Story of Kunning Palace

Watch, watch, watch...especially if you want a short break from exaggerated xianxia magic!

I am still 'newish' to cdramas so please do forgive me if my review is not as detailed as others, or if I have missed anything about chinese culture and history, I am still learning so I can't add what I don't know yet!

If you are looking for 'far from innocent', even doubtful main characters, enjoy period cdramas ( and possibly looking for a break from over the top wuxia and xianxia storylines) then add this to your cdrama binge watch list!

The cinematography, tone and entire vibe of the drama are very mature, and realistic ( no xianxia style magic in sight) which I personally enjoyed for a change, but there are moments when you 'remember' that you are watching fiction - the fake blood used is not the best, very obvious ( more like unedible cherry sauce), whenever the characters display their frustration or anger, I noticed the camera zoomed in on their clenched fists..nearly EVERY time and.......WHY?! It did start to annoy me the more I observed a pattern of that as the plot and characters developed! Even the actor who played one of the 'revealed' villains, Lord Pingnan , had more than a few scenes with exaggerated facial expressions more suited to a pantomime, but he did get better towards the end!

As for the main characters, both the male and female lead are not innocent, but 2 opposing magnets that match each other in manipulation, ruthlessly know one another's flaws and darkest secrets, and there are times where you might find it challenging to 'root for' or really support them as some of their choices and decisions are greyish at best, but equally display a level of shrewdness that even a leading anti-hero may not show!

It would have been really cool to see the 2nd male lead ( a rising military general- like character) and his father have more visibility and screen time in the middle episodes - without spoiling what happens to them, but there are approx. 5 episodes ( can't remember exactly) where they don't appear.....at all! I know why, but I would have liked to see the 2nd male lead get shipped with another female character and what both he and his father do.....with their unfortunate yet temporary fall from grace ( I'll leave it at that!)

I don't know if this was intended but even the name of the palace in the story, Kunning = is very close to the word 'cunning' in English, so maybe that can be a hint to international/ English speaking audiences about the 'cunningness' that is threaded throughout the drama by several characters, and of course, by the main characters!

Read More

"A Former Empress Rewrites Her Fate in a Gripping Tale of Power, Love, and Redemption

As a fan of historical and palace intrigue dramas, The Story of Kunning Palace was a captivating experience from start to finish. The drama delivers a compelling mix of romance, political struggles, and redemption, making it a standout in the historical C-drama genre.

Story & Pacing

The drama follows Jiang Xue Ning, a woman who once sat as empress but met a tragic end. Instead of dying, she gets a second chance at life, waking up in her past before she ever entered the palace. Determined to change her fate, she tries to avoid the power struggles that led to her downfall—but fate is not so easily rewritten.

What makes the story engaging is how Xue Ning navigates her second chance. She’s no longer the naïve, power-hungry girl she once was, but avoiding the past proves to be just as dangerous. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer hooked. The mix of romance, suspense, and court politics is executed beautifully.

Characters & Acting

Bai Lu (as Jiang Xue Ning) absolutely shines in this role. She effortlessly portrays the transformation of a woman burdened by past mistakes but determined to forge a new path. Her chemistry with Zhang Linghe (as Xie Wei) is palpable, adding emotional depth to their interactions. The male lead, Xie Wei, is complex—neither a straightforward hero nor villain—which makes their dynamic all the more compelling.

The supporting characters also add richness to the story, with well-developed personalities and motivations. Whether it’s allies or hidden enemies, each character plays a vital role in shaping Xue Ning’s journey.

Visuals & Production

The cinematography and costume design are absolutely stunning. From the intricate palace settings to the beautifully detailed hanfu, everything feels authentic and visually breathtaking. The drama’s color palette enhances the emotional weight of each scene—whether it’s warm and golden for moments of hope or darker tones during tense palace intrigue.

Music & OST

The soundtrack is another highlight. The opening theme sets the mood perfectly, and the background scores elevate key emotional moments. The music seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with modern orchestration, making it both atmospheric and memorable.

Final Thoughts

The Story of Kunning Palace is a must-watch for fans of palace dramas, reincarnation stories, and strong female leads. It offers a gripping plot, brilliant performances, and stunning visuals, making it one of the best historical dramas in recent years.

Read More

Heard a lot about this drama and heard that it had qualities that I liked so I decided to give it a try. I messed up my sleep schedule and spent my spring break binge watching this but it was worth it. The story was so interesting and well thought out and I felt like all the character's motivations and actions were realistic. Xuening is so interesting to me. I loved her bonds between the other characters and how she mends lots of her interpersonal relationships that she messed up from her past life. Also not really a nitpick but I wish I saw more Empress Xuening from her previous life she was so hot.

Only thing I didn't like was that I felt like there could've been more episodes as the ending didn't feel fully resolved. Like it went from Xuening accepting the proposal to them years later with kids. I just felt like seeing the rebuilding/direct aftermath of what happened would've been more satisfactory for me.

