This review may contain spoilers
"I hope you're hungry... For nothing"
This drama was the biggest let down of the year. From the reviews to the edits, I expected a masterpiece enemies-to-lovers. But instead, I got an arrogant, bare-minimum, (lowkey) narcissistic male lead, and a female lead who (while smart, quick witted, and brave) not only justifies every single thing he does, but accepts his bare minimum acts as if it's out-of-this-world love instead of what it is.Quick Disclaimer: This review is 100% my opinion — I’m not here to hate, just to share my thoughts! I respect everyone's opinions who liked this show! Also, SPOILERS AHEAD, so proceed with caution if you haven’t watched yet. Let’s keep the discussion respectful and fun! 💕
I had such high hopes walking into this drama because of how many people recommended it and at first, I got the hype. When the female lead, Qiao Man, set the sulfur on fire and then ran to him with a bunch of arrows behind her, I can't tell you how many times I went back. They really set this show up during the beginning. But sadly, as the episodes went on, it quickly went down hill. Let's break this up into "Good" and "Bad" (with subtitles) to keep it organized.
The Good
Qiao Man Really Stepped Up
Qiao Man was such a queen. I love when women in historical shows break the norms and act like a boss. She was so clever and she was guiding armies and slaying the game. Despite the relationship part (that I mention below) she was such a queen.
The Side Characters' Romance Carried
The best part of the show was the side characters' relationship. Wei Liang and Xiotao, and Bi Zhi and Qiao Fan were so cute. I loved watching their scenes and watching their relationships develop. They made the main relationship bareable.
The Bad
I Couldn't Stand Wei Shao
Wei Shao was so annoying, like, 90% of the time. He had such toxic masculinity that it was so hard to like him. I get that back in the day, most men had toxic masculinity, but this is a drama and things can be altered. Plus Wei Liang and Bi Zhi didn't act the way that he did. For example, he's the type of guy who would miss his wife terribly and yet would refuse to go and see her unless she came to him or asked for him. Like just go see your wife, we're tired. He never took the time to truly understand who Qiao Man was and it showed. I get that at first it's the thought that counts, but after a while, it becomes ridiculous.
And he was also incredibly PETTY! I couldn't stand how petty this man was. He was always overly mad at her for no reason and she always either justified it, or apologised (even if it wasn't her fault). It was like he loved a reason to be mad at her. And he'd be mad for so long too-- he'd even go as far as to sleep in the freezing government office because of his pettiness. Like when he read her wish boat and hurt because he thought he loved her more. First off, why does it matter if you love your wife more? And second, why go behind her back to read her note and then randomly be mad at her without even saying anything? It was like walking on eggshells with him and it was so overdone and not even worth it. I think he apologised once the entire show (and that wasn't even when he literally choked her).
I also couldn't stand how he did nothing but the bare minimum the entire show and everyone (in the show) seemed to have eaten it up. I get that he's a war lord and had his issues, but when he fell in love, he didn't do anything that wasn't already expected of a husband. When I watch dramas, I usually like/expect the husband to go above and beyond and do things many husbands/ men wouldn't do in the real world (like Sang Yan in The First Frost). I want to kick my feet and scream in my pillow! So when they not only act like a arrogant jerk the whole time but their redemption ark is just basic level husband things, it fails to land. He didn't bring much in terms of "husband goals" to begin with and what he brought, wasn't good enough. It just wasn't.
SLOWWWW Burn
Now I love a slow burn as much as the next person, but a show still needs to flow. This was much too much of a slow burn that they didn't even kiss until episode 29 (not drunk). Out of 36. This was much too slow and what made it worse is that they gave us nothing to kick our feet at until the near end of the show. And don't get me wrong, I fully understand that love is SOOO much more than intimate moments, but they didn't even give us any cute scenes continually throughout the show. We get like two cute scenes during the whole show up until ep 29..? What even is that? Like with Hidden Love, even though they didn't get together until later in the series, we were given enough cute scenes, full of chemistry, in the episodes leading up to it. And the male lead wasn't overly rude and blind during that time. So while it was also a slow burn, it wasn't the ML fighting his feelings for 60% of the show, then bare minimum effort for the next 20% before they finally kiss (and then some...) from episode 29 and up. It's like, I get slow and steady wins the race but it also doesn't. This didn't. Everyone finished and went home.
