This review may contain spoilers
And Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei does it again! I adore both leads, and the trailer was promising. This was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2025. The trailer gave off serious Mulan vibes, reminding me that girls can still kick ass if they want to.What I Loved About This Series:
• The Leads: As I mentioned, I already loved both Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei from their previous supporting roles to more main leads. They always stood out to me, so seeing them finally take center stage made me genuinely happy. They delivered.
• The Storyline: A simple but satisfying plot of betrayal and reclaiming what’s rightfully yours. From the trailer, I expected something closer to Mulan, but even though it took a different route, I was still completely on board.
• The Characters and Humor: The characters were well-portrayed, and the light humor made each scene enjoyable. Zhou Ye’s charm is undeniable, and Cheng Lei’s expressive eyes conveyed so much emotion. Seriously, I love this guy!
• The OST (or lack of it): I honestly don’t remember any standout OST. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just means I was so caught up in the story and characters that any music took a backseat.
What I Wish Was Different:
• The Last Three Episodes: After the main character reclaimed her identity, the story started to drag. The final episodes fell flat, which often happens when a drama peaks too early without a solid wrap-up for the leads.
• He Ru Fei’s Character: I really wish the real He Ru Fei had been more compelling. Instead of being cunning or strategic, he came off as foolish and easily manipulated. It was disappointing, especially because I really like the actor. But I get it—sometimes the script just doesn’t give a character much to work with.
It started as a strong 9/10 but I’m giving it a final 8/10 because of the dragging ending.
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#1 BEST DRAMA OF 2025 IMHO! A MUST WATCH!
I LOVED THIS CDRAMA! I've watched Ryan Cheng in EVERYTHING he's ever done! I loved THIS CDrama SO MUCH I started watching it a 2nd time while waiting for the last 5 episodes to drop!Now that I've had a chance to watch all 36 episodes I am thoroughly enraptured with this CDrama, both leads and everyone else in it! I have nothing bad to say about this CDrama from start to finish! Even the secondary love story was excellent which I usually can't stand and fast forward through on 95% of CDramas I watch!
My only complaint? I which the episodes had been 45 minutes long and there were 40 of them!
The music is some of the most beautiful scoring I've ever heard in a CDrama! I've never looked for a CDrama's OST until now but this CDrama has an exceptional OST! I'm signing up on Duolingo again to finish learning Chinese just to be able to better understand the beautiful music in this CDrama! The costumes were WICKED GORGEOUS for a CDrama when usually they're notorious for using the same costumes for weeks due to the Chinese government's restrictions on CDrama costume budgets!
I CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS CDRAMA ENOUGH! Pure eye candy!
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RANTING REVIEW
Okey, I don't mean to rant on this drama but seriously though, at the beginning I expect to watch a good drama. I read the novel and I like it but the drama is another vibe that gives me a ughh feeling. Listen, the foundation of the story like is that FL is a former famous general who face toughness in war and kill and fight, she who has seen cruelty and experience injustices. A tough woman who came from the bottom chain up to top General, I can imagine that - I support strong independent woman like He Yan.1ST: Too early to ship this couple He Yan & Xiao Jue. The background music gives atmosphere for them ready to kiss. Sitting arrangement is too close (for Gods sake, I complaint about sitting arrangement) by hand stroke, anytime He Yan ready to hugs or bumping into him, flutter her eyes lashes, smile coyly close to his face. Ryan Cheng's bedroom eyes is very alluring like ready to mingle (LOL) not to mention they converse things in private with soft voice like they ready get down to business (LOL). I mean as foot soldier (plus famous ex-general) as supposedly a man...this thing doesn't happen this way (unless ofcourse if they're gays interested in relationship). Flirting with a superior is damned even when she's discovered as a woman - it's still be a damned. The tip off was when He Yan pretended to be blind or got drunk, be damned they fall into the pond and he carried her up NOT typical Nephew/Uncle (pretending as Cheng LiSu) or man to man rescue (real man will walk out of the pond by himself with grumble or swearing), not like he carried her up like a girl - it's a dead away. Zhao Ye's acting is so fake I wonder I watched it to 12 ep? So, I was triggered by superficial things but nothing is realistic...all just plainly cringe.
