1A Rare, Dark Wuxia Gem with supporting cast stories that touched my heart
“My Journey to You” dropped without much promotion and it appears to be a dark horse this late summer. I also succumbed to the hype and wanted to check out a dark wuxia drama, and I am so glad I did. You might not agree with me, but this drama reminded me of a combo of “Bloody Romance” (female assassins, gray characters and love stories) and “The Wind Blows from Longxi” (scheming and plot twists). I don’t have any major criticisms, just a few that are very subjective.What I Like:
1. Genre - A dark pure wuxia drama is hard to come by. No matter the tone, cinematography, or the theme, “My Journey to You” tells a story of secrets, scheming, plotting, and you don’t know the real truth until the very end when everything unfolds. I wish there are more wuxia dramas like this.
2. Main Cast Acting -
= Esther Yu - I applaud Esther Yu to finally branch out and not play another cute character. I’ve seen enough of her in that role in 3 of her previous dramas. I would not say she was excellent, but she definitely meets my expectations and more. I still find her serious face quite emotionless (I have the same criticism of her in the body swap portion of “Love Between Fairy and Devil”), but overall her sad scenes are much better than anticipated.
= Zhang Ling He - Quite a few criticisms of his acting and character when I read some comments. His character might not be as interesting in the beginning (more of that below) but I do find him decent in this role. He improves throughout the drama as his character grows.
= Ryan Cheng - Wow… this is the perfect role for him. He’s not my kind of handsome, but he’s definitely charismatic and attractive in his role as Gong Shang Jue. HIs side-eye looks are devilishly good. I went back to watch clips of him in “A Familiar Stranger” and he is definitely a lot better in this drama. I am glad to see him in a big production after so many smaller web dramas.
= Lu Yu Xiao - Is this really the cute teenage girl in “Time and HIm Are Just Right”? She’s only 23 years old and is so talented and beautiful. She captures the essence of Shangugan Qian beautifully and has excellent chemistry with Ryan Cheng.
3. Supporting Cast - Love all the characters, including the little annoying brother Gong Yuan Zhi. The acting of the supporting cast is great and I don’t have anyone to single out and pick on. I’ve only seen Jolin Jin in “Remembrance of Things Past” and I really did not recognize her as the hilariously crazy and obnoxious Gong Zi Shang. She really brings some comedic relief to this serious drama. At one point, I worry she’s a little too much, but her antics stop and we move on. I love the supporting cast stories (more so than the main romance) and I was worried how many would survive in the end. In C-dramaland, you know there will be plenty of deaths and I just pray they are not my favorites. Each of their stories touched me and I’m so glad this drama balances the main cast’s stories and the supporting cast’s stories very well.
4. Different Perspectives of the World - The four main characters have very different upbringing and they bring their own perspectives of the world they’re living in. One thing in common is that none of them had a very happy childhood. Actually, most of the characters seem to be missing some type of love & affection when growing up.
= Gong Zi Yu (ML) was criticized for being dumb and not as intelligent as the other leads. But I beg to differ. If you look at things from his point of view, he has intentionally ignored all that’s going on in his family and world. When he was pushed into the leadership role, of course he can’t have the same knowledge and wisdom as everyone around him. He needed time to learn, experience and grow. This drama really did focus on his growth.
= Gong Shang Jue (2ML) was the strongest and the smartest, yet he was not chosen to lead. He has got to be one of my favorite gray characters in a C-drama. His perspective has never wavered - to have the best person to lead, whether that’s him or someone else.
= Yun Wei Shan (F) is the unwilling assassin. She was forced into the world of assassins and longs for her freedom. In a way, she reminded me of the FL in “Bloody Romance” (but she actually kills and is a lot smarter and more experienced).
= Lu Yu Xiao (2FL) is such a beautiful little vixen. Without going into spoilers, her motive of causing trouble and her assassin instincts are fun to watch.
5. Gong Shan Jue/Sangugan Qian romance - I love these two intelligent characters trying to outsmart and out-scheme each other. Their interactions sizzle with chemistry. Their conversations are a game of chess. Did they really fall for each other despite all the mistrusts? Probably. Was I looking for a little more PDA and skinship? You betcha! But what we get is a game of cat and mouse and I am quite satisfied with their ending.
6. Production Value - I love all the elegant costumes. Simple hairstyles for men and women. Detailed patterns on their clothing with layers over layers. I also appreciate the use of natural lighting. Even though the drama appears a little dark (figuratively and literally), no fake bright light was used in many of the scenes. I enjoy the simple sets and rooms, which reflect the characters' lifestyle. Beautiful people and beautiful cinematography. Most importantly, almost all the main characters and supporting cast are using their own voice. I also like all the songs, especially the title song 云之羽 by 张杰 Jason Zhang and 远山如昨 (love the sound of a guitar). I am so glad the songs are not overplayed.
