Blossom

Underwhelming time slip drama: strong start, uninteresting midpoint, OK ending

The first episodes grip you in entirely as the series introduces the fantasy aspect through a time slip, right in the middle of an inciting incident—from here on and for the entirety of the series, the female lead navigates her second chance in life with a playbook as her compass.

There were definitely plot devices and symbolisms used, but like other fantasy series, they were not elucidated as time slip is not the focus of the story, but merely an incident that sets off the story.

The first few episodes are also used to establish the female lead and male lead as the couple, which is one of the contributing elements to the romance in the series. However, once this has been introduced, the story’s focus deliberately shifts, with politics taking the centerpiece.

That being said, while there is romance in the drama (both for the main and secondary characters), this is not the main theme of the series. The romance is merely a subplot.

Casting Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui, who have been constantly secondary leads in their previous projects, is not a bad choice, though.

Meng Zi Yi is not stiff and conscious when acting, while Li Yun Rui has the standard characteristics of a male lead. Li Yun Rui, though, still has a lot of areas to improve on, specifically in using his expressions.

I have no qualms with the pacing as it's pretty consistent throughout the series. Still, while the drama started off strong, the second half of the series hit a sharp decline in the quality of storytelling.

By the second half, I was struggling to keep my attention on the drama and was seriously considering skipping a few scenes just to fast track.

As the drama comes close to conclusion, nothing was making any impact anymore: writing was steadily becoming askew. And while the drama occasionally delivered good cinematography, the OST is mediocre at best and did not help elevate the experience in any scenes. The political turmoil plot alone cannot carry the entire series.

There was an effort to tie loose ends, and the ending was definitely conclusive, which is an important factor to the majority, but aside from introducing the potentials of Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui as actors, and having a strong and smart female lead (with a good head on her shoulders) who actually (and finally) takes the lead (and is dominant in the relationship with the male lead), I will give this a pass. Romance, politics, time slip, rebirth—there are far better choices, with mid dramas that can easily topple this.

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A Masterpiece of Storytelling and Visual Artistry

Blossom is a rare gem in the world of Chinese historical dramas, seamlessly blending a compelling narrative with exceptional cinematography, directing, and scriptwriting. From the first episode to the last, the series captivates with its powerful and rich portrayal of resilience, love, and the triumph of the human spirit against adversity.

Directed by Zeng Qingjie, known for his previous short cdrama works on "A Familiar Stranger", "Butterflied Lover" and "Provoke," Blossom is a visual feast. The meticulous attention to lighting, composition, and color palette creates an immersive atmosphere that transports viewers to the historical setting. The use of natural landscapes and period-accurate set designs enhances the authenticity of the narrative, making each scene a work of art.

At its heart, Blossom is the journey of Dou Zhao, a heroine whose life has been shaped by loss, betrayal, and hardship. The drama beautifully explores her evolution from a powerless young woman to a figure of strength and determination. Played with remarkable depth and nuance, Dou Zhao's character feels both relatable and inspiring. Her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve make her a standout protagonist, and her growth is a joy to watch.

Song Mo, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpart to Dou Zhao. His layered character—equal parts enigmatic and vulnerable—adds depth to the narrative. Their evolving relationship, beginning with mutual suspicion and cultivating into profound trust and partnership, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the show. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, drawing viewers into their world as they navigate political intrigue, family secrets, and their own emotional barriers.

For me, what sets Blossom apart is its meticulous attention to detail. The period-appropriate costumes and breathtaking cinematography transport viewers to a bygone era, while the carefully crafted plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The subplots, from Dou Zhao’s struggles with her stepmother and the Dou family to Song Mo’s quest for justice, are interwoven seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.

The series also shines in its exploration of themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the meaning of true partnership. The bond between Dou Zhao and Song Mo transcends mere romance, showcasing a partnership built on mutual respect, shared struggles, and unwavering support. Their journey reminds us that love is not just about passion but about standing by each other through life's trials.

Blossom is not just a drama; it’s an emotional experience. It’s a story of finding hope in despair, strength in vulnerability, and love in the most unexpected places. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or just looking for a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Blossom is an absolute must-watch.

