WORTH YOUR TIME
I'm actually here writing this review after watching this drama in the middle of my very hectic schedule, but who cares really? this Cdrama deserves recognition!!! These past few months, I have been watching too much cdramas with sad or tragic endings that made me not hope too much in this drama BUT GUESS WHAT it has exceeded my expectations and there was no boring part on the timeline, it is also great because the MAIN LEADS try to work things out easily and would always talk to each other to avoid misunderstandings and even the 2nd and 3rd leads have done a great job in communicating-which is what I have loved the most about this Cdrama, not only it will not give you too much stress (other than the enemies) but it also has a very smooth timeline which is what most of the viewers would love, I have yet to watch the special episode and I sincerely hope that this Cdrama would be given a lot of recognition in the future.Was this review helpful to you?
BEING ACCEPTED AND LOVED
This drama reminds me why I love Chinese dramas so much, full of busy themes and not suitable for relax or watching on the sofa without any deep thoughts.Husband and wife whose love was destroyed by intrigue and lust for power, but in a second chance with a reincarnation when it all began. Being able to find those feelings again and save the situation from tragedy.
it is a challenging, introspective drama made to analyze and understand, where each character is much more than simply multifaceted, and where the drama is much more than a simple love story. is a drama that truly expand at the heartstrings of both men and women. A drama that teaches to be sincere, to choose your own path, not to be afraid of your heart, all in the perfect ethics of the Confucian social hierarchy, which is still the foundation of Chinese society nowadays.
it's a drama that really appeals to veryone, how to involve. Although the second lead is a rather unbearable character, he is a nice character too.
Recognizable historical elements, full of Chinese culture, wonderful scenarios and scenography, vivid and intense colours, a drama that makes you think and reflect from many points of view.
The special episode is for our hearts.
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A GREAT LOVE STORY THAT SURPASS LIVES
This is my first review ever. I'm not good at it but I'll try my best.Let me start by saying that this drama is PERFECT! It quickly became my favourite of 2024, the second favourite of all time. I start it with no pretense whatsoever since I just read the resume on Netflix. I wasn't ready for the please surprise this drama was. Their love is right there for us to see! From the beginning you can notice that Li Rong loves Pei Wen Xuan even though she denies it all the time, meanwhile, he is a huge softie for her but never a pushover.
I’ve already seen other dramas from Zhang Ling He, I didn't notice it was him till he showed up on my screen. I just love him, he did an AMAZING job portraying Pei Wen Xuan who is this very smart, cunning, political man who is always many steps ahead and can read people with ease. However, he never forgets to be a great husband and friend to his wife, super devoted, has a good sense of humour, and when jealous he can do the unexpected.
Although it was my first time seeing a drama with Zhao Jin Mai I already liked her a lot. She is this strong FML which I loved, she is smart just like PWX, and while she can be cold much of it is just an act to protect herself from being hurt again. But if you pay close attention she is, in reality, a very sweet person who cares a lot about others and has this great sense of justice. Although she is not verbal about her feelings or what’s on her mind her actions speak louder than anything she could ever say.
Their chemistry since EP 1 is on point, and if I'm being honest I had a hard time letting go and watching them in other dramas.
Our SML Su Rong Qing, honestly, I couldn’t care less about him and his past with Li Rong and the actor didn't do that well to catch my attention. For me whatever love she might have for him was long gone by episode 4, and the rest of the time it felt forced by him. On the other hand, it was hilarious his rivalry with Pei Wen Xuan. I admit he can be extremely annoying at times but nothing major that would make it unbearable to see. Also, most of my problems with him came from the constant comments about him on the drama page, which made me pay more attention to him and he started to bother me. Most people paid too much attention to him while we see this great love story unfold.
Overall The Princess Royal is a great love story from beginning to end, with a great cast, especially the main leads. It has good enough side characters that make you actually care for most of them. The OST I’ve listened to most of it after and it's really good to make you feel the emotions of the characters, set the scenes and put you right there with them. The production is nice with very good costumes and sets, although it fails a little with the aging of the characters in the flashbacks.
