A Light and Heartwarming Historical Drama
I’m usually not a fan of historical dramas. I prefer modern settings and had only watched one long ago. But I came across New Life Begins and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did – this drama is truly a breath of fresh air!Unlike most historical dramas that are full of politics, harem fights, and dark twists, this one is very different. It focuses more on daily life, relationships, and light humor. Yes, there is some power struggle, but it’s not too intense or stressful. Even the “villain” characters are not extremely evil, which makes it easier and more fun to watch.
One thing I loved was how the drama talks about women’s roles, sisterhood, and mental health – especially postpartum depression, which many dramas don’t mention. It shows these topics in a gentle and respectful way. There’s also a lot of character growth throughout the story. Some parts are frustrating or sad, but that’s what makes the characters feel real.
The leads are amazing. The male lead is kind and always smiling, and the female lead’s bright energy lights up every scene. Their chemistry is so natural that you can’t help but smile along with them.
This drama made me enjoy the historical setting so much that I’m now open to watching more like it. If you're someone who usually avoids historical dramas like me, this one might surprise you too.
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Wanna spend your free time with a comfortable drama... Then here is it for you :)
Where should I start...! Actually at first, i just randomly picked this drama . But end up so much loving it. Each and every single character is so powerful and beautiful in their own place. You just can't ignore the support rules. They are also very important as well as the main leads. I never watchedBai Jing Ting's any drama before but after watching this drama , he is one of my favorite chinese actor. He look so handsome in the costume. His acting was really great. And Tian Xi Wei is always be my favorite of course. Her acting in this drama was really very strong and cute also. Also other lead
actors won't disappoint you ( I promise :) ).
Story:
The story gives you the taste of family bond, friendship, love .... also politics.
The character Yin Zhang (played by Bai Jing Ting) is really cool. He is so smart also but he is always invisible to others as well as to his father also. But later he was able to get attention for his father. And the role Li Wei (played by Tian Xi Wei) is really strong. Li wei is so smart and she has a sharp brain.
I also like the characters Shanguan Jiang , Yin Qi, Hao Jia, Dong Haitang and Princess Yuan Ying (at first i didn't like her because she married to Yin Zhang but slowly i really like her loyalty. She never been a third wheel between Yin Zhang and Li Wei)
Overall.. You will find out the strory after watching it. It was really a great show.. trust me.
Cast:
Everyone in this drama worked hard to portray their
character well and though they are suceed in it.
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A Charming Blend of Humor, Romance, and Elegance
What makes this drama stand out is its perfect balance of lightheartedness and depth. The humor is well-timed and natural, often arising from the quirks of its lovable characters. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of growth, duty, and the complexities of relationships.
The chemistry between the leads is magnetic, with their evolving bond providing plenty of heartwarming moments. Supporting characters are equally engaging, with their individual stories adding richness and dimension to the narrative. (I loved the women so much!!!)
If there’s a downside, it might be that the pacing occasionally slows, especially in the mid-episodes. However, the charm and humor more than compensate for these moments.
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Food, feminism and a soggy plot
The plot itself wasn't very much pleasing to my taste in the first place .. the pace of story, events unfolding and even the characters nothing really could hold my heart even though for its rating I had high expectations from this show. I understand there are a lot of people who like a subtle storyline with women fighting or helping each other with men in the centre of their attention but I personally don't appreciate such troupes. As the show begins se see all shades of objectifying women in the society ...a competition to select wife .. fine ..but degrading them right away like their life depends on it .. then comes a clown with 24+ concubines ..and if that wasn't enough our ML who was talking big and making his eternal love promises to FL bring a new wife ...at this point my patience ran out .. the biggest turn off for me in any story is when the lead of that story goes back on his/her words especially when that is a promise he/she made to his/her partner. After watching a bit further it was clear that this new wife is not interested in him and wants to divorce him ..good but that doesn't mean his own actions are nullified.I will not suggest if anyone should watch it or not ..but for me this drama has passed the threshold of my emotional and moral compass ..I don't mind watching gore ..blood shed .. swords and guns but this is something I can't take. Seriously..it pokes right through my heart and makes me moody for days.
tian xiwei was okay .. clearly her acting wasnt even half as good as it is now ( moonlit reunion)
ML ... I dont know what his name is and he is easily forgettable .. I might watch him if I see him in other drama but I won't be looking for his drama exclusively. They don't have even the iota of chemistry between them.. I don't know about ML but I have seen TXW in multiple drama .she can pull a great chemistry with almost every co actor. Here she failed. In fact the awkwardness was quite visible between them.
