The Rebel Princess

Cheating & Shameless Wife

I especially created this account to write this review!
I found those top reviews misleading.
Some one wrote 'Doting Wife!' - its absolute shit.
I can put up with poor acting , cinematography but WTF is wrong with story writer.
Who would want to have such shameless wife like Awu.
First she shows her affection to ex-boyfriend both in front of her husband and behind his back not once or twice but she does it continuously.
Then she secretly begins to meet her husbands greatest enemy - Helen Prince who once kidnapped her and who openly admitted his sexual desires towards her and even tried to sexually assault her in a closed room.
To make the things worse she agrees to become his friend and shamelessly dances intimately with him while she had already refused to dance for her husband (who after learning that her Princess wife was famous in capital for her dance wanted her to dance for him to see).
I was so disgusted that i did not watch it past 48th episode.
In the end i can only conclude that she is a Shameless and Cheating wife.
It was UTTERLY DISGUSTING to watch this drama 🤬🤬🤬😡🤬😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

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There is so much I want to say about this series but only one word really sums it up – masterpiece! It has been a while since I’ve been on edge, waiting, anticipating but thoroughly enjoying each episode! I end up binge-watching this within a short time because I couldn’t wait to see what happen next!

What I like about this series:

The chemistry between the leads. I know FL is a big star and she has done a lot of movies rather than series so I wasn’t expecting much. But I was taken by surprise. Being an experienced actor, she really did a great job here! Half the time besides admiring each and every different outfit she had on, I kept watching her expression and her gestures. I also enjoy ML performance. I forget what a great actor he is. He plays the great warlord, he is able to conquer all his enemies on the battleground as well as the emperor court. I can’t stop thinking about his love for FL. He was a man with principle, integrity, and love for his wife and his brotherhood. Often his choice was for the good of the country, his wife, or his army. Quite honestly, I was expecting a bit of a rough time when they got married. ML was not her first choice but as a chess piece, she was thrown into an arranged marriage. I love how the plot opens with them having an open heart to heart conversation, kicking off their relationship to a good start. I gotta admit I stayed because I knew from that point on, this was going to get good! I’m glad I stay for the whole ride! It was very impressive. There was so much that happened! It made you questioned who can you trust? Is blood thicker than water? Can you really hold your integrity as a poor humble being or will you fall for the beautiful temptation of what the emperor court offers? I’m actually glad we got seasonal actors because I don’t think a new face can pull off such beautiful acting, chemistry, and feelings!!

The plot and storyline. I was on edge and couldn’t wait for the next devious plot. If you read my previous reviews you know I don’t like fighting for the throne and emperor politics but this series got me thinking so hard I could barely sleep. All I can think about is, what are they planning next!

Cinemograph - the colors, the details, the outfits, everything was so appealing I didn’t know where to look.

The bad:

Just small little things that I chuckled at. There were a lot of scenes where it was slowed down to emphasize and heighten the emotion that was going through your head. One, in particular, got me chuckling, the scene where FL ran to the gate door after seeing that it was ML on the other end.

The other scene was when ML found out about her miscarriage, the doctor told him that she won’t be able to give conceive anymore and if she did, she can die from it. He grabs onto his heart from the attack. It was a bit over the top for me. His character was always this calm demeanor, no how bad the situation is. He took his time listening to the complaint, took his time understanding the issue, thought through the situation before taking action. I kept thinking about the time he stood outside waiting for her to respond.

What I often thought about:

The chemistry between the two. There is this mutual understanding, this love they have for each other. ML will do anything for her, even risking his life with his army to save her. They even had a fight for the first time about money, why can’t every couple's fight be this cute! I want and demand a Xiao Qi now!!!

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Amazing production and acting :)!!!!

What can I say!!! This is the best drama so far in Chinese dramaland :)!!!! I really love the OTP, Awu, and XiaoXi are a powerful couple who fought for peace and freedom for the people. Awu's not a very complex character, but her soul and heart are so pure :). She is all about love and forgiveness. I don't think I have watched any female lead as kind as her?? Her kindness is also a weakness because it seems like so many bad people are betraying her, but in the end, she came out as a winner as her heart is always in the right place. XiaoXi is a warrior that is all for peace and equal-ness. He marries Awu and they built their life on love, kindness, and trust. Their relationship was so nice to see because they are just loving and caring towards each other. They are far from being perfect, but they still trust each other. The plot was great in the way that it makes one think about the hardships within the court and outside of it. One important aspect Awu mentioned is that "if the capital is at peace, then the world----people. citizens will also live a peaceful life..." In the end, Awu and XiaoXi turn the situation around; and bring peace to the world :). The osts amazing too!!!!

