Callie

A Pretty but Painfully Shallow Idol Drama

I went into Youthful Glory expecting Song Weilong’s nuanced acting (after his standout role in Go Ahead), but what I got was a low-budget, logic-defying idol drama dressed up in wuxia cosplay. Imagine a school play written by a lovesick teenager - filled with over-the-top romance, fight scenes that defy physics, and characters with the emotional range of a cardboard cutout. That’s this show.


The "Glory" Here is Only Skin-Deep (And Even That’s Questionable)
Let’s start with the leads, because oh boy, do they test my patience.

The Male Lead (Song Weilong): A flawless, suffering saint. He’s a genius commander, a martial arts prodigy, a devoted husband, and so morally upright he probably rescues kittens between scenes. Yet, his entire personality collapses into "I LOVE MY WIFE" - to the point where he forgets how to function like a normal human being. From a cool, composed leader, he devolves into a love-struck nincompoop who can’t focus on anything but his childish wife. Character assassination at its finest.

The Female Lead: Imagine a spoiled trust-fund baby who's never worked a day in her life. Her limited hobbies include pouting, looking doe-eyed, and being inexplicably adored. She's framed as the epitome of perfection but her only talents? Recognizing luxury goods and making men fall for her for no reason (only for existing, perhaps?). If this were real life, she’d be canceled on Weibo for sheer audacity and blocked on WeChat for being insufferable.

Their romance isn’t #CoupleGoals—it’s #WhyIsHeWithHer. She’s a walking red flag, and he’s the human equivalent of a golden retriever who’s lost all survival instincts - yet the show insists this is #RelationshipGoals.

The "F4" Knockoff & Other Nonsense
The supporting cast? A watered-down F4 with zero chemistry and paper-thin personalities. They exist purely to fill screen time and occasionally look cool in slow-motion. Ok, and to form side couples.

Martial Arts? More Like Martial Farts
The fight scenes are so absurd they border on parody. Characters freeze mid-air like buffering YouTube videos, levitate like they’re in a low-budget The Matrix and fly like they’re in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on a budget. I've seen better fight scenes from the 90s era, when technology was way less advanced. It’s more anime than wuxia - and not in a good way. Ok, but I do have to admit, I love the way the male lead spins his sword around. Very flashy and cool lols.

Makeup & Aesthetic Crimes
Song Weilong, a man blessed by the visual gods, looks ghastly in some scenes - chalky foundation, lips that look like he had a bad filler appointment, and a general "why do I look like a wax figure?" vibe (did the makeup artist hate him?). Though to be fair, he’s still ridiculously handsome 70% of the time - as he should be.

The female lead is forever stuck in Bambi-eyed pout mode, as if she’s permanently surprised by her own existence.

Final Verdict: So Bad It’s… Still Bad, but... Entertaining?
If you turn off your brain, Youthful Glory might be mildly entertaining as a so-bad-it’s-funny watch. But if you expect actual plot, character growth, or believable romance, you’ll be writing angry tweets by Episode 10 and screaming into a pillow by Episode 20.

Rating: 2/5 – Pretty faces can’t save this shallow, poorly written mess. And how this scored over 8 on MDL? Bribery? Collective delusion? The world may never know.

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Love in the Clouds：A Romeo-and-Juliet-in-the-Sky Extravaganza

If Romeo & Juliet ever decided to move to a fantasy realm filled with glowing clouds, oversized swords, tragic backstories, and dramatic aerial martial arts, Love in the Clouds would be their Airbnb.

Except in this version, Juliet is a fallen “prince” (yes, not princess — gender-bending is very in vogue!) from Yaoguang Mountain, and Romeo is a criminal-turned-#1-warrior from the rival Jixing Abyss.

Star-crossed lovers? ✔️
Generational blood feud? ✔️
Emotional carnage? ✔️✔️✔️

****

A Relationship That Starts With… “Did You Poison Me?”

Our FL approaches the ML not because of fate, destiny, or some cosmic red thread — but because she thinks he poisoned her and is the only man on earth holding the antidote.

Honestly? Respect.
Girl saw a problem and chased down the solution.

ML, who hates deception more than I hate pointless filler arcs, suspects she has ulterior motives.
Both are testing each other like suspicious cats circling the same piece of fish.

It’s not exactly romantic, but hey — in xianxia, “I think you poisoned me” is practically foreplay.

Soon:
The ML tries to investigate her intentions.
FL tries to secure the antidote.
Neither succeeds because BOTH are too busy catching feelings.

Even after ML realises she lied, he’s already halfway to “If she asked, I would move mountains.”

Love is truly the strongest bug, even in the xianxia system.

****

Love Story: A Romance that's Predictable in Theory, Surprisingly Sensible in Practice

Romance in fantasy dramas is often:

“I died for you!”
“I reincarnated for you!”
“I stabbed my best friend for you!”

But here? The romance grows with refreshing emotional logic (yes, even when everyone is flying).

No car crash amnesia.
No evil twin.
No “I forgot you because my spiritual core shattered.”

Just two smart adults cautiously learning trust, honesty, and partnership — while surrounded by homicidal side characters. The angst is justified, the misunderstandings are grounded in actual lies (not IQ-lowering imagination), and their emotional progression makes sense.

Respectable, honestly.

Unlike certain dramas (looking directly at you, Princess Gambit), this show doesn’t rely on:

- Walking in on ambiguous hugs
- Half-heard conversations
- Jumping to conclusions like Olympic athletes

Here, misunderstandings are caused by actual lies, not fictional stupidity.

