Joy of Life

Court Politics At Its Finest

Joy of Life is a 2019 Chinese wuxia drama that centers around a young man named Fan Xian who was born in ancient imperial China with memories and knowledge of the 21st century. He grows up knowing about a far more advanced society so he has always felt alone and isolated like a fish out of water. That premise alone made me want to watch this drama immediately, but I had to wait years because I found out that it ends in a cliffhanger and there was no confirmed date for a season 2 release. Thankfully, they finally announced the premiere of the second season this year, so I decided to start the first season. I didn't regret it. I was able to finish this 46-episode drama in just 8 days. That rarely happens to me, but when it does, it's usually because the drama is really enjoyable and has gained my full attention.

I'm a sucker for royal court intrigues, and political scheming and plotting, so this captured my undivided attention from the get-go. Not to mention this drama has what I hope most series would have, a very engaging, interesting, and endearing hero that you want to root for and fall in love with. Fan Xian is hands down one of my favorite characters of all time! He is highly intelligent, witty, humorous, crafty, skilled, and relatable in his flawed nature. I haven't laughed so much since I watched Word of Honor. But this drama also made me tear up more than once because of the emotional beats and brilliant acting of Zhang Ruoyun as Fan Xian. Ruoyun really carries this drama and he does it with flying colors. Despite acting alongside some of the best veteran actors in the business, he is, in no way, overshadowed by his more experienced co-stars. I've liked him since I saw him in Under the Microscope and Joy of Life only helped me confirm his undeniable charisma and screen presence. The rest of the cast are fantastic in their own way. My favorite among the supporting characters is Chen Pingping played by Wu Gang, whom I suspect to be a legendary actor in the Chinese entertainment industry. If he isn't, then it's a travesty! He is that good! This drama has such a strong supporting cast that I liked almost everyone, even the villains. I absolutely abhor the Princess Royal, Li Yun Rui, but Li Xiao Ran is so amazing in playing this detestable character that I applaud her for it. Wang Yang is also great in this, as always. He only appears in the first half of the drama but he cemented himself as one of the more unforgettable characters in the series. I also have to specially mention the actor who played young Fan Xian, he does not only look like Zhang Ruoyun but also acts like him. That was such a great casting choice!

The script is one of the best I've seen in any drama. It's what I expect from other dramas of its kind, even better than Nirvana in Fire's in my opinion. The dialogues are remarkably well-written with carefully chosen wording only meant to hint at the true meaning behind the statements. You have to read between the lines, so to speak. And this, coupled with the subtle acting from the cast, brings more tension to the scenes. The script also interweaves beautiful poetry with tragedy and unpredictable plot twists that make you immediately think of plot armor as an excuse. But as things unravel you begin to realize that perhaps the so-called plot armors can be justified by a number of reasons, making you believe in the brilliance of the writing.

As much as I love this drama, I do have some beefs with it, though. As I mentioned, while some turns in the plot can be justified, I do think that there are far too many convenient coincidences for them to be logical. I will not mention those here but if you pay attention to how problems are handled by the characters as things unfold, then you will know what I mean. I also have some issues with the female lead. For the life of me, I cannot understand why they have to continually infantalize women in these dramas. I do not find these women cute whatsoever. It is annoying and tiresome! Lin Wan'er is played by the beautiful Li Qin, but the character is the cookie cutter type of pretty, feminine, and angelic damsel in distress. I do not want all women to be warriors like Haitang Duoduo, but Lin Wan'er acts like a cute little girl who has a penchant for stealing food from the kitchen. What is so amusing about that?! How old is she, 8?! And Fan Xian falling in love with her at first sight is far too cliché for my taste. I don't know why they can't seem to write really good female characters in these dramas. It's probably a culture thing.

Even though it's quite obvious from the cinematography and sets that this drama was not made with a meager budget, the costumes look so out of place and plasticky cheap. I mean, leather belts and leather-like garb? Weird paisely looking patterns in the garments? Did those exist in ancient China? I understand that they probably wanted to bring a more modern feel to the costumes because of the science fiction aspects of the story, but come on! The costumes are hideous! I feel sorry for the actors who had to wear those heavy-looking dreadful garments in the peak of summer! I was also disappointed with the fight choreography. There are far too many cuts that you can barely see what's going on. I expected better. It didn't hinder me from enjoying the action scenes, though. The music is hit or miss. There are some themes that work, some that do not. Whoever thought that latin music would work in a Chinese costume drama is insane! Some are inappropriately used, too. Seriously, why would you put sinister-sounding music when there's no imminent danger?! lol

