You'd think it's the usual person entering a book story, but this really had a lot of twists and very funny scenes. Haven't had a laugh like that in a while!
I also love the ending! I was waiting for it and they did it nicely!
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Liu Yu Ning does it again!
This drama has its great moments and has some draggy moments. I think as a whole I can say I really did like this drama there was just some moments that frustrated and annoyed me, but there are not many. The biggest thing that really annoyed me was the FL I think this drama really drags out her non trust of the ML way too long that it does kind of takes away from the romance a bit.Watch this for:
Liu Yu Ning
So watch this if you are a fan of his he does not disappoint and he is so great to watch in this. Especially his character Li sixteen love the costumes for this character. His character Nan Heng also goes through so much that you really just feel for him and that no one ever listens to him or even trusts him. Liu Yu Ning plays these characters amazingly and I really enjoy watching him.
Riley Wang
I think his character Shangguan He steals the show sometime and that may just be my opinion, but he was just a great character and his love story with Song Yi Ting was so cute that I think I enjoyed it more then the main love story. Shangguan He was also so loyal that he was ready to die for the ML then to let him get in trouble for him. I think his character deserves to be mentioned and should be watched for.
Zhu Xu Dan
Her character Song Yi Ting also deserves to be watched she is such a strong and talented character, and I didn't think when I started watching this that she was going to be such a great character. I enjoyed watching her more then the FL at times cause they do make the FL so stupid that this girl outshines her in every way. Her love story with Shangguan He is also so cute and worth watching.
Chang Long
When I first started watching this I thought I was going to really hate Nan Rui because he just comes off as such a dumb character was he funny yes this guy is always funny so he should be watched for that. Nan Rui turns out to be so much more he is not just foolish he is a completely lovable character and is not as stupid as everyone thinks. Also really liked him and his guard's relationship. You will think that his guard is really annoyed and bothered by him but actually thinks more of him then you think.
The Story:
I do actually really like the story of this drama it has so many great moments that will just pull you in and you will be glued to the screen, but it also has its moments of draggy and frustrating scenes that will have you thinking why am I still watching it. If you can make it through most of those I think you will find that it is worth watching.
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brilliant story line
loved the dream within a dream, definitely a re- watch for the future, was hooked from start to finish, the actors & actresses were all amazing, the main lead is one of my fav actors Liu Yuning , would love to see the cast in another series together, Chengsi Wang glad he did not die in this series real loveable character, thank you Gǎnxiè nǐmen wèi wǒmen dài lái rúcǐ jīngcǎi de jù jí. Nǚ'ér dài wǒ rù kēng zhōngguó diànshìjù, yīnwèi wǒ tài xǐhuān lǐmiàn de tèxiào hé wǔshù chǎngmiànle. Yě yào gǎnxiè dǎoyǎn hé jùzǔ rényuán, shì tāmen zhìzuòle zhèxiē jù jí, wèi wǒ de shēnghuó zēngtiānle xǔduō lèqù. Wǒ yǐjīng hěnjiǔ méi kànguò yīngwén diànshìjù/diànyǐngle. Zàicì yóuzhōng de gǎnxiè nǐmen!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Amazing music.
My favorite thing about this entire drama is the music, the random action/funny music that would pop in « exciting » scenes. At some scenes I was even more focused on reading the lyrics of the songs than what the characters were saying, genuinely, a job well done in that aspect.To be fair, I enjoyed this overall, but at the end it felt like it got.. heavy, it felt like the pacing was all over the place. However, I will not deny that the plot itself and the characters were well made in my opinion, so it still is a well worthy watch.
Ps: the accessories were too over the top
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A well written script with many laugh out loud scenes, award-worthy OSTs and memorable characters.
One of the first things that stood out to me was how good the ost was, the timing, the lyrics, the melodies that would not be fitting for any other drama. It was so good. There would be a scene where jazz music suddenly starts playing and it would be totally fit for some reason and it was soo fun. Anime-like grand shots would have some goofy ass music and bilibili fanedit style editing and over the top acting to emphasise the dramatics of the situation.The story was great too, with some cliches that were subverted masterfully. The dialogue felt heartfelt and genuine, the acting was to the standard, the whole cast of characters were given definitive personalities and the ending gave us all the answers we asked for. It's so satisfying.
