Loved the crew...hated the drama.
I can't believe my first review is to shit on my girl Dilraba whom I actually quite like. However, I must tell the truth, this is very bad drama. I do not understand why people are giving it such a high rating. It's so misleading. I'll try to keep it short but man this is bad:1. THE CARTOON SCENES: In a bid to save money and time, they replaced all of the war fight scenes with cartoons/anime scenes...and it was so bad. Maybe there will be a time that this technique will work, but that is not the case here. You have to watch it for yourself to see just how bad it is. Even for scenes that were not big war fighting scenes that can eat a budget (like when they met the king of Mobei, or when Khatan's concubine enters the scene) were given the cartoon treatment. It reduces the quality of the drama tremendously to me. It did not feel like an artistic choice but more like a bunch of film school students winging it and trying to make up for messing around the whole semester. It did not pay off.
2. TRASH ROMANCE: The romance was very lacking. No heat no passion. Just lukewarm basura. As stated above I love Dilraba in almost all of the dramas she's been in (You Ahre My Glory is forever that girl). This is due to the fact that the girl could have chemistry with a rock if needed. She plays love scenes and flirtatious scenes so well... except in this drama. But it's not her fault, the screenwriting is just crap. Like, I'm sorry this drama is not some kind of big budget War blockbuster. It's no "The Longest night on Chang's an" or "Joy of Life". It's one step above an idol drama (look there is nothing wrong with that. I'm addicted to dramas. I will watch all of them no matter what lol). So, tell me why this drama was taking itself so seriously? We all came here for Dilraba and Leo (two beautiful people)...just give us the romance. But nooo. It took 20 some episodes to even reveal the romance. They wouldn't show them kissing until EP 40...and it wasn't even a traditional kissing scene. Honestly, I would have been fine with a lip press and a camera spin like they used to do it back in the day. Instead, we got that weird "bird kissing scene" and a bunch of stiff hugs. It was so bizarre. I knoooow some dramas don't have intimate scenes...I'm not western media rookie who is asking for more sex scene here . I wished they'd skipped all together. Because, what's with the freaking birds?
3. RIDICULOUS PLOT EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS LOGISTICS: I get that Leo is very young and I'm not gonna shit on him...but if you guys wanted to created some big serious war drama...he is not the guy...ok. His acting is very subpar and not at that level yet (and I don't believe it will ever be. Some people are like and it's ok. I'm still gonna watch his stuff. I have not issues with a cute actor with a nice body but low acting skills lol). Not that Dilraba is the greatest actress but with a good counterpart she can deliver. It felt that their goals and the casting and scriptwriting were not in alignment.
4. BAD FEMALE LEAD JOURNEY: This was a classic Mary Sue story (don't fight me on this please). This girl is just so pretty and so smart and so this and so that. But the thing is, if you were to actually sit down and examine her actions you'd realize all of it was so dumb. It's one thing to be thrusted into the political arena reluctantly...and it's a whole different story to plant yourself into the mix because of "revenge" or whatever but whenever the opportunity came to actually act on said revenge you either chicken out or you take the "high road". And as a storyline, it made no sense. Wanting revenge informed us of this girl's motivation and actions...but then doesn't. If someone killed your whole family and you're on a quest for revenge...why do you care about the country and its citizens? And if you do...then just admit you're not about that revenge life and keep it pushing. It's just all felt so silly. And like ...is this girl the only one around that can do things? Why do people just give her tasks and hand her high positions? It's not realistic.
If you reaaaaally wanna watch it, go for it I guess. But it's not good!
