The Story of Pearl Girl

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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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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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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I came to love this drama more and more

Because I really love Zhao Lusi dramas I was very excited for this one, until I read the synopsis. I didn't think I would like it. I thought it would be more about her as a rising jeweler and the fight for female rights in her time. I thought it would be a politically heavy drama and I wasn't in the mood for one.

But it was so much more than that.

The story of Pearl Girl starts of with Duanwu. She's a young women enslaved by the Cui family in their pearl diving farm. She's been there since she was eight and has suffered lots of abuse and other forms of cruelty. But this hasn't worn her down a bit. Duanwu remains strong and knows how to stand up for herself. She plans to get away from it all, she just needs the means to escape. Her first opportunity presents itself through a pearl auction where she meets two dashing men. Zhang Jinran (an investigator from the capitol) and Yan Zhijing (a trader from the west). Duanwu manages to escape the farm but the attempt is bloody and ends up burning the whole place down turning her into an enemy of the Cui family. She ends up working for Yan Zhijing and travels with his trading company to be able to earn her true freedom.

I really liked the story of this drama. It was nothing like I had expected it to be and gave me everything I needed. I wasn't familiar with Liu Yuning as an actor but his performance blew me away. I usually like dramas to be a bit more romance heavy but didn't mind at all that this drama focused more on Duanwu's story without having her be head-over-heels for her love interest. Love didn't hold her back. She remained a strong female character throughout the story. It's so different from anything Zhao Lusi's played before. It made me love her acting even more.

Positives:
- The costumes were amazing! I absolutely loved Yan Zhijing's style throughout the show. He made me think of a pirate most of the time.
- The story felt really realistic. It was raw and brutal but never over-the-top.
- They kept the story revolving around Duanwu as a person and her rise from enslavement. We got to see her grow from start to finish.
- The chemistry between Duanwu and Zhijing was on point! Like I said.. I wasn't familiar with Liu Yuning as an actor but he blew me away with his acting. On top of that I have to add his chemistry with Zhao Lusi. I melted at their romantic moments and wished for more each time they parted ways.
- The way they showed the differences between unpaid slavery and paid slavery. Duanwu was an unpaid slave at the Cui family where she had to withstand mental and physical abuse each day (and even the threat of SA) whereas she became a paid slave working for Zhijing. She had to work hard and was still expendable but I really loved the way they showed the differences and had Duanwu go through them.
- Villainy characters became likeable and there was a chance at redemption for them. In particular Zheng Wu.

Negatives:
- After the events in the desert the main characters, being Yan Zhijing and Duanwu, became more like back ground characters. They didn't have that much screentime anymore. The story of Pearl girl became less about the pearl girl and more about the power struggle of families in Yangzhou who were responsible for the fall of the Yan family.
- I don't understand why the script didn't allow Yan Zhijing to find himself a cure for his poisoning. I get why he kept refusing but surely there was a way for him to get cured in the end. If that witch-doctor had ideas of a remedy surely all those court physicians could come up with one. Now it just feels unresolved and I'm left unsatisfied. I can deal with open endings but this one is on a whole new level.
- The ending was so abrupt I had to go to Google and find out if it was the real deal or if my Netflix was broken. I tried to search for an answer for over 30 minutes but Google gave me nothing.
- For a chemistry that intense, it didn't have much romance. I wish the drama had more moments with the two main leads and have them connect. In the later part of the drama we don't see much Yan Zhijing (it's even worse than Duanwu) and we have to miss out on them. I wish they could have given us more time with them before the end.

Overal I really loved this drama. I recommend it to everyone who wants to watch a drama with lots of heavier moments when it comes to tension. It's an emotional rollercoaster so keep tissues close.

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Pearl Girl Shines: A Captivating Drama with Stunning Cinematography

The Story of Pearl Girl was such an engaging watch, with interesting characters and stunning cinematography that leaves a lasting impact, making you feel like watching the entire show was truly worth it. At first, I did not support the main couple, Zijing and Duanwu, but slowly, through both of their character developments, I began to see it. They are generally very supportive of one another, which is refreshing to see.

The original troupe has some real gems, and I genuinely feel like their ending was undeserved and a tad unnecessary. The villains played their roles so well—infuriating at times, as they should be, and occasionally pulling off major twists in the storyline!

