Reverie

Honestly One of The Best Drama In The Industry

I think this drama is going down in history as one of the best ever—damn! Where do I even start...

First of all, I get why some people were frustrated—the slow pacing, the two-season format, the female lead switch—these things annoyed a lot of netizens. The accusations of a weak female lead? Yeah, I see the point. These are, and I quote, "the only frustrating cons in this drama." And while I half-agree, let’s be real—have you ever seen a masterpiece in film or TV that was completely flawless? People always find it easier to nitpick than to appreciate the bigger picture.

>Let Me Tell You
Watching this drama made me realize that while there are plenty of series with similar themes—think Chinese wuxia dramas—*Alchemy of Souls* stands out because of its execution. The plot, the chemistry (not just between the main leads but also the secondary couples), the acting, the lighthearted comedy, the OST, and the overall production were just *chef’s kiss*. This drama truly feels like an original work.

>Strong (at Heart) Female Leads—LMAO

I was one of those frustrated viewers when they switched the female lead. We were all attached to Mu Deok/Jin Bu Yeon (Jung So Min), her insane acting skills, and her adorable presence. But let’s be real—what we were actually attached to was *Naksu* inside Mu Deok. We were just scared to see a new actress take that role. Logically, though, Go Youn Jung was always the *actual* female lead. It wasn’t a replacement—it was a return to the rightful character. And after watching Season 2, I finally saw the bigger picture.

Naksu (Cho Yeong) was the main character all along. Mu Deok/Jin Bu Yeon was meant to be a background character for a reason. People disliked that she was sidelined for most of the series, but in Season 2, it becomes clear—Jin Bu Yeon is a reincarnation of someone powerful, and she never had a singular, personal goal. She’s a deity for a reason! She doesn’t care who’s in her body or what they’re doing 💀. Meanwhile, our actual female lead, Chae Yeon, starts as a vengeful warrior molded by the villain Jin Mu, but deep down, she’s a soft-hearted, cheerful, delicate girl. Over time, she sheds her rebellious, revenge-driven persona and learns to rely on Jang Uk emotionally. She heals. That’s why she isn’t fighting in Season 2—it’s part of her character’s evolution. And let’s be real, she totally stole Jin Bu Yeon’s body... but thankfully, our girl Jin Bu Yeon *does not care* 💀.

As for the other female supporting characters, yeah, sometimes they’re frustratingly weak. The lack of magical power compared to the male leads, the constant self-sacrificing—it gets annoying. Like, girl, you’re a CLAN LEADER, USE YOUR POWERS! But mentally? They all had their own kind of strength.

>The Acting & The Chemistry—*Chef’s Kiss*

The chemistry in this drama is crazy good. Jang Uk (the luckiest bastard alive) got to kiss both female leads—he doesn’t discriminate, and honestly, I wouldn’t either 💀. But seriously, his chemistry with both Jung So Min and Go Youn Jung is top-tier. The way his eyes look so in love? Insane. And the way both actresses make their characters feel like one person? Absolutely brilliant. The raw emotions in every scene—especially in their eyes—add so much depth. It’s unreal.

>The Unhinged Humor (LMAO)

Bruh, I’d be bawling my eyes out one moment and then laughing my ass off the next. The comedic timing in this drama is so good. Even the slower parts were bearable because of the humor.

>There’s More to This Drama Than Meets the Eye

A lot of the frustrations people have? They actually make sense if you pay attention to the small details. The storytelling is intricate, and every little moment matters.