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Middle episodes Bit slow ,poor directing/editing

I wonder if the comments were real or paid, I got into the drama from the excellent reviews but it's not like what they said . It's definitely not a 10, it's maybe 5-6, not 10. The story is good but extremely poorly presented,what a waste

The story and acting was good but the middle episodes eg from 10-20s was directed/edited in exactly the same pace,be it fighting scene or comedic scene, so SLOW. So much so it gets really draggy and boring after a while . It seems to lose direction at times with unclear focus

The first 10episodes wasn't so bad but after the wedding, it gets really boring. After that it became full of domestic matters and the revenge plot seems to disappear. The few attempt at comedy just fell flat with the same boring pace. It improved a little after 20+ episodes

The Dou uncle 's suddenly became good was out of the blue? No build up, poorly presented

It's a waste of the excellent actors and actresses . I hope this director and editor will take note as it could have been so much better with such good story and acting. This is why it's not a 10, just a mediocre 6

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Strong FL and ML with a Happy Ending story

Read carefully before you start watching:

- If you don’t like a strong FL, then don’t watch. The FL is capable and can stand alongside the ML. If a strong, independent FL who refuses to be bound by society’s rules triggers or threatens you, it’s best to skip this one.

- If you like Mary Sue characters, then don’t watch. The FL is capable but not flawless- she still has her moments of vulnerability and powerlessness.

- If you’re not into political intrigue, then don’t watch because the main plot revolves around it.

- If you like instant karma and want to see the FL and ML take out villains immediately or always want them to die, then don’t watch. In this drama, the FL and ML's main goal is to bring the villains to justice, expose their crimes, and make sure their wrongdoings are recorded in history. Whether they die or not in the end isn’t very important for them.

- If you prefer harmonious family dynamics, then don’t watch, as it could trigger past traumas for you.

- If you’re looking for an ideal, wise emperor, then don’t watch. The emperor in this drama is portrayed more realistically, just like actual historical Chinese emperors, none of them were perfect.

- If you’re only watching for lovey-dovey moments or hot kissing scenes, this drama might not be for you, as not every episode focuses on romance.

- If you’re a die-hard fan of the novel and can’t handle changes to the storyline, then don’t watch, as there are significant changes.

- If you hate the FL and ML or find them to look ugly, then don't watch.

It's not worth forcing yourself to watch something you're not into just to leave a low rating or trashy comments on this page.

But if none of the above apply to you, then you’ve found a great drama for 2024!
This is an A-grade project with an S+ result.

- The storytelling is captivating, even though some parts could have been executed better. But overall, it keeps you hooked and curious about what will happen next.
This drama tells you that:
- You can always try to change your life for the better.
- Don’t waste your time trying to change a rotten person - it’s not worth it, and you might end up paying with your life.
- As long as you have a moral sense and want to have a better life, you will get a second chance.
- Karma doesn't always hit instantly. Living with guilt and atoning for your sins can be more painful than death itself.
- Sometimes, there's always another story of the villains.

- The visuals and camera direction are excellent. No weird lighting, odd camera movement or scene transition, fake CGI and jarring backgrounds. The makeup and filters are not overdone (except for Miao Ansu’s character, whose makeup is a bit too white for me).

- The costumes are so beautiful, and the craftsmanship is beyond the project level. Kudos to the costume designer!

- The fight scenes are awesome, and they’re done without using stunts or too many slow-mo effects. It really convinced me that the ML (Li Yun Rui) knows martial arts, though he indeed did train for six months for his role in Fengshen. Kudos to the art director!

- They also use real horses, and I could say a drama will be good if they put in the effort to use real props. A lot of dramas these days try to show the leads are great at riding but end up using fake horses with obvious, poorly done editing.

- No fake princess hugs from the ML here.
It really annoys me when a perfectly romantic princess hug in some dramas turns out to be using a prop, leading to awkward moments for the FL, who might constantly worry that she’s too heavy for the ML to lift, even though most of them weigh less than 50kg.
But in this drama, our strong ML lifts the FL with ease.

- The chemistry between the leads feels very natural and real. Even a small eye movement or just the two of them standing together is enough to show their chemistry.

- Lastly, the drama ends with a Happy Ending, the kind everyone wants but often gets betrayed by the scriptwriters.

- Of course, like any drama, it’s not totally perfect. There are some small details that are missed, and a few scenes could have been cut better. But given the budget, this drama truly deserves the attention it’s getting.

