Suzie Queue

A plot like Swiss cheese - full of holes

Where to start? I watched to the end, with a lot of fast-forwarding through scenes: fight scenes, plotting & meeting scenes, and ANY scene with the character Li Yan! (We'll get to her later). The story was choppy and had a lot of loose ends. Random characters kept getting thrown in here and there for no good reason, and a lot of scenes were drawn out and pointless. A lot of wandering through forests and paths, with hooded villains coming out of the trees. We were left wondering what happened to some characters (Chuchu's little brother), what the point of some characters really was (Third Prince - so naive and dumb). For a series with so many episodes, the writing and directing needs to be of a much higher and more efficient caliber, or else - fast forward!

There wasn't enough character development - they lumped couples together (which is fine if you tell their stories effectively) and the relationships were cute and believable but shallow. The ML & FL had some chemistry, but their facial expressions were the same throughout - and although they had some cute and touching moments together (when he takes the medicine and lays next to her waiting on the result...) they were just ok.

I just have to vent about one character in particular - because I was screaming at her throughout the entire series and feel that she got far too much screentime! Li Yan! What an ass! To say she was a moron would be a step up for her character (I know the actress is only playing the role) but D-U-M-B as a box of rocks! I am becoming acutely aware that writers tend to portray some of the secondary roles as totally inept and brainless. Either that, or they are obsessive and delusional about a perceived love-interest. This trend is particularly disturbing to me since there is usually a badass FL who they want to seem as smart and strong. However, making the other females be idiots isn't the way to go. I've seen a few dramas - and there are always those kinds of characters in the bunch, but this one took the cake - she definitely was the worst one written.

Would I rewatch it? No. They told their story, but it was forgettable. The writers couldn't even end the story well, and that says a lot because the characters all got 'happy endings' but very underwhelmingly so.

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Storytelling at its best with supreme acting!

The reviews got it right. For 36 episodes (which should have been more, so the ending didn't have to be so rushed) we shared the lives of 5 children who held on to the only thing in their lives that were true - each other (most especially their eldest brother). Taking into consideration the era, the culture, the changing times, new inventions - this production was so well done!

The performance of the actors was magnificent, each and every one of them. However, the three actors who truly outdid themselves were Bai Yu, Liu Jun, and Song Zu Er. Bai Yu was definitely the star of this production - but when an actor can make you despise them in the role they play or evoke so much emotion you feel like you know the character, that is great acting. With that in mind, I have to give the biggest credit of all to the child actors who portrayed the four main siblings as children. Their performances were stellar, and they each have great promise. It was them who drew me into the story to begin with, hungry to see how they grew up, how they managed, and who their characters became.

The OST was beautiful. As expected, Zhou Shen's opening song was haunting and beautiful. All the musical score was excellently placed and so appropriate.

There are enough reviews with recaps and analyses. I just cannot emphasize enough what a great production this was. The writing, directing, ACTING, music, cinematography, everything. This series rates so much more than a mere 10!

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An exercise in frustration if you don't speak Chinese

If I could follow the dialog in English, I am certain I would have given this title a higher rating. Trying to figure out what is going on and what the characters are saying is frustrating because of the crappy subtitling. And then, after episode 16, there was NO subtitling at all! In fact, I had trouble even finding the last two episodes of Season 1. I hate to think of what Season 2 is going to be like if/when I can find it.

The storyline seems to be interesting. The characters seem to be interesting. The relationships seem to work - the chemistry between the ML & FL was endearing and believable. However, Non-Chinese-speaking viewers really get screwed trying to watch these dramas, and that is unfortunate.

Out of desperation I watched the last two episodes and just had to be clueless as to any explanation of what was happening and why - and the way it ended was obviously to set you up for Season 2! So, I will go into Season 2 clueless, and hope for the best. However, if Season 2 is like Season 1, it might be a hard pass.

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Coming Back Again and Again

I'm not really into these reincarnated, reborn plots, but since this is make-believe I can live with it. Seriously, sometimes one has to take reviews with a grain of salt, taking into consideration that everyone has opinions and perceptions that might not align with one's own. That was the case here. I almost didn't watch because of the responses of some posters. Now I'm glad I followed my mind and gave it a shot. So, it won't win any awards for acting - but that isn't why I watch these dramas. They are an escape - a world made up of stories - so I don't take them so seriously that they affect me, especially negatively. If I don't like what I see, I stop watching.

