A political drama
Story: 8/10Story first started off being more romantic, and subsequently moved to a political game with a small element of suspense (half the time I didn’t understand what was their “strategy”, maybe too complex for my understanding but carried on with the show). It became slightly draggy at the middle to end of the show (e.g. when it became clear that Ruoyu and Yanzhi were sisters but they never got to recognize each other until the end of the show, or Qi Yan just being sickly for the last half of the show, or the antagonist Cheng Xi who kept coming back to mess things up).
Acting: 9/10
Qi Yan (Cheng Yi) and Yan Zhi (Xuan Lu) acting kept me going throughout the show! Fighting scenes were decent, including Qi Yan’s archery!
Generally a sucker for strong female leads, even though Yan Zhi doesn’t know martial arts but she shows maturity in her thoughts, whereas FL Ruoyu was a martial artist but a rather childish character in this show.
Music: 9/10
Rewatch: 6/10
Overall: 8/10
Overall a decent watch, but unlikely to rewatch!
Was this review helpful to you?
When all the hopes are gone, but you still keep going
I can’t tell exactly why, but while with other dramas I soon forget what they actually were about, this drama left very long-lasting and strong impression even after a long period of time.Plot: 9,5
_______________________________
★★★★★ Main idea:
--> Very strong, intriguing and well thought out.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Logic:
--> Whole plot has logical continuity and doesn't contain much irrational twists. It tells the story of powerless emperor struggling to survive in palace where many parties supposed to protect and support him follow each their different agendas to seize power, while the nation suffers.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Pace:
--> It was interesting till the end.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Impression:
--> Still can't stop thinking about it. There was a strong feeling of heaviness through the most of the story, since there was everyone at war with everyone, even allies couldn’t trust each other completely, and one couldn’t simply believe this could end well.
_______________________________
★★★★☆ Skip rate:
--> I skipped some of the side plots, but not much.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Annoying factors:
--> If that count’s, I hated the main antagonist beyond any rational level, however that shouldn’t be a reason to criticism, quite the contrary, for me it’s an indicator the story pulled me in completely.
Characters: 10
_______________________________
★★★★★ Lead 1 - Emperor Qi Yan:
--> Loved this character. It's a man sacrificing everything, his happiness, reputation, love and whole life, in order to return the empire to its original order. He’s not complaining about this role, not pursuing his own happiness, he silently bears the responsibility of his position, looking for ways to win an impossible fight.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Lead 2 - Swordbearer Cheng Ruo Yu:
--> Loved this character. I really liked her evolvement – she started as a naïve and a bit dim-witted child, but she has grown up by the emperor’s side and learnt all about scheming and plotting, but never turned out this way herself.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Overacting:
--> There is no annoying exaggerating.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Acting:
--> Actors are great, very talented.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Annoyance level:
--> Not annoyed at all.
Background: 8
_______________________________
★★★☆☆ Soundtrack:
--> Liked a song or two.
_______________________________
★★★★☆ Visuals (camera, scenery, visual effects, ...):
--> Really liked it.
_______________________________
★★★★★ Wardrobe (costumes, hairstyles, makeup, ...):
--> Absolutely loved it.
Rewatch value: 8,5
I assess this value based on impression, skip rate, annoyance level and overall preference.
Final verdict: 9,5
If I were to be objective, I would have to admit, there are some weird plots and behaviors in this story, that should probably lower my rating. Reason I am overlooking this, is that I usually move on from one drama to another with no difficulty, at most I replay the drama twice, then I move on. This drama however made me feel heavy and I couldn’t emotionally move on for a pretty long time. Since it left impression this strong, I can’t help but to rate high.
Was this review helpful to you?
A masterpiece.
This is a masterpiece.Unlike some historical Chinese dramas I have seen, so far this drama has been consistent since Episode 1. This has made me giggle, think, laugh, cry. Superb acting from the leads. It’s my first time to watch Chen Yi, btw.
Life is indeed a choice. But sometimes, we ourselves are forced by situations to have choices opposite of what we could really do. There are so many life lessons in this drama, and I am so glad the cinematography is good.
I am really hoping that this would end happily. ❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A surprising enjoyable drama
This Chinese drama was not the best I have seen. But it drew me in to at least watch it to the last episode. The male lead’s acting was compelling. I did not appreciate the female lead’s character in beginning but more toward the ends ; I had more respect for her. The villain did his job sometimes frustratingly. The ending is rather confusing and open ended because thinking about the intrigues throughout the series, it made me question what I saw at the end. Especially since the emperor hinted what were his plans for their future, then her surprised look at the end after someone requested her favorite noodles, and finally, the way the emperor trust guard looked at Yu’er with a “I know something you don’t.” Hmm I wondered was that my wishful thinking or was the director trying to play with the audience ? I hope someone can explain it one day.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
An oath to death | How did we end up with such horrendous FL? /Curses/
"I guess, I am the most incompetent Sword Bearer to date. Your Majesty, I couldn't protect you. Instead, I have to rely on you to protect me." - Cheng Ruoyu / Wang RuolingAre you guys ready to dive in as I scrutinize the ultimate plot hole in this story?
