The Tale of Rose

scary real, and scary good.

I caught this on a 2 hour youtube video spun as a love story about her first love. Wrapped up in a pretty bow so nicely, that I wanted to watch the rest. I'm on episode 24 now. I am not enjoying this as a story, but more as a fascinating psychological study.

This is her life in 3 parts:

Her first love. Beautiful, realistic. Painful. Passionate love affair. They break up because he's expecting their relationship to fit in with his work, and her to sacrifice her work. Instead she tries to fit their relationship around her work. In the end both choose their work and are heartbroken. I expect if they'd both chose the relationship both would be resentful. It's no magical happy ending. Raw and realistic. BF and FL are amazing in this.

2nd phase: To try to move on from the first love, and with the best of intentions, she chooses the opposite type of man, perhaps comfort instead of passion. And in the end, the woman who doesn't want to be controlled ends up jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Actor who plays husband should get an award for his portrayal of an insecure but honest and well-intentioned man who loves this woman but takes actions based on his insecurities and morphs into a gaslighting, controlling manipulator. Actress who plays his mother, who is there fanning the flames of that insecurity and calling him to tighten the leash, should also get an award. FL who in the first part was confident, self-reliant and outspoken, now because of her child and her married status, is vulnerable, helpless, trapped, and hopeless. FL is brilliant.

3rd phase: according to the synopsis, it's her love with the dying man. Haven't gotten there yet but riveted to the story so far. As it continues I am amazed at all of the cast, but especially actor who plays the husband's. When I think he can't get any better, he does.

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Story of an average girl.....seen with rosy glasses

First let's get the white elephant out of the room :: the FL'S beauty.
Agreed she is lovely but they take it to nauseating levels here.
I suspect this entire drama is made by someone who is so smitten with her that they focused on her looks and forgot they also had a story to tell.

It gets even more sickening when toward the latter episodes her brother says - in front of his wife and parents - that she is so pretty, had she not been his sister, he would've married her. Yuck!!

She is so great that she Rollerblades like a champ, rides a motorbike long distance, flies small planes but the poor thing can't cook.

Then let's talk about the loser males :
The first relationship was exciting and fun to watch. They break up a few times and finally she calls it quits. BUT the guy keeps reappearing!!

The second guy who she marries- my goodness - you can skip a dozen episodes to get over the poor marital relationship - including a saucy mother in law to boot.
They divorce - BUT the guy keeps reappearing!!

The third guy dies - so we are spared his reappearance, and the fourth guy flies away -into oblivion hopefully.

Honestly it is the smitten folks who made this drama that need to go away and find a life and another story.

But definitely need to call out the other female characters :
The sister in law had a stronger personality and story.
The brother's first gf had a soft side and an iron will.
The FL'S mother was a wonderful character too.

16 to 24 episodes would have made this bearable.......but 38.??
I guess I had nothing to do for 38 evenings and dragged through it.

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Another true gem

"The Tale of Rose" starring the immensely talented Crystal Liu YiFei is a captivating drama that leaves a profound impact. Initially, the synopsis might lead you to believe that the series is a tear-jerking sad story, but it beautifully subverts those expectations, leaving you with a renewed sense of hope for life and a thirst for adventure.

Crystal Liu YiFei, known for her discerning choice of roles, delivers yet another stellar performance. From her previous work in "Meet Yourself" to "The Tale of Rose," Crystal consistently gravitates towards meaningful dramas that offer more than just entertainment—they impart life lessons and philosophies that resonate deeply.

The series is a treasure trove of messages about resilience, growth, and the beauty of life’s journey. Each character undergoes significant development, evolving into better versions of themselves, which is both inspiring and heartwarming to watch. The growth arcs are so well-crafted that you find yourself rooting for every character, celebrating their victories, and empathizing with their struggles.

The cinematography, writing, and direction all come together to create a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative. "The Tale of Rose" is more than just a drama; it’s an exploration of life’s potential and the endless possibilities that come with hope and perseverance.

The soundtrack is amazing, too, and I find myself humming to the tunes in my head every day.

