’t help but feel like we’re owed a “what happens afterward.”

If Han Shuo was near death in the Tiger and Rose universe, and it’s heavily implied in that moment that Qianqian died right after the heavenly vision appeared, then what’s going to happen to the two city-states? Will Chuchu finally relent and give up her pursuit for power, or will she challenge even the result of the sacred ceremony? Will the two city-states finally achieve peace and some semblance of gender equality under a new leader, or will it devolve into all-out war again?

While we don’t need a full episode to wrap up loose ends, an epilogue of some sort would’ve been nice. Maybe the actors in the modern universe could’ve answered interview questions about the fate of their characters. Or maybe Xiaoqian or Mr. Han pens an afterword after filming concludes. Something, anything, because the drama is about a lot more than Xiaoqian’s future love life with someone who may or may not have been her husband in a different universe.

Final Rating and Recommendations
Tiger and Rose isn’t a drama I’d revisit, simply because it’s not that memorable, but it’s definitely one that took my mind off the real world for two or three days and made me laugh.

A tip: I didn’t watch the drama correctly on my first try because I took things way too seriously and nitpicked too much, so I would recommend others to not do that. Yeah, Tiger and Rose has some major flaws, and its takes on gender politics are questionable, but if you can look past all of that and see the entertainment value, you’re going to have a way better time.

It’s got a pretty solid cast, good storylines, and a romance between two immature people that ended up turning them better for each other rather than worse. Plus, the costumes are kind of nice. You can tell it’s not the most well-funded production, but aside from one or two things that stick out, the flaws are hardly noticeable. And the whole thing is only twenty-four episodes!

My rating: 6.5/10

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Best Historical Drama.

This drama was made with people that have minds of the gods, period. It was so enjoyable, it had a little of everything, which I was really impressed with. Not even going to lie, I actually considered watching this show all over again, it's just that entertaining. The ending was a little too undeveloped, since all they did at the end was meet in the hospital and then hugged when they found out they were in the same dream--which I might added creeped tf out of me.

Chen Qianqian is the best princess over, I take no criticism. Although she was technically the worst one out of the three princesses and had a bad reputation according to her script, she managed to completely turn her fate around. She's caring, quirky, and bold I might add. Han Shuo was the most adorable male lead ever. He looked so cute every time Qianqian gave him attention, or when he was angry at her. I won't lie, he seemed like a douche at the beginning of the show. But, he's a master of acting here. I felt so bad every time he asked Qianqian if she loved him. OMG THAT ONE FIGHT THEY HAD BROKE MY HEART. Chen Chuchu was a very likable character at first. She seemed very loving towards Qianqian. At the end of the show, it's like a demon possessed her for no reason. Pei Heng was a good character, not even gonna lie. Sometimes though, I wish he wasn't such a pushover. He lets Han Shuo get the best of him, and I think he was too emotionally attached to Qianqian. Chen Yuanyuan IS SO PRETTY OMG. She's so soft and kindhearted, and the way how much she cares for Su Mu is adorable. Speaking of Su Mu, he's a graceful character, but I wish he considered Yuanyuan more when he ran away from his feelings like that. Their story is pretty much overlooked, I wish they had more moments. ZI RUI AND BAI JI ARE THE BEST SERVANTS EVER. They're so funny, and I love how entertained they are with Qianqian and Han Shuo's obliviousness. If I had a servant like that, I'd keep them for life. Lin Qi's character development is truly shocking, but the way how she and Qianqian clicked was preciousssssss. I liked the City Owner of Huayuan City, but Xuanhu's City Owner was really inconsiderate. And Han Shuo's mom...SHE'S GORGEOUS.

In conclusion, this whole show was clearly made with great potential, and this needs a season 2. I want to see Yuanyuan, Su Mu, and the moms in the modern world.

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The Power of Forgiveness

A modern era scriptwriter becomes stressed about her deadlines and ends up dreaming up the world of her own creation. Summoning herself into the role of the 3rd princess who is a side-character that is destined to die, she must use all her knowledge of the plot to find a way to escape death.

The main villain of the story is cursed with a heart disease that both weakens him and will eventually kill him. The pain of this horrific fate corrupts his soul, imbibing within him a Machiavellian "ends justifies the means" philosophy that any murder is justifiable if it means he can be cured from this disease. Yet, the scriptwriter is able to empathize with his suffering and find a way to cure him with the least amount of crime possible. She risks her life, her status, her prestige, and her wealth to save him from his fate. The villain is so touched by her efforts on his behalf that he completely transforms and devotes all of his energy and love to her.

In carrying out duties of the state, she encounters a tribe of barbarians that threaten the region with unrest. She has faith in the wisdom of the ancient philosophers and puts her trust in the idea of "defeat them and forgive them 7 times and they will become your ally". This idea of forgiveness (as echoed in Jesus's teachings as "I say not unto thee, forgive until seven times: but, forgive until seventy times seven times." [Matt 18:22]) proves successful and the entire barbarian tribe is converted into valuable friends and allies.

Two of her long standing enemies constantly plot to undermine her due to their grudges against her past mistreatment of them. The scriptwriter, technically innocent of the mistreatment, finds herself inheriting the baggage of the crimes committed by the character she inhabits. Through forgiveness, good deeds, and risking herself for these enemies, her enemies are touched and convinced that she is a new person - a morally upstanding person that is worthy of being followed. Once again, enemies are converted into friends and loyal subjects.

