This review may contain spoilers
Green Flag Male Lead, Red Flag Storyline
To be completely honest… I only stuck with “The Princess’s Gambit” for Liu Xueyi. His character is the ultimate green flag—gentle, loyal, and seriously swoon-worthy. Every scene he’s in? Instant serotonin. 😩💚But the plot? Absolutely not it. This kind of story has been done a million times, and there’s nothing fresh or exciting about it. It’s super predictable, painfully slow at times, and honestly, just boring. I kept waiting for something new or unexpected to happen… and it never did.
The biggest letdown is that the acting is actually really good. The cast did their best with what they were given. But when the storyline is this cliché and overused, even great performances can’t save it.
Seriously, when will C-dramas stop repeating the same old formulas? There’s so much potential—especially with actors like Liu Xueyi—and it’s frustrating to see it wasted on another forgettable plot.
Watch if you’re here to admire the male lead. Skip if you’re expecting a story that does more than just play it safe
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This review may contain spoilers
this review reveals the ending (ish) of my journey to you so if you are watching that stay away
Ok after seeing some other reviews I seem to be in the minority who gave this show a 9.5 where the others I'm seeing average a seven. Oops I guess? Idk why they didn't like it, but for me it was great. After seeing Liu Xueyi in Kill Me Love Me and am planning to watch Blossom after, including Meng Ziyi, I thought why not? Plus, this was recommended to me by someone. I usually stay away from shows rated below an 8 on MDL, having faced too many disappointments (cough cough Everyone Loves Me, Ski into Love) but this was a real shock to me. I loved the relationship between Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua, and how well both of them clicked. The only thing I was worried about was the ending. Everything was going all well until episode 34 where I realized that rat of an empress wasn't dead and started worrying about the ending. I hate those mysterious ahh "open endings" aka humungous cliffhangers, e.g. the male lead is in despair as the FL sees her twin along with a faceless black clothed figure and gives no explanation whatsoever and ends the show with no season 2 in sight (yes i'm still mad, cough cough My Journey to You) but luckily it was solid. However, when bro appeared next to her at the end: was that a vision or reality bc help tf? But at least my bro didn't die and mysteriously reappear in the last 5 secs of the last episode like I've seen so many do. At least there's a possibility they got their happy ending. Really good, I recommend. (p.s. do you not think Gao Han and Bian Cheng literally look like twins. They literally are true dopplegangers, if you told me they were real twins I would believe you)Was this review helpful to you?
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A Dull, Uninspired Drama with Weak Direction and a Generic Plot
Unfortunately, by episode 8, I found myself completely detached and unable to continue watching. The editing lacks flow, making scenes feel disjointed and abrupt. Transitions are jarring, with little sense of time or place, and characters often seem to "teleport" between locations. There’s minimal visual continuity. As is often the case with C-dramas, the dubbing is distracting and strips performances of emotional nuance. Despite the evident talent of both leads, their chemistry suffers under the weight of unnatural sound mixing and robotic line delivery—ex from the fourth prince, whose pauses and monotone dialogue make scenes feel stilted, as if he’s taking a break before every line.Character development is minimal. The romance, if it ever begins, is rooted in toxic dynamics, based more on survival and circumstance than genuine emotional connection: "Since I haven’t succeeded in killing you (to sacrifice you for the greater good), you must be my true match.”
Let the characters’ actions show us who they are—don’t just tell us what they think.
The central conflict at the beginning—centered around a painting—lacks weight or intrigue. The plot is generic, moving without suspense or emotional depth. The music also feels recycled from other dramas, adding to the sense that the production is going through the motions rather than creating something fresh.
Sadly, it became just another forgettable entry in an oversaturated genre, and I’m choosing to drop it in favor of something more original, emotionally resonant, inspiring, and hopefully educational.
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The best I've seen in a long time
The best I've seen in a long time. Fascinating, maintains a high level of tension, an excellent script and excellent acting, most of all I love that it is realistic, adapted to the reality of the era when every nobleman had a harem, the dialogues are direct and do not try to embellish reality, finally a mature and realistic love storyWas this review helpful to you?