During a live broadcast, the actors also mentioned that they filmed late into the night, often until 2-3 a.m., while co-director Guo Feng worked until 5 a.m. and still managed to smile happily. Can’t add the co-director to the list of the crew, but I hope people will recognize his work in the future.

This is a drama created by a dedicated team focused on providing the best viewing experience for the audience, not on selling the director’s big name or the lead actors. They just worked hard to make it happen. A big applause for them!

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Great Characters, Fine Acting, Wonderful Story

When I started watching Blossom, I had no prior attachment to any of the actors. I picked it as a filler between other dramas I was following, but to my surprise, it captivated me right from the beginning. By the fourth episode, I was completely engrossed, and I rated it a solid 10/10. The compelling storyline and standout characters, particularly Song Mo, made me seriously consider naming it my costume drama of 2024.

What I Loved
The plot revolves around the concept of a second chance at life, taking different actions to alter past events, and ultimately changing the fates of key characters. While the characters’ previous lives ended in tragedy, Dou Zhao (played by Meng Zi Yi) uses hindsight to navigate her new life. Her strategic decisions reshape not only her fate but also the lives of those she cares about, even though she cannot reverse her mother’s tragic circumstances.

The two main characters, Dou Zhao and Song Mo, were exceptionally engaging, but the supporting cast also stood out. Characters like the grandmother, Ji Yong, Song Mo’s loyal sidekicks, and even the Crown Prince’s wife (who makes a brief yet memorable appearance at the end) added richness to the story.

Li Yun Rui’s portrayal of Song Mo deserves special mention. While this was my first time watching him in a leading role, his acting had already impressed me in Love Like the Galaxy, particularly the unforgettable scene where he reacts with shock as Niao Niao punches herself. His nuanced performance in Blossom further solidified his fine acting skills.

The drama is filled with details and subtle humor that make it even more enjoyable. One of my favorite scenes is when Song Mo and Ji Yong end up together in a bridal carriage. Another standout moment is when the Crown Prince’s wife scolds her husband with sharp wit. These instances reflect the charm and depth of the storytelling.

What Could Be Improved
As much as I adore Blossom, I found the second half of the drama overly smooth for the main couple, Dou Zhao and Song Mo. Once they marry, the narrative becomes more of a romance, with fewer twists and challenges. The pace slows considerably, and the lack of angst makes it feel predictable at times. While it’s heartwarming to watch Dou Zhao thrive in business and Song Mo succeed politically despite his enemies’ schemes, the absence of significant tension left the latter half feeling less dynamic.

A Word of Caution
If you’re planning to watch Blossom, I’d recommend not pairing it with Story of Kunning Palace. That was a mistake I made, as the two dramas share several similarities. For instance, both male leads are estranged from their fathers, while the female leads have troubled relationships with their mothers. Both female leads are also business-savvy, and their respective male leads share close bonds with maternal uncles who serve as top generals. Switching between these dramas occasionally caused confusion for me, so it’s best to watch them separately.

Final Thoughts
Blossom is an easy-to-follow drama with a satisfying storyline and minimal angst. The main couple gets together midway through the series, and their journey afterward is relatively smooth. Dou Zhao achieves financial success, and Song Mo triumphs politically, making this an ideal pick for romance enthusiasts.

The title "Blossom" feels somewhat uninspired compared to the Chinese title, which references a hardy wildflower capable of thriving in any environment—much like Dou Zhao herself, who grows resiliently despite her lack of a sheltered upbringing.

Overall, Blossom is a delightful watch, particularly for fans of romance and character-driven storytelling. While it may not be perfect, its charm and heart more than make up for its flaws.

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The happy ending we needed after the sad-fest that was 2024 c-dramas!

This is a late review, and it's been sitting in my notes for a while after the last ep dropped, so I thought I might as well post it.

The way I knew this was going to be that show then moment I laid eyes on that trailer is actually insanity. I saw that trailer and I counted down for this release date and I was checking these comments and watching the edits like no one else. And the moment their marriage ep dropped? I was up at 10 am in the morning every day watching this as it aired. This was the first c-drama that I kept up with daily, and no fucking regrets at all. It had everything I wanted in terms of romance and more. Grey hair and that horse kiss was all I needed to sell me on this show, and it fucking DELIVERED!!!