The side cast was okay .. two three actors were those you commonly seen in other dramas from time to time ..
BGM is soothing
So that's all
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As the younger generation tries to negotiate new ways of organizing government, society and marriage, we get to feel the satisfaction of our main characters doing the right thing and never losing their way. But, this premise has no conflict, or tension, or character development, and at 40 episodes it's just way too long.
One strong point was a very accurate depiction of domestic abuse.
The main characters are all likeable enough, but the acting is very on the surface, and chemistry is more like good buddies trying to do a group project. Music was adequate and there isn't really anything to rewatch.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes (7.5)
Why are we wasting the talents and strengths of women and failing to recognize their obvious complementary strengths? Why indeed. I am all for this theme, though it was bit simplistic done. I did deeply appreciate illustrating the pitfalls of trying to leave an abusive relationship in a traditional, patriarchal society and why leaving isn't easy.
Complex Characters (3.0)
Just no. There were too many characters and they all had one distinctive personality trait.
Complex women and relationships (8.5)
While all the characters are simply drawn, there were lots and lots of women collaborating and being in friendship, and it was a joy to see that so front and center.
Cinematography/Production values (7.5)
Average for a historical show produced in the last couple years. Nothing really stands out.
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Love this series!!
I love this series. I'm so hooked... oh geez .. lol. All these fine actors and such deep characters w great storylines.. I really like everybody . I can't think of one actor I don't like, they're all so good. I really like the ML as he is so interesting, like not a super hero yet I just keep thinking what will he do next or what will happen around him. The FL is cute, funny, sweet and really a straight forward girl. I like the setting, all the ladies and their fun moments, etc. Very telling for us girls. ❤️. Anyway I will see this one through hoping for a good ending . I imagine the book for this story must be very good as well. Thank you.Was this review helpful to you?
SMOOTH SAILING, VERY LIGHT AND SWEET
I have rewatched this quite a few times already. I found it to be THAT good in terms of light plots; there were no overly dramatic or crazy plots that made me want to flip chairs and pull my hair out lol.What i loved most was the sisterhood and women empowerment. After having watched so many historical dramas that had a lot of jealousy and scheming girls, it was so refreshing and sweet to see a drama where the ladies had absolute loyalty and love towards one another. No jealousy even when sharing the same husband, okay well there was, but it did not last bcs they came to terms with their situations and became close.
The ML and FL had a bit of an inexperienced romance, like, they liked each other but they kind of didnt know how to express it in the way that the other person wants. But it didnt disappoint bcs their chemistry was beautiful. Their love grew and so did their maturity surrounding their romance.
The ladies weren't the only ones who displayed great loyalty and sisterhood, few of the brothers too showed that as well. Their brotherly bonds grew closer bcs their wives supported each other so the boys kind of got dragged into lol, and ended up working together to help each other.
Plot is not too intense compared to other dramas involving politics in its main plot. You can kind of make your own guesses so you will not often be caught off guard or by surprise as they go down the plot line.
I would say this drama is very therapeutic if what you want is an easy and smoothsailing story. If what youre looking for is something thats just gna have you laid back, laughing and admiring the livelihood and bonds between the characters then this just might do it for you.
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Sisterhood, family, love, loyalty and secular prejudice
I loved the drama! It was a masterpiece in every aspect. The show depicted family values, sisterhood, equality, loyalty, and the significance of education in building a better society. Although there were a few inconsistencies, the show was thoroughly enjoyable. However, I do wish that the lead couple had been more assertive. It would have added an extra layer of excitement to the storyline.One of the things that I loved the most about the show was the positive portrayal of sisterhood. It was refreshing to see women with different personalities getting along with each other without any jealousy or rivalry. The show also emphasized the significance of food, kindness, and respect in bringing people together. Although the show seemed a bit naive at times, I found myself getting more and more addicted to it with each passing episode.
The love story was simply beautiful and developed at a steady pace, with both men putting in their best efforts to win over their beloved. The show was further enhanced by a few comical scenes, adding to its overall charm.
Every supporting character fit like a puzzle piece around the two main characters. I was particularly impressed with the male lead's unwavering love and support for the female lead, who in turn portrayed her role outstandingly. All in all, this drama has definitely left a lasting impression on me.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story filled with positive values.
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ennesimo palace harem, ma fantasy!
La particolarità del lavoro è nel presentare un contesto che è quello delle concubine-mogli legittime dei vari principi in modo totalmente opposto rispetto a quanto siamo abituati a vedere, qui infatti non c'è meschinità e competizione ma amicizia e solidarietà anche tra concubina e moglie legittima dello stesso principe.E' un elogio della femminilità e dell'intelligenza femminile.
