This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
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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Zhao Lu Si carried the heavy weight in this show. I love watching her scenes. She is a remarkable actress and I think any male lead would just shine next to her. I can't wait for her next drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
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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Not your average CDrama
First off, the cinematography is off the chain. The story stays true to its intention, to highlight the jewelry business and silk road trade during the Tang Dynasty. The story could have gone the safe route but no, they've shown how cruel the world can be at times. The journey from slave to business owner was gradual and believable with occasional pitfalls along the way. This shows that there is opportunity for growth and success as long as you continue to strive for it. Although there is romance (chemistry is fire), there is also a focus on friendship and family. TSOPG is not your usual drama but worth the watch. See for yourself & start an amazing journey with Duan Wu, Yan Zi Jing & the rest of the cast.Was this review helpful to you?
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Zhao Lusi is wonderful
The drama was truly outstanding, an unforgettable experience from start to finish. It combined a gripping story with exceptional performances that brought each character to life in a way that felt raw and real. The cinematography was breathtaking, with stunning visuals that drew you into each scene, making every moment feel immersive and vivid. The soundtrack was equally impressive, perfectly matched to the emotions of each scene, heightening the drama and adding depth to the storytelling. Overall, the film was masterfully crafted, leaving a lasting impact and reminding viewers of the power of great cinema. It’s the kind of movie that resonates with you long after the credits lol.Was this review helpful to you?
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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I will never move on...
Overall 11/10✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
What an incredibly outstanding drama! I still cannot get over how beautiful TSOPG is. Everything from the plot to cinematography to acting was a full 10/10. Zhao Lusi was absolutely stunning along with Liu Yuning, who has blown me away with his acting and he has sung so many OSTs! The story subjects the viewers to very realistic portrayals of grief and the relationships of the characters are beautifully cultivated. The drama also does a wonderful job at portraying female empowerment and resilience. To sum it up in a few words I'd say: Incredible, bittersweet, heart wrenchingly beautiful. Highly, HIGHLY recommend watching! Also worth mentioning is the OST!!
Bonus: Episode 14 campfire scene is the most memorable scene and by far my favourite. I wish I could freeze time in order to live in that moment!
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This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful and emotional journey
This was one of my most awaited drama, I couldn’t wait to see this pairing again.What I liked :
- Cinematography
- acting was great, both leads were phenomenal, but also side characters did good
- music
- actions scenes. exemple ep 18 was heartbreaking, but very well done.
- costumes, hairstyles, makeup
- friendship
1) ML and Kang Ju : I absolutely love Kang Ju, one of my fav character. their bond was very strong. They went through so much together and have been together for years, I love this duo. Poor Kang Ju couldn’t save him…. His reaction to ML poison and wanted to save him broke my heart
2) the girl’s friendship at clear mind
3) not sure how I feel about FL and Cui friendship, feel like I didn’t really feel it after everything that happened and it happened pretty late in the story. At some point I was like, a thing to bound about, both lost their men….
4) the trio : FL, ML and SML. it was fun to watched them and the development between ML and SML. how they eventually became friends, their bickering and how they helped each other
5) we cannot forget the the late ones from the convoy. I loved their friendship and their moments together. Their deaths marked a tournament in the story and it was pretty sad.
- The love triangle was so well done and it’s how it should be : very minimal and rejected relatively early. he accepted it, no obsession or annoyances to get in the way or to get her. He was a friend to both FL and ML, helped them alone the way. His present created some funny jaelousy moments. He was a bit annoying at first, but he came to understand their situation and was they went through, their way of thinking. I don’t even think this should be called a love triangle. this is a very good/positive point for me, I’m tired of obsess/delulu/crazy/annoying SML
- the pace of the plot was pretty good and the story in general was interesting and well written
- the first half was more interesting to me, but I like seeing FL’s journey, I know the drama is about her.
- the story was different. It contained hard scenes to watch and emotional scenes that kept us attentive
- I actually did not dislike second couple, in the end I came to like them and they had chemistry. They liked each other for real and it was too late. I cried a bit when he died, the acting was good and I felt it. It was heartbreaking to me, how he wanted to protect her and everything. I had to look away when he was impaled and when through it because he had to save her. And after that how she didn’t to leave him, I would have wanted her to respond to him when he asked if she loved him for real. I felt so bad for her after that. when she was in her room and like saying she finally got the shop, but she’s alone, she just wants her family back. both had trash family that were using and treating them bad, they deserved better and also I would say a happy ending. in the end, they just wanted to escape and be together
- to finish this, let’s about the leads : strong, intelligent, beautiful, capable, kind, we can go on and on. both suffered so much and were perfect for each other. they understood each other suffering, they went through similar things. very mature and heartwarming relationship. their chemistry was very strong. such good moments and romantic scenes we got, even if romance was not the main focus, even if I wished it was. Seeing their relationship progress was beautiful, seeing them slowly falling in love. they loved each other so much, my heart broke for them, they so much deserved a happy ending, they deserved better. I cried a lot during ep 40
So now :
- personally, the misunderstanding lasted too long.
- got somehow less interesting with the business part a little, but still enjoyable. Every 40 eps drama have some boring moments in my opinion, so I’m not deducing my rating because of this, I didn’t for other dramas.
- I wasn’t satisfied with the revenge/ clearing the family name at all. Actually there was no revenge, we saw almost nothing and it was all cleared by the law, which is not satisfying to me
- didn’t like the ending. A sad ending is already bad to me (but can be well done I guess sometimes, but didn’t like it here). but an ending that doesn’t feel complete, like we didn’t got closure, is worst to me. didn’t like his choice and how it was left to him leaving and dying off screen. Even the last scene and the thing about business, didn’t care much to be honest even if the drama is about FL’s journey. I’m not satisfied with the ending, it’s feels a bit like I wasted time when the ending is not satisfying. I don’t know why the writers do this ? (it was the same in KMLM). the characters have suffered for years and everything, but they don’t even get an happy ending? If they absolutely wanted him to die, I think maybe it could have been written otherwise. like it was also misleading some people saying that in interviews she said or hinted (I don’t remember) that it’s happy ending. I remember reading about this in the comments at some point. I shouldn’t have paid attention to that ahaha my mistake
I’m saying nonsense here ahaha (I just finished, I cried, I’m tired), but both FL and SFL lost their men, like what is it, to bloom and be successful she should be alone with no men. Anyway, now I don’t even wanna watch the next dramas of Liu Yu Jing that are in my watch list…. And one of them I have been waiting for so long. The novel has a happy ending, but I have trust issues now with Cdramas, they actually change HE in SE sometimes and many writers don’t know how to write good endings. actually just like Allen Ren, they have so many sad ending dramas, that I don’t even wanna watch anymore.
Hopefully next year, we get more happy and satisfying ending. don’t know how to rate, I can’t give 10/10 because I’m not satisfied with the ending/last ep. I would say between 9-9,5 should be my rating. I would absolutely recommend, but be prepared for the heartbreak at the end.
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