Misled by the trailer - ts a fluffy romance
I thought this would be some kind of thriller, but its just pure romantic comedy.When the story settles down its just trivial household dramatic incidents.
watch it if:
- Love after marriage, enemies to lovers, reluctant falling in love.
- Very funny side characters, laughter guaranteed
- Lot of bromance in Wei family
- Traditional couple dynamics. If you like to see *feminine* strong FL, this is it. FL and ML are written to embody only light aspects of a traditional marriage. (if your into it).
- No FL marching into battle or landing punches (or even punchlines) here. FL is *soft*. yet shes strong-ish. (Thats the whole point, they make sure to tell u that)
- BTW in my opinion it was FL who got seduced. She was "prisoner of beauty". 😂😂 ML was more like "prisoner of care and handwarmer". 🤣
Dont watch:
-Cdrama canon fodder alert😭
- only ML and FL love story has good ending.🫡
- ML manhandles FL a few times
- LYN's eyebrows are comically angular
- SZE's lipstick was really dry
- i didnt like how they handled the whole ML's bro story line. (i didnt like the story line). I felt that it had no use. The makers wanted to make it creepy, then decided against it in the middle. It had no value acc to me.
- issues such as ML's issues with FL's family, ML's mom's issues, or ML's bro's issues, FL's uncle issues, FL's advisor's issues arent addressed or wrapped up properly. They just occasionally toss them in the background. Like if you didnt want to address them why are u bring them out??
- they wanted to make a thriller serious viby enemies to lovers, but the makers are better at making cosy cheesy (idk proper adjectives) pure romance. So they sprinkle it for garnish randomly. People who came here for that (like me) completely thrown off. Like this is some "new life begins" vibes romance guys. (ig im having xinxia hangover). THis isnt MJTY vibes. I came here expecting at least AYTO level tension. i found floof and canon fodder instead.
- Too much screentime to ML's bros ex , and FL's ex. frustrating.
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But the characters are not smartly done. Also, it's too dragging. Another overrated drama. Douban is right. Chinese people are right not to rate this high. Intl fans are too cheesy and exaggerated
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This review may contain spoilers
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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Must Watch
I am a fan of Song Zu Er and among all the dramas and movies she acted. This is the best! I was anticipating this drama because of her and the trailer(sypnosis of the drama is really interesting so I am hooked and even subscribed in wetv since I could not watch it properly in dramacool without being disturb by a lot of advertisements)As always she didnt disappoint me. Her acting is superb. The role suits her well. 😍 They have a great chemistry with Liu Yu Ning. I like him too in the Long ballad and Journey to love. In TPOB he is the embodiment of tall, manly,mature, brooding, hot, but innocent general. I wish they will have another drama together. 🤭😍😍😍Was this review helpful to you?
A must watch
The storyline is amazing. The actors were so well suited for this prisoners of beauty, the chemistry between the two s was absolutely amazing. You rarely see this chemistry between lead actors that just feels so real. I’m really impressed with this one. Yes, there is a bit of a heartbreak my favorite character, but it is just a drama. I have to keep telling myself that. This is definitely a rewatchbinge and among my top favorites this would probably be my second favorite drama. This one definitely deserves all the praise it’s getting and the records that it is acquiring congratulations to all who were a part of this one.Was this review helpful to you?
Locked in for life!
This show was just what I needed right now. Just when I have been very disappointed with K-dramas of late, here comes C-dramas saving the day! This series has me on a chokehold. I have watched many costume period dramas, both Chinese and Korean, and this one has been one of the better ones, in my opinion. The cast, costumes, production, cinematography, setting, story, dialogues, action, every single thing is just top-tier. The only disappointment I have with this drama is that it was only 36-episodes long or short. Usually C-dramas run forever but this one was just too short for me. I even had to stop myself from watching it just to make it last longer!!!I love the mix of drama, action, comedy, politics, history, and romance in this series. There is definitely something of everything. I was hooked from episode 1 and couldn't stop watching it. I do feel like they could have done more towards the end because it felt a little rushed and not enough time was spent on the ending but that is why I am complaining how short this 36-episode series is!
