Very enjoyable revenge palace drama.
The revenge plot was really well done and overall pacing of the story was great. Watching all the machinations in the imperial palace/harem, secrets slowly coming to light, and plotting of our cunning Male Lead really made this an enjoyable series. We also had a very smart Female Lead who was able to take care of herself no matter where she ended up. She was never a damsel in distress and despite not being physically powerful, she used her smarts, wits, confidence and strong personality to get herelf out of sticky situations. Also, this is one of the few cdramas where the Emperor actually has common sense and isn't immediately influenced by rumors or accusations. Honestly you probably wouldn't think this should matter since the Emperor is not a character we would care about unless they are the main lead, but it does matter when the story revolves around the palace. So I had much less frustrations watching this drama because everybody that mattered in the plot line was actually smart and did their jobs as you would expect them to. This overall made the drama more enjoyable compared to other palace themed dramas. There was just one character death I didn't like, it was so unecessary to the story aside from wanting to make viewers sad, so I didn't appreciate that at all.In terms of romance, even though they I liked the pairing, I found the romance lacking a bit from the main couple imo. I personally felt more romance between the FL, Second Male Lead and even Third Male Lead because we got more healthy moments of affection/love shown between them. We only got to see more romance with the main leads towards the end, but even then it was more of a domineering type of love that could make you feel uncomfortable to watch. So I wish we also got to see more sweet moments between the main couple; or at the very least I would have liked to see FL be more expressive of her love with the ML like she was with TML. Granted the FL and ML's personalities and story lines don't really give off sweet vibes so it also makes sense that their love was more on the intense/obssessive/toxic side.
In addition to having a smart Emperor, other unique things I liked that weren't necessarily present 100% of the time but we did get to see were:
1) Bestest boy ever Second Male Lead who only wants the best for his crush and isn't possessive of her; 2) Non-competitive sibling relationship between the FL and her sister; 3) Healthy friendships between FL and other women; and 4) Parents apologizing to children.
Overall very satisfied with the revenge plot but would have liked to have more romance from the main couple. Bailu acted really well, crying scenes were so emotional. ML needs to work on his expressions but overall great job from him too and the rest of the cast.
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I can see why its one of the hottest dramas for 2023
This drama is about the story of a second chance in life. During the start it can be a bit confusing as they only show snippets of what happened in FL’s past life. However as the story develops, you will see how the past affects her decisions for the current life and how she is trying to be good this time round. Not too much romance going around at the beginning though FL has 3 love interests and lots of scheming plots among the villains as the FL tries to survive in the palace. Both FL and MLs played their roles perfectly. For some reason I kind of hoped the FL went with Zhang Zhe though. Kissing scenes were also really intense in the later episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well-developed story but can feel kinda draggy
First of all, I love Zhang Ling He!! That said, I'll be as objective as I can here. No biases. But you gotta know I love Zhang Ling He.Overall the drama is worth watching. Not just because of Zhang Ling He okay...
What I enjoyed:
• Story progression: How the FL went back in time and change her wrongs, the development of each character
• Political story: I usually dislike politics in dramas, they give me a headache... but in this case it's done quite well and interesting to keep me engaged
• Acting: Started off a little rocky but as the story progress I was able to feel the characters more. While I enjoyed Zhang Ling He's character in My Journey to You more, his acting feels better here with his micro expressions and reactions to things - a little missing in My Journey to You for those. Bai Lu's acting here is good, but falls a little flat at times as I don't feel the selfishness her character is trying to portray well. On the side, the supporting cast did a good job - especially Wang Xing Yue.
• Interesting characters: Not your typical goody two shoes main cast, they're problematic, complex, good, bad - lots of depth with a variety of characters with different personalities and motives that makes things interesting. They are unapologetically themselves and will fight for what they love and treasure. 敢爱敢恨。
• Zhang Ling He being very good-looking: Undeniable, he really suits the historical drama look, very eye candy hehe. Though I would say he's styled even better in My Journey to You...
