This review may contain spoilers
Those Destined Will Go Far
This drama was on my anticipated dramas of the year list and for the most part it didn't disappoint. I wanted to see BJT in another costume drama and recognized many actors from the TBOY cast here. This must have been a great reunion for them. Those destined will indeed go far.Pros: The first two story arcs were the most promising and held my attention as both leads and those that became their friends went through literal hell in order to survive. I really liked both leads evolution as they came together due to a misunderstanding that gradually turned into very deep love. BJT can play a lazy rich kid just as well as a military strategist. I loved the fight scenes though there were few of them. Going from one home, then to starting from scratch in a second and yet a third, it was a process we looked forward to. All characters I felt were necessary though I think for being such a ruthless antagonist, LZS didn't get that much screen time. I loved the sworn brotherhoods and sisterhoods around the leads. So it was very sad that in the final 3 episodes, QWZ was killed. Even though that was as many said, in the novel, after so much loss and destruction, this was absolutely heartbreaking and unnecessary. They could have changed that.
Sets, costumes, OSTs were perfect everywhere though I wish they didn't sub them over the lines because it made it nearly impossible to understand.
Cons: The entire palace arc being put into the last dozen episodes seemed like production was galloping to the finish line and I found much of to be too much. So much so, I skipped a few episodes. FY becoming LZS' puppet was obvious and obnoxious but him getting a semi-redemption arc when he was acting like a 12 year old with people's lives made me sick. LZS' demise also didn't seem satisfactory as this nut job killed so many people because of a total misunderstanding was pretty ridiculous. Another one with daddy issues that didn't know the truth. I just feel that these antagonists need more satisfying endings given their brutality.
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. For 40 episodes, it had a little bit of everything so give it a go.
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This review may contain spoilers
A true roller-coaster of emotions. I very much enjoyed this drama.Even if It was a classical one, it was one of the good ones, the evolution of the main character along with the other characters,from a carefree young boy who spent money like there's no tomorrow to a wise and mature man. The acting was excellent, they made me fell like i was with them and felt what they felt. They really expressed the beauty of ancient china, all that interior designs screamed richness and beauty. They filmed really extraordinary views , i dont know how much green screen they used but it was a pretty good job. Was this review helpful to you?
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Good acting and production overshadowed by a messy plot
This show had tremendous potential. The premise was very interesting and seemed to be a coming of age/revenge story of a young man's personal growth. Unfortunately, that wasn't the actual plot. I don't know what the plot was.The romance was ok. It only took Jiusi and Yuru 28 episodes to kiss and consummate their marriage. Other than that, they had affectionate and cute interactions with almost no sexual chemistry. But, when they kissed, they made out on screen and it was hot. This makes me totally confused about the logic behind Chinese censorship.
The revenge plot was a big deal at the beginning. But, then it completely fizzled out into nothing. The evil magistrate, who killed Jiusi's family, got stabbed to death by a girl. So, what was the point of that storyline at all? I guess halfway thorough the show, the writers decided to switch the direction from revenge to political intrigue.
The whole drama could've been completed in 25 episodes. After the rebels were defeated and the new emperor took the throne, the story should've reached its logical conclusion, but the writers dragged it for another 10+ episodes to meet the maximum allowable threshold of 40 episodes. On top of that, the drama had long draggy conversational scenes about nothing. I didn't care about everything a character was feeling at a particular moment. I zoned out through most of the conversations or fast-forwarded through half of them.
I ended up skipping the last 10 episodes and just watched episode 40.
The music was good, the acting was great. But all the positive things were completely overshadowed by a totally incoherent plot.
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Bai Jing Ting did a very very good job of portraying Gu Jiu Shi, his acting is "perfecto"! He merged into the character so much, so natural, as if he lived as Gu Jiu Shi. Gu Jiu Shi is such husband material tho, no need to mothering him (in terms of romance), he knows already what the bare minimum to give from a man to his partner is! Perfecto! Gu Jiu Shi is such a gentleman!
As for Liu Yu Ru, WOW, she is the definition of HIGH VALUE WOMAN! She is definitely my role model! Wise, kind, considerate, hardworking, smart, oh gosh, no wonder Gu Jiu Shi and Luo Zi Shang are so attached to her. I mean if I were them, I would be the same!
And Gu Jiu Shi's mother, I really want to have a mother-in-law like her, very sweet to her daughter-in-law
This Gu Family tho is such a FAMILY GOAL!
From this drama, I did not only learn about romance, but also get a free business and military course hahaha!
So messages from this drama:
- Be a high-value woman
- Be wise
- Be a gentleman (know what the bare minimum to be given to partner is)
- Remember your partner, best friends, and family are your biggest support, so support and be loyal to each other
- Bad person is not always born bad
- Be independent and hardworking
- Be confident
This is the best historical drama that I have ever watched so far, for this year!
Whoever wrote the story, you are a GENIUS!!!
