This is Simon Gong /Gong Jun's strongest performance since Word of Honor. Rewatch value = High. The storyline is strong and unpredictable (this is rare in c dramas) unlike all the other cutesy c dramas that make your eye roll 🙄. To start, Rising with the Wind has the plot/story going for them. Now, it just comes down to the execution. And the director and cast delivered. The DETAILS. The director's decisions to include (and not to include) certain scenes to execute or tell the storyline were wise and brought freshness to telling stories that ultimately paid off. If you finish the drama, I bet you know what mean...two words: her heels. The characters (ML and FL) are flawed, imperfect human beings who are not immune to doubts and making wrong/poor choices. You relate to their shared struggles - Love vs Career vs Family, which do you prioritize? Who's really in the wrong? Each character development is well-paced and you feel for them throughout the 40 episodes. I cried; I smiled and found myself rewinding several scenes to relive the leads' sweet scenes.
The cinematography deserve more recognition. Period. Absolutely beautiful to watch from the location to the natural lighting when the leads kiss. The clothes, wow. Suits. Heels. Hair. Car. The cast has insane chemistry. It is all around a phenomenal drama. You have to stick with it. Finish it. You won't be disappointed.
When you feel defeated with the lows and highs of your career, love, or both(!), this drama is an inspiration to watch as you can feel for the characters. I will admit there are 2-3 episodes that were slow especially with the second couple, but the pacing still works. The number of 40 episodes were perfect, not too long, not too short. It is one of 2023 best c drama. It deserves more recognition and higher ratings. It needs to be on Netflix in the States. Rewatch value = High. This drama will keep you grounded.