Princess Gambit didn't come to play
i started watching this show this morning and I don't stop until I finished episode 4. princess Gambit didn't come to play, the show came to slay. it's another glory , the scheming in the show is on another level. I thought it's going to be another power ML that falls madly in love with the FL but this female lead is very intelligent and they actually write a part where she shows how smart she can be, unlike some shows, they make us believe that the lady is smart by people saying it but not in this show, here the female lead show us how she can fight her own battle without lifting a sword in any desperate situation . she has been in different scenarios where she shows how intelligent she can be.so far so good ,I hope the show keeps the momentum going. you are planning to watch the show please do.
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Another gem!
Princess Gambit is a rare gem that blends political intrigue, emotional depth, and sharp storytelling into a surprisingly refreshing series. At first glance, the show may seem like a typical harem drama, but it's anything but that. The “wives” are not mere romantic interests; they are spies, each with their own agenda and layered backstory. The male lead is fully aware of their roles, and that awareness becomes a central pillar in the show’s tension and strategy.What makes Princess Gambit stand out is its exceptional storytelling and character chemistry. The narrative doesn't rely on cheap tropes or over-the-top dramatics - instead, it weaves a tightly-knit plot filled with mind games, shifting loyalties, and emotional intelligence. Each episode peels back another layer, and just when you think you know what’s going on, it surprises you.
The acting is top-notch. Every cast member brings nuance to their character, especially in the subtle glances and unspoken exchanges. The chemistry isn’t just romantic—it’s strategic, emotional, and at times, heartbreaking.
If you're looking for a series with depth, clever twists, and a strong ensemble cast, Princess Gambit is worth your time. Don’t let the “harem” label fool you—this is a sophisticated drama where every relationship serves the plot, and every moment matters.
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well no!
I decided to watch this on a whim when it started airing, but now I just want this out of my watchlist lol. There is something about this show that feels cheap and low-budget, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it *does* lessen my enjoyment.The acting of the leads is not bad, but the female lead's dubbing takes away SO much from her acting. Episode 5 nearly took me out, the VA did such a bad job. I get that them pretending to like each other in front of the concubines was supposed to be a little over the top, but the dubbing made this scene almost unwatchable. The action scenes are also ... not good. Especially the wolf attack in the first episode was badly done, and badly edited. I don't know what it is about the show, but it feels like they had 5 Dollars and a dream. The production is sub-par, which is a bummer because the leads are good actors in theory but completely let down by a bad script, mediocre direction and choppy editing. Couldn't be bothered to continue, therefore I'm dropping this before I end up wasting my time.
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This review may contain spoilers
Glorifying wrong and polygamy in the 21st Century
The first episode of this drama immediately took my mind to The Prisoner of Beauty. Jiang Tao Hua, the Female Lead of the story, who is a princess/daughter in one country, is being married off to the prince of a neighbouring country. The purpose is for the two countries to make peace and possibly form an alliance. Upon arrival, she is kept outside the city gate and then attacked. Because of how the attack turned out, she could no longer marry the prince and ended up marrying someone else in the city, Chancellor Shen Zai Ye, the Male Lead and protagonist of the story. Shen Zai Ye hates her guts, does not trust her, and wants to kill her, right from their first meeting. Kinda like drawing from the first few episodes of TPOB, so I couldn’t help but compare a bit.Jiang Tao Hua is smart, quick-witted, manipulative, and adept at lying with ease. Sounds familiar? Her new husband, Shen Zai Ye, is not that different from her either. But regarding good character traits, he did not have the same values, which Wei Shao, the ML character in the TPOB, embodied impeccably. In any case, the story in this drama takes its own course when Jiang Tao Hua arrives at her husband’s harem.