2024 was nothing but sad dramas, and I went on a binge to watch as many sad endings as possible. Honestly, I was ready to sacrifice the happy ending for Song Mo to get his grey hair back, but I guess a happy ending will do after the devastating year that was 2024 c-dramas. And the fact that we got a proper wedding scene??? WE NEED MORE OF THEM!!! It's so annoying that we don't proper ones while the couple are in love. It's always arranged or forced and it's so jarring. So props to the director. But damn tho, Duke Ying and the Emperor... sheesh... there was a little somthin' somethin' going on there. I just kept side eying the two can't lie.

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A Masterpiece of Chinese Historical Drama

"Blossom" is a 2024 drama that tells a story of rebirth and redemption. The show follows Dou Zhao, who, after a life full of betrayal and loss, gets a second chance to change her fate. The plot mixes romance, mystery, and political intrigue in an engaging and emotional way. It avoids unnecessary drama between the main characters, focusing instead on their mutual respect and teamwork. Each episode builds the story steadily without feeling rushed or slow.

Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui deliver strong, natural performances. Meng Zi Yi, as Dou Zhao(FL), shows a deep transformation from a wounded woman to a clever strategist. Li Yun Rui plays Song Mo(ML), a fair but troubled general, adding depth to his character. Their on-screen chemistry makes their scenes very touching and powerful, and the supporting cast adds even more detail to the story.

The visuals of "Blossom" are stunning, capturing the spirit of the Ming dynasty with detailed costumes and sets. The cinematography, with its artistic framing and symbolic use of purple, enhances the storytelling. The first episode sets a high standard with its dramatic and beautifully shot scenes.

The original soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly matching the mood and elevating key moments in the drama.

While there are a few pacing issues towards the end and some minor changes from the original book that might disappoint certain fans, these are small problems compared to the drama’s many strengths.

Overall, "Blossom" is a great example of what Chinese historical dramas can achieve. It entertains, leaves a lasting impression, and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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Best of 2024

Y'all this one is for the romance girlies.
Can officially say with my whole chest that this was the best period drama of the 14 that I watched this year. Probably the best Cdrama of 2024, at least of the 23 that I watched.
From start to finish cinematography, lighting, direction, action, acting, musical score, story/writing were top tier. The added little extra bit of running comedy with the slaps will forever live rent free in my head. I promise you, if you are someone who enjoys period dramas and romance you wont regret starting this one. The only spoiler I will give in this is the answer to the most common question I get from binge watchers who wait until the end of show to start watching.
Sad Ending, Open Ending, Happy for Now, Happy Ending, or Happily Ever After?



Happily Ever After, Five year flashforward for Epilogue after satisfying conclusion to other storylines . Plus extra bonus scene at the end of the credits.

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Worth the Hype, Really

Saw this drama release on Youtube but didn't watch it because of the unremarkable name. It wasn't until people went wild that I decided to give it a try. Definitely don't think it was a waste of time.

'Blossom' is a drama adaptation of a web novel with the same name (let me side track for a moment: can we please start having more original content?). In my opinion, making a good adaptation of a written novel has its pitfalls that not many people talk about. Things like script arrangement, storyline fidelity, character development are all impacted when you have to cut a novel down to fit the number of episodes. When it's a smaller novel with a simpler storyline, it's manageable. We've seen successful examples like Hidden Love (143 chapters). Longer novels or those with complex storylines suffer a bit because there is a decision that needs to be made: a) cut material, b) leave it but speed everything up, or c) go off the rails and make the drama 'loosely' adapted. An example of a more successfully adapted drama is Love Like Galaxy which chose to elongate the drama series to have sufficient time for story telling. Blossom like a couple of other dramas this year successfully avoids a lot of those pitfalls.

