Love in the Clouds

Intrigue, Comedy, and Characters that captivate

⚠️ Written after completed the show, this review contains minor spoilers. I have not read the web novel.

This wasn’t the typical enemies-to-lovers trope I expected. Ji Bozai never truly thought he would kill Mingxian — he even had respect for her. And Mingxian didn’t want to kill him either. The story felt more like a lying trope than a pure enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

Let’s first talk about what I especially enjoyed.

I was amazed by how involved I was while watching this drama. It’s quite rare for me to binge a fully released drama this quickly. I can’t exactly explain why I was so captivated this time, but the story and characters kept me hooked. I believe the actors were great, although I’m not the best judge of acting skills. I also liked visual effects and the combat scenes, which I usually find quite laughable in wuxia dramas. The comedic moments were enjoyable as well; they help ease the tension when it gets too intense.

The story was by far my favorite part of the drama. One reason is that new villains keep appearing throughout the show, each with their own motivations, which keeps the plot dynamic and engaging. But the main reason I loved it was Mingyi’s prolonged deception. It added a tragic layer to the love story and prevented things from becoming too predictable or smooth between the leads. Even though some plot twists, like the true identities of the main characters, were easy to predict, I actually enjoyed that—I love when I can figure out the story ahead of time.

Mu Tianji was an amazing character. I could write a lot about her and how touching she was. I really liked the actress He Nan’s expressions. Mu Qibai behaved terribly, but he was right about the need for a change in the political direction of Jixing Abyss. While I did not hope for great political strategy when watching this drama, it’s interesting to consider it when it comes to Mu Tianji’s role. She was effective in both ambition and leadership, which men in the royal family were unable to. She forced communication — something many characters lacked — to make decisions. She trusted people based on her instincts and emotions, and she was right each time, as shown by how she built the successful Shouhua Academy.

The visuals were incredible, and the actors and costumes were beautiful. I especially liked the makeup on Xunming and Situ Long — they looked very handsome!

However, there were also elements that frustrated me to some extent.

First, the repeated patterns of plots and miscommunication. The plot can be a bit repetitive at times, especially with Mingyi’s identity storyline. There is also a lot of push-and-pull, which I usually enjoy, but overall it sometimes felt like the drama existed just for the sake of drama. This might seem contradictory with the fact that I liked Mingyi continuing to lie, but Ji Bozai was questioning things like the love Mingyi had for him — which he couldn’t really doubt. The tension worked well when it was about her not revealing her true identity, but the repeated questioning of her feelings felt irrelevant. Ji Bozai irritated me so much when he decided to misunderstand Mingyi, even though she had just slept with him. Near the end of the show, I was also so exhausted when he started being distant again because he wanted to sacrifice himself.
The miscommunication between the leads was very frustrating. Ji Bozai jumped to off-base conclusions, while Mingyi was too passive to clarify the real issues. Miscommunication is such a typical element in drama series, but I would love to see some innovation with communicating leads one day, lol.

Then, let’s talk about Situ Long’s character development. I saw a review saying Situ Long went from being a good villain to an obsessive creep, that is so real lol. I liked his initial role, Mingyi saying that he mistook gratitude for love, and I was hoping he would focus on getting the Golden Millet Dream for himself, especially when Mingyi never showed any interest in him. She was so polite and kept her distance, without any ambiguity. It makes the shifting from being a supportive intelligent ally to this manipulative obsessed guy even worse. I hoped he would gradually let go of his interest and would eventually stop, especially since he didn’t seem to mind hurting himself, but in the end his partner Fuyue also suffered because of his actions. In the end, the purpose of his character was for anything else that the need of an ultimate villain with charisma.

Finally, the missed opportunity of a tragic love-and-friendship. I also had high hopes for a tragedy regarding Zhangtai and Mingyi friendship regarding Zhangtai and Xunming’s marriage. When it was showed as love at first sight, I was hoping for a story where Mingyi might hesitate to harm Xunming because of his relationship with Zhangtai — a tragic love-and-friendship element. But my hopes died as soon as we saw that the wedding happened so quickly, understanding Zhangtai has become the victim of Xunming and that there was no true love between them.