In conclusion, this drama is truly a gem. It's a series that not only entertains but also enlightens, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a drama with depth and heart. Crystal Liu YiFei's performance is the cherry on top, solidifying her status as an actress who chooses roles with substance and significance.

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Beautiful story about overcoming life challenges and personal growth

Great cast and class acting, good script, filmography and music. Emotional (you might cry) and a bit inspirational.
I guess one could say the script depicts feminism (probably not the best choice of words, but I can't describe it better in English).

The script actually raised quite a lot of what I guess are stigmas and societal/cultural challenges, like divorce, remarriage, gender equality, traumas and more (without spoiling too much), and it did so rather elegantly. And with that I mean it didn’t really feel too “preachy”/ moralistic, as some other shows I have seen have been.

If anything bugged me I guess it is that especially Rose didn’t really age visually. I don’t mind her looking youthful at the end, but then again - maybe it was to show she kind of found herself again?
I spotted one very obvious blooper (brand new car model spotted in Paris-scene).

One of the things stopping me from giving full score:
Some lengthy scenes and flashbacks could have been shortened, and it was VERY obvious what car brand put their marketing budget to use here (so much so that I found it a bit annoying 😆).

A show I definitely will recommend if you like quite realistic dramas without big intrigues and plots.

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Only took me a year

It’s been a long journey — almost a year — and I’ve finally finished Tale of Rose. I often thought about it, but just didn’t have the time to complete it because so many other dramas took priority. Tale of Rose was always one I wanted to return to, mainly because I felt it was a story any girl could relate to — the tale of a woman navigating life through the lens of her love stories.

I liked this concept more than most, because it felt like a true reflection of a woman’s life. How many love encounters does a woman experience in her lifetime? The stages she goes through — heartbreak, healing, building new relationships... Are they soulmates, lovers, or just friends? Tale of Rose is the kind of story I can see myself returning to and reflecting on again and again.

I started this series maybe a year ago, and now I’ve finally found the time to finish it. What really pulled me back in was the song that played during her decision to end her first relationship — Zhou Shen’s “Breeze of Dawn.” It’s a sad moment, but the aesthetics and emotional conflict portrayed in that scene, amplified by the song, drew me back in.

Tale of Rose starts with a strong, independent woman — Huang Yi Mei — who lives by her own beliefs. At first, I thought her confidence came from being spoiled, but I later realized it came from how much she valued herself. This line probably sums her up best:

“Many people weigh the pros and cons in a relationship. You are different. It seems you were born with the ability to love. What a precious gift.”

💔 Let’s Talk About Her Love Stories:
First Love:

I don’t remember all the details (since I watched this part about a year ago), but I remember the feeling. That relationship came in like a gust of wind — fast and intense — but ended just as quickly. He was ambitious, wanting both a thriving career and a stable love life. When she visited him in Paris, she realized she would never be his top priority, so she chose herself. I respected that. I liked this guy more than the next one — he pushed her to evolve in a way no one else could have.

Second Love:

I agreed with her brother and dad — I didn’t like him. He didn’t feel genuine, and I had trouble warming up to his character. I wanted to call him a rebound, but I’ll soften it and say he was a “fall back into what’s comfortable.” Eventually, you see it’s his low self-esteem that makes him sensitive to others’ opinions, so he bends over backwards to be liked. He thought marrying her was the finish line — instead, he became obsessive.

Third Love:

Probably my favorite. Their artistic sides, their quirks — it all just clicked. It felt right, like they were on the same wavelength. As the synopsis said, this was her soulmate. That word fits perfectly.

Fourth Love:

This felt like a love born out of peace — peace with herself and her past. She was stronger, braver. I felt that every decision she made was guided by the question: Is this truly life or death? And if it wasn’t, she didn’t stress over it — she simply moved forward, strong and unshaken.

🌹 Why I Love Huang Yi Mei

No matter how hard things get, she always talks it out, and she always shows love. I think about the time she was with her third love, but her ex-husband kept reappearing in her life. Even when her world was crumbling — her boyfriend dying, her ex kidnapping her child — she stayed strong and fought for love.

