Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 (2022)

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 end

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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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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!)

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"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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Overall enjoyable but no re-watch value

-Overall cast acting was wonderful. Everyone did their jobs admirably even if I didn't like all the characters.
-Character development was fine with special shout out for the complex dynamic between Emperor/Empress/Consort, and the nuanced portrayal of Yuan Shen.
-Chemistry between the leads was sweet but no fireworks for me.
-My enjoyment of the romance was diminished by CSS's constant assertion of victimhood. The lack of ownership for her own immature behaviors towards authority got tiring after repeated occurrences. There are other "victims" too, like Lou Yao who had to marry for duty, all the ladies married off to loveless marriages for political reasons, people whose entire clans get massacred etc CSS is loyal and kind towards those who don't oppose her actions but is unrepentant and wilfull when called out for bad or unsafe behaviors. Sort of a cross between Mary Sue and spoiled child. It's only until someone she loves is seriously hurt or near death that she capitulates and becomes remorseful. Overall, CSS characterization is frustrating and hard to root for.
-Series felt draggy in parts with uneven pacing. I started with binge watching the series but by episode 30+, I started to lose steam with zero emotional investment at the end.
-Too many whiny, spoiled princesses and jealous "mean girl" situations. These scenes appear to "justify" CSS's vengeance and make her out to be righteous with petty retributions in disregard to rules and propriety.
-Leo Wu is hot.

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If this drama deserves a 10, then every other drama rated a 10 is really just a 7

STORY (10/10) [MAJOR SPOILERS!]
Part 1:
I thought of quitting because the first six episodes were A BORE but I'm so glad that I stuck through with it. I think story-wise it was actually a good choice to start slow-paced, introducing the Cheng family and establishing Shaoshang's personality first, before getting into Buyi's shenanigans.
Part 1 is very much centered around Shaoshang and the Cheng family and it takes a bit to get used to the large ensemble of characters (I had a hard time figuring out who was who until around episode 20). The characters are all very humane, and while I hated when her family who hurt Shaoshang, there were times when I couldn't help but understand and empathize with them. Shaoshang resents her mom, but as the audience, we can't help but sympathize with both sides because they each have their relatable and pitiful aspects. The highlight was definitely the character development of Shaoshang—each life-changing event she went through made my heart pound with excitement. She genuinely moved me so much. I usually hate her kind of character—naive, arrogant, childish—but she quickly won me over because she was so much more than that one-dimensional archetype. She resented her family yet also yearned to be accepted by them. At the same time, she was too arrogant to bow her head and compromise her freedom in favor of filial piety. As the audience, we watch her internal struggles as she grows as a person and matures—she may seem unrealistically capable at times, but it doesn't mean that she's always right.
Now onto Buyi, who has a more backseat role in these episodes while Shaoshang figures her life out. He clearly hides many secrets, but as the audience (and from Shaoshang's perspective), we can't help but be attracted to this mystery. He is quite morally gray, only displaying a composed, solemn exterior while falling hard for Shaoshang. One qualm I had about their early love story was how I felt the pursuing part of their relationship (on Buyi's end) felt a bit unnatural. He was subduing his emotions but all of a sudden expresses them very outwardly—its ferocity didn't feel justified enough by the end of Lou Yao and Shaoshang's betrothal (I get how he's like "now's my chance!!" but it felt uncharacteristic of him at the time). But otherwise I actually kind of liked how he just abruptly proposes the be betrothed to Shaoshang without asking her beforehand. I'm soooo sick of a complex ML that falls for the FL and suddenly becomes an obedient puppy with no personality trait except for being down bad for the FL. I'm glad he still retained his traits of being strong-willed and hard-headed although he loved Shaoshang to death. The last episode where Shaoshang realizes her feelings and runs in slow motion down the corridor is soooo touching and doesn't seem forced at all even though it's sudden expression/recognition of her emotions.

