If you get through the first 10 Episodes, it’s definitely worth it.
Alright so I definitely enjoyed watching this Drama, however I did find the first few (~10) Episodes a little boring to get through, there where some kind of funny scenes, but apart from that nothing was really happening... but I feel like a lot of historical Dramas start out a little dry, so I decided to keep watching and I was not disappointed.Let’s start off with actors and characters which was my absolutely favourite part about this: I liked all of the choices for the actors, I think they all fit their roles quite well and did a great job at portraying them. Now what I liked about those roles so much was that we (or at least I) got to build some kind of relationship or opinion with almost every character, even the less meaningful ones, so that when something concerning them happened I could actually feel with the plot.
Story: I have not read the book this is based on so I can’t say how this Drama delivered in comparison.
I for one really liked the plot and pretty much every aspect of it. You could hardly ever predict anything or trust anything or anyone. And I really liked that, that’s what kept it interesting for me.
I read some people complaining about how the romance arch developed, and I do understand that, however for the story that was happening I thought it actually fit quite well. And who knows what will happen in the following seasons.
Without spoiling anything, I do agree with the people that said that everything was evolving around the Main Lead a little too much.
Concerning the OST: I absolutely loved the Intro Song, however I do not have any memory at all of the remaining soundtrack, which usually means it was not terrible but also not very memorable.
In the End I do absolutely recommend to give this one a go. To me the plot was refreshing and interesting, with some minor problems.
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Great drama
Wang Juan delivers another great screenplay. My 2 favorite chinese dramas are his adaptions. Both Joy of Life and Sword Snow Stride have great main and secondary characters. All are well written and have interesting aspects that are integral to the story. By far the best written male characters that i've seen in all the chinese dramas that I've watched, with by far the most variations of personalities as well. I look forward to the second season.Was this review helpful to you?
به تمام معنی عالییی
از اون سریالایی بود که با اکراه شروعش کردم، دوسال تمام دانلودش کرده بودم ولی برای اینکه معمولا ژانر عاشقانه میبینم اصلا حوصله ی دیدنش و نداشتم ، بعد دوسال بالاخره از بیکاری نشستم پاش و از قسمت اول میخکوبم کرد پای سریال ، به معنای واقعی نویسنده ی سریال نخبه بوده، داستان سریال خیلی خوب و قوی و معمای جالبی داره که لحظه به لحظه میخکوبت میکنه پای سریال تا ببینی ته داستان چی میشهتا الان سه بار دیدمش و هنوز از دیدنش خسته نشدم
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Unexpectedly great one!
I came here after looking for a drama with good ratings. This wasn't my first choice since I didn't even know anyone here except xiao zhan, which after I read some of the review he just appeared like a recurring character. I've started this sometimes ago but gave up after a couple of episodes since for me the pace was too slow. Although, knowing that it has long episodes, it might be necessary for the whole story context. And well, it is.I started again about a week ago and try not to finish it all at once or else I'll give up again. Good thing I finished it. They really did a great job at hiding the clues scattered from beginning until it cracked at the end. FX was a clever yet such a people person. I really like his character. I won't say that I like the FL. After several times, I skipped their scene together. There are still some mysteries that uncovered, but maybe they saved it for the upcoming seasons.
At the end of the day, I can understand why this drama has such a high rating. I will try to catch up for the second season, hopefully it won't disappoint.
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow and Steady Makes The Perfect Bread
Joy of life has to a masterpiece of art in how to put a novel in a visual media, which clearly every other show has failed to most extend. Those who have not read the novel (its too detailed and often long winded for a visual drama) will not understand how amazingly the show has trimmed most fat and kept the simple stuff for anyone to enjoy. Yes, it removes the depth in many ways but it should not be overlooked how cool everything looks and the atmosphere of a historical drama is second to none.I have seen some historical drama after this and some had better character depth and story, however, this one was the most believable. The director actually put effort in providing us with enough data on where each important building is. How far from the castle everyone is and the walking time actually makes sense in most cases. The power system makes sense not like other drama where you just move around with sword and the main character wins in the end.
My favorite character is obviously the teacher (blind folded man) of the main character, like whose isn't? He has to be the coolest character ever seen in Chinese drama. The ambience is crazy whenever he is around. I have always loved OP characters done right. It is rare to see a over powered person being so limited in appearance still having so much impact in the story without taking the limelight from others. The novel writer was a genius and the director lived up to it.