Crystal did an outstanding job portraying her. Huang Yi Mei’s resilience, independence, and emotional maturity made her one of the strongest female leads I’ve seen.

🌸 The Second Couple

I didn’t expect to love them as much as I did — Su Su and Huang Zhen Hua (her brother and her colleague). Watching their relationship unfold and seeing their character growth was an unexpected joy.

💬 Favorite Lines That Touched Me:

• “I am looking for a job, but it is more important to find a direction for the future instead of just a job.”
• “I’m not very gifted at loving someone, but I’m trying my best to learn.”
• “If the stock market only went up and not down like my weight, everyone would be happy.”
• “Huang Yi Mei tried, observed, and understood what quality meant. She could tolerate inferior products due to her strong tolerance. That doesn’t mean she has no standards.”
• “Do you think I’ve become a worldly woman who only talks about children? No. You’ve become an ordinary woman. I think it’s wonderful.”
• “Manipulation should be used in business, not on people — especially not within your own family.”
• “Huang Yi Mei always represents the truest you, not relying on anyone or any environment.”
• “It’s been a really long time since someone called me by my name. Everyone calls me Xiao Chu’s mom now. I love her very much. I also feel the happiness of being a mother. Still, I want to be myself. I don’t want Huang Yi Mei to be replaced by Xiao Chu’s mom.”
• “As long as we’re living, we’re always creating. Every day is a brand-new beginning. Most people live like products on an assembly line. Only a few live artistically. To do so, you must take the carving knife into your own hands.”
• “Xiao Chu, when you first heard the word ‘divorce,’ you had just turned four. Many advised me not to expose you to the adult world too early. But I chose honesty. I hope you’ll embrace life’s changes like I did. Divorce is the end of a relationship, not a failure in life.”
• “People learn because they want freedom…when you figure out how to learn effectively, you can learn anything you want or need, then you are free. "
• “Don’t dwell on momentary successes or failures. It’s just a moment. It does not define your life. If you feel like you’re in darkness, it only means your future will be brighter than this moment. ”
• “The world in front of me leads me wherever I choose. Henceforth, I ask not for good fortune — I am good fortune. Everything I encounter, I like. Everything is accepted. I completely and totally direct myself.”

🎬 Final Thoughts

This might not be a drama for everyone — it’s slow, reflective, and character-driven. But if you enjoy slice-of-life stories, slow burns, and strong female leads navigating love and self-growth, this might be the one for you.

I hope everyone finds a version of Huang Yi Mei within themselves — being brave, loving courageously, being resilient, independent, and full of love. As I mentioned before, this is a series I know I'll return to.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Worth watching

LIKE

What Jian Zhi said to Yi Mei about life

How Yi Mei grew up as a young girl to a mature lady after encountering ups and downs in her life

DISLIKE

I cannot imagine staying with monster especially they are your parents - Mother Su has a psychotic mind

When Yi Mei was young and uttered unbelivable words to her parents when they thought she came in between another couple's relationship

Insecure and control freak - I was laughing all the way when I watched Lin Geng Xin who cracked me up as I cannot imagine him in Princess Agents, Legend of Shen Li and now a jerk here... LOL

MUSIC - personal fav

远方的花 Yuan Fang De Hua - 雷佳 Lei Jia
风吹过的晨曦 Feng Chui Guo De Chen Xi - 周深 Zhou Shen
写在星星上 Xie Zai Xing Xing Shang - 吴克群 Wu Ke Qun

REWATCH VALUE

Probably re-watch some day when I have the time

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Unique Way To Live Life

A lot of people complained about the number of men that Rose loved, but they failed to understand that to Rose, every experience whether good or bad was worth living because it was those very experiences that made life worth living to her.

The easy pampered days of the school girl, the girl who fell in love, broke up, got hurt, got married, had a child, broke up, and fell in love again, and had her heart shattered when they were separated by death, all made Rose the person she became.

Real life is beautiful, ugly, messy, painful, filled with happiness and remorse. How you choose to move through all of the difficulties and joys in your path directly reflect how you can navigate life successfully.

