The Starry Love

Ending

Love the show it is really good i feel like it kinda dragged out the ending a little long mid way but the ending was the saddest one ive watched like both of the main characters die just hanging their husbands alone thats the only reason reqarch value is so low its because i dont want to live through the trauma again the actors were really good it wasnt a huge plot twist after the first couple of episodes but it was still fun to watch how it all played out i shouldve stopped at episode thirty something where they live a good life and called it quits i knew bad things were going to happen but i didnt think that it was this bad

Read More

A great take on old tropes

The drama takes a stab at the rehashed switcheroo brides trope but still manages to give a refreshing take on xianxia. One sister, born under a lucky sign, gets to marry a heavenly prince, another one born under an unlucky sign gets to marry a demon prince. On the day of their wedding, they get switched and hilarity ensues as the drama develops two parallel love stories.

One thing that I really liked was a focus on sisterhood, family, and women working to uplift each other, instead of sisters and friends competing for men, money, and power. Although, the drama also rehashes a jealous side chick trope, it's very minor and pretty forgettable. I really liked the chemistry between each couple, as they got to know each other, develop bonds which led to love. I liked that the story blurred some lines between good and evil and allowed some characters with a questionable moral compass a chance to grow and make good choices. Chaofeng started out an an anti-hero, not entirely bad but someone with questionable morality. Through his growing love for Qingkui and exposure to her purity and goodness, he developed a conscience. Youqin gaining back his feelings allowed him to realize that protecting the heavenly realm wasn't just an arbitrary duty but a desire to protect family.

The plot was mostly interesting, but some arcs were better than others. I thought the shards arc was too long and kind of boring. My biggest criticism, after the shards arc both Youqin and Chaofeng were reduced to house husbands. Youqin spent most of his time waiting for Yetan to come home from school. It seemed like attaining the perfect celestial body was the pinnacle of his development and he had nothing else to do, although he was the most powerful being in all the realms. Chaofeng was told to look for work now that he had a wife. Twirling store signs pretty much undermined his position as a badass prince from the void. The writers could've come up with something better for immortal beings with ultimate cosmic power than this.

The acting was very good. Chen Xingxu showed his versatility where he didn't just portray a stony faced Empyrean Xuanshang, but a lover, a materialist, a pyromaniac, and a romantic. The character came to life as soon as he gained his feelings. Everyone else was just as good.

Some people were not happy with the ending, but I thought it was fitting for the xianxia genre leaving off the story on a positive and hopeful note. To me, that was a good ending.

Read More

just another story tbh

TLDR; There are quite a few plot holes or just due to lazy writing/not fully explained lore, but some of the setup was planted (lol) at the very beginning, so it's redeemable. A lot of the acting seemed a bit unnatural, and there were a lot of moments I expected to cry at but didn’t. Music is pretty good. Personally, this didn’t make much of an impression on me, so one and done for me.

Story: I love the side romances the most tbh. I just think the main ones are a little too trope-y. If I had to choose between first and second pair, I think I prefer the second couple better. Even though their story isn't particularly special, somehow it's better than the main pair (possibly bc the confession is so early). A lot of the scenes are like the fl screaming, but not doing anything....And the plot point where something happens to ml, and it gets reversed was always a dumb plot line to me. I will say, this is an exception tho just bc it sets up the main plot. There's also a def plothole regarding them not getting persued after they're under house arrest. I feel like if their kids are missing for more than a year, the ppl above would be panicking and send ppl over to search but whatever. Also, misunderstandings,, really?? I hate the trope where they try to push each other away to keep them "safe" even though they don't actually hate each other. At least the fls aren't dumb and actually use their brain. I will say that the dynamic between DLJ and LGYT is quite unique, and I wish more shows had that. Wow, ppl admitting their mistakes?? Literally happens on the last ep tho, which is..

Acting/Cast: tbh, I've seen better acting. Not sure if it's bc it's dubbed over, but I feel like it could be better.. I can't tell if the fl's acting is so good that it makes me uncomfortable, or if it's bad bc when she's crying all she does is scream, which idk kinda pmo for some reason. Usually when there are sentimental scenes, and the actors start crying, I do too but for some reason here, I don't as much. I'm especially a sucker for sibling relationships, and this one shouldn't be an exception. ig I just don't feel as much a connection with the characters. All that aside, is it bad that the relationship between ZW and DLJ has the most chemistry??

Music: I quite enjoy the music. Some of the bg music are renditions of the main theme.

Rewatch value: A one and done for me.

Read More

Villains, Beware of Twin Power!

Because I am a twin, this drama now has a special place in my heart.

I have never seen a drama that featured twin sisters like this, and I just adored them. These two remind me so much of the relationship I have with my sister (to the point where members of our family get jealous of our connection, too! Shaodian and Chaofeng: I know, it's hard. 😉). She is the person who will always be there for me, and who I can always count on to say what I need to hear and support me no matter what. It was lovely to see that kind of relationship portrayed on screen. I also loved watching the way the men in their lives all had to learn to put up with each other because there's no separating these two, and they know it. 😉 I wish everyone had a twin--they're just the best!