Both leads are smart.
Both behave like adults.
Honestly, 10/10 for not insulting our IQ.

****

Acting: Oscar-Worthy Imagination

Let’s give a round of applause to the cast, who spent 70% of the drama waving their arms at absolutely nothing while pretending to summon ancient spirit techniques.

All those:
- Elaborate mystical hand gestures
- Dramatic power poses
- Intense fights against absolutely NOTHING
- 仙气 swirling around them that only appears after CGI team does its magic

You have to be extremely professional (and have zero shame) to do all these movements in front of a green screen.

This is peak 中二病 performance art, and the commitment is admirable.

Imagine doing:

- 7 consecutive magic gestures
- A dramatic stare into the void
- fake-flying like a majestic pigeon caught in a wind tunnel

It’s cringey sometimes, but it’s xianxia-essential cringey, and they SELL IT.

****

Visuals: EXPENSIVE. VERY EXPENSIVE.

This drama is gorgeous.
The skies? Stunning.
The backdrops? Wallpaper-worthy.
Costumes? Absolutely dripping in celestial couture.

I was frequently so mesmerised by the scenery that I had to pause to appreciate it.

****

Neo Hou: The Real National Treasure

Let’s be real.

I watched this for Neo Hou, and I have NO REGRETS.

He did not disappoint.
Not only is he beautiful, the man’s eyes are weapons of mass emotional destruction.

B I G.
Sparkly.
Reflective like a cosmic disco ball

Every close-up felt like gazing into the cosmos.

If Helen of Troy were a man, that would be Mr Neo, the face that would launch a thousand, no, ten thousand spaceships.

My goodness. This man is so pretty, he sometimes steals the spotlight from the actual female lead. Don't get me wrong, it's not because the FL isn't pretty. It's because he glows like a divine artifact.

China's Cha Eun Woo, I see you.

Dude didn’t just act in the show — he illuminated it.

***

Plot & Pacing: Surprisingly Tight

While the central romance carries the show, the side plots add flavour without dragging the story into a ditch.
No pointless fluff.
No “why is this episode here?” moments.

Even the noble idiocy moments make sense! It's not the usual “I’m leaving for your own good because a random tree spirit gave me unsolicited relationship advice.” nonsense.

Honestly? I appreciate the maturity.
No “I’ll die so you’ll realise you love me.”
No “I’ll suffer alone because I have the IQ of a bean sprout.”

Here, love is mutual, effort is mutual, sacrifice is mutual, and power is balanced.

It's refreshing and I love seeing it.

****

Romance: Small But Meaningful Romance Moments (aka the REAL Fan Service)

This drama respects its women, THANK GOODNESS.

No damsels in distress.
No grand 霸总 theatrics.
No unhealthy simping.

Just two capable people willing to sacrifice, protect, and trust each other.

One of my favourite scenes?
ML gives up his antidote by hiding it inside her favourite snack, then watches her eat it with the softest, most adoring eyes known to Mankind. If I were the FL, I wouldn't be eating. I'd be drooling.

But I digress.

When I first saw the scene, I was like: “Aww, he’s feeding her. So. CUTE. Food is love.”
Me after the reveal: “OH. OHHHHHH.”

Subtle. Intimate. Heart-melting.

SO GOOD. And yes, I still stand by my initial impression: Food is Love.

And then there’s the whole falling-petals-equals-dying setup, which is basically a 仙侠 version of Beauty and the Beast.

Except here, she’s the “beast”: cursed, marked, racing against time
And he’s the beauty, with his galaxy eyes and devastating close-ups.
Ooh, how APT 🤩🤩😍😍

Every falling petal is a ticking clock on her life. And instead of locking herself in a castle and yelling at teapots, this “beast” spends her limited time fighting fate, saving people, and trying to protect the man she loves.

Meanwhile, our “beauty” chooses his “beast” again and again; not despite her curse, but fully aware of it, fully willing to stand with her no matter what.

It’s a clever twist on a familiar trope, and it works beautifully:
she’s the one marked for doom (initially),
he’s the one shining by her side — until he gives up his antidote for her.

And then?
She turns around and saves him right back.
Because she’s not about to let her man die on her watch.

See what I mean when I say effort is mutual?
This is one power celestial couple, and the power is actually balanced between them.
I likey.

No enchanted castle.
No chandelier.
Still very much my kind of fairytale.

****
The Antagonists: An Entire Psychiatry Conference

Every villain here is either:
- Emotionally unstable
- Power-obsessed
- Psychologically unhinged
- Or ALL OF THE ABOVE

We have:

2 psychos because of twisted, delulu love
4 psychos because of ambition
0 psychos who sought therapy

and 3 of them are related. So maybe, craziness is indeed inherited.

Honestly, if they used all that unhinged dedication and intensity for world peace instead of world destruction, they’d have won the 6 Realms Nobel Prize already.

Instead, they vomit blood, monologue dramatically, and commit war crimes.

A cautionary tale about the importance of hobbies and therapy.

****
Speaking of Vomiting Blood…

Why. Do. They. ALWAYS. Vomit. Blood.

A push? Vomit blood.
A hit? Vomit blood.
A slightly disappointing conversation? Vomit a waterfall. Ok, I exaggerate. But you get the drift.

The amount of haemoglobin lost in this drama could supply a small hospital. Based on the sheer volume of internal haemorrhage I've witnessed, it's a miracle anyone has any blood left for, you know, living after episode 20.