I think Rose had the right outlook on life. Every aspect is worth living. You would never know what extreme happiness is had you not experienced the bitter and heartbreaking things life throws at you. Deelking in regret or anger only robs you of the opportunity for joy, deep affection and the ability to handle life with grace and wild abandon, even when you have to live with heartbreak and tears.

The cast was perfect in each of the rolls cast for them. Every actor played their characters well. Very well. Tgere wasn’t one character who didn’t pull you to them or drive you away ((ie. 2nd ml’s mother). You can empathize, cry, clench your fists and want with every fiber of your being to slap someone silly. THAT is good acting.

I found the scenery, the sets, the locations added a great deal to the stage of life Rose went through. She fought hard, worked hard, loved hard and felt loss deeper than most, and each location showcased that beautifully.

The music was also well suited for Rose’s changing life. The lyrics had different meanings at different stages and added depth to each stage without detracting attention away from the storyline.

I found the script well done. It flowed naturally from one stage of life to the next. There were not any odd gaps or questions in regards to the timing of the events. Well done.

Directing and production were also spot on. Each character had depth and substance and none felt like they were there to fill space. Each actor had their purpose and fulfilled it very well.

Tge only tiny flaw I found was that Rose didn’t age physically. Her character appeared youthful even when she was in her 40’s (she was 24-26 approx when her daughter was born, and when her daughter was last in the drama she was nearing college age (15-16). But at the same time, her outlook on life - riding a motorcycle, learning to fly an airplane, running an art gallery kept her mind and body sharp, so it wasn’t that much of a distraction.

I loved the pairing of Zhu Zhu and Wallace Huo was beautiful. Chemistry and compatibility oozed from every screen. Their portrayal, as described in the synopsis, as soul mates was so well acted out that watching his passing felt like you were losing him as well.

Overall, I’d give this a 9.8…but since that’s not a choice, a 9.5 will do.

I would rewatch this again, but it would have to be a long gap as it was deeply similar to my own.

Ignore the complainers. This is a fabulous watch and well worth watching!

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Great Lesson, But There is a Lack of Fictional Character Development…

Tale of Rose


Rose is flighty (she has poor impulse control) and throughout her relationships and life, this does not change. I’m disappointed because although I understand this is a realism drama, I was hoping and praying for her character development. I wanted her to take more time away from men and to truly discover who she was beyond the selfishness. I wanted her to ask herself why she thought she needed a man, why she thought she couldn’t be alone, why she rushed into things, why long distance relationships affected her so much.

I want to add that I think when I watch realism dramas, I acknowledge that it’s like the Truman show. The pattern recognition I see in a character may not be consciously known by the character. But watching means criticising, and I know if others watched my own life, I’d have my own flaws and necessary character development too.


Now, I loved her brother’s character. He was way more stable and willing to fight for what he wanted. He won in the end and I’m so happy for him! He definitely had moments of weakness, but he returned back to a stable state.

Towards the end, I got super bored. I’m glad Rose could keep going, I struggled to.

Ultimately, I’ll give the drama a 7/10 because it failed to meet my expectations for Rosie.

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Stellar Acting But Slow and Hard to Watch

The story is interesting. This is not a fluffy romance drama. It's supposed to exude realism of life, human relationships of family, friends, and romance....which it did except for how unrealistically they put Rose on an idolized pedestal was so over the top. The pacing was so slow, it was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

The Good:
- All the actors did an amazing job acting their parts, except Rose's brother. His acting skills was probably the weakest of all.
- 2nd FL (Rose's best friend/sister-in-law) was my favorite character. She was the most complex character who makes you empathize and root for her.
- No insane, toxic, psycho characters scheming with manipulation games.

