This review may contain spoilers
A wuxia that feels more like a historical-political drama.
I went into this drama expecting a classic wuxia, maybe something along the lines of Handsome Siblings, but that wasn't what I got. I felt like this drama was confused in it's ideas, (I haven't read the original novel so this is purely based on the show) almost like it was trying to be Legend of the Condor Heroes and Six Flying Dragons at the same time. I personally don't think it worked because politics is all based around logic so it was strange when they were discussing tactics and then all of a sudden a marital artist could take out 100 soldiers alone. And also the feud between the brothers wasn't very interesting, easily predictable and one of the brothers is completely forgotten by the end.On the plus side though, Hei-Bei Fengxi have amazing chemistry and their slow burn romance makes the whole show worth watching. At the end of every episode I found myself wanting to watch another to see how they would work through problems together and how their relationship would grow. The world it's set in is so beautiful as well and the consumes are wonderfully designed. So despite some inconsistencies in the plot it is definitely worth a watch.
The ending is the biggest cause for debate I've seen, while I don't think it's a fantastic ending I definitely don't think it's as bad as people are making it out to be. His white hair is hilariously unnecessary but apart from that the show ends with the world being at peace, Hei-Bei Fengxi living happily together despite him only having ten years left to live, and all the evil exposed.
Overall a good watch but nothing exceptional. The romance is what makes it likeable so if you're not into that then you probably won't enjoy it.
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Will miss this drama
When it comes to watching a drama about the power of love, I’m all for it .I love heroic action dramas and this was one of the best. I could not stop from start to end. It felt like 40episodes was not enough .I’m thankful this novel was produced to drama for us international viewers .I salute the production team for yet another excellent drama. This will be one of those gem dramas where you could rewatch! My perfect rating is also because of the exceptional leads in this drama .The ensemble were also great .Was this review helpful to you?
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Breathtaking masterpiece!
Such an amazing series. Th production was incredible with incredible cinematography. Everything from the costumes, fight choreographies, music, etc. were done to almost perfection. The story was good with not a lot of slow draggy moments often plaguing long Chinese dramas. Having said that, there are a few things that would have made the series a lot better in my opinion (my personal preferences):- I wish there were more kiss scenes. Yes I know kisses are considered rare to begin with, but it would have conveyed more passion between the leads instead of just romantic gazes. Compared to Eternal (10 miles of peach blossoms), the passion was lacking here.
- The part with Lang Hua stabbing was a bit odd to me. Like they were like sisters but that scene just felt out of place somehow. And then the aftermath was also felt rushed like she just apologized and forgiven like she didn’t almost killed her.
- Han Pu didn’t die in the novel and I didn’t understand why he had to die in the series. I would preferred he didn’t die considering he’s the last member of the Han family.
- Although it was considered a happy ending, the fact that there’s a 10-year limit was kind of depressing to me.
Overall, a near perfect masterpiece with high re-watch value.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story went down the drain at halfway point
Heard there was a lot of production issues with the drama, and it really shows nearing the end. First is how ridiculous the plot points are being tied up and many are forgotten because they have to start touching on the main plot which has barely moved till nearing episode 30. Then every episode from 30 onwards is so rushed with many scenes just randomly cut into without much explanation, and the finale was just disappointing felt like a waste of time sitting through all 39 episodes just to see how 40 ends. Poor adaptation overall the actors and actress honestly are the one that carried the show and why most people finished this series anyway.Was this review helpful to you?
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Beautiful Chemistry, Lovely Couple
I have to admit that the ending of this drama a bit disappointed to me, but since the middle of the story, I've been expecting this kind of ending. In fact, I was hoping for a sad ending. Even so, the Bai-Hei Fengxi couple was adorable from the beginning to ending, and even if they had a bad ending, they would at least spend 10 years together happily, and who knows if they would find a solution to prolong Hei Fengxi's life?I'm in love with the original soundtrack of this drama, even now I still enjoy the strains of the song, and make me remember all the excited scenes of our two leads. Ugh, I don't want this drama to end~ I don't know how the story is in the novel version, but I can quite accept the ending of this drama.