> The Few Cons That Stood Out (In My Opinion)

- The Female Lead Not Fighting: She gets her powers back twice, and we never get to see her go all out? I was waiting for a massive Naksu fight scene in both seasons, but nope. I wanted to see her wreck the villains with her sword from Season 1! Instead, Jang Uk just keeps it as a souvenir 😭. As a horrible feminist who wants badass female leads, this disappointed me so much. They could’ve given us an epic fight showing her power, maybe even surpassing Jang Uk...
- The Dragging Plot : Towards the end, things slow down unnecessarily. But Season 2 does tie everything together, so it’s worth it.
- Too Much Romance in the Screenplay: Not saying romance itself was bad, but the amount of recycled romantic scenes was way too much. It felt like they replayed the same moments 50 times between Seasons 1 and 2.
- Season 1 Was Better Than Season 2: Honestly, I have to say Season 1 was better. The back-and-forth amnesia between the main leads in Season 2 was definitely frustrating. At least three episodes were just blank amnesia moments. I’m not necessarily a hater of amnesia plots, but in this case, I personally think it didn’t add much to the story. It actually made me drop the drama for a few months. I only gave it another chance because of how scrumptious Season 1 was!

>Final Thoughts

Despite the flaws, this drama is an absolute *must-watch*. It’s a masterpiece, and I wouldn’t trade the experience of watching it for anything!
At the end of the day, you are the viewer. This might be the best or worst drama ever, depending on your personal taste and perspective. I’ve shared my thoughts, but you don’t have to agree with them—and that’s totally okay, loves! ^^

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One of the best historical drama

Oh. My. Gwad. This drama is pure fire! Empresses in the Palace has completely redefined the way I rate historical dramas—it’s that good. If you’ve been craving an intense, angsty, costume drama that leaves you emotionally wrecked (in the best way possible), this is it.

The acting? Beyond perfect. Every glance, every tear, every subtle expression hits hard. The costumes and makeup? Absolute perfection—every character feels so alive, and the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. You can feel the emotions in every episode, like you’re witnessing history unfold right in front of you. And let’s talk about how brilliantly it captures a woman's reality in ancient times—brutal, heartbreaking, but so compelling.

And the chemistry? If you know, you know . The dynamic between Zhen Huan and you-know-who was so beautifully tragic that it shattered my soul into a million pieces. Any drama that can make you feel this much is an undeniable masterpiece.

If you’re into lighthearted, fluffy stories, this might not be for you. But for a true costume drama lover? This is hands-down one of the best out there. I didn’t think I’d have the attention span to get through 76 episodes, but even if I only watched one or two a day, I was hooked. I had to know what would happen to our girly, Zhen Huan. Her character arc is absolutely devastating but also a testament to her strength.

She’s a queen. This drama is a must-watch. Period.

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its an okay drama that feels like the best drama in the first 20-30ep

here is how I feel after giving this drama another chance

I just finished watching this drama, and wow—I have *a lot* of emotions. But I’ll try my best to stay unbiased.

TLDR (If you're lazy, skip to the last paragraph!)

At first, this drama feels like a masterpiece, but as it drags on, it starts to lose its charm. Visually, it’s stunning—great costumes, a gorgeous cast, and solid acting, especially from our “princess” Zhang Zi Yi. Now, I get why people criticize her playing a 16-year-old when she’s 44. Yes, she *does* look older than her “parents” and “aunts” (lol), but honestly? She was one of the best things about this drama, along with the male lead and her mother. If not for them, I might’ve dropped it halfway.

The Good Stuff ✨

The first few episodes *hooked* me. I binged 16 episodes in one sitting! It’s exciting, full of curiosity, and surprisingly unpredictable at times. As someone who’s watched tons of dramas, I thought I could guess every twist, but this script is weirdly *good* in some places and *horribly cliché* in others. It starts strong but gets predictable toward the end.

Oh, and the OST? Absolute nostalgia fuel. Loved it.

Now, about the title—**it doesn’t fit at all.** They call her "rebellious," but she’s honestly just a lighthearted sweetheart who loves her family more than anything. She’s not power-hungry like the other palace women, but she’s also not some grand rebel—she just wants peace and happiness.

The Romance? Meh.

Some people call it “slow-burn.” Nope. It starts fast and then stays *stuck* at the same stage for the entire show. It’s satisfying at first but *so* frustrating later on. And while the drama advertises itself as romantic, romance only makes up *35%* of the story—20% from the main leads and 15% from side characters (yep, even emperors and second leads get almost the same romance screentime).

