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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?
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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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“In another life, I would make you mine”
This is my favorite Cdrama. I have repeated this so many times. Zhao jinmai matches the character Lirong and she played it so well. Zhang Linghe as Pei wienxuan also matches him well. Their acting and chemistry was totally strong that they made me believe they were really married for a long time. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed from being in love to being enemies to being inlove again. I enjoyed Pei Wienxuan being such a clingly and supportive husband to Li Rong. I love how he made sure in their 2nd life, he will stay by her side this time. This Cdrama is totally the “ In another life, i would make you mine” theme. I love that this is a happy ending cdrama as well. I fell in love with both leads and have been watching their dramas sinceWas this review helpful to you?
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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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A confused drama
Yes, confused…not confusing. Because this drama acts like it doesn’t know what it wants to be: a comedy or a tragedy. I was so looking forward to this series based on the beautifully edited trailers that had me chuckling at the witty antics of the FL. I knew there would come a shift in tone as the more serious palace matters took precedent, but those usually come towards the end of these types of plots. What I didn’t expect was that this drama was shot in a way that even the scenes that previously had me laughing in the trailer fell with a thud in the actual drama. What was portrayed as cute pranks turned out to be acts of petty cruelty by a FL who isn’t nearly as intelligent as I had hoped for. I’ll give an example:Minor spoiler here, though it happens in episode 3/4 so not a huge giveaway. Our FL is shocked the man she thought she trusted over everyone would be implicated as the one who poisoned her. We, as the audience, are just slightly surprised UNTIL the backstory is given that his entire family was slaughtered by FL’s father and this man was then made into a eunuch because the FL asked his life be saved and then she shows more “kindness” by offering for him to serve in her palace. Like what?!? And then when it’s revealed he hated her, she’s like “but I saved his life.” How stupid is this character? No, not stupidity - entitlement and completely out-of-touch with normies. This shows up in early episodes with some nasty bullying of the ML. At one point reminding him that he’s just a commoner and that, as a royal, she can take his life whenever she pleases and then this chick turns around and asks the other guy (also a commoner) if he will be her consort after he witnesses and hears her rant. Who would want to marry this and spend their lives catering to - from all he can see - a power tripping harpy?!? And she honestly thinks he’s going to say yes. 🙄 How am I supposed to get on the side of this nasty, bratty character. At this point I’m hoping the ML escapes her claws. But no, he’s mind-bogglingly kind and loyal, which just makes her look even worse.
Who ruined this drama? I honestly put 30% of the blame on the script and the rest on this director. Everything from his direction of acting to the bad editing to the abysmal lack of proper BGM, essential in comedic films. Because the show can be funny. The trailers showed it can be amazing. But the way this director put everything together was just awful. Like imagine the plot of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days but shot with the tone and intensity of Schindler’s List. Ugh!
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An Entertaining Couple Who Bicker Endlessly
Give me a historical romance with lots of political maneuvering and I’m seated for the drama!Starring Zhao Jin Mai & Zhang Ling He in lead roles, the first thing that catches your attention is the domesticated vibes between the main couple. “The Princess Royal” though a political melodrama is essentially a recurring love story between a couple, who died, were revived in their young selves and still choose to marry each other again; no matter the consequences. Their choices might seem questionable because they spend 20 years outwitting each other; but they are allies first, enemies later. There is comfort in their relationship which stems from spending decades together, even if they were in an antagonistic relationship. Both actors excel in their portrayals, the storyline does seem to drag in some places, but they quickly pull through by inserting a new ploy and chaos ensues. Our married couple are tasked with the job of maintaining peace with minimal damage possible. Let’s get to know them better before we form our opinions!
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/16/the-princess-royal-first-impressions/#more-1037
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I hate Netizens.
Yup I do hate them. Amazing how “fans” are able to modify the narrative, content and casting, when there are pretty much DENIED FREEDOM OF SPEECH.Let’s play pretend so we r all happy.
Boring, tasteless, repetitive, and the most annoying skeletons like actors that appear so fragile they look like they have malaria.
Also, this machine like assemble and production of dramas, whether they are made by awfully coded AI or underpaid humans, at super speed,is resulting in an unshakable APHATY that has ZERO rewatch value.
