A MUST WATCH !!!
TSOPG has kept me awake till dawn just to be able to watch every episode dropped in real time.The story is very different from any previous Zhao Lusi dramas. Lusi did an excellent job performing DuanWu/SuMuzhe. The script is so good that you can’t predict what’s going to happen next. LiuYuning did a great job being Yan ZhiJing. I love their chemistry so much they portrayed their relationship very well.
This is one of Lusi’s best portrayals imo. The depth is just amazing.
I highly recommend people to watch this drama.
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One of A Great Drama of the Year
I usually rarely write reviews, but this time I felt like writing a review because this drama deserves the best, I followed the development of this drama from the first day of shooting the drama until the drama was broadcast today,as you know, this drama has gone through many phases from good rumors to bad rumors, various parties really want this drama to fail, this incident is truly unpleasant and unfair, I don't want to see a drama as good as this just be wasted. , there have been too many failed dramas this year. I just hope people can appreciate this good drama.
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IF you love emotional sad story watch it.
TSOTPG has flaws but a good show nevertheless. It mights not appeal to certain viewers but if u r in a mood for a sad story, give it a try.Acting was great, totally elevated the script for me.
Well done to all the cast for such great performance 👏.
This show will not be in the category of a great show for me but it totally among the good watchable dramas. The story of the pearl girl is about the pearl girl.
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This review may contain spoilers
Big budget/acting can't save a Mediocre Story
Final verdict on this drama: mediocre plot that tries to weave revenge, love, and female empowerment into a realistic drama. It fails because of its artificiality. NOT feeling the chemistry between the leads in this story because the romance was not the highlight. His cruel treatment of her in the beginning and the drastic transition to romance were abrupt. And then suddenly, the romance artificially fizzles, again abruptly, to accommodate the female empowerment narrative.This is the case when big budget, big acting still can't save a mediocre artificial story.
ZLS's face looks different in this drama. It is distracting sometimes. I am her fan and hope that she doesn't change her beautiful natural face any more, whether it's cosmetic procedures/makeup/losing weight. This is a problem with our culture: we equate beauty to artificial perfection. ZLS looked perfect for every role before this new improved looks. She doesn't need to look "beautiful" because her acting shines.
This is my own personal opinion. I am not an anti-fan.
I am a ZLS's fan as far as acting. The acting is amazing, and she has grown a lot since her last drama. However, the script is not as entertaining.
I think the script needs to be less complicated, more leads time together, more interesting content, more humor, etc.
Production: 10 Amazing special effects, very high end visuals
Acting: 10
Script: 7 borderline boring up to 6
Director: 6 (Just look at how LLTG is directed. That drama is 10+)
Emotional investment in the character: 2 (this is a script/directing problem)
Chemistry: I am a fan of this couple from the Long Ballad. The chemistry there is amazing. Some how I don't feel it here yet. It's the director and script I think.
THE PLOT
Conflict - pearl trading with a revenge/ hidden identities twist, and government investigation. Amidst all this, a young girl develops her character, discovers her true identity, and becomes a jewelry business woman. It's a story about female empowerment, so-so love story, revenge, etc.
eps 1-6 : sets up the backdrop - I think this could be done in 1-2 episodes. But they dragged on. While ZLS acts well and looks amazing as a pearl diver, I think if the script is not entertaining/funny, it's going to be a drag.
If you watch, LLTG, the director is good there and the rating shows it: It's boring family fighting, but he made it fun and entertaining to watch. It's a piece of art.
In contrast, The Pearl Girl, amazing production and special effects, is not skillful in presenting the material in an entertaining and artful way. It's more like Hollywood Little Mermaid with too much other things and graphical violence going on --- Like Korean drama!
eps 7-8: It's beginning to get interesting because she is finally involved in something more meaningful: negotiating trades and dealing with business. She also made a femal friend to help her out instead of struggling by herself. You can see where the plot is heading: Zhang Jin Ran told the girls that in Chang-an, there are shops run by females.
eps 9-10: predictable the way it's filmed. He tricked everyone to believe that he killed the accountant. I still don't feel good about the script. Very mediocre. I don't think it will do well beyond the 8.2-4 range. There are a few story holes - like why she is so strong and can take on the bad guys in fighting. I think the director of this drama is not a good one.
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Just magnificent!
