A Journey to Love

The drama that touched my soul

When I first heard of this drama, I tried to watch the beginning but I didn't have enough time to watch it so I waited for a few more months. After when I had enough time to see it, the female lead ATE! That's when I knew the show was going to be good. I was also aware of the heart aching ending but it isn't my first time seeing these kinds of ending.

I feel bad for Liu Yu Ning being the most bullied actor for his looks, but man doesn't even look "ugly" like many call him. He executed his roles perfectly and I thought that was fine as hell. The costume choice and hair works really well on him too. An amazing singer for OSTs I would say. He's successful and laughing to the bank while haters will just hate.

I haven't heard much about Liu Shishi, but she did amazing in this drama. Although she is a cold assassin, I like that she shows some emotions unlike many other actors when playing a cold and aloof characters. At least express some joy on your face for once, it's going to get boring if viewers are seeing the same facial expression throughout the show. However, this drama got feelings and I am living for that. Speaking of facial expressions, there's also the actor playing Qian Zhao, man I love this character because he can cracks jokes with a poker face. There was a time when he wanted to kill the freed emperor to avenge his Heaven Realm brothers, you can hear the pain in his voice. Props for him as well.

I absolutely adored the combat scenes with Ning Yuanzhou and Ren Ruyi, that was extremely satisfying to watch. The agile movements and how they escape flying blades and arrows by a hair. Their sword moves *chef kiss*

One thing that made me go "huh?" was the last five episodes. Although I gave this show an overall 10/10, there were pretty random moments. The wedding scene, Yang Ying just appeared and declared her marriage with Li Tongguang for political reasons, I think that could've been done better? And the death scene of the Six Realms brothers just stacking on top of one another feels a bit rushed. Yuan Lu could've died a more honorable death rather than from exhaustion. However, every death of the Six Realm brothers that occurred felt like a knife cut in the heart huhu.

I want to say that they are reunited at the end after death, but who's kid is that at the end? Did NYZ and RRY fake their deaths? I need this question answered by the production team. I don't want to have my own interpretation. I don't remember the Chu Yue having any close bond with RRY and NYZ to be able to have an imagination of their kid.

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Bold, epic with a slight stumble to the end

There is a lot to love about this drama - it is epic in scope and dares to tell a complicated tale not only of love but also of friendship, duty to one's country and respect for your fellow man (or woman). Above all, it features many complex characters that develop throughout, notably several strong female characters including our fearless female lead, Ren Ruyi (played by Liu Shi Shi).

Ren Xin, a former deputy leader of the Scarlet Guards of the State of An, is framed for the death of Empress Zhaojie and forced to reinvent her identity as Ren Ruyi. While on her own quest to avenge the Empress, Ruyi comes across Ning Yuanzhou (Liu Yuning), himself also the former deputy leader of the State of Wu's Liudao Pavilion (a sort of spy organization not dissimilar to An's Scarlet Guards), who is busy trying to leave the world of court politics behind. They find themselves working together and join the diplomatic entourage bearing special envoy Prince Li (who is actually Princess Yang Ying in disguise) to An to rescue the Emperor of Wu.

While the story may sound complicated on paper, it is actually quite easy to follow and watch, a testament to the strength of the show's writing and performances. Particularly in the first half of the drama, with the entourage's long journey as the framework for the show, we get a terrific balance of adventure, exciting fight sequences and character development. Under Ruyi and Yuan Zhou's guidance, Yang Ying (He Lan Dou) transforms from cowardly princess to steely prince in what is to me the most satisfying and interesting arc of the entire show. Along the way, we also get to know NYZ's gang: the pretty playboy Yu Shi Shan (a hilarious Alen Fang), kind and cheerful Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei), stoic and loyal Qian Zhao (Wang Yi Zhe), and lover of all furry things Sun Lang (Li Huan).

At midway, the drama sags a bit when Li Tong Guang (relative newcomer Chang Hua Sen) meets up with the rest of the cast as his character devolves into an injured puppy in what is probably the least desirable arc of the show - his obsession over his former master Ren Xin. I would not have minded a few episodes of this, as I understand what the writer was probably going for. Having suffered a difficult childhood and losing his mother and master during his youth, I can see why he would latch onto his master at their reunion, but 10 episodes of this is overwrought and threatens to undermine his character's development from boy to man and from general to de facto leader of a nation. Fortunately, LTG's scenes with Yang Ying towards the end of the drama somewhat salvage things for me. But it is a bit too little too late.

Then we have the final 6 episodes or so, which zoom by at a more frenzied pace, making one wish perhaps less time spent on obsessive LTG would have translated to a smoother build to the climax and a more satisfying conclusion. And while I enjoy Chu Yue's (and Chen Hao Yu's performance) scenes with Yu Shi Shan, from a writing standpoint the story did not really need her character in there to work. Personally, I would have liked the ending scene to have included YY and LTG instead. Looking at the narrative and characters, these two are the most affected by our main leads, and lacking a conclusion (or at least some kind of denouement) to their story is a disappointment.

