From S1, I knew it would probably not go the way I wanted it to go...and indeed it did not !
Did I enjoy this second part of "Lost You Forever" more than the first part? Certainly not.Did I think this second part had the best episodes of the full series ? Definitely.
Let me explain...
This second season was a let down to me because of the romance not going the way I wanted it. It might be unfair to the show, that still delivered a solid and compelling journey to the throne tale for Cang Xuan (my favorite character) but I never go onboard on the romantic aspects that the series was trying to sell me. Still, there were a couple of episodes between the heroine and one of the main male lead that were so good because of all of the build up in their relationships that I definitely don't regret watching the series.
As in season 1, this second season (which is really a direct continuation of season 1, the show needing to be splitted in 2 over different years to fit new requirements imposed by the Chinese governement) had the same qualities and flaws. The acting is quite good, especially for Zhang Wan Yi (in the role of Cang Xuan) and Tan Jian Ci (in the role of Xiang Liu) who have a lot of very impactful moment. The OST and the production were overall good despite some cringey CGI and noticeable green screens.
I would recommend this series to those that have seen season 1. Of course, even if the endgame is not to my taste and that the romance was hardly palatable at times, there are really a couple of impactful episodes that made me not regret the watch. Outside of its romance (which was not my cup of tea), the overall journey followed by the characters made sense, with some great and heartbreaking moments as you get more and more attached to protagonists and their world.
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Heartbreaking ?
I don't like the ending. There should have been a twist where they really pursue what their heart wants. 🥺 I am a fan of Xiaoyao and Xiang Liu tandem but also wants to see if Cangxuan would pursue Xiaoyao since there is a promise made that the two of them will protect the Zhaoyun Peak. The director could have given them the chance or anything that sparkle between Xiang Liu or even Cangxuan.. It's just so sad. 🥺 It makes my heart break. I hope there's Season 3 of this series. The story is great that I would like to crave more of it. I like the series. I love it actually. I'm just disappointed as my favorite characters are always holding back their feelings. Please give the 9 head demon a chance please 🥺🥺. I felt bad for him. 💔 It's so heartbreaking. Hope the ending would end up Xiaoyao and Cangxuan together.Was this review helpful to you?
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Lost You Forever 2
I watched all eps.So is Emperor Cang Xuan's wife the culprit, she cohorts with Tushan-Jing's brother to kill Tushan-Jing. Cang Xuan and his grandfather know this. I am unable to comprehend that XiaoYao can forgive them!
Glad that Tushan-Jing is alive for the sake of Xiao Yao.
Emperor Cang Xuan has been obsessed with his cousin Xiao-Yao all along. Such obsession is not true love, but controlling someone's life and destiny
There is too much unnecessary dialogue between Cang Xuan and XiaoYao in the last ep. XiaoYao should not accept the 'flower' from CangXuan, Also, the way CangXuan and XiaoYao hug each other appears 'weird' if XiaoYao treats CangXuan as a brother!
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the continue...
Reluctant to watch it from the first, but this is the journey that I must compete. Haha... Why...? From the first season I already don't like with the ML, that make me so d*mn lazy to watch it. But at the same time I still curious with Cang Xuan political journey. So here I am finished watch this season....The story continue with Cang Xuan (CX) start his political stage. While in this season, Xiao Yao (XY) live comfortably with CX protection, XY can do what ever she want & desire. And of course the love story of XY and Tushan Jing (TJ) also continue. In this season, XY & TJ prove that nothing happen between TJ & Fangfeng Yi Ying, so as easy as that, XY forgive TJ & their love continue to blossom into full bloom. Haha... How about Xiang Liu (XL)...? XL also continue with his suffering & one side love to XY.
In this season we also learn about the real parent of XY & their own stupid love story. And mostly about how CX take control of his throne & his plan to merging all the kingdom into 1. And in the end CX successful merging all the kingdom with the help from all the people, including XY's dad.
I think that's mostly the story from this season. But if you ask me personally, truth to be told, I can't really tell you much about it. Cause from half the season I start lose my interest with it, but like I said from the first, this is the journey that I must finished. So yeah I finished it with fwd button & speed... Haha...
But still, I still can tell you what I like & don't like.
What I like:
+ This very funny story about how love rival & enemy can still be friend & talk nicely. Like TJ & CX, CX never really jealous to the crazy point, so yeah they can still talk peacefully with each other. Or like when CX & XY's dad in the war, they still 'secretly' meet & talk like nothing happen.