What I have Mixed Feelings (Minor Criticisms):
1. Main Romance - I hate to pick on a romance when this drama is a lot more than a love story. However, when the romance between Yun Wei Shan and Gong Zi Yu does play a big part in the big scheme of things, it does matter. Unfortunately, I am not feeling the chemistry between Esther Yu and Zhang Ling He. Compared to the secondary romance’s sizzling chemistry, this love at first sight is lacking in depth and feels. Is it because of the assassin’s personality/role, or Esther's emotionless acting? Or maybe It’s Zhang Ling He’s acting or the writing of the romance? I actually do feel the love from Zhang Ling He’s gaze but not much from Esther.
2. Action/Fight Scenes - I was going to put this in the positive category, but then the slow motion scenes are gnawing at me. “My Journey to You” has beautiful fight choreography and cinematography. I would say the use of slow-motion scenes are probably better than many other wuxia and xianxia dramas I’ve seen before. However, I still feel that there are too many. When it was a big fight, the excitement is halted when a slow motion scene comes into play. I also would have loved to see more fights throughout the drama, especially in the middle of the drama. This is a minor criticism because I do really think the fight choreography is excellent and the actors did a really good job as well.
3. Pace - I wonder if this drama is trying to make the episodes a lot longer (a little over an hour) to bypass the 40-episode guidelines. If you add the runtime, this equates to a regular 36-40 episode drama. There are a lot of dialogs because of the scheming, so it could feel slow if you don’t like the conversations. I find the pace to be OK, maybe a little slower in the middle. The last 5 episodes are my favorite because it’s action-packed. But, when it’s slow, it feels so much slower when everyone walks and talks slowly, especially with some slow-motion scenes.. Is it just me?
4. A few questionable things - The 3rd assessment, I was prepared to ball my eyes out but then ML sorta bypassed it so easily? The secret passage isn’t really very secretive when everyone uses it. Some characters I thought would never survive after getting hit and stabbed so many times, but they did. Others get stabbed once or twice and they die, or someone is still alive and body intact after a huge explosion.
Overall, I strongly recommend this drama if you are looking for a more serious and darker wuxia drama. There are comedic moments, but this is not a fun drama. Many criticized the ending but I am quite satisfied. I am not sure if there will be a season 2, but one should never expect a very happy ending with such a dark C-drama (not saying this is a sad ending either.. LOL)
Other Random Observations:
* These supposedly cold-blooded assassins are full of feelings and emotions.
* I love the first real kiss of the main leads after CPR. It was quite nice and romantic.
* This is a drama full of sad characters with no good childhood. Parents seem to be non-communicative with their love for their children.
* It’s so sad when the green jade turned to red 🙁
Completed: 9/17/2023 - Review #354
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Highlights: The Women of Wufeng
Gorgeous actors, great acting, intriguing script that kept you guessing, luxurious costumes, beautiful sets, detailed choreography, this is one of the best produced drama I've seen. Even the fight scenes look so pleasing to the eyes.MJTY has a dark theme to it, with black, red, gray color pallete with rarely a bright yellow scene with warm sunlight in it. The drama mostly takes place in the Gong Residence, and even with all the spies theme, it kinda feels sort of like a slice of life to me, but filled with lies and intrique, like a palace dynamic but make it wuxia. I liked it.
The story flows through the characters with ease, and i loved how the plot really depends on each characters and how it includes all of them in the story. This is thrilling, but also melancholic and filled with mind games.
For those who didn't mind a slow paced, a bit heavy story, with dark undertone, I think you'll like this one.
P.S: Personally the Wufeng women are the highlight of this show like they carry nearly all the plot it's amazing. Their dynamics?? Their backhanded interactions?? The best.
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An Electrifying Ride through the Mystical Martial World
"Journey to You," directed by Edward Guo, is a Chinese series that's poised to leave you on the edge of your seat. From heart-pounding action sequences to an enchanting soundtrack that stirs the soul, this series is a rollercoaster of emotions and intrigue. It's a martial arts fantasy masterpiece that ties up its plot threads with finesse, delivering a satisfying experience for viewers.One of the standout elements of "Journey to You" is its flawless execution of action scenes. Each battle, choreographed with precision, gives you goosebumps as you watch the characters' martial prowess unfold. The attention to detail and commitment to authenticity in these sequences is truly commendable. You'll find yourself fully immersed in the epic duels and thrilling showdowns.