So, I would recommend this drama to anyone. While it’s not entirely unique and some parts aren’t perfect, I think its main strength lies in the constant renewal of its plotlines and the fact that many of the characters are interesting. It never feels boring, and overall, it’s easy to watch.

Read More

Unnecessarily long miscommunication and misunderstanding with no proper resolution

Their relationship is what I really like, the unrealistic of unconditional and sacrificial love (yes i am hopeless romantic when it comes to fiction) however, i think the drama is unnecessarily long. It's just unlimited miscommunication and misunderstanding — i mean, it does make sense that they have miscom and misun bcs that's literally where their relationship started but that doesn't have to be THAT long. For me, the plot became boring but I got hooked in the plot twist in the later episodes (blew my mind tbh). Because of how bored I am, it was my first time watching with 2x speed. I love the side couple, princess tianji and Yan xiao, istg i love the angst between them I have to find a drama similar to their story cause i was eating that drama they're having, no screentime of theirs is wasted. The writing felt lackluster to me: Jbz clearly showed he trusted Ming Yi, but she never grasped that fact. It would have been nicer if there was a realization or monologue instead of just resolving it with "I’m tired of lying". I understand Ming Yi’s lack of trust, but the way it was handled at the end was disappointing.

Read More

A C Drama That Earned Every Episode

As someone who is relatively new to long Chinese dramas, I often find my interest fading when the story slows down in the middle or later episodes. I've dropped quite a few dramas for that reason, so I was pleasantly surprised by Love in the Clouds.

Here are the aspects I enjoyed the most:

• Excellent chemistry between the leads. Their relationship felt natural and engaging, making it easy to become invested in their journey.

• Well-developed supporting characters. None of the secondary characters felt one-dimensional or existed solely to move the plot forward. Every major character had a meaningful backstory that explained their motivations and choices. I especially appreciated the character arcs of Situ Ling and Mu Qibai, whose journeys added emotional depth and made them much more than just supporting figures.

• Morally complex protagonists. Both the female lead and the male lead remain morally grey for a significant portion of the story. Instead of presenting them as flawless heroes, the drama takes the time to explore the experiences and traumas that shaped them. Their actions may not always be easy to agree with, but they feel understandable because the writing carefully builds the context behind their decisions.

• Strong performances from the entire cast. Every actor delivered a convincing performance, bringing their characters to life and adding emotional depth to the story.

• Consistently engaging across all 36 episodes. This was one of the drama's biggest strengths for me. Despite its length, the story maintained my interest throughout without the usual mid-series slump that often causes me to lose interest in longer dramas.

• High-quality CGI. The visual effects were well done and complemented the fantasy elements without feeling distracting.

• A well-written story and script. The narrative was compelling, with good pacing, interesting plot developments, and satisfying character arcs. The script gave nearly every important character room to grow, making their development feel earned rather than rushed.

• Good direction. The director kept the story flowing smoothly, balanced the emotional and dramatic moments effectively, and ensured that the drama remained engaging from beginning to end.

Overall, Love in the Clouds exceeded my expectations. It's a well-crafted drama with strong acting, memorable characters, an engaging story, and impressive production values. I would definitely recommend it, especially to viewers who are hesitant about committing to a longer Chinese drama. If you're looking for a fantasy romance where even the supporting cast receives meaningful development and the protagonists are allowed to be flawed, this drama is well worth your time.

Read More

Hou Ming Hao is Anime Pretty

I enjoyed the initial push and pull of the leads trying to outsmart and outmaneuver one another in charming and amusing ways. Both leads were attractive and exuded chemistry with one another.

Once they knew one another, the drama suffered a bit in trying to manufacture conflict that wasn't sensible and only served to pad the episode. Noble idiocy struck often and hard. Misunderstandings abounded when just one sentence could have cleared everything up. Thankfully, the leads started to work together and actually communicate without massively lying to one another, but it was frustrating getting to that point.