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Idealistic story to love and build your character and country
It is an idealistic story about becoming the best version of you. Tbh, if not for the story and the plot I would have sacked it halfway. The ML and FL have a really poor chemistry. I still think the FL doesn't fit the role. Or maybe more doesn't fit with the ML. Sometimes I feel like they are really awkward with each other. I don't know, maybe because of the age gap. Don't expect a heart fluttering story. but the plot is good enough to keep me watching till the end. That villain guy and the stupid crown prince really get under my skin. Wanna end both of them myself.Was this review helpful to you?
Its a story of friendship, love, heartache and personal growth.
The incredible story of Gu Jiusi and Liu Yuru. The friendships, bonds, and love for one another and the people around them. Bai Jing Ting has once again stolen my heart with his fantastic acting and great chemistry with his co-star Song Yi. While our villain who has taken the world by story Luo Zi Shang played by Liu Xueyi deserves an ovation. Now I have watched just about everything Lui Xue Yi has been in and this was completely out of character for him. You can tell that he didn't just play the role he was the role. I was not disappointed with his performance at all.Since words have seemed to escape me I will say this. If you loved the pace and aura of "Love Like the Galaxy" and "Who Rules the World" Then I will say this drama is right for you. It did everything right. From start to finish. There was NO BAD ENDING HERE! (For those who know what I mean you get it!!!)
This drama has joined the ranks of Eternal Love (Ye Hua/Bai Qian Story), Princess Weiyoung, One and Only, Love and Destiny, and Ashes of Love. These are my favorites of all time.) So if you agree with the few I mentioned then you know this drama is right for you!!!!!
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Worthy Watching It!!!
First , The concept was good and then the actors were perfect with the roles and their acting was also too good . Second , The relationship between the main leads was beautiful , of course the popular concept of hate to love and I loved it . Next , The storyline kept improving and I loved it . I did not get bored , It was worth watching it . The concept of females doing business at that times and main lead and his father supporting that was also something I loved it and the way main leads love each other is also something gets stronger with the plot . So watch it and I am sure you can love and enjoy it .Was this review helpful to you?
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Truly Destined and then, Appreciation and Affection Follows
I wanted to watch this drama and I am mighty glad that I did. I highly recommend this drama to others.What I love:
- Acting is top-notch from almost everyone.
- ML and FL look good together and have chemistry.
- The wedding scene is the absolute grandest that I have ever scene in reel life (and for me, maybe even in real life).
- This drama is full of intriguing ups and downs. There are parts where things are hilarious, e.g. when FL went to get ML back with a super huge sword, and there are parts where I feel deeply sorrowful e.g. when Gu family's loyal guard died guarding their Gu mansion, when the very nice merchant died while protecting ML and FL, when the Qin female general died protecting the Zhou family. This drama is certainly full of intrigue and full of moments which tug at the heartstrings.
- I also love the good people in the drama e.g. ML's two loyal friends, the very nice merchant who felt indebted to and was immensely grateful to FL, Gu family's loyal workers, Gu family's mother/ FL's mother-in-law (who is the best mother-in-law yet), Zhou Ye, Fan Xuan. . .
- I love how ML is deeply secure and that he recognises how very competent his wife is and he does not dismiss her or tamp her down. He is all right with "eating soft rice" which is cute and endearing.
- I love how ML and FL make their marriage work and the trials and tribulations that they go through to be a real and loving couple who lives and dies for each other.
- I love how competent and talented FL is in earning a lot of money which she freely gives and uses to benefit others.
- I love the happy ending at the end.
What I hate:
- The bad people e.g. Fan Yu, FL's second mother and her daughter who was just like her, Wang Shan Quan, Wang Rong. . . incompetent and immensely wicked people who committed heinous deeds and who were tremendously selfish.
- So much bloodshed. So many good people e.g. ML's good friend, ML's loyal Gu family's guard, Gu family's loyal soldiers, Zhou family's innocent women and children. . . died (when they should not have). Such pain and sorrow!
All in all, the acting is top-notch. This drama production is high-quality. The plot is riveting. Thumbs-up!!
I recommend this as a must-watch (especially for more mature viewers who may find school-age type of dramas kind of unrelatable due to generation gap or just plain boring). It is a pretty breath-taking drama!!
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An excellent historical series, with high budget, addictive and well done.
I didn't know the other actors, but I like the director and especially the ML, Bai Jing Ting ❤❤❤.Warning: I like reading detailed reviews, carefully analyzing the history of the series, the actors, the characters, etc. what people sometimes do on MDL. But I don't have the knowledge for that. So I'm just describing my feelings (in short)!
Plot: the FL, legitimate but disadvantaged daughter of a merchant, is married to the ML, noble, rich, idle and arrogant. She will "put him back on the right path", learn how to do business, and they will face conflicts, war, exile, plots, etc. together. and work together to consolidate the nation.
PROS:
+ 2 excellent main leads (the ML, Bai Jing Ting & the FL, Song Yi), who have a good chemistry.
+ Great general cast, with well-developed 2ndary characters
+ story written with finesse and intelligence, coherent and relatively realistic.