Before I start my review, I want to acknowledge every user who left negative feedback and dropped this drama within the first 10 episodes. Their decisions were valid; they weren't wrong, and I can't blame them for doing so since this, truly, has been the most challenging drama for me not to drop in over three years. At this point, I suppose I want to congratulate myself on finishing this arduous task, as well as let everyone know that this drama will certainly make you think countless of times about whether to drop it or not. Thank heavens, I am the type of viewer who almost never drops a show unless every aspect reaches an extremely unbearable point—and here, they simply went extremely overboard with the female lead and nothing more.
Watching this show, I was struck by one specific question that continued to haunt me until the very end:
"What were the writers thinking when they were deciding on the FL's characterization?"
I tried so hard to understand that I started trying to put myself in the writer's shoes. I even reached the point where I had to think objectively and look at the bigger picture. However, despite all that, I still can't comprehend how they came up with such trash Female Lead. I understand that the Violet Bureau are the inferior and less seriously trained guards, which is why the FL's martial arts are mediocre. What I can't accept is how the people around her still keep on calling her "Great" and other synonymous words despite her visibly not being one. Can you imagine how infuriating that is? To watch a person be called and treated as the leader of a team responsible for the Emperor's security, yet exhibit poor and inferior skills? Heck, the Emperor was even more skilled than her!
Imagine protecting a person more capable than you. Isn't that just ridiculous? Isn't she supposedly more skilled and trained? With that, it has become the biggest cliché plot twist of the story. The FL/Personal Guard being protected by the emperor—the person she's supposed to protect—countless times because she's incompetent as hell. It even comes to the point where the emperor has to train her because she's lacking, or should I say, just straight-out bad at her job. Please make it make sense! How the hell was she considered a great protector when she's the one needing saving 99% of the time? SMH.
Imagine getting so tired of a plot that you ask yourself, after seeing it countless of times: How many more times do I need to watch the ML save the FL?
He's always to the rescue and always keeps a contingency plan for her, which is an additional liability. They consistently romanticize him saving her. Gosh! This trope exhausted the hell out of me. It's infuriating how the FL is always getting taken advantage of for being naive, gullible, ignorant, and overly incompetent. What's more hilarious is how the people around her don't even trust her fully in accomplishing a task, as they immediately knew she'll always fuck up one way or another. So, I will never understand the writers' audacity to set her up as a great martial artist, ever! She's a terrible personal guard and an overhyped martial artist, period.
Even after becoming Ling Ling (Wang Rou Ling) and knowing her true identity, she still couldn't grasp the situation. Why is she like a kid that you have to be specific with, carefully spelling each letter of the word for her to understand the plan? (P.S. She remained this dull-witted for like 90%+ of the show). I am not really sure what they were trying to achieve by writing her character like this; regardless, it did not work since she's a truly awful FL.
I would understand it if she had been introduced as a low-ranking member who persistently worked hard to get to her position, but she was not. She was introduced prestigiously—as a great martial artist/swordswoman rightful of the title 'Sword Bearer' and 'Chief of the Violet Bureau,' and personal guard of the emperor—after winning an all-out competition against her peers. Yet, her skills are terrible as fuck and don't measure up to her title.
Not to mention her tactless tendency to display insolence in front of the Emperor multiple times, despite several reminders to act accordingly—especially considering they just met. She talks back, bickers, and argues with him as if they are of the same status. I just couldn't grasp her character entirely, because I could never fathom how she could act this way when she’s just a mere servant. A security guard! Some people view it as a sign of total innocence and purity, and I see why they view it that way. However, at the expense of what? Her impertinence, unruly nature, and impulsive actions? Towards the 'Emperor' himself? Bullshit!
God knows how much emotional endurance and tolerance I had to invest just to get past the most irritating sections of the show—which are mostly about the FL.
Another idea I want to question—because I am completely baffled by—is why they didn't let Qiu Yanzhi/Wang Ruoqing be the female lead instead. She passed all the mark with a whopping A+++ across the board. So, I really don't understand why... She’s the perfect female lead we never had.