To finish, if you feel like giving it a chance my best advice is to not read the comments and not pay an unnecessary amount of attention to Su Rong Qing, because those can be serious mood killers. Just focus on the main couple and their story, it is very entertaining and you will fall in love with those cuties.
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I loved the premise of this. Two people whose marriage soured and ambitions failed are given a second chance to do it all over again. It's especially sweet and interesting that Pei Wen Xuan, our male lead, is clearly head over heels in love with our head strong, somewhat enfiruatiing, highly capable female lead Princess Li Rong.
But after the initial action paced 10 episodes, the plot curdles. Pei Wen Xuan and Li Rong's romance does not progress. The court political plots are all the same and add no tension. The secondary romance has a lot of potential, but then one half is sent off for a bunch of episodes.
This is the first C-Drama in quite awhile were I was excited and addicted to keep watching, but everything fizzled out. I'm dropping . . .
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I wish the storyline was more interesting
In my opinion.. I love the female and male lead and their acting is superb! They got really good chemistry too! the first few episodes were intense and very interesting! I was like their love story didn't end well but they went back in time! wow! I wonder what will happen next! But then there were lots of talking at the court and all the extra boring stuff! Although it showcased the princesses' wit but I lost interest lol. I wanna drop this drama but I already started it!Was this review helpful to you?
After peak moon starts to decline
I started this drama and absolutely loved it but still couldn't forget the feelings it gave me so i watched it again . I'm writing this for the first time to keep it as a beautiful memory that i enjoyed ,i recommend it to anybody who likes arrange marriage/ palace intrigue plot, I don't seem to let go of this but I prey that it's hangover soon will be over and i will return to normal.Story: so the story is somewhat predictable and it surprises u at the end, it keeps it's cool and it's not that deep so u don't have to put ur mind who did what.
Acting : I admit that I like FL and fell for her acting maybe that's the reason I give this 10/10 otherwise it's solid 8.5,but I don't understand why screentime of ML is lower then FL and SML overall they did their best and I couldn't find any major faults although there are some but it let's u stick to it so it's just fine .
In my opinion it's hit or Miss as I like to watch this kind of drama so it's definitely more appealing to me so give it a try and let story decide it's scor for u.
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If you got to re-live your life what would you do?
Loved this drama! Had the suspense, sweet moments and a great cast. I loved the storyline of their adult selves being in their younger bodies knowing what the future holds - and the excitement starts as to who’s going to change it first and in whose favour. You don’t know who the true villain is either and it keeps you guessing each character.The main leads did a great job as a married couple always as odds with each other but deep down they truly wanted their marriage to work.
Well worth the watch and I’ve rewatched it three times!
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This review may contain spoilers
Untangling misconceptions | Understanding both perspectives is essential | MLs a walking Green Flag!
"In front of your beloved, you'll always be a child in this life." - Wen Shi / Pei Wenxuan's Mother.Sometimes, it's really unwise and unadvisable to read reviews and watch spoilers before watching a drama. Because, what do you mean I stored this well-written story on the side for a couple of years just because I was influenced by some negative critiques I read online? Absolutely my mistake! Anyways...
In summary, I think the story was able to skillfully tackle a side of the "Rebirth plot" that isn't normally touched upon or addressed. Typically, it always revolves around "changing and correcting" what has happened, but for this drama, it's all about "clarification and acceptance."
At first, I had the impression that this would be another regret and repentance-themed plot. However, as the story progresses, I realized that they're neither focused on both, but more on learning what actually transpired and why it occurred in the first place. With that idea, I realized that they were not given the chance to relive their earlier lives to change and correct past decisions. Rather, the chance was given to make Princess Li Rong realize that she was already on the right path; It's just that she allowed her emotions to get the best of her—I am being subjective and character-specific here, as she was the only one who seemed confused and kept in the dark about the events of their previous life. Which prevented her from performing critical observation and rational analysis, ultimately resulting in the tragic and sorrowful conclusion of their previous life.
