Pretty Good Drama
I had forgotten that the leads had been in the drama The Rise Of Ning which I am currently rewatching. The FL and ML in this drama ended up having one of the best CP's I have watched this year. I really enjoyed their interactions and felt they were truly immersed in their characters. I enjoyed all the support cast as well. All of them played their parts to perfection. My low rating is due to the production team and how it was a let down in the end. Too many people died in the last confrontation that it made me upset. I had wished for a better ending and was disappointed by all the lives lost and felt it unnecessary. I'm not a script writer, but this could have had a much nicer and thoughtful ending. It almost made me wish I hadn't wasted all my time watching this drama. The overall ratings would have been higher if the production team had thought it through more. Losing ONE or TWO is enough to startle watchers, but the overall devastation was too over-the-top. I won't rewatch with an ending so horrendous.Was this review helpful to you?
A Beautiful Story That Deserved a Better Goodbye
I really enjoyed A Splendid Match overall. The drama had a lot going for it, beautiful cinematography, gorgeous costumes, a solid cast, and leads with amazing chemistry. The romance was sweet without feeling overly cheesy, and I liked that the relationship was built on trust and mutual respect. The political and family conflicts kept things interesting, and for the most part, the pacing was good.The cast also did a fantastic job. Even the supporting characters felt memorable, and many of them had storylines that made you care about what would happen to them. That's actually why the ending was so disappointing.
My biggest issue is that the ending felt way too rushed. After spending dozens of episodes developing these characters and their relationships, the finale wrapped everything up so quickly that it barely gave the audience time to process anything. It honestly felt like the story was cut short.
Several important character arcs never received the resolution they deserved. There were relationships that needed proper closure, lingering conflicts that were brushed aside, and supporting characters whose endings were either implied or completely skipped. Instead of giving us satisfying conclusions, the drama seemed to jump straight to the finish line.
It's frustrating because the journey was genuinely enjoyable. The writers spent so much time building the world and making us emotionally invested in these characters, only to rush through the part where all that investment should have paid off. Even just one or two more episodes could have made a huge difference by giving everyone the closure they had earned.
That said, I don't think the rushed ending ruins the entire drama. The performances, chemistry, visuals, and emotional moments throughout the series are still worth watching. I just wish the finale had slowed down enough to let the story breathe and properly conclude the characters' journeys.
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An Interesting Romance and Political Story All Wrapped Into One
A Splendid Match does exactly what it promises. It splendidly matches up the main couple, who have quite different temperaments and yet are similar in enough in certain aspects aspects that it simply clicks. Certain characters truly grow and develop until the end of the drama like Ye Xian and Gu Lan, though Ye Xian is offered more screentime and is one of the best - if not THE best - SML's out there.The deaths of certain characters were incredibly heart wrenching. I had a good cry two times in this drama and I love when a story actually makes me care!
Overall, the Gu family feud at the beginning of the drama was just a little better structured. The last arc is both rushed and yet too few things happen at the right time. I would have enjoyed a bit more focus on Jinzhao's female relationships and her business ventures around those episodes. Some political things just happen instead of being reacted to by the joint force of the main couple.
One big caveat are also the excessive fade to blacks that are awkward. They are used for censorship but also lack of time and probably lack of budget.
Despite that, I actually enjoy the ending (as in the last episode). It does not wrap everything up perfectly but there doesn't need to be a lengthy epilogue. The goal is reached. The deed is done.
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A Splendid Mess - an uneven but nonetheless surprisingly worthy watch
As I don't wish to spoil the story, my aim is not to add anything substantially new to the already existing reviews; rather, I seek to reinforce what has already been said by some other members of the community, most notably by @SceneStealer (no spoilers) and by @MrsGong (spoilers).Let me put it this way: if you have enjoyed some of the more ambitious recent historical dramas, such as the Dream of Splendor, the Flourished Peony, the Prisoner of Beauty or even the Story of Kunning Palace, then you are very likely to enjoy this drama as well. That being said, I don't expect the Splendid Match to be quite as successful as any of the dramas mentioned above. Not because it's any worse - I feel that it's actually more substantial than most - but because it's too unfocused and goes in too many different directions.
A Splendid Match is a coming-of-age story, and a reflection on feminine condition, and an analyses of family and state power dynamics, and an account of ups and downs in palace scheming with some unexpectedly good fighting scenes thrown in; and, the last but not the least, it is a truly splendid slow-burn romance with some reasonably convincing love triangles. And if that is not enough, there are probably even more aspects of the story that I'm simply forgetting to mention.
None of these aspects are handled poorly; on the contrary, taken individually, they hold up unexpectedly well, But what we end up with is a bit messy because keeping so many threads from vibrating loose is an ambition simply to high to live up to. It is as if this drama has an identity issue: It can't quite make up its mind on whether it wants to be a crowd-pleaser or a more serious take on the human condition from a historical perspective. So, in the end, if falls somewhere in the middle and just a little short of both.