The ML and FL's chemistry is chef's kiss. They both are amazing in their roles. The supporting cast is perfect. The subplots are easy to follow and flow into the story well. I would kill for a Shao Wei. All the funny and sweet things he does for Man Man are just so endearing. I was just a rollercoaster of emotions while watching this show.
Honestly, if you have never watched a Chinese historical/period costume drama and want to try it out, this is a really good place to start. Well, this is the perfect one to start with! It is a masterpiece.
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No second guesses, just press play. (Ps, ML is NOT as immature as accused of. He grows & learns.)
Amazing. The production by far surprised me so. Nothing was truly overdone, the sceneries, the moments, the freaking acting was on point. The FL was perfection - smart, calculationg, beautiful, strong, not afraid to speak her mind and step up, fearless. As I said, perfection. Honourable mention, THE KISS OMG. Ugh, needed more around the end.I've always been wary of romance cdrama's FLs. They're almost always made to be too girly. Too afraid. This queen right here, was the strongest one I've seen so far. Felt so empowered by her intelligence. As a girl, I see this as a huge improvement.
The leads were amazing. Also, I've heard few fans talk about how immature the ML is and I'd like to disagree ... Firstly, that dude was traumatized. Having watched his entire fucking bloodline slaughtered in front of him, and his brother telling him not to trust any Qiaos, and that he's their only hope now (smth like that), ofc he'd have revenge on his mind. Not to add, he was pressured and criticized, about how he can even avenge the Wei Clan. His reactions against Qiaos were valid based on his trauma. He was TOLD by everyone (even saw the moment unfold himself) the betrayal and the blood has to be paid. A child learns from his surroundings. Hence, it lead to the deep hatred.
And one of his reaction was bad, I will not excuse that; when he chocked FL. That was not good, I'll admit. But I'm so glad that FL stood her ground, screams power.
Plus, about his jealous reaction, when he shouted at the FL after finding out about his cousin's secret. Although, his reaction was bad. What I love the most about this man is that he ACKNOWLEDGES, understands, apologies (sincerely might I add) and learns along the way. Don't you get it? That's growth. He admitted that he was wrong to take it out on her. How the fuck is, admitting and not lashing out ever again, called immaturity? People learn from their mistakes, give him a break.
Even in the later episodes, when he found out that FL knew about the secret passage, see how he DIDN'T lash out? He tried to communicate, he talked. Even after that, he apologized to her later, cuz he acknowledged that he never really assured FL about the safety of her hometown. He understood why she did what she did. How is this immature? Immature is when, you don't take into account what you've done. Not when you've admitted your wrongs and are improving.
Other then that, his reactions were fucking valid, as stated before. He was RAISED to hate them and question their move. He was a kid, and he followed and grew into what was taught to him. It's not his fault.
What matters, is he cared for the wellbeing of the people, and he let go of the hatred, didn't he? What more could you ask for. He grew as time went on. That's the beautiful thing about this entire plot and the drama.
Moving onto the last episode, ugh, I would've loved to actually see ML and FL reuniting after the war in Panyi. I wanted to see his reaction to the baby :( and I wanted to see the two leads be affectionate after such time apart. ¯\_ಠ_ಠ_/¯ Oh, I wanted to see her reaction to the death of her cousin too.
Those were the only things that kinda bummed me. Everything else was perfect. Oh and, umm, should've gotten more kiss scene + some intimacy, esp after their first time. ←_← It just felt like they did it just to birth a child and not to show that they truly loved and cared for eachother.
Don't take offence if you reached this far, these are my option and I am entitled to it.
