Fave HE & Slowburn Costume CDrama Compilation

Favorite of all time and very memorable! The directing style was subtle but moving, the story was believable, dialogue was beautiful, and Saoshang, the main character, kept me rooting for her in her family conflict. I can relate a lot and even cried at her fights with her mom. I love that it's a lot about family dynamics. ML's love and their  growing relationship was also believable. Each actors come alive in this series, and I will remember this series for a long time.

Favorite of all time and very memorable! The directing style was subtle but moving, the story was believable, dialogue was beautiful, and Saoshang, the main character, kept me rooting for her in her family conflict. I can relate a lot and even cried at her fights with her mom. I love that it's a lot about family dynamics. ML's love and their  growing relationship was also believable. Each actors come alive in this series, and I will remember this series for a long time.

This is the slowburn of slowburns, but boy does it burn! If you like yandere ML, this one is for you. Story of Kunning Palace is a regret story. The FL was given the chance to redo her life, and what life of regret it was. She was crowned empress, had and lost everything she wanted. Now she get to redo her life and make up for her mistakes. A standard rebirth/redo genre, but this one somehow stays with me.

The directing style was beautiful in its own right, the dialogue and storyline was captivating despite the material they were given with (the novel was trashy I'm telling you). How they worked out her first life to the opening credit was genius. I could watch the opening credit over and over again, it was also a  foreshadowing of things that are fated to happen, even in her second life. 

The pace was fast and engaging, storyline kept you guessing, the court intrigue was also satisfying. Acting was also amazing, the chemistry was very much there between all the leads. Red flag? Don't mind it. On with full speed!

First of all, the show was very artistic and detail oriented, if not a bit sombre and macabre. The dialog, script writing, clothing choices, everything was beautiful in its own right. Even the way the eunuchs stand (a bit hunched, like a zombie) enforces the artistic sense of this show.

Their dresses vibrant, in contrast with the stifling walls of the Forbidden City. The show takes place in the Qing dynasty and is based on true story. Perhaps that's what makes the plot unpredictable and the character growth often unexpected.

As I watch this show, I somehow get the sinking feeling, even from the beginning, that things would not be flowery ending one would expect from seeing the first few episodes. Don't get me wrong, it does have a happy ending, unexpected as it was. There was definitely a lot of character growth (even the support characters), unexpected plot, and engaging mysteries. I ate all 70 eps in one sitting, it was that good.

The depth of this reverse harem story was definitely now what I was expecting, and it threw me out of the water. I expected light hearted if not long drawn xinxia romance, but i was not expecting depth, trauma response, as well as convincing character growth to each of the leads, which was a testament to a good story writing. Everyone was imperfect, bound to their past. The actors were phenomenal except for Jing, even the child actors delivered. The support characters, was also delivered convincingly. After this drama Zhang wanyi successfully become my favorite cdrama actor.

As I completed this story, it left me thinking for awhile of how the story unfolds, and S2 eps 19 gave me a shock and had me reeling. The ending tied beautifuly and satisfyingly back to the town where the story first started. This show had me thinking for a long time, even weeks after.

One of the most beautiful cdrama I've seen, and I did not expect to be this enchanted, especially because I saw how heavily promoted this series is across netflix, iqiyi, and wetv. The visuals, the lighting, make up, everything was just emanates warmth and beauty. Even the actors look 2x more beautiful than they actually are in other drama, it's baffling people. It's not perfect ofcourse, as there are still some minor video misses (halted frames, shaky frames) that's somehow often found in cdrama-land, but if that is taken away, Pursuit of Jade simply ruins me for other series.

The story of a pig butchering girl saving a marquis and entering into a fake marriage was nothing new, however, somehow they managed to create it into something fresh that kept you guessing. Yanzheng and Chanyu's relationship was a slowburn, step by step they learned to trust each other and eventually grow to love one another, and stood side-by-side together. The chemistry was built up belivably, some of the comedy was laugh out loud funny (I don't think I've laughed this much watching a cdrama before) without being overly simplified, the plot was complex and thoroughly woven, the ending was satisfying, especially the alternate reality ending provided. ZLH once again proved that he really could be a different character each time. Kudos!

The drama is mature, funny, and progress smoothly. This is a rival to power couple trope. Despite of the tons of deception, which was the premise of the drama, the story did not drag on. When the truth was finally revealed, I could feel the reluctance of leaving the bubbly deception behind along with the characters, much like ripping off the bandaid. The story writing and the character growth was believable, and how each character responses were true to their character. Overall my new favorite drama. 

My first entry to cdrama. Cinematography was gorgeous, story was compelling. For the first time i appreciated chinese-styled interior design because of this movie lol.

This is slowburn done right. I wish every drama would take a note on how to do slowburns from this show. Their growing romance truly had me squealing and rolling. Plot is actually very good and mature, acting was very believable, chemistry was very much there. It's not perfect however, as it dragged on a lot with miscommunications, it could've been a 30 eps drama and things would've flowed fine. However, the ML was the best ML ever was, he loved without asking much in return. He sacrificed everything for his family. Despite his complicated background (already got 4 wifes and 2 kids, plus killer annoying mom), and the age gap, he really was the best. 

Continuation of Eternal Love, but you don't really have to watch Eternal Love to enjoy this. In fact, if you did come after watching Eternal Love, things might seem  a bit confusing, with some characters played by a different actors.

In the first 10 episode, MC and ML doesn't really meet in person, so it does seem very slow at first, you might be tempted to leave, but if you do stay until the end, I promise you it will be worth it. You'll be sooo invested in the main couple, as I myself did. I come to love and sympathize with them, and I always look forward to their interaction. Their chemistry was just great, and how Dijun changed from a detached emperor lord was believable. Fengjiu was genuinely cute and lovable without being annoying as I've seen some actress did when trying to act cutesy. 

