My Journey to You

Just perfect. And now I must wrote 300 words. I'm watching that drama for second time. This was my first drama I was watching without jumping scenes, even for 5 seconds. Now watching frame by frame, even rewinding.
Story is fantastic. Caught me and I can't stop watching.
Excellent writers job.
Cast - incredible performances.
Director did awesome. I can see how she had all movie in her head before filming.
High level production.
I can't find mistakes in make up.
Light and atmosphere are fantastic. With so much feelings.
Music also.
It was hard for me to start rewatching this drama, because I knew I need two days, now I have them.

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Amazing cinematography and intriguing plots

This is my first time watching wuxia historical drama and it set my bar high. Even though one or two episodes at the end, probably their cut didn't blend seamlessly coz it left me feeling there was something that I didn't watch yet. Thank goodness for the top reviewer bcs at least they give me heads up.

The Male Lead, Gong Ziyu started as careless unpolished young man that disappointed his father but suddenly got thrust into Sword Wielder position and always got criticised by his cousins that he didn't deserve that spot which was true. Thankfully, he decided to prove them wrong. At the same time, quoting from his personal guard, "he was a foolishly good man". His heart was big and ofc he fell hard for the bride to be, Yun Wei Shan.

So our Female Lead, Yun Wei Shan was a Wufeng assassin that was sent to infiltrate Gong Family to get their families secret. Being in Wufeng just a job to her bcs what she craved the most was the freedom and not under their control anymore. She was smart and very skillful in martial arts. Although a bit impulsive at certain times, she witnessed how honest and kind Ziyu toward her, fell in love with him and decided to help him through the journey of getting the Sword Wielder position.

I really enjoy this drama bcs aside from romance, we got to see how strong brotherly bond between the other cousins in other lineages which was Shangjue and Yuanzhi, how wise, kind and gentle some of the Young Master in the back hill (Xiaohei, I love you and Xue Young Master, I adore you) and the funny antics of Eldest Young Miss Zishang pursuing Jin Fan.

I'm glad I watched this drama even though I am the type that want happy ending but I really understand why it ended like that. Their missions are not done yet and if Wufeng is not destroyed, Gong Family and people in martial arts world would not live in peace. Looking forward to season 2 if it exist, huwaaaaaa

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This drama started out slow, but after a few episodes, the story picked up and became more interesting as it went. I like the juxtaposition of characters and I’ve seen both leads in other works and they’ve already proven their acting prowess there, especially when I have viewed four of Zhang Ling He’s works before I watched this one. So I knew what I was expecting. Who surprised me though is Ryan Cheng. I didn’t realize he was also the main in “A Familiar Stranger,” but maybe it’s because his character there wasn’t as flushed out as Gong Shang Jue’s.

The characters in this drama are multi-dimensional, that they are not necessarily “all good” or “all evil.” Despite what has been portrayed, most of them have the freedom of choice, whether to follow along the path that was created for them, or carve out one for themselves. This is why I admire Yun Wei Shan’s character and Yu Shu Xin’s portrayal of a skilled assassin. She cleverly integrated herself into the Gong family and made her own judgment, not solely relying on what had been fed to her, while also following the edicts of her organization.

Gong Zi Yu, for his part, turned from a playboy to a love-struck fool, from a supposedly incompetent “spare” to become the new Sword Wielder. Throughout his journey through the trials, Gong Zi Yu has proven himself to be more than a sitting duck everyone assumes him to be. His ingeniousness, coupled with his compassion for the people, made him a formidable leader.

I find myself second-guessing the true nature of the characters, which is rare for me as I have usually found them predictable in other shows. Even I find the pairing of Gong Zi Shang (Zi Yu’s sister) and Jin Fan (Zi Yu’s guard) hilarious. Perhaps the only person I truly detested here is Shangguan Qian. I really have no tolerance for her type of character, through no fault of the actress.

As for other aspects, the production, cinematography and the costumes were breathtaking. Likewise, the plot here is also intricate and engaging. Everything here in this drama is smoke and mirrors, and it is up to these characters to decipher the truth from all of it.

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addictive and fun but the plot is incoherent

So okay. If you’re watching for the plot of Gong Ziyu and Yun Weishan’s romance (the main appeal for me tbqh), this is a 10/10. I love them so much I have severe brainrot about them. If you’re watching for the plot of attractive people scheming and manipulating each other, it’s a 10/10. If you’re watching for the literal story of the Gong Ziyu vs Gong Shangjue rivalry and everything to do with Wufeng…. it’s more like a 5/10. Once you reach the last third there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many inconsistencies, there's new lore introduced in like the final 3 episodes that's never really explained it's just kinda out of nowhere to make things harder and more dire for the protagonists, and the villain's plan is just dumb and convoluted. ALSO FUCK THE LAST 5 MINUTES FOR THAT ABSOLUTELY UNNECESSARY CLIFFHANGER. That being said, Kill Me Love Me WISHES it was My Journey to You lol, Mei Lin looks so incompetent compared to Yun Weishan and Shangguan Qian it's just embarrassing.