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Two intelligent lead characters
I was not certain what to expect from the show, but I have to say it was well done and one of my favorites from 2022.The story is a power struggle between the six kingdoms to become the new empire that rules the world. The story centers mainly on 4 of the 6 kingdoms and Hei Fengxi (aka Fang Lan Xi) and Bai Fengxi (aka Feng Xi Yun) are a fated pair, a prince and lady of 2 of the kingdoms with of both them having another identity in the martial arts world. Where the story excels is in the relationship of the 2 main characters. The characters are equals with each helping and supporting the other and with no silly misunderstandings. The 2 are faced with the back stabbing to be named the heir between Her Fengxi and his brothers and the political turmoil around the collapse of the current empire, but they always trust each other and work together to achieve their goals. I also very much appreciated the relationship of Hei Fengxi and his elder brother Feng Chang., I was happy that even when you thought Feng Chang would turn on his brother he never did and any misunderstanding was resolved quickly, Of course his young brother Feng Ju was the typical back stabbing less intelligent prince and their was the "mother" and the whole harem manipulating behavior. The show got a little draggy in the middle with the fight to be heir, and the Heir Fengxi's father is a horrible human being. Still there are 2 things that annoy me in shows: Stupid women (especially FL) and silly and contrived misunderstandings. This show did not have any of the horrible misunderstandings between the ML and FL, or the ML and his brother, and all of the women were intelligent, capable and strong, the only exception would be the cultivation sect leader and Bai Fengxi's "sister" was little annoying and silly but that was just a small amount of the time. I really liked how Hua Chun Ran was really equal to Huang Chao, and Feng Qi Wu as the trusted female assistant of Hei Fengxi was a fantastic character.
The acting was solid. For the leads, I am a fan of Yang Yang but he really can come across as stiff and I mean physically like he has a stiff neck, but he did a fine job. I was extremely impressed with Zhao Lu Si as the FL I have seen her in other shows and thought she was cute but I was very impressed with her acting in this show and the way she portrayed Bai Fengxi, from her carefree time in the martial arts world, to her helping and falling in love with Hei Fengxi, to the tragedies that befall her kingdom and family. I was really amazed. Zhang Feng YI as the rule and Hei Fengxi's father and Carman Lee as Madmae Bai Li the conniving wife were both amazing. All of the actors were great. I was less of a fan of the villain and the portrayal, but that was even fine,.
Music was fine, It sounded similar to other OST and music from different shows, but still enjoyable.
Would I rewatch, absolutely with the fast forward button ready for the slow parts,
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This review may contain spoilers
I watched WRTW again to answer some questions that I had and to better appreciate some of the finer details. All told, this is almost a perfect ten and I believe that if the Director hadn't left with their crew in the middle of filming, it would have come very close.The story is very complex, and while there is a lot of focus on the duo, Bai/Hei Fenxi, and on the palace intrigue of Feng Lanxi, the story of Huang Chao (who after all is said and done becomes the next Emperor) and of Yu Wu Yuan (who turns out to be the arch villain) is short changed.
Likewise, the viewer is asked to forgive and forget several incidents which I, for one, found it difficult to do. Most glaring is the King, Feng's father, who subjects him to a brutal, near fatal beating, and to drinking the drink of grief. Later we see him presiding over their wedding and abdicating the throne. Not so fast! In another example, Bai Fenxi's sect sister stab's her in the back (literally) but is somehow forgiven by the next episode. And finally, the Prime Minister, who is in love with Feng Lenxi, steps aside for Bai Fenxi while continuing to swear eternal loyalty to her former love.
It seems ironic that after facing off against Hei/Bai Fenxi for almost 39 episodes, and engaging in several battles with a huge loss of life, Hei/Bai Fenxi are willing to hand over the throne to Huang Chao in the end. Why then did the world have to be plunged into war in the first place?
The chemistry between Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si is electric - I am in awe of actors who can kiss passionately before a camera and crew - I know I could never do it - and likewise, their grief in the face of death, and of losing the one you love, brought tears to my eyes.
The costumes are splendid - Oh why can't I sail off to work in one of those layered silken robes! The sets are breath taking. The cinematography is eye candy, and the screenplay is top notch - except in a few scenes where the lovey doveyness is over done.
All told, this is a splendid tale, and splendid in the making. Give yourself the time and the setting to sit back and enjoy it - and keep that box of tissues handy!
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The ending.... Is bitter sweet.....
To be honest, I originally was ready to give this drama a 9/10, but after watching the last two episodes, 1 point was deducted from it...Why? Well, spoilers.... First off, I didn't like that Pu-Er was killed off... I mean, I kind of have that feeling when Pu'Er and BFX was talking about what they will do after the war ended, and I am like... "Omg, this is hinting to something bad is going to happen... right???" And then the whole ambush, my feeling got stronger, and then I was really hoping that it is just me being over-sensitive... but then BAM! I was right!!! I really cried when Pu'Er died... We knew him since he was a boy and then 6 years past (6 years!!!) and then he's grown up but was killed off!!!! T__T , that I am telling you, I am deducting 0.5 points from the story...
Second 0.5 point deducted is... Omg, why why why!!! Can I ignore the fact that HFX only have 10 years to live at the end?!???!?! Can I?!??!?!? I mean, I DON'T like that fact, but I can't really ignore it, because it's kinda 'in your face', and I am JUST SAD! I know it shows his deep love for BFX, and which I love him for that, but at the same time, the writers is just too cruel.. This is why the ending is 'BITTERsweet' to me, It is bitter because I know (and don't like for a fact) that HFX only have 10 years to live at the end T___T but the ending is depicting them enjoying the peace they have with each other for the remaining count-down to when HFX die... I really wanted them to hint there's a way for HFX to be save and that he doesn't have to die, so he and BFX can live for a long time, for the rest of their life, but nope!!! (Another drama I know where the ML sacrifice their life-force for the person they love and where their hair goes white)....