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WOW

First of all—finishing The Rebel Princess at 6:30 a.m. is a badge of honor. That’s not sleep deprivation, that’s devotion 😵‍💫👏🏿And YESSSS—10/10 across the board is absolutely deserved.
Let’s address the audacity of those comments real quick:
“The male lead isn’t handsome”
EXCUSE ME?! 😭
That man is grown-man fine. Not flashy-idol-pretty, but commanding, masculine, calm, battle-hardened, and emotionally intelligent. His mannerisms, restraint, maturity, and presence??? That’s the kind of attractiveness that ages like fine wine. You don’t blink—you stare 😍🔥And the female lead?
WOW doesn’t even cover it. She carried that role with grace, intelligence, emotional depth, and power. Watching her grow, endure, and strategize was chef’s kiss 👌🏿👏🏿She wasn’t just reacting to the story—she was shaping it.
Also, can we talk about how rare it is to have: a slow-burn romance that actually respects the audience. Political intrigue that’s layered but not messy. A relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and loyalty instead of constant misunderstandings??
68 episodes is a marathon, but The Rebel Princess is one of those dramas where you finish and just sit there like:
🫨🤯 “Yeah… that was worth every sleepless hour.”

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Actors ages do not ruin this otherwise MUST SEE series

Hiya,

My first C-Drama ever was RUYI'S ROYAL LOVE IN THE PALACE. I knew watching it that it was a masterpiece, because only a masterpiece would keep my attention that long on such a depressing series of events.

The problem became what in the world to watch afterwards? Since I was new to this world I tried MISSING PERSONS (Two Ruyi Co-stars featured) and that was fun but nowhere near as slick. I also watched a ton of Chinese films during Ruyi and some after. That's when I caught some Zhang Ziyi and felt, yeah, let's give REBEL PRINCESS a try.

Firstly, the jerks that call these 'costume dramas' need to be thrown into the Cold Palace and forced to watch Wonder Woman 1984. It's like calling Westerns 'saddle dramas'. Give me a break. This genre is Epic Imperial Romance, okay?

Secondly the title simply doesn't work. Or translate. I have a sublime title to offer but it would spoil to explain why I chose this.
Call it FOR THE LOVE OF AWU and you'll see why about halfway thru.

Unfortunately the series isn't as good as RUYI. That doesn't mean it isn't watchable and entertaining. And, in fact, for reasons I cannot divulge, it has a higher 'rewatch me' factor than RUYI. So it's better in a sense as well.

My personal big problem with this series is the initial ages of the actors. Where Zhou Xun completely tricked me into thinking a woman in her 40s is really a teenager, that didn't happen here. Many major players tried their best but simply looked old.

Deeper into the story we're introduced to a young woman that (we're told) is so like Zhang when she was young. SPOILER: she looks NOTHING like her. I was so confused I went to an eye doctor. (JK. NK.) And in THIS character SOMEONE should have realized lied a solution.

Rewind. You look for a young actress that looks a lot like a young Zhang. Then you shoot the first episodes using her. Then, and get this, when you need to introduce to the young woman who allegedly looks like Awu? Use the same actress, perhaps with a little rubber on her face to make her look a little different. Two problems solved.

The other unfortunate casting issue is Zhang Zi Yi herself. After having experienced the WOW that is Zhou Xun in RUYI, Zhang seemed a little... flat. It was like she was playing not only a noble Princess but a Goddess, who -- somehow -- is detached from reality. Often when Zhang is hearing something she doesn't like -- she starts staring off into an emotionless abyss. She looks catatonic even. This emotive distancing pushes the characters annoying her back a bit, but so too have we the viewers lost critical access into her thoughts and feelings. It took me halfway thru the series to get used to this.

With this out of the way, almost all of the other characters are terrific. Where Zhang is the blank canvas, everyone else is the paint. The series grows more and more endearing as each episode passes. Where RUYI slowly waterboards you into giving up all hope, REBEL offers hope.

Every great series has a breakaway character that you'll then want to see a LOT more of. In RUYI it was Princess Jia (Xin Zhi Lei) who is the most beautiful b!tch to hit TV or cinema. In REBEL it's Helan Zhun (Yuan Hong) who I called Aquaman the entire time because he looks (kinda) like the Chinese version of Jason Momoa. His character does some pretty awful things but MAGICALLY you hold some compassion for him too. He really made Tong Yang fight for screen time.

(By the way, in America, the CW took the world's largest POO on the classic Kung Fu series. I don't mind the remake as a show but recognize it's plainly not based on the original series at all. It's like renaming THE OFFICE as KUNG FU. But Tony Yang's intensity in the back half of the series tells me China should do an actual remake of KUNG FU, starting and spending a lot of time in China. Starring Tony Yang. He'd make a solid Caine.)

