Storytelling with so much strength and compassion....
Ahhhhh....I love this whole story! I'm only on episode 22 out of the 40 but I've been seriously hooked the whole time! The story and characters are so well crafted. I feel like this was the writer's "baby," and they took their time on it!The main leads are a couple who work through things, grow, and are seriously loyal to each other(when their loyalty has been finally won❤️). ML is strong, kind and so understanding. In a way that is not weak, but makes you admire and love him like all his team do, while FL is strong in a way that doesn't just run over the other people(which I really appreciate these days❤️), while still totally owning her space and queening it! Gosh! I actually like her, which can't be said for all chinese FL.
And seriously, the fight scenes are awesome!! So much beautiful chinese action.
The music is enjoyably in the back-round, while still having moments where is really shines and highlights the greatness of the story. I like how it has a bit of modern twist to it.
The whole story is gripping and engaging, keeping me watching with so many twists and turns, but with enough moments of rest, to keep the pacing excellent.
And the side characters are such a good balance of funny, loyal and actually smart(who would have guessed?😁). The main couple is still def the main focus, with all the other characters having enough time to let you enjoy and love them, without taking up annoyingly large amounts of the story time.
Gripping, beautiful, healing, engaging and deep storytelling right here! Thank you to all who worked on this masterpiece!❤️❤️❤️
P.s. this is my first review ever. When I saw no one else had reviewed it I thought I must! So you wouldn't miss out on this gem. And the only reason I gave it just a 8 star rewatch value, is because I personally rarely rewatch dramas.
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A journey to Death ,
Biggest plot --- This drama has shows us what a badass female lead looks like ... she do not hesitate while killing at all .I will spoil all of you that All of the casts died at the end of episodes So if you don't want to see - deaths of beloved ones , then this drama is not for you.
this drama has many shortcomings as when it starts it is very slow paced then after 20 ep this drama is running with great pace but at last 6 ep they rushed the whole drama and completely ruined it ..
this is one of those types drama which has very high potential but can't express it --- how great it would look like when a Assasin falls in love with enemy country secret agency commandant
the thing i like the most is they welll showed character development of yang ying ...
I also think I come in that minority group who thinks that although this drama has many romantic scenes but I can not feel any romantic sparks between our leads , i like the story between yu shisan and chu yue although it has not even started but then yu shisan is dead ...
at middle of drama i was thinking that it is the best wuxia genre but now my hopes are completely ruined ...
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No, no, no
This is a disaster.Deadpan face female lead.
No chemistry between the male and female leads.
Action that picks up once in a while, but most of the movie is carried by exposition of feelings, rather than acting of feelings, with long pseudo dialogues which are in fact monologues.
Over the still water of countless cheesy scenes comes thundering down the music, overpowering dialogue, acting and everything else in its path.
Hard to watch are all sorts of stupid decisions on the part of the scriptwriter and director.
Imagine that the main protagonists are in the middle of full scale war, and for the purpose of professing their love, the whole battle around them simply disappears. Literally. What was a field full of fierce warriors becomes an empty set. And this is a recurring feat on the part of the scriptwriter and director.
Or script inconsistencies that show how long are the distances and how hard it is to cover them, to then see, in the blink of a cinema frame, how the main characters pop up in cities far apart.
Ridiculous.
I, honest to God, have no idea why the score for this movie is so high.
As viewers we are suspposed to suspend logic, to enjoy a story, for years or months do not pass in a few hours of movie.
However, once our heads are inside the story, having accepted the premise, we should not have our sense of logic and consistency trashed.
It is disgraceful.
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Epic CDrama… until the "Ten Years Later" Epilogue
Just finished watching A Journey To Love, and WOW, what a ride. 🎬✨The production quality was top-tier. From the breathtaking cinematography to the soundtrack that perfectly complemented the tone of each scene, it was a visual and emotional feast.
The main characters were complex and incredibly well-written. Ren Ruyi, played by Liu Shishi, was a fierce assassin with emotional baggage and a thirst for revenge 🔥 Ning Yuanzhou, played by Liu Yuning, was equally complex. As an official guard with breathtaking martial arts skills, he had this quiet, inner conflict between his duty and his desire for a peaceful, simpler life. Their journey was filled with tension, struggle, and undeniable chemistry that carried the entire plot.
Of course, the supporting characters also added extra layers of intrigue and entertainment.
