Hmm, it has the potential to be a peak drama but…
Honestly, the early episodes were great. The organic encounters ✨ got my attention, fast paced drama (my cup of tea), but I think it dragged on. There are too many informations that’s not needed (in my opinion) and the amount of couples in the drama 😭 —the exposure of the main leads were lessening as the other couples made there appearance (they were cute ngl but the amount of their exposure isn’t needed, in my opinion).It’s my first time watching Song Weilong in a costume drama and dang he didn’t disappoint!!! He’s for action genre ngl, he’s dashing. And the Bao Shangen? I LOVE HERRR (watched her in Whispers of Fate and disappointed that she’s not the love prospect so, I searched for her works and found this) —as much as she can do action scenes from WoF, she can do the cutesy scenes too!!! Like she’s made for this!
Lastly, this is so refreshing because what do you mean the Emperor is besties with the male lead???? (I mean not but you know what I mean) —IF YOU WANNA WATCH A LIGHTHEARTED COSTUME DRAMA, WATCH THISSS.
The actors and music are great but I think I wouldn’t re-watch this because it lacks something in the second half —it didn’t intrigue me enough but yeah, watch on your own decisionnn ~~
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Green Forest Male Leads
I initially tried this because of my disappointment with The Princess's Gambit. Never thought that I would enjoy this drama till the end. I think this was the first ever drama I saw Song Wei Long with a light character. Romcoms truly suits him more. He really should consider doing more of this character. One thing he simply needs to improve is his kissing scenes. Like, after doing so many romance dramas, he should have quite mastered this skill already. Only this part failed for me in this drama.If you're so into romance like I do, this is a perfect fit. It has all the elements you would like to see in a historical drama. Good storyplot, well executed fight scenes, specially on swordsmanship. MC and SC's share their own good dose of romance. Oh yes, the humor got me into this drama. I'm really not into political issues of the palace, but, I must say, this one got me hooked on the investigation.
ML is a total green forest for his loyalty and devotion to FL. ML's subordinates are a total green flags too. Not to mention,ML's fighting skills is absolutely topnotch. Let me include the Emperor here for being a green flag as well. It is rare to see kind Emperors in a Cdrama.
Am not really a fan of FL, but she pulled off her role. I like the fact that there are no major complications for this drama. The leads always have a counter attack for their opponents.
I rarely appreciate the soundtrack of a drama, specially on historicals, but, this one made me enjoy the drama more with its good music.
It was a satisfying ending for me which made me give this drama a solid 8.5
I could've given this a higher rating if only the kisses and skinships were a bit more steamy and spicy that the leads failed to deliver. Still,this drama deserves a higher rating. Another rarity of this drama, it will give you a feel good vibe. Overall, this is so enjoyable not to miss.
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basic, no stress drama
The first few episodes of this drama had me hooked. The male and female lead had so much chemistry, and the chemistry got stronger as the show progressed, which is why I got so into the show at the beginning. The show has very little plot twists, and it is relatively easy to follow the political turmoil going on. Usually these kinds of dramas will stress me out, especially with the fight scenes, but this one was calm, and had my attention until the last episode!TLDR: good chemistry between the leads will keep you watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
Typical trope, but enjoyable nonetheless!
In terms of plot/story, it was a typical used time and time again in historical cdrama, but well, i enjoyed it nonetheless! Lol. There must be a reason why certain theme became common right?This is my first drama of both ML and FL. At first, I need quite some time to convince myself of SWL as King of War/powerful Dingbei Wang with his built. I mean, he is tall and handsome yes, but im not sure if theres problem with costumes that he wears or the way he carried himself, but the ‘grand’ and aloof/powerful vibe just wasnt vibing there. He appears quite thin, and the costume just didnt help him at all to build the a character with the ‘Wangye’ feels. His acting might be quite a hit or miss in terms of carrying himself as a Wangye, but at least improved a little bit later down when he transitions into being a lovefool prince. Lol. I like his acting enough (esp his lovey dovey scenes) even though sometimes his facial expression (or is it his mouth?) came across quite weird to me. Lol
FL is pretty and costumes are quite nice and flowy. Acting wise, i guess you will grown to like her later. Ming Tan character was quite a mishmash to be honest, sometime she tried to be a perfect legitimate daughter of a marquis, sometimes she throws that out of the window and goes gallivanting having fun like a spoilt princess. Lol. MT’s character is flawed here and there, sometimes you tend to feel she’s annoying, especially in the earlier episodes when she had to get her way no matter what, but i guess she grows up later. Side couples were fine, i quite enjoyed their side story, more so zhang shizi-minmin than shuerlang-yunyi, but it was enjoyable enough. Poor Lu Ting being sidelined though. Lol.