That being said, I didn't mind the lead couple. They weren't sizzling but they were passable. I think the scene that had some viewers up in arms about was tastefully done, and if one watched the whole story, the reasons are explained. Also, the couple did have a history - not as though right off the bat they got married and they were strangers with no emotional attachment, so that wasn't an issue for me. The villains were awful enough, but they got some kind of comeuppance so that was ok with me.

One thing I really must comment on was the hair and make up. Both were awful. It was hard to find the characters appealing with such terrible make up. The women looked unattractive and unappealing, and the men (white-hair guy) looked washed out and pasty.

Again, this drama won't win any awards, but it you're looking for something to watch in-between serious dramas, or just to fill your time, this isn't bad.

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How the Actors Save the Day

The story was just ok for me. The writing wasn't spectacular. The story dragged in parts, but I was so invested in the characters and their relationships that I kept coming back for more. Some of the villains were a little poorly written, no depth really. The same old ploy with the ministers - give them a fake story and they run with it, and in this case, an emperor who was that and worse. Still, the cast did a wonderful job in bringing their characters to life. I loathed the bad guys, loved the good guys.

Liked the camaraderie of the soldiers - and wished for a happier ending for them. The ending was nicely tied up for the most part, but I like to see what's happening and not get a narrative. So, I would have liked to see the young emperor with his two older mentors come back to the palace, and I would have liked to see a family (or even a wedding) for Chang'er & Taozi. And hey, what happened to Pei Yuan?!

And of course, the real draw for me... Xu Kai. That face! His expressions! OMG he is absolutely gorgeous in historical garb, especially the military uniforms! WOWZA! And he's a god on a horse! The chemistry between he and Jing Tian was sweet. Their bantering was cute and funny - and oddly enough for me, because I don't usually care for fight scenes, theirs were nicely coordinated and executed. They looked great, especially fighting together against a common foe. The way they got the evil minister *perfect*!

I didn't expect to like this drama as much as I did, and I might even go back and watch it again if I had time on my hands and just wanted a good dose of eye-candy (Xu Kai) and a little romance. If there had been better writing perhaps, I could have given this a higher score - but the acting earned all the points.

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Couple Chemistry Saved This One!

The drama was just ok. Too much business-speak and meaningless interactions between characters who didn't have a lot to contribute to the main story. Just a lot of fillers. Still, the acting was pretty good - no silly, overly dramatic characters, no villains to seek revenge, just overall a fair characterization of ambitious, overworked professionals in the big city. The episodes tended to drag in places where there really was no importance to the storyline, and that time could have been better spent on the lead and side couples' relationship development and wrap up. The last episode was quite underwhelming with a lot of repetitious babble, but we still got the happy ending we deserved.

The real star of this drama was the chemistry between Elvis & Elvira. While too much time was wasted on the bantering back and forth and the ambiguous exchanges at times, there is absolutely no doubt about the electricity between these two. Those soulful stares from Elvis and Elvira's response to him just sizzled. I liked the sister and her young boyfriend, but really felt sorry for the first guy with the psychological problems. He really played his part well, my heart bled for him even when I tried to see him as creepy. I also liked the love story of the pretentious client and her childhood friend, and the second boss and her guy. All-in-all, while I could have used a little more PDA all-around, the romance part scored.

OST was beautiful and added to the story.

Worth a re-watch on a lazy weekend with nothing to do and kill time. I'm a fan of Elvis Han now. I liked him in Three Kingdoms - but not near as much as in this modern-day role. Will also take a look at Elvira's work as well.

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Lies, Lies, and More Lies!

The story was interesting and was well told. The writers and director got it right. The actors were superb. You loved the characters, or you hated them - this is the proof of a great performance. The chemistry between the ML & FL was so sweet, and I even liked the chemistry of the second couple too. No loose ends as far as I could see, and everything wrapped up nicely in the end; their story was not rushed or short-changed.

But...

For the first time since I started watching CDramas, I actually hoped the ML's character would get some comeuppance. I really got angry at all the lies he told - and kept on telling. He seemed not to have any conscience about lying, especially to someone he was supposed to love. I found similar fault with SFL's character, whom I found to be singularly annoying! Both characters seemed so dishonest and just flat out lied their way into the hearts of the FL's character and the SML's character. As much as the last couple of episodes tried to give them redemption, I just could not get past how much they both lied so much in the beginning! At one point I kept hoping one (or both) would succumb to a sword or fall off a cliff or something! Anyway, all's well that ends well, and the writers gave them both happy endings.

As it is with any MangoTV production, the English subtitling was terrible. Some of the translations made it impossible to figure out what was happening, what the history or backstory of some events were, and even some explanations that would have made the story make complete sense. Some things were left up to the viewer to try to figure out or decipher... or not know why but just accept that something had happened.