The Bad:
- I did not care or connect w/ any of the characters aside from 2nd FL (Rose's best friend/sister-in-law)
- Rose's character was too unrealistic and felt out of place for a 'realism' type drama. While all other characters were portrayed realistically, Rose was too perfect - beautiful, fashionable, kind, intelligent, fearless...can be the best at anything she puts her mind to...roller blading, swimming, painting, driving motorcycles, flying planes, and making career changes...but she can't do something basic like cooking. And to have everyone obsess and fawn over her like she's God's gift to humanity...not just romantically, but co-workers, friends, family...it was a bit nauseating.
- One of the ML, Rose's husband (Lin Geng Xin) is one of my favorite actors (from Princes Agents). It was really difficult to watch him play this character who started off likeable and then decline into a such a suffocating person.
- Rose's first love - there was something so creepy about him. I felt uncomfortable every time he was on screen.
- Rose's last love interest, someone almost half her age - that was really unnecessary to throw that character into the last few episodes

Suffered through this long and slow series - cannot sit through that again.

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Strong performance from Crystal Liu in a richly nuanced study of love & relationships

The Tale of Rose is a show that grabs you visually, immediately. Crystal Liu is Huang YiMei, & her story starts when she's a 22 year old art graduate in Beijing, catapulting in the art industry to the position of exhibition curator through sheer spunk. A walking work of art herself, she's stunningly beautiful & she knows it. She also knows her beauty makes her a target for others to blame for their own misfortunes, but she refuses to accept that responsibiity. Liu bursts through every scene like a tornado, sweeping up everything around her, and I don't know why but I can't stop staring at the clothes, the hair & makeup, the bouncy non-chalance. But it's an immature soul inside that huge cloud of powder, and tornados are destructive.

The story follows YiMei and her older brother ZhenHua as they both pursue love in whatever form it may present to them. ZhenHua's gentle nature is in stark contrast to YiMei's firey liveliness. In fact, YiMei's initial relationship with a work colleague was such a rollercoaster I wasn't sure I could stomach it for an entire show as I realize I'm only on Ep12 at this point. But those clothes, that hair. I think this is the 1st show where it's not just an actor simply wearing a designer outfit; Liu lives & breathes that fashion, completely embodying a character who wears a ball gown as easily as pyjamas.

Live & learn, as they say, & as time goes on, YiMei decides to go back to school in a much subdued state, leaving her family in Beijing to go to Shanghai where she meets her 2nd love. At this stage she has changed so drastically that the question is can she find true happiness if she is not her true self? And are men really different from one another? Whether they are lone wolves or mama's boys, they all seek to control when they are unable to grow. Empowering oneself without disempowering the other takes a lot of maturing.

And fact check needed: can a husband resign his wife from her workplace without her consent, or her employer even confirming with her since the spouse is basically an unvetted stranger? This can't be legal, even in China, so this is quite a stretch in the story. If YiMei has the guts to sue for a divorce, why wouldn't she also sue for her job? This question is more or less answered at the end when she realizes she'd rather let go than fight to keep things, including love.

Legalities aside, this show becomes a fascinating look at the push & pull, the hanging on & letting go, overcoming & being overwhelmed at any & all stages of relationships, spanning almost 20 years of the lives of YiMei & those around her. Not to mention differing attitudes toward success & family, particularly from money grubbing mothers-in-law. The story even includes a character who becomes a single parent by choice, further commentary on the role of men as partners in modern women's lives. YiMei never loses herself no matter what she goes through and her fearlessness in pursuing the paths she chooses never wanes, especially when she finally meets her true soulmate, another free-spirited artist. She's like an immortal who's banished to the human realm to endure all aspects of human suffering. The 3rd relationship felt underdeveloped & overdrawn within the story as it passes very quickly, & was harder to sympathize with. However, the show draws to an end with YiMei coming to a reconciliation with all the people in her past, while recognizing that she can never be settled with anyone other than herself. This might make her selfish, but at least she's honest & unapologetic about it.

Another detail that was too distracting: if you're caught in a rain storm on a mountain hike & you are wearing an appropriate outdoor jacket that comes standard with a rain hood, why wouldn't you put that hood on? Yes, it's more visually dramatic to to be soaking wet with water running down your face, but if you don't want to die of hypothermia you need to Put. That. Freaking. Hood. On.