Ultimately, however, the many merits of this drama outweigh the downsides, and this is one you do not want to miss for this year if only for the truly great creation of many strong, multifaceted female characters (including villains). If I had watched this before Story of Kunning Palace (to which I gave a 9), I probably would have rated Kunning lower, as this is by far the superior of the two recent costume dramas in terms of story, characters, performances and music.

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It's a journey you must watch!

For the first time in a long while, I'm able to watch a drama without skipping any episode. I applaud the writer for her originality and most importantly, making the flow of the story very sensible and entertaining. In addition to that, the directors did a fantastic job for bringing the story to life. All the characters in the show are well rounded regardless if they are the main, sub main, or supporting characters. I would blab for too long if I talk about each character that stands out to me (because they all do!) in the show, so I will only briefly mention my top three favorites. Liu Yu Ning played his character, Ning Yuan Zhou, flawlessly. I already liked him in the Long Ballad, but now it's more like love. Liu Shi Shi's comeback to drama land as Ren Ruyi has been her best performance so far. I love the fact that the writer made the two main characters so similar and fitting for each other; Both are leaders, strong willed, smart, and loyal to their country and men til the end, yet when they stand apart they both shine differently. You will need to watch the show to appreciate the chemistry between Ning Yuan Zhou and Ren Ruyi because words cannot justify the feelings you get when watch the main leads tangle. Yang Ying is the third character that I came to love. She is the one that I see has grown the most in her character as she journeyed into the unknown and utilized the power of her royal blood not for her selfish desire but her country.
This drama overall started well and ended well, but not satisfactory (warning for those who wish for a happy ending). However, because of the merits the drama has built up (i.e. character development A+, story development A+, music A+), I came to accept the ending as is. My one and only complaint of this show is the last scene in the last episode. I feel it should be Yang Ying instead of Chue Yue because Yang Ying had a closer relationship with all the members of Luido Hall and Ruyi. She was practically part of the gang! Her presence in the last scene would generate a stronger sense of appreciation of seeing Ning Yuan Zhou, Ruyi, and the rest of gang galloping through the fields and tie it all up nicely. Would I watch it again? Of course! 40 hours of your life will be well spent if you binge this show (and it should be binged).

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Loved every aspect of this! All the characters was soooooo lovable! Yes-even LTG. The core 6 was so adorable and cute. Their Journey was filled with so much blood. But even then, they found little moments to enjoy each other's presence and to even fall in love - RY and NYZ. The main couple was so mature about their relationship. They were both clear with what they want. They communicated with one another and confided with one another which brought so much trust even when one was a spy and the other was an assassin. LSS did amazing as always and killed it with her role. LYN did a great job bringing the awesome and talented leader of Six Realms Hall to life.

The character that surprised me the most was Princess YY who had the most character development- from someone so naiive and weak to someone who was brave and intelligent all thanks to her "parent' NYZ and RRY. I am glad that she did not become someone who betrays her people but stayed so loyal. Yuan Lu was so adorable. he trusted and stood by his Six Realm Hall team till the end. His death was expected but unnecessary and ridiculous. uuggggh. Still can't get over it. QZ was the cool guy in the team. He held an unreadable face which at some point made me despise him but still ended up loving him either way.

And last but not YSS, my favorite character. He was the joy of the group. He was the comdeic break- our one and only handsome man. Like the other members of Six Realms Hall, he was loyal, maybe even more than YL and QZ to NYZ not to women. LOL. He was the second in command to NYZ and I can see why. Though he claims to be a womanizer, his heart was set on CY but due to circumstances of the country, he knew he would die thus choosing not to love her. Their love line was so cute and ended when it didn't even start yet-what a pity. LTG was such a baby through and through. When you think "oh he's gonna grow" he doesn't.

The plot was literally the core 6 journey mixed with politics. It was great to see them all grow to be heroes in the end and bringing peace. Last 6 episode, I thought it felt it was rushed, the cutting of the scenes felt off and the death of the main characters were UNECESSARY but understanding i guess. I'd definietly rewatch this again.

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This drama is amazing would recommend

I started this drama a few days ago and loved it. The actors all had great chemistry with each other.. the casting choices were great. I loved how all the characters were written, they were all unique and the way they interacted showed there different personalities really well.

I really enjoyed the plot and how there weren’t any plot holes or unnecessary plots added were you would wonder why they added it when it doesn’t make sense. I really wanted this drama to have a happy ending for the characters but the ending makes sense and was done really well.

I rated everything a 10 except rewatch value…I definitely think I will rewatch it someday but not anytime soon since I don’t want to cry the minute I start it but maybe when I’m more emotionally stable I’ll give it a try. Just thinking about the show makes me want to cry.

When Qian Zhou died I started bawling I had trouble watching whenever another character died I would cry even more. By the second to last episode I was crying so hard that I had hard time catching my breath.

I really grew attached to these characters they were great and the show itself is amazing I really recommend this drama.

