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1st time when supporting character stole a show
Daaaaaaaaaamn! I just finished and it was so good! I was anticipating this drama cuz of CZY as he stole my heart in Hidden Love and he didn't disappoint me - his role as Feng Suige is even better, he's smart, he's badass, but he actually cares so much! Utter perfection. As for FL, it's my 1st time seeing her but damn! She's one of the best female characters I've ever seen - she's brilliant, smart, strong-willed and on top of that really great warrior! Wish for more FL to be as capable as her - she's not your typical damsel in distress, she's a fighter! They are really fated for each other!Enemy to lovers is my fav trope and it was really awesome to watch how they went from killing each other to be ready to fight for each other with their life. I love their bond growing little by little and when finally reaching it's peak it naver wavered, it was ironclad, no matter the circumstances. They weren't only lovers, they were also comrades, equal to each other in everything.
Besides main leads I want to say that other actors also did great job - but most memorable for me are two emperors.
Susha's emperor - I both despised him and pitied him, but I think his character was really interesting one, torn between his obsession of power and love for his family. He mistreated Feng Suige very much, pushing him to his limits again and again, but also beliving he's capable to overcome every trial. Awful parenting, but indeed quite useful way for shaping a strong ruler.
Jinxiu's emperor is my fav supporting character ever! How I love this crazy guy!!!!!! For me he's the real 2nd lead and I hope so much to see this actor as a main lead soon! Jinxiu's arc was actually the most suprising for me - as 1st I wished for all scenes to skip asap, but after the divorce - DAAAAAMN, I was waiting in anticipation for every moment of crazy couple - they were so perfect for each other and I wish for different end for them... Their last scene together made me cry so much - when he was too proud to beg for his life, but didn't hestitated even for a second to beg for hers... And when she finally realized that he actually loved her... And when he told her that her smile actually looks so awful... It broke my heart... Really... Their relationship was so toxic, but yet so amusing - near the end I cheered for them more than for main couple, hoping to see them starting own crazy family, but yeah... No happy end for them... :(
Anyway, JUST WATCH THIS DRAMA!
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Best cdrama 2025
Yes I’ve watched The Prisoner of Beauty, and Legend of the Female General, of which both I rated 9/10. TPOB had side characters and stories which were not very interesting to me; LOTFG last two episodes were disappointing. Fated Hearts was very good from start to finish. Did we maybe wish to see a wedding scene? Yes perhaps, but this ending was equally as satisfying.Betrayal and revenge. These were the two main themes throughout, which stemmed from the ML’s mother dying unjustly; and the enemy’s mistreatment and abuse since he was young. Epi 1 lays the groundwork, and the final ep comes back full circle where the two enemies meet for the last battle. Every episode is completely captivating - although there were a few episodes on the Storm Alliance and where the ML loses his sight and memory, which seem somewhat redundant, but was short enough to keep me interested.
The love story is very good too, although it’s not your typical lovey dovey romance. It’s truly enemy to lovers- literally, including torture and trying to kill each other! But their slow romance development was necessary to allow time for both to heal and trust in another person again.
I would say the best element in this drama is the acting of Chen Zhe Yuan. I’ve watched many of his dramas, and this is HIS best so far! Ruthless but misunderstood. How he portrayed so many various emotions was amazing. The other characters and actors also did very well. Battle scenes, costumes, cinematography- all amazing. The music and background soundtrack were also epic and truly enhanced the drama. There are sad endings for some, and some characters had to die. Just be prepared ;)
This is by far the best for me in 2025. Highly highly recommended :):)
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So refreshing!
This is the first drama of this year that has NOT been disappointing in any aspects! I only took .5 star off because the ending seems quite a bit rushed and I would have loved to see more of everyone happy together but besides that, I have no complaints. After the leads turned from enemies they worked as a team with NO miscommunication(which is usually rare)!!! They understood each other well and trusted each other. The chemistry between the leads were outstanding and it was so sweet. It is amazing from ep. 1 to ep. 36 :)Was this review helpful to you?
NICE STORYLINE WITH TOP ACTING FROM LEAD
At the first episode, i watch without any expectation to watch until the end but the first and second episode hooked me. The ML and FL show a great acting with excellent action scene. The storyline looked cliche enemy turned into lovers but this drama show another thing of this theme. They naturally fall in love and their love start from the empathy for each other. That why their love so nice to watching .Without any misunderstanding because they are know it better to come clear. The scene between the lead is soo good and i just want 1 episode for them only. The lead is consistent from the start and FL is strong character. The ML also really good
I become the fan for this both actor.