Liu Shisan, played by Alan Feng, was a womanizer, yes—but hilarious and over-the-top in the best way. His antics kept things light and fun, and even though his character could not free himself from his attachment issues, he was consistently entertaining. 😂
Then there’s He Lan Dou as Yan Ying, the princess. Her transformation from a timid girl to a fierce, ambitious woman was so satisfying to watch. Her growth felt earned, and I loved seeing her take charge of her destiny. 👑💥
The soundtrack was chef’s kiss, the martial arts and fighting scenes were really good and the costumes were just gorgeous. The attention to detail in both areas really helped immerse you in the world, making it feel so grand and well-crafted. 🎶👗
The first half of the drama was surprisingly funny and entertaining. It set the tone with plenty of lighthearted moments, humor, and witty banter between the characters, making it an enjoyable watch. While there were still serious undertones and the drama's bigger stakes were being laid out, the first half felt breezier and more fun. The romance was playful, and the character dynamics kept me laughing. 😄
Then, in the middle, things slowed down a bit. The romance took center stage more heavily, and while I liked the chemistry between the leads, it did feel a little slow and cheesy at times. Still, those slower moments didn’t last long, and once the plot picked up again, it got really interesting.
The second half of the drama had some seriously unexpected twists. There were so many shocking developments, and the story kept me on my toes. The stakes got even higher, and you couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next. There was never a dull moment once the drama hit its stride again.
Then… the epic climax hit. And wow, this was the moment that had me completely gripped. It was the kind of finale that leaves you breathless. Every twist and turn had been leading up to this—and it delivered. The tension, the stakes, the payoff? Absolutely mind-blowing. The action was intense, the emotions were raw, and it was everything I had been waiting for. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. 😍🔥
But then... the "ten years later" epilogue happened, and I’m not sure what they were going for there. 🤔 The shift was so jarring and felt completely out of place. They tried to give us an uplifting resolution, but it honestly felt more melodramatic than satisfying. It sort of killed the emotional weight of everything we’d just experienced. 😬
Final Thoughts:
If you’re in it for the breathtaking visuals, unforgettable performances, and epic storytelling—this drama definitely delivers. But if you’re someone who needs a clean, emotionally-resonant ending, be warned that the epilogue—though short—might leave you feeling a bit puzzled. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of moment. 😅
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A Journey to Love is one of the best wuxia productions that, even if the screenwriter, producer, and director turned delusional in the last eight minutes of the grandiose last episode, it does not take away from the fact that it is one of the best period legend dramas in matters of cinematography, costumes, writing, and a strong, smart, and passionate cast that has one of the best written dynamics in complex human interactions. This drama is fast paced and due to the fact that it has multiple leading characters, there’s never a dull moment. The audience is pulled into the plot and gets totally invested in the main characters and some great supporting characters as well. Although the plot deals with revenge and justice seeking themes, the story is really a beautiful and bittersweet tale about friendship, loyalty, romance, and the fine line between what is right or wrong in order to achieve justice. The main cast did an excellent job bringing their complex and ambivalent characters into life. And lets talk a bit about the extraordinary leading couple; the strong, smart, stiff, and frigid female assassin Ren Ru Yi / Ren Xin (played by Liu Shi Shi) an the intelligent, enigmatic, and resolute strategist Ning Yuan Zhou (played by Liu Yu Ning) which met by coincidence and found themselves working together for mutual benefits and, in the process of leading Wu's State's escort delegation to save the King of Wu who has been taken hostage by the State of An, formed a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding that leads to a steadfast and beautiful love story. SPOILER ALERT:Now to the end, what were they thinking? This is one of the rare dramas in which a tragic ending is written in a beautiful and mesmerizing way making it clear to the audience that the leading couple gave their all, saved many lives, and fulfilled their promise to live and die together. [After sustaining multiple injuries, the leading man was pierced all around his waist by nine spears, all at the same time, with blood gushing out while she says in despair: “You broke your promise again.” Then the leading lady goes to the Beipan enemy encampment, gathers all the leaders in a tent and, as she killed the Prince, she closes her eyes and, in her thoughts, she says: “Yanzhou. You’re gone. It’s too lonely for me… in the world.” Then she immediately throws two of Yuan Lu’s bombs and the tent bursts into flames following the blast.] So, why giving the audience the implausible ideas that they survived, had children, and are living their dreamed life? How ridiculous!!!!! If the audience stops at the 40 minute mark of the last episode before they announced: [Ten or so years later], it will avoid ending up scratching its head, in disbelief!
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Good until it wasn’t
I enjoyed the first 15 episodes or so. The storyline was interesting, and the series is fairly well produced. That said, I felt it was about 10 to 15 episodes too long. It became repetitive and the last 5-6 episodes just completely nonsensical.This the only series that actually upset me. I don’t necessarily need a happy ending 100% of the time, but this one goes beyond. Every single “main” character is killed, one at the time. I was hoping for a least one higher note, but no. They killed every last one. I am not sure why, but I felt betrayed by the overly tragic ending.