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The Greatest Unproblematic and Non Toxic Couple
Absolutely adored our main 2 couples, very happy it was perfect from beginning to end. Ashile, Ashile, Ashile SUN!!!! WHAT A REMARKABLE MAN. Perfect for Any woman a man without a Toxic bone in his body. He is Considerate, Consistent, Understanding, Reassuring, a bit Arrogant but more Confident and rightfully so. The Leading Actor Leo did a Phenomenal Job portraying this powerful character. Dilraba was amazing as Li ChangGe she has stolen my heart completely. This character is misunderstood but she means well. Extremely Loyal, Dominant, Intelligent, Strategic and sometimes Hotheaded at times. Absolutely Adored GeSun!!!!I wanted to also Add both leading ladies love and loyalty for each other were phenomenal. I loved their bond and sisterhood. I am so grateful for writers to show that 2 women can have a NON toxic REAL friendship and Sismance. Both Ladies are polar opposite but they respect and understand one another. They ride for each other and are Heroic in there own way. Thank you so much to the while Team for writing these characters and relationships. The Character growth from the start to end was great. Bravo, Encore I need a season 2 with ALL actors.
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Best costume drama for 2021 yet!
I love this drama! The chemistry between the leads is fantastic. The storyline is captivating from ep 1, no draggy scenes or sideplots. It is fast paced and full of action. The music is beautiful especially the ending theme song. Each story arc shows charcoal development and growth with good transition between scenes. This is my fav 2021 costume drama so far!Leo as Ashile Sun is masculine, handsome and the perfect hero. His costume as Tegin is 🔥. Diralba as Change Ge is smart, beautiful and strong. I think it is her best drama so far, she has converted me (was not impressed with her previous projects) I love every moment they are on screen together. The acting is superb, all the subtle facial expressions, eye moments makes all the scenes stand out.
My only complaint is the input of additional cartoon scenes were annoying and wish there was more romance scenes between the leads. That’s just because I’m a sucker for romance and will never see enough.
Highly recommended drama for anyone who likes strong male/female lead, no whiny 3rd wheels and good choreography of martial arts and battle scenes.
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100% worth watching story. dont think more just watch it
Short review .I was expecting very high with this drama...and it didnot disappoint me.the storyline is very good with full of emotion the acting done by everyone is perfect ...its just so good one and music every song of this drama is so so so good i listen to it every day and it gives me goosebumps of all those emotional scenes...their is some twist and turns so you will definetly not get bored and the chemistry betn leads is very good ...i would say just watch it ....it is a worth watching drama it gives u some deep message at the end so i find it a bit inspiring to .Was this review helpful to you?
A great epic journey
Watching this show felt like you've lived through a lifetime... in a good way. A lot of things happened, the characters all went through hardships, they've been through one heck of a journey. It's really a fantastic show.STORY
A lot of things happened and the progression of the story was good. I felt the pacing was just right, it wasn't too rushed or too dragging. Though there were times when I predicted what would happen with the leads (ex. will they survive, etc.) but there were times when I was on the edge of my seat. It was intense and I liked that you can understand the characters' motives. It wasn't all black and white, with the villains being bad for no reason. You can still sympathize with them.
It was smartly written, though I understand that the story came from a manhua, still, the way it was written as a TV show, they kept things interesting.
CINEMATOGRAPHY & EDITING
It really made you feel how big and how epic the scale of the production was. It was impressive how they captured the intensity of the war scenes, of the fight scenes and the emotions the characters were experiencing.
There were a couple of awkward shots though especially during the shift to the animated scenes. I don't know if it was purely for artistic choices or because the budget for shooting those war scenes would have been large but putting the actors in front of the animated backgrounds were awkward. They could've just left the animated scenes as is and not mix it with the live action ones.
ACTING/STUNTS
The actors were amazing, Dilraba was so bad-ass and believable as a great fighter and a smart princess. Though I felt the chemistry with her and Leo Wu was a bit lacking. But they were great when fighting and working together.
I've watched Zhao Lusi before as a strong character and seeing her as meek, I saw her differently. She's so effective and really great at crying scenes that she makes you want to cry with her.
Liu Yuning was also amazing. Even just a small change in his eyes, or a quirk of his lips, you can tell what he's feeling even without saying anything. Because of his acting, I was immediately hooked with his storyline and pay close attention whenever he's in a scene even if he's not the focus.
MUSIC
The soundtrack was epic that I never skipped an opening or closing. It really helped to hype me up with the scenes. And made me sad when Hao Du's theme song plays during his scenes.