PLOT: The FL struggles to survive in slavery on a pearl farm as a diver. She succeeds by escaping with the help of a high-ranking official (the ML2), then joins as a servant on the ML's boat. He is a harsh trader, solely committed to revenge for his family (jewelers, killed by desert bandits, during an escort, and banished after death).+++ With Liu Yu Ning & Zhao Lu Si, 2 actors that I love (ღ˘⌣˘ღ). They have so much talent to bring us this poignant story. They don't even need words to make us feel all their emotions... Amazing! Truly magical!
+++ Perfect execution: rhythm, costumes, visuals, sets, framing, lighting.
+++ Coherent and intelligent story. The characters are complex, all morally grey, well developed, and played by excellent actors.
+++ Superb credits and magnificent OST.
Even the ending, moving and bitter, is well done.
=> Series to watch and rewatch, the story is so beautiful (despite the hard and sad moments).
************************************************
Juste magnifique !
PLOT: La FL peine à survivre dans l'esclavage d'une ferme de perles comme plongeuse. Elle réussit en s'enfuir avec l'aide d'1 officiel de haut rang (le ML2), puis s'engage comme servante sur le bateau du ML. C'est un commerçant, dur, uniquement engagé dans la vengeance de sa famille (joailliers, tués par des bandits du désert, lors d'1 escorte, et banni par contumace).
+++ Avec Liu Yu Ning & Zhao Lu Si, 2 acteurs que j'adore. Ils ont tellement de talent, pour nous faire vivre cette histoire poignante. Ils n'ont même pas besoin de mots pour nous faire ressentir toutes leurs émotions... Bravo !
+++ Réalis° parfaite : rythme, costumes, visuels, décors, cadrages, lumière.
+++ Story cohérente et intelligente. Les personnages sont complexes, bien développés, et interprétés par d'excellents acteurs.
+++ Superbe générique et OST magnifiques.
Même la ending, émouvante, amère, est bien amenée.
=> Série à voir et à revoir, tellement l'histoire est belle (malgré les moments durs et tristes).
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It is totally worth watching, only if one is not afraid of suffering.
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THE POTRAYAL OF JWELLERY BUSINESS IN REALISM
I just finished *The Story of Pearl Girl*, and honestly, it’s a solid drama with a lot to love. The story follows Duanwu (Zhao Lusi), who starts off as a pearl diver living under harsh conditions. She crosses paths with Yan Zi Jing (Liu Yuning), a merchant on a revenge mission, and that meeting completely changes her life. From there, it’s all about her journey of self-reinvention and empowerment.
Zhao Lusi is fantastic as Duanwu. She captures the character’s transformation so well, from a powerless young woman to someone fiercely determined to take charge of her life. But let’s not overlook Liu Yuning—he absolutely nails his role as Yan Zi Jing. He brings a quiet intensity to the character, making him complex and compelling. He’s got this brooding yet protective energy that works perfectly, especially in the scenes where his softer side peeks through.
While romance isn’t the main focus, the relationship between Duanwu and Yan Zi Jing is beautifully done. It develops naturally over time, and their chemistry feels authentic. It’s not a sweeping, over-the-top love story, but that’s what makes it feel real. Their bond adds depth to the story without taking over, making it a lovely side plot to the main narrative of Duanwu’s growth.
Visually, this show is stunning. The Tang Dynasty setting is brought to life with incredible attention to detail—the costumes, the sets, and even the pearl-diving scenes are so well done. You can tell they put a lot of effort into making everything feel authentic. There are a few hiccups with lighting in some scenes, but it’s not enough to pull you out of the experience.
The Story of Pearl Girl* is a great mix of empowerment, drama, and just the right touch of romance. Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning both deliver performances that keep you invested, and the production quality makes it a feast for the eyes. If you’re into period dramas with strong characters and heartfelt storytelling, this one’s worth checking out.
Would I watch it again? Maybe not immediately, but it’s definitely a show I’d recommend to others. It’s one of those dramas that stays with you long after it’s over.
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Not all that...for me hard to get through all 40 episodes
Story:-The story is too disjointed from scene to scene, you don't develop a deep care for any character really except maybe ML cuz his family is killed and he is beaten to a pulp as a kid.
-Lots of dead time and scenes that could have been a faster pace which made it drag on in the middle
-It starts out with the cruelty of being a pearl diver which I appreciated the honesty of that situation but didn't like the ML being cruel to FL as well in such an abusive and violent way that it doesn't produce any bitterness or resentment...not humanly honest.