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A journey to love, more like a journey to heaven

"A Journey to Love" brings one of the most badass female leads we've seen in historical Chinese dramas. Liu Shishi absolutely nails it as Ruyi, a fierce female assassin who's not your typical dainty heroine. She's tough, and ruthless. If I were in a dangerous world, I'd definitely want her on my side, alongside Liu Yuning's character, Yuanzhou, aka Boss Ning.

Now, some people have complained that Liu Yuning isn’t "handsome enough" to be a male lead, but seriously, who cares? This guy is all about character. He’s smart, capable, fiercely loyal to his comrades, and can fight like a beast to protect the people he cares about. He reminds me of the General from The Rebel Princess—another leading man who won everyone over with his skills and integrity, not just his looks.

What really sets this drama apart, though, is its unique plot and well-developed side characters. The gang from Liudao Hall, who travel with Ruyi and Boss Ning, are just as fun and layered as the leads. Everyone has their own backstory, making the journey feel rich and immersive. From start to finish, I enjoyed every episode because it was different from the usual historical C-dramas out there.

This show is a solid mix of romance, action, and character development, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre!

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Loved the Journey

First, gotta love a title that can be perceived two different ways that both apply to the whole series. For me, most everything organically came together fairly well with a little bit for everybody – some gender-bending (with a fairly believable young Princess being passed off as a Prince – good makeup); a collection of bromantic brothers whose personal quirks made for enjoyable interaction; a sharp, no-nonsense heroine played and flawed to perfection, enough natural light humor to encourage viewer uplift; moments for tears and unavoidable sadness.

Spot on martial arts work and effects! And an amazing soundtrack that did what every soundtrack SHOULD do…not just provide background filler for dubbed audio, but actually have lyrics that bring more meaning to the narrative. It shadowed the character’s emotional state when dialogue would have been too preachy or flat. The music also punctuated humor, and intensified urgency, chaos or success whether during a graphic battle, or in a character’s thoughts. To me this well-crafted soundtrack added so much more feeling to the acting.

My personal preference for romance – feelings that organically develop from a spark of connection, aren’t maudlin, melodramatic or slo-mo’d to infinity, and fit the characters’ personalities (example: Liu Yuning and Liu ShiShi conversation over tea at an outdoor table - his leg randomly shakes as he tries to impress her while realizing he’s desire-rich and romance-poor. Well timed and acted!)

The ensemble cast, in my opinion, was a director’s dream. Their quirky but effective interactions made each one special as an individual and endearing as part of a twosome or team. By the end of the series, it was these special characteristics that made it almost agonizingly difficult to keep from missing anyone who was suddenly gone. The comradery seemed well-acted and very compelling through the story.

The story itself was sufficiently engaging, with enough twists to hold my interest. My only “uh,hmm, well” comment was the “Game of Thrones Ending Syndrome” – a seeming rush through to the finale that even included a brief piece of “…and THIS all happened…and now to cut back to our action…” narrative that could have been more effectively presented as actual scenes. The following individual angsty climaxes left me disappointed that such a wonderful bunch of characters got the bums rush to the Finale.

For the most part, A Journey to Love seemed to do what its title suggested: took its characters from virtual rags to riches where each rose from pathetic or mundane origins to a pinnacle of personal greatness that made each one’s life an ultimate success. No regrets.

Yeah, though in some ways it wasn’t perfect, I loved the Journey. I’d go again.

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Awesome Wuxia drama with a disappointed ending. I would rate higher if it has a better ending.

"A Journey to Love" is a Wuxia drama starting Liu Shi Shi (Cecilia Liu), Liu Yu Ning, Alen Fang, Chen You Wei, He Lan Dou, and Wang Yi Zhe.

The Synopsis: Female assassin Ren Ru Yi, the former left envoy of the Scarlet Guards, becomes a member of the Wu State's escort delegation to save the King of Wu, who has been taken hostage by the State of An. Together with Ning Yuan Zhou, the leader of the Wu State's Six Realms Hall, the free-spirited Yu Shi San, Princess Yang Ying, clever teen Yuan Lu, and the imperial guard Qian Zhao, they experience love, life, death, and grow together.

I enjoyed the drama, and all cast members' acting is undeniably good, especially Cecilia Liu, the FL. Liu Yu Ning did a decent job as ML as well.

I also like He Lan Dou; she did a better job in this drama than in "Tiger and Crane." The kung fu fighting scenes were good, except for the last 5 episodes, where some of the fighting scenes were unrealistic, like in the WRTW drama.

I was going to give it an 8.5 rating, but I am downgrading it to 8.0 because I didn't like the ending where Ning Yuan Zhou and his comrades were all killed, which was a big disappointment.

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Amazing Female lead

I thoroughly enjoyed the drama; the dynamic
between the protagonists, portrayed by the female and male actors, was captivating. The chemistry between them was particularly impressive.

The plot was outstanding, and I appreciated the character development. Both protagonists maintained compelling storylines.
I appreciate the positive aspects of this plot, particularly its gentle portrayal of relationships and the subtle exploration of feminism. It's well-executed.
What stood out to me the most was the consistency of the female character's role as an assassin from start to finish, she unwaveringly kept her thirst for blood, adding a unique and intriguing element to the narrative.

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