Anyway, I watched this bc I loved Zhang Linghe in LBFAD and I didn't like what that show did with his character, so I wanted to see some of his other work. He was also great here, I love Gong Ziyu so much. Yu Shuxin really impressed me in this after feeling her role in LBFAD was uninspired. Tian Jiarui has less to do in this than in Fangs of Fortune, but he (unsurprisingly) did an incredible job here and he was such a menace lmao. Lu Yuxiao and Ryan Cheng were also fantastic. The cast does so well with their roles, and while the writing is a mess, everyone brings a lot of depth and layers to these characters. The show works because of the great acting, the solid character arcs, and the intriguing (and constantly shifting) relationships.

Also can we talk about how 2/3 of Gong Zishang's screentime was her sexually harassing Jin Fan??????? It wasn't cute and funny, it was deeply uncomfortable and I really don't like that the writers had him reciprocate her feelings....

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i was about to give this drama a 10 out of 10 :/

I’ve been searching for a wuxia drama that truly matches my preferences, and honestly this drama is the first one I’ve actually watched all the way to the end.

Love how every character has such distinct personalities without making it seems forced (kudos to all casts that succeed in delivering their characters well!) and how each episode is always a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, leaving me no room for boredom as I was completely immersed in the story the whole time.

On a side note, interestingly I found myself more attached to the second couple rather than the main one since the tension and chemistry between Shangjue and Shangguan felt much more thrilling to me, eventho i hate how Shangjue letting go of Shangguan at the end when he alrd knows that Shangguan is pregnant to his kid :/ what a man

Beyond the romance, i had to mention that the storyline, the political intrigue, the war tension, and the cinematography are all top tier no doubt. all of these elements truly elevated the entire drama, that's why I was soooo ready to give it a perfect 10 out of 10.

However, the story started to feel messy after Huan Yu’s return. while the plot twist was shocking, I think it could have been executed with more depth and less rush, and not only that, what disappointed me the most, though, was the ending. It wasn’t even an open ending. It felt abrupt, almost like the final scene was cut off. It didn’t do justice to such an otherwise amazing drama. I really wish the producers had wrapped it up in a more satisfying way.

is it worth watching? yes. would i watch it again? no

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Perfect Casting and Most Beautiful Costumes I've ever seen

I'd rate the casting and costumes as 10000/10! Truly a perfect casting, not one is miscast. The costumes are also so beautiful probably one of the most beautiful I've seen in movies and also the sets💯. As for the story overall its a masterpiece, however as I was watching it, there are some parts I find boring. The action scenes are well choreographed and the directing of each scenes made it more intense and entertaining. While the story should've a clear ending for me, i didn't dislike the part that they gave a cliffhanger in hopes that it could have a season 2. Looking forward for it and I hope they will continue the story and with the same casts if possible.
The reason I watched this drama is for Zhang Linghe and now that i finished the drama I can say that he did fine, not spectacular but at least he did give justice to the role. Ester Yu is quite a surprise and she was one of the things I really enjoyed watching in this drama. This type of role is clearly different from her past roles and she nailed it!
Overall, I really enjoyed the drama and I hope they get a Season 2, w the same casts🙏

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Disappointed with the end

I liked the first episode . As drama progressed it got little bit bored but no reason I continued to watch it . After -8th episode it gets little bit interesting . I liked first lead's pairing but I start shipping 2nd leads also but at somewhere I felt that they were have sad ending but still I was excited to know the end but the end was not only sad ending with 2nd lead but also with first lead. sorry for being spoiler . So disappointed with the end . But I think there will be second season , if it is not then director sir kindly think about it . Actually we need second season because they were so many parallel stories which remain incomplete.
Background Music and songs were good .

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A Great Beginning With an Unfortunate Downfall

Literally just finished the show a few hours ago. Finally watched this show because I like the main leads and really enjoyed the supporting actors too. If it weren't for them I would've dropped it to be honest.

I feel like it was initially supposed to be a one season show. Even before watching the show I was surprised that it was only 24 episodes and had concerns on how they'll execute it. Unfortunately them introducing so much stuff was a mistake. The last third of the episodes had so much exposition dump and characters just talking instead of properly showing made things so unsatisfying. Yes they're very interesting but this is only doable if the show was at least 40 episodes.

I loved the all the characters they introduced both good and bad guys but since they introduced so many in a short time no matter what happened to them I did not care for them as much even though the show tried to make this whole emotional/dramatic thing. There was not enough build up and it's so disappointing because I know the writers had more they wanted to show but lacked the episodes to do so.

This show was beautifully shot and the fight scenes are choreographed well . Just be warned that you aren't getting the conclusion that you hoped for.

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I’m not usually a fan of dark and suspenseful dramas. But the cast, acting and cinematography is great. Though the storyline and the way the film is shot is on the dark side, they wittily injected some humour through the characters and music and that balance out the heaviness of the drama for me. I like how many of the support characters back stories are very well developed , it gives the characters a lot more depth and the way it’s filmed and presented make the audience really feel for these characters. Even the “antagonists” the brothers of the ML… the wufeng guides…. you can’t bring yourself to hate them knowing all their back stories. Beautifully written, filmed, casted, acted and presented. The only reason why the rewatch value isn’t higher cos it’s a personal preference to rewatch more lighthearted dramas and a lot of the wow factor for this drama is in its unexpected plot twists. But overall I really like the drama.