Take the Double. Nothing new, same hysterical women and one fierce heroine saved by the ice face guy. YET , you cannot stop watching. The casting is beyond good, all actors have the same level of talent and chemistry that transform the usual in unusual.
Now, I think this Zangh Linghe kid has potential, solid performances and personal development. Yet in this drama is surrounded by bad director, bad cast choice, and simply no character to go with. Why ? Ask the Netizen. They make it and break it.
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Where pride meets redemption — The Princess Royal unfolds a tale of hearts reborn
Not yet completed the drama:The actors are phenomenal. Lately, I’ve been lucky to come across several C and K dramas featuring strong female leads, a refreshing change from the usual ones who spend episodes crying or wallowing without taking charge of their situations. Scheming, intelligent heroines have always been my favorite, and this drama definitely delivers on that front.
I’m currently seven episodes into this 40-episode series, and so far, the plot feels solid and well-paced. The acting is impressive, and the dynamics between characters are engaging. My only minor gripe is how quickly the main characters seem to rebuild trust after nearly two decades of misunderstandings, it feels a bit too convenient.
Overall, though, The Princess Royal is shaping up to be a compelling watch, especially for those who enjoy sharp, resilient female leads and layered political intrigue.
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One thing I will say that did surprise me was the double leads having a second chance to relive. Most shows I've seen, only one lead is given the chance to go back in time and remake their life decisions but it's really interesting how BOTH leads return with previous knowledge and it's like they've been married for years even though they aren't even married.
No offense to any of the actors or show, but I did find the episodes 4 and so on really boring. I've seen Zhang Linghe's other shows and loved them. Zhao Jinmai is sort of new to me but her acting doesn't really have anything to do that makes me want to drop the show.
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The Princess Royal é um drama que aborda a temática de "segunda chance". Após a viverem uma vida cheia de arrependimento e morrerem de forma trágica, nossos protagonista, a princesa Li Rong e seu consorte Pei Wenxuan, são levados de volta quarenta anos no passado, antes de se casarem e têm a oportunidade de mudarem seus destinos trágicos bem como o destino de todo o reino.
Ao mesmo tempo que eles conseguem avançar evitando erros do passado, tanto no campo afetivo quanto político, acabam esbarrando em obstáculos emocionais e também são frustrados pelo antagonista Su Rongqing. Aliás, Su Rongqing, é responsável por grande parte da minha frustação com relação ao enredo do drama. Além de ativamente trabalhar contra os planos dos protagonistas, também nutre um amor obsessivo pela princesa que me irritava profundamente. Muitas vezes precisei pausar o drama e esperar alguns dias antes de continuar assistindo tamanha a decepção com os rumos do enredo, especialmente com relação a esta personagem.
Contudo, o final do drama valeu a pena pela jornada. Um drama cheio de altos e baixos, mas que os episódios finais compensam o tempo investido para assistir ao drama, especialmente no concerne a "volta ao passado". Já tive algumas frustrações com dramas que trouxeram essa temática, mas que no final revelavam que toda a história assistida era fruto de um sonho ou algo similar. Aqui isso não ocorre e fiquei grata por isso.
Além disso, The Princess Royal é um drama visualmente muito bonito. Uma produção de alto orçamento que se reflete nos cenários, figurinos e efeitos maravilhosos das cenas de luta marcial. Realmente um deleite para os olhos. Os atores também são maravilhosos, os protagonistas não tenho nem o que mencionar porque foram incríveis como sempre. Mas meu destaque vai para o jovem ator (Liu Xu Wei) que fez o papel do príncipe herdeiro. Ele passa a maior parte do drama meio apagadinho, joguete dos interesses políticos da família sem muita personalidade, porém quando nos episódios finais contam a história de sua tirania na "vida passada" o rapaz deu um show de interpretação. Realmente espero vê-lo em outros dramas com papéis de mais destaque.
Realmente recomendo o drama, mas com a ressalva de que você passará muita raiva com o Su Rongqing. Contudo, se você enfrentar esses momentos, o final valerá a pena. É um drama que deixou uma boa impressão e ficará guardado em minha memória positivamente, apesar dos percalços.
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