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The Prisoner of Beauty is this year's Lovely Runner
Last year, Queen of Tears was expected to be the hit romance drama of the year. Then Lovely Runner came from out of nowhere and blew romance drama lovers away. Lovely Runner aces my quintet of review criteria: a well-executed story, easy to binge watch, satisfying ending, killer soundtrack and high rewatch value.Like Lovely Runner, The Prisoner of Beauty tops all my criteria. The series features great storytelling from start to finish with an enemies to lover’s romance, political intrigue, hand-to-hand combat, battle scenes, humor, and heart. It's fun to watch Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao's battle of wits unfold, and even better to see how they work things out through healthy, mature dialogue while growing closer in the process. Oh - and did I mention the sizzling chemistry between Liu Yuning and Song Zuer in their respective roles?
Is it an easy binge? Watching the first episode was enough to get me hooked and every episode afterwards gets better and better. No disastrous endings here - but still plenty of tension in the final episodes to make is seem otherwise. The soundtrack is easily one of best OSTs so far of 2025, featuring Blazing Moon by lead and OST King Liu Yuning. Rewatch value? I barely finished the series and am ready to watch it again.
This is one series I highly recommend!
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Loved this one
Prisoner of Beauty has a cold male lead, harden by revenge. There is political wrangling and arranged marriages, but the centered emotion is hatred. The male lead stars fan favorite actor Liu Yu Ning as Wei Shao / Zhong Lin. Son of a Royal Military family, he saw his family wiped out as a young boy, by the deceitful rulers of an opposing country. Now a Military General and ruler of his clan, he seeks to wipe out the ruling faction which destroyed his family. Wei Shao is good at what he does, fueled by revenge. His military successes are numerous.The main family faction and target of his revenge offers to capitulate, seeking mercy outside of defeat. They offer him an arranged marriage with the daughter of a high ranking ruler. Wei Shao deviously accepts, since this faction offers him the ruling seal of the political faction. He accepts what he considers to be a throw-away bride.
The female lead is beloved Chinese child star Song Zu Er, now playing grown roles. She plays Qiao Man / "Xiao Qiao", a vicarious, loving, witty and intellectual waif who is very loyal to her family and clan. There is no way out of this. The family must accept this arranged marriage or get wiped out. The marriage arrangement is offered to Qiao Man’s older sister, but her older sister is in love with someone else. To save her sister from this fate, Qiao Man manipulates the situation to take her sister’s place.
In General Wei Shao’s mind, this marriage is a necessary badness, an inconvenient interruption in the way of total victory. However, when he first meets Qiao Man, his physicalness totally overrules his emotional need for revenge. He is floored by her beauty. Wei Shao literally has to collect himself and put himself back into revenge mode. Wei Shao’s mission of revenge must remain paramount. Qiao Man must remain his ‘Prisoner of Beauty’. This is what ‘Prisoner of Beauty’ is about and this Chinese drama becomes a striking romance. The drama is pulling in the accolades and the ratings are averaging 8.9/10. I adore this drama and adore both Liu Yu Ning and Song Zu Er. There is sword fighting in this drama. View Prisoner of Beauty on VIKI or Netflix.
As child actors do, they burn out. We have not seen Song Zu Er in a Chinese Drama since 2022. Apparently, she is now well rested. Song Zu Er is slated to star in seven Chinese dramas in the coming months, an unheard of schedule. Three is the usual max. She is the main lead in six of these dramas, which includes dramas in the new Chinese drama format, the Chinese short drama.
Note: It is a twist of happenstance that Song Zu Er is entering back into Chinese Drama at a time when beloved actress Zhao Lusi is taking a break from acting. Zhao Lusi is busy exposing the Industry Scandal over the Actors’ Slave Contracts. Ironically, Zhao Lusi’s last costar was Liu Yi Ning in The Story of Pearl Girl. He is the male lead in Prisoner of Beauty.
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Not Up to Par - the Result of Editing or Poor Writing?