Qiao Man Was Too Good for Him
While Qiao Man had plenty of lovely qualities, she was way too lenient and forgiving for this man. Everytime he did something to her, she either justified it or blamed herself. Even when he chocked her, she justified it. It was so annoying watching her try so hard for a man that wasn't giving anything in return. She seemed to love him WAY MORE than he loved her and the writers didn't even bother to hide it.
And on top of that, I never understood when she said "He just seems cold but he's actually super kind and warm <3" Girl What? When? He was always mad and always cold. Once again, he gave her the bare minimum and she confused it for "Warmth and Kindness". I just couldn't wrap my head around their relationship and was way more interested in Bi Zhi and Qiao Fan.
Boya and Bi Zhi
Enough of the relationship, let's get into the storyline now. Anyone else think that Bi Zhi would've become the ruler of Boya and team up with Wei Shao to take control of other states? It was a bit disappointing when Bi Zhi became the Commander and then they just left it there. Like when they put the Qiao flag down, I thought it would've been the beginning of him taking control but they kind of just left it there.
The Ending
The ending was so unfortunately rushed. The show had nothing but filler for most of the middle episodes and when it finally got good, the show was at the end. The huge war and fights were squished into the last episode and the episode wasn't even longer than the rest. Most of the villains' in this show died off... quite pathetically. There was no fight, no intense near-death experiences, nothing. Despite the fact that they made such an uproar and shook the comfort of the Wei State, they died off in the span of 20 minutes. It really looked like the Wei Clan was going to be defeated and yet they won with a couple of speeches and like five really lucky, unkillable men. I wish they had the war brewing through the whole show and didn't wait until the final episode for the showdown. The defeat didn't go the way I expected and that wasn't a good thing. We didn't get enough time to process it and get into it.
I could keep going but this is getting long and you get my point. I really wanted to like this drama but I found it so hard too. I'm a drama reviewer (I have a blog) and I think it's forced me to take off the rose coloured glasses and see all the issues with dramas that I once overlooked. This show was so hard to like that the only reason I finished it was to tick it off my list. I hope no one got offended as that wasn't my intention.
Since everyone loved this drama (based on the reviews), what did you think of my points? Do any of you agree with me?
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SOOO GEWD!!!
Love everything about this drama!!!1. Storyline
Whoever wrote d script adapted from d novel, I salute you. They make the storyline and d characters arch so much better than the novel. No nonsense dialogue, all serving a purpose.
2. Chemistry
Mannn I love d FL and ML, as well as d fluffiest and most adorable 2nd ML FL. The main bunch and the LOVE COUNSELOR, oh I love him and his expressions 🤣🤣🤣
3. Cinematography
Love them and d high quality DI.
4. OST
YUNING I LOVE YOU AND UR VOICE.. 🔥🔥🔥
5. Scenes
Its amazing how they can make d simple moments so adorable. You will be smiling non stop while watching like a fool.. I know I did
RECOMMENDED TO WATCH! Hooked since 1st episode!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Had great potential but failed through and through due to some aspects
Prisoner of beauty has beautiful sets, outfits, accessorises, actors and scenery. The plotline is nothing out of ordinary but had some intresting aspects that kept me watching like the fun side charecters, comedic aspects, bromance and sismance. The grandmother highkey saved the show along with cousin bro , loved the army too!! The music was well timed.The problem lies with the ABSOLUTE SHIT screenwriting and dialogues especially for the male lead. In a feminist lens especially in 2025, the male lead is a disgrace. He CONSISTENTLY looks down on her saying shes "just a woman" even though she technically saved his life. he gossips about her in such disgraceful ways. And never accepts that shes clever and capable and not just a woman. He has mood swings SO MUCH. Playing with her feelings and her trust. If soemthing goes wrong and might have been from her he drops his trust and then treats her like shit. What pisses me off even more is the fact that she agrees with his shitty perspectives, excuses his bad behaviour and pretends like nothing happened. I understand they want to keep the slice of the society but this was just blatant and it didnt need to come from the male leads mouth!!! Atleast idealism in tv shows especially a fluffy one like this one would have been good. this phase lasts for more than half of the show and it highkey pissed me off. The way he gets jealous of men that breathe in her direction and the whole cousin plot RUINED IT LIKE BE FR :((((((( His jealously and how cooly she takes it make me wanna cry because aint no way.