+ The trust between TJ & XY. Although I don't like TJ, but I must admit, his trust for XY is unlike any other ML (jealousy became everyday food), he can still trust XY no matter how close she is with CX or XL.
+ The growth of A Nian, Although still feel sort of forcing, but she really grow into mature woman who really know how to behave.
What I don't like:
- XY is stupid woman, who never realize how CX or XL had deep feeling for her.
- The boring journey of CX political stage. Ugh... I just don't care of his way to concurring all the nation.
- I never really understand the grudge XY has with her mom. I know she feel abandoned, but I just can't grab the concept of that became the resentment in XY's heart
Overall this just another drama in my list. If I'm not looking forward to watch the end, this already become one of drop list. Haha...
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This drama will never be lost forever
What can I say? This drama was everything I had hoped for, in Yang zi’s growing career. I loved the first half more than the second half as it stayed true to the novel and didn’t let fangirls of certain actors/ characters ruined the plot line. I still will rate this drama high as spite the ridiculous changes to feed certain characters/ fans. It still was pretty good. The whole cast did an amazing job even the bad guys who you can’t help but relate to most of them. The musical score was amazing and so was the CGI. Everything was perfect in the first half which will always hold a dear spot inside my heart. The second half was nice but not as good as the first half. Again I still think this drama is a 10.Was this review helpful to you?
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What a fantastic Drama!
I watched "Lost you forever 1" almost 2 years ago and loved every episode. The storyline, the acting, the characters, it was just spellbinding. And here I am watching "lost you forever 2". It was the one drama I could not wait to watch and it has not disappointed. The twist and turns of each episode and of the characters has me waiting anxiously for the next one.Yang Zi as always, is an amazing actress, truly the best in China today. She can play any character and always gives the role she performs a truly believable one.
I just hope the ending will be a happy one.
Update: Just finished watching LYF2. I have tears in my eyes caused by the emotions I felt after the ending. Beautiful and in some ways a bit sad. Each and every actor in this drama did in amazing job. Anyone and everyone that loves a beautifully written and acted drama should watch it.
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Where did all the complexity, themes and fast moving plots go??? In this second half our Xiao Yao still feels lost and betrayed by Tushan Jing, a plot point that was already explored for multiple episodes last season. Just when you hope that you've seen the last of this story, he comes back and tries to revitalize the relationship again and she accepts!! Leading to more tiresome plots.
Meanwhile, Xiyan Cang Xuan and Xiang Liu take turns interfering and pining, interfering and pining as if they are both teenagers with no romance expertise and no power. Xiyan Cang Xuan is the most frustrating of all, he's taken wives and concubines and is apparently not going to have relations with them for their whole lives and make little moves to make Xiao Yao his wife? What's the end game there?
There's barely any mention of the politics of this world, or the wars between kingdoms in the first 11 episodes and so with the romances all stalled out, there really isn't any reason to watch this.
The first half was an excellent exploration of how to live your life after trauma and an exploration of what type of home and romance life you want to create for yourself post terrible experiences. This second half seems to miss all the insight and nuance.
I'm dropping.
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Emotionally damaged
I just finished the last episode and I am emotionally damaged. I was so attached to some of the characters like XL. CX. XY and even FL because their acting is so good it made me felt as one w their emotion through their acting. When we lost XL I broke down like a baby. Through out the whole s2 almost every episode made me cry. I have never watched a drama w so many tears from the actors and me lol. Overall I would probably not rewatch this drama not because it wasn’t good but because I can’t go through this pain again it’s a pain I will remember probably the rest of my life however I could definitely recommend this drama to anyone thinking of watching it just prepare tissues. I felt like it was little Rush compared to S1 they could have incorporate more details from the book but I might have been even more broken so…. I’m contentWas this review helpful to you?
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As Good as Season 1
When this drama started airing, I got upset watching all the deviations from the novel, as I read the novel after watching season 1. I ended up skipping most of them (majorly, like 70-80%).5 months after the show ended, I picked it up again as there's no good drama at the moment (some started really strong but then turned weak in the middle). I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed watching season 2 once I'm not so attached to the novel's storyline anymore. The acting is still amazing. I tear up as much as from watching season 1 (maybe more!).
All of the sudden it makes sense why season 2 has to deviate from the novel: otherwise it wouldn't have time to jam pack all them.
Definitely will rewatch Lost You Forever saga again in the future.
