The Female Lead is so annoying
The series started great. I watch it because of Song Wei Long is the male lead. Early series was enjoyable and full of laughter. First Impression of Female Lead was calm and smart. But as time goes by and she got married, she began to show her true colors. She is selfish, childish, annoying and don't really care about her husband. She only think about herself. I think the story between Min min and Zhang Yu is more interesting compared to the main couple.Was this review helpful to you?
The story was interesting in the beginning but then it moves really fast, and it rushed. The main leads literally get married on ep 8 and they don't have any feelings for each other. They've met like 4-5 times and the male lead just simply asks the king to marry her not because he likes her. Their chemistry doesn't really get any better after being married.
The hair, costume, and props were very bland. The costuming for this drama was an issue to me. Now this might be accurate based on ancient Chinese history for their outfits, but I cannot with their outfits. In most Chinese dramas their clothing choices are solid matching colors but in this drama, they use patterns and colors that don't match and it makes me very mad.
The acting for this show is fine, I've seen a couple Song Weilong dramas, but honestly kind of dissapointed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lighthearted, Romantic, and Tropey in all the best ways!
If you’re thinking about starting this drama, you should probably read this (one small spoiler but not much else). Sorry for the length, but I hope it will help a little bit.Not all female leads have to be extremely smart, capable, independent, and never need a man to save the day. I’m so baffled by the comments not liking female lead, when in reality, there are all types of women who all have different stories to tell because we are all multi-faceted. I consider myself high maintenance with standards that I do not bend for anyone, and I have a partner who understands and accepts that and he is willing to be with me and love me even when I can be bratty, bossy, and princess-like at times. I think that is why I relate to Ming Tan so much. To me, the typical “heroine” in a cdrama who is capable of anything are such Mary Sue archetypes that I also get tired of it, too. I just can’t relate. This drama is NOT one of those stories, and if you are wanting that, this is NOT the drama for you.
The female lead is imperfect, spoiled, rich, and extremely feminine. But from those traits, Ming Tan also brings kindness, youth, savviness, and the feminine touch that Jiang Xu lacks and needs in his life to develop his character; she makes him question how he treats those around him and gives him space to be thoughtful and caring because Ming Tan is so receptive of his taking care of her (she fully embraced that about him); there are women out there who like to be taken care of and men who like to dote. This show is that dynamic and I love it all the more for it. Ming Tan gives back in her own quiet and gentle way, such as accepting the fish knowing she is allergic because she values his efforts, and/or pushing back at him when she thinks he is being too harsh. She is not trained in martial arts and is a true girly girl who continues to be targeted by everyone around her, so he is there to protect her because she is put into situations where she absolutely cannot fight back. Ming Tan needs Jiang Xu physically while Jiang Xu needs Ming Tan emotionally. They balance each other out.
You often see Mary Sue characters who never need the male lead’s help and he’s always helping her anyways, but the female lead always takes it for granted. I am not a fan of those stories where the male lead has to love silently forever until the female lead finally accepts him after 80 million years. That is why I am so happy to see a female character like Ming Tan completely embracing her femininity and loving the male lead who is protective and fully capable and willing to save her no matter what (he is an acts of service man). That does not mean that she is useless as we have seen time and again that Ming Tan has her own thoughts, opinions, and strength by how she’s managed her household, how fairly she treats her servants and even her stepmother and stepsister, how capable she is now that she’s starting to manage Jiang Xu’s businesses as well as the refugee crisis.
With our male lead, Jiang Xu is stoic, ruthless, and impartial in every way because he is a man with solid integrity and morals that paint the world in black and white. Hell, I noticed he literally ONLY dresses in black and white before Ming Tan came along. She brings colors and emotions and whimsy into his life because she wears her feelings on her sleeve, be it her gentle nature, sassy princess upbringing, and/or her embarrassing antics. She strives for perfection but falls short because she is human, not a Mary Sue who does everything right. Those are boring characters with no flaws. Ming Tan is supposed to be high maintenance and the facade of perfection in a society that demands it of their nobles, and especially their women in such a patriarchal society. Her reputation is ALWAYS on the line because everyone is jealous of her being renowned and painted as being perfect. I’m sure there is so much pressure on her to always be perfect, but she is genuine in wanting to ensure she does not sully the family name. She is vain, but it is because she bears a responsibility to upkeep that image for her family’s reputation. She also grew up with everything at the palm of her hands, so if her criteria list for her husband is long, then it is fully within character and her right to choose someone who matches it. She is high in status and has many positive and high quality traits that a man in that era would want as well. Why can’t our girl be picky? She’s a complete catch! But the thing that I love is that Jiang Xu has seen it all and knows she is not perfect, but he falls for her in spite of and because of all of that, fully embracing the side of Ming Tan that no one else knows about. He sees her as her, completely beyond the reputation that precedes her.
Yes, this is a drama where you can turn your brain off a little bit to enjoy. It’s a lighthearted romcom that isn’t pretending to be what it’s not. The show does not take itself seriously, but there is still an interesting love story and lead/side character dynamics that are intriguing, fun, and adorable to watch if you want chemistry, fluff, and two beautiful people who make you giddy and swoon. Their scenes together are electric.
Just like Ming Tan and Jiang Xu, the drama is not perfect. It does need more backstory than what 13 episodes have given us so far, especially the court/emperor/empress dowager struggle for power, and yes it utilizes lots of tropes in romcom and dramas, but that’s what it wants to be. It’s not here to subvert tropes, and it doesn’t want to. It just wants you to happily enjoy a blossoming love story with cute antics and some potential climactic angst/crisis that will test our two leads. Nothing here is groundbreaking, but I am here for the tropes, the romance, and the characters. So far, it is serving and I am feasting.
