This review may contain spoilers
Rules for thee but not for me.
***** a review for part 2 only******I was unexpectedly taken with Part 1, especially with the refreshing performance of Shaoshang's mother and Consort Yue both of whom I still adore. Thus Part 2 really disappointed me.
The main reason is that Part 2 is mostly filler. Primarily, a lot of driving force behind Ling Buyi's revenge was resolved early on in Part 1, so we kind of lost the 'bigger plot' and began to introduce random plot lines that were not foreshadowed in the previous part. Unfortunately this means that there was a huge focus on the romance. Which is a very cliche cdrama romance where Ling Buyi is manly and overbearing and defeats all the 'bad guys', and random plot points are invented as new points of conflict.
The biggest issue with this is that Ling Buyi starts to show us who he really is. And if you think about what he's done... he's not the hero. He's basically a villain disguised as a troubled good guy.
Let's just compare him to the first 'enemy' that he vanquishes in Part 2, which is the Third Princess. What is she guilty of? She pushed Shaoshang into a river and got a snake to bite her, and she said brainless things like 'it's just a human life, nothing more'. She's very cut and dried case of 'stupid and evil'. A 2d villain.
But what does Ling Buyi do in retaliation? There's a reason we have laws and a justice system in civil society. But Ling Buyi takes the law in his own hands, he is both judge and executioner. He kills all the male consorts of the Third Princess. He parades her friends tied up in the streets because of their role as a bystander. He hangs the father of one of the friends up in front of his house for hours, berating him. Is this 'justice'? Maybe this is what Shaoshang means when she says that if someone hurts her, she'll "get thousand fold revenge" later in the show, because she certainly seems to completely support what he's done.
We know he's never been a law abiding kind of guy and in Part 1 it was foreshadowed that he was feared for his brutality by prisoners of war (something which boosts his manly image, I suppose). But it's really hypocritical for him to condemn the 'evil' and 'law breaking' bad guys in Part 2 and then turn around and do things that are just as bad, or worse. Who in the story has murdered more people directly than Ling Buyi? We can count those masterminds on one hand.
There are other faults with Part 2, but this is the greatest one imo: Ling Buyi (and Shaoshang by association) basically abide by the law when it suits them and defy the law when they wish to take "thousand fold revenge". They are not some 'good guys' in this story, but we are expected to pretend they are, and even to root for them. Rules for thee but not for me.
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Much Like the First Part
Same virtues, same faults. This is a very uneven work which does seem to trade off the FL's popularity, but does have bright patches in the look of it, the way many of the secondary (especially the older) actors do so well, some of the humour and the fact that there seems to be less cliched catfighting among the female characters, the grudges that drive the story have more depth towards the end.There are still some painful lapses in characterization and plotting, though much of the script is pretty good, and the acting is likewise very uneven, with many of the supporting cast outshining the leads.
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REWATCH VALUE!!! I am always coming back to this drama when I feel nothing to watch.
This drama rewatch value is real. First time was focusing just plot and excitement for love story. Second time, it gave me thrilling vibe as I solely understand the past of ML. Some dialogue became more meaningful at that time. Third time watching now, more focus to special scene such as red birthday. This time, my soul is immersed totally in background music.Big applause to WuLei… All of his scenes have behind special messages. His soft eyes to FL, Angst eyes to betrayers, Powerful eyes in battles. ❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
Best dramas in 2022 their chemistry, story, lore and act and everything is chef's kiss. You should watch this dramas and you know this dramas is peak ! (sorry not so much reviews and explanation i give to you guys and sorry if this don't help a much.)I really like the dynamics between Cheng Shaosang and Ling Buyi like their support each others and help each others to grow and accomplish their missions. Yeah i know their love story is complicated and many obstacle they had before they end up together. When they first met they focus on their goals then the ML curious about the FL because her personality is different from others and then he got interested in her and want to get close to her. At beginning episodes and chapters the story focus on their lives separately and their owns problems especially the story of FL she's struggle a lot and her family is complicated and miserable and FL have complicated relationship with her mother like her mother and her have different perspective and misunderstanding her behaviour. FL felt her doing is right and just for defensive herself but her mom always think the action her took is to cunning or not ladylike. I felt bad for her because from the start she wasn't got enough attention and love from their parents because the parents is both generals and have missions but the problem the most and crucial is when her grandmother got lured by the evil aunt and treat Niaoniao (Cheng Shaosang) badly so it makes the youth of this young girl as bad and memory and harsh for hers and not fair besides she is biological children of parents but she don't got what she deserve. And for the ML his family got massarce by his own uncle whos is very evil, bad, cunning and greedy, his life is for revenge until he met Niaoniao (Cheng Shaosang) he now learn to love and be loved by someone.