Plot wise, theres a few glaring problem like how the hell Nanlryu can take over an enemy’s city in just a day (and almost like waltzing in the city gate lol) and lose it just as comically fast later? I got whiplash from that plot. Lol. And the asshat plotline of a Nanlryu’s Wangye taking over the city after years of lying low then suddenly defeated and let go of his ambition just because of FL is just nonsensical i mean who the hell will believe in that? Lol. The relationship between the emperor and Dingbei Wang was also not explained properly as well (i only know after reading a few comments in here). How fast they convict Marquis of Jing An compared to why they cant convict Chancellor Su even after solid proofs of rotten stuffs his Su’s family has done (they gave a reason for that, but i am still not convinced. Lol). The most glaring problem i have with this drama is its fight scene. It was so glaringly a problem when i felt like there’s something not quite right with it since the first fight scene on episode 1. I thought they will improve as the story goes by, but every fight scenes after that still annoyed me, so i know it was a problem with the choreo director then. The swords clashing sometimes seem so unstable, the sequences are not convincing, it even appears cheap sometimes. It was quite frustrating especially if you try to sell the ML as a god of war and someone who is feared for his battle prowess. The only thing saving this drama is the lovey dovey acts between ML and FL (even though sometimes you wonder how that guy being hailed as someone so fearful and ruthless end up being such a puppy later on. Lol. But doesnt matter, just enjoy the romance) and romcom plot of the side couples.
Well, despite all that complaint, i still enjoyed the drama enough for its romance and comedy part. Dont worry too much and just enjoy the flow without much thinking and you will be fine i guess. Lol
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Sweet and comedy drama
In general this was a good drama and must watch to pass your time if you're bored. The actress and actors are beautiful and handsome and they also act well. I really like the story where there are multiple couple but somehow I find it annoying when it comes to how the male of the 3rd couple overacting about Yun Yi's incident . Also the FL acts towards ML when there is a misunderstanding between them. But I must say this is a good series after all.Was this review helpful to you?
Bingeable but not memorable
Written with the most popular historical drama tropes in mind this drama offers a story about a strong but misunderstood male lead and a clever but underestimated female lead that find themselves forced together in a political marriage and must now work together. Ming Tan, the FML, is quick witted but spoiled and Jiang Xu, the ML, is cold and unafraid but falls hard for the female lead and is fiercely protective. Beautifully designed with a generic script this drama is very bingeable. The leads have good chemistry and the plot moves well with good pacing so if you are looking for something light to pass the time then this will definitely hit the spot for you.If you do not like damsels in distress or ever changing personalities that suit the story, however, then you may not find enjoyment in this. While Ming Tan is often presented as independent and clever she is also spoiled and self centered; which suits a daughter born in a noble family as she has never had to really struggle but it can be off putting if you prefer your female leads to be strong minded and able to care for herself and others. But if you enjoy seeing the female lead being constantly rescued then this is for you. If you enjoy a male lead that is presented to be the perfect suitor with pretty much no flaws then again, you will enjoy this. But if you like your men to have some edges and realness to him then Jiang Xu may not be for you.
Personally I have a very hard time liking the female lead Ming Tan. She is too self absorbed and stubborn for my taste and I spend a good portion of the show just irritated with her so I will not be completing this drama. The second couple is a delight though. Such entertaining personalities meant to bring comedy and the accomplish that.
Overall not a bad drama but also not very memorable.
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Pretty 'bland'
I honestly didn’t think I’d end up dropping this drama, especially considering there were only 8 episodes left. Maybe it was my fault for going in with such high expectations from the very beginning... and yeah, that might actually be the problem. My expectations were set too high, and when the drama failed to meet them, everything felt like it fell way below the mark.Not only that, but the relationship between the leads felt pretty bland, ngl. They did have their cute moments, sure, but overall it just didn’t feel as well-developed as it should have been. By episode 20 especially, I genuinely felt like the progression and the “burn” were missing.
Maybe it’s because this was my first C-drama in months, but something important felt amiss throughout. Anyway, it’s still a cute and fluffy watch overall... but personally, I was left pretty disappointed.
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Failed to Meet its Potential
I so wanted to love this. But… goodness… I’m dropping it. It’s got potential but failed to rise to it.First of all, The ML is amazing. Song Wei Long blows it out of the water with Jiang Xu. His acting is amazing. Jiang Xu, in many ways, is such a cliche character and yet I love him. He is strong, just, loyal, determined, and gentle with the ones he cares about. He treats the FL with so much respect and tenderness. I adore his character. ALSO BIGGIE HERE… When he discovers ladies trying to mess with FL, he actually holds them immediately accountable… a Cdrama miracle. Addirionally, the supporting cast is good. - Many a good Cdrama have been ruined but a crappy supporting cast. This isn’t the case here. I love the four nobleman friends, the FL’s BFF/cousin, the FL’s dad, etc. Even the antagonists are well acted and well-written.
