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The beginning was intriguing and exciting, but then it declined.
It was a promising series, a girl trying to get out of slavery etc. It was intriguing at the beginning but eventually took a decline as the series progresses. It went from being a female centric series then there were too many unnecessary scenes, & then I kinda lost it from there. Some scenes went from this then all of a sudden it was filled with bloodshed that could’ve avoided and saved some of the characters. I want to rant so much more… but it’s just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. it felt like the story was everywhere moving forward episodes 16, 17-18 was my least favorite so far.I was captivated at first and then eventually I slowly lost interest it was that boring, and sometimes cringey. :/ but acting wise both leads especially the ML did well.
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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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Was it worth watching? YESSSSSS
The Story of Pearl Girl is a deeply moving and emotionally resonant film that beautifully captures resilience, survival, and the human spirit. The cast was absolutely spot on—at first, I had my doubts about their chemistry, but they proved me wrong. Their performances were raw and compelling, making every emotion feel authentic and deeply felt.What truly stands out is the story itself. It was incredibly realistic, portraying the struggles of survival and the weight of past pain in a way that felt genuine. The characters weren’t just surviving—they were navigating their trauma, trying to find purpose, and pushing forward despite everything they had been through. The film doesn’t romanticize suffering but instead highlights the strength and vulnerability that come with it.
Overall, The Story of Pearl Girl is a powerful, well-executed film that exceeds expectations. It’s a story of endurance, healing, and the connections that help us keep going. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, thought-provoking experience, this one is definitely worth watching.
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I loved it but writers failed on the ending
I’m a Zhao Lusi fan. She has always been appealing but lately her acting been more mature and effective. This pairing with Liu Yun Ning was the highlight of The Long Ballad , so happy they are matched again here.This is one of the best Chinese series, I have yet seen. Excellent acting, the production values were awesome. The storyline was very exciting. I saw it with english subtitles so the script appeared to be good,although my main complaint is the ending.
SPOILER;
I would have liked to see a “Jane Eyre” take. Mr. Rochester is not a pure hero lead, so cannot have an idyllic ending. The same for Yan, who will torture and kill in order to achieve his revenge. Mr. Rochester, blind but content surrounded by his family… Can you imagine Yan ending the same?
Instead, the last scene is a distance shot of a caravan with a voice over. -Boring and confusing. Maybe, this leaves a season 2 opening?
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BRTV interview
In response to BRTV who pointed out how #ZhaoLusi always cares about others' feelings. While shooting #TheStoryOfPearlGirl underwater scene, despite shivering from the cold, she kept saying "It's fine" and continued to cheer everyone up ☀️"It was a situation where an Introvert person like me needed to act like an Extrovert. I just thought that the conditions were already so toilsome and I'm already the one being taken care of. So if I'm still unhappy at that point in time, everyone else will be feeling uncomfortable too.
Working with discomfort is still a day, and working with happiness is also a day. A day is a day. So I thought I should just share some positivity."
*source from someone who actually knows Chinese , English and translate it perfectly
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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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Will not entertain You!!!
Yes,this show is no good if you want a watchable experience,except that It is unique character of pearl diver female lead(only 2 ep and rest was thinking i was pearl diver back then),The biggest drawback(I felt) was this is like a game finished this level, ok what is next and that too "boring",For this kind of a drama,one expects most of characters to be intro at a max of 8 episodes,And in this new characters show up even after 24,Vague story line,Big disappointment after scenes in Yangzhou, Irritating antagonists,bad triangle among leads, I tried watching it for LYN but can't continue I wish LYN to select character based scriptsWas this review helpful to you?
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Story
Awesome drama with superb acting but unfortunately the main cast has to die in the drama. Why does the actor Liu Yuning always takes projects where he's to die in the end. Enough of him taking such role. He should have a happy ending too. But for me, even though, the drama was awesome but personally I didn't like it at all.Was this review helpful to you?
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 quite right
I enjoyed the beginning story where FL fights her fate and gets to escape the island, and develops her skills under ML guidance. I also liked how the ML plotted against Cui family so wonderfully, but then it's going downhill after that. I had guessed it from the start that the sworn brother is the bad guy.. he's a successful figure in a dangerous area, isnt it obviously suspicious?It kills the whole drama that the supposedly scheming ML rushed to find the dragon bandit and fell into the trap.. they didn't even give him a chance to reflect on his mistake and find out how he got fooled. Why did he hire people without any caution in the first place, that's such a big deviation from his character.
I also think this drama elevates female characters and their careers too much. The villain who started off killing anyone who's in her way actually survived the ordeal and became a successful merchant, all thanks to her devoted childhood sweetheart who died for her. Then she suddenly shifted her hatred from ML and FL toher father in law because her man died miserably..
Lastly, the ending is the most disappointing to me. Why not give us a happy ending for the ML????? He's still consumed by the revenge and died for it. Too disappointing!!! I have loved the leads acting and coupling since Long Ballad so I'm very heartbroken that ML had to die from the poison.
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