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Ordinary and boring
I managed to watch six episodes—I kind of forced myself—but I just can't get through episode seven. The plot is so ordinary and predictable. I enjoy romance and sweet stories, but this one is just too generic.Honestly, it doesn’t offer anything new, not even as a light distraction. If anything, it makes you more bored. The only reason I made it past the first episode was because of the main lead and the second lead.
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Beautiful everything but the chemistry
Rarely I see beautiful colorful dresses in period drama and loving it. The storyline also not bad. Song wei long handsome face is a sight to behold dat makes me still watch this drama. FL character is also like able. She is smart, kind, without being too helpless.My main disappointment only their acting and lack of chemistry. D simple gestures is very much lacking, people in love will instinctively touch each other, but during meaningful scene, they will move everywhere but each other. Their hug and gaze feels forced, even tho d writer seems to give them enough background story. You will feel this, esp after you watch TPOB with ample chemistry and amazing acting. I even prefer d 2FL and 2 ML chemistry compared to d main leads. Wasting lots of potential of such a beautiful drama..
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Sweet n Entertaining
I will start from fl first. She is by far the most materialistic fl ever in drama. Watching her i can keep related with modern woman this day. Bse good at portraying the spoiled noble born mingtan. At least she did have empathy for poor ppl and want to socialize with them. Ml as usual superb at his role and will attract jealous from other idol fan.This drama will accompany you in your comfort time
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Entertaining
I really enjoyed watching this tv series. Great acting of the casts. I'm not really a fan of tv dramas but I was hooked on this one. The four main casts as well as the supporting actors are good. Can't wait to see more of their tv dramas especially those of Song Wei Long and Wang Riu Chang. They are both great, funny and good looking in this tv drama film. Even Bi Wen Jin's acting is also great. I found it worth my while to watch all of the 36 episodes. I might watch this again after sometime.Was this review helpful to you?
Lighter Costume Drama
This drama starts out a bit shaky, in my opinion. The FL is portrayed as a very sheltered, very spoiled young woman. You soon find out the reason for this- self reliance. Some may see her self-confidence as annoying, but I see it as her strength. Our ML begins to see this too. And so begins the growth for both characters. Are there misunderstandings on the way? Yes. Did both handle things on their own because they were used to being on their own? Also yes. Did either of those things drag episode wise? Only one, which brought this down from a perfect 10. Well balanced emotionally, consistent growth of all characters, nice music, good story, sweet romance. Bonus for solid lip-locking! Turn off your brain and enjoy.Was this review helpful to you?
It naturally made me want to watch.
After I started the first episode, I was dying over Prince Dingbei’s visuals. It’s so addictive. Every gown that Mingtan and her sister wear is really pretty.
The plot is actually pretty ordinary, but they executed every single piece really well.
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The Perfect Match
I followed this drama because of Song Wei Long as the ML. He is so handsome and really play well as the Prince. He is very kingly in appearance and in bearing. The FL is correct in describing him after he get up from bathtub: "His physique is great, his face like a chiseled jake, his every move is perfection..." Super handsome and manly actor and very good in subtle acting. Few words but he can express his mind and heart through looks and actions.I found the FL very beautiful and with refreshing beauty. They are really a perfect match. I love how they tried to tease and seduce each other as husband and wife with boundaries but growing in love for each other. They are both pure and chaste and hesitant to make the first move.
I love the main characters. The ML is a great prince and general but he is not obsessed by power and greed but really focusing on the welfare of the kingdom, eradicating corruption and serving faithfully the Emperor. Despite him having a ruthless reputation he is actually a good person who is loving and caring to his soldiers and to the people in general.
The FL character is so nice. She has innocent beauty which looks young but very intelligent and always reason out. Her love of her father is very deep and is managing the household property with efficiency. It is also noteworthy that she respects people including the maids and the servants with respect.
The love story is very beautiful. It is a match of two noble families and of a young man and woman with both goodness in their hearts. The interchange of politics with tensions due to corruption and power is also very nice. The sword actions by the ML is also excellent. Even the love story of the second leads are very beautiful and touching such as the funny love-hate relationship betweem Mimin and Lord Zhang as well as the touching love between YiYin and Lord Zhu.
The secondary actors too are excellent. The Marquis General father of the FL is so wonderful. The villain Prime Minister is subtle and looks nice but brilliantly cunning. The generals and adviser friends of the ML are great actors too. This is an excellent drama worthy of the status of Song Wei Long. The music is so beautiful and touching. The actions in battles are very good.
I feel sorry for the young and very talented deputy commander whose father was murdered and he died at the end. Glad that he got his justice though. The villain is so cunning and so evil. So happy for the happy ending.
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This drama is much better than Everlasting Longing
This drama in terms of plot and acting skills are much much better than Everlasting Longing despite the male lead's character is not as handsome. Both male and female lead are good in acting and looks good. The story plot makes sense too although kind of expected. Nevertheless it is much better than Everlasting Longing drama. The female lead of Everlasting Longing drama is simply hopeless.Was this review helpful to you?
My Thriller-Loving Soul Cried Through Episodes 1–9
Look, I’m dropping this one—not because I’m a hater, but because I’m just not built for full-on romance. Give me mystery, give me thriller, give me a little love on the side, and I’m in. But episodes 1 to 9? Just people talking about marriage like it’s a group project due next week. I couldn’t hang in there.I also have very high expectations for female leads, and unfortunately, this one didn’t hit for me. No offense, but her 3rd sister stole the show. Like… whipping people left and right with boss energy while the FL was still struggling to stand up straight in a light breeze? Yeah, no contest.
As for SWL, maybe it’s just this role, but the acting didn’t pull me in the way I hoped. I might give it another shot if I hear it picks up later—but for now, I’m out. No hard feelings, and no fan wars, okay? 😅
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