My Journey to You

Great story but they botched it with an annoying ending

For a spy wuxia show, I had to commend that this is definitely one of the best I’ve seen so far. When i first started out, i thought it was going to be the usual ‘spy assassin goes in for a target, assasssin and target fall in love with each other, assassin tries to kill target but failed and then target would go against his own men to protect the assassin’ trope. However as i watched on, they actually have more in store.

Basically FL is an assassin trained by an evil organization Wu Feng, whose aim is to control and dominate the martial world. One of the sects still left standing against Wufeng threat is the Gong family, who resides on a hill. This is where FL was supposed to go. She takes on the identity of a bride candidate, Yun Weishan, to enter the hill. The brides were supposed to be for the eldest and heir of the family, Young Lord Gong Huanyu, and the next line after him Gong Shangjue. Upon FL’s entry into the hill, she discovered that she might not be the only one that Wufeng sent in. Sometime later, a Wufeng assassin was discovered among the bride candidates, and later the Leader of Gong family - The Sword Wielder - and his heir Gong Huanyu were both killed while interrogating the assassin. As Gong Shangjue was not on the hill at that moment, the least talented, playboy, useless second son of the Sword Wielder - Gong Ziyu, the ML - was forced to take the helm as the Sword Wielder as the family’s rule stated that the Sword Wielder’s position can never be vacant. This was met with strong objection by both Gong Shangjue upon his return, with his brother Gong Yuanzhi strongly standing by his side, so they keep trying to make things difficult for ML to investigate his father’s and brother’s deaths while questioning ML’s ability to lead and protect the Gong family. FL also discovered that there was another Wufeng assassin among the brides, Shangguan Qian. As FL was chosen by ML as his bride, and Shangguan Qian chosen by Gong Shangjue, more sinister and mysterious events began to unfold, more deaths occurred, and the pressure rose upon ML to prove his worth, hence he was forced to go through the trial of the three realms while at the same time investigating Wufeng’s activity that is threatening his family.

At first, I didnt put much high hopes on this show. But as I watched on, the story began to get very interesting as there is extensive character background and building along the first 10 episodes, where we can see from various perspectives of the other roles. There are a lot of flashbacks for this character building, but instead of getting annoyed of so many flashbacks, i got more curious and empathatic towards the other roles, even as they go against ML. I especially liked Gong Yuanzhi’s character, he was supposed to be this arrogant teenager who always thought his brother Gong Shangjue is the rightful owner of the Sword Wielder position. His sinister smirks, although makes me cringe, they have a certain charm. When I looked at Gong Yuanzhi, his character seemed so similar to a character in Robin William’s Hook movie, Rufio.

I especially loved how they portray the multi-faceted types of love - Love between biological siblings, love between step/foster siblings, love between father and son, love between leader and subordinates, and of course love between lovers of opposing sides. It’s really beautiful and intricately written that I was left very impressed.

Love the costumes in this show. They match the dark setting of the Gong residence, with dark monotonous colours instead of bright and over the top that is usually the case in wuxia shows, especially in female wardrobe department.

The songs are slow and melancholic, although it grows on me as I watched on, they failed to put a print in my head.

One thing that i find weird is that everyone seem to talk like theyre whispering to each other, other than the squabbling scenes between ML and 2nd ML. All the whispers and talking in low tones gives a more darkish mystery vibe to the already dark setting of the show. The only cheery thing around the compound comes from the goofy characters which i will mention next.

Fighting sequences didnt look too CGIed, it has more earthly real life feel to it. Although they still use the usual wuxia theme of getting poisoned over and over again and recover like it has no aftermath at all (other than the fortnight flies which affected their inner strength fortnightly).

Usually with other shows, I wouldnt pay much attention to side characters and their love story, most of the time I would just fast forward them, but in this story, i kept watching and got amazed at how they play everything out. Even the goofy side characters that acts as a comic relief to a serious piece like this, such as the Eldest Young Lady Gong Zishang and Xiaohei - Young Lord Hua - kept me hooked. At first i was disgusted with Gong Zishang as she was portrayed as a flirtitious woman who likes to watch undressed men, with goofy over the top hand gestures and body movement, but as i watched more, she is really fun to watch especially when she keeps chasing Jin Fan - ML’s primary guard - while being clueless that the one who was always hanging out with her in the lab - Xiaohei - likes her. The fun part of this show is really fun, the mysterious part really mysterious and the sad part turned out super sad. Really love the plot twist towards the end.

SPOILER BEYOND THIS LINE!!!
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The fact that the brother that ML had always looked up to and love turned out to be the villain and the brother that he thought was always against him and hate him turned out to be the one who really love him is honestly so brilliantly executed.

When i started to watch this series, i am ready for a tragic ending cuz spy stories usually have that. After going through the trauma of character massacre in A Journey to Love, i don’t really think any other death can hit me that much anymore. So yeah. I was ready for ML or FL plus Jinfan or Gong Yuanzhi to die. I thought the careless act of letting FL go back to her hometown without any bodyguards is purposely to get the character killed, so am ready for that already. So imagine how dumbfounded I am to see the ending just ML with a surprised look to see whoever it is at the door of the compound? Dammit why end it like this. Honestly I was ready to see somebody handing over a box or a rug containing FL’s head. But they decided to put up an open ending instead! Are they trying to hint for S2 or what? Why just that? Gosh I dont know whether to get angry or excited. Duhhh. Just be done with it already. I am okay with ML and 2nd ML losing their lovers. Why the cliffhanger? Grrrr. I am also dissatisfied that the evil Shangguan Qian had a happy ending, free of shackles of Wufeng and Gong family. Why did she get to live a quiet life? I wouldve given 10/10 for story if they hadnt put up such a lousy ending.

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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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Too Slow to Stay Invested

I only made it through the first six episodes of this 24-episode drama, and despite genuinely trying to continue, the painfully slow pacing made it difficult to stay invested. By episode six, the story still felt like it was setting things up without delivering meaningful progress. The plot moves at an unusually slow pace, making even interesting ideas lose their impact.

The drama does have its strengths. The cinematography is pleasant, the overall visual style is decent, and there are a few humorous moments that help lighten the mood. However, those positives aren’t enough to compensate for how drawn-out the storytelling feels. For a series with only 24 episodes, I expected a much tighter narrative. Instead, it often feels as though very little actually happens from one episode to the next. Based on what I watched, it’s a 7.5/10—not a bad drama, but one whose pacing may test the patience of many viewers.

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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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