The OST was good, the costumes were attractive, and the cast was beautiful.

Read More

it sadly didn't live up to my expectations

I came across this drama in Tiktok where it was heavily hyped as “one of the best xianxia/xuanhuan" which caught my attention because it indeed shows potential. Also I just recently watched PoJ (which some claims that LITC is much better) so at this point I am really expecting a lot. After watching LITC tho, I have to admit that the bar is low lol. Nonetheless, I genuinely enjoyed parts of it as it does have its strengths.

First, the acting of the cast— especially the leads— truly saved this drama for me. However the script and overall character arc/development failed them significantly. If not for the undeniable chemistry between Lu Yuxiao and Hou Minghao, I wouldn't have been convinced by their love story, because what do you mean 25 episodes were spent with continuous lying and deception and unending miscommunication. Their relationship just felt stagnant rather than meaningful.

It frustrated me most that even at the last episodes, there's no depth and proper development with Ming Yi's character. I was waiting for a moment of realization or inner monologue where she understands that lying to Ji Bozai isn’t the solution when in fact he was clearly in love with her, enough to accept all of her. For me, that’s such a major turning point and would’ve added so much depth to their story. Ironically, this kind of development was actually seen between Tianji and Yan Xiao, which solidied their relationship a lot all while emphasizing how much MingZai was lacking. I just hate that MIngZai didn’t get the kind of development and growth they deserve.

And don’t get me started with Situ Ling/Chao Yuan’s character. I was really disappointed. I disliked how the writers forced him into the role of the “true villain” when he never felt like one. What should have been a powerful and emotionally layered plot twist turned out to be so underwhelming. Situ’s villain arc lacked depth and nuance, eventually reducing him to someone driven solely by obsession. Especially, I was expecting his father to be the grand villain after Qibai’s death but even him lacked depth. I honestly don’t know what went to the writers’ head and saw Situ, jumped right into making him as the “true villain” for plot twist, and just called it a day. I’ll forever mourn the wasted potential of Ming Yi and Situ’s bond which could have added so much more complexity of the story, especially with how their story started.

Overall, most of the characters just felt flat for me and I wasn’t able to connect and get attached with them. Despite the cast delivering convincing performances, the writing just failed to support them, making it hard for me to get truly emotionally invested. As much as I wanted to care for them, but with the way their characters were written made it difficult for me. The only moment that genuinely hit me hard was Ershiqi’s sacrifice, and even then, it only fully registered on me when Ming Yi reacted. Even major plot points at the end, where you’re supposed to be mind blown, like the baby-swapping revelation, felt more like a convenient plot devices rather than organic developments driven by characters themselves. While, the plot twist itself was convincing, it still lacked the emotional intensity it should have delivered.

I truly enjoyed the first few episodes, but it just felt dragging due to its pacing as well as the lack of depth of characters, which ultimately caused it to lose its grip on me midway. I wanted to love and grow attached to them but sadly, I couldn’t. That said, I still enjoyed certain parts of this drama, particularly the fight scenes- the one thing that the production did right— it was, if not, the strongest part of the drama. The cast truly performed exceptionally well the OST is genuinely moving.

In the end, I’d still rate this a solid 8, mainly because the casts ate and absolutely hard carried the drama despite its flawed script. For me, this drama definitely fits the description: "promising start, repetitive middle, and a mid ending" It had so much potential— how I just wish it was written and executed better. (If I were to rewatch this, it would definitely just be for the wholesome moments lol)

Read More

Beautiful & Heartwarming

A good story. A drama done well. You'll love to watch this.

Story wise, I think it's pretty nice. It takes unpredictable turns, connecting different points you didn't think were that important. Even if it isn't enough to blow your mind, the author did a great job writing them. Wholesome, I'd say.

Pacing wise, I had a trouble getting into the drama in the beginning because I felt too much was happening in the start. But it became better after a couple of episodes.

