First time watching drama where almost everyone are strategists, smart and scheming
Started slow, but then wow it's progressing and now the best political theme drama I've ever watched.It reminds me of NIF (Nirvana in Fire) and MLC (Mysterious Lotus Casebook), its like Mei Chang su (strategist) and Li Lian Hua (smart, relaxed) combined into one, but not only in just one role here, but almost every roles are that smart and scheming.
Yes literally almost everyone and it got me speechless. The dialogues also direct and smart.
Conclusion : its one of the few cdramas we should watch in our life 😁
Kudos to the novel and script writer, its the best political plot I've ever watched, unpredictable.
Looking forward for s2 soon 😉
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This review may contain spoilers
Breathtaking
Breathtaking is maybe a gross exaggeration, but this series is really good. I don't do analytic essays for reviews and I'm shallow. It took me a while to finally watch it because the ML is not handsome according to my taste. So here are some of the things I like:1. Uncle Wuzhu is the hottest uncle ever. Please don't take off the eyefold so my illusion is not shattered.
2. Fan Xian is loved by many and has so many father figures. He is doted by all his 'dads'.
3. Wan'er seems weak and blah but she has strong attitude. Love it.
4. The fighting background music is not only for physical fights; it is also used during the crazy poem night. Awesome use of music.
5. Zhang Ruoyun is not the handsomest man but he sure can play a dokidoki-inducing boyfriend.
6. Fan Xian is always one step ahead.
7. Just as you feel bored with the identity game with Wan'er, the story levelled up. Phew.
8. I'm shipping Ruoruo and Hot Uncle Wuzhu. They are both levelheaded and straight arrows, although Uncle Wuzhu acts like an android.
9. Season 2 is already out so I don't have to wait for 5 years like the early viewers.
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One of the best drama!
I can say that Joy of life is one of the best drama that I've watched. Even though most of the actors & actress are not good looking, but their acting are awesome! Worth my timeGreat story line, very well paced with humors that are put nicely. Not a single time to be bored with the story! This series make me addicted and can't stop watching. And it also has an unpredictable ending
The only things that a bit annoying is the king attire, why is he dressed up not like a king at all? Maybe because of the story is not really from the historical Chinese era, that's why the king also dressed that way, and also the second prince, his shoes is like a beggar.. LOL
Anyway that's only minor downside compare to the overall great story line and acting skills of all the actors and actress. Can't wait for the season 2!
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A totally enigmatic character in a great story. Highly recommended!!!
A really great central character can totally make a drama sing even if the story isn't quite there. But, in this case, that truly amazing character is a fully story in, and of, himself and so he elevates the whole drama to quite an impressive level.Overall, the Joy of Life world, it's premise and the story are novel; original. It starts extremely well with a talented younger actor and then it rolls out quite seamlessly with an adult actor who is genius at making his characters really come to life. The writing, the dialogue, the story's development are all impressive. It's intelligent. It's vibrant. It's clever and witty. The older characters are smart and cunning. Ruthless. And all the supporting characters are interesting, alive, and each is enigmatic too; each in their own, very memorably way. There are riches in this cast. And the production values are high as well. In fact, there's quality shot through it in every way. Everything is there. Nothing is missing.
And then there's Fan Xian who I honestly love and I bet you will too. Which is what happens when a great actor is cast to play an amazing character. Fan Xian is a good guy but not too good. He's charming, smart, talented. He's brave and loyal and all that. But he's also irreverent and cheeky and delightfully imperfect. You can't help falling in love with him. He's so easy to love. Easy to root for. He's so bright but he's also so out of his depth in ways that he isn't even aware of. You just have to sit on the edge of your seat and sweat it all out with him as he learns which way is up, down and around. And so he becomes easy to grow with. His story becomes our story and, well, it's really very involving, very motivating. Very easy to watch and so very easy to enjoy.
Yes. There's no doubt about it. Fan Xian is a special kind of character. A great central character went to an actor who could bring him to life for us to follow and really care about as he swims among the sharks and tries to survive with honour. It's really an excellent drama. Unique. Involving. Easily a 9.5. Highly recommended as long as you want to be entertained.