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Epic Enemies to Lovers Story!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this drama!! This has so many things done right from romance, action, comedy, and a bit of mystery. From the way the first episode starts I don't see how anyone wouldn't be hooked and want to know what will happen next. Oh I wish I was better at giving reviews then I am really just putting my opinion on a drama instead of just some fancy words which I'm not good at.This was such a different role to see Chen Zhe Yuan do as he plays a red flag ML in the beginning of this as it is an enemies to lovers drama, but he was so great to watch to play this role. He really does fantastic, and his chemistry with the FL is incredible. Qin Tian Yu who plays the emperor of Jinxiu though he plays a toxic character I really enjoyed watching him. He actually made me laugh so much with his antics and his chemistry and dynamic with the 2FL I loved even if its not a popular opinion. Chen He Yi playing another toxic role I think he does incredible with this role just glad they didn't try to redeem his character here.
The Story:
This starts with the war between Susha and Jinxiu as you watch the ML get hurt by the FL and have to retreat. As he is retreating you see the FL lead also being ambushed by people and not knowing by who as she also gets really hurt. Not knowing who ambushes her and finding out she doesn't remember anything she doesn't know who to trust. The ML figuring out that she may of been betrayed by her own people offer to joins up with her to help her get her memory back and to find out who wanted her dead, and you watch as they slowly start to trust each other and fall in love. The way the story is done and the fight scenes are so good and I loved it from start to finish.
Spoilers: (for a bit of a rant and spoiler toward the end of it)
I don't want to spoil too much of this drama cause I just think it should be watched. It is a really good drama, but there is something I want to rant about. That is the character Xiyang which is the ML's little sister I went back and forth on whether I liked this character at first. Does she make some bad decisions yes she does and it really doesn't really even make sense why she did it. She agrees to a marriage alliance with the 2ML all based on what silly meeting between him and her. She breaks her brother's and father's heart for this man that she really knows nothing about and knows he doesn't feel anything for her. Where I changed my mind on her though was when she does get to Jinxiu with him and meets his brother the emperor. Yes is the relationship toxic yes it is, but I enjoyed her and the emperor so much. She shows really how tough and smart she is even if she does make dumb decisions in the beginning. So even if no one agrees with me these two have become one of my favorite couples. I really hate that they killed off the emperor in the end too even though I predicted they would. He really did love her even if he was a horrible person, but I don't think she ever felt anything for him. Okay rant over if you read my rant and read this spoiler even though I think it is predictable. Still give this drama a chance and see if you enjoy it and maybe if you feel the same way I do about this couple as I do.
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The actors really are awesome for this show.
I enjoyed every episode of this story and the ML was perfectly cast. The FL and the ML showed that they are at perfect ages to give nuaces to their characters depth and emotions. I think this is the best of 2025 so far. The sad part is the empior r of the realm that ML sister had started to actually care and it would have been redemptive and a sequel would have been great. Or perhaps not. Sequels are hard to follow up in these dramas . It's worth a look into the lives of both kingdoms and potential conflicts/alliances. But maybe an ending with more depth into the future lives of each character would help us let go.Was this review helpful to you?
Pretty Boys and the Throne That No One Wanted
I honestly didn’t expect to love it. I adore CZY, but this was my first time seeing him in a historical drama, and I was nervous. I’ve always seen him as the adorable boy-next-door type, so I wasn’t sure if he could pull off a cold, ruthless, killer-like character. But he completely exceeded my expectations — he shined.The show was so much more than I imagined. It’s a true enemies-to-lovers story — and I mean brutal. At one point, they were literally trying to kill each other. The emotional rollercoaster was intense, but that’s what made it so addictive.
SFG’s character really broke my heart. His journey was tragic — betrayed by everyone around him, and yet still so strong. I kept hoping his best friend wouldn’t betray him too, but alas. His fight scenes were stunning, especially those with the female lead. Their choreography together was breathtaking — fierce yet beautiful.
If I have one complaint, it’s the makeup. CZY looked too pretty at times — almost ethereal — and the heavy filters didn’t help. He doesn’t need them; he’s already gorgeous. I loved how this role broke him free from his “green flag” lover-boy image from Hidden Love. He showed so much range and emotion here.
As for the female lead, this was my first time seeing her, and I was impressed. She suits the general role perfectly — elegant yet commanding. She’s beautiful and talented, and her chemistry with CZY was amazing.