Now, of the romance. This story was a welcome soapy affair after RUYI. I don't want to spoil but I will say Awu attracts men the way an open KFC dumpster attracts flies. If you take this story literally you won't like it. If you accept its instead a feel good romantic fable -- and need that in your life before embarking -- this series will charm you SILLY.

FUN TRIVIAL FACT -- At the end of each episode is an absolutely beautiful duet between a man and a woman trying to find love inside the Kooky Backstabbing Kingdoms of C-Dramas. If you open your heart to it you'll watch the complete ending every time. The song is even featured within maybe 6 episodes.

But there is a BATTLESHIP sized detail about this song. The lovely woman who's singing? As Austin Powers once said, "She's a MAN, baby!" It may be worth watching this show just to experience that.

Oh and the production values are through the roof and puncture a hole right thru the Moon. But that can't carry you further than 3 episodes. This ensemble will. But know the series takes time to really grab you. Under 10 episodes for most.

Now, there was on character I felt was handled poorly. General Song started out great, but in the interests of romantic drama, took a series of turns that... well... I don't believe the audience appreciated. I've saved this last note for people who have seen the series, and so the next paragraph is SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER.

***************************** SPOILING BELOW *******************************

At the end of the story, Song watches his wife beg him to save himself (and his soul) and let Awu and Lord be. When he refuses to abide by her wishes, she does (something) that should have changed his mind. Minutes later, at the end of his sword, he does something that wasn't intended. The audience says YAY but then (the pig) grabs Awu's face and makes a play for her. That was done for drama but wasn't the least bit believable. If memory serves Helan never even pulled that stunt, was more of a gentleman.

Since I've written a handful of stories myself, I'll offer what I consider a cleaner (more appropriate) resolution of Song's arc.

Song witnesses his wife jump to her death. Later (before he confronts Awu) he looks down at his dead wife on the ground. He realizes his folly. He might even say to someone how she only lived for him. And how he didn't appreciate that.

When he's with Awu, her father explains that he will be emperor. And that nothing and no one can stop him. He stands close to his daughter when he says this, meaning even Awu. This threat is critical, and was missing from the story. And the fact it was missing kinda screwed up the ending. Because in the story she later talks to her father as if all the crap he's pulled was okay with her because of blood relation. Except we the audience know it wasn't.

So it's CRITICAL that Away abandon any love of her Dad she has upon being threatened. At this moment Awu should pull out the small knife the Lord handed her a long time ago in the story. I believe they intended to have her use it here but chickened out at the last moment. I wouldn't chicken out. I'd have Awu tell her father it's over. That's when he takes the knife and attempts to turn it on Awu herself. And it is at this point Song ends Wang Lin.

After doing so, Song looks completely broken. The Lord and his soldiers arrive, but it's clear from Awu's face it's already over. Song sees the Lord and Awu stand beside each other and wipes a tear away. He says words to the effect of, "I see what I always should have seen. That you two belong side by side. And that my place was always... elsewhere."

Song would leave the chamber. Moments later a servant would run in and tell the Lord Song will kill himself. They run out to and catch Song just as he jumps off the ledge his wife did. They look down and find him dead... beside his wife.

What I'm trying to suggest is that Song was more noble throughout the story. That he didn't need to become a 'demon' in the last moments of the series. Even Helan had this figured out.

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The Forgiving Princess

The drama should have been titled "The Forgiving Princess" as the FL forgives everyone that has plotted, betrayed, and used her in order to gain power.

I was really impressed with Zhou Yi Wei's portrayal of Xiao Qi (the ML). Loyal, faithful, honorable, stoic, and strong. I don't normally cry while watching Chinese drams, but I cried when Xiao Qi wept over the death of Gen Song Huai En.
I wasn't impressed with Zhang Zi Yi as toward 2/3 of the drama, she was essentially wooden and expressionless. The sets and costumes were gorgeous. And the song End Of The World was simply beautiful.

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Excellent ensemble and the acting is super, but it was too long (68 eps)

The Rebel Princess is a costume/historical drama starring Zhang Zi Yi, Zhou Yi Wei, and Tony Yang. It is about politics and power between the Wang and Xie family. Internal turmoil within the imperial family and Princess Wang Xuan's father is the mastermind behind all the disruptions and killing of the Emporer and many innocent people, including her mother.

The acting is exceptional in this drama, from the main actors and the entire ensemble. My major complaint was that it was too long, with 68 episodes where it dragged out too long. It could have been excellent with a 9.0 or even 10.0 rating if it was cut short by 10-20 episodes.

It took a while for me to finish the 68 episodes on prime video. It was not realistic to have one prime minister overpower the entire kingdom. Her brother is useless for not standing up against his father even when he was expelled from the imperial palace.

I would be more satisfied if the ending where Princess Wang Xuan is the one to kill her father for his selfishness and power desire without any remorse.

I enjoyed the drama and gave it an 8.0 rating, but it was too long.

