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Everything is great especially the costumes
Worth the hype, worth the watch everyone played and executed their parts excellently.The female lead and the male lead have very great chemistry, the supporting characters were on point too.
I was pained when one of the twins died and FL younger sister died. I really hoped she would have a better ending but it makes sense though because in other for FL to change her fate, she had to die. Her marriage was one of the things that caused it.
The costumes made it even more worth watching.
Including it in my top 3 best historical drama of 2024.
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The black horse of the year
With the current cdrama world being so watered down, this managed to go against the flow and captured its viewers heart by the captivating and fast paced story telling, and the good looking actors, plus CGI.There was very little to no scenes that I skipped, and that is the biggest feat of this drama for me. Each episode was covering a lot of background and story, with little but the perfect amount of 2nd and 3rd couples.
It might not be the best drama I have ever watched, but when watching I could see the crew's and actors blood sweat and tears embedded in it. The production felt very top notch, and there wasn't too much watered down scenes with random people talking that became irrelevant in the very next scene.
Overall, I love this drama for going against the flow, to prove that good drama can come with hard work, no need for top tired actors, or directors.
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The story seemed to understand when to slow down and put forward this slow-burn romance before the plot starts again with full force with action, family-drama and politics. And since I really appreciate this kind of quiet slow-burn romance, where the main characters stare longingly at each other for about twenty episodes before anything happens, I thoroughly enjoyed the romance even though others didn’t think it wasn’t dominant enough within the story.
Our main character, Dou Zhao, is a talented, capable woman who is determined to have a say in her own destiny and make sure that she will get a happy ending this time. She plans to use her second chance to make her own decisions. And she proves that time and time again that she can take care of herself - and makes sure that everyone she cares about has a better ending than the last time. In this second life, she challenges the roles that society has given her as a woman. And in doing so, she finds someone who allows her to grow and be herself. It’s impossible not to root for her.
There is a certain darkness in Song Mo that is both very fascinating and alluring. The drama manages to convey his inner turmoil well and how that shapes the plot, and how his revenge and actions and his impulses and thirst for justice towards the one he loves is a driving force within the story. And the story manages to make him into character who is much more than the archetype of the asshole with a tragic past.
The spark between the two main actors is really good, they look great together and these characters’ quest for revenge and a better life is such a captivating and engaging tale within the story. They manage to lift each other up so well and complement each other.
However, there were at some points, especially towards the end, that I felt that small plot-holes had started to form and that the drama had a slightly tendency to rely too much on the supporting characters and those politicians, who drove the political part of the story, being stupid or incompetent. There were also occasional decisions of the side characters and how they turned off the right path or joined forces with the enemy that just felt a little too sudden.
Some things just seemed to happen because the plot needed it to happen, and it needed it soon. Blossom is a very plot-driven drama after all so to keep the momentum going, you might have had to rely on that kind of storytelling technique, but I personally wouldn’t have complained about getting a few more episodes of the drama just to allow those things to develop a little better within the story. But despite all that it was thoroughly entertaining throughout, so you may not always pay much attention to those weaker plot elements during the viewing.
The evil Stepmother and some of that family drama and dynamics often felt over the top or felt sometimes like a filler or unnecessary add-ons, but it also gave us quite a bit of fun and added a dramatic touch and certainly pushed the story forward, even if it was a bit of a cliché at times. But I took it that these kinds of things are tropes and such for a reason within these stories, so I can excuse it.
The theme of destiny and second changes, as well as taking control of one’s own life, certainly tugs at one’s heartstrings, even though this is not a particularly original plot – but it doesn’t all have to be original, it’s enough just to tell an old tale very well. From the first episode to the last, the story was full of thrilling incidents, soapy dramatics, action and the very slow-burning romance that was enthralling to watch. And the politics was, although at times not that smart, funny and exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed watching for the first time a long historical cdrama from start to finish.
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must watch
this drama has many good things1) beautiful cinematography and beautifully shot (the fighting scenes, in the first ep the arrow scenes before they go back, the dream scenes, the shots with the petals, etc….). Well directed
2) acting was good from the leads. They did well for emotional scenes too. Also the supporting and older cast, I really like the portrayal of the emperor, I think the actor was great. Also other cast from the families of the leads.
3) the romance : it flowed nicely. them slowly falling in love, mature romance, trust, supporting each other. would do anything for each other and so much love. Good chemistry. I think compared to other cdrama, we got plenty of romance and cute moments. Also feeling confessed by ep 18 and married by ep 19 out of ep 34, I think that was very good. Less slow burn than many dramas this year. Absolutely no break or misunderstanding, strong couple till the end.