Although the beginning of this drama is somewhat similar to that of TPOB, its main plot and overarching themes are the flip side of those of TPOB. Having the ML in a story seek revenge after growing up and harbouring hatred for 16 years because of a very painful betrayal by a family that was once an ally. And this betrayal costing the lives of three generations of the ML’s elders. This situation is understandable and relatable. But to make the ML of a story repeatedly hurt and plot to kill a helpless woman whose family did him no personal wrong is totally unacceptable. Even if the woman schemes and is not straightforward, which is forgivable given the deathly situation she is in. To have the ML of a story do such is appalling. This latter story is what happened in this drama.
And with TPOB, the ML was always quick to realize his wrong and to make amends. He was principled, had a conscience, and cared about the people. He actually had a soft heart and only needed time and love to get over his hatred. Something his wife initially failed to understand and give him. The times he was vicious were towards those he knew had done wrong.
This is so not the case with the ML character in this drama. The guy, Shen Zai Ye, has no scruples and is ruthless. He is not principled in any way. The essence of being principled is that those principles and values check you when you want to cross the line from good to evil. You cannot have a character who has no scruples and is ruthless (merciless, pitiless), and yet say he is principled at the same time. Those traits just don't go together. And to make things worse, the character with these qualities is the protagonist, who is meant to be the “good guy” in the story. No way I’m buying this.
When supposedly good characters or protagonists in a story lie, are deceptive and manipulative, and even attempt to murder, without the scriptwriters giving any good or sensible reason. Not for the characters’ actions in themselves, or the situations in which they carry out their actions. But for their current lapse in judgment and negative approach to dealing with their problems. And then the scriptwriters make the characters do all these evil deeds to achieve a “good end or cause”. It is just terrible messaging. Do you have to do evil to achieve good? Or better yet, do you have to fight evil with evil? I believe the best way, with wisdom, is to fight evil with good; to overcome evil with good. And this latter way is ALWAYS available.
In my opinion, Shen Zai Ye, the crown prince, and the other prince who was involved with the evil queen in this drama are all the same. But, going back to what Shen Zai Ye and the crown prince did to Jiang Tao Hua at the beginning of the drama, one can say that Shen Zai Ye was worse than the crown prince in terms of how he treated her. When Jiang Tao Hua arrived in their city, the crown prince didn't want to kill her but threw her in the brothel to set her up with Shen Zai Ye. However, Shen Zai Ye went to the brothel of his own free will, although he was later set up as well. When he saw her, she revealed her identity as the princess of Beiyuan and said she had been set up. Rather than help her, knowing she was a victim, he chose to kill her right away instead. His action was illogical and could only be deemed sheer wickedness.
Then, as if that was not bad enough, Shen Zai Ye did not think to use his so-called intelligence to thoroughly investigate Jiang Tao Hua at the beginning to find out what she was bottling up inside and why. But he decides to use his people to kill her, a second time. If not for her wits, he could easily have killed her before knowing the truth about her. So, imagine if she was not quick-witted. That is not a good guy but a cold-hearted killer without a conscience!
It does not matter whether Shen Zai Ye became a better person or not in later episodes. It does not matter whether he investigated Jiang Tao Hua much later. The writers had already made him go too far at the beginning, which portrayed him as a bad character. I can't buy the fact that he later started to care for her. You don’t go from being a cold-hearted killer towards someone to being passionately in love with the same person just like that, even in 10 years. The cold-heartedness of the ML was taken to the extreme, with nothing holding him back except for the wit of the FL. You have already passed judgment and executed the defendant, and then you decide to hear their case in court afterwards, only to discover they were innocent. It is a little too late to make amends with the defendant, isn’t it?
Moving on to the polygamy. I can't stand it when women are made to fight over a man. I get that the story was crafted to be more realistic by adapting the reality of the ancient period it portrayed, when noblemen had harems. However, this was a negative practice or tradition during that period that wreaked a lot of havoc in the lives of people, families, societies, and dynasties. There were always bitter and deadly battles among the wives, concubines, and their families, all vying for position, power, and dominance. The same still happens today in places where polygamy is widespread.