OVERALL
Highly recommended! It's a great watch and a great journey to take with the characters. Though for people who's looking for romance, this show doesn't prioritize romantic scenes as much but it's okay because the story itself is interesting. You also have to be patient though and keep watching even with the awkward shifts to the animated scenes.
For me, I don't really see it as rewatchable except for certain scenes (like Hao Du's because he's my favorite haha) because there are too many things that happened and part of why the show is great is because you can't really predict the ending.
GREAT SHOW!
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This review may contain spoilers
This was a well made drama.Dilraba shines again! As she shows her acting range as our heroine lead as Li Chang Ge.
She goes through loss, grief, growth and love through the story, making friends along the way.
They evolve her character as a immature tomboy who eventually grows to be a wise strong woman.
As she goes on a quest of revenge, and finding her purpose, she eventually learns the secret about her mother and her father+ uncle. She does everything for her country, even though they've gone after her life, persecuted her, out casted her. Eventually she's able to let go of the hate near the end, and is able to find peace & happiness with her life moving forward which was what her mother wished for early on.
It was confusing at first how they started the familial conflict leading to bloodshed, maybe it could've been explained better other than hinting that bad omen was coming.
Personally I've had some gripes initially of how they wrote Mimi's character, which was frustrating at first because of her actions/behavior but the writes in turn use that as a moment to evolve and build Chang Ge by using the situations as tactics and showing her resiliency.
Even Minister Du finds light, even though he was hell bent on getting rid of Chang Ge, even though some of the minsters probably knew what happened between Lady Jin & Li Simin's history. Not sure what his motivation was or how the point of going after Chang Ge with Hao Du (the adoptive son) drove the storyline other than the fact Chang Ge needed to keep moving from one place to another.
Wei Shu character is probably the only one that missed out, on one hand he was being crushed on by Princess Le Yan but only viewed her as a sister, on the other side he probably had feelings for Chang Ge but could not be honest with himself, and also leaned towards sense of duty than his own feelings.
They do payoff most of the storylines that were created, which gives the audience a sense of closure as well as peace.
If theres something to be learned is not to act rashly, not to let your ego get the best of you as it go to Chang Ge early on, and eventually led to Khatun's own downfall, as there is a much bigger picture that you probably can't grasp.
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Female centric historical drama
I do not intend to write a long review for this one, so I'll just summarise my thoughts as succinctly as possible.Overall:
This is a female centric drama focused on the growth of the lead character Chang'ge in her pursuit of vengeance and how she comes to find her role and aim in life.
Positives:
+ This is NOT a romance-themed drama which is fantastic for people who are more plot focused.
+ There is effort to expand character development beyond those of the lead characters. Every character has his/her own motivations and reasons to act in the way they did.
+ There is emphasis on the strength of the protagonist Chang'ge and how the fact that she is a female does not limit her in any way. Most female characters are strong and capable in this drama.
+ There is respect between the primary pairing and the male lead Ashile Sun's attitude and thoughts toward his beloved aligns with modern thinking.
+ Excellent pacing from the first episode up till when Suozhou fell.
+ Brilliant start and directing for the football match. I do love Dilraba's acting right at the start as a haughty and playful princess.
+ Great push and pull between Chang'ge and Li Shi'min when it comes to the dynamics of their relationship.
+ Above average acting and good acting chemistry overall.
+ Best OST of the year.
Negatives:
- The conflicting interests of Chang'ge and Ashile Sun means that sometimes Sun is forced to take a step backwards to the disadvantage of his faction to accommodate plot development.
- There were way too many reversals towards the end, and they were not thought out well.
- There is a repetitive plotline for the second female lead Le'yan which seemed to have taken inspiration from a similar plot point at the start between Chang'ge and A'dou but portrayed in a relatively unpolished and awkward manner.
- The part regarding a political alliance via marriage between Tang and Ashile was a very clichéd plot point and was resolved in very clichéd fashion.
- Weird styling for the protagonist.
- Unusual directing angles and shortcuts taken by using comic in place of certain heavyweight scenes.