Un drama carico di positività, umorismo, bella sismance, scene esilaranti e amicizie nel vero e proprio senso del termine con un cast quasi esclusivamente al femminile.
Trattasi di una commedia esagerata e farsesca, molto calcata in certi momenti ma tutto sommato mi ha dato dei momenti di respiro dalla visione di scene drammatiche negli ultimi lavori che ho seguito nonostante il ritmo per me non sia sempre buono,mi sono annoiata in alcuni momenti e in altri mi distraevo staccando spesso perché nonostante l'idea sia buona la resa non è stata troppo coinvolgente, forse perché il lavoro manca di serietà laddove ci sarebbe dovuta essere perdendo di intensità.
"New Life Begins" è più uno spaccato di vita che una storia d'amore, CHIARIAMO. La storia d'amore principale è strutturata male, ci sono i primi 8 episodi di avvicinamento e poi a parte qualche sporadica interazione tra i protagonisti questa si svilupperà 2 anni dopo (dall' ep. 32). Nonostante i protagonisti siano una coppia che si ama da molto tempo si comporteranno come amiconi per la maggior parte del lavoro e questo ha tolto molta intensità e interesse almeno personalmente che non sono riuscita a concentrarmi solo sulle dinamiche femminili, forse perché avevo appena visto flourished peony che parla di emancipazione femminile con un altra qualità e serietà, quindi per me era come gustare la stessa ricetta ma insipida.
La trama non propone nulla di nuova rispetto ai drama a tema storico cinese. Due principi combattono per l'attenzione del re e per il trono, il re è un padre inutile che cerca di bilanciare il potere di tutti i principi e il man lead è stato abbandonato e poco considerato dai genitori.
L'elemento di novità è appunto l'amicizia che riescono a stringere tutte le concubine e le mogli dei principi, ogni donna con una personalità e un tipo di legame matrimoniale diverso : l'indipendente, la dipendente, la donna pacata e introversa, la calcolatrice, la vivace e appassionata protagonista (con dipendenza da carboidrati complessi e zuccheri semplici), la viziata principessa adottiva che compirà un'evoluzione marcata, le 24 concubine del terzo principe insieme alla moglie legittima, femministe, libere, forti, intraprendenti e anticonformiste.
Il tema non è solo l'amicizia assoluta e il sostegno ma le iniziative che questo gruppo decide di portare avanti a favore delle donne e la loro intraprendenza imprenditoriale, non si contentano infatti di gestire le residenze bensì vogliono realizzarsi anche nel privato, affrontando le vessazioni e i pregiudizi beceri della loro epoca storica: verranno trattati temi attuali come il divorzio, la depressione post partum, la condivisione del marito con altre donne, la mancata accettazione da parte dei suoceri con atteggiamenti di esclusione e di evitamento.
La recitazione è piuttosto buona, soprattutto per la FL, e anche la donna che propone non è fastidiosa sebbene all'inizio l'abbia un po' avuta in antipatia per la sua ingenua quasi stupidità dopo si è riscattata ai miei occhi per un fare sicuro e ottime abilità comunicative. Il ML è stato un po' deludente, non so se è stato diretto male ma l'attore quando c'è da mostrare gioia o disperazione non spinge con l'espressività, ed interpreta un marito gentile, corretto e irreprensibile ma questo è quanto, non ha nulla di carismatico o affascinante, non ha quel quid che lo rende riconoscibile e indimenticabile.
Sceneggiatura buona e ottima scenografia e utilizzo del colore, sia nella caratterizzazione dei personaggi sia nelle riprese degli interni, belle alcune riprese degli esterni con le sagome che camminano in controluce e alcune inquadrature dei dettagli. Costumi , parrucche e carrozze molto buone.
Molto sereno, disteso e positivo il finale, non sbrigativo ma dispiegato negli ultimi due episodi.
La vita matrimoniale è molto ben illustrata anche nel loro viversi fisicamente.
Cosa non mi è piaciuto:
1) Come hanno raccontato il percorso di questa storia d'amore, non è ben distribuita nel racconto ma concentrata all'inizio e alla fine ,perdendosi al centro; alla fine lo spettatore, annoiato, non si immedesima più di tanto. C'è tempo per ogni cosa, se una coppia si lascia andare dopo due anni di matrimonio, quanto è credibile che la passione e il batticuore siano quelli del principio?!?
Il risultato? Una riunione tiepida e non credibile!