****
The MVPs: Spiritual Animals with Identity Crisis

Shoutout to the world's most dog-like cat and a dragon that's more golden retriever than majestic beast. These spiritual animals are loyal, naive, and emotionally-invested (in the most adorable way). I'm starting to question all my real-world assumptions about these creatures (both real and mythical).

****
Foxes: The New Gold Standard for Devotion

This drama taught me something important:

Foxes may be the most 情深 species.

Some are loyal like Hachiko.
Some are delulu like Xun Ming (please get therapy).
But their devotion?
Unmatched.

Nat Geo needs to confirm this immediately.

****
Female Power: Restored, Recharged, and Long Overdue

One thing I absolutely adored about this drama is its unapologetic reclamation of female spiritual power.

Apparently, a long time ago, the women of the realms got blamed for a cosmic catastrophe —
not because they caused it, but because a bunch of ancient men made terrible decisions and then collectively pointed fingers at women because…
well…
history has shown that blaming women is easier than taking accountability 🙃

Classic.

As a result, all female cultivators had to seal their power for generations, living under a false narrative of “dangerous femininity” when the real danger was (surprise!) male ego plus poor decision-making.

This injustice becomes a major theme in the finale, and the ML + FL literally need to work together as equals, combining their spiritual power, sincerity, and hearts to break the cycle and restore balance.

To save the world, they don’t need:
- a Miss Universe speech,
- a vow for world peace,
- or any “I just want everyone to be happy” fluff

They need action, partnership, and most importantly:

✨ 心有灵犀 combo attack ✨
(because apparently balanced yin-yang couple energy hits harder than a thousand immortals combined.)

And what happens?

- The world is saved.
- The realm is restored.
- Women get their spiritual power back.
- Gender balance is literally rewritten into the stars.

World peace:
✔ Achieved
✔ Improved
✔ Done without any tiaras or sashes

Honestly, Miss Congeniality could never.

It’s actually meaningful: the show reinforces that power imbalance is a human-made problem, and equality is not just a political concept but a spiritual necessity for the universe to function.

A surprisingly progressive message wrapped in sparkly CG and flying spirit beasts.

****
⭐ Final Verdict

Love in the Clouds is:

✔️ Visually stunning
✔️ Surprisingly well-written
✔️ Emotionally compelling
✔️ Powered by Neo Hou’s cosmic-level beauty
✔️ And filled with just enough xianxia absurdity to remain fun

It’s predictable, yes.
But it’s also warm, engaging, and wonderfully sincere.

If you like:

- star-crossed lovers
- strong female leads
- emotionally damaged male leads who learn to love
- sparkly skies
- sparkly costumes
- sparkly Neo Hou

Then this drama is 100% for you.

9/10 - If you can look past the chronic hematemesis and embrace the xianxia cringe, you're in for a solid, swoon-worthy time.
As for me? I will rewatch the antidote snack scene and stare into Neo Hou’s celestial eyeballs again.

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A Masterclass in How Not to Write… Anything. Plot Holes So Big Even the Emperor Could Fall Through

If endurance were an Olympic sport, finishing The Princess Gambit would qualify me for a bronze medal… and a lifetime of trauma counseling. This drama is a spectacular misfire: a perfect storm of convoluted plotting, psychologically incoherent characters, and technical missteps that demands the complete annihilation of a viewer’s disbelief.

Let’s start with the plot, which seems to have been assembled by a committee of sleep-deprived squirrels.
We are told a decade passes between the FL’s forced marriage and her reunion with her brother. Ten years! Yet, everyone (save the brother, who alone looks suitably traumatized given how much he appears to have aged) behaves as if maybe 18 months have passed.
Time isn't just a flat circle here; it's a lie. This is merely the first in a series of glaring loopholes that define the narrative.

Then we have the backstory of the Beiyuan queen, which deserves its own wuxia comic entitled The Impossible Woman.
She’s a legendary escape artist / torture survivor / revenge mastermind / palace seductress / long-term assassin.
She escapes Country Qi, is tortured into disability + infertility by a mysterious VIP (later revealed as the Emperor), charms her way into his bed, and slowly poisons him for decades.

Somewhere in this saga, she’s also the lifelong love of Country Qi’s 3rd prince - a bond formed when he was a boy and she his servant.
Given the massive age gap, this woman is either aging backwards or running on pure plot armor and Botox. Honestly, respect though, she’s more resilient than 90% of Marvel superheroes.

Speaking of the 3rd prince… good lord.
A teenage crush so powerful it transforms him into a full-time murderer and part-time psychopath.
He slaughters family and strangers alike for a woman he’s seen maybe a handful of times.
Romeo and Juliet walked so this unhinged man could sprint off a cliff.
His devotion isn’t convincing; it’s a narrative mandate that turns him into an idiotic psychopath in service of a cold-blooded and nonsensical revenge plot.

The drama then leans heavily on yawn-inducing, amateur tropes.
Behold the FL Misunderstanding Cycle™: tortured, betrayed, and emotionally brutalized by the ML until… Oops! He thinks she’s dead and transforms overnight into the “most devoted husband ever, ever so ready to lay down his life.” The emotional whiplash is faster than my fast-forward button.

And let’s return to our Evil Queen, who clearly earned a PhD in Strategic Stupidity. To kill the FL and friends, she attempts to burn down her own city, ignoring civilians, political fallout, and the fact her psycho boyfriend is inside. The writers aimed for cold-blooded but landed on idiotic psychopath (so in this sense, these two silly psychos are a match made in heaven).
It’s not cunning; it’s chaotic nonsense that pushes a plot already on life support completely off a cliff.