I really like the struggle and effort the ML and FL show to us their dynamics of relationships and always encourage each others and help others whenever their at the bottom or top of their lives their will do the best to help each others out. Well their love story is slow burn romance because the spark of their love begin to risen up in every episodes. I really touched and moved when Niao niao fam is on trouble and got false accusation, she have to relly on herself and have to investigate the cases alone but Ling Buyi never let her do it alone and help hers matters especially since they betrothed to each others he help her until he can find and help her finding his father until Ling Buyi not rest for a bit. The most heartbroken iconic scenes wheres Niao niao and her family help him to escape from "arrest Ling Buyi" because he finally got revenge to his evil uncle and kill him. When they succesfully run but they met the end of the road and they got caught and Ling Buyi have to make hard decisions because he don't want Niao niao to death and got in trouble for him but Niao niao say he promises that they will always relly on each others and never abandoned each others but then Ling Buyi have to make Niao niao disappointed for their vow together because he loves her so much but what he doesn't know that Niao niao is love him so much too but he doesn't want to take a risk to threat Niao niao nor her family live goshh. :'(
They so many scenes that i can't write one by one but it's worth to watch and don't worry guys it's happy ending for them and another support role too and they eventually got married, and us the viewer can breath without restraint :)) so this is all i can says sorry i can't explained the story one by one and not make good review that can help or guide you guys but i hope you guys can see the bigger pictures on another review or comment thank youu.
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Loved some parts, disappointed by the lack of certain (closure) scenes
As I mentioned in my review of part 1: First, I have to mention the cast. This cast makes me want to go back to my previous reviews and reduce the star rating I've given to other dramas' casting. The casting in the drama is SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!! I wish there were a once-in-a-decade "11 stars" option. Every single role was cast perfectly and the actors were perfection in their roles. Seriously, I have never watched a better cast drama than this. And a special shout out to the dude who played the emperor. He was an absolutely delight and perfect in his role.Some parts of this drama were OUTSTANDING, and some were bitterly disappointing. I agree with other reviewers who said sections were extremely draggy. I'd say 40% of this second season was unnecessary slow-motion scenes and reaction shots. This I might've forgiven if the ending didn't feel rushed / unfinished. I was so disappointed in the ending-- especially since so much time was given to pointless side-stories-- that I knocked off 3 stars.
Worse, the ending makes me not want to re-watch any part of this drama again, it'll only remind me of what scenes weren't included (ultimately).
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This review may contain spoilers
“Must Watch” for a Reason!
**This review is for both Part 1 & Part 2. Spoilers given later with episodes numbers are referencing this as one drama, not two separate parts.**Being totally honest, I actually dropped this years ago after only about 8 episodes. I really wanted to watch it because I’m a fan of both the main actors, but I just couldn’t handle how horrible the FL’s mother was to her. But I’ve been on a historical drama binge watching journey recently & this one ALWAYS gets recommended so I thought, “you know what, let’s just give it another try.”
And I’m so glad I did because wowza - this is absolutely beautiful. I now understand why it’s labeled as a must-watch for drama lovers. If you’re like me & have been hesitating for whatever reason, I recommend you just give in & press play so you can experience the beauty for yourself.
