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The story writing is just perfection and will definitely leave you breathless. You will recount those beautiful dialogues and the writer is a genius that weaves the "time travel" theme into the story without it being too unrealistic. In fact, i feel like this drama is one of the most realistic dramas out there in terms of how there is always a somewhat logical reason for the situation to happen.
ONE OTHER THING is how there's FINALLY and intelligent female lead that is not coldhearted or greedy and yet still courageous enough to pursue love. AND finally she's not the naive damsel in distress which i am annoyed with most in dramas and seems to be so popular these days -_- I just love complex characters like Ruoxi who i feel like is really a real person that's transferred back to the Qing Dinasty. I loved her, hated her, sympathised with her, and cried with her. She is also one truly amazing girl that finally i feel like i can understand why all the princes' like her in their own ways. She keeps her modern mindset yet she is still willing to compromise to those traditional ways. This drama makes you feel like you're in a beautiful yet tragic journey with her that by the end of it you will feel exhausted emotionally.
And all of the prince's are just perfection in a way that they all have flaws and that there are no true villains in this drama. All their doings you can understand and relate to which is almost impossible to find in the drama world. The characters in this drama are all multi layered and you just want to peel all those layers to understand their actions.
I'm not going to write about the romance because it's simply the perfect love story for me although it broke my heart but i love sad endings in drama anyways. I feel like it is more poetic that way and it leaves a more realistic impact to its viewers. I would like more kissing scenes, but that's just me lol :)
Another reason to love this drama is that when you watch it, you feel like you have not just witnessed only a great love story unfolding but a story that are full of meanings and political intelligence.
After watching so many dramas after this one, i feel even more assured of how impeccably written and made this drama is. This drama is able to encapsulate all that makes a drama great that even after 4 years after it aired, i gladly say that this is a rare gem in the drama world. what else can we ask for other than a great story, a great acting, great music, good cinematography, and the costumes are well executed.
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Well-acted, Mature and Political, the OG is worth a watch!
“Scarlet Heart” is a very mature, reserved and political drama. This is probably because it’s based on real people, real princes and emperors. You have to honor what actually happened and fill in the gap between each event with creative writing. We know the ending of each prince, but how do we get there?“Scarlet Heart” brought together a cast of veterans and newcomers with top notch acting. Liu Shi Shi is great and beautiful (with no modern technology to smooth her skin). I like her character development. I can’t believe this is Kenny Lin’s first drama. I also remember crushing on Kevin Cheng when I was young and when he first started singing. I was quite surprised he’s so good here. I enjoy the casting choice. Oftentimes, a drama would cast a young idol and make me believe he’s charismatic and can lead an army. Not here. All the princes look like princes and not young boys. These are scheming princes fighting for the crown, I have to believe they are intelligent and mature enough, and I do believe.
The pacing of the drama is quite good. I was very entertained in the first half of the drama and time went by fast! I enjoy seeing the different relationships FL has formed with each prince, and supporting characters. It’s lovely to see strong platonic friendships, young loves, rivalries, mature and complicated romances. The second half of the drama becomes more serious and darker. When palace politics take center stage, personal relationships change and that’s fun (LOL) to see their demise. Unfortunately, I also think there’s a little too much crying in the last few episodes and the drama’s pace slows down big time.
I have to applaud iQiyi for having good quality video and audio for this 2011 drama. Afterall, I’m watching this 14 years later. Otherwise, I might end up disliking it. I love the traditional palace setting, the set designs, costumes, hairstyles, accessories and everything that helps me immerse myself in their stories.
What’s missing for me, is the chemistry between FL and Prince #4. Their relationship is where the majority of the angst happened. Their early romance is too controlled, reserved and on the down low with limited and short conversations, minimal and secretive touching. I was unable to feel the sizzling chemistry and longing for each other. By the time they were in an open relationship and all the bad things happened, I was not as moved as I should be. I also didn’t like Prince #4 very much before he’s king and less when he became king. Is this Nicky Wu’s acting problem or just how the writing is? On the other hand, despite a slow start with Prince #8 (I can’t tell when he fell in love), at least later on I could feel the longing, the desperate desire to be with FL. The romances are so different because they happened at 2 different stages of FL’s life. One is not better than the other.
I also have a hard time with the passage of time. This drama spans many years, and oftentimes I don’t know how much time has passed. Didn’t Prince #8 just cry over FL’s sister and now he’s professing his love with a gift? Didn’t FL just move in with her sister and still have months before going to the palace? All of a sudden and it’s time to pack up and go! Time passes by in a jiffy and she’s been a tea girl for 10 years?
Since this is an old drama, I just need to laugh off the crappy green screen, especially the fake lotus pond. The scenes with the lotus are just hilarious. What’s up with the dubbed-over singing that totally didn’t match with anything. Don’t forget the regular bad dubbing and the body-double horseback riding.
Overall, I have a surprisingly good time watching this classic and I’m glad the Clown wheel picked this drama as my bingo challenge. Otherwise, I would never have picked it and now it makes me want to watch “Moon Lovers” (which I avoided) and might even watch the Thai adaptation when it airs. “Scarlet Heart” has its flaws, but with an excellent cast, interesting palace politics, beautiful sets and costumes plus a lovely OST, it was time well spent.