4) the transmigration/time travel was well written. I think « the dream » idea was very smart to pass censorship and very minimal since it was still obvious for us viewers that it was not a dream and they really went back in time. and only mentioned at the beginning of the story. I hate it when they do something like it was a novel or something, they add that at the very end to pass censorship.
5) I think the drama was well written in general, the plot was good, pretty fast pace, everything was going smoothly. as the story progressed, we were learning more about the villains, getting clues, etc… We got a bit of everything, some comedy, romance, action and more sad/emotional moments. ML and his uncle, mother (the pain from the deaths and seeing the flashbacks). When ML was dying, our sad couples moments, there was a pretty emotional ep, I don’t remember the number ahah but I was sad with the leads, they love each other so much. I think all the villains and their motive made senses. Like the 5th uncles who wanted his higher title (but still cared about the Dou family and his brother. I actually liked his death and I was almost sad. I think it was the scenes, the contexte and his brother/« lover » present. in the end, decided to do one last thing to protect his younger brother). The empress and her son, etc.. I actually enjoyed the political plot, I think it was interesting and I also think the villains were interesting.
6) great fighting scenes
7) Friendship. Between the girls, even the maids. ML and his guys, etc…
8) The character development of FL dad. how their story progressed and their reconciliation. He grow some bones, finally defending his daughter, standing up for his son-in-law (the drums moment), etc…
9) we got some diverse side arc/romance :
a)the sister and husband from the first life : I was feeling sad for Dou Ming. she was an asshole in her first life, but kind and gentle in her second life, she never did her sister wrong. But falling in love with the wrong guy. Not a complete trash in this life, but still a coward, a bad husband and a useless guy. Not gonna lie, they were kinda cute. She suffered a lot and her death was a bit infuriating. Dying like that and seeing her trash husband from afar drinking. Dying alone on the floor when she could have been saved. Anyway, I said KARMA when it happened, their bad deed in their first life and her mother sins. It was satisfying, the mom reaction and everything, learning she caused her own daughter’s dead. It was good how her dad didn’t even want to save her and she should be punished for her crimes. I laughed when he slapped her. Speaking of slapped, there was so many throughout the drama, that was hilarious to me.
b) An Su and Song Han : that arc made me mad. I was very mad at her for choosing/siding with the guy she barely knows against her friends for years. She was very stupid and easily manipulated at first. Their story was not interesting and making her a princess made no sense as she was literally a nobody/commoner. At last, it was satisfying when she learned the truth and killed him herself.
c) Chen Jia and Zhao Zhang Ru (FL’s cousin) : brief interactions, but they were very cute. They got their happy ending
d) the little past with the princess (sister of the emperor) and 5th uncle
e) the crown prince and crown princess. brief interactions too, but they were kinda funny at time and seemed like a good match. That was funny when they were the 4 of them and she mentioned the idea of betrothal between their unborn child, CP and ML reaction.
f)…maybe there is more ahaha
10) plot twist :
a) the fact that the dad (ML’s dad had an affair and switched the babies), didn’t saw that coming. How they explained he never loved his wife and the son they had, why he preferred Song Han. It was sad when he said those things to Song Mu. The sister was actually dead it seems, I was waiting for some plot twist and she’s alive + plus reunion, but that never happened. Anyway I think we had enough things going on ahaha
b) Ji Yong who was actually not with Prince Qing, all of this was a plan from the beginning with the emperor
c) the nephew of the empress who didn’t betrayed them
d) even the thing with the cat with Song Han, I think it was good that he was actually keeping the cat because he was using it for testing poison. I didn’t thought of that
e) the scenes when they were searching for the letter with the girl who was the maid, the flashbacks and reliving the scene and the letter that was hiding so close to them.
f) all the villains who were working together
11) villains getting what they deserved and punishment.
12) ending : great and satisfying ending. Closure for everyone and happy ending of course. Cute together and happy couple moments. Dad with his promotion, grandma being happy and travelling, them with the leads daughter was cute. Crown prince ascending the throne and the little monologue about the politics. Chen Jia and the cousin married couple. An Su doing her things and « looking for a husband ». Ji Young who will become a monk in this life too. Even them showing the kid of ML’s uncle
13 : no love triangle. We can say some side guys on liked FL, but that was very minimal, that’s not considered a love triangle. FL only has eyes for ML from beginning to end.