2) La recitazione è stata sempre sul lato umoristico, finendo per peccare di intensità e credibilità in alcune scene che meritavano qualcosa in più (fa eccezione la seconda moglie e il secondo marito, quest'ultimo più bravo del man lead secondo me) per provocare un trasporto emotivo nello spettatore, invece mi son ritrovata a seguire con divertito distacco e altalenante interesse le vicende proposte.
3) Fantasy che manca di totale attendibilità storica, l'utilizzo di alcuni oggetti di scena non è possibile essere del periodo.
4) Eccesso di temi trattati senza approfondirne nessuno anzi banalizzandone alcuni molto delicati come la depressione post partum.
Questo è un drama perfetto da guardare come pausa quando hai visto troppi lavori drammatici. Niente è troppo serio o angosciante, con molto umorismo. Non ci sono scene troppo impegnative da guardare o problemi che si trascinano a lungo. L' idea era molto buona, bisognava solo dare un po' di serietà in più in alcuni momenti e pretendere di più dalle interpretazioni dei protagonisti, infine montare la storia d'amore nella parte centrale.
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C'est avant tout un drama qui tourne autour des femmes, de leur malheur, de leur combat, de leur vie et si vous êtes plutôt réticent à ce genre, je ne vous le conseille pas. En effet, bien que leur amitié soit sympathique à voir, très vite cela tourne à la répétition. Ici l'homme ne sert que de raison : pour qu'elles puissent s'émanciper, pour leur revendications, pour leur bonheur, pour qu'elles aient une place bien à elle. L'intention est louable et je n'ai rien contre cela. Par contre, je trouve que cela est maladroit : L'homme y est ridiculisé (Yin Qi). L'homme y est soumis (Yin g Zen). L'homme y est caricaturé (Yin An). L'homme y est violent (Yin Song). L'homme y est sournois (Yin Jun). Les pères sont pétris dans leur opinion de la place de la femme et de leur rôle. Bref, nous avons dans ce drama un panel de protagonistes masculins tout sauf séduisant, irrésistible et attrayant.
La femme par contre.... Elle est représentée dans toute sa splendeur. Si on exclue la mère de Hao Jia, qui a une apparition de 2 minutes et qui aura ici le rôle de la mère ingrate, et de la femme du 4ème prince, mais qu'on ne voit que quelques secondes par-ci et par là, TOUTES les autres protagonistes féminins sont soit gentilles, douces, altruistes, intelligentes, fortes....bref, ne leur cherchez pas de défaut, il y en a peu. Elles sont toutes potes ou le deviennent, même les possibles rivales, et se serrent les coudes envers l'ennemi commun : l'homme. Alors, je le redis, je n'ai rien contre cela. J'adore les héroïnes fortes, intelligentes et qui ont une place aussi importante que l'homme. Je pense à ma préférée Niao Niao dans "Love Like The Galaxy" par exemple ou Man Wol dans "Hotel Del Luna". Mais dans ce drama, non seulement elles sont omniprésentes, mais elles n'ont aucun défaut ou prou, et tout tourne autour d'elles, rendant presque la présence de l'homme inutile si ce n'est que le scénario avait bien besoin de protagonistes pour les faire briller.
Bien que j'adore Tian Xi Wei, et c'est pour elle que je suis venue, je n'ai pu retenir maintes et maintes fois une grimace. Les couples avaient beaucoup de potentiel, mais au final tout y est fade car il n'y aucune alchimie et que les relations ne sont pas équilibrées.
Résultat, un bon début prometteur mais qui très vite tombe dans une apologie de la femme qui est très maladroitement exécutée rendant le tout indigeste et ridicule. Je ne sais pas comment j'ai pu rester à regarder cela pendant 40 épisodes....(Si ce n'est en avance rapide, surtout dans le dernier quart).