Completed: 2/7/2025 - Review #540
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Since everyone already addressed what's so great about the drama in all these other reviews, I shall make this my own and share what I enjoyed most. These include:
- the attention to detail that may not seem much at first glance but overall accumulates into all the difference in the world in terms of production, plot development to overall story and how everything comes off
- Maertai Ruoxi's relationship with the princes whom she has a different relationship with each. Some of them are her good friends - one even becomes her confidante, while others become her romantic interests and eventually the 'one' for her. Even her relationship with others such as some of the wives, servants in the palace, and the Emperor - are unique in each their own. No two are the same.
-The meticulous development of each character and their relationships with each other over the years. Brothers who turn into rivals, strangers who turn into loved ones, friendships in the most unlikely of places (or is it?) - you see the processes and driving forces behind all of it, instead of it just happening like in most dramas. Even if you don't agree with some of it, you understand it.
- Maertai Ruoxi is not your typical heroine. None of the main leads are perfect; in fact they aren't truly good either but rather 'grey area' types. The truly good have no place in the world of imperial politics (like the 13th prince), and the truly bad ones never get out alive. Ones in the grey area may seem like 'winners' but in reality- they lose more than anyone can realize - in different ways that may not be exactly apparent or is it something they realize themselves even. These are the fates illustrated among the various members of the imperial family - from princes, wives and servants and even the Emperor himself.
One feels a true sense of attachment to all the characters (even the antagonists) and the relationships with one another by the end of the series. Rather a weird comparison but it's like watching your kids grow up except I've never been a mother, and these are all adults and people who existed well before my time. Maybe it's safer to describe it as a really bad breakup once you finish the series with a serious case of withdrawal, unable to forget the emotions it drew out of you and the attachment to the character/story that you gave so much time and emotions into but really doesn't give anything back to you...other than change the way you see dramas from now on and the emotional rollercoaster that leaves you aching yet fulfilled.
Rewatch? If you are okay with going through the heartbreak and extreme range of emotions the first time around, it just might be worth it for the beauty of the experiences again
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Just a week ago, I decided to see whether it's worth watching but it drew me in immediately.
Why is it so?
First the story: I love the story because it has a balance between romance and politics (more on the romance side, I guess). Unlike usual historical drama, it doesn't spend too much time on discussing political issues, but still integrates necessary historical events in the plot which I find it beautiful. And no one would ever forget Ruo Xi's relationships with each prince which are again beautifully portrayed. One thing I love about this drama would be the dialogues which are perfectly written, intensifying the plot.
Acting/Cast: Well, I've noticed Liu Shi Shi since her Mu Nian Ci role. But, it was neither 'like' nor 'unlike'. But, with her playing Ruo Xi, I fell in love with Ruo Xi and herself. Nicky Wu is a great actor that I've known since my childhood. I have great respects for him. The chemistry between the main roles were amazing. I loved the intensity between Ruo Xi and 4th Prince. Other roles are also well-done.
Music: I love all OSTs from this drama (all three of them: One persistent thought, Three inches of heaven and Seasons of waiting). The lyrics perfectly matches the storyline and the emotions from the drama. It was like Ruo Xi speaking of her mind and feelings.
Rewatch value: I rewatched it immediately after the first time. For what? I just can't get enough of the emotions this drama gave me. I just love seeing Ruo Xi and 4th Prince together.
Overall, it was one of the best dramas that I've ever watched in my life and made me tearful. Rarely that I give dramas 10 out of 10. There has only been a few. But I give this one 10.
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I really recommend this drama for everyone who loves ancient Chinese or historical dramas. Besides the plot and the characterization of the story one good point about Scarlet Heart is the beautiful setting that supports the wholeness of this drama. Beautiful Qipao the leading character wears is also my main reason to give perfect score to this drama ! :D
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It is now 2017 and many more people have watched the newer Korean version. I implore you all to give the original drama a chance. Yes, the CGI is shitty. Yes the hairstyle looks weird...but if you stick it out to the very end, it will leave a strong impression on you.
1. Watch for how Ruoxi (a strong willed and intelligent female lead) maneuvers her way through Qing Dynasty China. Despite being a modern women, she adapted immediately to her surroundings and it was a joy to watch her fall in love deeply with her 4th Prince, the future emperor.
2. Watch for non- one dimensional Princes (for a stark change from the Korean version) and how they came to associate with our heroine.
Happy watching!
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Scarlet Heart is seriously addictive. I think I watched most of it in a weekend. I just couldn't stop. Historical dramas are not my favorite, because I hate politics. SH has politics, but it is a love story. A great love story. First, the costumes, settings, and overall cinematography is outstanding. It is beautiful and easily will transports the watcher to a different time. It is love from every angle in a variety of relationships. No one is perfect and the character development and dialog between the characters is meaningful. Ruoxi is a great female lead. She is strong and caring. Crazy that the thought of suppressing your emotions can kill you, but it can. I love her character. When you watch this, I am sure you will pick a favorite prince. I have my favorite also. From favorite to least favorite is 13th, 14th, 10th, 4th , 8th, and I hated the 9th prince. The 8th and 4th princes are fools. I sympathize with them and I get that they are ambitious and there is nothing wrong with that, but they gave up so much happiness for power. In the end I felt they got what they deserved. If someone had taught them how to love, then maybe it wouldn't have turned out this way. I get that the Emperor had a lot on his plate, but he created the mess. I had a problem with the cruelty of the Emperor and the 4th prince. I was emotionally invested in this drama from start to finish.