But those things can’t save this train wreck of messy writing, incoherent plot lines, and an absolutely insufferable female lead.
Bao Sheng En’s acting is underwhelming—if not overtly bad—and leaves much to be desired. Her choice to fall into the Cdrama pitfall of the baby voice (thought we’d outgrown that in Cdramas) here also does her a disservice. Don’t get me started on her actions. She is so oddly written. One on hand, they want you to see her as a strong woman who protects her family. On the other hand, they want to make her a chronic—and I mean CHRONIC—damsel in distress who is literally incapable of getting herself out of situations. When compared to the ML, she falls very short.
This drama falls prey constantly to cliches and tropes that we’ve grown tired of. I literally rolled my eyes so many times in the first ten episodes. The cliches are used as the only thing moving plot forward, leaving the pacing so odd. This show has a strange ability to speed up all the wrong plots and slow down all the wrong plots. It is infuriating.
I love Song Wei Long, but this is the second drama of his this year I’ve had to drop. Save yourself the watch. Go watch “Prisoner of Beauty” instead. It just finished airing and is well worth your time.
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It's awfully difficult to continue!
If you think FL is a smart character because she can hinder the marriage with the Liang family at the beginning, you are very wrong!FL here turns out to be a very pure and 100% innocent character. She doesn't know how the world works and doesn't really understand the consequences of the law.
She only knows that if it's something she thinks is right, then it's right. If she thinks it's wrong, then it's wrong. She is the type who likes to do whatever she wants without caring about the consequences, because she was born a noble? Maybe.
But that's very, very childish.
And the way ML also immediately becomes obedient without any significant development shows that both of them don't have the maturity aspect of a couple. (Maybe because in this drama they are also young? Who knows.)
This factor is enough to make me often pat my chest, and indoctrinate my mind that everything will get better if I keep watching.
But unfortunately, my limit is at episode 14.
In terms of story, this drama is simple but has no appeal. But if you just want to watch the two main characters being affectionate without considering how they fall in love, I think you can enjoy it. Unlike me.
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Sweet light romance
If there was a parallel universe with ML and FL from LLG being their most happiest lightest versions this drama would be it.the plot is very everyday like. its a drama you can trust to not get on your nerves, not raise your BP.
Pros:
- Silent ML, very very supportive of FL. ultimate wife lover. Blossom grade.
- FL is very "feminine". she behaves exactly like one would expect a child left alone in wealthy estate to grow up would. She wasnt ever mistreated, always pampered, but one can always sense the unsureness and lack of security that comes with having lack of elders in family around to look for reassurance.
- FL has lot of sismance.
- ML lot of bromance, he has his own bro gang
- FL supportive father. very green flag.
- FL not mistreated by step members in family - or dealt with swiftly.
- even the most high stakes situations viewers get the idea that everything shall be ok
- Smart and supportive emperor......very big green flag for drama in CDrama
- interesting side characters' romance
Cons
- can be not engaging. too light weight.
- the FL got a lot of hate for being too girly and prissy. i got a lot of 2nd hand embarrassment at times. "reputation" and "narrative" are significant matters to her. she wouldnt exactly smack someone she didnt like, but would make it explicitly clear in very polite ways. very feminine indeed. buut i dont mind. thats just her character charm.
- misunderstandings bet ML and FL. there is a very humorous take on relationships. like "make a fool out of yourself in front of your loved ones". the misunderstandings dont amount to great damage (if any), but they are present in quite a few number. little cringe at times.
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The female lead is super annoying
The female is super annoying. Just when you think she is getting better. she gets worse again. She is shallow, although the script tried to portray her as caring for the down trodden, next thing you know BOOM there she goes again. I like the male lead but the female lead ruined it for me and I have to drop it at episode 10.Was this review helpful to you?
Can't overlook the bad Acting
I think the Male Lead is attractive, don't get me wrong - but either there's no chemistry between them or he can't comfortably play in the role. I'm dying of cringe at his awkward silences especially during intimate moments, then they do this thing where they zoom into his eyes like TURN IT OFF LOL. Maybe it gets better ahead, Idk, but he's ruined it for me at this point. The female lead is childish too. It feels like they had The Double in mind, like its trying to give Duke Su but noo.Was this review helpful to you?
