Joy of Life Season 2

庆余年 第二季 ‧ Drama ‧ 2024
Completed
tadhana09
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 6, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Perf but i wish for more fight scenes and less wan er

Loved it! If there’s anything I wish it could have had more is fight scenes. There were less in S2 but very exciting none the less . Given that there were level 8/9 martial artists and grandmasters an FX is a martial artis too, I just wish there were more. Also, I don’t know if it’s the character or the acting but I noticed since S1, there’s just no chemistry between Fan Xian and Wan Er. Their scenes were my least favorite in both seasons. I found FX’s interaction with each characters very entertaining except theirs. there was more chemistry between FX and Si Lili in S1. You can sense the intensity even with just the eye contact.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
iamkiana
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 29, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Highly recommend

I have watched the first and second season of Joy of Life cdrama in a row. It has been a long long while since the last time I truly enjoyed every single little of a series. No matter how good they are, they always lack in a thing or two. The story was perfect i was mesmerized by how things could fall in their exact right place you couldn't stop guessing what will come next and the series would surely never disappoint you, i love how the king would twist everything for his own sake, it was brilliant. A great mixture of action, drama, and comedy. The drama's cast played fantastically. I enjoyed every little detail every face expression, everything i mean it. The ost was perfectly fine. I could feel the ending in particular with every bone. A masterpiece indeed. Can't wait for the third season. I hope it doesn't take another 5 years.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Bali
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 23, 2025
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
Joy Of Life season 2 is still full of compelling cinematography, CGI’s, costumes, smart created dialogue and characters that are not crystal clear all the way to the end of this season, which gives the drama a feeling of mystery and restlessness; but it is not comparable to season 1. Season 2 started with a sense of ridiculous farcical tone that lasted too many episodes. Once the story picked up, there were some interesting twists and palace antics to stir trouble but the main characters around Fan Xian, instead of remaining mysterious and transcendental, seemed to have been suffering from manic episodes and pushing Fan Xian beyond boundary lines. There are some secrets revealed (even though hints were given before so they were not surprising) and the Emperor became childish and petty.
There are still characters beyond Fan Xian that are a treat to watch. From both seasons, there is the lovely, smart, loyal, and spirited Fan Ruo Ruo (played by Song Yi) and the fabulous Wang Qi Nian (played by Tian Yu). HONORABLE MENTION: Haitang Duo Duo [Northern Qi saintess] (played by Xin Zhi Lei).

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
MisterDonut
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 6, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

As good as, if not better than season 1!

The plot is brilliant in both seasons. A show where artistes showcase their acting prowess instead of milking good looks/physique. I find myself unwittingly trying to reenact their facial expressions after many scenes. I'm probably not the only one doing this?? Witty humour in every episode keeps one coming back for more. Definitely not the typical romance-based period dramas. Fan Xian's unorthodox ways of handling things in the historical era are a breath of fresh air. Season 3, give it to me now!
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
chen358
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 5, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
After all of this, I wasn't expecting the story to have a season 3. Season 2 was also put very well together just like season 1.

The series does a really good job of recalling things that have happened in the past so it kind of forces you to watch season 1 to understand what's happening in this season. The show also does a great job of keeping the audience entertained. It has this feeling in the drama, where it lures you to keep watching. It makes you want to know what's going on and makes you continue to binge watch it.

The acting and cast is what caught me off guard. The most impressive part of season 2 was having more than half the og cast return. That is one pretty hard task to do. Not only is the og cast brought back but they've even introduced new characters which was awesome. The acting was also the same and really funny. The laughs between crown prince and second prince is super hilarious.

Can't wait for season 3, hoping the cast remains the same!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
dianalg
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 11, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

The Saga Continues

First of all, the production and crew did a most satisfactory job of continuing the story which most of us waited with baited breaths - 5 long years! For most part, the sequel is very well done - 90% of the cast returned which is pretty amazing as this cast is like a dream team; the acting is superb except for one (guess which one) ; the plot lines are still witty, intriguing and captivating; and the side characters and their stories are still heart -wrenching or rib-tickling. Overall, I love it and would recommend it to those who want more than idol dramas filled with troupes, passable acting and beautiful people.

First of all, the high quality of actors is evident. This show has actors with real acting chops. They may not be all aethestically attractive but boy, are they charismatic, even riveting. I could take my eyes off them as they were full of life. Yes, I'm talking about those playing the side characters! Secondly, the scriptwriter knows his craft, having to adapt the orginal works to make it palable for the modern audience and to ensure the flow of the story.

I still love my favourite characters. I wish I belonged to the Fun (Fan) family. I wish I am a nepo baby like Fan Xian with so many father figures. I wish I had 'friends' who would lay their lives for me. I wish I could change and impact the people around me for good. There were so many 'feel good' moments. Then there are also the heart-wrenching ones - I cried for the Jins, the Censor, the scholars, Shijia town and lots more. I cried with a tissue box in front of me.