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Dilraba Dilmurat, Leo Wu, these two talented Chinese celebrities, grabbed at my heart in this drama. Another strong woman Chinese drama role for Dilraba Dilmurat. Amazingly well done! Leo Wu, OMG, so skilled at his job. I love both!
Liu Yu Ning who played Hao Du had me scared and I wasn't even in this drama. He was so convincing but he turned out awesome. Rosy Zhao Le Yan did great, she was perky but knew how to change from being perky to very serious. I applaud her. I was amazed at the actor who Mu Jin. I will be looking for dramas with the above cast. The rest of the cast made the storyline happened, I have to thank them. Everything else, the sound, the fantasy, the visuals, costume, set design.... just perfection.
I understand why they put in the cartoon (comic book). I am pretty sure this was a high-budget drama and I blame it all on the Pandemic. Sometimes you gotta do with what you have to make it work. I applaud the whole team!
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Just finished last month but I wanna rewatch!!
I was actually hesitant at first because it was too long, but my cousin strongly recommended it to me so I thought it wouldn't be that bad. Good thing I gave it a go.It was my first time watching Reba's so I don't really have any data to compare with. As for Lusi, I've watched almost all her shows (I'm a huge fan) and I wholeheartedly believe that this is (by far) her most praiseworthy work. Though she might not be the first FL in this series, it showed her full acting potential (the anticipation for her upcoming works is killing me!; especially waiting for WRTW and Hu Tong). Also, her (Leyan) short yet sweet interactions with (Hao Du) Yuning are just wow! I once thought that I wouldn't be able to ship Lusi with anyone else other than Ryan (Han Shuo) but guess I was wrong (NingLu's way too cute).
As for the story, all I can say is that it was really good. You can see the growth of each character as episodes passed. Hence, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that this is the best historical drama I've ever watched!
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Good cast but not good production
Story: When I saw the synopsis, I thought this will be heavy political war badass drama. But it turned out more like another fantasy idol drama. The setting of this drama actually could be made a grandeur historical one, yet the production team only put half-hearted effort to create an impressive drama. I really dislike the comical editing, make this drama looks like low budget product. The plot is average, has some interesting point but it's easy to forget.Acting: This drama is one of Tencent big production, recently there were many critics about Tencent drama which are mostly rely on popular actor but taking cheap script and low budget production. Almost all the actors in this drama have done well in presenting their characters, specially the two lead actors. I always thought that Dilraba has a good acting skill, but she always ended taking an unimpressive drama. Leo Wu is not much different, his only big drama was Nirvana in Fire. The one I thought was not good enough is Liu Yu Ning who played as Hao Du. However he still have a room to improve his acting skill, since this drama is his first acting experience.
Music: I have no complain about the soundtrack and music in this drama, it's suitable and the ending theme which is sung by Zhou Shen is beautiful.
Overall: I wish this drama could focus more on one point, either the political, war-action or romance, thus make this drama has unforgettable point. For me, the plus points of this drama are Dilraba, Leo Wu and Rosy Zhao, they all delivered their acting skill very well.
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It’s really a long ballad (just not a good ballad)
TLDR: like most ballads, it’s long and its attempt to tug your heartstrings but most of the time, it fell short, boring and bland.Watch for your favourite actor and actress, and once you pass Leo’s best part in the middle, you can just drop it really.
Story: started ok, best part was the middle where major events happened to Leo’s character, and then it’s flat line :/
Acting: award acting to the king uncle to Chang Ge when he received the knife again, and Leo in his lost scenes. Everyone else is meh. No offend but I felt asleep with the SL CP, their story is pretty stock standard, and while their acting is suited for the characters, it’s pretty meh. The SML is the usual cold and turn super puppy once he’s in love >_> DD’s acting is ok, but her character is just so boring >_< she’s pretty but yup, they managed to make her not pretty, boring, tired and pretty meh lol. I do get her character but uh, just relax? She always so serious, it’s tiresome after 30eps lol. Also while I love Leo, he’s a bit stiff/overact in the pouting department 🤣
Music: it’s great, but just watch the MV, it saves you time and make you actually like the series more than watching it, watching it might just make you hate it lawl.
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