But my biggest disappointment is how the writers (or original writer of the novels) failed to cleverly incorporate modern elements into the story. Considering that Fan Xian was born with the knowledge of a technologically advanced society, he rarely used that knowledge for his benefit. While he did use his expertise in poetry and literature to help him advance his career in politics, it didn't go beyond that. The drama also barely explores the true nature of Fan Xian's character and that of his mother, who supposedly came from another world. I expected it to be more like the manga/anime Dr. Stone wherein the characters are frozen in time when a second ice age hit the earth and they wake up in another stone age. They help provide the foundations of that world by introducing science, technology, literature, and even modern warfare. But this drama doesn't do anything of the sort. Instead, it focuses on political intrigues and wars of that primitive society with Fan Xian barely putting his knowledge of a futuristic world to use. He rarely even mentions it, which is a total waste of that concept. The science fiction aspects are just cosmetic tools used to make the story seem a little more unique but does not use it to its fullest potential. Shame. This drama could've been way better.

But despite all that, I still give this drama a high rating of 9 out of 10. I recommend this to anyone who wants to watch an intelligently written drama with fleshed out characters and an engaging plot.

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I didn't expect to like JOY so much more that I did. The plot is great, writing is good and acting is wonderful. Everything makes me laugh so much. I like how our MC has chemistry with everyone that he encountered, from his FL to the small side characters. The story is good that I keep wanting more, after the end of each episode. I like how witty, funny, and intelligent the MC is. This drama has humor, action, and a very good plot that is not a bore. I would watch it again and highly recommend to anyone if you're looking for something that is humorous, action, and a witty and intelligent MC.

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Fantastic Intrigues and Plots Keeps this Story Going

Loved the ingenuity of this storyline - sci-fi historical drama, which I couldn't figure out how it would work. But the premise of going back into a different time knowing what you know now, is definitely worth exploring. I initially thought this was a typical romance story, but it definitely isn't! The storylines of almost all the characters all come into play and are intertwined with each other's - royals versus commoners, politics, care of lives of all people no matter the station, loyalty, revenge, and kung fu masters are just some of the themes throughout the series.

What I loved about the series is that it didn't matter whether they were male or female - most characters were depicted as intelligent, curious, strong, loyal, and smart. Some of the comedic moments were a little cheesy, but overall helped to ease some of the seriousness of the storylines. Definitely a season 2 is warranted because it can't possibly end like that.

Definitely a strong cast of Zhang Ruo Yun, Chen Dao Ming, Wu Gang, and even Li Qin - I actually prefer her character here than Ma Zhai Xing from the Wolf. Great supporting cast too - I can see why Xin Zhi Lei was cast in The Wolf as well with her portrayal of Hai Tang Duoduo. Liu Duan Duan as the Second Prince, Li Xiao Ran as the Royal Princess, and Calvin Yu as Shen Zhong were fantastic in their roles. Xiao Zhan's role as Yan Bing Yun while small was definitely the opposite of his Wei Wuxian role in the Untamed. Much more like Lan Zhan's - definitely great to see the variety in his roles.

Overall, great storyline and different plots with the political intrigue. Would definitely recommend and thank goodness, a season 2 is happening!!!

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Probably the best historical Drama

Drama successfully made palace politics and action happening. In this drama, the members of the palace play important roles in scheming and the protagonists has to successfully weave through all of it while exploring the outside world. There are a lot of surprises hidden in the drama and made for good twists. I would highly recommend.

Good Plot line to follow , fast pacing, every character does stuff, every dialogue serves a purpose, ML is very good at his role

FL Li Qin kind of plays a back role and there is not too much romance - Just enough like some sprinkles on a cake

Overall, my favorite drama

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Incredibly Fast Paced Court Politic Drama

This must have been one of the most interesting series out there, beautifully written and done!

I dont really like court politics/conspiracy stories, because they tend to be boring and draggy. I am more of action-wuxia fan, but this one drama is somewhat different that managed to keep me glued to the screen. The plots are engaging and move fast with no boring, pointless dialogues. each of the characters are interestingly captivating, I mean in the novel Wang Qinian and Gao Da were actually serious characters and yet on screen they changed it to be humourous, which is really great! I love they made this series to be comedic! I didnt really like Haitang in the novel, but on screen, gosh, both of them Haitang and Fan Xian really hit it off like a true couple! I thought onscreen Haitang suits him more than Wan'er! Xin ZhiLei's Haitang was superbly done, I've loved her from Candle in the Tomb, and here she really didnt disappoint. Uncle Wuzhu is so damn cute and interesting and I think he's the most handsome actor in the cast, I love him!

in Ep 1, I was particularly disappointed at the male lead because his looks doesnt really match the novel's fan xian (he's supposed to be exceptionally handsome, and the prettiest even when compared to the rest of the female characters, Wan-er and Haitang actually felt insecure because he is prettier than them haha. in my head I was thinking of Wang Yi Bo or Deng Lun or the sorts, so was disappointed to see Zhang Ruoyun's 'normal nice' looks). However ZhangRuoYun makes up to it by his superb acting which truly matches the novel's Fan Xian character. His looks kind of grows into you, and his smile is particularly adorable. I think he's a perfect Fan Xian even if his looks isnt the prettiest/most handsome compared to other casts. Oh-oh I love the young Fan Xian actor too! That kid is truly amazing, I was cracking up at his antics!