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4 POINTS I PICKED UP IN 22 EPISODES
Ning Yuan Zhao (Liu YuNing) is the wise leader of Six Dao Hall Wu State on mission to escort young naive Prince(ss) Yang Ying to enemy kingdom to bring ransom money and to free jailed-king. He took 4 accomplish able men which are Yu Shi San (Alen Fang) is a good friend, handsome and flamboyant. Playboy and easy going personality (very different character from he used to) very attractive, he's crème de la crème. Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei) 18 yo loyal follower of Yuan Zhao, famous with his mechanical device creations. Qian Zhao (Wang Yi Zhe) a trusted guard of the Empress and old friend of Yuan Zhao, his expertise are cooking, medicine & poison. Sun Lang (Li Huan) most trusty guard from Human Division from Six Dao Hall incharge with guards & attendants. A long the way, Yuan Zhao realize that he needs a female preceptor to teach naive Prince(ss) Yang Ying how to navigate politic, manner, deportment so he invites Ren RuYi (Liu Shi Shi) to tag along, the former left envoy of the State of An Zhu Yiwai that has her own reason to agree. The story is the long journey (up to ep 18) they're still in the border Wu State and An State. She finds love, friendship, understanding, & brotherhood.4 points I pick up from this drama:
FIGHTING CHOREOGRAPHY/MARTIAL ART
It's entertaining. I don't know how the choreographer did, but it's nice to look at to. It might just a show, edit here and there and voila. With hair blowing, robes flying, smile coldly, vivid color, wind blow, artful movement, dramatic background music, yeah we get all the package of perfect visual feast. The choreography is so smooth and artful that like real.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
As she wants a baby from him, she inserted herself to his personal space, pestering him to do the deeds. Although he refused, he can't barely escape her charm. She tries every trick to get him to sleep with her, coerced him, if that's not a sexual harassment so what is it call (in a nice way). From physical attraction because he's tall and excellent in martial art, she thinks she doesn't need a husband to have a baby with, just his cooperation. After fail persuasion, she then appreciate him more in personal level because he tells his subordinates to respect her and he's most considerate for her well being and happiness. With the advise from Yu Shi San, she changes the method of persuasion, by acting not care.
GOSSIPING MEN
Not only us women infamously known to gossiping, apparently these nothing-to-do men loves to gossip about what's going on with Ning Yuan Zhao & Ren Ru Yi. Giggling, whispering, guessing, talk amongst them, speculate their relationship during long journey to the enemy line, this is what they're filled their time with. Of course, they also has confrontation from ambush. The team work build thru misunderstanding to test their loyalty, character and strength. Since Ru Yi is the only female and a new comer on the group, she's the recipient of unwanted attention or distrust. No one know yet the deal she's making with Yuan Zhao (beside the baby business) which asking Six Dao Hall to investigate the death of her benefactor - the late dowager empress. Yu Shi San is the women's expert where everyone appreciate his expertise in women's need to get his good advise. Ep 6 is touching, Yuan Zhao shows Yang Ying's desperate question; why? Because of the country, the people, the lost, duty, loyalty and the price of privileges. Ep 11 Yuan Zhao proved to be a great leader, gives himself 10 lashes for the mistake his subordinates failing to guard the safety of Prince Yang Ying.
TEDIOUS ROMANCE SCENES/CRINGE LOVE
I notice, never fail, we get tension scenes - very critical - fighting - crisis- stressful situation but then the next scenes will be all lovey dovey all about love and sweet promises like come on....get on already!! Never fail! Too much sweetness and expression of love gets me really sick. Nah....too dreary. After the heart break and injuries Ep 12 Yuan Zhao agrees to her baby request but ask her to wait till the mission completes. All flirt, promise, and baby agreement isn't up to my fav....too much distraction and stir up the mission because of jealousy and couple's disagreement, too much PDA in my opinion. She would threaten 'baby is out of the table if you don't do this' and his face blank like 'ehhhh?' The love is too clingy...so cringe stare each other looking into their eyes..like in Jr High first love. I skip most of it. I think this is just fillers to prolong the episodes.
But all casts do great job with their character. Liu Shi Shi is seductive, she doesn't need to be arrogant as cold-bloody killer, she smiles suggestively and touches lightly, she approaches to corner him with dew eyes. Liu Yu Ning being single 30yo veteran leader is pretty fascinated with her attention, only his top mission priorities hanging on his head he manage to scud away the temptation. Alan Fang is great, really funny, the joker in the group, he should do more comedy. Between Liu Yu Ning and Alan Fang character in Long Ballad, I like their social dynamic in here. Decided to drop it, stuck on ep 22, it's great story but I don't care about their love story (on and on so tiring) they should cut down the love portion between Liu Yu Ning and Liu Shi Shi, not too mention love Li TongGuan to Ren RuYi....another on and on about them. Ugh...enough already. I heard the end is disappointment, not making into the end of episodes.