The political drama makes so much sense, its often confusing who is the good and bad guy but it is what it should be "nuanced" I always loved moral gray area is the right place for leaders and their job is not to always do what is right but to do whatever to survive in the difficult world and every king and other leaders does that really well here.
The comedy mixed with depth really puts this show in another level of media where you cant help but be hooked to the screen. The main fault of this show is the length. The second season was slower than the first and if keeps up the third season is gonna be all political and no comedy with too much action to ruin the pacing. I just hope they bring back the slow and methodical pacing of the first season with more efficient delivery of comedy and richness.
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Confusing yet intriguing
LIKEAlmost everyone is grand master in martial arts
The fear everyone had when they hear about Chen Ping Ping's army
Wondering who Chen Ping Ping's secret bodyguard is
The time spent between Fan Xian and Xiao En
The relationship between Qing Emperor, Chen Ping Ping and Fan Jian
The silly Fan Si Zhe - Guo Qi Lin is forever comedic
Everything that revolved around Ye Qing Mei
DISLIKE
Ended abrubtly and finally after five years season two is out - gonna start soon
MUSIC
Yi Nian Yi Sheng 一念一生 - Li Jian 李健
REWATCH VALUE
Yes without a doubt
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I only had one quip of the storyline and that is... listen... I know men will be men but dang mostly in every drama I have seen, only two dramas men were loyal to the woman they love. The flirting mentality of a man I ask why all the teasing and temptations of different women in front of them when the character already is committed to one? I would love to see a drama series more than ONCE that a man is loyal to Love such as 10 miles of Peach Blossom (Eternal Love) or Legend of Fu Yao! I would love to see this in "Joy of Life"! This is just my opinion.
I know Joy of Life will be a great hit and have seen that it has already started winning awards for that Thank you!
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Simply superb!
Amazing amazing story! I’ve seen so many period dramas that I’ve loved, but they were all invariably slow paced. This one here is the most fast paced period drama I’ve ever come across and the story kept me engrossed, entertained, excited, scared, giggling, feeling sombre and wanting more! The story was thoroughly unpredictable, with so many twists and turns, but not a single dull moment throughout. Just when I felt I’m getting a grasp of what’s happening, the story would take a turn and leave me surprised and looking forward to what happens next. I’m so glad there is a season 2! I’m looking forward to the story ahead!Was this review helpful to you?
Cliffhanger ending! Brilliant political scheming and very smart characters all around.
This is season 1 of Joy Of Life, it ends on a cliffhanger. It'll 5 years (3 seasons) for the entire story to finish airing.NOTE: If you don't mind #1 in cons, the overall rating would be 9.5
This show is about the journey of Fan Xian, a baby born in the feudal era with the complete memories of an adult man in modern times. He grows up in the countryside but is pulled into the midst of the power struggle in the capital city.
I loved following the story of Fan Xian. It was quite an exciting ride to watch the strings being pulled by different characters and how they all have their interests. Allegiances are confusing and you never really know who is planning what. The story never drags and there's always a new exciting thing getting your attention. There are hidden badass martial artists, political masterminds, ancient temple full of secrets, Fan Xian's mystery mom who seems almost magical and so much more to delight you. Its definitely worthy of its popularity and praise.
Pros:
1. Political schemes/manipulation: There are a lot of capable people trying to do different things to gain power/accomplish some other goal. Its fun to watch how them trying to trick each other.
2. Multiple smart characters (including the the really smart MC) : All capable and worthy of attention. If you are usually annoyed by dumb and incompetent characters, this is good for you.
3. Beautiful sets/ clothes: Some may find the makeup on certain characters excessive but I personally did not mind.
4. The different characters with special skills, all serving a purpose and being a cohesive part of the story
5. Amazing acting by the cast, all of them have done a great job. Especially The Emperor and Chen Ping Ping.
Cons:
1. The original novel depicts harem relationships(the ML is involved with various women and married to two). The show tries to tone this down by having only one official love interest but there is ample flirting and intense gazes with the other women. This personally bothered me so make your own judgement about that.
2. The MC is little OP, things always go as he plans.
3. There is sci fi involved as an undercurrent which seems a little strange considering majority of the plot is about the time they exist in and the political scheming going on. This may be more relevant as the story progresses.
4. The cliffhanger ending and a 5 year long wait time for the series to complete.
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...is a worn-out comment I never wanted to write, but this leaves me with no choice.