The lovelines are equally amateur and unconvincing, generating all the chemistry of two damp towels leaning against each other.

But the true coup de grâce? The production.

The makeup is horrible: cakey, ghostly, and unflattering, making the entire cast look ill. The female lead looked wide-eyed 90% of the time (which is kinda creepy cos she doesn’t seem to blink much) while the male lead looks brooding (it’s like he has something on his mind. Permanently. Maybe he’s wondering about his drama choices 🤷‍♀️)

Paired with acting that oscillates between wooden and melodramatic, it creates the aesthetic of a lavishly funded high-school play. It constantly breaks immersion, reminding you you’re watching a struggle against underwhelming material.

By Episode 15, my fast-forward button glowed red-hot. I watched at max speed, skipped chunks, and still rolled my eyes enough to strain them.

But because I’m cursed with the need to finish what I start, I forced myself through every last absurd episode. My poor eyes. My wasted hours.

Final Verdict:
★☆☆☆☆
One star - A case study in how not to construct a drama. Recommended only for masochists, or those seeking validation that their critical eye is still sharp.

Conclusion: If you enjoy plot holes large enough to swallow a royal palace, characters allergic to logic, and makeup that could double as Halloween special effects, then The Princess Gambit is for you.
Otherwise… run. Fast. And don’t look back.

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Love’s Ambition：a classic 太子爷追妻火葬场记

Let’s not kid ourselves.
If you’re here expecting a sophisticated, ground-breaking narrative that will redefine modern television - you may want to turn left immediately.

But if what you crave is a highly addictive, beautifully dressed, emotionally chaotic dramedy about very rich people making very bad romantic decisions -congratulations.
You have arrived at the correct station.

At its heart, Love’s Ambition is a glorious, unapologetic case of:

今天你对我爱答不理，明天我让你高攀不起。

This is a textbook 太子爷追妻火葬场记 - and it knows exactly what it’s doing.

———

From “You’ll Never Leave Me” to “Please Don’t Leave Me”

The setup is classic:
FL begins as the seemingly gentle, accommodating wife of a cold, controlling CEO husband. Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith, minus the guns — just lies, pride, emotional neglect, and excellent suits.

Both lie.
But when the truth comes out?
• FL: swallows her pride, tries to reconcile, eats humble pie — because she genuinely loves him.
• ML: remains cold, distant, and emotionally unavailable — because he’s rich, powerful, and fully convinced she will never leave his luxurious ecosystem.

Well.

He thought wrong.
Very wrong.

Cue the transformation arc:
FL evolves into a boss-lady entrepreneur, the power dynamics flip, and suddenly we enter peak:

傲妻一时爽，追妻火葬场。

The emotional whiplash is delicious. The grovel is earned. The mating dance is the engine of the show - and honestly? It’s deeply satisfying to watch.

ML’s Redemption Arc: Growth Without Becoming a Golden Retriever

This is where the writers surprised me with actual restraint.

The ML starts out as:
• Cold
• Manipulative
• Controlling
• Emotionally constipated

Then comes the Eureka Moment™, and he upgrades into:
• Supportive
• Respectful
• Emotionally available

But crucially —

✨ He does NOT devolve into a whimpering golden retriever who exists only to orbit the FL.

And I love that.

Too many dramas turn men in love into unemployed emotional followers with no personality. Here, the ML keeps his competence, his backbone, and his identity - he just becomes… not toxic.

That’s not just romance.
That’s psychological realism.

FL’s Growth Arc: The True Spine of the Drama

What really won me over was the FL’s personal philosophy: “只有你足够强大，你才不会活在失去依靠的恐惧里。”

Yes. Exactly.
Independence is not rebellion - it’s emotional insurance.

This drama understands something many romances butcher:
Only when two people stand on equal ground can love be healthy.
Not saviour vs. dependent.
Not tyrant vs. pet.

—————-

Sizzle, Style & Visual Wealth

Let’s be shallow for a moment.

The chemistry? Electric.
The styling? Aggressively beautiful.
The makeup? Chef’s kiss.

This is one of those shows where:
• emotional breakdowns happen in premium lighting
• everyone looks picture-perfect 24/7
• and our leads always look financially secure (all that bling bling) even when they are crumbling emotionally

I was sometimes distracted not by the plot - but by how violently stunning everyone looked even when they are supposed to be suffering.

I want every outfit.
Every lipstick.
Every coat.
Every walking-into-a-boardroom-like-a-boss moment.

—————

Heritage & 古北镇: A Surprisingly Beautiful Touch

The intangible cultural heritage thread genuinely touched me. The 古北镇 segment was beautifully integrated and grounded the story in something real and meaningful - far bigger than ego, revenge, or romance.

As someone who volunteers in association work and leads heritage initiatives, this part hit especially close to the heart. It elevated the drama beyond “CEO romance” into something with actual cultural warmth.

—————-

Sincerity > Networking: The Anti-“Disposable Connections” Philosophy

One of the quiet strengths of this show is its insistence that:

Sincerity still matters - whether you’re rich or not.

Yes, the FL approached certain tai-tais strategically.
Yes, she helped build her husband’s social capital.

But she never treated people like disposable tissue.

The Director Huang & dementia mother arc was especially well handled:
• Goal achieved ✅
• Relationship maintained ✅
• No emotional littering ✅

That kind of sincerity is rare — in dramas and in real life.

——————

Now… about those extra subplots.