Problems I had with this drama? I felt Ming Yi herself wasn't exactly feeling much of regretful for a long time over lying to Ji Bozai which is kind of questionable. Situ Ling turned Chao Yuan was honestly really annoying. That being said, I think Mu Qibai seemed more of a villian than him. Really getting on your nerves is all he does. Another thing - why did no one do anything about the emperor of Yaoguangshan? He wasn't a nice guy too, was he? Then your usual xianxia scene at the end where one decides to sacrifice their life for the other or the world which I honestly hate 🙄 Like come on, LIVE! Only if you're alive can you find another way. Don't single down on sacrifice alone 🙅‍♀️🤦‍♀️ And to add to that, the 'I'm going to make you hate me because I don't want hou to get hurt when I die' 😒

Casting I think was done really well. Although Hou Minghao isn't great when it comes to the chemistry aspect, he acts very well. I genuinely loved and cared for Ji Bozai because of that. The action scenes were wonderful. Lu Yuxiao would be the highlight though. She is so pretty, beautiful, cute all at once, it's harmful for the heart 🥴 And added to this, her acting. Amazing talent. She potrays every emotion so well, it's palpable. One of my favorite scenes was her realising her teacher is her father. Loved it so so much! She and Lin Jiangguo did it so well, I was teary eyed. So heartwarming 🥹
Chemistry wise, nah! It felt more like best friends or partners in crime which, I don't think is a bad trope; just not your 'makes my heart skip a beat' thing.

Side characters did well too. My favorite ones are Ming Yi's tutor/father She Tianlin played by Lin Jiangguo, 27 played by Yu Yao, Buxiu played by Lu Qi (which tbh, I wouldn't mind a bit of bromance or BL between those too 😁) and Princess and Zhang Tai played by He Nan and Pan Junya respectively. I felt Quan Yilun could do better with his acting but chemistry wise, he and He Nan were good. Maybe it's their characters and storyline, whatever. Yu Chengen as Situ Ling did a good job pissing me off. And must say, Hu Yunhao as Mu Qibai is very handsome. Pity he's a villain 😂

Music was pleasant. Hou Minghao's got a wonderful voice. Loved his song 'If your world had no sunshine'.

I would rewatch it someday but it wouldn't be a high priority rewatch wise. A good medium probability.

Overall, I think even if it was a typical xianxia, it was done well. Doesn't bore you out. Worth watching!

Read More

a must watch!

This drama was fire! I absolutely recommend it.. It completely exceeded my expectations and honestly reminded me why I still love watching c-dramas in the first place. Compared to other dramas that start dragging or losing their pace after a certain number of episodes, this one did the exact opposite. Every episode kept me hooked, and I genuinely couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Not to mention the chemistry between the two leads! honestly one of the best couples I’ve ever seen on screen. It had been a long time since I got this obsessed with a pairing and their chemistry...

Read More

Love hidden behind a mask

Essentially, the story follows Ming Xian, a young warrior admired by all, who has won the annual Qingyun Conference every year since he was thirteen. However, in the most recent tournament, he faces Ji Bozai, a former slave who rose through newfound strength and carries a mysterious past. During their battle, something strange happens, Ming Xian’s spiritual power becomes fatally damaged, leaving him with only one year to live. The more he uses his power, the faster his life shortens. Ji Bozai defeats him, ending Ming Xian’s long reign as champion.

But here’s the kicker, Ming Xian is actually a woman. She uses an illusion to disguise herself as a man so she can fight in the arena, but moreso to bear the burden of being the “crown prince” in general. Her true identity is a closely guarded secret, known to no one who has not given birth to her, not even her greatest rival, her step-brother.

With her life now slipping away, she must find a cure. Convinced that Ji Bozai is tied to her mysterious injury and possibly holds the rumored antidote, she leaves home and approaches him in disguise. She adopts the identity of Ming Yi, a beautiful but naive “fairy” courtesan, pretending to be hopelessly in love with him in order to infiltrate his circle. Ji Bozai doesn’t believe her for a moment, but due to political pressure, he keeps her close, essentially choosing her over allowing his enemy spies to remain at his side.

