Perfect Match

Charming and Funny, with Some Flaws

To be absolutely frank, I watched this hot off the heels of The Double and only because it had Wang Xingyue in it. Good actors tend to choose roles and scripts wisely, and so far, he hasn't disappointed. I watched him as a villain in One and Only where he was outstanding.

So, I went into Perfect Match expecting another great show, and he didn't let me down.

Perfect Match is a light-hearted comedy with rich characters and some unbelievable plot twists. It's a period drama NOT, for once, set in the imperial court and there are no court politics to navigate. That by itself makes it different from all the other costume dramas I've seen so far. The story is about a widow with five daughters, four of them unmarried, and her prime goal in life is to marry them off. Reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, there are misunderstandings, schemes, and issues of class and income to overcome with each match. One by one, however, the Widow Li finds the perfect match for the different temperaments of each daughter.

It's not all perfect, however. There are some things in some of the stories I found annoying. (Warning, SPOILERS AHEAD!)

For example, the second match of Du Yangxi and eldest daughter Shuhoa was just fraught with issues from the get-go. He's secretive and scheming, laying plans and executing them on his own, and she's mistrustful, giving him 'tests' of his feelings for her. Given how they began their marriage, the distrust was to be expected, but I found their storyline too unbelievable to like them as a couple. The youngest daughter was married off to someone who once threatened and bullied the entire family. THAT was a major red flag. No matter how they tried to explain it away (he was young and had unsavoury companions who led him astray--can you feel my eyes roll as I write this?), this was an appalling match. And the fourth daughter married a robot masquerading as a man until he had an accident and suffered a bout of--of all the tropes--AMNESIA. That apparently set him straight, turning Pinocchio into a real boy.

Perhaps the only two matches I was totally on board with (and I admit, I'm biased) were the third daughter and the stepdaughter. They rushed through the storylines of the youngest daughter and the stepdaughter, however, (six episodes for both, whereas the others each had ~10 episodes per couple) so these weren't properly fleshed out, sadly.

On the flip side, the sets are meticulous. The attention to detail with everyday life during the Song Dynasty is top-notch. The atmosphere is beautifully designed and, overall, if you don't take the crazy too seriously, Perfect Match is fun to watch. It's low-stakes and comedic, the acting is crisp and funny; it will draw you in, and before you know it, you'll be invested in the characters and will HAVE to watch the series till the end.

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The sisterhood of the traveling romance!

At first, I was only really interested in this because I have come from a family of 5 sisters myself. The story of family always hits home with me because I have a strong relationship with my parents and sisters. This did deliver on that front because the show was able to showcase the intense relationship the sisters have with each other as well as to their mother. I really liked how far they would go to support, protect, and even defend each other especially in times of crises and danger.

This show was pretty extensive because it covered the love stories for each of the five sisters! And it did it in 5 arcs as well. The episodes were broken down into parts that were dedicated to the romance and stories for each of the sisters. I think that made sense that it gave the focus to one couple and their love story. But since the whole series was about the family and the sisters, it still gave us glimpses and bits and pieces of how the other sisters and their lives are like as each sister and couple came back home. It does show how family dynamics work in a huge family, as well as how the personality of each sister really affects their relationships not just with their sisters and mother, but with their spouses and their family, too! It was pretty entertaining and I particularly liked some couples (like Li Kangning and Li Haode's story arcs).

I generally liked the entire series. It was enjoyable and refreshing. There was a good mix of romance and comedy, as well as suspense, action, and some drama. It did get a little predictable for each of the story arc. You get the same kind of plot for each of the couple - love/hate or enemies to lovers (something like that), then some family drama about the groom's family not being accepting of the bride and having to drive her out of their home, the groom being accused of something and having to give up the bride, wanting to or drawing up a divorce letter of some sort, then of course, getting back together... It kind of gets exhausting at the end because it happens about 5x. So in the end, it gets kind of boring and towards the end of the series, you just keep wanting it to just end. And honestly, since there are 5 stories, we really don't see all of the stories developed as much. We miss out on the details on the relationships of the other couples because they jump from one to another.

Overall, it lacked focus and depth because the storylines were all over the place. Would I still recommend the series? Yes. If you like some lighthearted romance and family drama and do not mind watching 36 episodes, try it out.

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For The Hopeless Romantics

Some romance dramas tell stories of people who find love in life, but this drama, this one tells stories about people who live for love. This one is romance in its pure form, and hopeless romantics, this one is for you!

I love everything about this. I love the healthy, empowering dynamics of the Li matriarch and her daughters, and between each daughters. They love each other deeply, and their daily lives together are so heartwarming to see.
Each daughters are given their own spotlight and their own stories, and I really love how drama focus on the stories one by one, part by part, so we can focus on the development between the couples better, without overlapping mixed feelings and all.