To stretch this into 32 episodes, the plot takes some creative detours:
• Bonus psycho stalkers (not 1, not 2, but 3!)
• Surprise “you’re not the real son!” twist
• A parade of emotional chaos clearly designed to hit quota

These arcs felt less like organic storytelling and more like filler. Cos a rich, young lady pining away for her dead sister’s ex-boyfriend for years and basically stalking him? That’s just crazy.

It didn’t deepen the drama.
It just complicated it like over-seasoned mala hotpot:
Impressive effort. Questionable payoff.

Thankfully, they resisted the ultimate 狗血 nuclear option:

✨ 带球跑 ✨

Because if that happened, we’d have tipped straight into makjang madness and never returned.

——————-

Minor Quibbles (Because No Drama Escapes Unscathed)
• The second couple:
Elder sister acted her heart out.
Doctor Yu, however, felt permanently stuck on “Stoic Mode: On.”
Not terrible - just emotionally underclocked.
• FL & the camera:
Occasionally she seemed just a tad too aware of the lens - choosing perfect angles over complete naturalism. It’s subtle, but occasionally distracting.
(Unpopular opinion, I know. Fans, please don’t send assassins.)
• And finally…
The Time Management Is Absolutely Feral

The FL:
• Runs a thriving business
• Builds networks
• Supports ML
• Supports the elderly
• Navigates emotional warfare
• Maintains friendships
• Looks flawless doing all of the above

Meanwhile, I struggle to reply WhatsApp messages after 10pm.

Time in this drama is a rubber band.
Normal humans get 24 hours.
These characters operate on 96 hours per day, and frankly, I’m jealous.

———————

Final Verdict

The 13-year age gap between the leads?
Surprisingly not obvious. Well done.

And can we please applaud:
• ML’s mum
• FL’s granny

Especially ML’s mum. She’s a queen.

HER EYES.
Her presence.
She walks into a scene and quietly dominates it without raising her voice.
True veteran energy.

⭐ Final Rating: 8 / 10

Love’s Ambition is a satisfying redemption romance with:
• A rare balanced power dynamic
• A meaningful female growth arc
• A believable male redemption
• A warm emphasis on sincerity & heritage

It’s messy.
It’s extra.
It’s occasionally ridiculous.

But it knows exactly what it is -
a 火葬场-themed power fantasy with a heart (and a spectacular wardrobe).

And I absolutely ate it up with a spoon.

8/10 - would gladly watch the CEO grovel again. 😏

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The Immortal Ascension: Or, A Masterclass in Corporate Climbing with Flashy Lightsabres

Let’s be real. I started watching The Immortal Ascension for one reason and one reason only: the divine visuals of Yang Yang.

What I didn’t expect was to receive a shockingly accurate, 灵根-opening seminar on corporate survival.
This isn't just a fantasy show; it's a documentary about your 9-to-5, but with better special effects and loads of flying.

First, The Good (The Visuals & The Vibe):
The CG in this show is pretty impressive for a drama.
The mystical realms, the magical beasts, the OP-ed spell rings and all that flying around like Harry Potter in a Quidditch tournament - it’s a feast for the eyes.
It’s like the production team cultivated their budget to the peak and it shows. For the first dozen episodes, the fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat, marveling at the spectacle.

Now, The "Slightly Repetitive" (The Plot's Tribulation):
However, much like my weekly reports, the fight scenes started to feel a tad… familiar towards the end.
It’s the classic corporate dilemma: you find a process that works (e.g., "Gather Qi, unleash divine technique, win"), and suddenly it becomes part of your SOP. It’s like the entire special effects team operate on this “don’t try to be a smart aleck. Don’t reinvent the wheel” principle.
So yeah, the innovation plateau is real, even in the cultivation world. Still enjoyable, but you might find yourself mentally drafting emails during the 15th climactic battle.

The Unlikely Corporate Trainer: Your New Mentor Has a Sword (and an impressive collection of magical items)
Forget your expensive career coaches. The real guru is Yang Yang's character, the ultimate corporate newbie.
He doesn’t have an Ivy League résumé (no fancy 关系 cos he’s no 世家子弟), and his details under "Family Background" simply says "muggle."
Heck, bro doesn’t even have talent. His 灵根 classification is just slightly above “completely useless”.

But he is the epitome of “勤能补拙”. He doesn't just take the cards that fate dealt him; he grinds until the deck is stacked in his favor.

By a stroke of luck, he snags a 黄蜂谷令牌 (his foot in the door), and once he's in, he treasures the opportunity.

What he lacks in innate talent, he more than makes up for with relentless hard work and by constantly enhancing his arsenal.
He's the king of the grind, always 低调 (low-key) but steadily levelling up.

His rise to power is a perfect allegory for office life. Let's break it down:
* The Great Sects = Massive Corporations. The 7 elite sects are the FAANG companies with all the resources. Our hero manages to snag a position in one and is just grateful for the opportunity.
* Cultivation Levels = The Corporate Ladder.He's climbing from Intern (炼气) to Junior Associate (筑基) all the way to Middle Management (结丹). His ultimate goal? Ascension (aka the C-Suite).
* Spiritual Resources = Building Personal Wealth & Assets. This is where it gets genius. It's not just a scramble for company resources.
* Spirit Stones (灵石) are his liquid cash.
* Pills (丹药), which he learns to cultivate himself in a secret garden, are like high-yield investments he creates for himself. This isn't just doing his job; it's holistic financial planning to escape the rat race.
* Weapons & Talismans (法器, 符箓) are his appreciating assets. He legally acquires them from... let's call them "corporate acquisitions" after defeating rivals.
He's not a thief; he's a strategic opportunist who understands that spoils of a fair conflict are a legitimate form of compensation.
He'll even take rare materials from defeated spirit beasts to commission custom gear, like a savvy investor turning raw materials into luxury goods.

