K-Drama 
This review may contain spoilers
I would give more stars than there are in the galaxy
I realized that I never left a review for LLTG and could not understand why, especially considering it was my first cdrama. So while I'm on my third rewatch, here we go:This show surpasses all expectations. The quality, the writing, the acting, the characters... All of it is perfect.
Now, I've seen a lot of people say that this show inverts tropes. And that is 100% correct. The leads are petty, vengeful, and selfish. Unlike a lot of leads that are forgiving and kind, here, the leads can be kind, but only to those who are kind to them. If someone doesn't treat them right, they reserve the right to be equally brutal. And I love it. Even with each other they can be uncompromising.
The Emperor , empress, and consort are absolute scene stealers. Another example of how they invert tropes - there are no disputes between the three. The empress is not paranoid or evil, the consort is not ambition or evil, and the emperor is not unqualified or evil. They are just genuinely good, competent rulers who value each other. Absolute scene stealers.
I can't articulate the love I have for this drama. The characters are so well developed. Not only the leads, but the support and side characters as well.
That said, of course there are some cons with the show. There are so many characters and while they all have their own plots, because there are so many, some do just get wrapped up quickly or are just dropped all together. The beginning is very very slow (I think you have to get through a good 10 episodes before things begin to pick up pace), and the end could have been better in my opinion.
But even with those cons, the pros far far far outweigh it. I mean.. it's no contest. This show is perfect and I think it's going to withstand the test of time because I already return to it as one of my go to shows whenever I need a comfort show or an enjoyable watch.
Highly highly recommend.
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Not what I expected (in a good way)
I've never read the original novel, so I thought it's going to be a romance drama between FL & ML with some palace politics here and there. I never imagine that in the 27 episodes, is more about family conflict, FL-ML close interaction (romance) is almost non existent LOL. But what surprised me more, is how much I enjoy this drama. I like how the story focused on the development of the FL and her interaction with her family, the mother-daughter conflict, surprisingly, quite realistic. I love all the elders character, the senior actors are all very good, especially the grandmother, LOL, the grandmother is really something, so funny. I like how the FL slowly learn about relationships and grow to be more mature. Nothing is rushed, just the right pace. The director really make good story flow. Can't wait for the second part of the series.Was this review helpful to you?
Romcom and slowburn done right
I honestly don't know where to begin with because I feel like once I do I will not be able to stop haha. I started this plainly out of curiosity because I wanted to watch something that is heavy but not too gritty. I thought I would drop it after 5 episodes but BOY was I surprised! 😅 And impressed in equal measures.I will not prolong this since other reviewers pretty much said everything there is to be said. It's probably one of the best historical drama and cdrama I have seen easily. It strikes an wonderful balance between romance, family dynamics, revenge, growing up, political intrigue with the help of superb cinematography, script, music, acting. It has its slow moments in a way it doesn't feel draggy or boring.Despite not being a thriller, action, or mystery it manages to keep in your toes and that's probably one of the best aspect of this drama.
Highly recommend to anyone who is still deliberating on watching this and is intimidated by the episode list because honestly you will be sweet odd you won't even realize when did you manage to watch first 25 episodes in 1 week like me!
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Can't move on
It is one of my hang out with with friends and neighbors to watch all Zhao Lusi's drama. She portrayed her part in this drama amazingly. and all her dramas, I could say that I started being addicted of C-dramas because of her but only her drama that we watch. and take note, we are adults and mothers and we watch as family and as friendly bonding with friends.I see many haters of Zhao Lusi but this makes her loyal fans love her more. She's a versatile actress and beautiful. I could say she's the only Chinese actress whom I like watching.
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Must Watch ! Sets the bar higher !
I love this drama so much. I enjoy ever second and moment if this drama. And the chemistry are to die for. Loooooove their lines. So poetic and also the cinematography and the background music is amazing. Seriously it's a whole other level of watching experience. I'd love to see them on big screen. You can tell that this series is a biiig project and biiig production with biiiiiiig budget. They have alot of interesting character and their development are well written and executed. Also alot of veterans and excellent actors are here as well. Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei did an amaaaaazing job leading this drama. I really they can work again.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
ALITTLE BIT SLOW BUT WORTH WATCHING
I love this drama....but I love all Rosy drama. I like how they made the FL didn't fall in love with the ML right away. The reason why I say that, she grew up without love from anyone. No friends or family. She was always byself with her maid. The ML was a general like her parents, so of course she was scare he would be same and leave her. FL didn't know she was already in love with him. Her ex fiancee she didn't love him, but she liked the fact that she can be in control and be herself. The first part is slow but worth watching because without it doesn't show why the FL is so strong and intelligent and stand side by side with her general and help him. I do believe part 2 will be extremely great and better. It will show about General Ling story, and how his wife will save him from the darkness of his pastWas this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece. Period.