I laughed so much during some scenes that my stomach hurt and tears came out ["omg they're spinning"]. It's golden. I loved it, i will be rewatching it, and you should too!!
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Sweet, pretty and just what you need to feel better.
The story doesn’t start very strong, but it gets better as it progresses; the second half of the series is more engaging than the first. The series could have spent more time exploring the relationship between Nan Heng and her father, as well as the circumstances surrounding Guihong’s death, instead of rushing through these parts. The sudden change in the emperor’s attitude towards Nan Heng is also a weakness. However, the chemistry between the actors, the music, set design, and costumes are very well done and creative, making watching the series a pleasant and enjoyable experience.Was this review helpful to you?
This drama pulled me in with its strong production, incredible acting, and emotional intensity. From the costumes to the visual effects, it was clear a lot of care went into the details—and it absolutely paid off.
What stood out the most was the way the story blended heartwarming moments with dark, tense plot twists. The performances—especially from the second male lead—were powerful enough to make me actually frustrated in the best way. The story tested loyalty, fate, and personal growth, and it really got under my skin.
While I had some issues with the main female character’s treatment of others at times, the side characters absolutely stole my heart. In fact, one particular couple became my favorite pairing of the entire show. They were written with such chemistry and strength that I found myself replaying their scenes more than anyone else’s.
The emotional payoff was worth the build-up, though there were moments I wish had more closure. Still, this drama offered a meaningful look at agency and destiny while keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Would recommend if you enjoy:
✓ Time-bending stories
✓ Emotional character arcs
✓ Beautiful visuals
✓ Romance, betrayal, and redemption
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This Drama Does Not Take Itself Seriously - So Have Fun
Ahhhhhh Liu Yu Ning. How do I love thee. Let me count the ways.A Dream Within a Dream is not the end all be all of dramas. It is not the most intense or compelling of dramas. What I believe is it is one of the most well casted of the c-dramas I’ve seen. Every character is fun in their own way and each actor was superb in developing their character.
Of course, I liked Liu Yu Ning’s Nan Heng/Li Shi Liu the very best.
Not sure where to begin……the story.
Story:
Song Xiao Yu is a lazy actress who is cast as the lead in a ridiculous palace drama. Too much studying of the script sends her straight into that world as Song Yi Meng, the female lead character. She spends the better part of the first half of the 40 episodes trying not to marry Nan Heng who in the script will end up causing her much torture and a violent death.
A silly premise which opens up the story to be……..funny.
I like funny.
My rating is high because this show is not serious from the beginning. For a not-serious drama, A Dream Within A Dream is pretty well done.
Characters:
It is the characters that bring this passable story to life.
Li Yi Tong does a fantastic job of bringing the comedy to life as Song Yi Meng. Riley Wang’s Shangguan He plus all the Fading River Moon people were so lightheartedly fun. Lu Xing played Song Yi Meng’s father (Song Yu De) and was such a smartly written character and he played it soooooo well. All the Song women were so FUN and very well written. Lastly, Chang Long really provided the sweetness every c-drama needs playing the wonderful 18th Prince Nan Rui.
The two male leads: Nan Heng (Liu Yu Ning) and Chu Gui Hong (Wang You Shuo) were basically the straight-faced serious characters while everyone else got to have fun. The emperor was a serious character, at least until the end and I hated him until about episode 30ish.
Some pointed out there was no growth for the female lead, Song Yi Meng. I’ll be honest, I hated her guts until about episode 20 when I realized I was looking at her all wrong. She was the bad guy. In fact, throughout the show, the bad guy shifts. If we consider she was the bad guy along with the emperor until episode 30, it really makes more sense.
You must watch it to see who plays the bad guy to the bitter end……such a great performance.
Each actor did their job well. The only annoying character to me was Fu Gui but I realized towards the end that he was cleverly written as he ended up growing the most out of all the characters.