Rewatch? I doubt it with those subtitles - and I don't think I could manage watching the lies fall from those lovely lips another time.

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Season 1 & 2 - Overall Review

This is the only way I can watch these short-episode format dramas. The ML & FL had sweet chemistry for me, and I was pleasantly surprised that the censors allowed their love scene. Tastefully done, and just what I like in my dramas. I should have known I was being set up for the fall later on.

The storyline was simple, and although there were a few holes here and there, more in Season 1 than Season 2 - I could follow along pretty well. Some amusing bits where I was actually laughing out loud, and some very touching moments too. Especially in the end - life's lessons are always painful and there is no room for regret.

I would re-watch this if I didn't have anything to watch and needed the diversion. It was that passable.

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A story cute enough to keep me watching

I really liked the ML. The FL was ok in moderation, and irritatingly dumb sometimes. Or maybe she was just playing dumb? I don't know, but I didn't find it endearing (as some viewers did). There was definitely chemistry between the two leads, and I wish the director had used that to their advantage more. The second couple had chemistry from the get-go, but their story was just kind of thrown together instead of developed.

Some characters deserved some Karma, which they never got. It seemed like the writers were intoxicated with happy endings, so they gave them to everybody - even the undeserving! That disgusting stepmother & stepsister, that equally disgusting sister-in-law and her servant. I like some comeuppance in my dramas.

The story itself was simple but had too many holes - and jumped from one scene to something totally different with no segue in between. There was a lot of potential in this story, and the actors would have been great playing the characters with more substance in the drama. Maybe that's why I watched all the way through - because I liked the actors a lot and hope to see them in other productions (preferably costume or historical dramas which are my favourites).

Would I rewatch this? I might. It was ok enough for me.

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Not Disappointed. I loved This Drama!

The story was pretty straightforward. and flowed relatively smoothly. There were a few parts that threatened to get draggy, but they didn't happen too many times and they didn't last, so I didn't fast-forward through the scenes. There were a few holes and loose ends, but not sufficient to spoil anything for me.

The characters were likeable, and the actors did a phenomenal job in portraying them. The ensemble worked so well together so their relationships were believable, and I actually liked most of them. However, the couple that made the entire story worth it for me were the ML & FL. Chen Xiao & Liu Yifei were electric!!! They portrayed a depth to their relationship that I have not seen in many Cdramas, and which I found to be very refreshing and endearing. They expressed so many emotions without words - a look, a touch - their romance felt 'real'. Even with the chaste kisses, they smoldered. Their embraces felt warm and real. They did a superior job in this drama.

I wish that a little more time would have been invested in the supporting couples' relationships. Much was left to the viewer (except for the obvious wedding, of course) and I would have liked to have seen a wedding for the main couple. As I mentioned before, a few loose ends... what happened to Gu Qian Fan's father and brother? Was Qi Mu served with his comeuppance? Why did San Niang's son suddenly come back to find his mother? Did Song Yin Zhang and Chi Yan become a couple?

Loved this drama - and will probably rewatch it at some point.

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Not Worth the Effort * Second Chance - I tried this again and changed my mind

I found a better-quality feed and watched this through. I'm glad I did. The annoying music was still there, and for the record, Producers, that wrecked the chances of a better review for your production. BUT listening to the OST in the second feed - some great music. And I could follow the storyline better. Chemistry between the ML & FL and characters was good too. Sometimes you just have to give something a second chance, and I am glad I did! The subtitles and quality of the feed make a big difference.

Original Review**I can't even get into the story line properly. The crappy (EXTREMELY CRAPPY) music in the middle of a scene, in the middle of a fight scene, in the middle of ANY scene is utterly ridiculous! The fact that I am watching with sub-titles makes it possible to continue to follow the conversations, but seriously takes away from the acting and the story itself. If they would cut the music and let the dialogue continue, even with the subtitles - I'd watch the show through to its conclusion, but I just can't take that music.

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After the hype, I was underwhelmed

I have heard about this series since I started watching CDramas about 3 years ago. I tried twice, and this time got farther than 2 or 3 episodes and managed to watch the entire series. I like these long dramas - you can get invested in the characters, and be immersed in the story which has time to explore many arcs and aspects. The story itself was interesting enough for me to keep watching till the end. It was hard for me to keep track of the characters (who were not main characters) but whose story arcs got thrown in for some reason or another. Brother this one, cousin that one, fourth, second, eighth, you get my drift... that was a bit confusing at times. Then the little plot holes that had people coming in and out for no apparent purpose, and then left us wondering what happened to them in the end (especially when they deserved some comeuppance).