His Corporate Survival Toolkit:
* Manages Up Like a Pro: Respectful to seniors (even the shady ones like Doctor Mo), but never hesitates to protect his own projects. He knows respect isn't blind obedience.
* Thinks Before He Talks: In meetings fraught with political tension, he observes, listens, and only speaks when he has a value-add. He never boasts prematurely. This man’s "Reply All" game is strong and error-free.
* Always 留有一手:He never reveals his full hand. This constantly catches his overconfident opponents (and rivals) off guard, allowing him to defeat those deemed far more powerful. He's the quiet colleague who suddenly unveils a game-changing skill no one knew he had. IMHO, this is the ultimate office power move 😆
* Is Brave, Not Reckless: He doesn't shy away from danger, but he's no coward. He's a master of the "tactical retreat" - stepping back to reassess and strategize before coming back with a winning plan.
* Strategic, Not Greedy: He may loot the "office" of a defeated rival, but he later carefully evaluates each item. He found a powerful but dark cultivation manual from an evil sect member and wisely chose not to master it. Instead, he pondered how to 取其精华，去其糟粕 (take the useful parts and discard the useless) - a masterclass in ethical yet pragmatic learning.
* A Networking Virtuoso: Networking isn’t about an exchange of contacts. That’s superficial. As Joe Polish said, it’s about knowing “what’s in it for them?”.
Case in point: our hero helps a master craftsman (炼器 guy) and gets to befriend a formations expert (his 阵法 expert girlfriend). He builds a powerful, reliable network not through empty schmoozing, but through genuine, mutually beneficial actions.
* The Art of the Polite Exit: For people he dislikes or situations that are toxic, he doesn't make a dramatic scene. He extricates himself in a 婉转 (tactful and indirect) manner, avoiding unnecessary conflict while firmly protecting his own interests. This is peak professional EQ.
* Gathers intelligence, but doesn’t take part in gossip: He doesn't get swept up in office drama. He's not there to make friends; he's there to ascend. That inter-departmental conflict? He’s already run three cost-benefit analyses in his head.
* A masterclass in leadership: He might not have started with connections, but he wins people over with a natural, unforced leadership style. He amasses a loyal following not by pulling rank, but by being competent, reliable, and compassionate. He's the manager everyone actually wants to work for.

He is the living embodiment of being strategically, brilliantly calculative.
Bro lives and dies by the principle: 人不为己 天诛地灭
He’s the guy in the office who isn't just climbing the ladder; he's building his own ladder on the side, made of solid gold and backed by a diverse investment portfolio.

Key Career Takeaways from an Immortal:
1. Your Pedigree Doesn't Define Your Potential.Hustle, street smarts, and a relentless drive to "level up" are your greatest assets. Our bro here is the King of Grind, yo~
2. Always 留有一手 (Keep an Ace Up Your Sleeve). Never reveal your full capabilities. Let your work surprise people.
3. Be Politely Assertive. Respect the hierarchy, but never at the cost of your own rights. Learn to say "no" to unreasonable demands.
4. Your Network is Your Net Worth. Cultivate genuine, mutually beneficial relationships, not just a stack of business cards. Your colleagues and contacts are your greatest allies, not just stepping stones.

Final Verdict, The Great Lie & The One Gripe:

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It’s fun, visually stunning, and features Yang Yang being brilliantly shrewd. It’s the ultimate power fantasy for every overworked corporate drone.

But my biggest takeaway, the one that truly shook my core, was the repeated, audacious claim that this man is "平平无奇" (average-looking, unremarkable).

My friends, if Yang Yang is "平平无奇," then the sun is "mildly warm," a diamond is "a bit shiny," and your annual bonus is "a small token of appreciation."

Clearly, these characters don’t need 丹药 for cultivation. They need an urgent, comprehensive eye examination. And maybe consider walking in the footsteps of Sun Wukong and putting themselves in a 炼丹炉 to cultivate some 火眼金睛 👀

My one gripe? Besides Han Li, the rest of the characters are pretty one-dimensional, which is a real pity. It feels like the HR department only had a budget for one fully fleshed-out employee profile.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Highly recommended for fantasy lovers and anyone looking to refine their office politics gameplay.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with my sect elder to discuss my performance appraisal.

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A Gorgeous Film Held Afloat by Leo Wu’s Free-Diving, Pure Effort, and My Blinding Devotion

Before I even talk about the movie, I need to declare my bias upfront:
I am a shameless, unapologetic Leo Wu fan.

This man is my Roman Empire.
I think about his work ethic at least once a week.

Is China short of good-looking actors?
No.
But how many look like that and grind like a blue-collar worker who refuses to slack?
Very, very few.

Leo Wu’s greatest X-factor isn’t his face (though… my god).
It’s his attitude — that stubborn, humble, quietly intense “I will work harder than everyone in this room” energy that makes directors trust him and fans adore him.

He doesn’t pick projects to stay trendy.
He picks projects based on what he can learn. Like, what new Olympic sport he can master.

- Amidst a Snowstorm of Love? An idol drama, yes — but also a crash course in billiards.
- Nothing But Love? Possibly another idol-ish project — but he took on badminton AND tennis at the same time like a masochistic multitalented overachiever.
- Dongji Island? → "Yes, let me overcome my fear of water and learn free-diving to a level where I start moving like a mythical sea creature. Step aside Aquaman, let me show you who owns the marine runway."