The series also shines when it comes to its sound effects and music. The haunting melodies and suspenseful compositions elevate every moment, intensifying the overall experience. They serve as a vital backdrop to the unfolding drama and add depth to the characters' emotions.
One of the show's highlights is the exceptional performance by Tian Jia Rui, who portrays Gong Yuan Zhi. His portrayal of the Support Role is remarkable, capturing the essence of his character with depth and nuance. Tian Jia Rui's dedication to his role is evident, and he manages to steal the spotlight whenever he's on screen.
Jolin Jin's portrayal of Gong Zi Shang, Zi Yu's elder sister, adds an extra layer of fun and entertainment to "Journey to You." Her character is like a burst of zesty lime on a plate of pasta, accentuating every flavor and making every scene she's in even more delightful. In the grand tapestry of the series, Gong Zi Shang is truly the cherry on top of the icing cake.
Gong Zi Shang's presence is a breath of fresh air, injecting humor and charisma into the story. Her witty one-liners and playful interactions with the other characters provide much-needed comic relief amidst the intense martial arts battles and intricate plot twists. Jolin Jin's performance brings Gong Zi Shang to life in a way that's both endearing and memorable.
With her infectious energy and impeccable comedic timing, Gong Zi Shang becomes a fan-favorite character who leaves a lasting impression. She adds a unique dimension to the series, proving that "Journey to You" is not just about action and drama but also about the charm and charisma of its diverse cast of characters.
While Lester Lin is finally shown in a different light showcasing his back-breaking stunts, I just had to scream when Joseph Zeng was revealed as an Adult Young Master Xue Tong Zi.
Kudos to the screenwriters for crafting a well-thought-out narrative. The story is intricate and engaging, with every scene serving a purpose in advancing the plot or developing the characters. The attention to detail in world-building and character development is praiseworthy.
However, "Journey to You" is not without its flaws. Some viewers might find Episode 23 to be overly long, with an extended monologue that may border on tedious. Thankfully, this momentary dip in pacing is redeemed by the explosive action scene in Episode 24. The series masterfully wraps up its storylines, leaving audiences eager for more.
Anticipation is building for Season 2, and there are speculations that it will introduce new characters and explore intriguing chapters. The possibilities include the relationship between Dianzhu, Zhuo Mei, and an unnamed lover, the origins of the blood feud between Gong and Wufeng, the enigmatic "Infinite Heat" and the theme of betrayal, and the question of whether the Gong Clan is truly righteous. Additionally, the series could delve into the complexities Front hill clans vs Back hill clans. Wufeng is most definitely is associated with Gong back hill clans as a big give away.
In conclusion, "Journey to You" is a gripping Chinese series that excels in action, storytelling, and character portrayal. While it may have a minor pacing issue in one episode, its overall quality more than compensates for this. As we eagerly await Season 2, it's clear that "Journey to You" has left a lasting impression and is bound to be a must-watch for martial arts and fantasy enthusiasts. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey into the mystical martial world once again as you relive this epic saga.
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My Journey to you is Superbbbbbb
I really really love the story, casts, bg music and direction.10 of 10!!!!!
No dull moment watching MJTY
Definitely a must watched drama.
One of the best cdrama that I’ve ever watched.
I really really love the story, casts, bg music and direction.
10 of 10!!!!!
No dull moment watching MJTY
Definitely a must watched drama.
One of the best cdrama that I’ve ever watched.
I really really love the story, casts, bg music and direction.
10 of 10!!!!!
No dull moment watching MJTY
Definitely a must watched drama.
One of the best cdrama that I’ve ever watched.
I really really love the story, casts, bg music and direction.
10 of 10!!!!!
No dull moment watching MJTY
Definitely a must watched drama.
One of the best cdrama that I’ve ever watched.
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This review may contain spoilers
stunning visuals, great acting, very poor story
The production value of this series is absolutely amazing, costumes, sets, scenes are truly amazing. There's a host of very likeable side characters and complicated back stories.however the story itself, while has the potential of amazing spy drama, is extremely weak. The production decided that instead of shooting the story to at least indicate the plots that are happening, they jsut shot a story of a mildly intelligent guy stumbling along, then at the end within one episode showed us a host of scenes that directly contradict everything we watched for 23 episodes to tell us that the main lead is truly smartest of the smartest schemers! it's a cheap way to tell the story, it means that there's no value in analyzing any of the scenes as they are all going to be contradicted at the end.
that was a huge disappointment of the movie. the way characters choices and motivations are often just stupid or made obviously for dramatic effect instead of any gain for them.
Last 5 minutes of the show are rage inducingly stupid I have to say. there's absolutely no reason for that scene, no logical explanation at all.
