Who Rules the World

It's a military/history fantasy soap

If you're here for a love story, it's a hard pass. The visuals are beautiful, production did a great job with the visuals and creation of the show, the actors look great and do such a great job considering the storylines, but the failures are deeply in the writing of the story. Seriously, who wrote this? What genre even is this?

They spend a good part of the first set of episodes trying to tell a backstory about the varying kingdoms, side plots developing the importance of certain sects, trying to garner sympathy for these family turmoils, but they do it in such a way that feels both rushed and underdone. I was so bored by the time they tried to explain all of this stuff out, and never really felt they developed the main leads in a way that makes you feel like they're a main part of the story. The writers have to rely on just saying the main leads have known each other for years so you miss out on how they actually progress into love, getting to know them, their chemistry, etc. Their relationship just sort of happens and it feels like it happens fast and over coincidentally (like really, of all people, he is found in the water by her? It'd make sense the other way around considering he actually had people following her but in all of this open water of all people and of all boats.. really?) What were the catalysts that changed their relationship to one of romance?

and they incorporate these really overused romance tropes of skinship and romance without understanding how and why those tropes can actually be exciting in other shows and how they can be used successfully. They don't understand why shows often include a second love interest, whether its because the guy is also a heartthrob that makes you want to root for them too, or maybe the guy creates conflict for the main leads. The secondary love interests are just, not even there for either side. Like they are, but they really aren't? I guess they were supposed to be but the writers didn't understand how to incorporate them?
Ex: They set up this whole story of going to the kingdom to win back the kings trust and win over this girl's hand in marriage and all of this storyline doesn't really make sense, but they try really hard to make it sound like they're all being smart in their decisions and calculating. We need to do this to win back the kings trust so we have to pass these tests but also not fail? And the main female lead just helps without any tugs on her heart of, I don't know, this is wrong and stupid, like why? They start to mention like this woman had always kind of liked Feng Langxi but then don't explore it and it feels kind of stupid that they even bring up that past in the first place. These side characters and this whole idea of a contest to win a girl's hand, ... could have been so good, had it been a romance drama and developed in a way that makes literally any sense.

The main leads don't have chemistry. I mean they kind of do, but like, it just felt really forced. Their characters and connection just aren't given the time or energy needed to make their love connection worth pining for. There's too much other stuff going on.

If we're comparing the show to a dessert, the love story is the cherry on top, the actual dish isn't even a dessert (romance). You see the cherry and get excited for sweets and all you taste are mashed potatoes. Why do they present the dish like a dessert when it isn't even that? Does the cherry even go there?
Before I keep going, can I just say for another example on character development, the writers spend a lot of time trying to make really crappy characters seem decent, and a lot of really dumb characters seem smart. For example, the first prince, they try to make you feel sorry for him but he kills innocent people just for finding out about his illness, beats staff, and then cries about his pathetic existence a good portion of the beginning of the show.. when all you really want to do is see the leads develop a love line.
Also, they have so many plot set ups that would be great potentials for love conflicts and development that get largely overlooked. The mystery surrounding their identities could have been a huge one, but it gets glazed over and you wonder why it was even included in the first place. Another example? The main female character is supposed to be a carefree spirit, but all she does is get entangled in war and leadership without any pushback. The characters are flat, and lack needed dimension and, well, character. Everything needs to be explained, and you realize it has to be, because otherwise it's entirely nonsensical. The explanations themselves, hardly help.

The usurp was comical at best. So much soap.

Refeshing part: The female lead is meant to be powerful, beautiful, and smart. I liked that she kept her own and that there aren't really conflicts between the female characters over a guy and that instead they become friends. That was super refreshing. I also liked that she 'doesn't suddenly lose her powers' due to sacrifice and stupidity.. but of course they add in a subplot that she dies and is revived, and dies again and is revived (eye roll) and that the male lead sacrifices his powers just to appease his horrible father... but then gets them back and then again his life... There's little redemption and reasoning on these side plots too, and really frustrating to watch.. why are some of them even included? Because the show is so visually appealing otherwise and you just keep hoping it's going to get better but it just drags on. By the time the leads actually get together, it feels like it happened way too late but also in some ways, way too fast. Like they skip the sweet developments between them and they're just kissing and sitting on one another's lap and that's not a big deal since they need to trick someone but.. I just, didn't feel like the writers understood why these romance tropes are even used, why they can be exciting to watch, or how to really make a romance based story. It didn't feel like a genre the writers even understand, so I'm not sure why they even mask this story as such. It is really not a love story, it really is not a romance genre.
Don't even get me started on the end. So stupid.
I guess at least they made the visuals appealing? It's literally the only reason I've continued trying to watch. So much potential just lost in bad storytelling. It's a shame.
Skip this if you want a love story. Actually skip this if you want, well, anything. I don't understand why they even made this show. Who is the target audience? What genre is this? What is the point in this story?