Part 2:
Once you get used to the large ensemble of characters, the drama wastes no time and throws you into Part 2, where an even larger ensemble of characters centering around Buyi and the palace people await. Once again, like the beginning of Part 1, Part 2 also starts off slow-paced as the audience is introduced to all the political intrigue and dynamics within the palace. I once again almost quit but had faith and endured the first few episodes, which are all just political intrigue and introduction to a huge ensemble of side characters. The old supporting characters the audience has grown attached to are seemingly getting abandoned/neglected, but thankfully, they're brought back later throughout the story and incorporated naturally throughout. I felt that the character development of all the side characters only centered around the MCs, but I realized that it was quite the opposite. Characters such as Qiqi experience great change off screen, which makes the worldbuilding more believable—the world didn't revolve around the MCs. This is the first time in a drama where I actually like the members of the royal family—they're all hilarious and quickly become as endearing as the Cheng family. The story made me love characters I hate and hate characters I love (so deep). The plot thickens and comes to its climax in the last 15-10 episodes. Compared to the earlier episodes, the vibe is very angstry and dark as Buyi enacts his revenge and his relationship with Shaoshang falls apart. As a fangirl I hated this, but at the same time, I loved this kind of moral dilemma, and how they finally accepted each others' differences and compromised, finding mutual respect and trust in the end. My favorite scenes were definitely the episode 43 fight scene and the episode 48 bloody banquet scene. Just... no words. Episode 51 feels like the end in an alternate, dystopian world and made me feel like I could never last 5 more episodes of this depressing atmosphere. Shaoshang felt like a shell of her former self, but I realized this is just her new self, and it makes sense. It's impossible for someone to go through that much trauma and still be a bubbly teenage girl after all that. Not only does this story have the best character development, but it also doesn't neglect any side plots. The second I wonder about a certain character not appearing for a hot minute/a seemingly neglected side plot, the drama gives the audience closure. Also side note, Yuan Shanjian was suchhhh a gentleman, and although I didn't have SML syndrome, he so deserves someone who loves him back (and I was kinda sad he didn't get his own love).

Some said the ending was unsatisfactory but I think it was actually pretty nice. The last couple episodes quickly pick up the pace and a slow, fulfilling ending (albeit without a wedding which I would have liked to see considering they even filmed it) with the ensemble of characters looking into the galaxy closes off the story well. Those willing to repent undergo repentance while those with unforgivable sins are dealt with a rightful punishment.

Overall:
I've never watched such a long drama but thank god I stuck through with it. There are a lot of episodes that solely serve to flesh out/introduce side characters so I would say when rewatching, certain episodes could be skipped (hence the 8.5/10)—but this only affects the rewatch negatively in my opinion and adds so much depth to the story, so it's definitely worth it. I think it's actually a good thing the rewatch value is lower than the overall value, as then it means the story was an irreplaceable, once-in-a-lifetime journey. I've never particularly felt bothered with spoilers, but when I was accidentally spoiled about certain important scenes, I was DEVASTATED, which truly shows how amazing this story was.

ACTING (10/10)
I watched Zhao Lusi in The Romance of Tiger and Rose, but she just gave off a typical idol actress vibe and didn't deliver anything outstanding. But in this drama, she definitely won me over, my god. She portrayed the character growth of Shaoshang beautifully. The tremble of her lips as she holds back tears was even different when comparing Shaoshang in the earlier episodes (much more of a little girl) to the latter episodes (mature, resolute, solemn). I will definitely keep an eye out for her future works.

Wu Lei wasn't attractive to me, and I felt like he had no charisma (mostly attributed to how I feel like he's too thin/his build doesn't match his supposed macho general character). I also felt that his acting was too stiff and stone-faced—he felt like a pillar at times. At the same time, I had a little faith and wrote that "he might win me over by the end of the series" in my notes. And win me over he did. From his concealed anger to his explosive anger, I realized that Wu Lei's way of acting isn't an accidental flaw, but rather an intentional choice to potray Buyi as such a character.

Each and every actor felt well portrayed. From the older supporting ensemble to even the petty villain mentioned for a few episodes, every single character was fabulously believable and amazing. I did feel Lou Yao's actor felt a little shallow at times but the final couple episodes where his character experiences growth is adequate enough that I have no other complaints.

PRODUCTION & VISUAL FX (10/10)
This drama definitely has the best cinematography I've seen to date. It isn't grandiose like Fangs of Fortune, but rather bordering on the bounds of realism while pushing beauty to its limits. The color temperature of the scene depending on the emotions, with it raining during the empress' death, fire crackling warmly as Buyi and Shaoshang look lovingly at each other, the mysterious blue of the night sky as the stars of the galaxy watch Buyi and Shaoshang's ambiguous, strained relationship, I could go on and on. Sometimes for cdramas, I cringe on how unrealistic and blatant the wirework is, especially for supposed realistic historical dramas, but the directing of all scenes, especially the fight scenes was immaculate. Other than a couple awkward green screen moments all the CGI and directing is amazing, you can def tell this is a high-end production. This is the first drama where I didn't notice much of the choppy slo-mo camerawork. The slow motion of the camera panning out grandly or intimately capturing every microexpression of the actors' was done beautifully.

OST (10/10)
The music is also the best soundtrack I have heard, and it definitely made the drama feel like an epic tale of self discovery and growth. The directing (with a lot of slow motion) was very appropriate for this kind of grand music. The music wasn't repetitive enough that it felt silly, but there were also a few recognizable tracks that gave the drama its special color.

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Adding to my list of favourite historical dramas!

I have a recent obsession with ZLS so I picked this up although I’m more of a Xianxia fan.

0 regrets. I can probably say this is ZLS’s best performance. All other characters too.