To wrap it all up, I want to thank the writers for keeping Prince Guang the kind and pure character that he is. I was thrilled by his character development, and I won’t lie—I wanted to see even more of him! However, I am satisfied that he retained his gentle nature until the end. I’m so glad they didn't ruin his character by making him scheming and/or manipulative. All I want is for him to remain the loving, caring, and family-oriented guy he’s always been. So, knowing that he stayed true to that has put me at ease. I truly want to thank the writers for that.
"The Dragon Throne is here. I can sit on it. And if I do, that is my power. I can sit on it. And if I refuse to sit on it, that's morality. It's easy to give in to power. But dying for morality is a tough decision. No matter how low I stoop, I will never hurt my own family." - Qi Chen / Prince Guang
Story - 7.5, I have no negative reaction or comments about the story itself. The whole plot and the sub-plots are consistent; they make you wonder and leave you in awe every time. The conflicts are straightforward but still keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how they resolve the situation. It was intricately crafted and put together. What impressed me even more was how they kept the characters mysterious—like a double-edged sword, you can never guess who they are truly working for or who their aim is targeted at. It would have been perfect if they hadn't messed up the FL so heavily. Considering how much I suffered through all the FL’s shenanigans, I have decided to give it this rating. If I weren't extremely patient and tolerant, I would have been less than a millimeter away from dropping this drama.
Acting/Cast - 9.5, The execution was impressive! As expected, I can think of only a few who can hold a candle to Cheng Yi in delivering such an emotionally restrained character. He was spectacular and executed his role flawlessly, with precision. However, the people I truly want to commend here are Mickey He (Qiu Zhiliang) and Xuan Lu (Qiu Yanzhi/Wang Ruoqing). They carried this show the same way the ML did—their backs must be hurting from the strain of carrying the burden for the FL! Lol. Han Dong equally did a great job with his portrayal of Prince Guang; I love his character a lot. Anyway, this show made me question Zhang Yuxi's choice of roles. She portrayed the pure and innocent Cheng Ruoyu well. It's a shame the writers did her dirty by assassinating her character (Horrible writing).
Music - 7.0, I failed to appreciate much of the soundtrack in this show due to the extreme anguish I felt during the FL’s unbearable scenes. However, the song placement and harmonization were great—they felt balanced and never bothered me.
Rewatch Value - 1.0, I won't even pretend to be kind toward this show. My consideration was long thrown out of the window despite the considerably excellent story plot. I could never sit through this drama again; watching the female lead was honestly traumatic. I am done with it!
Overall - 7.5, I am giving it this rating in consideration of the impressive storyline and the spectacular execution of the actors and actresses. It may look like I am undermining this drama, but after being heavily exposed to and affected by the FL's character, I don't think I can give it any higher. That being said, I don't recommend this to people who are sensitive, even a little, with foolish characterization. However, if you're like me, who is mentally tough and enduring, then go ahead! Goodluck~ Haha!
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A powerful drama that has sucked you in till the very end.
Also known: Dream of chang'an. FYIUp to ep 36 I originally thought of giving this up at first as all i could think was 49ep ouch and was i so wrong before you know it i was addicted and looking at different site for more episodes.
The ML/FL & 2 ML/FL are all kicking ass and doing an amazing job and this time a villian who you definitely hate in every sense of the word the rest of the cast which is A lot are also doing a believable job. The costumes, carriages and set are great in my options.
This storyline start with the plannings of the Morning Dew Rebellion 8yrs ago when the Emperor Qi Ang was in pain & wanted to take back his power from the eunuch fraction who was getting to big & powerful.
Warlords LiXu & Zheng Lu took the Dew Code and Gen'l Han Yue lured QZL to Zuo Zhenhen yard to kill him, but failed since QZL knew and already killed both of them/familiy Gen'l Han went to the palace to report to emperor and so he made a secret imperial edict (to make prince Guang emperor? ) and told him to give to Prime Minister Wang.
As he arrived the servants were telling him and his Granddaughters Ruoqing and Ruoling to leave and gave him the edict and sent them out thru underground tunnel and while trying to hold off QZL/QiYan/Shencai army he got an arror thru the eye presumed dead. By the time the wangs got out they were waiting for them and QZL shot PM yang wang in the back and QiYan shot both girls in the back.
Later Qi yan goes back to the dead grave and looks for the 3 girls he find zheng wu and send her out, he then finds Gen'l han and gives him to prince guang to fix and prince Guang finds Ruoling but not ruoqing. We learn that the yi Yan practiced to hit between ribs and not the heart in order for them to live.
The emperor Sadly lost the last of his power/control of court and officials to become a powerless puppet who was controlled by Qiu Zi Liang(QZL) for the next 8yrs. The official were either in coercion with QZL or coerced into following him or be killed.