Read More

FL is Beautiful.

The basic storyline, where both ML and FL had switched identities had great potential that were not well developed. There's much confusing major details that didn't make sense.

How did the FL and ML ended up journeying together to the capital? A father not recognising his son? Confusing time frames, e. g. Yan Lin seem to know JXN way before XW but they kinda arrive in the capital simultaneously....

What exactly is XW's disease that is so incapacitating at times and yet is miraculously absent at the end?

The Emperor, Lord Linzi and Princess are siblings. With different degrees of friends...... YL knowing JXN long time but Prince only meeting JXH later. Same for relationships between Princess, YL, XW and JXN etc. It's like these people exist within their own specific time frames that may or may not overlap.

Within a short time period, not well chronicled, XW arrived and rose to be the most trusted advisor to the Emperor. Its not clear how this happened. And of course it happened with him incognito to the Emperor.

And the baddies are just so underwhelming and totally undeserving of the heroic exploits of the good guys.

There's enough to keep moving on to the next episode .....much prob due to a forlorn hope that the storyline would fill up the gaps ....or to the enigmatic FL.

Read More

Addictive Die & Retry about redemption instead of revenge with a thrilling, dangerous romance

My second favorite 2023 drama after Till the End of the Moon and would you know it, it's another dark, sexy and twisted angst-fest with Bai Lu as its lead. The hype was sky-high, and it did not diasppoint. It is by no means a perfect drama, the story can feel rushed, the palace politics are hard to follow, and the production is of average quality with some weird lighting and framing choices (hate them or love them, here come the Chu Yui Bun lens flares and close-ups), but the plot is gripping. Bai Lu has chemistry with every character, and her (incredibly hot) slow-burn romance with Zhang Ling He's scheming and secretly unhinged teacher is rich, intense, and pays off wonderfully. It's sort of a harem, Jiang Xuening has three suitors who are based on classic tropes (childhood friend, incorruptible lawman and mysterious teacher) and after trying to convince herself that she wants the most righteous one that she missed in her previous life, she ends up falling for the most dangerous instead. Xei Wei is fascinating, and I kept rooting for him despite his ruthlessness and controlling tendencies. This is how you write a flawed character ! Yan Lin was also great, only Zhang Zhe was a letdown, and I don't know if I should fault the script or the actor (maybe both). I also really liked how the politics were cleverly intertwined with the romances and destinies of all characters, it made it all the more gripping, and the rythm was flawless. This is the kind of show that hooks you right away and never let go. I was sad to see it end, 38 episodes went by like nothing.

Read More

Story of Kunning Palace the best

The Kun Ning Palace 2023, starring the talented Bai Lu, is a captivating Chinese historical drama that whisks viewers away to the majestic world of the imperial court during the Qing dynasty. This epic narrative masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of politics, romance, and intrigue, with Bai Lu's exceptional portrayal of the female lead, , Jiang Xue Ning at its very heart.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kun Ning Palace, the drama follows Jiang Xue Ning journey as she rises from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure within the imperial court. With her intelligence, wit, and determination, Jiang Xue Ning navigates the treacherous landscape of palace politics, where alliances are forged and broken with ease, and the stakes are constantly shifting.

As Jiang Xue Ning becomes embroiled in the intricate web of relationships within the palace, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and powerful Emperor, who is struggling to maintain control over his fragmented kingdom. The chemistry between Bai Lu and her co-star is palpable, and their on-screen interactions are infused with a sense of authenticity and sincerity.

Throughout its narrative, The Kun Ning Palace 2023 explores a range of themes, including the constraints placed on women within the imperial system, the corrupting influence of power, and the enduring power of love and loyalty. The drama's thought-provoking commentary on the human condition is both nuanced and insightful, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of their own lives.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Kun Ning Palace 2023 is its strong and dynamic female lead, Jiang Xue Ning who embodies a perfect blend of intelligence, courage, and vulnerability. Bai Lu's exceptional portrayal brings depth and nuance to the character, making her relatable and endearing to audiences.

The drama's supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their own unique energy and depth to their respective roles. The attention to historical detail is meticulous, with exquisite costumes, stunning production design, and a richly atmospheric soundtrack all combining to transport viewers to the majestic world of the imperial court.

As the story unfolds, Jiang Xue Ning finds herself at the center of a maelstrom of intrigue and deception, where the lines between loyalty and betrayal are constantly blurred. With its intricate plot twists and turns, The Kun Ning Palace 2023 keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what fate has in store for Jiang Xue Ning and those around her.

In conclusion, The Kun Ning Palace 2023 is a captivating Chinese historical drama that offers a rich and immersive viewing experience. With its intricate narrative, compelling characters, and stunning production values, this series is sure to enthral audiences and leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll. Bai Lu's exceptional performance as Jiang Xue Ning is truly unforgettable, and her portrayal of this strong and dynamic female lead is a testament to her remarkable talent as an actress.