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GREAT STORY
GOOD ACTING
WELL WRITTEN
CAN'T WAIT FOR PART
The male lead is very good in this story than the novolan castle in the sky.
I had trouble following the story because it kept going back and forth.
It is more of a mysterious drama, detective type.
I have to re-watch again later when I have time trying to understand the story.
I think it was about his mother came from the future.
The ending is leaving me thinking what is next.
They shoudl make this story end not to have sequel.
Chinese producer is trying to be more like the West. But they are not good at tha.
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This review may contain spoilers
I got hooked on this series very quickly. I'm thankful they didn't make this a time-travelling story. So Fan Xian retaining his future knowledge and vocabulary make the story quite funny as it blends modern-day with olden-day stuff. Fan Xian's early life started out pretty sad and lonely. I do like his grandma's acting, she's the same grandma in "The Story of Ming Lan". A real veteran. I had tears falling down when he said farewell to his grandma when he departs to the capital city to look for his father and family.
So many people want him dead, it's almost crazy that he is alive. The excitement continues to build up. So, the story keeps me glued to the show. I do like Wan'er his future wife to be. I'm super happy they didn't drag the part about Fan Xian and Wan'er not knowing they were betrothed. But the confusion was rather well done. Light-hearted and well-executed plot.
I do wish they create more poison-related plots in the show, cause he is an expert poison alchemist. A must watch in 2019. Nice romantic plot with a super high level of excitement with wuxia fighting scenes. I love Fan Xian's guard. He's so cool.
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If you’re looking for so,e actions and a bit of humor you’ll like this.
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I don't think I've binged so much ever as I've finished the season in 4 days. There is something for everyone from romance, twists, plots, fighting even some SI-FI.
I have one complaint only but it is my personal opinion: Cliffhangers - I hate it with passion as story can be partially wrapped up without it.
I will definitely rewatch it at least once just before season 2 comes out.
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The only drawback I have is that I hope they keep the main cast when they do the next season. Like EVER NIGHT, they changed the main cast and it was not as good as season 1.
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Cliffhanger of the Season
I watched this drama because of Zhang Ruo Yun. In the beginning, Joy of Life did not WOW me, but as the episodes dropped every week, I became riveted to the monitor. This is the first C-drama that did not drag, or contain extraneous filler. The fleeting flashbacks were the only unnecessary nuance.Overall, the production values were top notch. This Director knew how to supervise his departments; Wardrobe, Set Design, Music, Martial Arts Choreography, Cinematography, and Editing (...more or less), to produce a clean, efficient drama work. The Film Editor did a decent job 80% of the time, but he got carried away with some impossible scene splicing (known as scene intercut) toward the end of the drama.
Zhang Ruo Yun carried the weight of the drama on his shoulders. Modern thinker Fan Xian was a fish out of "historical" water, but he blended well into the fabric of the imperial dynasty. The other cast members did a very good job with their character portrayals. Fan Xian's handlers, Uncle Wu Zhu, Wang Qinian and Teng Zi Jing, were the most intriguing and well liked characters.
Generally, I would be irate if a C-drama had a cold ending, hinting at a follow-up season. Joy of Life is the only drama that I am eagerly awaiting Season 2, which I hope, does not drag on for two years. An extended interval between Seasons 1 and 2 would disrupt the momentum and continuity, and the Producers should know that they "should strike while the iron is hot".
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An Unforgettable Journey: A 10/10 Experience with Joy of Life
Joy of Life is an absolute masterpiece! From start to finish, it's captivating, full of heart, and exciting. The characters are so well-developed, and you can't help but get attached to them. The story is unpredictable, with moments that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It's beautifully crafted, both in its writing and the way it makes you feel. I couldn't stop watching, and every episode just gets better. If you're looking for a show that will keep you hooked and leave you with a smile, this is it. 10/10, highly recommend!Was this review helpful to you?