However. what makes Blossom stand out from other C-dramas this year was the subtlety of the acting and the characters decision making. The FL who experienced rebirth was not immediately this all powerful character with a golden finger. The ML who was adept in martial arts also wasn't all knowing and has his fatal flaw of impatience and acting out of impulse when it comes to his family. Meng Zi Yi, as an actor, had to walk the fine line of smart but not all powerful and makes mistakes but not dumb. Easy to describe but hard to execute. We've seen countless examples where the FL is almost too OP for the villains or too dumb/naive to be considered the main lead. Meng Zi Yi did a fantastic job portraying a strong FL who has a good noggin on her shoulders. Li Yun Rui, similarly, had to tread the fine line of powerful but human in addition to a fatal flaw of a lot of C-drama MLs: the curse of the stone block. All too many times we've have MLs that portray strong = no facial emotion besides ocassional anger. Li Yun Rui did a stunning job in portraying himself as a ML who was strong yet capable of emotions. In the beginning of the drama, expecially with his encounters with FL, Li Yun Rui showcases an array of emotions: resolve when deciding to take revenge on his uncle's killers, trust in FL, betrayal when he believed FL to have betrayed him, admiration when he slowly gets to know FL, and later being completely smitten. Each emotion was subtly different from each other and cannot be confused with a similar emotion.

That being said, the chemistry between the leads was off the hook. I truly was invested in their romantic development as a couple. It did not seem artificial and there was a palpable tension between them when they become more and more attracted with each other. Both ML and FL were attracted to each other. It wasn't just ML or FL's one sided pursuit of the other. That one scene where ML asks if FL truly wanted to get married to her fiance nearly took me out. Though it was a tropey kabedon, there was nothing forceful about it. FL wasn't some helpless lass trapped by this charismatic man there to force her to love him. I think that's definitely something that I appreciate about Li Yun Rui's portrayal of ML's love for FL. It never felt forceful. While I cannot tell if it was because of his acting or if his features weren't as sharp (like pointy sharp, not intelligent sharp), but Li Yun Rui's Song Mo was a gentle protector. Swoon~

So then here are my nitpicks... I think that the character list was a tiny bit too expansive. Because it was adapted from a 523 chapter novel, there are bound to be arcs and loads of characters. While I can see how they add depth to the story and create the illusion of mini arcs the ML and FL go through to get stronger, I think taking some of these characters out wouldn't have changed much of the main plot line. Examples of minor characters that I'd probably cut out (based on their role in the drama): the Crown Princess (1-2 eps), the Grand Princess (2-4 eps), Zhao Zhang Ru (5-9 eps), Official Mu (eh, this is an iffy one to cut; 2-3 eps). Regardless, I think they've already done a fantastic job at making the script concise and well developed. Another nitpick was the villains' endings... They were all pretty whitewashed. While I could see that the script writers wanted to give the characters a sense of depth, the sudden change in tone when portraying them made their individual demises a bit lackluster. Several characters had revealed or suggested that they fell in love. Others had off screen deaths. It was a little unsatisfactory because the ending was ever so slightly rushed. You can tell it was rushed starting from the moment ML's poison was revealed because at that point, things started to focus less on ML and FL and how they solve things and more about the plot from a narrator's point of view. Going from the characters' personal perspectives to a narrator's perspective definitely saved story telling time but it made the drama less immersive because it makes the characters seem more like storybook characters and not people.

All in all, it was still a fantastic drama. Personally, I might even choose Blossom over 'The Double', 'In Blossom', 'Blossoms in Adversity', 'The Rise of Ning', 'The Princess Royal', and 'The Story of Pearl Girl'.
Don't come after me, it might just be the post-drama emotions, but I really really really loved Li Yun Rui's portrayal of ML. I asked for romance and I got romance. Most importantly, I got the happy ending I didn't get from 'The Double' and 'The Story of Pearl Girl'. I'm tempted to include 'A Journey to Love' but the ending kinda fits with the genre of old-timey, Hong Kong TVB-esque wuxia.

TLDR: Really loved this drama. Worth the time. Other dramas listed above were good watches too. If I had to pick a similar drama I liked that was less political intrigue-y but won't make you cry, it would be 'The Autumn Ballad'.

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A really good, addictive all rounder, that meanders a bit towards the end

This drama launches with two addictive plots running 1) will our main characters be able to find love despite all the political turmoil ? 2) will our main characters be able to secure justice, righteous revenge and yet still have a happy ever after?

As the main romance plot starts resolving, a LOT of screen time is wasted on uninspiring terrible characters takes their place. This was so aggravating for me I almost DNF.

BUT, I really wanted to know if it all works out in the end. Unlike most other Chinese historical political dramas I've seen, this drama really hid the ending well. I wasn't quite sure how it would resolve until it did.

The acting is great, the music and production values are very good, and the pacing for the first 2/3rds and last 3 episodes was really good. If you like this genre, this drama is a must watch.

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