It’s a very well done drama. The storyline & pacing are both great (keep in mind that, all together, this drama has 56eps so it’s not going to be fast paced.) There’s a lot of character growth for multiple people, not just the Leads. There are numerous schemes & endless plotting by so many various villains. There’s great slow-burn relationship development. Because there are so many episodes, it allows time for things to really build & progress, giving us a fully developed story rather than just bite sized pieces that make us fill in a lot of holes. (Not that I mind shorter dramas, I’m simply stating facts.)
It’s ultimately the story of a girl who was left behind as her parents (both generals) went to war & the general who falls in love with her at first sight though he’s harboring some pretty big secrets. Neither is perfect; both are flawed. But love doesn’t require perfection, thank goodness 💕
She was raised by her paternal family who mistreated her daily so she’s grown up relying solely on herself for anything she needs. He has a tragic past & his position makes people wary of him. Neither is quick to trust nor does either find it easy to rely on others. But they form a connection during both traumatic moments & humorous ones. When they choose to be together, regardless of their issues & doubts, they form a bond with a depth neither ever imagined; they discover a love the likes of which they weren’t sure existed. Their relationship is tested many, many times. By delulu love rivals & jealous “family” members, as well as political schemes & royal demands. This duo faces a LOT on their journey together, then even more during their 5yrs apart. They do not have an easy & blissful romance, but rather a love that’s forged through trials & tribulations. But it’s a love they both fight for, protect, & long for when it’s lost. Then it’s one they cherish when they have each other back again. (Which, small complaint, it really would’ve been great to see more happy & lovey moments of them after all the baddies are eradicated.)
So, yes, I loved this drama. I liked part 2 more simply because the Leads are a couple then, but part 1 is also filled with many meaningful & memorable moments too! And it’s not just the Leads that I enjoyed, but other characters & aspects as well:
- The oft-times hilarious, matchmaking emperor
- The respect & friendship of the empress & concubine
- The fact that ALL the villains are dealt with one by one throughout the show
- The FL’s brothers & the way they always include, love, & defend her
- The ML’s bromance with his two most-trusted soldiers
- The additional details given in the subtitles (at least on Viki app…)
There’s so much to love about this show! I highly recommend it for fans of the historical genre. Yes, there are hecka toxic characters (& yes, the FL’s mother stays that way for the majority of the show. I get that she doesn’t know how to be a mom to a girl but seriously - that’s no excuse for her abuse!) And there are annoying characters (I’m looking at you, Mr. SML. Just go away until you can leave the FL alone, please!) But there are many really lovable characters too! So push play & enjoy this beautiful journey.
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‼️ SPOILERS OF SOME OF MY FAV MOMENTS/SCENES INCOMING!! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW!! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! 😉‼️
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EP.12 - FL giving ML medical aid for the arrow in his chest. Eyes don’t lie… 🫠
EP.24 - ML’s speech & defense of FL against her mom; their engagement
EP.27 - the drunk piggyback ride. OhEmGee 🤣
EP.29 - the rooftop forehead kiss *swoon*
EP.34 - concubine dealing w/ ML’s “stepmom” & the wicked old royal lady 🙌🏻
EP.36 - ML teaching FL self defense moves
EP.45 - FL’s brother’s “wedding” while in prison - precious!
EP.47 - Leads biting each other to seal an oath 🫶🏻
EP.48 - FL’s family helping her fight to save ML
EP.49 - FL getting ML on the horse. ML sacrificing himself off the cliff. Emotions!
EP.50 - ML not letting them take the string off his wrist even while unconscious, but finally loosening his grip when FL plays flute to soothe him
EP.53 - ML saving her from runaway carriage & refusing to release her as they cling to the mountain 👏🏻 Empress’ final moments (cried so hard!) 😭
EP.55 - that hug upon realizing ML made it out alive…🔥
EP.56 - FL’s whole family riding through the smoke as one to save her, all unsheathing their swords?! Wowza!! “Who dares to harm my Naio Naio?” Perfection! Also, the emperor’s temper tantrum at not being at the wedding, hahahaha!
Feel free to share your favorite moments with me!!