In summary, personally, I think the tags/vibes for the couple stories are:
1. 1st daughter: noona romance, older woman x younger man, calm couple, power couple, scheming couple (the good ones), the overall feeling of their story is slow and soft but dramatic
2. 2nd daughter: mommy romance(?) lol idk how to explain it but like, the man is such a mommy's boy, he also listens and fears for his wife, and literally a good for nothing young master, but he's kind and really funny and the most earnest of them all. the vibes are the old married couple who's been together for twenty years
3. 3rd daughter: bickering couple, rival to lovers, mutual pining (both are oblivious at first), neighbours, scheming couple (the naughty ones), the vibe is full of banters and jibes and teasing each other, but both loves earnestly and openly
4. 4th daughter: one sided pining, unrequited love, amnesia, warm woman x cold man, that law enforcement couple who defends the locals, the vibe initially is a bit sad, then it becomes cute and funny, then a bit sad again, then it becomes cute again lol i love the rollercoaster!
5. 5th daughter: enemies to lovers (quite literally), good woman x bad man, freespirited couple, the messy rich household backyard affairs, one sided physical banter, one sided pining (but he's bad at pining so), switched brides (on purpose) like god the vibes are literally slapstick comedy and dumbasses falling in love, right person at the right time

Also for someone who gets anxious easily with conflicts, this drama gives me none of it, like no stress at all, I'm really happy with this one. Recommended if you love romcoms, and likes multiple leads drama!

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FIVE Heartwarming,light and interesting stories packed in one.

Plot - The show has the story of a widowed mother and her 5 daughters. The bond between the daughters, their quirky personalities and many talents...and the kind of men they end up attracting is interesting to see.

Actors - All the actors have done a great job but I am especially a fan of the actors who acted as the THIRD (husband of first widowed daughter) AND FOURTH HUSBAND. All the female leads and the mother have done an amazing job. They have put their all into the role.

Cons - The most disappointing part of the drama was the treatment of Yang Xian. The fact that they treated him like trash AFTER HIS SINCERE EFFORTS and redemption (all because he lost his wealth) is truly sad because he would have NEVER done that to the people he calls family. He even forgave his sister. Its a shame that they treated him badly and laughed about it. He endured the most pain, heartbreak and humiliation and Li family had zero remorse for it.

The FL ( second daughter) is too harsh and physically abusive to her husband which I do not condone..They have tried to make it funny but its never funny. The actors managed to make it light despite this major drawback in the writing so...kudos to them!

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Loving this show so far (completed 6 episodes)

This show pulls you in within the first episode with its slapstick humor and over the top antics of some of main characters who have big personalities. There’s nuance and some characters manipulate and lie. If you’re not paying attention to the dialogue, it’s easy to misunderstand what the writers are trying to reveal about the main character personalities and relationships. Episode 6 does a good job of reiterating the misunderstandings to pave the way for the enemies to lovers transition for one couple.

The Li family and Chai An are actively pressing their interests forward which keeps the tempo of the story telling moving. The actors deliver strong performances. Wang Chu Ran, Wang Xingyue, and Liu Xie Ning are as gorgeous as ever. The set design, costumes, use of livestock and horses support the story as a realistic period piece. Also like that the storytelling is showcasing the food (baozi, roasted goose, varities cakes and pastries, etc) of that time period and that when people sit to eat or drink, they are occasionally really ingesting something. I’ve noted in other shows how a group sits down to eat and they talk and no one actually eats.

My only regret after watching the first 6 episodes is that future episodes are being rolled out in 1 to 2 episode increments.

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A drama for single women raising their children

The first thing that grabbed me about this series was the determination the mother has for her children, its like how many if not all mothers would have reacted with 6 children to raise alone - she is a force of nature.

the second thing I liked about this drama was the stories especially the first romance between daughter 3 and Chia was great and has the greatest end

the 3rd thing was the way in which the stories unfold quite naturally through the circumstances of each of the individuals in them and how the daughters' choices of husbands evolves into a main plot story too....

Am at episode 20 writing this so am really very pleased with it so far....

Some clever drama writing in this series....

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It is a good Costume drama about the bonding of the five sisters as they manage life in a new city.

The Perfect Match is a costume drama about a widower who moves her family to Bianjing with five daughters, each with a unique personality. They tried to fit into the society then, where women were not permitted to be successful. Mrs. Li works hard and, with the help of her daughters, opens a small business in Bianjing. She eventually marries all her daughters to high-society gentlemen.

Personally, I like the stories of the first, fourth, and last daughters much better than the stories of the second and third daughters. Their stories were more interesting because they had rich plots, whereas the second and third daughters' stories were dull and ordinary.

Ni Hong Jie did well as the domineering yet loving mom to five girls. The sister bonding was good, and there were some funny parts. The mom is witty and dramatic.
- The older sister's story and acting are better.