The final villain of the show is her sister who constantly covets her power, right to inherit the throne, fame, adoration, and even covets her lover. Time and time again she tries to comfort her sister but it never registers. Will she be able to also convert this enemy to an ally? Or are some people too stuck in their ways to ever change?

More reviews: https://transcendentphilos.wixsite.com/website/post/the-philosophy-of-chinese-dramas

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This storyline was different for me. I just wished it wasn't so chaotic in the beginning, maybe it was just me not prepared to view it. It calmed down a bit so I wouldn't lose focus. I get it now. I will have to rewatch it so I can grasp it better than I did. I love the main lead actress and have seen her other dramas. There is a similar American movie that this drama reminds me of. I realized that Zhao Lu Si's character is a screenwriter and her falling asleep set the whole story in motion. ZLS did a good job... I couldn't laugh at all that happened because I was trying to figure out the storyline but I got it now. I absolutely loved the ending. If I was acting in this drama, I wouldn't know if I was coming or going... I know they were laughing a lot on set. Ding Yu Xi your facial expression told it all. I applaud you! Thanks to everyone... I need to rewind and rewatch. I am looking forward to part 2.

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Frustrating Female Lead

Saw great review reviews for this drama and I wanted something a bit more light-hearted so I decided to give this a try - at first, I really loved it! It was funny seeing the FL navigate this new world and the FL and ML had great chemistry.

However, as the drama went on, it lost its charming point (mainly: the comedy and the fact that it didn't take itself too seriously) and my frustration grew the longer the FL kept going on about the "original story" and made extremely stupid decisions again and again.

One of the things that really annoyed me was how she wanted to keep the ML alive and loves him so much, yet still continues to treat him like one of her fictional characters and keeps him in the dark about absolutely everything - even right after making him promise that they'll keep no secrets from each other. Lady, are you okay?

This is a relatively short drama so I'll finish it but as of right now... it's a struggle to watch.

Edit: Lmao.. they consummated IN PRISON. AND THE ML FOUND OUT SHE WROTE THE WHOLE STORYLINE AND MANIPULATED HIM AND WAS STILL TOTALLY OK WITH IT NBD. WTF LOL.

Edit: Finished. Ridiculous. Lol.

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Clever story with great humor, Romance of Banana and Orange is the total package

Such a solid drama. It is such a refreshing plot, especially with the way it's handled. The humor really shines.
Zhao Lusi is so cute as the amateur writer who is now stuck in her own cliche script as a throwaway side character.
Her chemistry with the ML is a treat and even the villain is actually sympathetic.
The two servants for the leads are a hilarious pair, especially Bai Ji. His comedic timing and expressions are so funny to watch.
I love how it's not a serious drama. Because it's so light and fluffy, i actually started rewatching it again a few days ago when I couldn't find anything enjoyable to watch.
Can't wait for season 2!

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hmm

I just recently started this, So far I am enjoying this series, mostly because of the side characters, I find my self either smiling or laughing, not really a fan of the leads but their interactions are enjoyable to watch. I’ll probably update this review once I get deeper into the whole series, but again so far it is enjoyable to watch because of the antics, and the side characters are so interestingly funny (in a good way)

so far it’s lights so I’m not sure if there will be any serious scenes along the upcoming episodes, if you want something light, & not too heavily dramatic, I think this is a good watch, evidently I haven’t dropped it so I really find it fun and amusing.

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Great, original storyline

There were a number of things I enjoyed about this drama, mainly the storyline. I mean it's definitely original, and doesn't adhere to any (that I can think of currently) drama tropes. None of it is cringey and the leads never do idiotic things, or if they do something, it can be understood why they did it. Both the female and male are strong leads, which is really great, because I'm tired of the female always being dumb in Chinese dramas. I also love how the characters don't do exactly what is expected, which adds a surprise element for both us and Chen Qianqian herself in the drama.

Another thing I loved were the actors/actresses! Main leads have so much chemistry (ofc I'm biased to Ding Yuxi), watching their interactions was so enjoyable! The villain part was played superbly, as well as the supporting cast. They really made me feel and understand what the characters were feeling.

The ending did leave a bit to be desired, but was overall a happy one.

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RomCom With No Real Drama!

20/01/2023

If you are after something light and not too heavy then this romcom is for you!

We more or less have a cute couple brought together through a written script...oooops...through fate - trying to kill one another off only to fall in love after a few misunderstandings and compromises in a city where women are the reigning rulers.

I actually kept coming back to watch this over a week or so rather than binge watch it as for me it was good to pass the time, but wasn't really my kind of drama.

And it wasn't because the female was a screaming hyena, damsel in distress, baby voiced Miss Cuteness or serial killing Psychopath, but rather because there was nothing about the series that made it outstanding for me. In fact, some of it was plain stupid like the martial arts challenge which I found embarrassing as it degraded such a fine sport.

What I did like was the initial banter between the two main characters in the parallel world and the continuous interactions between the two throughout each episode as well as both of their man servants as the man servants were quite funny!

It's an okay enough series to pass the time as it is light with no heavy angst or melodramatic scenarios, but isn't one that would be in my top 200.

Highly recommended for those that don't want to go through an entire box of tissues or over exert themselves thinking too much.

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