• Romance between the leads: I hate slow burn!!! But the main couple is really cute and have good chemistry together so I would forgive that. That said, it's not complete slow burn, there's development on and off with random spikes in between with really cute scenes :)) Lines like “可谢某无拘” “苦果亦是果” are also chefs kiss
• Romance between FL with 2nd and 3rd MLs: Ample time given for them to shine and develop their characters, for you to fall in love with them as well
• I love a ML who only has eyes for the FL and is willing to destroy the world for her :))))))) - personal preference, I know
• Passionate kiss scenes. But NOT ENOUGH. >:(
The not-so-good parts, imo:
• Music: Not very memorable... I love good OSTs that can convey the feelings of scenes better to bring across the vibe more ya know? But it just felt missing. Maybe because the recent dramas I've finished all have really good OSTs :(
• Draggy: A little draggy where one of the "arcs" felt unnecessary (the one where they have to go rescue someone... it felt like another plot devise that the story could have progressed well without)
• Too many guys: Okok, I know it was adapted from a female harem web novel, but still - this is a personal preference. Even though the stories are well-developed for each of the guy, I would prefer to focus on just one guy haha
• Some characters felt a little forgotten or random: You Fang Yin for example, it feels like she only appears when the FL need money LOL. Even though they highlighted the relationship between her and the FL well, but still.
• Toxic relationship: I wish the relationship between the FL and ML could have been healthier with lesser stranglings and gaslighting :) I know he's in pain, but some parts there's literally no need to strangle her...
• I hate the random rubbery stripey flower decor thing on FL's older sister's hair........... she's so pretty WHO GAVE HER THAT it felt like some character from Sesame Street fell on her hair it was super distracting for me.
• Nothing moved me enough to cry, unfortunately
Overall rating is personal preference aside. I still really enjoyed the drama, just wish things could have had a stronger focus to let me have a good cry
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A Bit(?) of Dark Romance
It was a slow burn romance but with a twist, a bit of dark romance. To me, they were perfect for each other. One was direct to the point and the other one needed a push even tho it was obvious through her actions that she likes him. This drama was about FL given a second chance to right her wrongs and how ML fought his ways to survive and to do justice to the poor souls that unjustly annihilated for the sake of power and wealth.ML, Xie Wei, a ruthless, righteous man and a meticulous strategist. Ofc he was cunning too, being raised by a violent rebel wld do that. I'm in awed by his plans that seemed to be 10 steps ahead although there was few things out of his control. It took sometimes before he realised his feelings towards FL but until that time, we can see unconsciously he protected her, wld make something to bring her pleasure and willingly wld die for her. Though he can be aggressive when he was jealous *rolling my eyes.
He was quite fierce when he chided FL for being reckless. Idk their interactions with each other sometimes frustrated me too.
FL, Jiang Xuening, quick witted but short temper woman who was caring and wld do anything to protect the people she loved and closed with. She was not afraid to be punished for speaking the truth. She had this unapproachable aura but when you are sincere to her, she repay it ten-folds. I like her no-nonsense approach when she wanted to accomplish her missions. She was intimidated by ML's personality and the shadow of who he was in the past life. So that was why it took sometimes before she had feelings for him. I think what ML did for her, moved her.
I'm really loving all OSTs in this drama especially the one by Jane Zhen, Zhou Shen and Bai Lu. Idk why I became a bit teary when I listened to Bai Lu's song. It just so soft and delicate I guess.
The period costumes in this drama were quite stunning. I definitely love the bright and the pastel colours of FL's dresses.
As for 2ndML and 3rdML.... Yan Lin, you are the best! You are so sincere and understanding. Zhang Zhe, I like that you hold on strong to your principles of being righteous but willing to hear what FL advised to you. Also, you know when to move on.
I definitely enjoyed watching ML's subordinates antics, Lyu Xian, Dao Qin and Jian Shu. They were so hilarious when they talked with each other. Shout out to my precious Lyu Xian, you definitely deserve to be happy. SCRIPTWRITERS WHEN I CATCH YOU!!