Another thing is the villian is CONSISTENTLY one woman the dragging of her revenge line is too much - so many things could have happened in the story but no. the episodes could have been cut because last 3 episodes i watched by forwarding like crazy.
Overall, i wouldnt recommend, there are so many better shows.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great start. I was able to grasp the story easily from the beginning. The romance was good, and the lighthearted humor, while out of place sometime was very fun to watch. The main story was quite good at first. At times the sub stories don't make sense, but you kind of overlook it because it's still enjoyable. If it kept this pace and quality the entire 36 episodes id give it an 8/10 or even 9/10. The only issue is something changes in the last 10 episodes or so. Making me wish i stopped sooner, and just made up an ending in my head. Characters dying for no reason. Terrible choreography. Terrible decision making capabilities by some of the characters, like are they 5 years old? Entire songs playing multiple times in one episode with slow motion, im guessing the budget was running out. There was more story i wanted to see, but we got a bunch of middle schooler level drama instead. Even a new born baby completely forgotten? Did it die? Does this superhuman man really just have 2 brain cells, one for loving wife, one for lifting rock. Holy shit you have a kid now man. Its like the author had a sudden realization that NO. ONLY the lead romance is allowed to exist EVERYONE ELSE DIE. and went on a rampage to avenge romeo and juliets angry spirits.
If you dont mind terrible endings go ahead and watch. I dont see how people can sit here and lie to themselves rating a 10 on this dumpster fire. Watch more good shows.
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Wholesome, steady drama that did a great enemies to lovers trope
This drama was so unique! I loved the beginning with enemies to lovers trope done so well, and I loved how the female lead was so witty about it. I really liked the chemistry between the two leads. Unlike many dramas, it wasn't really back and forth, big misunderstanding, and super dramatic romance plots. I liked that for the most part the drama focused on developing trust between the male and female leads with minor issues, just deepening the relationship. The romance was really steady and was just comfortably growing throughout the drama. The drama for the most part was really lighthearted, focusing really on the developing relationship between the Wei and Yan clans. I really liked that a lot of the characters were goofy and wholesome. I also really liked the beginning and how honorable the male lead was - even when he didn't trust her, he continued to treat her with respect. For most of the drama, the female lead was presented as being extremely smart and honorable, loyal to the Wei clan, while the male lead was seen as being the one to make mistakes. What I really liked was when the playing field was evened when the female lead made a mistake, realized it, and made it up to her husband. It demonstrated that even she isn't perfect in the relationship. The drama also took an interesting take in demonstrating loyalty to the people over their own loved ones which was so consistent throughout the show - both the female and male leads were very understanding of each other in this sense. I will say a lot does happen the last three episodes which was very surprising given how steady and calm all the other episodes were. Overall, the drama had a great start and was very consistent and fulfilling in the plot and the ending. I definitely have scenes I would rewatch.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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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Why "Prisoner Beauty" Is Your Next Binge
Prisoner Beauty ReviewI've just finished watching "Prisoner Beauty" and I have to say, it's an absolute must-watch for fans of historical romance! The drama masterfully executes the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope, and the chemistry between the leads is simply off the charts. Their lovers' quarrels were a particular highlight for me—they were full of witty banter and palpable tension, making their eventual reconciliation all the more satisfying. The screenplay is also incredibly well-written, with a gripping plot and well-developed characters that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommend this one!
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Best Period C-drama of 2025
This is, by far, the best costume C-drama I’ve ever seen. Liu Yuning has completely embodied Wei Shao—his performance is so compelling and nuanced that I honestly can’t imagine anyone else bringing the character to life the way he did. This is also my first time watching Song Zuer, and she absolutely owned the role of Xiao Qiao with grace, strength, and emotional depth.The cinematography is breathtaking, each frame beautifully crafted, and the script is both poetic and powerful. Every episode pulls me in emotionally. I’ve smiled, cried, and held my breath through the twists and turns of their journey. It truly feels like I’ve been transported into their world, living their joys and heartbreaks alongside them.