I don't know anything about the actors. I don't usually watch Chinese dramas, but I thought they all did a fabulous job. Liu Cecilia is beautiful and I was totally engrossed in her character. Ye Zu Xin is too cute.
I like the music a lot although a few times I wish it was just them talking.
I won't rewatch this but it is rewatchable.
I recommend this drama to everyone. I don't even like historical dramas and I loved this.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pretty sad love story
I had just finished Legend of Shen Li, and was curious about Lin Geng Xin’s performance in Scarlet Heart as people had been writing good things about it. I have been putting this off for quite a while (actually ever since I finished Princess Agents in 2020) because I am not fond of palace drama, but i decided to give it a go after his stellar performance in LoSL.Oh well, I was right all along, palace love drama is just not my thing. It was an ordeal to get through the episodes, they were so draggy with longwinded love triangles and political conspiracy drama(well its more to a picky father who is constantly angry at his sons, and of a brother who is constantly suspicious and angry at his brothers, a vast contrast from the true palace political drama like Joy of Life etc), especially when i dislike the ultimate love interest of the FL. The only consolation is seeing the development of 14th Prince friendship with FL even though I knew it had never been about love. Its her friendship with the princes that was beautiful, although I have always wondered how come such energetic and interesting character didnt have a single friend among the princesses. But hey I’m fine with that because if they were to add princess characters then the show might have to drag the episodes out over 50 to include more female drama. Still didnt stop me from wondering.
Anyway, I think it’s quite boring with FL’s inner battles and constant love conflicts. The brotherly love of the princes towards her is super sweet though, and that was among the things that kept me going. As I said, the genre isnt my cup of tea as I am more of wuxia/xianxia/action fan with strong FL characters who are not damsels in distress.
I dislike the ML right from the start, though, even when I didnt know he was the ML. I think Nicky Wu doesnt look good as a half bald man with pigtail, he looks weird and extremely unapealing. All the other princes look waaaaaay better than him and more handsome. As the show progressed, I fail to see any spark between FL and ML even as they were developing feelings for each other. It looked much too sudden that the FL would shift her love interest to the least caring prince among all, especially when she knew he would become the emperor which would mean a whole life of her tip-toeing around the volatile figure. Maybe it is just me, I just couldn’t see the the chemistry and explanation of how she would suddenly fall in love with him, especially when he forced himself on her the first time. Just because she didnt want to become Crown Prince’s consort so she suddenly asks to marry 4th prince? Damn thats too weak of a turning point.
I kinda gotten tired of how she would cry at everything too. She cries when she’s happy, she cries when she’s afraid and she obviously cries when she’s sad. She also has this one kind of expression on her face and that is what she wore throughout the show. I am not fond of her looks too, but hey, it kinda grows on you as the show goes on. It still didnt stop me from fast forwarding all those draggy love scenes though, especially the love scenes between the two (those after ML ascended the throne are even more cringier than others, thank god they were not many), I honestly enjoyed the arch on the 8th prince and 10th prince with their consorts and 13th prince with his mistress. Those felt more genuine than the main love story. 8th Prince story was the most devastating while 10th prince was the only one with a happy ending.
Even though I got tired of FL crying, I must admit there are scenes that moved me, like the one of her begging for 13th prince, the pure friendship turmoil between the princes and FL, and the one where she begged for 8th prince to divorce her sister who was in the verge of death. So much unrequited love in this show, it’s so tiring to feel for every one of them. They were all pitiful. Oh I think the one playing Ma’ertai Roulan is the most beautiful of all, she had the perfect look for ancient costume. Her character’s love story is so pitiful I couldnt help but feel her pain.
Despite the boring storyline and the excessive crying of the FL, one thing I really commend this show is how closely accurate to the history this show was. Between the plot of 4th prince usurping the throne and the emperor passing it to him, of course they would have to choose the more conflicting plot. The cast did a stellar job. And I’m soooo glad it had been only 35 episodes to endure compared to more than 50 episodes of other palace shows out there. Wished it was less. The first 10 episodes were soooo dragy it was such a pain to go through. But the last 5 episodes were golddddd! I never expected the surprise in Ep 33. 14th prince definitely became the star role in the last 3 episodes, he was practically the knight in shining armour whisking the maiden away to safety. No wonder people had been praising of LGX’s performance here. Before watching, I thought his role was a passing small role with little significance, which was also one of the reasons I kept putting off to watch the show.
I think the ending never bothered me because I never shipped the MC love story. It was an apt ending for both and everyone involved. Am so glad she died in 14th prince arms instead. The bosom childhood friend that she used to quarrel with and afraid of, but in the end became her saviour from the Forbidden City prison.
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