All in all amazing visuals but no rewatch value other than in gifsets.
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Gong ShangJue is the best character
I may sound biased, but this is the first time I watched the entire series for not the Male Lead, but the second Male Lead.Gong ShangJue is absolutely perfect. He's smart, capable( more than enough capable,actually) and devoted to his clan. he knows how to keep his head in the game, even when he's cornered. and does not let anything cloud his judgement. even when he keeps plotting against Yun WeiShan, I wanted to support him.
and the way he takes care of Gong YuanZhi, like it was just as easy as breathing or blinking. and he is so fiercely protective of his people. I'm totally Fangirling over him right now 😍😍😍😍
the rest of the cast is also good. and Gong ZiShang - Jin Fan have the most ridiculously hilarious screen time.
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Worth watchiing!
especially for Ryan Cheng’s acting. He’s fierce and intense (and very handsome). He and the 2nd FL have good chemistry and make the story interesting. The ML and FL didn’t have much chemistry but at least Esther Yu changed her annoying baby girlish voice to a whispering voice.I love that the sister had a completely different personality than female characters in most dramas. She was shamelessly pursuing Jin Fan. I found her character was quite refreshing.
Overall, I recommend this drama. It wasn’t perfect in any way but still worth watching.
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Overrated Story and Overrated Main couple
The Good:- The first episode and the premise of the drama had a promising and interesting story.
- The side characters (second couple, ML's sister, and younger brother) were great.
The Bad:
- The main actress (FL) wasn't good after the first episode. All she was doing is looking like a sad lost puppy to appear as an innocent pretty lady. The first few episodes she knew nothing. The second FL had to tell her what was going on and what to do next. Her acting made it hard to like her character.
- The main actor (ML) wasn't smart. He "fell in love" with FL the SECOND time he saw her. He just spent the whole drama protecting her and convincing others that she's a good girl, even though EVERY DAMN PROOF pointed at her!!! His love for the FL didn't make sense.
The ending was not satisfactory at all.
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Begins well but loses focus
I finally managed to finish this series, which turned out to be yet another drama that after a promising start slowed to a crawl and lost its way as the season went on (which helps explain why it took me so long to finish).It was at its best when focused on the intrigue and suspense surrounding the two female spies/assassins who have infiltrated the Gong palace. Will they be found out? Will they work together or against each other? Will they persevere with their dedication to their original mission once they develop relationships within the palace? Will they discover the truth about their own pasts?
If only the plot didn´t keep meandering into long aimless overly dry pseudo-mystical monologues and conversations that don't go anywhere, when it’s not getting sidetracked into a rather predictable and poorly developed storyline centered on sibling rivalry and power struggles among the Gongs. As if that weren't enough, the drama ends on something of a cliffhanger, failing to provide an unambiguous conclusion.
At least most of the fight scenes were fairly good.
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Unnecessarily complex but still have decent amount of takeaways.
Okay!! This was one of those stories that leaves me confused about whether it belongs in the category of a good or bad drama. Some parts felt extremely well done, while others felt too out of place. So here I am, holding a neutral stance. 🫡Cast:
Zhang Linghe: Initially, I felt he was miscast. No matter what anyone says, ZLH naturally gives off serious and responsible vibes—especially when he's in ancient costumes. In the beginning, his character was a bit frivolous and nonchalant, which didn’t sit right at first. But gradually, the character developed in a way that grew on him, and by the end, it felt like a good fit.😌😌
Esther Yu: For the first time in my C-drama journey, I discovered that Esther Yu can actually act. 😧😧Honestly, I had zero expectations when it came to her acting, but she surprised me this time. Not saying it was an Oscar-worthy performance, but compared to her previous works, it was 1000x better.🙂🙃
Ryan Cheng: He was decent, though I’ve seen him do better in other dramas. Maybe the role didn’t offer him much variation—he mostly had to maintain a poker face throughout.😶
Lu Yuxiao: One of my favorites! She did a fantastic job portraying her grey character. Her performance was layered and impressive. 🫰🫰😘
Fight Scenes:
Fast moves, clean execution, and relatively less overuse of Mystical special effects. Quite refreshing.🤫🤫
Plot:
A bit slow-paced, but still watchable. I just wish there were more fighting sequences and less time wasted on the poison arc. 😮💨😮💨
Lighting Crisis:
Most of the drama is shot in low-light or night scenes—God knows why. Maybe it was done to make things look more mysterious, but at times it was hard on the eyes.😵😵
Second Female Lead:
She stuck to her mission till the end 💯—something rarely shown. Usually, writers (read: misogynistic jackasses) love to push the narrative that women are too emotional and can't be trusted with responsibility. BORING🫤🫤 But here, even after sleeping with the parallel male lead, she stayed focused. Her character was beautifully complex—I watched the entire show and I still couldn’t figure her out fully.