But, I think the kissing scenes weren’t great. I don’t know if it was a director’s choice, censorship or because the kisses were not so good (so they made it that way), but they were somehow disappointing for most of them. Pretty much cut short or we see nothing. The lips touched and them it’s all these camera angles and editing. Anyway just an observation, I wouldn’t call this an issue, I’ve seen way worst.
Also, the character of Mu (I don’t even remember if that’s the good name, but the guy at the beginning who liked FL). I think this character and arc was just completely useless and non interesting. Why did we need this useless side guy who had unrequited love. He personally annoyed me. At least, his presence was short. Even when it seemed like Ji Young liked FL, that was very annoying, can’t they just be friend?
So, to conclude, I would recommend, I think it’s a good watch, filled with romance, actions, intelligent leads, interesting plot and characters
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Loved the actors but could of been a bit shorter...
The actors were amazing in this I have to say that I loved the way they all played their characters. It just felt like they tried to put too much in the show that they didn't really need. Kind of made some parts feel really slow and would make you just want to fast forward through it and some parts you actually can and you will not miss the plot of the drama. It is huge on politics and you would think that yes skipping through some you would miss something not really here the big moments tend to be where everything comes out and those moments I felt like kept you wanting to keep watching.Li Yun Rui and Meng Zi Yi were great to watch really loved their characters the most in this drama. I think it is worth watching just for these two even if some parts are a little boring. The whole story of the drama is actually so interesting to watch and you want to know what happens that is one thing that kept me watching they could of just done it with fewer episodes. One thing I do think it does miss is that wow factor cause sometimes it really just felt like hmm do I want to continue this drama, but it was worth the watch even if I did feel that way sometimes. I didn't hate the story so if you can get through some slow scenes that don't really feel necessary you make actually like the drama.
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A story about the power of mutual love and trust
Only when you have the power to move mountains, can you change your fate. That's what the old man tells our FL. She desperately wants to avoid the mistakes from her previous life. And so she embarks on a journey to conquer the intimidating ML, a man who became so obsessed with revenge it ruled his every choice, action, and thought, and save the kingdom along with her loved ones. This story is really good. Chemistry between the actors (leads and supporting) was absolutely top notch. I didnt give it a ten because of various plot holes, and near the end I wasn't really feeling the villain or their motivations. I got bored until we got our time skip and then I was invested again. They take the time to neatly tie up loose ends, which I really appreciate. I thought the FL was awesome, I loved her character. She is smart, witty, driven and determined. She cherishes her friends and allies, going to great lengths to lend a hand when they are in need. She even has compassion for the antagonists.One of the reasons I've rated 9.5 instead of 10 is because of the antagonist themselves. Some of them are alright but one in particular I had a big issue with. His motivation was flimsy and actually didn't make a lot of sense. But I can forgive that because of all the good things about this show. The ending felt kinda rushed but also made me a little bored.
Other than that, I thought the show was well-written and performances were spectacular across the board. I'm always a fan of time travel fix-it dramas, and while this one isn't as good as the princess royal (in my opinion), it's still really good, and has probably the best ending out of any chinese drama I've seen to date.
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Worth every percent of HYPE
Just watch the first episode, I bet anyone and everyone will love it and want to watch more. It’s truly the most perfect pilot in recent years. (Silver haired SungMo I am on my knees for you) The show and story doesn’t disappoint, it gets better & better. Every shot feels thought out and crafted with love & dedication, hats off to the director and cinematographer! Nothing felt lacking, from the acting/cast, to story, philosophy, costumes, set, AND OH, THE DIALOGUES ARE SO BEAUTIFUL.My only teeny-tiny criticism is that they tried to make some villains have a “nice” ending but I could not care less. They were horrible people and deserved to die, let’s not add a layer of sympathy to them at the end.
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A Beautiful Fantasy
Blossom is a visually enchanting xianxia drama that impresses with its beautiful cinematography and carefully composed scenes. The camera work is thoughtful, creating a soft yet immersive atmosphere that elevates even the quieter moments.Both leads are visually pleasing and fit their roles well, though their performances stop short of being truly memorable. They carry the story competently, but don’t quite deliver the emotional weight needed for some of the drama’s more intense moments.
The adaptation leans toward idealism, softening some of the darker, more complex aspects of the original novel. While this makes the drama more accessible, it also lessens the impact of key turning points. That said, the soundtrack, though limited in number, is subtle and effective—it sinks in quietly, much like the drama itself.