Before you come at me, I suspect that a lot of my disappointment stems from the editing team cutting out a lot of the screentime from FL which made the script feel stilted or the writing team themselves. Not sure if all of Song Zu-er's scenes were retained or if the writing was just poor.The reason I say POB was a little underwhelming is because the synopsis and trailer promised a strong FL and a strong ML, enemies to lovers type drama. The FL, in my opinion, had less scenes than ML and did not feel to me as a 'strong' character. While I suspect that part of it was because her scenes were cut and never restored (we have no way of knowing truly), it just was never convincing that this was a drama with two leads. It seemed more like the story about ML and his journey to putting down a blood feud, finding love in an unexpected place. Again, not the actors' fault, but potentially a downfall of the author or screen writer. I thought that it would be a drama with plenty of strong female characters (not just the FL) because of the cast, but it ended up feeling like a man's hero's journey written through the lens of a man. Putting aside FL, we feature a couple of seemingly strong female characters yet weirdly not:
1) ML's grandmother who was strong enough to keep the Wei clan together until her grandson took over, but not strong enough to weed out dissidents or manage her family
2) ML's mother who cared more about her niece than her son. Being a bit of a ninny while her son was super smart was a bit annoying as well.
3) FL's cousin who was caring and kind but later betrays FL's trust and doesn't help when it really counts, only to die by suicide to protect her husband
4) Lady Yu Lou (who was a bit of the main female villian) is this ultra talented and scheming woman only to be reduced to a jaded, delusional woman with low self esteem and inability to 'see' her partners' love and care for her
Between the FL and ML and their world, there was never a sense of equality between the two in terms of skill. There was always some sort of power relationship. FL is always trying to even the playing field: negotiating with Panyi's seal, raising support in a different state to keep ML and Wei in check, diverting ML's attention away from conquering Panyi. On top of that, ML is always distrustful and resentful of FL's family, but FL never really does anything about it because in her head, she and her family owes ML's family. Because of this premise, there is never a moment where it didn't feel like FL was trying to please or placate ML. ML (the character, not Liu Yu Ning) did the bare minimum for romance. Respectfully, the romance wasn't romancing at all.
My disappointment lays mainly with the screenwriter (and potentially the author) as the actors were fantastic. Strength can be found in different forms. I looked forward to seeing FL's strength that was 'gentle like water' but what I ended up seeing was strength being portrayed in very traditional, heteronormative ways. Men's strength is through martial arts and warfare while women's strength was through sacrifice: enduring political marriages, enduring one's in-laws, enduring public opinion, etc.
This style of drama is not unusual when compared to historical dramas of the early 2000s where men were the main characters. It was just a little jarring to see this type of drama in 2025, especially after so much hype about this being an enemies to lovers drama and after well written female centric dramas like Perfect Match aired earlier this year.
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It was worth the wait
When the trailer came out 2 years ago, I was super hyped by it. Then when allegations of tax evasion against Song Zu'er broke, I was devastated. C-cancel culture being what it was, I never thought that this show would see the light of day. Silence for over a year, and when her team updated that Song Zu'er was cleared, I was ecstatic again. Now that this show is finally here, I am so happy that it is worth the wait, at least for me. One thing I should first say is that it is a lot lighter than I expected so I got thrown off at first. I thought the tone of the show would be a lot graver, angstier. But I came to enjoy the show as it is. There is still that level of seriousness and drama that I appreciate, and there is the level of funny and sweet that I appreciate too since I want a happy show. I like that the characters are well-rounded and mature in their way. Even though there are silly moments, the characters are never stupid. Whatever problem is thrown at them, and whatever emotions they may have at first, they think, they trust and they resolve the problem swiftly. I look forward to the last 10 episodes, I imagine them to be epic!Was this review helpful to you?
HOOKED on Prisoner Of Beauty!
Okay, someone please send help because I am officially addicted to this drama! "Prisoner of Beauty" has me in a chokehold (the soft, romantic kind), and I’m not even mad about it.Every episode just fills my heart with love, joy, and a weird urge to rewatch it all over again. It’s like a warm hug, a cup of bubble tea, and a love letter all wrapped in one. I swear, my face turns into the heart-eyes emoji every time I hit play.
If you need something to brighten your day and give you all the happy feels, trust me—this is it. Just be warned: once you start, there's no going back!
💝💝💝💝💝💝
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