+ dynamic production, without length.
+ Superb costumes, high quality battle scenes, beautifully aesthetic images... ((In particular, a superb episode 27 (battles, 1st kiss, FL in a wedding dress beating the war drum, etc.)) => Big budget!!
+ Epic OSTs, the songs were very fitting and set a dramatic and emotional tone that is infused throughout the show.
CONS:
- The narration is a little slow in the 3rd narrative arc (construction of the dam) even if it is essential to understand the storyline.
- subtitles difficult to follow on certain episodes (display the translation of the song rather than the dialogues).
=> This is a magnificent historical series, addictive and really well done (to watch and rewatch sometimes)...
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Je ne connaissais pas les autres acteurs, mais j'aime bien le réalisateur et surtout le ML, Bai Jing Ting ❤❤❤.
Remarque : J'aime lire les reviews détaillées, analysant finement l'historique de la série, des acteurs, des personnages, etc. que sont capables de réaliser certains viewers. Mais je suis incapable d'en écrire. Je donne donc juste mon ressenti (en bref) !
Plot : la FL, fille légitime mais défavorisée d'1 marchant, est mariée au ML, noble, riche, oisif et arrogant. Elle va "le remettre dans le droit chemin", apprendre à faire des affaires, et ils vont affronter ensemble les conflits, guerre, exil, complots, etc. et œuvrer ensemble pour consolider la nation.
PROS :
+ 2 main leads excellents ( le ML, Bai Jing Ting & la FL, Song Yi), avec bonne alchimie.
+ TB cast général, avec personnages 2aires bien développés
+ story écrite avec finesse et intelligence, cohérente et relativement réaliste.
+ réalisation dynamique, sans longueur.
+ Des costumes superbes, des scènes de bataille de haute qualité, des images d'une esthétique soignée... ((Notamment, un superbe épisode 27 (batailles, 1e kiss, FL en robe de mariée battant le tambour, etc.)) => Gros budget !!
+ OST épiques, bien adaptées aux émotions transmises.
CONS:
- narration un peu lente dans le 3e arc narratif (construction du barrage) même si c'est indispensable à la compréhension de la storyline.
- sous titres difficiles à suivre sur certains épisodes (affichent la traduction de la chanson plutôt que les dialogues).
=> Excellente série historique, addictive et bien menée.
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A decent Wuxia drama with good acting, but too long and draggy. Probably better with 30 episodes
Finally, I finished "Destined." starring Bai Jing Ting and Song Yi. The story is about Liu Yu Ru, the only legitimate daughter of a former cloth merchant living a stoic life with her mother in a household where they're mistreated despite their status. Due to a misunderstanding, she is married off to Gu Jiu Si, the notorious son of Yangzhou's wealthiest family, infamous for his idle lifestyle and indolent ways. At first, Gu Jiu Si does not like Liu Yu Ru, believing her to be calculating and scheming. As she settles into her new life, she learns business from her welcoming mother-in-law while growing closer to Gu Jiu Si. However, the storm clouds of war are gathering on the horizon, and the Commissioner of Yangzhou creates endless days of terror, forcing the Gu family into unimaginable circumstances. As the couple grows closer through their hardships, the benevolent pair becomes destined for greatness.The story is good and believable; however, I found it a bit too long and fell asleep watching it. I also FF many scenes and episodes to move the story along. The acting is good from the entire ensemble. BJT and SY did a good job, but I think the one who acted the best was Zhao Zi Qi, who played Gu Jiu Si's mother.
I give it a 7.0 rating, and I would give a higher rating if the drama were to be cut short by 10 episodes. The first 25 episodes were good; 25-35 were too boring and repetitive. The last 5 episodes were more interesting after the Emporer died.
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One of the best drama for me!!
First the story-line, it's great and solid, well packed and the ending wasn't rushed. And this is the best chemistry I've ever seen in any drama, I feel like the leads are real marriage couple!! Every actors and actresses are talented, and they really choose the perfect pairing, every single character shined with their plot and emotions, I've watch some dramas of Song Yi and I wasn't really satisfy but here she improve soo much!! Bai Jing Ting did a awesome job here too with his character and shout out to actor Liu Xue Yi for portraying the emotions very well. And the cinematography is really suit with the drama, I like the costumes and accessories and the OSTs are really great too!! This is one of the best drama for me and definitely in my Top-3 list!! ( Overall 9.5/10 )Was this review helpful to you?
A Great Costume palace Drama
destiny is a good drama, even though there are some flaws in this drama but it doesn't reduce the quality of the story in this drama. and as usual bai jing ting always acts well, the chemistry with the female lead is also good. I always like stories where the main character is smart, wise and good at fighting. destined is a drama where we can see all the intelligence in business, the intelligence in managing the court and intelligence in war strategy.this drama is a package of everything. I like this drama because there is a bit of vibe from the drama the story of minglan where the female lead has a problem with her family and the female actor is so smart in handling everything......
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