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Lost You Forever Season 2: A Beautiful Yet Flawed Conclusion
I definitely have mixed feelings about the second season of Lost You Forever. It was emotional, angsty, and did not disappoint in terms of quality; however, everything just feels so brushed over. I understand that due to censorship, many things had to be changed, but I feel this is where LYF has lost its greatness. In the end, there was closure for most of the things we were wondering about in S1, but I feel like they didn't tie it off well enough, and they definitely could have added much more depth. Similar to S1, XY doesn't seem to know what she wants, and her actions are very questionable, with no logical reasoning. Ultimately, CX suffers the most, balancing between securing the kingdom and personal ambitions. In my opinion, TSJ was XY's worst option, as he was very selfish and, as CX said, a weak man. Both XL and CX made many personal sacrifices for XY's happiness and benefit, but TSJ was very static and unwilling to sacrifice himself for her benefit. Anyway, the OST was beautiful in S1, and it continues to be in S2 in a very reminiscent way. A-Nian had some insane character development, and I was rooting for her the whole time! Ru Shou was also one of my favourite characters. In the end, S2 wasn't bad, but it had a lot of missed potential. Most of the loose ends were tied, and LYF is definitely a memorable series.Was this review helpful to you?
Love, Destiny, and the Pain of Choice
“Lost You Forever Season 2” continues the heart wrenching and beautifully written journey that began in Season 1, diving even deeper into the tangled web of love, destiny, and power. The story picks up right where it left off, with Xiao Yao and the three men who love her each facing impossible choices between duty and desire.
Yang Zi once again delivers an extraordinary performance the emotional range she brings to Xiao Yao is breathtaking. She captures strength and vulnerability in perfect balance, portraying a woman torn between love and self-preservation. Her chemistry with all three male leads is undeniable each relationship feels raw, distinct, and heartbreakingly real.
Every character in this season gets their moment to shine. Tushan Jing remains gentle and devoted, his love pure but burdened by circumstance. Cang Xuan’s ambition and protectiveness create both tension and sympathy, he’s the definition of a tragic hero. And Xiang Liu, with his quiet, sacrificial love, steals the spotlight with moments that are both poetic and devastating. Together, they form a love polygon that’s emotionally gripping without ever feeling repetitive or forced.
Visually, the drama is a masterpiece, the cinematography, costumes, and music elevate every scene, enhancing both its grandeur and intimacy. The OST perfectly echoes the bittersweet tone of the story, amplifying its emotional depth.
In the end, Lost You Forever Season 2 is a powerful continuation that makes you cry, ache, and yet fall in love all over again. It’s not a perfect story, but it’s one that leaves a lasting mark on the heart.A tale of fated souls who love deeply yet are bound by destiny.
An emotionally rich continuation that captures the beauty and pain of love, anchored by phenomenal performances and poetic storytelling.
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gorgeously atmospheric; an idol drama rewarded for taking itself seriously
experience was definitely impacted by the fact i watched s1 a year ago like truly i do not remember much of it other than the general story. consequently, this review is essentially only the second season lmfao.first of all absolutely love the cinematography in this. gorgeous vibes. composition of every single shot is so beautiful and i need all other cdramas to plagarize rn. this is a drama that isn't afraid to take itself seriously and to me that pays off so much. no cheesy flashbacks every two seconds, little to none cringy slapstick comedy, mature characters and no tropey plotlines. to an extent it even feels like they almost (almost....) trust the audience to come to their own conclusions and not have everything hand fed to them.
main issue i had was the pacing and the allocation (?) of the plot. i remember having the same gripe about the first season, where the timeline is quite blurry bc of the many timeskips, so it's hard to get a grasp on things, especially when they don't explain things that happened DURING the timeskips well (or at all). the first half of the season dragssss (but the second half is insane, and i'm always a victim of recency bias). and i feel like they skipped out on so so many opportunities of character development.
this season is mainly cang xuan-focused which i'm not opposed to! he is such an interesting character and zhang wanyi is an absolutely extraordinary actor - the drunk confession scene and the whole illusion were stunningly well done. however i wish it didn't come at the cost of neglecting other characters? we hardly get to see the dynamic between tushan jing, fangfeng yiying, tushan tian, and even tushan hou. it's such a waste of a fascinating storyline - yes, they get their screentime later into the season, but it's after like 6 episodes of essentially nothing so it feels so jarring. conversely, it feels like a'nian has the opposite problem, where she gets great character development but then is forgotten after she marries cang xuan.
chenrong xinyue is also a character i would have loved to see more of. her character arc is so good on paper, but honestly felt quite shallow to me - 2/3 scenes of her getting ignored by cang xuan is what seems to drive her whole development. more on her childhood/upbringing with fenglong would have done wonders.