Anyway, aside from a few annoying details, I think this is the strongest performance from Crystal Liu I have seen. She doesn't overact the character at 22 years of age, unlike other celebrities (I'm thinking Yang Zi). Tong Da Wei as ZhenHua gives a steady performance & makes his character an anchor against YiMei's tumultuous life. Overall, I found this show very richly nuanced & quite enjoyable.

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Sentimental drama

During her first relationship, I observed that she wanted to control all her boyfriend’s activities. As a result, he lied to her about being overworked when he was actually at a bar. When she found out he was going to Paris without informing her, she created a scene. While it was wrong of him not to tell her about the trip—anyone in her place would have been angry—she should have listened when he said he had a solution. Her brother communicated with him in a calm and composed manner, showing a different approach.


Although her questioning of his activities was justified, the manner in which she did it was problematic and came across as overly possessive. Despite her behavior, he tried his best not to lose her. He struggled in France to get permanent residence, and when she came to visit him, he was over the moon. However, after seeing his office circle and social group, she felt ambivalent about her feelings, as if something was eating her up inside.Her brother was a very understanding character and tried to encourage both of them to compromise. However, both were focused on their career goals and unwilling to back down.

In hindsight, it seems they started their relationship in haste and became deeply involved with each other, leading to emotional challenges for both.She made a unilateral decision to leave him, return to Beijing, and cut off all communication. She stopped receiving his calls, stopped replying to his messages, and messed up the room he rented. Silently freaking out, she caused him immense distress with her avoidance. I believe she was wrong in how she handled the situation.Since then, she has never talked to him, moved on, and started a new life.

To broaden her horizons, she went to Shanghai. Two years have passed, and she has taken admission to an art college in Shanghai, applying to the psychology department.From the day she started her new life, a boy who was also studying at her college began following her—not with any wrong intentions, but because he was genuinely interested in her and was looking for the right occasion to start a conversation. Gradually, they started their relationship.After spending a few months with this new boy, she married him and was living a happy life. However, her husband's nature, which seemed meticulous, innocent, silent, helpful, kind, and honest before marriage, began to change after they wed. His true colors started showing—he became over-possessive, and if others did not understand him, he perceived them as insulting him and not respecting his decisions. This led to bitterness in their married life. Despite this, she tried her best to understand him and address his thoughts and concerns, showing a significant change in her approach compared to her previous relationship.

To make matters worse, his mother constantly spoke against his wife and interfered excessively in their lives. Despite this, Rose, for the sake of her marriage, endured all the negativity and tried to maintain peace in her married life.Then they had a daughter, and everything seemed to be going great until she had an interview for a job. Due to her pregnancy, her husband made her quit her job. He didn't like her working and always wanted a housewife, displaying small-minded and immature thinking. He started tracking her every activity and wanted to control her life, which ultimately led to her decision to divorce him. She took the right step to regain control of her life.

The one who played the role of her husband is one of my favorite actors, and seeing him portray an arrogant, over-possessive, and obsessed husband felt disheartening. His character's actions were wrong, and it was difficult to see bad things happening to him.

One year passed after their divorce, and her ex-boyfriend started seeing her again. However, she saw him only as a friend. Despite their past and his renewed interest, her feelings for him had changed, and she maintained a platonic relationship with him.

At the same time, a new man entered her life—a musician, singer, and composer. She felt a connection with him because he gave her art a new meaning. His passion for music and art resonated deeply with her, and she found herself falling in love with him. This new relationship brought a sense of fulfillment and joy that she had not experienced before, helping her move forward in her life with renewed purpose and happiness.After so many hardships, she finally saw hope in someone. Unfortunately, it was the calm before the storm. The man who entered her life after her divorce died unexpectedly. This loss was devastating, but time made her strong.

She started living life to the fullest for the sake of her daughter, finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity.


My favorite character in the drama is her brother. He is such an understanding person. He took every step cautiously and always listened to his partner. He never let go of his relationship, tightly holding onto it. He cleared all misunderstandings and, though he sometimes hid things from his partner, he never lied to her. He proved to be the best husband, best son, best son-in-law, and best father.

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