2ND: Ryan Cheng & Zhou Ye are good looking people but they don't have chemistry, they're not suitable with their roles. Annoying little girl's voice Zhou Ye employ is nerve racking, like come on! The voice that carry confidant manly commanding as man of experience war General instead we're getting a spoil little girl voice which more suitable on mommy's lap than a young man. With that voice she's ready to be plucked especially she's surrounded by men at camp. Zhau Ye is a beautiful girl, she can't pretend (act) as a boy/man, her acting isn't good. Same goes to Ryan Cheng, they could be good pairing as a romantic lover but I don't think them as Generals (NOT even military men). They both acting are so terrible. I would blame that to the director and screen writers, the entire production I guess.
3RD. Supporting actors aren't good in acting either. The guy Cheng LiSu, Chu Zhao , Song Tao Tao are mediocre. There're no one worth mentioning. The more experience older actors are just passing...doesn't take strong hold roles. My opinion is these people are just playing dress-up, who's the most good looking in ancient costumes? I would not recommend it but if you're into empty woosy fuzzy mindless love story this maybe for you.
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I was waiting for it. Sigh**
I know editing is such a tedious job but if a drama of this level and budget is being produced I don't think we can cut any slack to the editors. First few episodes are the worst paced ones that I have seen in any recent dramas. Another point- Action scenes doesn't have the impact that one expects from a show with this particular plotline. No hate for FL but it is really difficult to believe that she is a general. I think it is partly director's lack of judgement that he couldn't provide believable and impactful action scenes. Without any spoiler, there was a training scene where FL is shown doing some hardcore training and it looks so fake. The log that she was holding, the way she was running oh! lord. It looked so bland. Usually competition parts make things more aggressive where you sort of pray/root for ML/FL's victory. Here I didn't feel anything. They didn't provide enough scenes for me to understand/connect to her that she was loosing her fight or probably she was weak because of lack of training, it all felt really soulless and what to say about ML, he just stares (blank stare) . FL is fighting ML stares, FL training ML stares. FL fooling around ML stares. Anybody is talking, ML stares. Sigh* I know he can act so well ( My journey to you is still so vivid in my memory) but here he is just there. I don't feel any presence from his character. Worst part is its side characters. I don't feel anyone is there who could really leave an impact on viewers. The whole story just revolves around ML and FL nothing else.. The way first episode began tells enough about the pacing. Everything is happening out of anywhere and you are left to wonder how am I supposed to connect to anyone when everything is passing by with a supersonic speed. Can't say about the rest of the episodes but for now except for a few scenes the show is not leaving any good impression so far. (If looks could give review - ML's stare would be perfect for it.)Was this review helpful to you?
MOST IMPERFECTLY PERFECT DRAMA
"I love the moon, but the moon doesn't know" "the moon is now yours.""I respect her, value her, and won't let anyone slander her. She graces my view, occupies my mind, and claims my heart"
"I don't believe women should entrust their lives to men. Instead of being a caged bird, it's better to grow wings"
“I don't need anyone to pave a way for me, what I need is someone who'll walk by my side”
above are some of the quotes that stayed with me, but to be honest, there are many more that i loved. I absolutely adored this drama. Before anyone goes on nitpicking, I would like them to read this post, https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1mmko3k/legend_of_the_female_general_some_things_to_point/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
I loved the leads and their chemistry was an absolutely delicious treat to witness. They had me hooked and I drop many such dramas midway like hot potatoes because they tend to lose their steam, but not this one! Seriously I would watch the episodes daily and then go search for good edits to watch lol. This drama had some great OSTs. A near perfect blend of humour, sweetness, sad moments, drama, instensity, battle scenes, angst and romance. I liked the plot and that it was well paced, not too draggy.
He Yan was so beautiful, handsome, and crush worthy. She was witty, smart, sassy, confident, fierce, sweet and cold when needed, and someone in search of their self. Her journey was one of search and restablishing of her own identity more than it was of revenge. Along this journey, she reclaimed her identity, did things she wanted to, found love and found family, brought villains to justice and finally had a life she wanted. watching her was a treat. the show doesn't only tell women that they can do more; it asks the society for an enabling environment to make it easier for women to do so much more, setting it apart.
Xiao Jue was hot, smart, capable, did I mention hot, and someone who had been looking for revenge on his father's behalf. He was the rare male lead, who truly truly respected, understood the fl and gave her space as an individual of equal standing, while also loving, supporting, and spoiling her as the one he loves. And a special mention to his slight smiles, smirks, eyes snd eyebrows that conveyed so many emotions.