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-⬇️ M O R E 🚫 S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.34 💋
- Together : ep.28 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.51 💔
- BackTogether : ep.55(end) ❤️🩹
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A masterpiece
So many well-rounded characters, the scenes are gorgeous, the music is chill-inducing, the plot develops in such a way that you're always entertained and sometimes even moved to tears...So many themes are present: revenge, love, family (that has to be the number one theme), honor, pride, loyalty, and these obsessions that one can't get rid of and sometimes turn deadly.
It's a story about accepting to let go and moving on.
Zhao Lusi is both funny and immensely dignified in this role, her portrayal of this complex character is truly magical.
This entire drama is a work of art, I will remember those characters forever.
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This review may contain spoilers
Entertaining to watch
It had a great flow. And story line had unexpected turn of events I laughed throughout cried at the end all and all it was enjoyable. It lost half a star because I was hoping to see the long anticipated wedding and that never happened. I loved that General Ling was actually a different person totally and he deceived everyone to save his life. How he loved the FL but also used her when opportunities presented themselves. I hated the fact they wasted 6-7 years but that was forahadowed in part 1. overall all enjoyed it. Just wish a wedding and some kids would have been shown at the endWas this review helpful to you?
phew
This is my personal opinion, review so don’t get upset with me if it doesn’t coincide with your own opinion & review. 😊This show for me had pros and cons, what I love most would be the dynamics (on the latter part of the whole serie), love and support the Cheng family has for Niaoniao, although there were many questionable scenes, sometimes lacking too.
I skipped a few parts as well because it was just too dragging for me, I hoped they were able to fill in the questionable scenes though, instead there were too many add ons of unnecessary scene. The second thing I love most is the dynamics and laughter it had brought me from the empress, to the king so on. There were scenes that I cried but they killed it midway because they try hard too much on putting a comedic scene right before the dramatic scenes.. The ML on my opinion he’s okay, but it seemed as if he only had one facial expression all through out, like wanting to go to the bathroom real bad, that’s just my opinion. I’m really not a fan of Lu si, I think this is the 2nd series that I completed from her, aside from I hear you. The rest I’ve seen but eventually I gave up on them, I don’t know maybe her acting is not my cup of tea, although I’ve watched Bai Lu, and Zhou Ye (my Chinese bias)
lu si, I’ve noticed a big change on her appreance too, too much PS from her beginnings and gradually to the present time, I can’t seem to watch leads who looks too unreal almost plasticky like.
Anyhow, I did laugh and cry on some scenes. It was an okay series for me, but not as how others hyped it about.
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Best Acting
this is the first cdrama I’ve watched where I haven’t felt like skipping any part of it, I really watched it from start to finish even tho there were 56 episodes which is a LOT.Abosultely loved the acting they’ll were phenomenal
all the characters introduced were essential without any fillers and absolutely love how they executed it.
I love lusi, watched many of her dramas and she’s a talented actress but this is my first drama with the ml and he’s just so good, his scenes his expression and the way he conveys emotions with his eyes is excellent.
This is a very long drama but I didn’t even want it to end, I was binging it even when I couldn’t afford to and I absolutely enjoyed it thorough and through.
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This review may contain spoilers
MUST WATCH!!!!
First I am completely in love with Zhao Lusi. EVERY SINGLE DRAMA SHE HAS EVER BEEN IN HAS BEEN GOLD.... So with that being said I am not shocked this has become one of my top 10.... This is my second Leo Wu drama. After that train wreck, he did with Dilraba. I feel like he had ZERO chem with her. Now on about the drama... The overall story was amazing. There wasn't a single loose end that wasn't closed. No unnecessary deaths... (BRAVO) The ending gave us (The viewer) the closure we needed to feel completely sated. Cheng Shaoshang was great. She stuck to her guns and it didn't matter who you were she defended what she believed to be right. I feel like there should be more people like her in the world. (She reminded me a little of Bai Qian...) Ling Buyi..... Oh, Ling Buyi... I would have fallen in love too! Nothing like a strong man who can speak sweet words in one's ears... His overall character is a force to be reckoned with and also someone not to be toyed with. One thing I loved about him was a simple fact that HE NEVER LET ANYONE THINK THEY HAD A CHANCE... Now for the rest of the characters. I found this emperor to be extremely loving and kind to his subjects as well as his children. That is saying a lot cause I have watched a lot of dramas like these and it's almost non-existent... The Emperess Xuan was as kind as they come while Consort Yue took no sh*t. I loved that there was a kind of harmony that most marriages today lack. Those two were cute together as well. All in all, without giving too much away I think this drama was all around perfect. It is a must-watch and it's number 5 on my list. (Yes, it's that good!)Was this review helpful to you?