Their relationship was one of my favorite parts. There were no unnecessary misunderstandings, no tired “who saves who” tropes — they supported and saved each other equally. It was teamwork, not dependency, and it felt refreshingly mature.
Now, I’m not usually one to care about an age gap — my favorite show is The Double, and that one has a big one — but here, I did feel it a little. It’s not Li Qin’s fault at all; she nailed the general character so well. And it’s not on CZY either — he did an incredible job. The issue was really the makeup. They went too far with the “pretty boy” aesthetic, which made him look significantly younger than her.
Because of that, it sometimes felt like the directing and writing worked harder than the visuals to make the couple feel convincing. Thankfully, they both sold it completely through their acting and chemistry. I have zero hate toward either of them — they did amazing. But still, I think their connection shines more through the emotional storytelling and performances than through their visual pairing.
Visually, I didn’t find them the most compatible couple, but their acting and chemistry completely made up for it. Their love story felt natural, steady, and emotionally rich.
Now, the second leads — wow. His sister, Xiang, was a disaster of a person. She made mistake after mistake, and while I really wanted to hate her, I just couldn’t. Her relationship with the Emperor, though? Unexpectedly electric. He was a terrible man, a true villain — yet somehow their chemistry outshone even the main couple’s .Her chemistry with both second leads was too good. She was obsessive, messy, and blind — but at least she finally woke up and didn’t go as far as helping kill his brother.
And honestly? I find myself still looking up edits of her and the Emperor. I refuse to be sad over them because they were toxic to the core — but they did it so well that I genuinely can’t move on from them. Their chemistry was chaotic, dark, and addictive in the best way.
The actor who played the second lead deserves huge credit. I hated his character in The Princess Royal, but he’s so talented (and yes, stunning) that I couldn’t truly dislike him. He brought depth and charisma to every scene. I really hope he gets a proper main lead role soon — he deserves to be a green flag for once!
If there’s one thing I didn’t love, it’s the writing for some of the side characters. Many of them felt bipolar — switching from good to evil like flipping a switch. The princess, the second prince, the marquis — their arcs all felt rushed or inconsistent.
Also… the amnesia subplot. Why do writers keep using that? It didn’t last long, thankfully, but it felt unnecessary and tired.
Still, the story overall was compelling. The friendships between the male lead and his comrades were heartfelt, and the political intrigue kept me hooked through all 38 episodes.
And I have to mention the OSTs — they were absolutely incredible. Sa Dingding songs are on another level. Her voice captured the emotion of every scene so perfectly that it gave me chills.
Also, the fact that this was basically a Moonlight Mystic reunion — both in the cast and the OST — made it even more special. The nostalgia hit hard in the best way possible. It felt like everything came full circle, and it added a beautiful layer to the experience.
The ending could’ve used more time to breathe — it wrapped up a bit too fast for my liking. I would’ve loved a longer goodbye or even a special episode to give us closure. But even so, it ended beautifully and stayed true to its tone.
Fated Hearts is an intense, emotional, and visually stunning drama. It has heart, action, chemistry, and characters that linger in your mind long after it ends.
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A good drama but .........
Actually this drama has very good starting . The first few episodes were very good . But has the story progresses the male lead and female lead develop feeling for each other from their story just started to lose its original plot. As the story continues it is back to the plot. Bot the romantic angle was short but little too much. The ending of the drama was very fast , he just recovered than killed enemy like really.......fast.One thing I absolutely hate about this drama in the fight sequence of the female lead. I know she is a great Archer but close combat how can somebody survive with getting any injury....... Like ..... Seriously 😒 The ML depend too much on the FL.
It's just my opinion. If you want to watch it go ahead.
I have watched this drama only for Chen ZheYuan ❤️❤️ His acting is absolutely phenomenal. Love you 😘
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Missing something....but the OST are chef' s kiss!
By the end of the drama, i was fast-forwarding (And that is something i almost never do), because i felt that the plot didn't make sense at some point.The chemistry wasn't really there. I am sorry but i couldn't feel the love .. I just didn't get the butterflies.... I am writing this review a week after i finished watching the whole drama, and yet i can't remember any scene of them together , and that is a pity. And please don't ask me about the princess, her story didn't make sense to me.
The OST are beautiful, i am listening to it on repeat on Youtube.
I guess you have imagined that for me there is no rewatch value lol, and yes you are right.
I don't recommend this drama, there are better dramas out there. a 7/10 for me mostly for the OST.