They are the perfect match made in battlefields and thorny fates.Together they healed each other and had each other's back like no others. them fighting together was awesome, the synch - chef's kiss. They loved so hard, they refused everybody else but each other! Loved so hard, they had only chosen each other in this lifetime. And finally in the end, the moon was hers, her nights were no more dark and lonely. They were bright like frost, gentle like water and endlessly beautiful - just like he told her once. I could probably go on gushing about the drama well past the word limit so I'll stop here.(besides I am too eager to start reading the novel)
It was definitely worth the wait and hype and I highly recommend giving this drama a chance. I will definitely be reading the novel and rewatching the show soon.
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A Drama That Redefines Strength and Subtlety
I’m not usually a fan of action dramas, but Legend of the Female General is an exception—and honestly, it deserves to be called a classic.The story flows beautifully, with unexpected twists that keep you hooked and conflicts that resolve in clever, satisfying ways. Beyond the gripping plot, everything from the OST, production, costumes, and musical scoring to the acting and action scenes is superb. I never felt bored—in fact, the deeper I got into the series, the harder it was to stop watching.
This was my first time seeing the male lead, and I couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to Xu Kai. He impressed me with his control over his performance and the subtlety of his emotions. The female lead, on the other hand, is already familiar to me from her past works. I can see her steadily evolving as an actress—the way she carries herself, both in strength and in grace, makes her convincing as a powerful warrior. Her growth in choosing strong roles and delivering them with nuance makes me excited to see more of her future projects.
Legend of the Female General is the kind of drama that lingers even after you finish it—an unforgettable blend of story, performance, and artistry.
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Great ML and FL, they carried the show
Overall: It was a fun watch, ZY and CL carried the show.Story: Given the strong base the novel had, the show did a good job of recreating the key events, however the editing, and the build up to the reveal was not impactful. The direction felt choppy in a lot of places and the script fell apart in the CZ madness which was not required at all.
Acting: CL and ZY were AMAZING and the show has rewatch value for that alone. I would rewatch the iconic confession scenes, the confrontation with Rufei and the battle scenes just to see their performances which were top notch! Give them a better script and director, I think they will be elevated even more. ZK as CZ was expressionless, I could not feel his pain, his delusional side or love. Minister Xu actually acted well and was a good choice for the main villain, Rufei was good in the jail scene, otherwise was reduced to be a bit of a caricature. I loved the bois, I wish they had more screen time. Did not like Taotao and Cheng Lisu, but its not their fault, they fell prey to the chopping block.
Other General Comments: As a novel reader, I was not expecting a faithful adaptation so I was not super disappointed, since you can never really do justice. It was unfortunate with the editing and cutting of episodes - the abrupt endings - it all pointed to lost connectivity and impacted the overall story-telling. I will rate this a 8.5/10 since ultimately the story needs to capture your attention - Despite those flaws, ZY and CL really held me and they are my HY and XZ forever, hence the higher rating, just for them.
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Hoping for more improvement in upcoming episode
Till now it is OKAY...I will not compare the screen play and novel story .Of course , they have to finish within 36 episodes. Female is good actress, I have watched her previous work, but i am not getting convince with her role as a general. Her body posture , her fragile body , her height is not convincing enough for this role.I am still watching, hope it improves may be she will catch up in later episode. The way she trying to switch between a cute girl and a trained and victorious army general. Not CONVINCING ENOUGH. I am finding it not so compelling . Some thing is missing when she is changing her personality . As for Male lead, first time I am watching his work. His eyes are very attractive. Hope his role get more convincing.I am keeping my 🤞. Few scenes looked so so fake, the action scenes are not convincing enough as we have seen much better action scene in other dramas, even the female action scenes in some dramas are better than this. Or 🤔we have seen some best of best , So this feel mediocre.
LETS HOPE FOR THE MORE IMPROVEMENT IN UPCOMING EPISODE.
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BE A STRONG FEMALE WARRIOR!!
The Legend of the Female General delivers a stirring blend of romance, action, and historical drama, anchored by Zhou Ye’s formidable portrayal of He Yan and Ryan Cheng’s compelling Xiao Jue. Adapted from Qian Shan Cha Ke’s novel Rebirth of a Star General, the series unfolds a gripping tale of identity and ambition as He Yan, disguised as her brother, carves her path from scholar to celebrated general . The production dazzles with lush costumes, deft choreography, and a strong sense of period authenticity .Fans on forums like Reddit praise the performances and visuals—“The story is quite good along with the acting, set and costume design” and “Zhou Ye is killing it!” — . Also, the emotional stakes are high: He Yan’s heartfelt confession in Episode 27 and Xiao Jue’s world-shifting realization of her true identity in Episode 22 and beyond keep the momentum strong .