I love how the screenwriters’ adjustment of the novel plots that didnt really jeopardize the flow of the story. I'm happy that some characters in the novel didnt show up like Fan Xian's maidservant/childhood bosom friend which he later slept with (and later married her as concubine) although he's already married to Wan-er, gosh i really hate him for that, thank god the on-screen Fan Xian already sworn to love Wan-er only in his lifetime. Honestly the novel Fan Xian's soft spot for the ladies is truly getting on my nerves, it's really great that the onscreen Fan Xian didnt adopt this bad habit. I just finished the drama a few hours ago and realized that the only one Fan Xian killed in the series is Cheng Jushu. Onscreen Fan Xian is definitely more humane with strong self righteousness, compared to the novel Fan Xian who is ruthless and shameless - The novel Fan Xian killed for the first time at 12, he was the one who tortured Si Lili in the dungeon, and he was also the one who broke Xiao En's legs to prevent him from escaping. The cdrama changed all these and made him look so pure and innocent, which I have no problem with, of course!

I’m currently reading the novel and has came up to the 598th chapter, and the adjustment of the ending of this season 1 is something that didnt really happen in the novel, which kept me on the edge and made me reaaaaaally curious of where it would lead to. I hope the diversion from original novel wouldnt be too huge, because Yan Bingyun is one of the most important confidants of Fan Xian’s. I just cant bear if the adaption decided to make them as enemies instead 😞 Am planning to rewatch JoL after I finish reading the novel.

Can't wait for the Season 2 in 2022! and I hope it has more episodes than this one, 46 is just too dang short, I cant get enough of FanXian-Haitang duo hah!

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Are you tired of an incompetent king? Are you tired of dumb antagonists? Are you into martial arts? Are you tired of predictable plots? Are you into characters that are well developed? Are you into romance? Are you interested into historical-ish dramas? Well, welcome to Joy of Life! All of the characters have a deep history and it is interesting connecting the dots. The king is very unpredictable, yet he makes very good decisions. He is ruthless. He is the mastermind. As for the main character, he is pretty smart. If you liked how the main character in Nirvana in Fire was smart, then you will definitely like Fan Xian. As for the story, there are many plots twists to keep the audience busy. Hope this was helpful.

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This is my first review for an Asain drama and if it weren't for the quarantine I probably wouldn't watch so many and bumped into this amazing drama. Its probably one of few dramas that I've watched not because of the lead actors but because the story keeps you watching. It's tight and mysterious, funny and sensible, keep you guessing until the very end.
Fan Xian is one of my favorite fictional characters in a drama. He is smart and funny. compassionate and calculating and so so interesting in that you never feel embarrassed in the embarrassing things that he does. This is like a crime drama and he is the detective of his own life.
the Emperor is great, the actor is even better. Chen Pingping is a sneaky old man, I have a feeling he holds all the cards.
I love the Fan family they fit together in that they are a diverse gang of personalities and brilliant in their own ways. And I think Fan Ruoruo is the best female character in this series. she has amazing chemistry with Fan Xian.
I like all the characters in the drama, they all serve a purpose.
the only part they didn't do so well is the chemistry between Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er, and I think many of you would agree with me.
and damn that second prince is really something.
and lately, this series has 2 more seasons which is all 2 years apart which is accessive and I think it'll a lot of fans because of it.

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I read lot of good review so gave it a try
I loved the FX character and acting by the actor is good but I felt he couldn’t handle the v emotional scene. Like hurt anger or tears
Chemistry between the main lead is horrible there is no chemistry but FX had good chemistry with other two female characters
I feel the scene in North Qunan are big Dragging and made me bore
I didn’t understood when they just went there to exchange POW why they never did and why FX have to literally kidnap him?
If FX was ambassador from different country and he gets close with the emperor how come still common men challenged them to fight with them and why was he not given protection
Acting of every one is good specially all seniors
FX all adoptive father and his real father the emperor
M fav character is uncle WU
I will ofcourse watch second season
Yes one more some scenes had bad lighting hope they take care of that in the second season

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Okay I really really love this show. 2019 for me was less exciting in the beginning. I keep starting dramas then dropping it. Came across the untamed and I was so obsessed that I couldn't even get myself to like anything else. I'm thankful to joy of life for breaking that spell. These two are my top dramas for 2019.