This man took a phobia and turned it into a superpower.
If he told me he was a merman in his past life, I would believe him.
If he told me he swims alongside sharks for fun, I would say, “Yes king, of course you do.”

The grace!
The power!
The underwater cinematography!
Leo Wu = Aquaman but with REAL WORK ETHIC.

****
🌊 My Dongji Island Origin Story (aka How Leo Wu Destroyed My Holiday Plans)

The universe clearly wanted me to watch this film.

It wasn’t on any of the streaming platforms I've subscribed to.
I accepted my fate like a mature adult.

THEN — I went on vacation in China with a friend.
We planned a wholesome digital detox:

- mountain cabin
- winter chill
- hot tub
- fireplace reading
- 闺蜜 vibes
- inner peace

But destiny had other plans.

I sat on the remote.
The TV turned on.
Dongji Island flashed across the screen in full 4K HDR glory.

This is fate.
It's a sign.
It's an act of divine intervention
And I should NOT go against it.

My friend: “Shall we soak in the hot—?”
Me: “NO. LEO WU FIRST.”

My friend nodded. She understood. Or she disowned me. The line was blurry.
But yes, I betrayed the hot tub for Leo Wu.
And I would do it again.

****
⚓ The Real Lisbon Maru Incident: History So Powerful It Writes Itself

Even before dramatization, the true events are already heartbreaking and heroic enough to fill ten movies:

In 1942, a Japanese transport ship carrying 1,816 British POWs was torpedoed by a US submarine (which didn’t know it held POWs).
Japanese guards evacuated themselves and sealed the hatches, trapping POWs inside to drown.
Those who escaped were shot at in the water.
Chinese fishermen (unarmed, ordinary villagers) risked their lives to rescue 384 survivors from armed savages.
They hid, fed, sheltered, and protected them.
3 days later, 381/384 of these survivors were recaptured. Only 3 POWs made it back home.
No fishermen were killed, but the danger they faced was immense.
It is one of the lesser-known but most astonishing acts of humanitarian courage in WWII.

That alone?
Movie material. It’s a staggering, untold story of incredible bravery.

But of course… the film decided to spice things up.

****
🎬 The Movie Version: Reality Was Not Dramatic Enough Apparently

In Dongji Island (the movie):

- The island is occupied by Japanese troops (historically, it was NOT).
- Villagers live in terror.
- Boats are locked.
- No one can work.
- Japanese soldiers turn into paranoid maniacs and randomly terrorise + slaughter innocent villagers over ONE suspected hidden POW. Is that overkill? Yes. And I mean that quite literally.
- Zhu Yilong pulls off a one-man, Mission: Impossible–style liberation of an entire ship of prisoners using a spoon and some determination. This is Mission Impossible: East China Sea Edition and Tom Cruise is somewhere seething with budget envy.
- Ni Ni (his girlfriend) suddenly becomes Wonder Woman and sails off to rescue her man.

Basically:
Real history = complex and inspiring.
Movie history = spicy hotpot ingredients thrown in by a director (or scriptwriter) with restless hands.

****
The Brothers: Fantastic Actors, Underwritten Relationship

Leo Wu plays the kind, soft-hearted, pure little brother who witnesses atrocities and matures overnight. He is the moral backbone of the story — and he dies trying to kill the commander responsible for slaughtering the POWs.

Zhu Yilong plays the pragmatic, cautious older brother who doesn't want trouble until tragedy pushes him into action.

Their performances?
Outstanding.
You can literally feel the pain in Zhu Yilong’s eyes when he mourns his brother.

But here’s the problem:

The movie never actually SHOWS their bond.
The profound brotherly bond we’re told exists? I must have missed those scenes while blinking.

So when tragedy strikes and Zhu Yilong has to unleash a tour-de-force of grief, my brain went, “Wow, I feel your pain… but do you two even have inside jokes?”
He’s mourning a concept, not a connection the film ever made me feel.

It’s not the actors’ fault.
They acted their souls out and they did a phenomenal job.
But emotionally?
It’s like the scriptwriter assumed:

“They’re brothers. The audience will fill in the rest.”

Sir…
We cannot fill in what you did not write.

****
🔪 Deaths That Felt Like People Volunteering to Die

Some scenes had me going:

“…Wait. That’s the plan? That’s your whole plan?? That’s it???”

These characters make baffling, suicidal choices.
They jump out with zero strategy and get immediately killed.

The village elder?
He steps forward to protest hostage-taking — and is instantly gutted.

It felt less like sacrifice, more like:

NPC: “Ah yes, it is my turn to die for dramatic effect.”
Game: Ding! Achievement unlocked: Cinematic Death #4.

****
Ni Ni’s Sudden Empowerment Arc: A Mystery

Ni Ni is amazing.
A queen.
Effortlessly charismatic.

But the script gives her a sudden, unearned “fierce heroine takes charge!!!” moment that comes out of nowhere.

It felt like the writer remembered halfway: “OH RIGHT we need female empowerment because that's what's in vogue right now. QUICK, GIVE HER A BOAT!”

One scene she's resigned to acting like the good daughter who never disobeys. The next, she's commandeering boats like she's been training for piracy. The transformation needed at least one intermediate scene of her making the decision.

A+ intention, C- execution.

It wasn’t bad per se — just unconvincing.

****
Dongji Island: A Salad With Excellent Ingredients But… No Dressing

Here’s the core issue:

Every individual element of the film is GOOD.