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Savor the first episode.
Wow, this opening battle scene is epic. The swiftness of the moves is spot on, making it realistic and exciting. What a way to start a new drama. Damn, there is nothing better than a beautiful, fierce woman and a handsome man in battle. The FL is a formidable master archer. You will appreciate her fight scenes.Story
The story is original as far as I know. The epic battle in the beginning fully captivated my interest. I enjoyed the backdrop for the story and the mystery behind it. There was so much happening in the first episode alone, setting the stage for the rest of the drama. It was my hope that it would hold up through 38 episodes and keep my interest. For the most part, it did. Although around episode 24, I almost forgot how it started, what it had become. The story moves at a good pace, but there are some obvious plot holes that I have questions about. For example, why are there no guards outside of the Emperor’s place when he is sick? Also, did the first Empress really think she was going to leave the palace with the children? (Really, who wrote that)
Production
The production value is extremely high. The costumes are lovely and represent the historic era. The scenes are massive with what seems like many extras, and bring a real feel to the drama. The cinematography is stunning. The way the wind blows, the costumes, and the close-ups almost take your breath away. You can tell they spent time on the special effects, making everything seem authentic.
Acting
The acting is okay; nothing seems really out of place. However, there isn’t anything that makes me feel the chemistry that leads should have. The ML has a youthful, boyish look, and the FL has a more mature, sophisticated look. This, I think, makes it a hard sell for chemistry (IMO). It is not bad, I just don’t feel anything from them. Everyone is playing their part as best they can or were directed to. Chinese dramas seem so micro-managed these days, so it is hard to tell.
Soundtrack: It is a hit or miss, and it is a miss for me. I am sure it is good when you listen to it, but it is always noticeable when it starts playing, which is distracting from its purpose.
In conclusion, I thought it was an average, okay drama. It has romance, a decent storyline, and some great fight scenes that will entertain you. The cast is in great shape, and the wirework looks good. It was a good watch and I recommend it, especially since dramas are recycling themselves. However, nothing stands out, and I feel like I have seen it before.
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Best Cdrama this year
I absolutely LOVED Fated Hearts! It was so beautiful that I rewatched it again. The cast was perfect, and every storyline was heartfelt and full of love. Huge congratulations to the team-your hard work truly shone through. The couples were amazing together. Wishing the cast good health and protection always!Was this review helpful to you?
You can skip it!
Started off really strong but after the first few episodes, it spiralled so hard, I lost all interest and barely skimmed through the episodes. Loved the fighting scenes from the start but as the story progresses we see the main leads playing house, which would be fine to an extent, but so many irrelevant side characters like the female doctor and those child proteges, which were probably there just to complete the episode count! Didn’t care for them especially since they are ultimately just written off. The emperor was nice breath of fresh air, and while not a great father per se, he was well written so we understand his motifs! But the lame way he’s killed off, it’s hard to believe that he was the same man who fought for and built a whole country and established him the ruler.The princess gave me so much second hand embarrassment but while there is some character development, she’s still confusing towards the end! The emperor of Jinxu is shown as a prodigal and debauch man but you kind of grow to like him too!
The whole thing with the Shadow league, or whatever don’t care, too contrived, again just to increase the episode count. Could not care less about it!
And when the ML almost dies, every episode there’s something that can goes wrong with his treatment, I was rolling my eyes towards the end of that. I can only care too much and I stopped doing that!
And so many villains, barely anyone had the gravitas to be one that I could take seriously. The Prime Minister was a strong contender but he was killed quite a lot of episodes before the end. If he were to be the final villain, would add more weight to the story.
The Prince of Zennan, the main villain, every episode we are fed new things to highlight how obnoxious he is and the hero is such a good guy, but again when you try too hard, it rarely lands. He wasn’t a villain you could respect either, and carries such a weird love/ ownership of the FL, who he actually almost killed! Like the actions don’t match the love you seem to have!
The 3rd villain, Marquis and the son; while the son may be driven by jealousy, it doesn’t make sense the Marquis who’s a devout follower of the king, will change sides so abruptly, especially after episodes of trying to prove his faithfulness to the kind! No man has such a sudden change of heart, especially something with very strong values!
The drama with the king’s illness was also so dragged, I don’t understand the purpose!
The show had too much potential but wasted due to poor writing and a story all over the place.
I think the high ratings are just due to the ML’s popularity and the romance but personally no romance can save a bad story and writing.
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