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the best storyline

I wait for this drama for so long but its come now I starting to watch with my fingers crossed but it didn't disappoint me from the every begging it's getting interesting the strong and confident female lead the elegant and intelligent male lead and another casting is too good if you want to watch a drama with the great chemistry and storyline I totally recommended this it's amazing and have everything that a drama need of course first yang yang he looks so good in his character just like this role is made for him intelligent smart handsome good with fighting and a little hint of naughtiness and how anyone forgot zhao lu si she is one of the best actresses in china she fights so well in her scenes like wowwwww surely I am gonna watch more episode now I just come to write a review so if anyone waiting go and watch ... I am editing this again cause i am done watching it what a storyline need claps what a brilliant acting of everyone

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The Novel Is Better, But Still A Good Wuxia Romance

The drama's pilot week is one of the best I've seen in cdramaland.
As a wuxia, the fl is strong, smart and a heroine that dislikes being second to anyone. She is as strong as (at some point even stronger than) the ml and other male characters that can fight. She also has a good background, the same high status as the ml and the first among her peers to be promoted to the highest rank. Most fl's aren't as priveleged.

As a romance, there is more romance than in the novel. Bai Feng Hei Xi also has a healthy relationship with trust, support and no misunderstandings. It can be seen as either ideal or too good to be true considering the environment of the world they live in.
And even though the fl's love lines with other male characters are toned down compared to the novel in favor of Yang Yang, Zhao Lusi still has good chemistry with He Kailang, Zhang Haowei and Lai Yi.

But as a novel fan, I did not like how the fl centered novel was completely changed into ml centered drama. At some point the fl just became a love interest who only appears to be rescued by ml and make sure the cp falls in love, instead of ml's equal like first introduced.
There is also more palace politics and scheming midway that got repetitive and predictable. And the ending was unsatisfying. A bittersweet one compared to the novel's proper HE.

Overall, it had a great start, repetitive middle and rushed ending. It could've been better.
As an adaptation, it was dissappointing. It did not make me feel the emotions that the novel made me feel. But as a standalone, it was still a good watch.

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Must watch

I am enjoying this series. The last one I enjoyed was Sword Snow Stride. I can wait for each episode. Just too bad it's not free and I have to subscribe. Never hear of yang yang till now. But love zhao lusi from The Long Ballad. She is a good actress. I like the subtle romance between ML/FL and it's good that there are no other interfering with their romance/

It's funny that there are comment about how you can't rate a show because it's not over. For example, Joe Biden's approval rating is low and he isn't even done with his presidency. haha. So there, you can review anything. It is the opinion of the reviewer. You can have your own opinion. Review it till the end.

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two very capable colosal couple

this is the first c-drama that I followed that actually made me finish the whole 40 episodes.

characters of these drama are very engaging. I'm so hooked by bai fengxi's first appearance when she perched on the edge of bamboo tree, looking almighty and carefree. another fans favorite, of course, hei fengxi's first appearance, where he appeared like good samaritan to smooth things over with Han partriarch for bai fengxi. I THINK IT'S SO ROMANTIC HOW HE WATCHED HER OVER SILENTLY. IT'S SO ATTRACTIVE. also everyone in this drama, especially the four gentry, are all soooo ahead of their games. hfx/flx played a very accomplished mastermind, that every layered traps laid in front of him, he got to dodge it all. every characters are so likeable, it's hard to hate even the villain.

the acting, MAN, the acting... im so impressed by YY's eyes and microexpression. he might be my favorite actor now. How can he looks naughty, scolding, angry, sad, anguished, even without saying ANY lines???? same goes to ZL, but i already know how great her acting is, after i watched the tiger and rose romance. honorable mention is LAI YI, Huang Chao prince, he really embodies a cool yet confident prince.

im not mad at all by this drama. in fact, this drama opened a whole new ordeal to me. now i find myself wanting to search more wuxia dramas.

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It's missing something

This one got really glowing reviews so I was quite looking forward to it, and while I still like the essence of the plot and the chemistry between the leads, it just feels like there's something missing. Maybe it was the writing or the editing, but I constantly felt like the show was missing scenes or having really important reveals happen off-screen. I was looking forward to a lot of identity reveals — each of the leads and the villain — but they all turned out very underwhelming, like the characters found out off screen and then the next scene was them just stating it.

The plot itself is interesting but it was also written in a weird way. I wasn't sure how the leads found out about the villain, and I wasn't completely sure about the antagonist's motivations either, compared to a drama like The Untamed drama where got to see exactly how the leads worked together and how things went wrong. There are characters who I thought would end up playing a bigger role considering how much screentime and importance they were given, but they turned out to just be a subplot and not at all tied to the final arc, which ultimately felt quite rushed.

Overall, I think there's a story here, but from someone who hasn't read the source material, the drama itself is not executed that well outside of the two leads.

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I love it ᰔᰔᰔ

I loved the material arts in this drama.Lusi acting was amazing.I loved how strong she was in this drama.It has to be one of my favorite drama from luis.

The story was really amazing,I loved all the scenes.It had really great twist which i love in historical drama.If you love some twist in your drama I think you might like this.If you like badass Fl and Ml i think this drama is for you.

