Jun Jiu Ling (2021)

How To Get 4 Men to Fall in Love with You at the Same Time

To enjoy watching this drama, viewers are advised to watch it with a sense of humor, and not with your normal logic, for this drama that seems dead serious (no “comedy” tag), may seem to have loaded with bizarre and unfathomable logic. Many actions and scenes are over exaggerated with overacting which are also embellished with playful music. The pace is rather fast with many events taking place in each scene, only temporarily slowing down for the romance. If viewers can endure the first couple of the episodes which may seem farfetched, the later part is rather addictive. Therefore, sit back and let the story take you away, and enjoy.

This drama is said to have adapted from a web novel of the same name. However, according to some readers, the main female character has been drastically changed “to make her seem more relatable for audience consumption”. In the novel, her personality is said to be, to quote a reader, “the most endearing element of the storyline. She's casual in demeanor but absolutely savage in her plotting. They did such a disservice to the female lead.” Even with the altered toned down version, I still love the female lead character as I find her strong, determined, intelligent and devoted.

Princess Jiuling (Peng Xiaoran) is an inspiring character. Despite the horrendous change of her life including the loss of her family, her identity and her look, she is determined to stay low, strengthen her power, and make a comeback for revenge. Her patience and her endurance to injustices, at the same time, honing her skills and waiting for the right moment, are qualities that are commendable. She exudes confidence and composure even in the most trying conditions, and her dignified demeanor captures all hearts.

Peng Xiaoran who plays the Princess Jiuling role, is an amazing actor. I got to know her in Goodbye My Princess when she was relatively unknown and was chosen to play that role because of a clash in schedule for the original actor who was a lot more popular. I was so glad they made the switch then as it brought us another talented actor who would have been buried if not for the opportunity. Here, as in Goodbye My Princess, Peng Xiaoran is so natural, graceful and authentic, successfully bringing her character to live.

Despite Jiuling is surrounded by numerous men who are deeply in love with her, she has only one true love, Zhu Zan (Jin Han) whom she had spent a great deal of time with when they were growing up. Zhu Zan is now a general guarding the frontier with his father since their separation. Free spirited and unrestrained, Zhu Zan is humorous and chivalrous. He continues to care for orphans, finding shelter and providing food for the displaced people due to wars and disasters. It is these qualities that Jiuling falls in love with him again as they align with her own values. Zhu Zan is infatuated with Jiuling, and regardless of how the world sees him and what trouble he may get into, he goes all the way out for Jiuling and helps her overcome her obstacles.

Jin Han’s portrayal of Zhu Zan is adorable, making the character very lovable like a big cuddly teddy bear. Unfortunately, many viewers criticize the choice and complain that Jin Han is not good looking enough. Perhaps these viewers hope to see a more effeminate actor as this seem to be the trend in today’s historical dramas, and Jin Han’s physical appearance is the total opposite to that. Some viewers also complain that they cannot place Jin Han’s face as a protagonist as the actor has previously played some antagonistic roles in other dramas. Whatever the criticisms are, I feel we all need to give these young actors opportunities to prove themselves, and Jin Han has proved that he is a versatile actor.

My Verdict

Sure there are flaws everywhere like in most Chinese dramas. But if we look pass these flaws and be less critical, this is a rather decent drama. A lot of the story only happens in conversations instead of in scenes, hence non-native speakers may want to get proper English subs to ensure accurate conveyance of the messages. The development of the main characters is quite well done with very well acting by the whole cast including the supporting cast. The storyline may be serious but this is a very humorous drama.

Overall, this is a drama deserved to be watched. I have enjoyed it very much.

Recommended! Bravo!

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Maybe in terms of plot, it is quite non-sensical, or dumb, and sometimes even bizarre, but who says it's not entertaining? if you like a strong female lead (the real one, not the one who's strong as the story wants and then becomes a damsel in distress a second later just for the sake of knight saving beauty), well-written characters, protagonist having minimal setbacks in other words almost winning every time, and clever leads who are always three steps ahead... then just turn off your brain and enjoy it as at the end of the day its main purpose is entertainment, it's not a science textbook where everything should make sense.

It's a character-driven story, as I said before plot kinda sucks coz a lot of time it's very illogical, a bit problematic, surreal. And politics is poorly written... nothing mind-blowing with no What? whoa! moment. It's a rather simple concept of revenge that mostly circles around Jiu Ling, it's her journey. So almost every other character is kinda-not-really-important. On the positive side of the story, I'll say comparing similarly-themed dramas... it's not torturous, or painful to watch, a writer doesn't kill your favorite characters left and right or even adds the most annoying characters taking a looot of screentime. If you are looking for romance, it's merely there but with a lot of chemistry.

Jun Jiu Ling is the heart of the story... and most important aspect as without her brilliant characterization this would fall flat. She's clever, quick-witted, and knows how to use her skills to get her goal.. her every action is planned and she's ready for any consequences. Even without any fighting skills, she rocks, Brain over brawn! I can't think Jiu Ling is without Peng Xiao Ran, she's just amazing as Jiu Ling... seeing her playing the character so beautifully was a pleasure to watch, especially she nails every emotional scene. Though I'm not very fond of super perfect characters, I still liked her... who doesn't love to watch lead surpassing everyone with her great abilities.

Ning Yun Zhao... well why I'm mentioning him even before ML? well non-surprisingly he's my favorite character after Jiu Ling, I bet you'll get the major second lead syndrome. As they match each other intellectually, perfect!... even their first meeting was one of my favorite scenes of the drama. Wang You Shuo did a good job... I truly felt bad for him from bottom of my heart, he did exceptionally well in the rejection scene, you can just feel pain in his eyes.

Here we go... matter of conflict, the male lead. Zhu Zan, not very fond of him... but I did like some aspects of his character a lot, he's not very ideal but I take it on the positive side as we already have 'perfect' FL we need some balance right? Jin Han... even if he's great at playing grey characters, he's pretty good as Zhu Zan with his charm. My only problem was who the heck was his hairstylist? ah, it's worse lol... I can't stand his styling he can look a lot better if they just put a bit of effort.

Lu Yun Qi is psycho... and a sick character, for a second I pitied him than just a later scene... I pitied why I pitied him, mostly he hateable (almost) all time...not a fan of his last-minute-eureka-moment that made his character inconsistent, why build the whole character in such a way if you're gonna give him last-minute development at least take some time or let him be psycho I'm happy with either. Du Ya Fei, never seen this guy before, honestly, I've as his profile says but I don't even remember him, but I don't think it'll happen again. As his performance was most splendid, and it outshined.

As for reverse-harem, as I already mentioned... there isn't much romance here why worry about reverse-harem, plus FLs character is worthy of everyone getting smitten over her lol xD so it's understandable... and other than Yun Qi 'Love' aka obsession no other male character is annoying.

It's a low budget, don't expect much of majestic setting or beautiful clothing, styling as you can see many clothes recycled all time, even lighting is dull, and I personally didn't like color pallet much. Apart from the intro, none of the osts weren't significant enough (for me).

It's not best but not worst either, but surprisingly addictive and intruding... with a femal

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