One thing that really surprised me are the characters. For example the younger sis, who wants to share the adventure and tags along on their missions is not annoying at all! I can't get used to that at all. It is something I have never experienced in Dramaland before. These Meimeis are supposed to be in the way. And there are a lot of other loveable characters in here. The main lead is kind of a superman, which makes it less stressful to watch, because you, as the watcher, start believing and trusting in him. This may be a weakness too, but for me it fits very well into the storyline.
And, of course, you always need to remember, that this is a light watch.
Anyway, it is a fun ride and I am only at ep 8. Right now the mystery and friendship is strong, but the romance still a little weak, which I apprreciate, because I have watched too much sweet stuff lately.
Definitely recommended.
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First Impression
I'm 4 episodes in. So this is my first impression. I have not read the novel. I selected this drama because of the high rating, but so far, it really hasn't lived up to the hype.-Acting is average at best. And there quite a bit of overracting
-the half brother of the ML, his acting is the worse, maybe he's suppose to be a buffoon?
-Even the ML's acting is off sometimes.
-Music is weird and doesn't seem to fit in
-There are too many characters. It's hard to keep track of who is who
-Other reviewers raved about how funny the movie is, but it's not really that funny to me. Maybe the humor got lost in translation? I'm a non Chinese view so maybe the humor is just over my head
-palace intrigue with a dash of modern social commentary
It's not living up to the hype, but I'm a little intrigued to find out who is trying to kill him, so I'll keep watching
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Best well-rounded drama of 2019!
I have only recently started to watch Chinese drama- Joy of Life is my 3rd one. Before I have been a fan of Korean dramas (and in my early years' Japanese dramas as well). What used to put me off was the high amount of episodes, long dialogs, dragging stories and often bad quality firming.But after I have recently watched a few Chinese dramas again I am positively surprised about the overall improvement in the quality of Chinese dramas - often due to great adaptions from popular novels. And why wasting your brainpower to come up with mediocre stories if a novel has been proved to be great?! Joy of life is one of them.
PS. My first full review so apologies for not being too clear sometimes.
Story/plot: ★★★★★
The story is really creative and interesting - modern beliefs mixed with an ancient setting. Though it is quite politically loaded, it does not go into the usual “palace dramas” and keep a high notch of mystery and suspense throughout the plot. Due to the slight element of Fantasy/ScienceFiction, but not too much, one also cannot easily predict how the story may unfold in the end. On top of that though the main storyline is rather heavy the scriptwriter inserted many great jokes and funny scenes which make the viewers laugh out loud. They help to lose the tension so the mood does not stay too dark all the time. One minus point can be given to because of the complexity of the intrigues and sudden turn of directions it can be sometimes a bit difficult to follow. You need to understand that they are trying to pack an extremely long novel (over 4mn Chinese characters!!) into 3 seasons. But of far it is not that you are completely out of the picture.
Character development: ★★★★★
I love dramas that have good character development. That’s is what name then real. All characters in this drama, both lead as well as supporting have their depth. Throughout the episodes, viewers can clearly feel that each of them has their own motivation, their source of joy and sadness and the stories which make the way they are. Esp. lead character Fan Xian’s character development is phenomenal and one of the best I have seen.
Acting: ★★★★★
This drama has a great cast. From young talented actors to veteran stars, it gives what a drama fan desires. The excellent acting is what makes the characters come to life. Esp. Zhang Ruo Yun playing Fan Xian has exceeded my expectation (one of my favorite scenes is the dialog between FanXian and Zhuge in ep. 13 - it really gives you chills!) also the emperor, the family of FanXian, FanXian’s subordinates, the king and all the “evil characters”... just hats down to their acting!
Camera work and music: ★★★★★
Finally some words to the production. The quality of this drama is fantastic. There are not many fighting scenes, but those which are there are excellently shot (my favorite is the fight at the waterfall in ep.34). It also offers some of the most beautiful natural sceneries.
The music has been well composed with beautiful title and ending songs. Some of the background music is inserted so well to enforce the atmosphere e.g. the “rock song” for the coach and flag scene in ep. 37.
Summary: ★★★★★
All in all - this drama is one of the best ones I have seen on screen (and I have seen many). If you are new or old to Chinese drama please give this one a go. I really hope they will continue to shoot season 2 and 3 with the same cast as I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I would not rewatch this drama mainly because once the story is known it takes out the suspense element which is one best part of this drama. But I will sure rewatch some of the scenes.
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