When it gets funny, I’m laughing out loud. When it gets emotional, I am sobbing with tissues in my hand. The ending was slightly rushed and there are grey areas in the story where things were brushed away or brought over very quickly but compensated with everything else.

While this wasn’t just a romance drama and I remember holding off because I read a review saying that it isn’t a very deep love romance like General and I but I beg to differ. I felt every inch of their love even when they were apart, actually maybe more when they were apart than together.

There are many that are annoyed by the FL’s mom and dropped the drama but please don’t! She kind of redeems herself along the way and it wasn’t really a in a second flip which is the usual drama way. While her past actions were inexcusable, you see the way she reflects and learns that she’s wrong.

BRB, rewatching!

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cursed with a meh ending

let me just say, I was super amped after watching part 1. I was so invested and though I could predict thw events happening it was written in ways that I enjoyed and felt all tied well. part 2 started out swimmingly... and then fell to ruins.

unfortunately it fell victim to one of the worst curses in c-dramas I've seen: it had such a lame ass ending that was too slow in the wrong places, and too fast everywhere else. the last 5 episodes take place 5 years later in an attempt to quickly resolve all remaining drama and push that last bit of character development.

the drama slowly matures shaoshang, different crises throughout teaching her different lessons that serve to correct each one of her "flaws". she's an entirely different person by the end. I understand the last lesson she learned was that of forgiveness, and I understand all characters had five years of thinking that we didn't get to see, but God dammit seeing that would have been better than serving life threatening drama up to the last minute. in a drama thats dialogue heavy that rush of action they force at the end is always gonna feel excessive.

I will say I absolutely, positively LOVE the emperor. he is by far my favourite character. he made me laugh so much along with buyi's two attendants. their comic relief was the best.

I wish, oh how I wish, that we could have more slice of life at the end than absolute depression. show healing that doesn't involve explosives and voluntary confinement.

that being said, though the last 10 episodes were dissapointing, it was otherwise a very pleasing drama and I would recommend it to anyone willing to trudge thru. the story of minglan, a drama based on a book authored by the same as that of love like the galaxy, fell victim to a similar muddled up ending.

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First half was better than second half of part 2

This is the review for part 2. But the rating I give here, is for the show as a whole!
I indeed really liked the first 10-15 episodes for part 2.
But sadly the second half of part 2 segment was slightly dissapointing to me.
And with Part 1, I liked the second half more than the first half.

The stroy and the way it progressed in the first 10 episodes of part 2 was really interesting and had funny moments.
I really liked the emperor and empress as well as the consort. These side characters for this show will be some
of the most memorable side characters from a historical c-drama I think.
The acting by our two main leads was really good. I really liked Zhao Lu si, she is really likeable and nice to look at.
I would definitely keep an eye on her future works.
Leo Wu is one of my favourites, ever since I saw him in NIF. He does his role really well in this show too.
With some similarity to his previous The Long Ballad. The other support characters were really good too.

I do like the family bonding and conflicts that were displayed on this show.
And how they were resolved and the many issues shown within those royal families.
The Music was good also, those instrumentals they did was pretty nice and blended well with the scenes.
I think (Galaxy Sigh) is the one I liked the most out of the 3.
I would definitely rewatch the good and satisfying moments this drama had.
Yet the unecessary conflicts that were rushed, I wouldn't.

The ending was good, but yes it could have been a more satisfying one.
I guess they were trying to end it with a fade out, representing the title of the drama.
Because I understood that much from what I saw at the end!
Hence this Drama is wonderfully directed and acted. Yet couple of things would have made it more better.

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─ don't be scared ,  i'm here

I don't even remember how many times I had been recommended to watch this series and after finally watching it, I can understand why people like it that much. It's undoubtedly one of the best historical Chinese dramas I've seen, excelling in writing, production, character development, and acting. The soundtrack and cinematography are also stunning.

I enjoyed how the series is divided into parts focusing on specific groups of side characters, adding depth to the main characters and storyline. The gradual development allows the audience to grow with and understand each character, with a well-balanced mix of heavy and comedic moments.

All of the cast did exceptional job at delivering their characters and improved the quality of this drama. For leads, both Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi knew how to shine their characters ─ not only with their interactions as a couple but also as individuals; Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang are characters that surely will be remembered for a long time. Especially EP48 and EP49 were such a cinema to watch and hold one of the most memorable scenes of the series. The symbolism, the tragic approach, pain, mourning and revenge was shown exceptionally.

Despite its length, it's quite binge-worthy as well. Grasped my attention from the very first episode ─ and had to say, the twist they bring to screen was mind-blowing. I love how everything is so connected and build the overall storyline step by step.

Definitely deserves all the recognition and definitely recommended!

Link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5iJMAN184YZOIZt0EHUAVco&si=RDMkt8afaZQyUk2x

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