I could write so many things about this Cdrama, acting, costumes, sceneries, the amazing storytelling. It make your heart beat like crazy in every single episode, to the point I don't get that its not rated with a 10 ⭐ with white flags already.!!! The only negative is the release of the episodes... so slow, not enough. Leading actors absolutely mesmerising and with a huge chemistry between them. I'm currently in episode 12 and I can tell that my heart will break with this love story before we witness the happy ending of their story. Overall I think its a masterpiece of its kind.Was this review helpful to you?
Family rivalry
I was very excited to start a new ZLS drama since I really liked WRTW, but this one was different... It starts off really slow with the romance. I mean like I'm half way throughout the first part of the drama and I do not see any feelings between the leads. I also do not get how the male lead has feelings for the female lead without interactions. It just seems a bit unrealistic. The drama is actually more focused on family matters than actual romance or at least for what I can see. I feel like there is a lack of suspense as there is any major plot change yet. Despite watching through half of the first part of the drama, I felt like there was not much going on besides family problems. After all the wait, it was a bit of a dissapointment for me. Overall, not the most interesting!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Update: It gets better starting with episode 6. At first, it was bad!
Although, I genuinely like the male lead actor, I was disappointed to see him play the male lead character. To be honest, as of episode 3 I don't think he is doing as good of a job as he did in his prior historical dramas. Not bad, but not great either. I believe this drama would have been better if they casted an actor between the ages of 30-45 (this doesn't mean the character has to be the same age), with phenomenal acting experience in political based historical dramas.While the storyline is good, the script and production is lacking. What I mean is, in episode 1 the male lead and the army won a war and the first thing he does after returning home (well, waiting outside of the gate) was to leave and investigate a case. The political plot in the first 10 episodes, felt rushed, and unrealistic; it was as if they were looking for a way to find a quick way for the female and male lead to link up with one another. Also, there was no significant moment shown to us to explain why the male lead character liked the female lead character.
Next, the female lead characters mom, hadn't seen her daughter since she was a baby, and instead of embracing her with love, she embraced her with rules that could have waited until she started spending good quality time with her daughter. For goodness sake, she heard that her daughter often was starved by her grandmother and aunt. Additionally, at one point, she was left to die outside of their town. The mother's behavior is not endearing but it seems very cold, and harsh. Her character is enough to make me want to drop this drama. I'm hoping that the writer allow her character to develop.
If the script, acting, and mothers' character doesn't improve by episode 6, I'm going to drop this drama! Note: The mom's character doesn't become tolerable until episode 20.
Update:
You will start to like this drama by episode 6. Things definitely make a turn for the better. However, I still don't like the male lead character storyline. It seems unrealistic. Additionally, the actor is overacting.
My favorite episode was episode 15. I hate the political plot because it's not logical nor is it well written. However, the female lead character storyline is pretty good. Additionally, the female lead actress did a phenomenal job acting, as well as the actor who plays Yao. Kudos!
I'm currently watching episode 21, and when I see the male lead character, I sigh due to disappointment. UGHHHHH WHYYYYY I don't know if it is because of his character, or the actor, or both! Btw, who else is sobbing after watching episode 21? Where's my tissue? Also, episode 24 (towards the end) is the only time that I liked the male lead actor and character in this drama. Unfortunately, the mom in this drama reminds me of the relationship that I had with my mom. My mom has narcissistic personality disorder, and used to belittle me in front of others. So the end of episode 24, definitely was a trigger.
After watching episode 25, I realized that part 1 was focused on the female leads family and part 2 will be focused on the male leads family, and their marriage. I LOVE how the male lead rides (supports) the female lead at Yao's wedding (the end of episode 25). By episode 26, I finally start liking the male lead character (although, I think the actor could have done a better job acting).