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hoping for a season 2; not romance heavy!

so much better than I was expecting honestly....

IF YOURE EXPECTING ROMANCE WITH A SIDE OF PLOT THIS IS NOT FOR YOU!!!

the story line initially was so incredibly good. two female assassins? being sent on a mission by being married into the Gong family? love it. i am so glad however, the more i watched, this it was wasn't super romance heavy. i was much more focused on the "brotherly" bonding going on in this more so than the romance. i have established that all the actors are so incredibly good (and good looking) that this is actually fucking insane casting. i cannot wait to see more from them (especially TJR who is so new to acting but did so good as GYZ he is actually my favorite character). YWS and GZYs relationship is also so cute GZY is so loving and caring and is such a nice addition to the cold/stoich stereotype many male characters get. HOWEVER, the relationship between GSJ and GYZ is my absolute favorite thing in this entire show it was so wholesome. i was so stressed out during the whole thing because i really wanted all the "brothers" to get along and WE FINALLY GOT IT 😭😭😭😭😭😭 anyways will rewatch for GSJ and GYZ scenes as well as the small romance bits

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Don't be blinded by beauty

My Journey to You had the potential to be one of the Great dramas, because it had the technical aspects in the bag. It's amazing production. The cinematography is beautiful. The martial arts choreography is absolutely mesmerizing, arguably the best I've seen in a while. The camerawork and editing are almost flawless. The styling greatly enhanced the actors' visuals. Not only that, the performances from the cast were terrific, most notably Tian Jiarui as Gong Yuanzhi and Jolin Jin as Gong Zishang, who gave off different energies in the series, but both made the show very entertaining to watch.

The biggest downside of My Journey to You is the writing. It starts off fast-paced and exciting, pulling the audience into the dark and dangerous world of martial arts. But then the story becomes too convoluted, and significantly slows down in the middle, maybe because they're really trying to establish the romance subplots. But this causes the story to lose hold of some of the built-up tension and intrigue, and it's difficult to pick back up. The series belatedly ups the ante again only in the last couple of episodes.

Also, the way Gong Ziyu's character is written is off-putting. It's not consistent: he is someone who is kind and sympathetic even to suspected assassins, but somehow could not extend the same kindness and understanding to his (admittedly shady) brothers; he is a character who knows he is undeserving of the power given to him yet is strangely very protective of it and becomes self-important about it. This makes it difficult to follow any proper character development. I could have enjoyed watching Gong Ziyu rise to power if it was clearly shown what flaws he was working on to be more deserving of the Sword Wielder title. Rather, it's framed like he could do no wrong; it seems his character is hastily scrapped together based on the formula of the male lead most likely to gain the audience's sympathy and awe. It works, mostly because of Zhang Linghe's acting ability, and also because the other characters have unique personalities to make up for GZY's rather generic one.

Yu Shuxin as Yun Weishan could have been given the opportunity to shine more, to show more of her ferocity as a fighter, so I'm actually hoping for a second season to this series so it could happen. Her fighting scenes here are nothing short of art.

Special shout-out to Young Master Hua, whose character arc, even though brief, made me cry a lot, which does not happen often.

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Esther Yu was like a fish out of water in this one...

It pains me to say this, but Esther Yu was a clear mismatch for this kind of "dark feminine" role. She was wonderful (dare I say, even borderline annoying) as the FL in "Love Between Fairy and Devil," which played more to her strengths as an actress. But this role (Yun Wei Shan) demanded a less "wooden," more balanced performance and would have been better suited to an actress such as Bai Lu or Zhou Ye. Don't get me wrong, Esther Yu isn't a terrible actress, she just doesn't seem to be as versatile as others (for example, everyone loves Zhao Lu Si, and she is indeed a bubbly, charming, quirky breath of fresh air... but I don't think she's built for dark feminine roles either).

With that said, Lu Yu Xiao did a stellar job as Shangguan Qian. Ryan Cheng's performance as Gong Shang Jue was so strong that it likely helped inspire his eventual casting as the military general ML (Xiao Jue) in "Legend of the Female General." Of course, Zhang Ling He's performance as Gong Zi Yu was competent, but he suffered from being paired with a wooden FL.

Other honorable mentions include Tian Jia Rui's solid performance as Gong Yuan Zhi and Jolin Jin as Zi Yu's elder sister, Gong Zi Shang.

I feel like this series really had good potential that slightly missed the mark, but that doesn't mean it's unwatchable. Just be prepared to enjoy the dynamic between the secondary ML and FL more than the main ML and FL dynamic. In fact, be prepared to care more about everything else except the main storyline.

On the bright side, the costumes and set designs are absolutely stunning. Also, who doesn't like to look at Zhang Ling He, am I right?

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