The Prisoner of Beauty

Mutual heart theft

What can I say about this. This drama is so good, the writing is so well paced, love didn't come quick and neither did trust, they were enemies and they acted as such, neither needlessly cruel nor unreasonably kind, just two people trying to deal with their emotions while also safeguarding their mutual clans. Slowly, the affection sprouted and then love bloomed and god how I love their communication, you feel tension but there are no misunderstandings that drag forever, anything that pops up is quickly resolved through talk and even if the talk isn't the solution at least they say all there is to say. Manman is such a sweet and smart lady, she stole my heart from the start, she isn't physically strong but she is so clever that she can overturn any situation. I could go on forever but I will stop here.
Music is awesome! Love it highly recommend.

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Scheming Yu Lou

I can say that it is a quality production. It was nice. I had fun while watching it, I felt the romance both in terms of romantic comedy and showing a real love. It was not bad. Especially the romantic comedy between Wei Liang and Xia Tao was very entertaining. It was not good that it ended badly. I liked these. The romance of the leading actors pales in comparison to theirs. The relationship between Xiao Fan and Bi Zhi smelled of excessive romance but it did not pass us by. Because it was like the product of a cold relationship. I likened it to the relationship between a maid and her mistress within the framework of the marriage of a nobleman and a slave. But the spirit was given. In other words, the feeling that they were blindly in love was given. It was given but I did not get it. That is, something like that. Let's put it this way; the advantages of the series are that the production is very good, the costumes, the cast, the action, the acting, the management are perfect. However, there were problems with the story. Or I felt problems with the reflection. I could not find it suitable for the beauty and quality of the series.
We watched the classic Yu Lou. In my opinion, it was a fiasco from beginning to end. If you ask why. Think of a person, the woman the heir of the Wei Dynasty loves, but the man dies before they can get married. Before he dies, he says, "Take care of her, take care of her". But the woman marries someone else. He also dies. She becomes a talk of the town with someone else. She does not stay idle. This time, she is interested in the brother of the man who loves her, and wants to have a relationship with him. That person, Wei Shao, does not reciprocate her interest, but takes care of her as his brother's trust. He does not show the interest and attention he shows her to his wife, whom he marries. He hosts her in the best guest rooms. He does not do anything he says. But he does not reciprocate the woman's interest, that is, her love for him. Thereupon, Yu Lou starts various intrigues. Every time, what he did is revealed and Lord Wei forgives him. In the end, his secret is revealed and he gets fed up with it, so he kills Yu Lou's brother. She cuts off Yu Lou's nose, she says she will inform the other dynasties that she did this, she will send you home too, but none of this happens and the same woman continues her evil deeds by showing interest and concern for someone else, again by making people fight each other, until the end of the series. Even enduring this was agony. It was so simple, I mean, they shouldn't use it anymore. It looks like a patchwork sack now. I mean, this character is a character that is put there to make people fight each other, she is thrown around and owned as much as no one else is owned. I couldn't make sense of it. I think it was too much. Either this character should have been completely in the series, for example, she should have been the wife of the deceased brother. She should have had a say in the dynasty so that what she did would be useful. She wanders from one branch to another like a sparrow landing on another branch. Like a prostitute. And she is held in high esteem. Can such a character exist? Can this be valued? Could a man attack his wife for this? Could he strangle her? You would be amazed how such a clever and cruel person could believe this woman's nonsense. It didn't happen. I didn't like it. It overshadowed the beauty of the series. Would a dead husband leave his wife a general and 50,000 soldiers? Doesn't that dynasty have an heir? What a meaningless, meaningless thing. It's a whole other thing that other dynasty leaders believe such a woman. Is everyone an idiot? Is there no reasoning, no research is done. No investigation. No checking whether it's true or false. In other words, it's a complete fiasco.
Telling gossip to children by singing songs. It's probably a CHINESE classic now. Do you have a grudge against someone? Take 10 children and show them around the city. Make people sick of you. Such an approach. Can't gossip be normal in these days? Or in this country. These are simplistic. Screenwriter mistakes.
They kidnap Xiao Fan, her father tells his son-in-law that if you don't do what I say, I'll kill my daughter. Or Liu Yan will kill you. A father threatening his son-in-law with killing his daughter. Wouldn't a father tell him not to kill my daughter? I've never seen such logic. I've never heard of it. I understand if you and your daughter are at odds. You must have become enemies. There is no such thing. What is it? They were going to pull the groom to their side. After all, the girl killed herself. If the groom Bi Zhi had thrown the spear in his hand at those who were standing against him and threatening him instead of using it on those who were with him. The case would have been closed long ago. Logically wrong.
There is a backstreet at the entrance to the city. When Liu Yan's army enters, the Wei soldiers oppose him, draw their swords and fight like that.
But when the Wei army comes, Liu Yan's soldiers shoot arrows. The Wei soldier cannot enter or loses a lot of soldiers from the beginning.
If both armies had done the same, Li Yan would not have been able to enter that city. Another logical error. You make one shoot arrows. Let it not enter. You don't let the other shoot arrows, let it enter. At least you should have found another game, scriptwriter. It didn't work. Such simplicity doesn't suit this beautiful series.
I must say that I liked the harmony of the lead actors. If Liu Yu Ning is an IDOL, I also enjoy watching her. I accept the term IDOL series. I watch almost all of her series. Those who haven't watched can watch.