"Love Like the Galaxy": Stellar Drama of Love, Betrayal, Redemption, and Triumph!
Watching 'Love Like the Galaxy' was like embarking on an emotional rollercoaster with a side of epic fireworks. Zhao Lu Si and Wu Lei delivered performances that were nothing short of spectacular, making this drama an unforgettable masterpiece. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride through a galaxy of masterful acting and storytelling, breathtaking scenery, and secrets that unravel like a perfectly crafted mystery novel. The numerous awards that this drama earned are well deserved!First off, Zhao Lu Si as Shaoshang deserves a standing ovation. Her portrayal was a masterclass in bringing a character to life— an emotional symphony. From her tough upbringing that had me reaching for tissues, to her rebellious streak that had me nodding along in solidarity or shaking my head, to her journey towards strength and maturity that had me cheering like a sports fanatic, Shaoshang’s journey was a wild ride, and Lu Si made sure we were there for every twist and turn. Honestly, I wanted to adopt her, give her a high-five, and ask for her skincare routine all at once. Lu Si, you’ve officially earned the top spot in my "Favorite Actresses Ever" list!
This was my first time watching Wu Lei, and wow, talk about a first impression! He flawlessly embodied the tormented yet magnetic Ling Buyi. It was nothing short of masterful. Wu Lei had me swooning, fearing, hating, and ultimately loving his character. His interpretation was a whirlwind of emotions—from making me swoon with his clumsy romantic gestures, to sending chills down my spine with his explosive portrayal of anger and revenge, teetering on the brink of insanity - instant goosebumps. Ling Buyi’s character growth was profound, making him one of the most compelling leads I’ve ever seen. Hold onto your hearts, people, because this talented actor will steal them with his mesmerizing performance. Wu Lei, consider me your newest fan!
The chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Wu Lei? Absolute dynamite. These two matched each other's intensity in every scene, from their intense gazes to their expressive facial expressions, and the subtle physical nuances that spoke volumes of emotional depth that turn every scene into a visual sonnet of love and longing. They had me believing in love at first sight and falling deeply, madly in love right alongside them. Watching their love story unfold - from love at first sight, betrayal and forgiveness to deep emotional connection is as captivating as stargazing on a clear night.
Let’s not forget the supporting cast, who rounded out the story beautifully with their own character growth and intrigue. And can we give a shout-out to the best emperor ever? Hilariously memorable and perfectly cast!
Kudos to the directors and production team for delivering breathtaking scenery and unraveling secrets that had me shouting "Ah-ha!" as the plot twists unfolded. The political intrigue was handled masterfully, and watching the bullies get their just desserts was like being a cheerleader at the Super Bowl – go team!
The fighting scenes had me on the edge of my seat, gripping my popcorn like a lifeline. I've rewatched this entire drama multiple times, cried, laughed, and yelled at the screen as characters made morally gray choices. I hated, and I loved every decision they made because it made them so much more human, relatable, and utterly unforgettable.
'Love Like the Galaxy' is a must-watch. It’s packed with gripping drama, epic love, breathtaking visuals, and well-rounded character growth. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on an emotional, unforgettable journey. Do yourself a favor and dive into this stellar masterpiece. Grab some tissues, clear your schedule, and prepare for a wild, emotional ride —you won’t regret it!
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