Nonetheless, and in spite of this inherent flaw, A Splendid Match engages and enchants thanks to its multi-layered character portrayal and its rare depiction of what it means to be in a healthy loving relationship.
Many characters in this drama - not just the leads, but down to the smallest supporting ones - are fully fleshed out, consistent and convincing. Many feel like real people whom we progressively get to know and follow in their decisions, good and bad, which might sometimes appear too exaggerated for my taste, but never feel random and unmotivated. However, the same high standard is not equally applied to all, so the results turn out a little uneven.
On the other hand, watching the relationship between the leads grow, develop and transform is truly delightful. For once, we have an older male lead who is explicitly not a virgin and does not abruptly turn into a shy boy the moment he falls in love; rather - and much more logically - he uses his vast intelligence and the advantage of sexual and emotional experience to both intellectually convince and sensually seduce. For once, we have a male lead who truly respects his partner and does not try to control her; not because he is not occasionally tempted to - of course he is, considering his upbringing and status - but because they manage to air, discuss and work out any issues together as a couple. Thus, we are mercifully spared the patronizing trope of I-love-you-so-much-that-it-entitles-me-to-make-decisions-about-your-life-without-asking-your-opinion. For once, the romance doesn't peter out and lose all interest once that the leads get together. If anything, the sexual tension between them becomes even stronger after they consume their relationship, which is only natural for any couple with a fulfilling intimate life. In all this, A Splendid Match sets a new standard for a credible romantic relationship, hopefully to be emulated more often in future.
Most other relationship in the drama, romantic or otherwise, are equally plausible, if less compelling. I will not go into the details in order to avoid spoilers.
The drama is well served by an excellent cast, with brilliant leads and many outstanding supporting actors. I initially found the young female lead, Ren Min, somewhat irritating, only to be impressed later on by the way in which she grew with, and into, her character. The male lead, Ci Sha, is consistently convincing in his quiet intensity. Everybody does a great job, really; I was perhaps particularly delighted by supporting actors incarnating grey-scale female characters, such as the unscrupulous but staunch matriarch (Yang Kun) or the tragically silly, superficial and suggestible concubine (Li Fei Er).
Cinematography, scenography, costumes and make-up are refined and subtle. The choreography for fighting scenes is sharp and visceral. The soundtrack is generally unremarkable, with a couple of standard love songs. My only complaint is about a certain instrumental cue for the main couple which I found distractingly incongruous as, to my ears, it sounded like it landed straight from a 1980s comedy and had no place in a historical C-drama.
Overall, while this drama could have been better - more streamlined and more even in depth and tone - I genuinely enjoyed it much more than I expected.. Therefore, I will swipe its imperfections under the carpet and give it a generous score of 8.5.
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good beginning but the ending sucks
1. the casting is so good. Ren Min take Gu Jin Zhao to life. her acting is so on point. Cisha is so cool in this drama. His character has that balance between physical and brain, it's kinda giving a refreshing feels. Winwin is also good in this drama but his character is so pitiful2. soundtrack is good. it's rare that period/costume drama have pop soundtrack.
3. the storyline from the beginning towards the 3/4 to the story is good but it went downhill then. it's kinda sad because this drama has opportunity to the become drama of the year
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This review may contain spoilers
Too many admirers in the kitchen
This drama was overall really good. I felt that both leads did a great job in their roles. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a FL so bombarded with admirers before. Most women in these historical dramas are demure and cut unwanted attention off quickly before it goes too far but this FL didn’t do that at all. I really don’t understand the relationship with the 2ML since he was so arrogant and rude to everyone including the FL. She also let things linger on with the nephew of the ML that she shouldn’t have. She was supposed to be this intelligent woman that could any situation but when it came to admirers she was really dense. The last straw for me was when her husband comes back from war badly injured she just ignored him and had a nervous breakdown over the death of the 2ML. I get it that you’re upset but my word the show of pain was just over the top. Your husband passes out in the same room and she seemed to care less. If I was the ML I would have found the divorce papers and used them so she could be free to find another “friend”.Was this review helpful to you?
Fair enough
I liked the drama, especially the chemistry between the leads. However, I expected more from the ending. Although the story did not have much impact, the performances of some characters were outstanding, especially Winwin, Huang Riying, Zuo Ye, and the main leads. I also liked Gala Zhang.I felt bad about the way Winwin’s character’s story ended, and I literally cried when the character wrote goodbye notes to his lover and his sister. I think this character deserved a happy ending, which I kept hoping for until his death. Sorry for the spoiler.
I did not enjoy the story very much, but I truly enjoyed the acting performances of the above-mentioned characters.
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This review may contain spoilers
I am on episode 20 rn and Good Lord I have stuff to say!First I didn't notice the leap at all!! It's like one moment she is crying over the dress and the gu family plotting and bamp!! We have the leap. I found it so weird that suddenly it is 3 yrs as everyone started mentioning the year. In fact I watched the episode twice to finally see where the leap scenes was
Another thing that confused me was ML confessed and "gave" her time to think (she rejected him lol). But that time to think streched to 3 yrs??? Isn't that a lot?? Like what?? Did they interact for these years?? Or did I mistake the leap moment? I am still confused.