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Too few scenes with main couple

This one was a difficult one to rate. There were aspects that I LOVED about the show, but a whole heck of a lot I didn’t care for. What carried the show for me was the incredible relationship / chemistry between the two leads and their overall well-written romance that remained consistent through the show. I wish, however, that they had a lot more screen time than they actually did. Their scenes together unfortunately were few and far between, so if you’re looking for a show with the focus being on the romance, this may not be a good one for you unless you skip to their scenes like I did for the last 30 episodes after the plot took a nosedive.

I was also saddened by how little screen time the ML got, especially in the first half. He was hands down the best character on the show, and yet he had precious little time to grace the audience with his presence. Despite being listed as the main lead, I swear that every other supporting character got at least double the screen time as him (and there were a lot of supporting characters). His character was the best, most upright and kind person… while also a being a sexy blend of pure, powerful masculinity. *fans self*.

The show got swept up in all of the political drama, with very little reprieve and happy moments, and sadly our main couple’s relationship faded into the background. Regardless, the scenes they did have together were incredible. Their scenes were very intimate without there being a lot of kissing. I’m talking cuddles, skinship, pillow talk, consideration for each other, laughter, gazes, saving each other, open communication, trust, emotional connection, etc. Granted, the ML is also a veerrry good kisser. *ahem* I watched the show pretty consistently until episode 35, but skipped through the last half to just watch the scenes with the ML and the main couple.

If it wasn’t for the main couple and the male lead, this show wouldn’t have any stars. Sadly, the FL’s development also took a nosedive the last half and as other people have said, she became too forgiving. A lot of the other characters became incredibly inconsistent later on, which was very frustrating. She forgot all of the horrible sins that others have committed against her and her husband and characters that should have gotten a healthy dose of karma never did. The plot became redundant, and honestly they could have ended it after 25-30 episodes.

Nevertheless, can I get some more of that ML, please? And thank you.

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Phenomenal

This is probably one of the most amazing storyline, characters, cinematography, fight stunts, settings, i've seen in more than 400 chinese and korean drama i've watch over the years. After i have watched the last episode, it just left me speechless and in awe of what i have seen in the past 4 days. My lack of sleep because of this drama was all worth it. And i should say that REBEL PRINCESS is definitely at par with my all time favorite chinese drama, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom and korean drama, Moon Embraces the Sun.

Firstly, and probably the most important for me, as a big fan of a historical romance drama, the love between xiao qi and awu is something to be proud of, even as a viewer. I love how this couple started and how they fell in love in the process. And despite all the odds, their love and trust for each other has brought them to their goals as a husband and wife. I have so many favorite episodes and scenes with how the story showed the love between them, most especially lord yuzhang's love for his wife. The scenes gave me goosebumps and the lines he said was so heart flattering moments.

Secondly, i love the charisma of Lord Yuzhang and Princess Yuzhang. They both exudes the quality of how the characters were supposed to be. They were perfect in characters. As a general, lord yuzhang , when his face is on screen, you know right away that he's a mighty general. And awu, i dont probably need to say it, her face itself is a princess.

Thirdly, with so many characters revealed on thw entire 68 episodes, the love it that the scriptwriter did not waste any actors performance in the story, no matter what characters they played on. The storyline gave each characters their story, from servants to soldiers to the royals. All of them played a very important roles. And there were so many characters with unexpected twist, which, made the drama, in my opinion, one of the best stories made.

Fourtly, the fight stunts and cinematograhy has left me breathless and amazed. The fight were extraordinary and well thought of. It gave me goosebumps watching general xiao qi and his soldiers fight.

I am usually not a fan of long dramas but i sometimes give exceptions to a few, just like, ten miles of peach blossom, princess weiyoung and general and i. They are one of my favorite long dramas. And Rebel Princess is also an exxeption, 68 episodes flew by so fast. No episodes were wasted, no dull moments, every scenes were as important. Not to mention, the drama also boast beautiful visuals and costumes and a very dramatic OST. I love everything about this drama.

I most highly recommend it to those who love historical drama with lot of heartfluttering moments and a storyline that will leave you satisfied. Thank you to the scriptwriter, directors, and actors who made this amazing drama for the audiences. This will go down on ny rewatched list.

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The Rebel Princess

Xiao Chi has a wonderful character and the author should be congratulated for creating such a character
It is true that we see many of these brave commanders who care about their people and share their food with them, but Xiaochi is better than any commander I have ever seen! Not only because he eats the food of his soldiers and takes care of the families of the soldiers who died in the war, but also because he is willing to retreat to save the lives of his soldiers! When told that our army has never retreated, he says well this is the first time. If other commanders say that dying in war is an honor! It is true that it is an honor, but until now we thought that maybe a family does not need to be proud and the only thing it needs is a father, husband or son

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