The story itself was nicely written. I appreciate that most of the scenes were straightforward and progressive—which helped to better represent the current mental age of the three characters who went back to their previous lives. While the resolution to the conflict was masterfully built and executed. I'm glad that they focused on resolving the issue, instead of making it unnecessarily big and overly dramatic. This helped the story avoid any additional immature and irrational conflicts that are often used in rebirth/time-travel themed dramas and allowed it to focus entirely on the pressing matters that made them remorseful and unsatisfied with their past lives.
The ending was presented in an unexpected yet reasonable manner that perfectly aligns with the title, 'The Princess Royal.' I honestly find it weird and amusing how they pushed the 'Regent Princess Royal' agenda. It was unprecedented, and I have never seen the concept utilized so positively before in any other dramas. However, I am glad that it ended that way, for the following reasons:
1. To finally provide a happy ending to Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen after their tragic demise.
2. To prevent the tragedy that occurred in their previous lives from ever happening again.
3. To cement Li Rong's role in the story as the most powerful figure: The Regent Princess Royal.
I also just want to list down some things I love about this production overall.
• I'm grateful that they immediately, on episode 2, discovered that both of them have re-lived their lives. Because of that, they didn't have to waste more episodes guessing why they're treating each other the way they do.
• I love that the story mainly focused on the leads recollecting and analyzing the past situation to gain clarity instead of immediately moving on. Finally, a mature concept.
• More so, I love how they alternately reminisce and reproach each other regarding their past circumstances: Li Rong with her bitter and salty memories of Pei Wenxuan's sentiments for his presumed first love (Qin Zhenzhen), and Pei Wenxuan's endless jealousy towards Li Rong's boy toy (Su Rong Qing). It's giving 'Couple Core'.
Let me also bring up a couple of things that felt a bit off, which could have been better with proper modifications.
×× The mustache in episode 1 looks so fake, I'm cackling! While it looks considerably fine on Pei Wenxuan, it is ridiculously unbelievable on Li Chuan. Since the actor is young, they should have used cosmetics to age him, which would have worked better than simply using a fake mustache.
×× The rain scene was everything—it was beautiful, heartfelt, and intense. The confession, the reproach speech, and them running after each other were so well done. However, as the story went on, it felt like everything went down the drain due to the constant doubts and hesitations, mainly concerning Li Rong's feelings, even after their confrontation. I think this scene would have been better if placed towards the middle part of the story, as it evoked immense emotion and would have served as a wonderful scene in sorting out their feelings and mending their relationship once and for all.
In conclusion, Li Rong wasn't mistaken; she just didn't know the whole story—and that's because Pei Wenxuan never mustered the courage to clarify his feelings to her. Above all, I'm proud that she remained pure-hearted till the end of her supposed first life. She was misguided and perhaps blinded by the fact that her husband loved and cared for Qin Zhenzhen, but what I love about her is that she never used that to harm her. She knew her worth and chose to end their connection, as she's not someone who would ever settle for receiving just a portion of Pei Wenxuan's affection.
P.S. Pei Wenxuan deserves an Honorary Award for being a walking green flag. Li Rong is the luckiest for finding such a loyal, loving, and magnanimous husband who genuinely adores, understands, and dotes on her. This man committed one mistake and never did it again; and in return, he is ready to devote his lifetime to making up for it.
Pei Wenxuan: Your Highness. If I die in the palace today. What will you do?
Li Rong: If you die in Huajing, I will gather the troops and destroy them. Do you understand?
Story - 9.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. The only issue I had was with the "Rain Scene," which I believe would have been more instrumental and effective had it been placed in the middle of the story or used as a device to ultimately resolve their relationship issues. It lost much of its essence because it was added in the first quarter of the story.
Acting/Cast - 10. Each scene was delivered with a great amount of emotion and support, and I never found anyone lacking. I love the lineup of actors and actresses, and was very happy to have finally watched this. This is my first Zhao Jinmai drama, and I consumed it very well. Zhang Linghe's character here is a much lighter and calmer version compared to all of his roles I have watched so far. I would say I love him better here.