Synopsis: During the Northern Song Dynasty under Renzong, Mrs. Li, from a wealthy Luoyang family, moves to Bianjing with her daughters, each unique in personality, to reunite with her second daughter and resolve a family matter. Despite their beauty and talent, her daughters struggle with marriage prospects, prompting Mrs. Li to seek new suitors in Bianjing. However, their journey is met with challenges, including social setbacks and difficulties in settling down. Ultimately, through perseverance and twists of fate, the Li family finds suitable husbands for the daughters, creating a lively comedy about marriage in the Northern Song Dynasty.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2, Script: 8
3, Music/OST: 8
4, Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 7.5
6. Rewatchable: 7
7. Onscreen Chemistry: 7

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Such a beautiful story

Perfect Match (2025) is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted period drama that sweeps you into the lively streets of the Northern Song Dynasty. At its core, it’s a story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family. Ni Hong-jie shines as Madame Li, a determined mother guiding her five daughters through life’s twists and turns, each with their own struggles and desires.

Lu Yu-xiao’s portrayal of Kang-ning, the fierce yet vulnerable “Rogue Tiger,” is especially captivating, as she fights for independence in a world that tries to confine her. The romance, filled with longing and sharp wit, keeps you invested, while the rich historical setting and stunning costumes make every scene a visual feast. Though the pacing stumbles at times, the warmth, humor, and emotional depth of Perfect Match make it a truly enchanting watch—one that lingers in your heart long after the final episode.

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Not So Perfect Match

Perfect Match isn’t exactly a perfect match for everyone, but despite its flaws, the heart of the show shines through in its family dynamics and emotional moments.

When I first started this series I really couldn't get into it for the first couple of episodes. I held off watching it, taking long breaks between each episode. There wasn't much happening in the very beginning of the series but there was that slight intrigue of wondering what's going to happen between the couples that kept me from dropping it. I'm glad I didn't!

Perfect Match is one of the few series I've seen with multiple couples and enjoyed but it is far from perfect. There are many cliches, annoying or recycled plot points, some very over-the-top events happening that took away the immersion, but overall it was worth the watch. I liked that each sister got their own screen time, but I disliked that the other sisters were basically abandoned/turned into side characters once they got their happy ending. Some storylines felt too long while others felt too short. The passage of time was quite unclear, there were mentions of children but we barely see any of them, etc. What I truly loved the most was Mama Li, even though I'm unmarried and don't have children of my own, I truly felt all she went through. Having to raise six daughters without your husband, money and terrible relatives, especially in those times is truly a difficult and scary task. And then after you have raised them like flowers, having to find truly good husbands for them... oof! She really is a trooper!

Out of all the storylines my favorites are in this order: 4th Lady<3rd Lady<5th Lady<1st Lady<2nd Lady

I would say the biggest character growth and the longest screentime had to be for the 4th sister. She really went through A LOT, her story was the most interesting of all. But she moved on from the "events" that happened to her way too fast. Like the rest of some plot points in other sisters storylines, some BIG plots weren't really addressed/were skimmed over too fast in 4th lady's storyline and because her story was the more "bigger stakes" one, it felt incomplete.

The Li sisters are better than me because 80% of what some of the MLs did would instantly make them a big FAT no for me lol.

Things I liked:
1. The husbands who were down bad for their wives
2. Smart sisters United!
3. Mama Li <3
4. The relationships between everyone in the Li family

Biggest problems:
1. No communication for creating plot twists/angst
2. Constant beatings... I'm looking at you 2nd and 5th sisters. Like I get MLs are supposed to be good men who don't touch women even if they are being beaten, but 5th sister beats everyone and all the other men just... take it? That ruined the immersion for me especially with how terrible some of the supporting characters were.
3. A somewhat recycled version of the same dynamic/story in every single couple. As an analogy: It felt like each sister’s story was basically the same sentence, just written in different scripts -- one in pinyin, one in traditional Chinese, and one in simplified. Different on the surface, but structurally almost identical.
4. Rushed. Rushed. Rushed!

Overall, this was an enjoyable watch. If you're like me and don't have much patience, I'd recommend you to give it a chance for at least 5 episodes. If you didn't find it interesting you should probably drop it, but if it was growing on you, definitely continue.

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What a groundbreaking drama!

My God! Wô de tien na! (Still practicing Chinese🤭)

Initially, I didn't feel the episode one but when I entered episode two...when i began to understand the storyline, I didn't leave my laptop till I was done.

This movie deprived me of my sleep.

Leshan and Kangning really cracked me up with laughter.

Especially their mother, that woman is a lowkey comedian.

I will never forget Mr. Fan (Fuhui's husband) and his so called bully, Mr. Chai (Kangning's husband).

The flow, the wit, the emotion, the romance, the filial piety, the comedy, the bond, everything just hit at the right proportions. Nothing was too much.

I HIGHLY recommend this drama😊

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