My review for joy of life

One of the best dramas ever. It got me hooked from the very first episode.
The young fan xian was hilarious.
As the story progress and it keeps introducing new characters and every character were interesting. I keep wanting to know more and more about them. There's so many things yet to unfold. You think you know them but you will be proven wrong the next episode. I'm really really looking forward to the next season. I don't know if I can pick a favourite character because I have so many.

And at every turn at you will find something unexpected. The story got 10x more interesting after he reach Beiqi. I really didn't want it to end. I don't know if I can call this drama a comedic suspense but I absolutely love the humour, conversations, and surprise in it.
Acting was top tier. The actors were all very natural. I didn't find anything cringy or force.

It is not romance heavy and it was in the background and I'm thankful for that because the only thing I didn't like about JOL was interaction between lin waner and fan xian. I have always liked Li qin but her character was the most boring one for me. I didn't hate the character it wasn't annoying or anything but it was forgetful. Fan xian had amazing chemistry with Haitang dou dou and Si lilli.
The osts weren't memorable either. I didn't find myself running back to listen to it 24*7 the moment I finished the series. It wasn't bad but just didn't like it much.

As for rewatching it, I don't know if I will ever rewatch it because it is the suspense and surprise factor that kept me hooked and now its over I don't think I will watch it again. But I really can't wait for the next season.

I would recommend this drama to everyone. Historical, futuristic, suspense , Sci fic, comedy, romance, action, plot and planning. It has a little of everything and I absolutely love it.
Now I am back to finding everything else bland and uninteresting because this was so so good.

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Fantastic Periodic Drama

Love this drama. So funny, witty and the rhythm is really good. It is not draggy. The part that I find most amazing is the number of casts they included in this drama. It must be really expensive to portray so many characters of the book. The production team didn't save money on this and I was so impressed. THey did the casting really well as well, none of the actors and actresses looked cheapskate (you wld find this in some low budget drama where they would cast really badly on the badguys)

The story is so amazing as well, so much of intricacy moments all intertwined together, like a big jigsaw puzzle. I had to go to Youtube to search a few synopsis to understand the relationship between all the events. So glad that the scriptwriters managed to write the scenes well, or else, it would have been so difficult to understand.

I have only 1 complaint. They left us hanging on the last episode. It's really crappy to be watching a drama that paces so quickly and suddenly to be hit by a last episode that hang half way. I should have waited for S2 to come out before watching this.

I hope in the next season, they will feature Yuan Quan more prominently (the professor) I love her acting. She is that kind of actress that carries so much complexity on her. Definitely more than meet the eyes.

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This drama should have been called "Fan Xian Collecting Geges/Guniangs" because all older guys considered themselves his father and all pretty ladies fall for his charms XD

I started this drama because of Xiao Zhan, but he is in the last 8 episodes or so, and since the very first episode I didn't mind because I was immediately hooked. The little boy that played Fan Xian was so good and charming I was sad to see "older" Fan Xian... I wouldn't have minded to have at least 10 episodes with little Fan Xian.

But I didn't know this was just Season 1 and Season 2 has not even started filming yet till I was on Ep15 or so :( so I think people who starts this should keep that in mind.. the cliffhanger is O_O

While I liked the characterization of all characters, and I specially like Fan Xian, I didn't trust half of them. Or more than half of them. Is this one a bad guy or a good guy? It was like this for most of the drama, but even with that, I was enjoying it. The passive-aggressiveness is hilarious, from Fan Xian and the Princess Royal, to the Crown Prince and the 2nd Prince, to the stepmother and Fan Xian at the beginning of the drama.

I am not one that particularly enjoys too much romance, so this one has just the perfect amount of it. Not too much and besides, Wan'Er makes Fan Xian happy. And she isn't dumb nor a damsel in distress, except for the fact that she is sick. So I don't understand why people do not like her :( If this was a harem, I wouldn't have minded to see Fan Xian married to Wan'Er, Si Lili and Duo Duo... all these girls were good in a way or the other and very different from each other, and best of all, they all had chemistry with Fan Xian.

The acting was good, wigs and costumes were excellent; the plot is WOW, so there isn't a single dull moment in the entire 46 episodes. In fact, I even think it was a bit short because I wanted to see more of Uncle Wu Zhu, of Fan Xian's siblings (Ruo Ruo and Fan Si Zhe... so smart and caring one, while so funny and charming the other), of the Ninth Masters (I wanted more fight scenes tbh). The songs were so fitting, specially the OP song, while the ED song became easily one of my favorites... I listen to it regularly <3 with XZ beautiful voice.

If I had to complain, it would be that I didn't understand a few things... or it was extremely witty and too advanced for my poor brain, or some things got lost in translation...

Looking forward to see them all in Season 2! I love that little smile from Zhang Ruo Yun at the end XD

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