In short, Blossom is a beautiful but somewhat simplified retelling, ideal for viewers looking for a visually rich, emotionally gentle watch.
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The Best of 2024!!!
This year wasn't the best year of cdramas but the end of the year has brought us amazing costume dramas such as Fangs of Fortune and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy but all of these dramas didn't end as well as Blossom did.Blossom is honestly the entire package. The plot was nothing new but Blossom definitely executed it the best way. This drama honestly gives me the vibe of Love Like the Galaxy but in my opinion, this drama was a better version if Ling Buyi and Niaoniao communicated better 😂 This drama though filled with politics and schemes managed to give us such a sweet married life of Song Mo and Duo Zhao.
I am honestly in love with how they are together. Once they decided to be together, they never parted or doubted each other once. Duo Zhao was honestly such a heroine just like Song Mo says. I'm really really obsessed with the part of the plot where Duo Zhao helps Song Mo through everything especially the pivotal times that made him who he was in the first life.
She saved him from jail, and talked him out of rebelling when the emperor closed his Uncle's case. It was that river moment when Song Mo was about to give up his twin blades of loyalty and fillial peity when he decided to rebel in the first life, but because Duo Zhao was in his 2nd life, she was able to convince him not to continue.
The next one is when his mother passed away. The symbolism of him reaching for the spear that he used in his first life after being abandoned by his father was so powerful. Instead of being able to reach it, Duo Zhao saved him and turned him back in the right direction. Song Mo is such a pitiful but strong character. Him and Duo Zhao are such a perfect match and I really just loved them in this drama.
I also can't get enough of how many of the characters changed in the 2nd life. My favorites is Duo Ming and Chen Jia. Duo Ming didn't grow up with her mother in the 2nd life hence she didn't turn out badly. I actually cried for her when she died. Although she changed and her husband loved her, he was still useless. Chen Jia was hard to trust at first since he played such a pivotal role in the rebellion in the last life, but he was so cute with Duo Zhao's cousin haha. I was actually do touched when he killed the eunuch in the end and fought side by side with Song Mo.
In conclusion, this drama is the perfect mix of romance, friendships, and political drama. The rewatch value is definitely a 10! My top pick for this year!
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A clean, cohesive, well-thought-out, and deeply moving drama to close 2024 in CDrama land!
Initially drawn in by curiosity, I didn’t know much about the show—the cast, premise, or genre—I just simply dove in headfirst without expectations. Episode after episode, arc after arc, the story unfolded into a beautifully executed tale of rebirth, second chances, the enduring power of love, and how love, rooted in the unity of two souls, can overcome all.Dou Zhao and Song Mo are hands down my favorite couple of the year—a love story so fluid, consistent, and strong that it feels like it’ll stay with me forever. The “here comes my reinforcement” moment was everything to me—it perfectly sums up Song Mo’s trust and admiration for Dou Zhao as his equal and his partner for life. Dou Zhao is that badass female lead you root for from beginning to end, with her unwavering strength and intelligence shining in every scene. What makes their story even more unforgettable is how every challenge they face together feels unique, yet each one reinforces the trust and love they share. Their bond isn’t just about destiny giving them a second chance; it’s about two people building a life together, grounded in mutual respect and the kind of partnership that grows stronger with every step. They’re the kind of couple I’ll think about every time I crave a story that’s honest, empowering, and even something that will reignite one's hope for love.
Overall, the emotional depth and storytelling finesse left me in awe, and I’m beyond thrilled with the ending—especially after a string of open-ended or sad conclusions in other recent CDramas.
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How intense stares ends up in another timeline
"Blossom" hit hard with those tear-jerking moments, no doubt, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it left me craving more, especially when it came to the MCs’ first timeline. Like, that whole backstory? Absolute goldmine just waiting to be explored. And don’t even get me started on Li Yun Rui. The white-haired general look? Straight-up legendary. If he ever brings that energy back in another drama, it’s over for us all. And him saying “wifey” Yeah, that lives in my head rent-free.Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the characters, but skipping over how she earned her wealth felt like a major missed opportunity. I was really looking forward to seeing that side of her evolve, it would have added so much more depth to her journey. On the flip side, ML's storyline was a breath of fresh air. Without the weight of past-life memories, his character growth was a masterclass in showing strength and resilience.
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Worth Watching
Really enjoyed the show. There were some slow parts in the show but the twist and turns made it extremely difficult to stop watching.The actors and actresses all played their roles well and were impressive. The OST is not too bad and quite well suited in their moments in the show. Overall, a show well worth the time and attention to watch.
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