For a long time, Ming Yi and Ji Bozai simply use each other. Ming Yi searches for the cure in secret, while Ji Bozai pursues revenge and fights corruption. They constantly help one another while plotting against the other, yet slowly, inevitably, they fall in love. Their relationship becomes a tangled push-and-pull, their hearts are sincere, but their goals, past traumas, and secrets keep them at odds and entertain misunderstandings.

The series is entertaining in the beginning, emotional, romantic, filled with scheming and dramatic reveals. I’d say the first 20-ish episodes are the best. After that, it begins to drag a lot, and many of the plots and twists become predictable. There are touching moments, and both leads have beast companions who act as their confidants and comic relief. There is also Situ Ling, who loves Ming Xian/Ming Yi so deeply he’s willing to sacrifice everything for her. His unrequited devotion who turned into obsession over someone who simply showed him kindness once and gave him hope really got to me, I almost wished Ming Yi could have returned his feelings, even just for a little while. But unlike some dramas where the female lead wavers between two men, here she never truly sees him as more than a clingy and obsessed man.

In the end, it’s a lovely romantic series, great chemistry, some frustrating moments, average plotlines, and vaguely entertaining. It just loses momentum later on, to the point where I eventually watched in x2 speed. But overall, it was still a enjoyable to watch, I recommend if you are into the romance primarily.

Read More

The plot was very subpar compared to the chemistry between the leads...

Let me begin by saying I loved their main ost. Every scene with the ost playing felt so touching and beautiful.

This was my first drama from Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao. I feel HMH acted really really well. Like the way he always looked at her with either eyes of love or eyes of betrayal was portrayed very well by him. LYX also did well for her role, her character was not the annoying kind. She was strong brave and smart. The leads had amazing chemistry from the start itself. I wont really say they were a enemies to lovers couple cause she kinda finds out quite early that he was not the one who poisoned her. So her hatred for him dies down and then she is only behind her cure. Similarly, even JBZ ends up falling for MY quite fast BUT here comes the issues...

Every 5eps or so the writer keeps introducing misunderstanding or sacrificing plots so the couple is like never together properly in peace. Most of their cute or romantic scenes come with foreshadowing that something is gonna happen etc. This dragged on for sooo long. Too long actually for me that I ended up skipping alot of parts. The plot progression and speed was a huge loss for this drama. Cause i feel the actors even the villains were doing very well. The plot was just too simple for 33 episodes with sudden random reveals in the last few eps.

My favourite scene was actually at the marriage stone where he forced himself to carve MY's name and take the lightning punishment. It was also the time he found out Ming Yi was lying to him and he lost his trust in her. HMH's acting for that part was really really good.

Oh also honorary mention to the super cute proposal scene at the end. The drunk proposal was also very naturally done didnt feel cringe at all. Overall, the drama is a feast for cute moments and good romantic scenes (also heard alot was cut out) but just lacked depth in the plot.

Read More

A Drama Elevated by Its Cast: Emotion, Romance, and Stellar Performances

Just judging by the screenplay and storyline, this might seem like an above-average drama deserving around a 7/10. However, it goes far beyond that purely because of the outstanding performances by the lead and supporting cast. What an exceptional casting choice!

While certain parts of the drama feel a bit slow or repetitive, the anticipation of seeing Ji Bozai and Ming Yi on screen keeps you fully engaged. The same can be said for Yan Xiao, Princess Mo, and the rest of the ensemble, each of them adds depth and warmth that make even the slower moments worth watching.

It’s also been a while since we’ve had a drama with such an abundance of romantic moments, not just in actions but in dialogue and tone. Every exchange feels tender and genuine.

Overall, this is a must-watch drama for those who appreciate powerful performances and emotional chemistry. If you’re someone who focuses solely on storyline and pacing, you might find it average, but if you value acting and connection, this drama truly shines.

Read More