It did make me laugh out loud at points, and one particularly cathartic moment was near the end (comedy is very thin on the ground in the last 8 episodes, so be warned) when Qingheng is defending Youchin to Di Lanjue (who just said something negative about Youchin) as being "one hundred times better than me"--after they discuss who gets the worst dad award of the four realms (more on that below 😏)--but then he pauses and begrudgingly admits that the only problem is Youchin keeps forgetting his memories. Lanjue pounces on this by quipping back, "Yeah, so much for being the most powerful being! It doesn't do anyone any good when he keeps losing his memories at all the most crucial moments!" After quite a few episodes of SAD (which sounds typical of the genre from what I've seen), this was a little breath of fresh air that reminded me I was still watching Starry Love.

But speaking of Youchin losing his memories... while I tend to find amnesia tropes deeply frustrating, after the torture of watching it in this drama, I was won over by the ML's ability to take all the various Youchins he portrayed to eventually make someone quite endearing and beloved. It was at this point that I was sold on his character (though his selfless nature is admirable from the start). But it was the FL who I adored. Not only is her character super fun and entertaining to watch, she brings something fresh to the FL persona. She didn't feel plasticky or stiff, relying on her jaw-dropping, plastic-surgery-looks to sell her character (in fact, her more natural beauty was in stark contrast to some other characters' looks, which was painful to observe), but genuinely fabulous acting. She has to be one of my favorite FLs I've seen in a drama to date.

Thankfully I was prepped on the ending and it didn't crush my soul. In fact, the very, very end was actually quite light-hearted and delivered in such a way that made it hard to feel sad. It's a hopeful ending, if nothing else.

P.S. I also think they missed out on an opportunity at the end for Chaofeng to call Youchin "Old 7th." Iykyk

P.P.S. If you want a relatively angst-free version of this drama, stop at Episode 32, and only watch the first twelve minutes or so. This could also pass as a satisfying ending, and will spare you the sad episodes that follow.

P.P.P.S. Want to know who gets the title of "Most Detestable Father Of The Four Realms"? Keep reading the spoiler below:


*SPOILERS*






The Heavenly Emperor!

Qingheng even admits it, to everyone's surprise. (Why do despicable dads still have to be respected? Not something about filial piety I will ever understand.) And if you just started this drama, and you're wondering how he can be the worst after the way the human emperor is portrayed, keep watching.

In fact, here's my assessment of where the dads rank (from worst to best):

1. Heavenly Emperor
2. Void Tyrant (a REALLY close second)
3. Emperor of the Beast Realm
4. Emperor of the Human Realm

I found the dads, overall, pretty frustrating.

And Huisui also drove me nuts. Yetan only ever treated her kindly and compassionately (even though she never cared about the sisters from the start, and only saw them as tools for her own ends--and she was the one who ultimately put them at risk!), but Huisui had to let revenge blind her into backstabbing our beloved heroine (literally). I could not stand her!

Read More

Good but not amazing!

Watched this for Oliver Chen as I had just finished 'Love between Lines' and I've loved him since 'Goodbye my Princess'🥰

'The Starry Love' was visually pleasing and I liked the look of the different sets.
The villainous Empress of The Void is so stunning! I couldn't stop commenting on how beautiful she is😆 even though I couldn't stand her character lol
The Heavenly Emperor made my blood boil, I wanted to punch him through the screen🤣

Overall 'The Starry Love' was ok (pretty average).
I think if they had given me a solid ending, instead of what I felt was a rushed and unsatisfactory one, then maybe I would've rated it better.
The story itself was good, I just feel the execution wasn't great, and also the pacing was lacking.
I especially hate when an ending feels rushed and incomplete.

Hearing Liu YuNing's beautiful voice throughout was very satisfying and enjoyable though so that was delightful bonus😊

Read More

The Starry Love is one of those dramas that many people absolutely loved, i watched mainly for Chen Xingxu but ended loving the second male lead Luke Chen and plot better. Compared to other recent wuxia and xianxia dramas, where male leads often have strong personalities this character felt much more basic and lacking depth. I dont think it was the actor’s fault — it seemed more like a writing and direction issue. I think Chen Xingu looks better in modern clothing like in " My Boss" seriously sexy in corporate outfit. Maybe it was just the charactor itself that gave the main male lead a bland out view. However, the second couple completely won me over. The relationship between Chaofeng and Qingkui felt much more natural and heartfelt. Qingkui’s kindness and sincerity made her incredibly lovable, and her gentle personality was refreshing. Watching Chaofeng slowly fall for her while trying to convince himself that his ambitions mattered more was genuinely enjoyable. Their dynamic had warmth, humor, and emotional sincerity that made their storyline the highlight of the drama for me.

Read More

Starry Love is one of my absolute favs that I rewatch

With themes of compassion, love, overcoming trauma & family (both blood & newfound) this drama is definitely one of my absolute favorites. Now while I do think objectively this drama is more of an 8 objectively, personally I would give it a 9. For me this drama was the right amount of fun, comedic, adventuristic, emotional, romantic & overall a good experience. To me it was a breath of fresh air from the overly cliche xianxia that exist out there.