If it is a must to reflect this reality to convey the sincerity of the story in keeping with the facts of the ancient period it portrayed. Then, for the sake of balancing this with positive messaging, it would have been better if characters in the supporting cast, or the villain, were the ones who had harems. While the protagonist eschews such negative practice even in the time he lived. As I am certain that there were some noblemen during that period who did not conform to the tradition and had only one wife. This was an opportunity for strong positive messaging, which this drama missed out on.
Rather, our dear ML, Shen Zai Ye, was someone who not only had a harem but treated it as a status symbol. He couldn’t care less that his wife and concubines fought among themselves to the extent of possibly killing one another. He knew how they were scheming against and harming one another but couldn’t be bothered about it. In doing this, the writers of this drama did not make the story reflect the reality of ancient times but rather gave a nod to and subliminally promoted polygamy in both ancient and modern times. It did not matter if Shen Zai Ye later drove all the women away, except for one. Again, this was a little too late given all that had been allowed to play out in the early episodes of the drama.
To conclude, the messaging of this drama is deeply flawed as it is one anchored on the misconception that 'the end justifies the means'. Regarding production, most period cdramas I have watched have had brilliant production and directing. This is the first that I have found the directing and editing to be sub-par. But the biggest letdown again was the writing. I still can’t comprehend the consistent problem with the technical aspects of cdrama scripts. It looks like it is a prevalent problem in the cdrama industry as it cuts across genres. I don’t want to go into the details of the technical issues again, because viewers and pundits in the field have been providing the same feedback in their reviews about these same issues with the scripts of these dramas. Yet, nothing has changed. Save for a few that dare to break out from the pack, occasionally.
I can’t comprehend how a lot of funds as well as effort are put into the production of cdramas, but obviously not much goes into the scriptwriting, which ironically provides the framework for the whole show. I’m more interested in the subliminal messaging and overarching themes of dramas, as you can see that these have been my primary focus in my review. However, when the script is bad, everything becomes a mess that almost overshadows even the best of productions. Now, imagine when the script and directing are bad. What hope do you have left?
Nevertheless, the actors were really good, and they did their best to deliver even in this drama. The industry undoubtedly has talented actors, both male and female. It is sad that these actors often have to work with poorly written scripts and find ways to stand out despite the numerous flaws in the scripts. I guess you can call it their occupational hazard.
As to recommending this drama? I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me. And even after watching the numerous teasers of other episodes, which were provided as the first few episodes were being aired, I still ended up dropping out at episode 6. Why? There was too much negative messaging right from the beginning as I have shared above.
So, if you love cdramas generally, perhaps you can go for it. But you may just end up wasting your time.
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It doesn't matter at all when the drama is harem
And yes it doesn't matter because every single chinese princess drama goes with FL join a harem of a ML and it's annoying because I don't expect every single chinese princess drama be FL join a ML harem household and all her actions are way to obvious...she is going to get tortured to the very core of her endurance and is so going to be as well poisoned like nothing is wrong with it...but they could have even made a empire princess plot to be a way more exciting plot to watch like something that has nothing to do with the princess "FL" joining the harem and experience all the possible gruesomeness but they could already do something else to happen because I'm just not a fan of dramas that sets a FL to live in a harem...but in this latest time it's so hard to find anything that's actually cool to watch...Was this review helpful to you?
Una joya de historia, facinante y llena de adrenalina...
Es de las mejores historias que he visto, en cada episodio hay demasiada adrenalina, una muy buena historia, excelentes actuaciones, gran elenco, hermoso vestuario y los protagonistas tienen un gran química, ver como los protagonistas se van conectando en cada episodio es maravilloso, al final de cada episodio me quedo con el corazón en la mano y con ganas de más, me tiene súper enganchada. Él completamente bello en su papel de aparente villano y ella hermosa, inteligente y capaz ganadose el respeto y el amor de ese aparente hombre de corazón frío! 🥰Was this review helpful to you?