The ending was my kind of ending where I got to know how was everyone's life was going. I really appreciate that they wld do that. I am not fond of abrupt happy ending. Give us a closure after all the suffering and sobbing.
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Toxic and obsessive
I liked the beginning initially but along the line, alot of things didn't make sense. The reason why zhang zhe and Xuening could not be together in life 2, i still don't get. ML was a raging red burning forest. The romance scenes were giving abusive and toxic and in real life it wouldn't be encouraged so not sure why this happened.Was this review helpful to you?
Wow, that got me. In one word - beauty.
Impressions? Feelings? Experiences? Strong, deep, unforgettable. I've been looking forward to this series for a long time, but I didn't expect it to interest me like this. I swallowed one part after another and could not tear myself away from it. Cast, great music, but above all a wonderful, incredibly strong story, under the pressure of which I could not stand up, no matter how hard I tried. The biggest rush of emotions I've ever experienced while watching a movie.Plot, effects, camera, music, actors, jokes, chemistry, serious moments, everything works perfectly. I would rank it among the top dramas I've seen so far.
Do I recommend watching the drama? Certainly yes. - it was simply amazing!
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THE BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA THIS YEAR!
Hands down “Story of Kunning Palace” is the best historical cdrama this year!!Story:
The story is different from the other cdramas around: this time we have an anti-hero, Jiang Xuening, going back time to fix her mistakes that led to her death. She’s a complex character that did many bad things in the past but gradually you’ll love her so much more.
Then we have Xie Wei, who is personally my fav character in the drama. He has such a complex personality and soul, he’s so cunning, so smart and he always knows what’s gonna be his next step. He has the power of the world in his head. But keep in mind that he’s not an hero. He’s truly dark.
There are many other characters that you’ll completely love or hate. But each one of them has their own story and their own path. No one is left behind in the story. Everything is connected perfectly like some pieces of a puzzle. I’m so satisfied with how the story develops and continues. No black holes, no questionable moments in terms of the narration, no WTF?! or boring moments.
It’s truly a consistent, full of twists and coherent story. I’m truly mesmerised by the writing. They did such an excellent job in describing each character and each storyline.
Acting/Cast:
The cast was perfect and Bai Lu is truly THE gem of this drama. Her acting is on point, she’s emotional, heartless and cunning. Zhang Linghe did such a good job in portraying such a complex and dark character like Xie Wei and I personally loved the fact that this was the first time he dubbed his own parts with his voice. Especially in the second half of the drama we can perceive their talents and also their chemistry which is top-notch. These two look perfect together and I totally need to see them again in another drama, maybe a modern one. All the other actors did a good job too!! Zhang Zhe is truly talented, same for the princess and Xue Shu, who’s such a terrific villain. I loved all of them, truly.
This is a MUST watch and, for the first time for a cdrama, I could rewatch it over and over again. It’s perfect, believe me.
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While the setup is nothing new, the drama manages what I feel is a rarity these days in Chinese drama land - sustaining my rapt attention for the full 38 episodes. The script wisely stays focused on the story and characters - balancing the political storylines with the slow burn romance that is allowed to develop organically, without anyone acting out of character just to create a sense of forced drama or romance. The supporting characters are given time to develop as well and actually add to the overall story. They support our male and female lead in their journey of finding their true selves and each other.
What prevents me from giving this a 10 is the often heavy-handedness of the direction - blinding lighting, distracting camerawork and odd framing of shots give an overall unpolished look. There is a tendency to make things a bit over the top, but these are small quibbles and a matter of taste ultimately. The cast overall do a solid job - I am most impressed with Wang Xing Yue. Despite his young age, he is able to hold his own in a very stoic role.
This is a great one to binge and re-watch. It's not meant to be an artsy, profound expose on life, death, fate vs self determination, etc. It's just great fun to watch.
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Immersive Narratives and Flawless Portrayals: 'Story of Kunning Palace' Delivers
What struck me most about the series was the undeniable chemistry between the main leads, creating a captivating dynamic that held my attention from start to finish.Zhang Ling He's portrayal of Xie Wei was nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to convey the complexity of his character, from childhood trauma to the intricacies of mental health issues, was done with a finesse that left a lasting impression. His eyes, in particular, became a powerful tool in expressing the depths of a man in love. Bai Lu, as the female lead, equally delivered a commendable performance, carrying herself with grace and skill throughout the series.