Music - 10, Non-negotiable. Why are this drama's OSTs coming at par with how touching, solemn, and soothing K-OSTs are? The songs were never overpowering; they were never distracting. Instead, they are like the wind on a calm sunny day—mild, warm, and comforting. It's as if they are the voices that gently whisper and envelop their message and intentions to its viewers. <3
Rewatch Value - 9.5, I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely re-watch it if given a chance. It's once of the drama I stayed up multiple nights to finish.
Overall - 9.5. My rating would have been a perfect 10 if the rain scene had been positioned more appropriately. Whoever edited this was misled/misguided by the idea that it would be effective to place such a romantic and evocative scene in the first quarter, rather than using it to conclude the romantic conflict between the leads. The sequencing was consequently messed up. Nevertheless, this remains a highly recommendable drama.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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Give it a try
The Princess Royal' was a beautifully scripted drama. Every aspect was written meticulously, and the actors delivered their performances accordingly. The characters skillfully portrayed a range of emotions, from dull and serene to anxious, with great attention to detail. I particularly appreciated the role of the female lead's brother; his loyalty, respect, and love for his sister were truly heartwarming. Although the drama sometimes felt a bit dull due to a lack of relaxed, funny, and romantic elements, it remained captivating throughout. The main leads executed their roles flawlessly, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the drama."Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Mixed feelings
I had high expectations for this drama cause of the cast which I LOVED, storyline was so good but became way more frustrating on second half especially during the “rebellion” cause tell me why the FL turned on her brother the second she found out he was involved in her murder in the past life whilst he could casually chat with SRQ who accompanied her for 17 years yet still let her die in vain like that ? Without the ML’s persuasion she would’ve literally went against her brother who isn’t even the same person from her past life where’s the logic here, FL was really confused at times but luckily there’s always the ML knocking some sense into her & she listened so that’s relieving.I also adore the main lead’s relationship, whenever there’s a “conflict” they’d actually talk it out & resolve it like actual adults instead of dragging it which kept my sanity compared to other dramas.
The ML was honestly my favourite character throughout this whole series I’ve realised ZLH actually nailed this role & it fit him so good, he made it look so natural basically this is definitely my favourite role of his, kind of reminds me of his role in maiden holmes or maybe my memory is just bad? Anyhow ML actually had common sense!
Overall I wouldn’t say this is some special masterpiece but it definitely was a good entertaining drama with cute side love stories ( I was so invested in SGY & SRH’s relationship! 🥹)
so I would definitely recommend this drama in any case if you’re looking for a palace intrigued drama with a healthy main couple!
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Well written and never a dull moment
LIKELi Rong and Wen Xuan reunited with two decades of memories and kept on bickering about the past - loved it
Love the politics especially you already know what is going to happen
When you are re-living your life for the second time, you can be honest about what you couldn’t say in the first because there were regrets
When Li Rong went to save Pei Wen Xuan - soso cool
DISLIKE
Pity about Su Rong Qing's decision in life
MUSIC - personal fav
风吹 Feng Chui - 千言 Qian Yan
爱而不休 Ai Er Bu Xiu - 陈红鲤 Chen Hong Li
藏心 Cang Xin - 叶炫清 Ye Xuan Qing
REWATCH VALUE
Five for now
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This review may contain spoilers
American influence is ruining cdramas
This would have been a truly epic drama—casting was awesome, ost was pretty good, costumes and set were really beautiful. But the storyline. ugh. Cdramas are becoming just like US entertainment where they just HAVE to have a super aggressive, ultra perfect and “always right” girl boss female lead who dominates and bosses around a submissive, always apologetic and non leader-type male lead. Here’s a hint, Asian entertainment as a whole…you are gaining a huge following of western audiences for the main reason that we are SO sick of that trope being forced down our throats constantly, and Asian dramas until recently have not had this garbage.It’s just not historically accurate that he would have followed her lead exclusively, stating that he was submissive to her at every turn. And they just had to make her the emperor…ess, didn’t they. sigh.
I did watch the whole thing because all the other elements were so good, but I will definitely never slog my way through it again. so sad.
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