Now comes Gu Lan. At first I thought she had a brain and could obviously see through nanny Zhou. But it was quickly revealed that though she is intelligent the restrictions and gap between di and shu is something she is still afraid of. In fact it was more of greed. Greed to take everything. And ofcourse for Ye Xian. She started antagonising everything FL did. It changed her character to a brainless half sister so quick. But still understandable since she is spoiled and wants everything for herself. And sharing for her is being wronged. She is just ungrateful.
But after the whole thing will her mom and FL's mother. Her sudden 180 gave me whiplash like what?? One moment I am seeing her still defending her mother and still not realising her mistake and next scene we see her kneeling and apologising infront of FL. At first I thought she was just acting this way to save herself. She wasn't really apologetic. But FL mentions how Gu Lan isn't lying about her apology . And after the leap Gu Lan turns into this bullied white lotus . Though well yes she is being bullied but I would have liked to see the progression of her realising her mistake. Because it was very abrupt. We don't see any remorse at all. She is just suddenly good. And FL starts being cordinal to her and all.
Infact in the whole concubine scheme it was her idea mostly. Her mother was just following her. Sure she didn't expect it would cause a death or that the maid was lying. It is true that her intentions were malicious. But instead her mother ends up getting punished while she left just like that??
Anyways I really likeML and FL's chemistry. Love them.
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Reminds me of Rely on me and I'll rely on you.
Gu jinzhao and Chen Yanyun as a perfect cast that no one can replace, I've seen the interaction that differs the FL to the other second and third lead. You'll know at the first glance that the ML is enough to make it the standard.To be honest its the casting and the acting that made me finish this. The plot need more polishing, aside from that her sister Gulan shes one of the greatest character development Ive seen.
The opening episode, I really love that part, that shows that Jinzhao aren't afraid for someone to see her fury that she ain't a girl who can just be restrain of others even her father. I've seen her growth and the character where shes intimidated with Chen Yanyun but she knows that he's realiable man. Where Chen Yanyun a very charismatic main lead I've seen he ain't the man that only serves pretty face but you'll know that he'll have the gut to do things you won't imagine. From the moment he realizes his feelings for Gu Jinzhao, he ain't losing any minute to show it and profess it. He goes for it like time matters.
As for my favorite second lead Ye Xian, I'd cry for you, hate you and understand his character.
Overrall love for this drama. Its one of the best drama I've seen this year. Looking forward for more projects for my actresses and actors.
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Solid Drama
Hooked on the first 5 minutesGood story with good pace, I never skip nor fast forward. Good song too
The first time ever in a drama that I wish have fewer kissing scenes 😆 because I think it ruined the continuity of the drama atmosphere
Good song too, my favourite is 问流光
Politics intrigue also good, not too complicated but still capture ome essences of power struggle.
acting from casts are solid one, none feels out of place. it leaves a good impression on me.
i watched it not as binge, but 3-4 eps in 1 sitting
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the best dramas I've watch.....but the last 5 eps were kinda disappointed
I thought I should write a review on this drama!I really liked this drama like the story, the actors and actresses, the quality. Ci Sha looked so like majestic and too nice in this drama. He looks mature than his age and trust me Chen Yanyun(his role) really really suits him. And I like Ren Min who played Gu Jinzhao. They really had nice chemistry.
Although the ending was strong but towards the ending like last 4-5 episodes I kinda feel like they ruined it, not the cast like the production team or the editors. It's indeed a splendid drama idk why they just ruined it at the end, like the end felt kinda empty. It's like they made it unfair for the whole dramas by just last 5 episodes. But from the start to until last 4-5 episodes I freaking loved it, the story ,the cast, roles.
There were few places in the drama that felt like nonsense. Like where when Gu Jinzhao was getting married Ye Xian(2nd lead played by Winwin) came and confessed but she had already told that he's no more than just a friend but later it shows as she's sad, but it shows that she has no feelings for him. That was like bruhh.
The betrayal, politics, romance like everything was in the drama. I really loved watching their together parts like couple romance, it was so good. He's a green forest man, he really loves him so so much.
The wedding part had me giggling and repeating for several times, like it's one of the or like the best scene and their newlyweds time and their romance. AARRGGHHHHHH
Anyways I don't want to spoil much though, actually more like i didn't say anything lol.
It's actually a nice drama with everything as I said betrayal, politics, romance( kinda slow burn)
I hope u won't be disappointed by watching it.
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Its always the ending..
Its a good story i enjoy it a lot but the ending is really disappointing, but watching cdrama you almost have to expect it. The first time they introduce GL i like her a lot then she become annoying, they really like to introduce an innocent character turn to jealousy. like the ML and FL. overall good. Recommended.Was this review helpful to you?