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Baddas assassins female lead you must watch this
DIS actually what i dreamed as a chinese dramas enjoyers, strong fl and ml, adult romantic but its DOESN'T mean like spicy or smth etc but it how their relationship going so wise there are some drama but they got talking together to solve the problem (ning yuanzhou such a green flag hehe), i'd love the comedy and their friendship i miss them SO BADD 🫶🏻 ohh and i'd really love with the developement character the princess ITS SO SMOOTH. I think it would never stop if we talkin bout the ending lmaoo, i just accept it like they are warrior guys they are served their country for peace, so that's make sense (yah but i cried a lot and didn't watch another drama for two months lmao). U must watch it RIGHT NOWWWWas this review helpful to you?
Highly Recommended.. You'll have generations of daughters and son if you watch this .. kidding
Can't explain how this series brought my standard so high when it comes to historical dramas. It's filled with intensity that grips you from start to finish.The actors deliver outstanding performances that make the characters feel real. The cinematography is stunning and has a well-crafted storyline. This series is one of those master piece of work I've watched w/o unnecessary fillers. It's a perfect blend of excellent acting, impressive visuals, and a heartbreaking story that keeps you hooked.Was this review helpful to you?
Many stunning fighting scenes and great OST
I loved this drama. Mostly bc of the many and stunning fighting sceenes together with a fantastic OST. But also bc of the very artistic scenery together with the OST. The OST really lifted and made the scenes more emotional. For me - a wuxia lover - all this gave me sparkling eyes and a happy heart.The FL is in this drama the strongest of them all and that is something I really liked.
The plot was good and interesting and the characters were very loveable.
There is several love stories going on but romance never takes over the story.
The ML and FL are lovers but also very loyal companions.
Loyalty is the key word in the drama.
There are some scenes that really don't make sense but it doesn't ruin the drama.
Everybody play their roles very good but I can see that Liu Yuning is a better actor today than he was in this drama.
The end is very "cdrama-ish" but the very last scene left me with questions.....
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A masterpiece ✨️
where do I start , I loved everything about casting , acting , music it was great .loved that we didn't get the dimsel in distress type FL.
loved ML being considerate and not trying to clip FL wings .
loved their mature relationship and the trust they had for each other.
I really wished for a happy ending but the ending they gave us was so bitter yet justified they fought for peace and died for it , what other greater cause could they have died for ?
but I am devastated 😩💔
either way this is a masterpiece and deserves to give it a go .
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The Most Ironic (Iconic) Title In History Of Cdramas
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ Summary𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָFemale assassin Ren Ru Yi, the former left envoy of the Scarlet Guards, becomes a member of the Wu's 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 really appreciate the complexities in the narrative of "A Journey to Love." The characters are so well-developed, and their relationships are intriguing. Ren Ru Yi, the female assassin with an incredible backstory, adds a layer of depth that keeps me invested in the political intrigue of the Wu State's attempt to rescue their king from the clutches of the State of An. The dynamic between her and Ning Yuan Zhou, the leader of the Six Realms Hall, is particularly engaging. Their partnership reflects not just a mission of love but also an intertwining of destiny and duty.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅Reveiw.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
And oh, the ensemble cast! Each character brings something unique to the table. There's the free-spirited Yu Shi San, the resilient Princess Yang Ying, the clever teen Yuan Lu, and the loyal imperial guard Qian Zhao. It creates a rich tapestry of interactions and experiences, allowing for moments of genuine love, heart-rending sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life and death. I love how the plot intricately weaves their personal journeys with the overarching political narrative.
But, I must confess, it’s frustrating when the couples I root for don’t end up together! I had high hopes for the Marquis and the strong, independent princess with her horse; that seemed like such a match made in heaven. I envisioned their chemistry blossoming amid the chaos. Yet, as the story unfolds, it seems destiny has something else in mind for them. And don’t get me started on the heart-wrenching turns where it felt like every character I loved was taken too soon. I mean, the title "A Journey to Love" feels almost ironic when tragedy strikes so frequently! I want to believe in the possibility of love triumphing, but with characters meeting such fateful ends, it leaves me in a state of emotional confusion. Balancing romance amidst the harsh truths of politics can make for a thrilling ride, but I just wish that, in this case, it didn’t leave me with so many heartbreaks and unanswered questions. It’s a testament to how gripping the story is, though—captivating yet bittersweet, because every loss feels so personal.
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