The story is believable despite its xinxia setting. ML was a quirky god, and at first it was hard to understand his personality. Shenli was a cool heroine type of character that audience cant help but love and root for, especially when she appears on screen with great fanfare (her themesong!). They are a good match and not just another templated ML and MC. In fact, I couldnt stop watching to try figure out ML's at first seemingly unfathomable mind. There's also character growth, not only for the main characters, but also for support characters as well like Mofang, Furong, and even the nations who grew less suspicious of one another under the impending peril. It is also comedy and the comedy was well timed. However, the happy ending was rushed and we need more of it.

The story of minglan is very realistic, sometimes a bit depressing, as expected of the tough life of an unloved and low-ranked concubine's daughter.  But because of that, you'll get to see Minglan's journey and how her happiness was fought hard for and well earned. The dialogue and directing style was subtle, mature, a lot of show and don't tell.  It's a story you'll definitely remember.

After a lot of other drama misses, I'm very happy and invested to find this drama. The story is genuinely engaging without being faceslapping, acting was on point and believable, from being siblings, and finally lovers. Even the side characters are also fleshed out. There is however, a bit of an awkward part due to them growing up as siblings, even if they only met in their adult lives. Don't let that deter you however, since the actors do deliver, especially the SML, and FL's father. The ending was effortless and satisfying.

The plot is intricate, well thought off, if not very complex. It's about 6 states vying for power, and their power struggle was genuinely interesting and I couldn't take my eyes away. The MC and ML leads double life identity of a royal and a jianghu martial artist, their trust between each other was unwavering and very stable throughout. However the ending was crammed in a single eps and was bittersweet. The villain had an easy way out (all of them), and the good guys ended up paying the price. Too many deaths, too little catharsis, which left the ending lacking. Otherwise, this would've been a 10/10 for sure. I heard the novel had a better ending but it seemed to have been removed already.

This series, both the S1 and S2 are beautiful, with strong actors and all the budget put int he right place without feeling like being strained. Shots are meaningful and words are poetic. Even in the S2 in the modern world, the chinese culture displayed was simply rich and beautiful (thoughts like, I want a house like that!), the acting, especially ML (RJL) was very believable, both as S1 general and S2 nerd. This movies also brought out the best out of Bailu in characterization. I was surprised that the modern S2 hooked me, with family drama and all new characters, but boy it did. The romance was sweet and believable without being overbearing. FL takes all the initiative, but their relationship was not toxic at all, but the audience can see it working. The conflict was also not forced, everyone had reasonable motivation and what they did make sense given their situation. There was alot of show and don't tell, dynamics was very subtle but realistic. However, I'm not sure if I want to rewatch all the sadness in S1, and the awkwardness of S2. But its memorable and close of being a favorite. The song are amazing tho!

This series, both the S1 and S2 are beautiful, with strong actors and all the budget put int he right place without feeling like being strained. Shots are meaningful and words are poetic. Even in the S2 in the modern world, the chinese culture displayed was simply rich and beautiful (thoughts like, I want a house like that!), the acting, especially ML (RJL) was very believable, both as S1 general and S2 nerd. This movies also brought out the best out of Bailu in characterization. I was surprised that the modern S2 hooked me, with family drama and all new characters, but boy it did. The romance was sweet and believable without being overbearing. FL takes all the initiative, but their relationship was not toxic at all, but the audience can see it working. The conflict was also not forced, everyone had reasonable motivation and what they did make sense given their situation. There was alot of show and don't tell, dynamics was very subtle but realistic. However, I'm not sure if I want to rewatch all the sadness in S1, and the awkwardness of S2. But its memorable and close of being a favorite. The song are amazing tho!

Purchased a Vidio subscription specifically for this series, and they did not disappoint. This is a very feminist story with message that women should rely on their own self, not a series I usually actively pursue due to lack of focus in plot and more in pushing a certain political agenda, but not this one. Of course it is not perfect, as the first season will make you wonder where the heck is ML because of how capable FL is in fending for herself in difficult situation. S2 will make you frustrated with all the misunderstanding. But don't let these points deter you from watching an awesome series with beautiful cinematic imageries (peonies and flowers) and the great chemistry between the main characters. The story was mature and slowburn, there was a lot of show don't tell.

ML's capriciousness hiding a different identity was smooth in transition, and FL's growth from an obedient housewife to a successful merchant was also good. FL's role was refreshingly different, all of the actor's acting was well executed and believable. Shout out to crazy guy 2nd FL, his character growth, while in a downward spiral, was believable and chilling.

Season 2 of Flourished Peony. Purchased a Vidio subscription specifically for this series, and they did not disappoint. This is a very feminist story with message that women should rely on their own self, not a series I usually actively pursue due to lack of focus in plot and more in pushing a certain political agenda, but not this one. Of course it is not perfect, as the first season will make you wonder where the heck is ML because of how capable FL is in fending for herself in difficult situation. S2 will make you frustrated with all the misunderstanding. But don't let these points deter you from watching an awesome series with beautiful cinematic imageries (peonies and flowers) and the great chemistry between the main characters. The story was mature and slowburn, there was a lot of show don't tell.

ML's capriciousness hiding a different identity was smooth in transition, and FL's growth from an obedient housewife to a successful merchant was also good. FL's role was refreshingly different, all of the actor's acting was well executed and believable. Shout out to crazy guy 2nd FL, his character growth, while in a downward spiral, was believable and chilling.

2nd ML from LLTG brought me here, cinematography was pretty, the story was compelling, but too many side character i do not care for here. Chemistry was there for the main characters, however the political intrigue went too fast for me to care deeply. They needed more depth to the political intrigue for me to care about each of them.