The flashbacks at the end of episode 27 was much needed (I forgot how much the leads interacted with one another), and was a perfect way to end season 1. After watching episode 27, I raised my rating from 8.0 to 8.5.
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This is the best drama I have watched in a while!
I am only on episode 12 and will allow that I am checking two or three times daily for previews or further episodes. It is that good. It has everything. A very good story line, a female lead who is more than 2 dimensional and men who are also more sensitive than usual. It has humor, which makes some of the harder themes bearable. The secondary women are also interesting. The mother is a hard ass, not lambastic at all. (The Grandmother and one aunt fill that role..neither will appear in any further episodes as their roles where filling in the backstory. ) The cousin is a wet noodle but good hearted, I think it is the third aunt who plays the role of a kind hearted mother figure to the MF. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that all the main women in this show dominate the screen and is worth watching if for no other reason than that. I am not good at writing reviews, but this show is so good it is a shame no one has done so as yet.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best drama ever!!!
Each episode I watched so far made me long for the next one. Both the female and male lead are amazing. The supporting roles actors and actresses are fantastic. It has a great storyline. I recommend that you watch this drama. The subtitles are not available right away, however it doesn't stop me from watching this drama. I love seeing their expressions; must watch drama. Looking forward to see the upcoming episodes.Zhao Lusi is a great actress. She is young, however very talented. She immersed herself in her work, she portrays the character well. I noticed how amazibg she is in her last drama, Who rules the world.
First time watching the male lead, and right away i knew he fits to be the general. His acting is great, his voice, demeanor and overall character just match what you would expect a warrior would be.
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just gets better
story - to sum it up, the female lead was neglected throughout her child and became rebellious as a result. she loves to play tricks on the people she dislike, but she still has a heart of gold. from what I’ve seen so far, she begins to quickly adapt to a series of tragedies relating to death and war, which is obviously quite shocking and difficult for a young girl. general ling, the male lead, is a stoic character who shows small hints of emotions but never truly opens up (yet). less than 25% of the show has aired but im sure this story has immersed many viewers.acting/cast - zhao lusi and wulei are young but talented actors. from past films and shows, they’ve displayed a wide range of characters, which is why i knew the acting was going to be top notch. you can quickly sympathize with shaoshang, the female lead, because lusi portrays her sheltered but adventurous character well. since the show hasn’t reached the climax yet, we’ve seen only hints of general ling’s character. however, it becomes apparent that he is slowly opening up to be more than just the cold faced general he’s seen as. many of the comedic moments are carried by the side characters, the expressions in this show just add an entire level of comedy. maybe im sensitive but some of the scenes where the side characters cause misunderstandings and hurt everyone really brings me to tears as well. only 12 episodes in and im attached to all the characters <3
music - i would honestly rate the music a 10/10 but at the moment the show hasn’t reached the climax yet, meaning how the rest of the ost fits the show is unknown. music changes the mood of the show really fast. for a show that has a twist of comedy but also some heart-wrenching scenes, the music is really well-made. i know this show will make me bawl like a baby bc the ending song is so beautifully tragic. looking forward to the rest of the ost as the drama continues airing!
rewatch value - this rating is quite random and technically incorrect since the show is still airing, but it’s based off a prediction. the comedic and lighthearted scenes make you easily attached to the story and the cast, but never forget the first rule of historical cdramas: “if it has over 40 episodes, it will rip your heart to shreds”. you can tell that this show isn’t going to be 100% comedic and the cast has carried out each genre very well. 10/10 for rewatching plot and cute interactions but points deducted bc this drama will most likely make me cry for days straight.
overall - my rating numbers: “10 10 8 8” seem quite simplistic mainly because I’ve never been able to use numbers well to measure a show’s greatness. words do the trick! 12 episodes and im hooked. i usually drop shows not even past the first episode because after watching masterpieces like love and redemption, ashes of love, not many dramas can build up angst properly while still being entertaining. i have great expectations for this drama and so far, they haven’t been let down. to those who can’t stand slowburns: with a great cast and plot, all pain and waiting is worth it! 10/10 recommend. my review after the dramas finished airing is most likely gonna be mainly me sobbing and crying over the tragic moments (56 episode drama definitely means there’s gonna be angst)
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