The Not-So-Good Stuff 🚨

At its core, this is a story of **betrayal, lust, and power struggles** disguised in beautiful visuals. The drama is packed with backstabbing, selfish ambitions, and characters who switch between being *ruthlessly power-hungry* and *overcome with regret*. And let’s not forget the endless deaths—so many characters die that by the end, you stop caring. Also, there’s *zero* character development, which makes things *really* frustrating.

Final Verdict 🎭

Overall, I’d give it a **7/10**—mainly for the acting, costumes, and a strong start. But would I recommend it? *Not really.* If you’re a student, a busy person, or someone who rarely gets time to watch dramas, **skip it**—there are way better ones out there. If you’re new to palace dramas and have *lots* of free time, maybe give it a shot. But for me? I kinda feel like I wasted my time.

And just to be clear—I gave it a 7 *only* because of how much an ending means to me. No matter how amazing a drama starts, if the ending isn’t fulfilling, it’s an *immediate* no from me. And this ending? Let’s just say it left me staring at the screen wondering why I even invested all those hours. 😭

*Watch at your own risk!*😆

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Story of Yanxi Palace – A Must-Watch for Everyone!

Hello, drama lovers! This is my honest review of Story of Yanxi Palace, coming from someone who has watched a lot of C-dramas and K-dramas—I actually stopped watching C-dramas as frequently after 2021 because they started feeling too cliché and dragged out. I became a full-on K-drama fan. But every now and then, I come back to check if a C-drama can reignite my old love… and in 2023, this was the one that brought back the teenager in me who was obsessed with C-dramas! ^^

(Disclaimer: I just finished watching, so I might be a little biased. Bear with me! :P)

What Makes This Drama So Special?
First things first—the casting and OST are absolute perfection! I can’t even imagine other actors in these roles. The intro song alone is so exciting and nostalgic. And the actors? Iconic. (Okay, maybe the king has a few cringe moments, but we’ll let that slide! :P)

The story is beautifully crafted, using real history as a base, which makes it way more interesting than your typical palace drama. And finally—a strong female lead who isn’t just a helpless, miserable, crying mess the entire time! :) Watching her get revenge and take down villains one by one is so satisfying. Call me petty, but I am so over weak, tragic heroines who do the most illogical things just to suffer even more. This FL? A breath of fresh air!

Oh, and can we talk about the breathtaking costumes?! <3 Even after watching so many historical dramas, this one really stood out in terms of traditional fashion—it’s pure eye candy. Honestly, this is one of the best costume dramas ever!

Romance, Palace Life & Emotional Damage Alert!
The romance in this drama? Absolutely adorable and so intriguing! <3 It starts off slow but is beautifully built, making you completely invested in the main couple. You can feel their emotions, and their chemistry is just chef’s kiss! :)

But aside from romance, this drama also does an amazing job portraying the life of a woman in the palace during ancient times. It shows just how tough, strategic, and smart a woman had to be to survive in that world. It’s not all glitz and glamour—the palace is a battlefield, and every decision can mean life or death.

And beware—this drama also serves up a major second lead syndrome. (Not gonna spoil anything, but trust me, it hurts.) As the story unfolds, you get super attached to the characters, so prepare yourself to cry your eyes out. ^^

The Only Downside?
Sometimes, it feels like there are jump cuts or that a part of the story is missing. I found myself thinking, Wait, did I accidentally skip an episode? :P It would have been nice if they added a little more depth to some characters.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Watching?
Since this drama is based on real history, they probably didn’t want to over-fictionalize it, which makes sense. But even if you hate political dramas (like me!), you’ll still find this one way more enjoyable than most of today’s over-the-top, dragged-out historical dramas. It’s engaging, visually stunning, and filled with emotional highs and lows—the kind of show that any type of viewer can enjoy. :)

So, if you haven’t seen Story of Yanxi Palace yet, what are you waiting for? Highly recommend! <3

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A Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece

Some films leave a fleeting impression, while others carve themselves into your soul, refusing to let go. Better Days (2019) is the latter—a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of storytelling and becomes an experience. Without a doubt, this film has cemented itself in my top 10 movies of all time. It is a raw, visceral, and deeply evocative portrayal of youth, trauma, and the desperate yearning for hope in a world that often seems cruel.