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Un historique chinois feel-good et féministe
Cette histoire commence par des mariages arrangés entre des jeunes filles des neuf régions et les princes de la capitale, et se révèle très vite être bien plus que ça. On suit bien sûr l'évolution de la relation entre l'héroïne Li Wai et Yin Zheng le discret 6ème prince, le couple principal qui a le plus de temps d'écran. Mais ce drama nous montre surtout les liens qui se forment entre ces jeunes femmes prisonnières de leur condition, qui parviennent à s'émanciper chacune à leur manière, ainsi que le soutien qu'elles s'apportent constamment sans jamais se juger. C'est vraiment frais, agréable, loin de suivre une banale histoire d'amour on a droit à de belles démonstrations d'amitié féminine et la prise de conscience qu'une femme devrait avant tout apprendre à compter sur elle-même plutôt que de penser le mariage comme condition essentielle au bonheur. Qu'il s'agisse de l'accès à des postes officiels, créer sa propre entreprise lucrative ou s'investir dans des activités améliorant la condition féminine et proches de leurs préoccupations, ces femmes ne manquent pas d'idées et n'hésitent pas à mettre en commun leurs ressources pour progresser et faire évoluer les règles strictes du palais.L'histoire est ponctuée d'intrigues politiques assez classiques, comme par exemple la rivalité existant entre certains princes siégeant à des postes officiels, mais cela reste léger et ne plombe pas l'ambiance avec des magouilles à rallonge. A quelques exceptions près, tous les personnages sont sympathiques et possèdent des personnalités aussi différentes qu'attachantes. Ici pas d'evil bitches qui cherchent à faire de l'ombre à leurs rivales, ni de guerres de territoires entre l'empereur et les méchants ennemis. De nombreux sujets sont abordés, comme par exemple la dépression post-partum, encore tabou à l'époque, ou le fonctionnement d'un pervers narcissique, même si ce n'est pas défini comme tel puisque les recherches sur le sujet sont récentes.
J'émets toutefois un bémol concernant un couple en particulier, que j'ai beaucoup apprécié mais qui à mon avis a été traité de façon maladroite. La princesse guerrière et le 5ème prince sont loin d'avoir des atomes crochus au début de l'histoire et bien que j'aie trouvé l'évolution de leur romance sympathique, je dois souligner que le féminisme prône l'égalité des sexes ce qui passe notamment par la condamnation des violences, le plus souvent masculines, dans le couple. Etre féministe ne signifie donc pas inverser les rôles en reproduisant des comportements problématiques de l'autre sexe, donc être une femme de caractère n'est pas synonyme de brutalité envers son époux. La princesse le rudoie quand même pas mal au début, c'est montré comme quelque chose de comique et pas très grave, et à mon sens ce point n'a pas été suffisamment réfléchi. Comme dit je pense qu'il s'agit surtout de maladresse de la part des scénaristes, mais comme plusieurs personnes l'ont fait remarquer en commentaire, il reste à espérer que les prochains dramas seront plus subtils sur ce point.
Je ne pense pas que je reverrai cette série, mais j'ai passé un moment agréable et c'est encore assez rare de voir des dramas historiques où les femmes sont autant à l'honneur et se soutiennent sans faille. En bref, une histoire fraîche qui prouve que l'audience a de nouvelles attentes, de nouvelles valeurs, et que l'évolution est en marche dans le bon sens.
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Gentille comédie sur fond d'amitié honnête...
Il se dégage de New Life Begins de bonnes ondes positives avec assez de légèreté et de gentillesse pour intéresser jusqu'au bout, malgré la romance (très) discrète.C'est vendu comme une comédie romantique, mais le "romantique" est en trop d'après moi. Cela dit même avec une romance discrète (qui prend de l'ampleur sur les derniers épisodes), le drama arrive à garder son intérêt entre deux conflits de palais et la franche camaraderie qui le compose.
Les femmes sont à l'honneur. Bien qu'on soit dans un univers fictif, les personnages féminins luttent pour le droit des femmes. L'amitié est ce qui ressort de ce drama. Tant entre femmes qu'entre hommes et femmes.
Pour parler rapidement des couples, on en voit plusieurs, mais c'est celui de Yin Zheng et Li Wei qu'on va suivre.
Je n'avais plus revu Bai Jing Ting depuis "You Are My Hero" que je n'avais pas aimé. C'était agréable de le voir dans le genre historique. Bien que son personnage soit lisse, il arrive à lui donner un côté royal, mais doux à la fois.
Tian Xi Wei ne m'avait pas marqué dans "Ms. Cupid in Love", ici elle représente la douceur et l'innocence, parfois un peu trop. Malgré tout, cette aura fonctionne pour son personnage (avec son adorable fossette).
Le couple peut facilement donner l'impression d'être de proches amis qu'un réel couple amoureux. La relation reste légère et s'ils sont mignons ensemble, on a l'impression qu'ils ne sont pas amants la majeure partie du temps.
Cela dit, 40 épisodes c'est long et pourtant, il y avait un réel déséquilibre dans les personnages. Certains viennent et repartent sans raison alors qu'ils ont un intérêt dans l'intrigue.
En bref, un drama gentil et mignon avec des femmes solides sans aucune toxicité ou rivalité (ou presque). Malgré sa nature fictive, on s'amuse de voir la modernité s'emparer d'un drama historique dans la lutte des femmes sans jamais en faire trop.
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