Love in Pavilion

Tale as Old as Time

Even from the first episode, I knew I like it. It's not because I like Liu Shi Shi enough that I would watch all her dramas. The story captured me from the beginning because:
1) It reminds me of Jin Yong stories with new Xianxia twists.
2) The side characters (ie. the sisters of the leads) provide comic relief and interesting side stories.
3) The main leads have chemisstry.
4) All the actors can act. There's no one standing out as annoying. The bad guys are really evil.
5) The conflict is clear and makes sense.
6) You don't have to watch the previous drama (Red Moon) with Yang Mi to understand this drama (so thankful because I dropped the other drama after 2 episodes when it came out).

The Negatives
1) The story is a little bit convoluted in the beginning because of all the extra "famous" characters. Too many people died. But that's the theme: humans and demons will fight until there evil is eradicated.
2) Some basic plot is predictable because it's how old stories are told 30 years ago (look at The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, etc).
3) Liu Shi Shi seems to be directed to act with a poker face. Is this her inherent character based on the story? I don't know. Waiting for the development.
4) Up to ep 12, there continues to be TOO MANY side characters. There are only 36 episodes. If everyone of the side characters have such long side stories, I don't know if the story can hold together because the main leads are not shown enough. So far, I am disappointed in this because I want to see more of the leads.

Why you might be disappointed:
1) People who watch this drama for all the so called "famous" idols will be disappointed because they are there as cameos to gain new fans. The true famous star of this drama is Liu Shi Shi. If you don't know her, do some research and watch some of her famous dramas (Scarlet Heart 1). They are so good! She's a versatile actress: 37 years old returning to acting after marriage and baby but still takes Main Lead roles of popular dramas. That's not an accident.
2) People who deem LSS is not a good actress because of her blank eyes. I think the director/story called for this expression. Look at Yang Mi in Red Moon. She had no expression in her eyes too. And believe me, YM can emote with her eyes. So I think the director asked for this.
3) People who don't want to see their favorites die off. Well, I think the story/theme calls for it.


I can't wait to see more development in this story and the Sword and Beloved. These stories remind me of those old Jin Yong's stories with new Xianxia twists.

Finished. Although I don't agree with some of the storylines, I will give this drama full marks. I think both ML and FL did an amazing job, especially at the end. I don't think there is a better ML for the role. He is the best person for the role of Wangquan Hong Ye. Very convincing at the end. He reminds of the Yang Guo in the The Return of the Condor Heroes, with gray hair. He walks through the doors to rescue her, bigger than life. And she was wearing white dress. They only look at each other, ignoring everyone else, just like Yang Guo at the end.

C drama is never perfect. But I think this was entertaining and has very good acting. And even though the ending is difficult to accept, I am ok with it because it makes sense.

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Outstanding adaptation! Worth the watch!

Although I started watching this drama for my favourite guest and support actors, surprisingly I was entranced by many brilliant and talented actors/actresses especially the ML ZYL and the FL LSS. Even though I knew the major plot and the ending for this drama,  it didn't deter me from finishing this wonderfully executed and very captivating drama.

All the characters were portrayed impeccably well by the actors. Theirs elaborate appearances added fine details to their characters. Deep emotions, passion, feelings were displayed immaculatelly and their stories unfolded magnificently well, leading the events and results to the point where everything is set perfectly for the season 3.

I adored the beautiful and elegant clothes and make up of the actors and actresses. The backgrounds and settings were very suitable to scenes and events. Unique architectures magnified the effectiveness of making each setting different and enjoyable experience.

I loved different kinds of couples and their interactions. All the couples have different stories to show and their own undeniable and captivating charm.  Each couple had great chemistry. The types of romances shown were very beautiful and engaging: like HZ and HYs romance of push and pull due to their identity and responsibility, different ways of doing things, Spider king BMY's protectivness and selfless acts of care for DNJ and his people, YY and MXW's story of Romeo and Juliet where family interfered and made things difficult for them, the confusing love between MM and the leech demon CML's with two personalities, YYT and WZ being childhood sweethearts, the dark unconditional love with no boundaries between JH and JL, the kind/forgiving love between DCR and JJX knowing the motive they got together, the QMY's unwavering persueing of love and relationship with ZZ and finally, LQZ's cute and hesitant unrequited love for DQL. Although they were all different kind of romances they have one thing in common they loved the other deeply selflessly enough to be ready to sacrifice anything even their lives to protect and save their significant others. Being able to do this is a testament to the real and true love.

Aside from love stories, I was also impressed by heart warming and sweet sibling and parent/children relationships.

This drama taught many lessons. Love and life is not bed of roses. Most people face ups and downs with their loved ones. More so if their world is plagued with societal injustice and chaos. Furthermore, life is even more difficult for people with conscience and power who take their responsibilities and duties more seriously putting their personal lives at the bottom of priority list. Mostly prosperity and peace in different places around the world is achieved by sacrifices of their great heroes/heroines.

Their are always people who commit evil deeds and justify them due to their greed, obssestions, love for fame, power and/or glory and have to be fought to stop them. Without love, kindness, loyalty, trust, sacrifice, strong positive familial bonds and establishment of justice and order world would be very dark place.  Those who are left behind  of course have to learn to deal with grief and regrets but important thing is never to give up and respect their sacrifices and work for the better future and even if there is uncertainty there will be good change when righteous path is persued.


The CGI and cenimatrography of this drama was mind-blowing. The attention to detail, photorealism, seamless integrations, lighting and texturing not only gave a compelling visual experience, it also effectively communicated the sub stories and emotions. Thus, successfully engaging the viewers and leaving an everlasting impression.

I loved the beautiful and exquisite OST's which are very heartwarming, thought provoking and emotion stirring.

Overall it is very excellent fantasy drama adopted from manhwa. I highly recommend it to romance/fantasy lovers. 💕 Definetly looking forward to the season 3 'Sword and Beloved'💖

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