Even if this drama ran for 50 episodes or more, I wouldn’t mind—I’d gladly follow their story for as long as it goes. Prisoner of Beauty is more than just entertainment; it’s a masterpiece that will stay with me long after the final episode. Kudos to the entire cast and crew—thank you for creating something so unforgettable. This drama will forever hold a special place in my heart
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it was a 10/10 for me can't argue with that
I was hooked when I first saw the trailer and felt so excited to watch this cdrama. But honestly, I didn’t have high hopes before watching the first episodeI thought it might not live up to the excitement. But after I finished it, I was hooked again and shocked at how good it actually was. I love it so much!!
manman and weishao are so cute together. I absolutely love Manman’s character
she really fights for her rights and for others. She’s the kind of strong female lead I’ve been looking forward to, and I can’t wait to see more of her.
As for Weishao, there was one episode where I hated how he treated Manman, but I can’t totally blame him since Manman is from the Qiao family. Still, I love how shy and nonchalant he is. His character is so funny, and I constantly get secondhand embarrassment from him. I honestly thought he was a red flag at first, but I was so wrong.
I love everything about this cdrama, and I really really hope it ends happily. Just please… 🥺🥺 no heartbreak
I’m still traumatized from another cdrama I watched!
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Another overrated nonsense drama
The Prisoner of Beauty is a shallow and unbalanced story that relies too heavily on surface-level romance. It focuses almost entirely on the female lead’s beauty and wit, reducing the plot to repeated scenes of admiration and flattery with little substance. The male lead, a supposed lord, lacks any real intelligence or strategic depth—especially in scenes involving war or politics.While the female lead is clearly written to shine, her intelligence is exaggerated to the point where it overshadows everything else, and her performance comes off as overacting. The fight scenes are mediocre at best, with no real tension or clever strategy, making it hard to take any conflict seriously. A once-talented actress is trapped in a role that gives her little more to do than flaunt beauty and outsmart everyone with ease, leaving the entire drama feeling flat and one-dimensional.
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NO SURE
I'm currently at episode 16.I will probably update my review later on.
In the past year, the dramavor in me have been somewhat, finding cdrama story to repetitive.
This drama started strong and captivated my attention. But at episode 12, when they started with the scheming cousin and then came the scheming lady Luo, I find myself wanting to drop the drama.
The scheming of these 2 were too obvious that it annoyed me so much to see FL and ML being so easily manipulated by them. So many coincidence but no one is really looking into them... (Fortunately, ML's cousin seems to have awaken later on)
Also, unfortunately, although it started with a FL that i could like, the more the drama is evolving, the less I like her. She's always scheming and liying to ML, but dont understand why ML doesn't trust.
Only with the grudges of the previous generations, ML has all the reasons to be weary of anyone from her clan... but still, she keeps going against ML's plans. Also, her facial expressions don't change much....
I'm not saying that ML is perfect, but his attitude is way more understandable than FL.
I can get past many things that I don't like in any drama if the characters are not du.mb when the occupy strong power positions.
Well, we'll see how it evolves.... I think it should pick up good in a few episodes. As we all know, cdrama writers do need to add "unnecessary plots episodes ", in order to drag the whole drama to the link that was in their contract.... haha
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The Prisoner of Beauty that needs to be Unchained ⛓️?❤️?
When you have watched a certain number of historical drama it cultivates a sense of taste. The first few episodes are solid for me. I can vividly recall some of the beautiful scenes at that point. Likewise, the premise opened a lot of possibilities for the plot to move along. However, it started to dwindle at mid part, I am troubled getting past the story. I am mentally blundered as if I am watching two different drama at the same time. It was such a great loss of potential when they reinforced the love department but tend to forget the plot. That is why it feels rushed at the end. A big chunk of whole was allocated to the love story without lending leverage to the political aspect, the villains, the conquest etc. to make the drama cohesive and tight. Like I said, the villains are incompetent or they meet their doomed pretty quick. If only there is or are rivals that have the same strength, leadership and power that our male hero possessed then the war plot will be much more dramatic and epic. They just remembered to incorporate everything around the latter part at the last minute. Overall, this drama delivered in terms of invoking emotions, joy, fluffiness, passion to the audience. It is appealing because of the good quality production and character portrayals of the actors. It may not be the best drama out there for 2025, but this is one of the good romance cdrama in spite of all the cliches and tropes. I don’t know if I will remember this for a long time or it would be forgettable as new drama aired. Let us see! 👀⚡️Was this review helpful to you?