Music:
The soundtrack was amazing and the added music using classical arrangements were EVEN BETTER! I wish I could purchase those along with the soundtrack. I will be buying Liu Yu Ning's 2 songs as he was just PERFECT with that delicious voice.
He does sing on a lot of soundtracks for c-dramas…….so dreamy.
Rewatch Value:
I would rewatch this in a heartbeat although this was my first Liu Yu Ning C-drama so I’ve already started Prisoner of Beauty. Maybe later.
Overall:
A Dream Within A Dream is a very fun show. Don’t watch it for literary perfection. Watch this drama to have a good time or just to star-gaze at the lovely Liu Yu Ning. There is a reason why he was in so many hit dramas in 2025. He is one talented man.
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I loved the entire show.
I loved everything about this drama. the story was pretty unique. it kept me engaged the entire time and I wish I could watch it again for the first time again. Liu YuNing did it again! he’s such a great actor & had great chemistry with the female lead. It started out very funny and satirical by making fun of all the typical tropes, but later on it got serious when the leads changed the script & changed their fate. none of the episodes dragged but the second male lead was highly annoying. he just couldn’t get over the fact that Song Yimeng didn’t want him and all of this was his own doing. he played the victim when really he was the villain the entire story. Liu YuNing plays the perfect “villain”/ hero. he was victimized from the start after the empress died and was cast out. the emperor was quick to blame a 10 yr old for his wife’s dead so he was sent to the border to essentially be out of the way for the 18th prince. later they realized he wasn’t behind all of the awful things that happened but it was his evil uncle who orchestrated everything. I’m so happy that Nan Heng got a second chance & a happy ending. also Liu YuNing did a wonderful job playing 3 Characters. I loved him as Li ShiLi (waning crescent chief ) which his other identity for most of the series. all of the costume were a 10/10, hanfu was made for that man. highly recommend watching this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
A wild, funny, thrilling and swoony ride!!
One of the best endings to a drama in a long time!!! I loved this unique story with incredible performances especially by leads Liu Yuning and Li Yitong! 2 episodes a day wasn't enough for me, but now I can't find any other drama as enjoyable as this so I'm watching it again! And it's amazing how many little details and hints I'm finding on 2nd watch. You'll laugh, cry, swoon, yes get a little frustrated in the middle because that's how invested you'll get in the characters, and fall in love with LYN as Li Shiliu AND Nan Heng. It's wild ride and I highly recommend it!Was this review helpful to you?
A masterpiece of the month
For me, this is the perfect series of the month. I love how the plot is written,how the characters are build and developed but, what I love the most is how the emperor trust the ml unconditionally after he cleared his name before the emperor. It was just that I thought since there is a big and final battle, the 8th prince wil then finally comes to his sense. But , as expected of a fool yet funny him. He was just incurable.I also love how good looking are the supporting characters is, I must call this series a face card series because beside the good acting and a well funny, unprecedented storyline, the cast were all so beautiful and handsome. For me, the keyword of this series were those scene in the first episode, the three-way stabbing. So funny truly. Ridiculous scene yet interesting. It was really so worth to watch with full of funny moments all over the drama.
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one of a kind
the way this drama caught my attention from the beginning to the end is surprising. the plot is really good and they handled the pacing of the episodes really well, they leads did an amazing job. I've only watched Li yitong's works before, but after this i became a fan of Liu Yuning, and i gotta admit i kinda fell in love with his character (both Nan Heng and Li Shiliu lol).One thing i thought after watching most of the episodes is that i lowkey sensed a romantic tension between Nan Rui and Jixiang, and i hoped they would've lead more into a storyline like that, even if it was just a "bromance" like they did in The Untamed, but their real ending isn't so bad either.
I loved the second leads, although Yiting kinda reminds me of a mouse because of her looks (not a bad thing); and enjoyed that Shamgguan He was emotionally unavailable, it added some depth to his character.
Also, the most important part for me was the ost, man that song by Hu Yanbi was THE ost, I've not heard many songs like that in dramas, especially historical/costume ones. I'll admit that the first time i heard it i had to pause the episode to look for it on youtube and listened to it for like 2 hours straight and then kept watching the rest of the episode, and i have been listening to it everyday since then ❤️🩹🪷
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