I really gave the drama a chance because I had just watched FSF in Shining Just for You - and I liked him in that one, and I liked him in this one too. His character took a little getting used to, but he played it well. He (and so many of the other actors) played their roles so well that you liked the ones you liked and despised the villains. I found myself yelling at the screen when characters like Minglan's father and stepmother were on - and Gu Tingyu's stepmother (probably the most evil character in this). Some characters could have been developed a little more - and a little more attention to other relationships would have been better than the boring court/minister scenes and the battle/war scenes. A lot of time was wasted on the concubine's fawning on Father Sheng - and his stupid obsession with the family reputation. Same with his wife's obsession with petty revenge and spite. Still, it made for emotional watching - even if that emotion was disgust and frustration.

The chemistry between the ML & FL lead was obviously there given their real-life situation (which sadly ended). But I have never been a big fan of Zhao LiYing. She did a much better job in showing her emotions in this one, but she's just not high on my list of actors (apologies to ZLY fans). I loved the characters Grandma Sheng and Nanny Chang. Loved Shitou and Chang Bai.

It was hard to digest the conditions that women endured in that era - always hard to watch because these roles are based on historical facts. But I know that these are stories, not real life. Still makes for a lot of mixed reactions.

I enjoyed the series. Hope for another long drama soon. However, wouldn't re-watch this. After a while I was fast-forwarding through some of the scenes which I thought were repetitious and unnecessary, or when a character came on who I didn't know or recognize - but realized had a side-story that really wasn't important to the main story.

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Happy Romance

I loved this story. The actors did a phenomenal job - the ML is going to make a name for himself; I could watch him all day! The chemistry between the lead couple was magic, and really, all the couples had great chemistry. There was an even mix of romance, evil villains, tragedy, and a little comedy thrown in for good measure.
The story was simple but kept you interested (maybe because of the great acting) - and that little twist at the end. Loved it! I especially liked that the FL was quirky but not silly and brainless - all the female characters were strong.
This was great for weekend watching, and I most likely will rewatch it at some point.
Loved loved loved the baby!!

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I Don't Want it to End!

After The Sword & the Brocade and The Rebel Princess I didn't think I would find another drama I loved as much. But I did. I love the closing theme 'Cocoon' the most. The story has a few holes (which ones don't) but I can live with that. I love the characters so much, well-acted and so endearing. The story arcs draw you in. The villains are believable but not over-the-top.
The chemistry between the players is great, however the director must be Victorian, because the silliness they did with the kissing scenes really spoiled the moments and the atmosphere for me. That misdirection bordered on ridiculous.
That being said, however, the real star of this piece for me is Leo Wu. Just WOW! As popular as she is, the FL was just ok - and the second couple were so darling. ML took the whole show. I will re-watch just to look at him, his expressions - his fighting - and of course, that shirtless scene. GREAT drama, worth the watch. I'm taking it slowly for the last few episodes because I just don't want it to end.

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The FL ruined this Drama for me!

After the first episode I knew that it was going to be hard to watch this FL. First of all, she looked like a pre-teen trying to be an adult, worse of all, a kick-ass heroine. Her movements reminded me of an ungainly newborn colt, not the smooth precise movements of a real martial artist. (I'm tired of these delusional heroine wanna-be's). Her acting left much to be desired, and her facial expressions made her look even more immature and almost comical in some scenes. Sorry, no more Song Yiren dramas for me - one and done!

I didn't mind the ML, but his storyline left a lot to be desired also. I was really not enjoying the 'idiot' phase. And was it just me who couldn't find the FL's 'falling in love with him' and her pretended devotion to him appealing? Didn't SHE cause him to become that way from poisoning him? Did she ever own up to it and did the ML know it was her who made him an idiot in the first place? That's a pretty big loophole for one drama!

I liked the He family and their dynamic, and for me, the real tragedy of this tale was their demise - and the FL escaping their destiny. It was probably the most touching and heart-wrenching story arc, and the best acting of the entire drama. Pity they didn't know her part in the downfall of the ML.

Such a disappointment this drama was. The leads didn't even have any chemistry really. And what the heck was that ending?! I read a couple of reviews that said there was a bonus episode after Episode 26, but I have yet to find it. One review said it tied up loose ends and made the ending in Episode 26 make sense. I guess I have to go hunt that down to see if it can redeem the ending and make up for wasting all that time on this travesty.

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