other things i would have liked to explore more: jing being a fox spirit, more nuance of jing + xiao yao's relationship that isn't just fluff (although i loved the fluff after jing died i felt like i was getitng info dumped on), cang xuan's harem. how the love gu worked between xiang liu and xiao yao bc it was so inconsistent lmao. more of fenglong and jing's relationship (jing's reaction to fenglong's death??). xiao yao's parents' relationship.
this is a lot of complaining for a 8/10 rating, you might think. you're right. other things i did like: the overarching theme of "burden of power / sacrifice for the greater good / selflessness vs selfishness". even though towards the end it felt like you were being bashed over the head with The Point, it's still explored in a very interesting way through each of the male leads. cang xuan, through his journey to gain power and finally be able to protect xiaoyao, ends up slowly, ironically, irreversibly, shattering the chances of him and xiaoyao being together in the way he wants. i can’t find the exact quote, but in the last few episodes, when asked to choose between the throne and xiaoyao, he says something along the lines of, “how can i give up the throne? xiaoyao helped me get here. giving it up would be throwing away our years of effort.” his burden of power is entirely self-inflicted, and he knows this, but he also knows it’s the price he has to pay for xiaoyao’s happiness.
tushan jing has the privilege of having the choice of giving up his power and status and does so a thousand times in a heartbeat. everything that cang xuan criticizes jing for is why xiaoyao falls for him again and again. they’re so similar, having gone through so much, but one emerges jaded and cynical, while one, against all odds, keeps being soft and kind and trusting. yes, it’s also his biggest weakness (it almost costs his life, again, lol) but ultimately i think this is the essence of jing’s character. i admit i have a very biased view of jing because he’s the exact type of character i love, but he’s still a refreshing change of pace to the cold fml archetype so common in dramas. throwing away his position of power for xiaoyao can be seen as selfless, but he’s absolutely unapologetically selfish when it comes to xiaoyao - it’s his only vice, and who can blame him?
and xiang liu! xiang liu!! is so heartbreakingly tragic of a character made up of what could have beens and maybe in a different universes. he’s almost the anti-tushan jing, where he has countless opportunities to abandon the ever-doomed chengrong troop but doesn’t. and i really love how he stands by this for the whole series, how he wavers and hesitates and gives himself fangfeng bei as his one chance at reprieve, but at the end of the day he had already accepted his fate long ago, and xiaoyao would have never been able to change that. and fangfeng bei!!!! every scene of fangfeng bei and xiaoyao is brimming with nostalgia for a life they’ll never live; it’s short lived but so impactful (that archery scene… RENT FREE). when i started watching the first season ten billion years ago, my guess at the ending was actually that xiaoyao would end up with xiang liu. cang xuan could never give xiaoyao the life she truly wanted, and xiaoyao and jing would realize that they had fundamentally changed too much since their days in qingshui town, and that they couldn’t be wen xiaoliu and ye shiqi anymore. ultimately though i’m glad that they didn’t end up together - they were doomed by the narrative, and it really would have been a disservice to xiaoyao’s character considering how xiang liu (not fangfeng bei) treated her overall.
i wrote (read: worddumped) the first half of this review immediately after i watched the last episode, but then forgot about it for like a month until now. scratches head. so im probably forgetting so many points i want to make but we’re just gonna wrap it up super fast here. despite her past criticism yang zi honestly has great performances in this and it is evident that she has improved since like. fucking. ashes of love (2018). the other standout is zhang wanyi like wow i was gagged by his scenes. this is a drama that i think is genuinely pretty solid (as opposed to my usual “it’s an acquired taste/you don’t watch this for the plot”) and worth a go. s1 and s2 watch very smoothly ie. it lowkey feels like production got screwed over by the 40ep limit so they cut it in half and that was it LOL. it’s slow at times and decently serious about the political plotlines but all the relationships feel like they develop quite naturally and satisfyingly, and there are some scenes that just make everything worth it (off the top of my head: xiaoyao/jing breakup in the snow, wedding after his death, tushan hou/jing/yiying duel; xiaoyao/cang xuan drunk confession, the whole illusion thing; xiaoyao/xiang liu/fangfeng bei “you’re not the type of person to appear in girl’s dreams” or whatever, gambling den, archery scene, xiang liu death
tldr: insane cinematography. solid, mature plotline, incredibly interesting characters with a lot of potential. needed better pacing/clearer timeline, and missed opportunities for deeper/more nuanced development. surprisingly solid acting performances. overall: 8/10
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