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The best drama!

I just finished watching this drama. I will rewatch it again. I love the cast, especially the main leads, the four generals, and Xiaotao. I loved watching how trust and love grew stronger overtime between the main leads, including the grandma, the mother, as well as the four generals and Xiaotao and her family (mom and sister). I love everything about this drama! I enjoyed the comedy part too. Everything is perfect.

Liu Yuning is an incredible actor and simply perfect for this role as Wei Shao. I love his ability to express his feelings and thoughts through his facial expressions.

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Prisoner of Beauty: A Romantic's Dream

Prisoner of Beauty: A Romantic's Dream.

Just so you know, I am not quite finished yet.

To start with, so as not to confuse readers, this is truly a love story that delves deep into filial piety and loyalty. With that being said, there is a little for everyone but more for the romantic at heart. After the first few episodes, I am loving this drama. Kudos to Song Zu’er and Liu Yuning for doing an excellent acting job. I am already invested in the characters, including the selection of the cast. This is not a slow burn in the romance department but an anxious longing for the next scene. This is a well-written script that flows. This has two smart, cunning, and decisive FL and ML characters who play each other too well.

There are some minor editing issues with scenes that needed more, and scenes that could have been cut. These are barely noticeable to the point of distraction from the storyline.

Production:

The scope of the production is quite moving and fits well with drama. The costumes are attractive and suit the characters. There are scenes in this drama that will make you make you take a continuous loop to replay them. There are so many original moves in the Fight scenes, just not enough of them. I am enjoying the emotional roller coaster this drama has me on. I am truly invested in the characters and plot of the story. How could a drama that moves at a snail's pace make me savor every word and NOT fast forward? This is a truly well-made drama. I am so glad they resolved the controversy surrounding FL. I would never have wanted to miss this.

I appreciate that this drama actually took the time to develop the couple and their relationship. I mean, how long can you hold a grudge, and can transgressions be forgiven? I think your soul will answer the question once you finish watching this drama.

The soundtrack is amazing.

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Simple but told in a Wonderful way to Captivate

Before that, I want everyone to know that the core of this drama is how to reconcile two big families that have a bad history because one of them betrayed, causing the other to be slaughtered. This is not about investigation or revenge, but how this marriage will lead the two main characters to reach a point where hatred is replaced by kindness with sincere love. (Side note: I like Slow-burn romance and not over-the-top comedic act elements here, they just suit my taste.)

Wei Shao and Qiao Man are two complex characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. They are consistent in their personalities but also show development thorough it. LYN and SZE's acting is really great.

In addition, the other characters are no less important. Even when I thought that they were useless to the story, in the following episodes I was proven wrong.

They are complex in their own right, adding depth to the story. There are even some scenes where the characters are played so well that they can amazed and give me goosebumps.

This drama is simple but so well-made despite the budget is moderate. Hands down to the production team who worked hard to make this and the actors who acted brilliantly to be able to bring this story alive.

Of course this is not a masterpiece or a great work. They have some episodes that seem boring. After all, different audiences, different perspectives. However, sometimes what we think is boring, actually contributes to the story in this drama. So it is necessary to watch carefully to understand the story and why a character acts the way they do.

It is easy to assume that FL is evil and manipulative and ML is too submissive to his wife, when in fact all of these things have a clear basis and explanation in the drama.

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I can see what all the hype is about, but...

Should you try it, I'd say yes. Chinese dramas, especially historicals, are absolutely not my favorites, save a couple of exceptions. I liked this one well enough, but I didn't love it. Please remember that this is my personal opinion.

The good:
Gorgeous lead couple.
Excellent enemies to lovers, with a slow progression as they get to know one another.
A strong female lead that remains strong throughout. She had a sharp mind, was kind, and stood her ground.
Cute side love story.
Beautifully filmed.
Costuming and the sets were good.
Happy ending.

My issues:
FL reminded me so much of Zhao Lusi without her charisma. I kept waiting for more wit from her.
Why do people have to have multiple names? Keeping everyone straight was a nightmare for me!
Entirely too long, with long periods of nothing happening. I had to FF too much.
I can't forgive them killing off my favorite character.
Boring, abrupt and lazy ending.

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