So of course you dislike the ML, but later you also feel a little sorry for him with the pressures of secrets given by his brother before dying(suicide/QZL murdered by fish) He also spoke to Teacher Wang and made him a promise to try and save him & his 2 granddaughters, but QZL got to the arrow.
It was and is still a little confusing to me as Qiu Zi liang is an eunuch who got power from the last emporer to the point he was running the courts and the new emperor is more or less a puppet also. Why hasn't anyone's tried to kill or poisen him there were many occasions. Why he didn't make himself the emperor?
This review could go on and on from me so will stop as there are so many twist and turns like a rollercoaster of stories and events and gruesome killing.
Now up to ep 46 and only 3 to go and its sad and cruel that Ruo qing doesn't tell yu'er she's her sister. Does she really believe yu're will never find out.
Just finished and WOW the ending was completely not what i expected, but ended well. You never know who's good and who's bad umtil the end. Its worth the watch
Was this review helpful to you?
Great historical drama ever!!
My heart is still aching but I'm very satisfied how the drama ends. I love every characters especially the ML and FL. The chemistry of them was perfectly eye catching and how they act was amazing.. the storyline was so good every episodes so intense intriguing and can't wait for another mind blowing episode . The love story between emperor and Yu'er so idealistic the loyalty and love for each other was so amazing too.This DRAMA is AWESOME the ACTORs and ACTRESS they rocks all of them know what to do .
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The best drama
The best drama i ever watched… the plot is so good, they acting is so good also .. everything in this drama very good. I hope they will be make special episode for twist ending at episode 49.. i hope happiness at qi yan dan yuer. Because the ending not satisfied. Mdmjfjjrirrikrkrkrkrkrjrjjr mdmfmfmmfmfjjt kkfkrktkt krjjrjrkt kmmkkkiekkwkek mdndnjdjrjfkfkfkgk kdmmfmffkfm mfmfgmmfgk kktktktktktkkg krktktkkttkkfkf krktktktkkg ktkktktktk krkktktktkt ktktkkttk krktkktkk kktktktktm krktktkgk krktktktkggkWas this review helpful to you?
Most annoying main and female lead ever.
Watch it because of the score but sadly this show is painful to watch because you basically watch a king actor only know how to express pain and clutching his chest most of the time and female lead written as an intelligent and martial prodigy but act completely different most of the times.Music: you got nice shenshen's song but that's it
Story: if they cut it to 20 episodes instead of 49 and throw all the two main lead scenes maybe it will become more watchable
Act: for sure the actors can act but due to char development you can expect same expression from beginning to end of the show.
Rewatch value: 0. No clever plot, you only watch it if you are the fans of the male or female lead fix expression here but for sure their other shows should be better.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Meaningful story
As I am still watching this drama, every day seems long as to wait for the next episode. Watching the first episode already sucked me into this drama. I love how each character has their own flaws and they are not perfect. The emperor may have made despicable choices to gain the throne but after a few episode we realize that he has good intentions for his country and its people. Watching more of this drama i realize this drama is really have deep meaning of the choices that people make and how it effects their relationship with others and I realize that some choices are regretful but some are not. The strength of this drama is the story and how the story develop.An added bonus for me is hearing zhou shen singing the ost for this drama. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Will keep watching and hoping for the next episode to come faster. hahahahaha...
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the best cdramas
Highly recommand for this one. I can definitely say that this one does not waste your precious time. There is no doubt why this drama gets billion viewers on MGTV. I had been waiting for this drama throughout the whole 2020. It doesn't make me disappointed. The script writer can know how to draw the attensions of the viewer. At first, I didn't understand the story so I feel a little bit boring. Later, when I try to understand it , I found out that it has such a good story line and the concept what they want to show and their performaces are matched. They showed the love story between lovers, the love between sisters and how Qiyan succeed his goals very beautifully and obviously systematically. The acting of all the actors ,actresses and supporters have nothing to say.Was this review helpful to you?
I Need Compensation for the Emotional Damage This Drama Caused Me
You ever encountered a drama so good you know that it'll take weeks or months for you to recover from it? This is it. This is how good this drama is. Plot twists at every corner, nothing is ever predictable. .That was honestly so satisfying to watch. It's rare to find a costume drama that wasn't dragging. The actors were so good, the chemistry so effective, the plot is honestly to-die-for, and everything is just perfect down to the OST.
I thought this was a consoling story (especially if you have watched Love and Redemption). At first I thought it was a nice change that someone would die for Cheng Yi's character rather than him dying over and over again. But man, this is more emotionally taxing. The actors here are so good! Especially FL who was so pretty when she smiles, and beautiful even when she cries.
Was this review helpful to you?