With its high production values, potent character chemistry, and a heroine who rises—both literally and metaphorically—through warfare and subterfuge, the drama stands out as a satisfying watch for fans of strong female leads and sweeping historical romance.
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Legend of the Female General: Courage, Romance, and Unforgettable Characters ?
✨ Review of Legend of the Female General ✨💫
What makes Legend of the Female General so captivating is not only its powerful female lead but also the complex characters that surround her.
The drama follows He Yan, a woman who lives a double life—once forced to disguise herself as her brother He Rufei in order to protect her family’s reputation. After betrayal and rebirth, she rises again, determined to claim her rightful place as a general. Her courage, resilience, and intelligence make her one of the most inspiring heroines in recent historical dramas.
But I have to mention He Rufei—He Yan’s brother. He’s undeniably one of the most handsome characters in the drama (my personal favorite 😍). His presence adds depth and tension to the story: he’s charming on the surface, admired for his looks and talents, yet his choices and ambitions create both opportunities and obstacles in He Yan’s path. Watching his character unfold is both frustrating and fascinating—he’s the kind of character you can’t help but be drawn to, even when his decisions sting.
Of course, the heart of the drama is still the growing bond between He Yan (Zhou Ye) and Xiao Jue (Cheng Lei). Their chemistry is undeniable—their relationship develops through trust, shared struggles, and unspoken tenderness. Every glance between them feels charged, making their romance one of the highlights of the series.
The visuals deserve praise too: beautiful sets, breathtaking costumes, and epic battle scenes that feel both grand and personal. Every detail shows how much care went into production.
⭐ Final Verdict:
Legend of the Female General isn’t just about war and love—it’s about identity, betrayal, and destiny. With He Yan’s resilience, Xiao Jue’s steadfast presence, and He Rufei’s charm (and yes, handsomeness!), this drama gives us a story that’s dramatic, emotional, and unforgettable.
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plot is so gooooooood
please the drama show many values like women rightes like studying and working gender equality overall it is so good even the love story lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve you allnice drama veryy goood i hope see more like this drama even revenge is so god
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Now, the moon is yours ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
First of all, If you truly want to enjoy this drama, just go in blind and don't let the negative feedback keep you from watching it. As an avid cdrama watcher, I for one enjoyed this drama so much. But also keep in mind that this is coming from someone who hasn't read the novel. But I do believe this drama deserves to be enjoyed on its own.With that being said, this drama brought me back from my cdrama slump. Despite the controversies surrounding this drama, I fully enjoyed it nonetheless. I waited for 1.5 years for this drama to air so I don't care what other people say. I am very satisfied with it. Especially since it's a HAPPY ENDING!!! HALLELUJAH!
The chemistry between the main leads (aka our moon couple) hard carried the show.
Zhou Ye, who played the female lead He Yan, portrays the female general so well. Strong and tenacious like a soldier, but at the same time kind and soft, embodying her feminity. Sure there are inconsistencies with the script when there are times that she had to be saved by the ml, but let's not forget the many many scenes where she won many battles and achieved great feats on her own. I love love the fact that despite being raised as a man and having to perform as a man her whole life, she embraces her feminity also. She stood for the women in the series and became their voice, because she understood the fact that sadly the women in their time do not have the choice. He Yan's experience in the story is truly a tragic one. Dare I say she's more pitiful than the ml. Ordinary people would have become a villain, but she took her experience with grace and came back strong righteously. Truly worthy of the title the first female general!
Then we have our ml general xiao, who was played by Ryan Cheng. This is the first drama that I've watched that he starred in, and this definitely puts him on my radar as one of the best male leads in cdramas. His personality is truly a breath of fresh air for a general. You would expect that he would be cold and rude, but he turned out to be one of the best ml I've ever watched. Him being portrayed as the moon perfectly describes him. Not blinding like the sun, but glowing softly. Constant yet changing. Like the moon in the sky, he is steady and reassuring towards the fl. Instead of glowing by himself, he reflects his light to the people that surrounds him.
I could go on and on but I would end my review here. I understand that due to inconsistencies in the script, some people had so much negative to say in this drama. But for me, I would give it a 10/10 overall. I care not what other people say, but I only care on how this drama make me feel.
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