Justice Delivered:
The resolution of the main conflict was satisfying, with sacrifices that felt genuine. The climax lived up to my expectations.👍👍
Villain Appearance:
The main villains—the 4 masters of Wufeng and the "big brother"—were introduced abruptly and eliminated within an episode or two. After all the build-up, their screen time and impact felt underwhelming and flat.
Main Ending Crisis:
I hate open endings in C-dramas, especially since they rarely get a second season. In this one, where none of the main couples end up together, the open ending felt like a real injustice.😭😭😭😭
Is it worth your time?
Yeah, definitely. You might feel a little bored at times, but you’ll also keep looking forward to the next episode.❤️
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Not My Cup of Tea
I usually don't write reviews, because I find it hard to remember all the details I would like to write down, but this series was so strange that I just have to release all this confusion.First of all, when I finished watching "My Journey to You" I felt nothing (maybe some relief to have finished). Honestly, I don't regret finishing dramas even when I didn't enjoy it that much, but with this one I felt regret! To me this cdrama does not evoke almost any emotions. I think this is because the characters lack depth and there is zero backstory for Yun Weishan and Shangguan Qian. They try to make the series sinister, dark and emotional but you don't even know the origins of the female leads? Gong Zi Ju had backstory but he was still so bland.. Gong Shang Jue was all right, definitely more interesting than the others.
Second, in my opinion there is zero chemistry between the two couples. Many people think that Shangguan Qian and Gong Shang Jue were the best, but to me, their relationship was almost stranger than Yun Weishan's and Gong Zi Ju's relationship. Like why does Shangguan Qian always have to speak in such a suspicious way? Was there ever any trust in that relationship? And another thing, there was no "falling in love" stage for Yun Weishan and Gong Zi Ju, they just liked each other the moment the series started. And yes, that works sometimes, but in this case it was just mechanical and unromantic.
Third, the story was soo confusing. I can put up with bad character and whatever, but only if the plot itself is entertaining. The original idea was really good but the execution was just eeeh. In the last three or four episodes there were so many plot twists that I just questioned every second of the last 20 episodes. And to me, that's bad script writing. I mean plot twists are good, but too many just don't work. At the end I didn't even understand the intentions of the characters throughout the entire series, because everything was kind of suddenly changed. I don't know if I am explaining this properly but if you've watched "My Journey to You" you might relate.
Okay for the positive aspects of the series: The cinematography was good, and the costumes were gorgeous.
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This review may contain spoilers
Intriguing
This is my first chinese historical drama that I actually committed to (I tried >The Long Ballad< but never continued after episode 2 and that is because I must be intimidated with its plot and length lmao), but I was too curious with this drama. I follow Shuxin on Instagram and when she dropped the trailer, I fell in love. So moody and dark and entrancing, I just had to give this a shot! I have seen Esther in >Moonlight< (My fave C-rom-com!) and >A Romance of the Little Forest< (Also one of my faves!), so I know her bubbly and cute characters, but from the trailer, it was clear that this role and character would show a different side of her, and! it! does!I like both the main characters as well as the second couple and all the side characters. Poison bro is my fave, he looks good and a little devilish and I like it! Also, the fact that this show is the actor's debut project is insane because his acting is really good! The acting in general is consistent and amazing from the entire cast! The second female lead specifically is so great, i LOVE her voice acting as well, she is the perfect spy for Wufeng! I like how we slowly get the characters' backstories to understand their actions and motivations better. I love the music, and how grand and epic it sounds as well as the clothes/styling and setting in general. The fight montages also look amazing, they keep me at the edge of my seat!
What... is this ending, are they kidding?? They fooled us with the happiness and bliss and peace of the characters, and BOOM the last minute takes that away lmao. I mean, this screams season 2, but will we ever get it?? I did not expect to cry so much, but young master Xue's story was really sad and touching :( Also Elder Yue reminiscing about Yun Que :((( and the bracelet he promised her, their story was just sad and tragic :( The last couple of episodes - 22/23 specifically - were REALLY good. Twists and turns and revelations at any minute, it was amazing to find out who collaborated with who, i loved to see it. I think the last episode was really great overall, but this ending leaves me wanting for more (season 2 to be precise). This story was so good though... as mentioned above, the acting was really great, I loved every performance. No one was lacking, not even for a second.
Overall, I am super happy I started this show and will now finally watch some more chinese costume (fantasy) dramas, because my list is full of them... I was just a little scared to start them haha!
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