What struck me most about Better Days was its authenticity. Every emotion, every fleeting smile, every tear-soaked moment felt so painfully real. If you have ever been a teenager, this film will resonate with you on a profoundly personal level. It captures the unspoken frustrations, the quiet battles, and the unrelenting turmoil that come with that phase of life. The cinematography itself enhances this sense of realism—close-up shots of the characters’ skin, the exhaustion in their eyes, and the heavy silence between words make you live their experiences, not just witness them.

Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. These two don’t just act; they breathe life into their characters. The pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their voices, the unguarded vulnerability—these are performances that deserve every award possible, perhaps even an Oscar. There’s an undeniable angstiness that will leave you in pieces, making you bawl your eyes out, yet you won’t be able to look away.

Beyond its emotional depth, Better Days is a harrowing reflection of reality. The film sheds light on bullying—one of the most insidious forms of cruelty that exists, especially among the young. Even if one has never faced severe physical abuse, we have all, at some point, felt belittled, outcast, or ridiculed. This film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal consequences of such torment. It makes you question the world we live in, the systems that fail to protect the vulnerable, and the silent struggles countless individuals endure.

While on the surface, Better Days may seem like another enemies-to-lovers trope wrapped in a dark, angst-filled package, it is so much more. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, one that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. It is thought-provoking, yet somehow, in moments when you least expect it, it makes you smile. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of times, happiness can still find a way to exist, even if only for a fleeting moment.

The ending is nothing short of perfection—the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The actors seamlessly transition into their adult roles, embodying a maturity that is both palpable and deeply moving. The shift in their demeanor is remarkable; no longer are they controlled by their emotions, but rather, they have gained the strength to control them. The weight of their past does not define them anymore—it shapes them into individuals who can finally breathe freely, unshackled from the chains of their former lives. There is an immense sense of relief, a cathartic realization that, at last, they hold their future in their own hands. The freedom to simply exist as themselves is a luxury they have fought for, and now, they finally get to embrace it.

As one wise soul once said, "Sometimes, in this small life, all we humans need is happiness above all." This film embodies that sentiment—through pain, through hardship, through tragedy, there remains an undying flicker of hope.

Better Days is not just a movie; it is an experience that will haunt you, move you, and ultimately, change you. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for one of the most powerful films of this generation.

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The Most Satisfying Costume C-Drama of 2024!

Where do I even start with Blossom (2024)? This drama is honestly so good and intriguing! As someone who’s tired of predictable plots that you can figure out in episode one, Blossom felt like a breath of fresh air. It gives you the same excitement as watching Yanxi Palace and other top-tier costume dramas.

The character arcs? Absolutely insane! Having three main roles was a bold choice, but the actors nailed every one of them. The setup is stunning, and while I usually focus on the story, the time-traveling element here kept me hooked and wondering what would happen next. But what truly makes this drama stand out is how beautifully it captures human nature—the good, the bad, and everything in between. It reminds us that, at the end of the day, we’re all just human, shaped by the people around us and the choices we make.

One thing I loved is that it’s not unnecessarily long or filled with overused dramatic twists. The story is direct but still full of surprises. Plus, it’s so satisfying to watch—no frustrating villains getting away without consequences! Compared to many recent dramas that drag out unnecessary conflicts, Blossom delivers a well-paced and rewarding experience.

If you’re looking for a gripping and refreshing costume drama, plus if you do enjoy the slow burn plot costume chinese dramas Blossom (2024) is a must-watch!

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