The storyline itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with each episode presenting something new and intriguing. I found myself hooked, eagerly anticipating the next twist or revelation. It's rare to come across a show that keeps you engaged at every turn, and "Story of Kunning Palace" achieved just that.While the editing could have been polished in certain scenes, the compelling narrative and stellar performances by the cast overshadowed any minor shortcomings.
The power-packed storytelling and the actors' prowess managed to seamlessly compensate for any editing hiccups, ensuring a consistently enthralling viewing experience.In my opinion, "Story of Kunning Palace" stands out as one of the best dramas of 2023. The recommendation for this series as a must-watch is resounding. The thought of these talented actors gracing the screen together again is enticing, and I can't help but express a desire to see them in a modern drama, exploring a different setting and dynamic.
"Story of Kunning Palace" is a triumph in storytelling, character development, and on-screen chemistry. It has certainly set a high standard for dramas in 2023, leaving viewers like me eagerly anticipating future projects from the brilliant cast and crew.
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Been a while since I watched a smart female lead drama like this
This drama was why I renewed my iqiyi premium subscription. My kind of drama, a smart male lead, a smart female lead with a no-nonsense wit that knows how to scheme and give back to bullies. Been on a drama drought for awhile now but this drama gave me back the will to watch a drama. Good casts with good story and beautiful costumes. A very, very satisfied watch for me. If WY from story of yanxi place had a sister andi also considered ML from the story of Ming Lan as well, JN of SOKP would have been her sister although it's a different period and era but it's how I see it especially seeing how smart she is.Was this review helpful to you?
This bustling world is a battlefield!! Suspence, angst, romance, scheme all in one….
This is one of the best Chinese historical drama I’ve ever seen!!! Just right amount of sumspense, perfect angst and like a cherry on top the slow burning deep romance, everything is perfect for me. Though I’m new at writing reviews but I am a veteran drama watcher. I’m watching k-drama and c-dramas for last 9 years. But basically got attracted to historical, political c-dramas just recently. And what a masterpiece it was!!!!! And if I start writing about the amazing casts I will be blabbering whole night! Bai Lu can initiate chemistry even with a block of ice and here she got my personal favorite Zhang Linghe…who is equally good looking and got a talent for acting!!! Surprisingly both the leads don’t come from entertainment background, but they proved that talent can be anywhere. Loved their morally grey character and yes, they may not be best as human beings but they are perfect for each other!! And the character XW, it was really tough to portray this kind of character…he is a double spy!!! And for some reason I really like smart leads in a drama rather than air-headed ones, specially the FLs. So this drama was so in tune with me and I enjoyed every moment. Not a single second I felt that should skip this part. So my advice will be even if anyone feels bored with first few episodes please try to continue. You won’t be disappointed….Was this review helpful to you?
cliche c-drama "do over" story
Despite its cliche premise, this drama is very promising at the beginning when heroine Jiang Xuening first resurrects into her younger self. Armed with knowledge of the future, she can gleefully manipulate the situation to her will and the first ten ish episodes are enjoyable if you don't squint too hard.However knowledge from the future is not the same as intelligence, despite the writers' attempt to equate the two. As the plot becomes more muddled somewhere past the halfway mark it becomes clear that neither Jiang Xuening or Xie Wei are very rational or smart. The "politics" makes little sense and moves forward through the help of deus ex machina.
Furthermore the romance is filled with all sorts of strange baggage which is meant to be romantic but gets increasingly odd and kind of unpleasant. To make the ML more "dominant" and edgy, his personality has a definite violent and stalkerish tendency which is meant to be explained away by his dark past. I guess this is what market research shows girls are into in Asia.
One can give credit to the staff for doing a good job of putting the production together, but it can only be considered a polished c- drama and unfortunately not a top tier one.
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