-Didn't produce too many new characters so it was easy to guess who the villains were even the "hidden" one - there's only one that they showcased in the desert.
Acting:
- I like Zhao Lusi but it just wasn't her best role. She was able to be emotional and cry well in many scenes. And you see some maturity and growth and appreciate the designers changing her hair/clothes to show the progression.
-However, the name changing wasn't really explained per se...so someone can just change it as they please to remake themselves? And yet she's a merchant dealing with legalities which doesn't make sense.
-Small details gave it away...as a pearl diver her nails looked like she had gel nail polish on-too nice and neat
-ML was good in his role but it didn't make you really like him til much later. His sidekick was someone you like Kang Ju.
- Good chemistry between ML and FL and some of the couples in this cdrama esp Cui and Zheng
-Supporting cast did a good job: 1st set was fun to watch and good performance. but second set...how they meet and become fast friends is a little too quick for me to develop a trust and fast friendship like that
Scenes
Lots of beautiful scenes in the movie
Costuming was gorgeous
Overall: I wouldn't watch it again, there wasn't any character that was significant nor was it unique. REvenge plot
And the ending was meh in my opinion...FL lead says not to leave and then we are left to assume he left
Or maybe they left together to the desert for him to die? Who knows
Subtitling: Andthe subtitling on Netflix was many times inaccurate and/or did not capture the Chinese meaning behind what was said. So those watching with subtitles may be cheated of some of the story or what the character was trying to convey in a scene.
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Wonderful story
Wonderful drama, with a nice story plot and a very dood and strong leaders and cast. Athough, I have to add, that the story's end make me fieel very sad, as I alweys like happy endings, but I am sure I watching again, now that the drama is completed and I dont need to wait for next episodes. xxWas this review helpful to you?
Discover the Unforgettable Journey of "Pearl Girl"
"The Story of Pearl Girl" is not just another historical drama; it’s a captivating experience that will leave you spellbound. With its unique story, fast-paced plot, and exceptional performances from an incredible casts, this series stands out as a must-watch.From the moment DW and YZJ met, you'll be enchanted by the chemistry between the lead characters. Their connection feels genuine, drawing you deeper andd captures the essence of love and ambition against the backdrop of history.
Also " The Story Of Pearl Girl" masterfully balances joy and sorrow.
Don’t miss out on the series that everyone is talking about. Tune in today and discover why this drama is highly recommended for all lovers of exceptional storytelling!
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THIS IS WHAT 2024 NEEDED.
I’m only up to episode 20 and let me tell you it’s been a rollercoaster for me. One I never want to get off.I’ve been a fan of the pairing of Zhao Lusi and Liu Yu Ning ever since they stole the show in The Long Ballad and let me tell you they ate and left no crumbs in Pearl Girl. So. Much. Chemistry!!!
Their story is angsty, beautiful, brutal and so addictive. I love the whole cast (especially Shrimp, Kang Ju and Loud), the costume (GORGEOUS). the OST (LYN, come on) and everyone’s performance.
ZLS is known for being typecasted but this show definitely showed off her range. I’m patiently waiting for more episodes.
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Lackluster
This show was a little disappointing for me since it was one of my most anticipated dramas of the year and I adore the cast. For me this came off pretty underwhelming and didn’t really stand out from other dramas in this genre.The Good
Amazing cast lineup. This show had a good range of decent traffic stars that can draw you in to want to watch. I wouldn’t say everyone was a good choice but most of the top players have decent enough acting skills to overshadow those who weren’t as outstanding. I also enjoyed the take on pearl diving as this was an unfamiliar concept to me and I appreciated how they tied it to the jewelry business. Lastly, the OST was good.
The Bad
The story was weak and couldn’t keep my attention. The writers/producers attempted to tell a story about a pearl diver caught up in the middle of the criminal jewelry world and set to take revenge. It’s a good concept but executed pretty poorly. The show was riddled with the same old cliches and plot holes that we see in other dramas in this category. The villain’s motivations were similar to so many other dramas that it became lackluster and unexciting. They also use way too many predictable plot devices to try to stir the audiences emotions but really they just fell short for me as I already saw them coming. Next, the romance up until the 27 episodes I saw was very underwhelming and unnatural. There wasn’t much of a natural buildup or connection between the leads to make me invested or believe they liked each other, especially with his initial treatment of her. Lastly, the production quality was pretty poor which was a little surprising. The CGI was very bad, the fight scenes weren’t the best, the costumes weren’t anything to brag about.
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