Reason why I like the drama

1- the characters they we’re everything to me.Lusi is one of my favorite actress and i really loved her in this drama.I loved her hidden identity,how she was a famous material art person at that time.I loved Yang character in this drama too it was actually pretty amazing.I loved his material arts.The fighting scenes with these two were really good.The way they were helping each other made me love it more.There was some side character who i hated and did not like in this drama.I don’t want to say who because that would spoil the drama.

2-the plot of this drama was so good.I did not expect the ending and one of the characters that i thought i might like in the beginning was the whole problem for this.It had some twist that i liked very much.I love twist in historical drama i think that’s what makes the drama more enjoyable.I don’t just think twist could make more a drama enjoyable it could really be about anything like the romance and many reason,but if there is a twist part of the drama that has to be one of my favorite things about historical dramas.

3-The costume of the drama were really good, even though the costumes were really not that much and they were basic but i thought that it is one of the reasons that describes the character of the drama.One of my favorites was when lusi wore that gray costume when she became a queen that has to be one of my favorite it look really good on her.For yang it was in the beginning of the drama it was a navy blue costume i really loved that costume on him.

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Try not to miss this series

Who Rules the World is in a different category of drama mixing elements of romance, martial arts world, politics, and court. Who Rules the World is about the exciting game of court, the thrilling martial arts world with dynamic fighting scenes, and the sweet emotional scenes, allow the audience to understand the plot quickly.

The double identity of the male and female lead becomes the highlight of the unique setting of the two protagonists who works together to solve unique problems of the martial art world involving different sect and royalties.

In terms of production, Who Rules the World has achieved a balanced play. The creators have integrated visual symbols, elegant and noble together beautifully and smoothly. The emotional scenes of Who Rules the World are well balanced with impactful acting, and the chemistry of all artists portraying the roles.

Lastly, there is no denying that any period or historical drama with Lusi and Yang Yang will do well because of their excellent chemistry on screen. Add a great story, innovative director, awesome production, and screenwriting, any series will be success bound.

Added note:
I have watched this series 7 times (I am not exaggerating) and still feel like I am watching it for the first time. I still feel excited watching Langxi prepare plans to confess his feelings. I still come across explanations I missed before. I also learned to slow down the speed at .75 so I have time to watch the artists expressions while reading the subtitle. I am so glad Netflix has this series and Tencent.

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what a journey!

i finally finished this drama after putting it off for a couple of hours (i wasn't strong enough to put it off for more time ahaha) i just wanna say i really adore this drama and the performances from this drama are incredible. many thanks to the cast and crew for making this drama happen. 🙇🏽‍♀️💗 (read on to read me rambling about how much i adore this series i guess ahaha)
the plot kept me entertained and i waited for every episode very anxiously. the characters were new to me and i fell in love with the two leads and their dynamics. the supporting characters served their purpose: some annoyed me, some stung my heart (pu and xiyue) and others got in the way for plot convenience.
the performances in this drama are really great. zhao lusi really shone in this production, i loved watching her emotional scenes and seeing her character rise against all the misfortune that befell on her. yangyang seriously surprised me,this is the first drama of his i've ever watched. i have to say: Lanxi's dedication and love for Xiyun is so heartwarming. we had already seen it from the first episodes. i especially watched his performance during episodes 27-28. he nailed the role! the soundtrack is great, im obsessed with the opening theme. i loved watching the comedy bits, and the sismance between qiwu and bai fengxi. i enjoyed this SOO MUCH, so i've rated this a solid 10/10. a thousand thanks to all those who contributed to this series: the cast, crew, subbers, distributers and just EVERYONE. special shoutout to my favorite supporting characters (in no particular order): qiwu, zhongli, feng chang, han pu, xiyue, and some others i dont remember their names :( i love this series so much, and im not very good with words so i'll have to stop at a THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! 💙⚔😭🥰

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Best Action/Romance Costume Drama So Far

Thoughts:
The second drama I watched. I loved watching such strong characters come together with the unconditional love and support they demonstrated. Again I would have liked to see more of their happy life at the end of the journey. Their journey and support of each other is the main event of this drama for me.

Plot:
Epic action/romance story about an hero who is forced to live a double life and a FL who is every inch his equal from day one. This is going to be a tear-jeaker on some parts so be ready.

Action/Martial Arts: Moderate boarding on substantial
Fantasy/Supernatural: No
Romance: Main theme with a heavy dose of palace politics
Hidden/Unknown Identities: Yes
Past Connection: Yes
Time Skip: No
Separated: No
Amnesia: No
Love Triangle: No
LD Chemistry: No fish kisses. Connection feels real. You can feel the love.
Evil/Troubled Supporting LD's: No
Parents/Family: FL entire family and friend are supportive and loving. ML's family is troubled in the beginning with a lot of palace family conflict. Get's sorted out eventually.
Misunderstandings: Not between LD's.

LD's
Power couple from the beginning though only the ML knows it. ML chases FL first. ML is supportive but jealous. Not in a creepy way. Loved the way the LD's grew into the perfect couple once the FL realized how perfect they where for each other.

Support LD's:
Great story development for SL's that explain their actions and intentions.

OST:
I have saved this OST to my playlist. Enough said.

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