The Rise of Ning

It's allright

Eventhough the series started off with this feeling of copying the story of Ming Lan, I like that it adds lighthearted cute YiXiu and twist of charming brother who's perfect in everything, seriously unreal.

As a political drama it is full of gap and missing logic. How can one young Duke request a title for a girl so easily.. and what's his achievement that he's so highly favoured by the emperor?

The last episode has too much flaws, how can the duke set the firework to explode without Luo family knowing suddenly everone just died and the bride was kidnapped and her family thought she was dead. And its very surprising that her dad who once despised her for being a outofwed love child of her mom then looked so shocked upon her dead that he didnt even respond to his mom fainting? Because of that I thought he's involved in the scheme.. it didnt make sense.

And the part when Lu jia xue used his body to take on the arrow when he's highly skilled in martial art, seriously unnecessary.. the author just wanted him to die.

FL acting is just average and her voice is kinda annoyingly pitchy to me.. but the ML voice on the other hand is so charming it fills the gap. I thin support roles like Yi Yu shows better acting than leads. And i like the merchant born mom who's a very straightforward person too. Her and YiXiu probably are my 2 favourite characters in this drama. Although i dont like the fact that YiXiu easily testified against her birth mother, authors could have made her sturggle more with being filial but meh.... quite disappointing

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DONT UNDERSTAND WHY FL ACTED LIKE THAT

FL once loved 2nd ML. she is smart and understanding. but when it came to Lu Jiaxue, she became so clueless. such as when LJ interrogated her, when LJ blocked her way, LJ forced her, LJ being cruel to the Luo family members, she became so passive and submissive. she should tell LJ directly that she didnt love him anymore, hate him and etc. she was not smart here.

she was not being honest to ML. she was angry to ML cause he didnt tell her a secret. but she also got a secret between her and LJ (she told ML later). i felt it kinda annoying.

2nd ML repeatedly harmed her in many ways. but she still respected him everytime he went to see her. she didnt feel scared or at least feel disgusting or annoyed, i just dont understand. it potrayed as if she allowed LJ did everything to her.

not to mention her acting was a bit “wooden”. her tone was almost same when she was angry, sad, happy, confused or scared. her facial expressions though were very bad.

i really dont satisfy with her acting. i wont complain about her voice. but her acting was really not up to par with ML. sorry i need to rate low because of her.

ML did a great job. but fl needs to improve her acting in next dramas.

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ML face is like a mannequin

The story was interesting in the beginning but as it progressed ML developed feelings for the FL as soon as he knew that she is not blood related.

Sibling relationship is one of the purest. You need a convoluted mind to jump into a loving relationship with someone whom you knew lifelong and called sister. Even after getting past this complicated relationship, I couldn't enjoy this because of the ML acting. He is like a statue with no emotions(This is not the only drama that I have noticed). Eyes should speak volume but he barely blinked his eyes. A great actor uses eyes to convey sentiments and passions but I noticed none of those.

Many people in the comments praised the ML voice. Just remember he is an actor not a voice actor. One should possess great acting if not the other.

I continued watching this for the FL , SML and the step-mom acting. The legal step-mom character was so bold and refreshing and she portrayed it very well.

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Same old story with wives, concubines, and offspring bickering at each other. Overly done

The Rise of Ning is a custom drama about wives, concubines, and their offspring bickering at each other. It has been done so many times with other Cdramas. It starts with Zhang Wan Yi as Luo Shen Yuan and Ren Mi as Lou Yi Ning.

I watched about 17 episodes, hoping the storyline would improve as it progressed, but it didn't. I am dropping it for the following reasons:

My Reviews:
1. The same old story that has been done with many other Cdramas.
2. I like Zhang Wan Yi; he is a good actor, but his character could be stronger in this drama, and his onscreen chemistry with Ren Mi could be better.
3. I don't like Ren Mi's acting ability. She has the same expression with many emotions.
4. It is draggy and slow. One cannot repeatedly take 40 episodes of the same type of bickering and jealousy.
5. I give it a 5.0 rating.

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Well... I was completely unproductive while watching this

I'm gonna say that first, I read the novel. And I liked it as a good read, although there is a lot of aggressive/raqey vibes and grooming and ML was not a good guy (also a lot of the characters had pretty toxic traits). (But they were all very complex characters in the novel). So I do like that the show decided to polish the characters. A lot is the same while a lot is different. I do like the changes the show made though.

Now onto the review with spoilers:

Story:
ML and FL are both outcast members of their family. ML is the illegitimate unfavored son who is completely neglected and vilified by the Luo family. FL is the daughter in the same family (they are siblings) who is legitimate but unfavored by the father and sent away when she was young. (This is a change that I like, because in the novel, he ends up basically raising her and she was A LOT younger in the novel). FL and ML bond and develop a very close loving relationship (as siblings).