Acting? Phenomenal.
Makeup? Flawless.
Cinematography? Gorgeous.
Underwater scenes? Chef’s kiss.
Leo Wu’s transformation into a sea deity? Stunning.

But when stitched together?

The storytelling becomes disjointed, uneven, and emotionally hollow. The pacing is oddly bloodless despite all the bloodshed.

It’s like the chef had:

Wagyu beef
Black truffle
Organic kale
Japanese eggs
Artisan cheese
Foie gras
Caviar

and said:

“Let’s mix ALL OF IT into one salad!!”

Sir.
No.
Just because the ingredients are premium doesn’t mean they marry well.

****
The Real Tragedy? The Film Wastes Its Amazing Cast

Those heartbreaking, brilliant short clips I saw on YouTube? That’s the entire highlight reel.
I cried watching those clips.
Actual tears.

But watching the full movie?

Less crying, more: “Huh? What? Why? Who decided this???”

It’s like every actor brought their A-game, but the script… brought a knife to a gunfight.
There’s so much potential (and so much talent) but the execution doesn’t rise to match them.

****
And then, there's… Dead to Rights

The contrast becomes especially painful when you compare it to something like Dead to Rights, which aired around the same time — same war theme, same era, same genre vibes… but somehow executed with ten times the emotional weight.

Why?
Storytelling.
That magical, elusive element that Dongji Island kept tripping over like a loose floorboard.

Dead to Rights knew how to build tension, relationships, pacing, and emotional payoff.
Meanwhile, Dongji Island had all the premium ingredients: Oscar-level actors, gorgeous cinematography, powerful history. But the narrative glue didn’t quite stick.

It’s like watching two chefs work:
One makes a cohesive, beautifully layered dish.
The other throws Michelin-star ingredients into a blender and hopes for the best.

Sigh.
Truly, storytelling makes ALL the difference.

****
⭐ Final Verdict

Dongji Island is:

✔ Stunning
✔ Packed with excellent performances
✔ Historically rooted
✔ Full of emotional and moral weight
✔ And elevated singlehandedly by Leo Wu’s underwater artistry

But it’s also:

❌ Narratively uneven
❌ Emotionally underdeveloped
❌ Overly dramatized in strange places
❌ A movie where the trailer feels more cohesive than the film

It's a tragic and frustrating paradox. It’s a tribute to a magnificent true story, filled with stellar actors. Yet it’s wrapped in a script that does them all a disservice.

It’s a concert where every musician is a virtuoso, but they're all playing from different sheet music.

✔ For the eyes: Stunning.
✔ For the Leo Wu fanatic soul: Nourishing.
❌ For narrative cohesion: A sinking ship.

5.5/10 for the movie. And truly, it pains me to type this score.
10/10 for Leo Wu.
∞/10 for his free-diving glow-up arc.

In short: a magnificent effort from everyone except the person writing the story.

Would I watch it again? Probably not.
Would I watch Leo Wu swim underwater for 90 minutes straight? ABSOLUTELY.

In fact, can someone make that movie? Just Leo Wu, the ocean, and a cinematographer. No script necessary; clearly that's where things went wrong anyway.

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A Riveting Yet Bittersweet Nostalgic Journey

Our Times is a compelling drama that masterfully captures the spirit of China’s reform era in the late 80s and 90s, blending entrepreneurship, friendship, and betrayal against a backdrop of rapid societal change. With stellar performances, meticulous period details, and witty dialogue, the series immerses viewers in a world where ambition and idealism collide with harsh realities.

Strengths: A Faithful yet Creative Adaptation
The drama excels in its authentic recreation of the 80s-90s aesthetic - from fashion and technology to the cultural shifts of the time. The chemistry between the leads, particularly Wu Lei’s portrayal of the passionate yet flawed Xiao Chuan, anchors the story. His character is inspiring yet tragically human: fiercely loyal, bold in business, and deeply caring, yet hampered by pride and impulsiveness ("go big or go home"). The supporting cast, including his friends and love interest, adds layers to the narrative, making their bonds feel genuine.

The storyline is gripping, balancing high-stakes business ventures with personal drama. The dialogue crackles with urgency and wit, and the pacing keeps viewers invested - even when the plot takes dark, unexpected turns.

The Emotional Toll: A Rollercoaster of Betrayals
However, the drama’s strength - its unflinching realism - also makes it emotionally exhausting. Xiao Chuan’s journey is a relentless cycle of triumphs and devastating setbacks. Just as he gains footing, betrayal (from friends, partners, or fate itself) knocks him down. While this reflects the cutthroat nature of the era, the lack of reprieve grows disheartening, especially since Xiao Chuan remains fundamentally good-hearted.

The cliffhanger ending exacerbates this frustration. With no Season 2 in sight (despite setup for one), viewers are left hanging - an especially bitter pill given the novel’s reportedly tragic conclusion for Xiao Chuan. The adaptation already takes liberties, but if the source material’s bleak fate holds true, it casts a shadow over the entire narrative.

Should You Watch It?
Yes, but brace yourself. Our Times is a well-crafted, emotionally charged drama with outstanding acting and production. The acting from Wu Lei in particular, was brilliant. However, its unrelenting tension and unresolved ending may leave some viewers drained. If you seek a hopeful underdog story (like I did), this isn’t it. But if you appreciate complex characters and gritty realism, it’s a standout.

Rating: 4/5 – Brilliant yet bittersweet, with a lingering sense of "what could’ve been."

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