Pros:
- Probably the best thing about this series are the 4 main cast members. The chemistry of these 4 whether it be between their love interests or their other ones there is something great to find. This drama gives us one of the healthiest (probably the only one) relationship between 2 sisters. These 2 sisters never once hate each other or are against each other & it works. Then there are the romantic relationships & when I say these 2 are some of the best I really mean it. Unlike so many that I've seen before these 2 romances I understand perfectly why each fell for the other, which is something I am always on the lookout for when I watch a romance happen.
- In terms of story, I'm also really impressed bcuz it managed to subvert a lot of tropes that are constant with xianxia series. For example I didn't expect Youqian to die & therefore needed to be revived by finding 3 Fragments of his soul. Other things like the Heavenly Emperor finally getting his karma is also another good thing.
- The OST is also very good & is always played at the most appropriate times. Especially the opening OST which works so well for the epic moments.
- Comedy gold & it is heavily due to some very good directing along with very good actors like Landy Li.
- The VFX is quite good & I do like a lot of minute details for some scenes.
- The cinematography is serviceable & nothing too bad.

Cons:
- I do feel the last few ep could really turn off viewers. An open ending like that could leave one wanting more. Then there is the unnecessary "end of the world" plot that just needed to happen. While it makes some sense it also could have been done a bit better.
- I do feel that the whole revive Youqian story line might've gone off for too long.
- Some characters were probably a bit too cliche or even comedic that they sort of lacked greater depth.
- Some props looked very fake & did break immersion a few times.

Overall, one of my favorites & something I think most people can enjoy.

Read More

A different kind of xian xia

This feels different to me than other xian xia dramas that I've seen. The story is okay for me, but I really like the chemistry between the ML and FL as well as the 2nd ML and FL. Acting wise, Chen Xing Xu and Li Landi did well in portraying their character. Chen Xing Xu plays different character with different emotions and I think he can really act and not just a pretty face :) The middle part towards the end gets a bit boring, which is normal for a drama series, but with this it doesn't really bother me a lot. The various side story for the side characters are interesting to watch too, so it's fine. The drama is funny too, so it's not all serious. And the OST is excellent.. I would definitely rewatch this if I have time.

Read More

it was good

I did not like it as much as I wish I wanted to? It was definitely still good but again, another forgetable one. This was the first show where I loved the second leads more, (not their ending tho). Here's what I wrote at the time:

8.5/10. Very solid. I loved it but it left me empty. I felt like the last episode was VERY rushed and it wasn't necessarily a happily-ever-after ending but i guess it was implied.
I would recommend watching it because everything about it was perfect until towards the end. But if you want a good HEA, then I recommend skipping this one.

Read More

Intriguing, fresh story but execution issues hold it back . . .

Every romantic trope is here: from opposites attract, forbidden romance, memory loss, rescues, reincarnation etc. There are fresh conflicts and an opportunity for the women to stand in the rescuing role. I was cheered to see this, but a few things hold this drama back:

1) Too many climactic, should have been the end/resolution moments
2) The acting and chemistry of the main couple is off. Chen Xing Xu (ML) plays a quite stodgy one note character in order to show difference later on - but it makes for a boring first half and a lack of chemistry.
3) Music and production values are sub par. So much so, that I would be taken fully out of the story and clearly could see how they were acting in front of a green screen. When the actors, would struggle or say no - it was really hard not to laugh given it was clear nothing was actually holding them back.

The themes were all over the place as well, though I did enjoy the challenge to an older too rigid generation. This drama is worth a try but just one too many issues to make it into my top tier.

Read More

Ashes of Love kind of drama

I first got attracted to watch this because of the ML (the male lead of Goodbye My Princess). I read two very bad review from this site, so it made me feel a bit apprehensive at first. But oh boy, I love it so much I binge watched the first 18 episodes in 3 days!

My favourite part is actually on ep 2 when our main couple had to cross the love bridge and found out they are soulmates (despite not liking each other at that point).

I love the bond the twin girls have. I was expecting one of them to be evil, but both are good people. So heartwarming to watch the girls protect each other, putting their sister above their love interest. The older sister reminds me of Cameron Diaz, they look like twins born at two different continents LOL.

This show is has a similar background as Ten Miles of Peach Blossom (Eternal Love) and Ashes of Love. Lo and behold, when I checked, apparently it has the same writer as Ashes of Love. So if you like those kind of movie, you'll love this. The best part is that it's only 40 episodes in total!!! The nasty remarks I read in the review here are because they forget this is a lighthearted fantasy drama. Not everything have to make sense! At least this is not a drama where the leads would get stabbed and coughing blood every episodes - THAT I can't stand. But Starry Love is not like that, so it's all good.

I'm halfway through now, hope they can keep the pace. I'm still heart broken that Immoral Samsara started strong then turned rubbish in the middle, then worsen to be ridiculous until the end..

#### UPDATE #### I never ended up finishing this. Can't remember, maybe life got in the way.

Read More