That is until ML learns that FL was not in fact his biological sister (her mom met another man when separated from her dad). And then ML starts crushing hard on the only person who's nice to him. Meanwhile, ML is trying to uncover the truth as to one of his mentor's death and FL is trying to discover why her mother died.

This leads them to encounter FL's former crush who she met while she was exiled from the family when she was younger. SML is very possessive. And you know, for some that might be a vibe. And I'm not opposed to being possessive either. But he's possessive in a stalker way - in the way that's I don't care about what you want, only what I want. SML has some guilt because he thinks she died because of him (she sort of did - having been pushed off a cliff because he was having an affair with another woman to consolidate power while leaving her as a side piece). But SML is firmly on the bad guys team.

FL discovers she's not her Luo father's daughter, gets a better father -- Luo father sucks -- but the step mother is AMAZING (Hairu is my favorite character).

And eventually things work themselves out -- with a lot of drama in between.

Really good drama. I will say though, I skipped almost every scene that was the cousin/sister and the uncle together after the hungry prince went away. I was not invested in their relationship.

If you're looking for the palace drama, then that's not going to be in here (and honestly it was better off for it, cleaner). But they did give FL independence (which tbh she was in desperate need of in the novel) which I loved for her.

Acting:
The leads did a great job. ML manages to capture the standoffish vibe while also being really approachable and friendly perfectly. He's amazingly cast. FL was exactly how I imagined her in the novel - the description is basically her. They both have a lot of chemistry and charisma on screen. I loved SML as well, I was so invested in his plot (even while I was actively routing against him). All the adults/parents did amazing, especially step mom.

Music:
Good but unremarkable.

Cinematography:
beautiful.

Costumes:
STUNNING!!!

Overall:
a must watch. Very very good.

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All is well until the end!

This is the kind of cdrama that I was craving for! Setting was not surrounded in palace and its more like a family conflicts. A nice plot for someone like me who wants nice and warmth. From the very first ep, the fl caught me. Love her! The schemes are nothing to her and that's what I'm looking for! Her perception and smart thinking is a chef kiss! Then they introduced the ml which understand her right away? Magnificent! It's like their heart is one, their brain is one and when they move... Nothing could go wrong! This kind of trust is so satisfying. No brickening, no misunderstanding because they damn trust each other so much!

I really like Yi Ning and how every scheme would not succeed when she look into it. Her genuine and pose never degrade her potential as a strong fl! True, not physical. But she is smart and unique that she doesn't need to show it physically. Shen Yuan is the best too! The way he always understand and protects her and this is reciprocal! The way they always say to protect each other and their patience when there were unexpected scenarios... Mwah! Side by side couple indeed! Equal in any manner and the trust and patience was like a satisfaction that rarely to be seen!

The side characters are good too! Some become complex and even change. Some seems plain but turns out to be much more. Not gonna put sympathy with the second character here tho. He chose that path.

MUST WATCH! When you just want to feel something real and something chill, try this. It will never fail you.

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Sweetest Family Drama (minus creepy villain)

Among the dramas this year, Rise of Ning seems like a breath of fresh air. The main characters Luo Yinning and Luo Shenyuan are, as you can guess from there surnames, siblings (But not really!) A lot of people might feel uneasy shipping them but I do think there's not much problem. First, the Fl lived separately for most of their lives. Once they met again ML almost immediately found out they are not biological siblings. From FL's pov it can be a little grey but then again it doesn't really affect much. I love love love the family. Lin Hairu, ML's (and FL's) sort of step mother is much better than most bio moms in cdramas! The grandmothers are absolute OPs. This story has all the things I love, the trope of di daughter takes revenge on concubines, and a ML that's not cold for once. The villain is the only part that kinda irked me but that only shows his great acting. The villain Lu Jiaxu is a creepy, stalker that obsesses over Fl but still hurts everyone around her. Overall, I really enjoyed this simple and sweet drama. Nothing too melancholic, just fun and enjoyable.

P.s: the side character's romance is soo cute. I love how they include body positivity and show the chubby sixth sister is lovable inside out.

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sweetness and controversy

It's a slow-paced period romance, some people won't have the patience to watch it, but it has interesting and somewhat taboo themes that are treated lightly.
Luo Shen Yuan and Luo Yi Ning are raised as siblings, children of the same father, which already generates a discussion about possible incest. After a few years apart, Yi Ning returns to the Luo residence and the two, now adults, are one and the same. There is a mystery surrounding Yi Ning's mother. Shen Yuan discovers that they are not blood siblings, to his relief, since he is already head over heels for his "sister". There is fighting, competition between the family, imperial competition, revenge, everything a historical romance has to offer. The second couple is the cousin of the two protagonists with the Sixth Uncle, brother of the Lady of the house, the wife of the main couple's father. Although there is no blood relationship in the second couple, it is also a taboo subject. They are cute and you root for them too. The ending is super happy.