Lastly, the impact - long after I finished watching, I kept thinking about it. Is my country like the Qing Kingdom? Are the common folks short-changed? Is there a double-standard for the rich (and powerful) and for the poor common people? Do we need a anti-hero like Fan Xian and his gang?

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
EliElf
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 14, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

عالی به معنای واقعی

اولش موقع دیدنش استرس داشتم
میترسیدم مثل فصل اول خوب درنیارن، استرس داشتم بازیگرا عوض شده باشن نتونم حس بگیرم ، تا قسمت 5/6 هم این استرس رو داشتم ولی بعد 6 کاملا روند سریال مثل قبل عادی شد برام، داستان مثل فصل 1 هیجان شو داشت و بازیگری هم عالی بود، ، سر این فصلم کلی خندیدم و از داستان لذت بردمف تنها چیزی که درموردش دوست نداشتم عموش بود که این فصل کمتر نشونش دادن، من عاشق عموشممم

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
LudkMazurek
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 3, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Wow!

I've seen a lot of TV shows and few can get me excited. This series, however, really literally blew me away!
It has everything - excellent direction, design, perfect script, editing, cinematography, sounds and music, a great and engaging story, suspense, joy, sadness, love, intrigue, humorous and light comedy elements and quite serious and enlightening passages to think about.
And all of this is, as the icing on the cake, combined with truly breathtaking and unforgettable performances by all the actors of the individual characters.
The second series has not lagged behind the first in anything - and that in itself is exceptional!
Am I as sentimental as Fan Xian?! I guess so - "I know it and I won't do it again". So the last thing I can add to this is - thanks and a standing ovation to everyone who made this series!
Hopefully they'll all stay together and actually film the announced third season!


Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
E
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 11, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The first drama that had me glued to the screen from start to finish!

1. Plot: One of the best, if not the best plot I’ve ever witnessed in all the C-dramas I’ve watched. It’s concise, with very little filler and no dragging episodes. Unlike many shows where you can guess how the plot will develop or how the series will end, this one keeps you on your toes. The schemes, the battle of wits, and the plot sequence are all pure chef’s kiss!
2. Cinematography: While there are minor mistakes if you really focus on them, overall, the cinematography is top-notch! The action scenes, though not abundant, are exceptionally well-executed, and the camera work is smooth as silk.
3. Acting: The main lead’s eye expressions are stellar, perfectly conveying his unique emotions and making it hard for his enemies to predict his next move. He’s a brilliant tactician and absolutely perfect for the role—no one can tell me otherwise. The female lead, however, feels a bit sidelined, mostly serving as emotional support. But without giving anything away, I believe season 3 will give her character the development she deserves.
4. Script: This is what truly elevates the show. I won’t say much to avoid spoilers, but if you’re a script aficionado, you’ll find this series immensely satisfying.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
priyashashank
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

It just keeps getting better!!

Wow! What a journey!! Season 1 was really good, but season 2 was exceptional!! Faster pace, more intrigue, suspense and nail biting situations. I have seen Zhang Ruo Yun in only Joy of Life, and it seems he and the character of Fang Xin were made for each other. The actor has totally owned the series and this character, his acting was simply amazing and this show cannot be imagined without him. The other important characters were awesome as well, but the ML actually carries the show all by himself. I hope season 3 comes out soon, I’ll be rewatching both seasons several times during the wait!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
TuRaCh
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 10, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Joy of Life Season 2! The Cdrama legend HITS with another BANG!

Even with some cast changes, the transition from season 1 to season 2 was almost, and I emphasize on the word 'almost' perfect.

It's been around 5 years and I was kinda expecting season 2 to be a little awkward cuz time does change things a lot but thankfully the vibe and the essence were still true to the season 1.

After a disappointing sequel for the Korean sensation Chronicles of Arthadal, I was more or less expecting a somewhat sub par sequel from Joy of Life. However I was wrong and it made me really happy to see this sequel being true to it's core.

Another excellent sequel, even with some characters not being able to make the show. A solid and hard to beat 9.5 from me.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Shohid
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 5, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Kind of drama which promote all Chinese drama

After waiting for years i want to say worth it, Cast, Acting, Story, overall one of the most perfect Chinese drama. I can wait for more season without getting bored. I hope we get to watch more drama like joy of life with cast like Zhan Rou Yun. Thanks MyDramalist for allowing our prospective and emotion to be shared in your platforms.
Was this review helpful to you?
Joy of Life Season 2 poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 9.0 (scored by 4,996 users)
  • Ranked: #72
  • Popularity: #1502
  • Watchers: 14,921

Top Contributors

242 edits
47 edits
37 edits
30 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
Best Wuxia or Xianxia drama
142 titles 1746 voters 333 loves 17
Which C-Drama Are We Watching Next?
618 titles 177 loves 22
Best traditional Action Wuxia dramas
72 titles 278 voters 68 loves 12

Recently Watched By