But that all aside, I did enjoy the story on my end, although I will be honest is that I rather they focus more on the Jiang Wu (Martial Arts) side of the story, because I love seeing them as Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi. I love and reckon (and fangirl) when Feng Lanxi have his hair down, when he's 'Hei Fengxi', because I reckon he looks more nicer/handsome that way. I wish he's more like that 'style' throughout the drama like the poster advertised LOL. I am not that interested in the state/government/political plots as they bore me, but since I've come to like the characters, I decided to stick with this story on my end.
I love the characters, Hei Fengxi, Bai Fengxi, Pu'Er, Zhong Li, Huang Chao and Feng Chang.
I love the brotherly bond between Feng Lanxi (HFX) and his elder brother, Feng Chang, I am glad that these two brotherly bond/love for each other didn't disappoint me in the end.
HFX and BFX really have chemistry, and I love their romance together, one thing good about this drama is there's no LT, and unnecessary misunderstanding, so that's a plus, although right now (and will always be) I am disappointed and forever bitter that HFX only have 10 years to live at the end...
Rewatch Value: I guess I will rewatch some scenes I love, especially those HFX and BFX scenes, since they're my favourite, but I will skip all those political plots etc, since I am not that interested in it.'
Music: It's nice, there's 1 or 2 song I love, and will download and listen to it again.
Ending: Don't ask, I already stated my feelings... Bitter-sweet, I can't ever get over the cruel fact that HFX only have 10 years to live at the end!
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They Rule My Heart
I was going to give this one a 10 but I took a point off for the ending. It was a good ending for this drama but I wanted more. I yearned to see the main leads despite seeing them for 40 episodes.I am forever grateful to Netflix for randomly recommending this drama to me even though I was a K-drama binge-watcher at that time.
I saw this drama in 2022 but I remember it so clearly.
The scenes are beautiful. The chemistry is stunning.
This is Yang Yang's only successful drama for me.
I recommend this drama to anyone who wants to dive into the world of C-dramas.
This is hands down in my top 5.
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Great show
- production set up is great, love their outfits and the interior of their palace/mansions.- pacing is alright for me since I binged watch the episodes. No room to speculate different scenarios.
- YangYang's look is so fitting for costume drama. His acting is appropriate with his character. He's closed off and disciplined the way a prince and a martial artist should behave. He's emotional when a scene needs for him to be vulnerable.
- ZLS is lovely and badass on this show. I respect her hardwork with the stunts. Her youthful looks does not affect her overall appeal to takeover as a queen on her state.
- As a casual watcher, BFX's character exposure is just in line with the way the story progressed. Overall story revolves around power struggle where ML's family is more peoblematic, so I expected the setting will rely more on ML's side.
- I enjoy palace politics with a mix of action so this is just right for me.
If you are one of those who will now start watching this series , you can try to set aside the narrative between the novel and the drama. Immerse yourself on the show's settings and not for the actor/actress' bias. Also, you can try to not be engrossed with the production crew's personal issue. I just noticed these factors affected the viewing experience of some viewers.
more cdramas to enjoy this year :)
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WHO RULES THE WORLD - WORTH YOUR TIME OR NOT ? READ BELOW TO KNOW!
who rules the world is currently one of the best dramas with a very gripping plot. The characters of this drama each have their own storyline and progress with each episode. The story is not dragged and the scenes related to the martial arts are very well filmed and portrayed by the actors and actresses of the drama. This drama has given an equal level of excitement and strength of character to both the male and female leads. The drama is yet to complete its episode but each and every episode leaves a feeling of suspense, excitement, and thrill to watch the next one as soon as possible. I am a person who watches only selective shows after a lot of checking and reviewing, due to which I hardly watch more than 2 episodes if the drama is not up to the mark; but this drama has me completely hooked. I would recommend this strongly to people who like historical, martial arts drama with a little romance on the side. The chemistry of the cast, especially the male lead and female lead is incredible. a must-watch...Was this review helpful to you?
Wasted potential
Story is confusing and choppy, the characters are not particularly likeable and the acting is bland.Had high hopes for this drama but it was quite a disappointment. Yang yangs acting is quite stiff as usual although he looks very handsome here. Zhao lusi fails to portray a strong female here and comes off as smug. Her fight scenes are also not believable. She lacks the aura of a warrior queen (yang mi in fuyao was excellent). And for all the rumors of the leads dating, the onscreen chemistry was just not there.
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