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Ambition, Resilience and Complex personal relationships,

"The Rise of Ning" is a compelling drama series that explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of personal relationships. I was addicted and eagerly awaited each new episode. In my top 3 costume dramas 2024 so far…

Overall, "The Rise of Ning" is a captivating series that successfully blends drama and realism, offering viewers an insightful look at ambition and its consequences. With some refinement in pacing and dialogue, it could elevate its impact even further. Fans of character-driven narratives and social themes will likely find it an enjoyable watch.

Strengths
Character Development : The central character, Ning, undergoes significant transformation throughout the series. Her journey from obscurity to prominence is well-crafted, showcasing her struggles and triumphs. Ning reintegrates quickly and smoothly back into the Luo family.

Narrative Structure: The storyline is engaging, with a balance of tension and emotional depth. The pacing is effective, keeping viewers invested in Ning’s challenges and victories.

Cinematography: The visual aesthetics are noteworthy, with vibrant colors and dynamic camera work that enhances the storytelling. Locations are beautifully captured, contributing to the series' immersive atmosphere.

Themes: The series addresses important social issues, including gender equality and the sacrifices made for success, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Supporting Cast: The ensemble cast adds depth to the narrative. Each character has a distinct role, contributing to the overall storyline and helping to highlight Ning's evolution. Each actor executed their role really well, especially the ML and FL. Duke Wei was a particularly uplifting well thought out character.

Areas for Improvement

Subplots: Some subplots are not as well developed as the main story, leaving audiences wanting more depth or resolution for certain secondary characters.

Pacing Issues: While the series generally maintains a good rhythm, some episodes feel rushed, particularly during pivotal moments of character development. More time could be spent on these transitions.

Dialogue: At times, the dialogue feels overly scripted or dramatic, which may detract from the authenticity of the characters' interactions. More natural dialogue could enhance viewer connection. The story was left a little waning in places, the main male protagonist behaviour with the FL was not historically correct - entering and leaving her abode at will…

Predictability: Certain plot twists may come off as predictable, which could diminish the impact of major revelations in later episodes. Introducing unexpected elements could enhance the suspense.

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It's a cool story that holds the attention

It's a dorama that starts slow, but it already starts well. As the episodes go by, you can easily get attached to the characters and the story. There are some slower scenes (like most doramas), but nothing that hinders the development and timing of the plot.

The novel, as for, is nice to watch, but don't expect something hot and a breathtaking chemistry. It is built little by little and in a subtle way.

The secondary characters are great, fill the story well and are well explored.

In general, the story has no errors and holes, and manages to hold a lot of attention.

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Inverted Corners

It was a good series in general. It wouldn't be a lie if I said I got bored towards the end. I watched it by skipping some parts. I was surprised in the 39th and 40th episodes. The scriptwriter wanted to make us twists and turns, and good things happened in the first twist. In the second twist, the Jia Xua character, who was assigned to the border, is removed from the Guard Command and asked to go to a new duty station. A couple of scenes later, this character kidnaps Yi Ning, detonates explosives. He kills many people. He also breaks the Prime Minister character out of prison. Then, to the Shen Yuan character who wants to stop him, he says I am the Guard Commander and I am arresting you. The scriptwriter is saying what a diet, what a pickled cabbage. You know, this guy was removed from the Guard Commander and was going to a new duty station. How did he become the Guard Commander again, and block the road with a lot of soldiers, kill people, and kidnap people? It didn't work. Because the Emperor dismisses him. A man who is dismissed can never do that job again. He took it but he still can't say Commander, I'm still here. A Commander was already given in his place. These parts were left vague and in the end, this person suffered the consequences of what he did. He died. The incident ended. It was a happy ending. But these last two episodes overshadowed all the previous episodes and unfortunately left a bad impression on me, causing me to give the series 7.5 instead of 8.5.
The series actually started well but the plot got complicated. This prevented a good progress. The story did not continue the same from beginning to end.
I think the shining star of the series was Ci Sha. I have watched her before but she really made her presence felt in this series. She played a fixed-minded, obsessive lover and a despotic man beautifully. She was very successful with two separate identities. She overshadowed the leading roles. I like Zhang Wan Yi. I have watched a lot of her series. She has a certain line. It doesn't spoil it. She is a good actor. I liked it. I can't say the same for Ren Min. I watched one of her series before. It wasn't bad but I felt like she was a bit flighty or something, she couldn't give herself to the role. I didn't like his voice either. They didn't grin much as a duo, but Ren Min fell short. My opinion. He should focus on his roles a little more. He should get into it. The voice and dubbing should work. I liked all the other supporting roles. The acting was very good except for a couple of grins. The costumes were very nice. It was sparkling. The shooting was very good. Congratulations to the director. I don't congratulate the scriptwriter. You can watch it to pass the time.

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