This drama is thoroughly entertaining while also shedding light on issues such as slavery in a realistic and confronting way. Lusi's water scenes are absolutely majestic! It just shows how much effort and care went into this drama to create such high quality.

I think this is one of the best dramas released in 2024, especially after a notably lackluster year. I would rate it 8.5/10!

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Show isn't super bad overall, mainly came to watch this because of the second collab of Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning. Their acting and chemistry in the show was really sweet and good. When watching their first collab, I really wanted to see a drama mainly focusing on them two as the lead and this show went pretty well.

The acting was superb on both sides. I'm glad to see Zhao Lusi taking on different roles. She is a really good actress as she's been taking very different roles for the past 2-3 years. This character is probably one of my favorites that she has played so far. She's very wise and strange. She does things differently and you can never expect her next move. I loved watching her character development throughout the show, and I love how she also knows a thing or two about martial arts so she can defend herself. I watched a few Liu Yuning dramas, and Idk what to really say. He's been playing kind of the same roles in most of the dramas I've seen him in, but his acting is still pretty good.

there are some plots in the story that make me really frustrated, and this entire series is honestly just trying to find out who the real mastermind behind everything is, so it's like a journey. There are some other characters that make the show even more enjoyable.

My only issue with this show is everything that happens on ep 18. I've never read the book, so idk who to blame it on. In most dramas I've watched something always happens to one of the main leads. (SPOILER) I thought it was really dumb for Duan Wu to just think that Yan Zijing wanted to kill her, I also understand that it might have been difficult for her at that time, but why would Yan Zijing want to kill her for no reason, and right after the two were in a really good relationship. Sometimes the author just needs to think about all perspectives.

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Why is it always Liu Yuning? ?

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)

*** It was a roller coaster of emotions! 🥹🥺😭 .. but why is it always Liu Yuning? 😭😭😭 ***

Seriously, I just finished watching it... I'm still crying, my heart is still aching, and at the same time, I'm so pissed off with the ending...😭

The Story of Pearl Girl was one of my most anticipated dramas because I love Liu Yuning and Zhao Lusi. They are one of the tandems I’ve been waiting for, and I was very excited to see Liu Yuning as Zhao Lusi’s male lead. Well, we can’t deny it—their chemistry is to die for. The way they portrayed their characters felt so sincere, like they truly embodied them. You could feel their love and sincerity for each other—the way they looked at each other, the way they held each other—it felt so different, so real. You cry when they cry. I even felt embarrassed for Duanwu in front of Yan Zhijing sometimes…😅 My emotions were so invested in this drama.

I was so pissed off at the ending, but then I reminded myself that this is The Story of Pearl Girl, not The Story of Yan Zhijing…😆 Of course, the story revolved around Duanwu—how her life transformed from being a pearl diver to a powerful, successful female merchant. Along the way, she met Yan Zhijing, who was connected to her through their parents. Yan Zhijing started to teach her about life and how to survive while also taking revenge for the massacre of his entire family. This drama makes you go through a lot of emotions…😅 And if you’re not ready to be heartbroken, I think you should prepare yourself first before watching it… because it still hurts.😭 I even told myself that I would hate this drama if Yan Zhijing died… and he freaking did. Even though I knew he was poisoned, I was still hoping for a happy ending…😭

Overall, I rate it 9/10. It was a slow-burn, deep romance drama. The storyline was okay because they didn’t drag it out too much. What I mean is that they focused on her story—her growth from rags to riches with a clear mind. How she tackles the unfairness of society to a female merchant. How strong she is during tough times (Shrimp death and Yan Zhijing sickness) and the story also shows how Yan Zhijing did everything to avenge the unjust death of his family and finally finding peace once their reputation was restored.

I rated it 9/10 because the actors and actresses were all superb - top class acting.. Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning chemistry is perfect.. best of the best.. but I really didn’t like the ending. I’m not even sure if he died before the contest or if he left…😭😭😭 I know, I know… maybe the story was meant to show that Yan Zhijing was the type of man who comes into your life to teach you, guide you, love you, and make you strong—someone who leaves a deep impact on you so that you’ll never forget him, no matter what happens… and then, in the end, he leaves…😭😭😭

GENRE – Costume, Politics, Business, Romance, Revenge

FAV OST - Only Wish by Liu Yuning

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