Read More

Dark and mysterious series with high budget and great casting

Series with great casting & CL = Zhang Ling He & Bai Lu ( ＾◡＾)っ✂❤

PLOT: The FL, ambitious and cunning, managed to become empress, but hated and abandoned by everyone, she ended up to commit suicide. But she wakes up in her 18-year-old body, just as she is due to enter the palace. She decides to do everything to avoid the same events. The ML, Imperial teacher & advisor to the emperor, is threatening, but will provide her with valuable help.

+++ Addictive, mysterious series where the suspense is well done.
+++ Super CL (OK, I was allready a fan of the 2 leads before watching the series) but they bring to life these tormented, complex, calculating, ... and touching characters, with so much talent! And their alchemy is the screen is explosive!
+++ a grandiose OVERALL casting: Wang Xing Yue, Zhou Jun Wei, etc.
+++ OST very suited to the atmosphere
+++ Effective production, with sumptuous settings and costumes, credible fight and battle scenes. The quality matches the budget :)

### Quite dark tone
### Some length at the end (but the extra episode is cute :)

Very personal question: I read comments on the 2 ML, where some deplored that the FL did not end with Zhang Ze. For me, this upright, rigorous, even rigid character (magnificently played by Wang Xing Yue) lacks charisma and humanity. I have to prefer the Bad Guys :)

=> High quality historical/romantic/mystery drama.
***********************************************************************
Drama avec un super casting & CL = Zhang Ling He & Bai Lu

PLOT : La FL, ambitieuse et rusée, a réussi à devenir impératrice, mais détestée et abandonnée par tous, elle se suicide. Mais se réveille dans son corps de 18 ans, au moment où elle doit entrer au palais. Elle décide de tout faire pour éviter les mêmes évènements. Le ML, Impérial teacher & conseiller de l'empereur, est menaçant, mais va lui apporter une aide précieuse.

+++ Série addictive, mystérieuse où le suspense est bien mené.
+++ Super CL (OK, j'étais une fan des 2 leads avant de regarder la série) mais ils donnent vie à ces personnages tourmentés, complexes, calculateurs, ... et touchants, avec tellement de talent ! Et leur alchimie à l'écran est explosive !
+++ un casting GLOBAL grandiose : Wang Xing Yue, Zhou Jun Wei, etc.
+++ OST très adaptés à l'ambiance
+++ Réalisation efficace, avec de somptueux décors et costumes, des scènes de fight et de batailles crédibles. La qualité est à la hauteur du budget :)

### Ton assez sombre
### Quelques lenteurs sur la fin (mais l'épisode spécial est cute :)

Rq très personnelle : j'ai lu des comments sur les 2 ML, où certains déploraient que la FL ne finisse pas avec Zhang Ze. Pour moi, ce personnage droit, rigoureux, même rigide (magnifiquement interprété par Wang Xing Yue) manque de charisme, d'humanité. Je dois préférer les Bad Guys :)

=> Drama historique / romantique / mystère de grande qualité.

Read More

Close all of your dramas and start this one :)

When I finished this drama I wanted to start all over again!
I didn't expect that it would be so intense.
The story start more on relax mode but more and more it tighten up and getting no moment to take an another breath.
Action, action, action of some form is running non stop.
Actress is very beautiful, ML also.
SO many intrigues, political mixture- with beautiful script. Even if you don't like politics ( like me) you probably would be fascinated how well it was made in the story.
Romantic and hot moments exists among all other beautiful story line.

Read More

Impeccable story from beginning to end

WHAT A WONDERFUL DORAMA! ♥️

If there's a dorama that will hold you in a way, it's "Story of Kunning Palace". I was completely enchanted from beginning to end! The story is simply perfect, full of twists and turns that leave us with our mouths open. Each scene is a slap of emotion and surprise.

What about the chemistry between the characters? My God, what a surreal thing! It's really creepy. And those kisses? I swear, it's to make the screen catch fire! It's that kind of romance that makes the heart beat harder and the eyes shine. What about that love triangle, or rather, love square? What about the jealousy scenes? Hahaha I loved it!

The characters are very well built, each with their story, their conflicts, and all are played by incredible actors and actresses. The protagonist is strong and determined, without a shred of songuice!

And the end? It's VERY happy! It's that kind of ending that we want in every dorama, but rarely see. I left with a warm heart, very satisfied, and wanting to watch everything again. Seriously, it's an ending that makes us sigh and thank you for watching it.

It's a masterpiece that you can't miss. This dorama is all we ask for and a little more - intelligent, exciting, with a breathtaking romance and an ending that leaves us in the clouds.

Unmissable! ♥️

Read More