On ep 20 and except for FL, it has been a very boring watch so far. I don't find RJL's acting convincing at all. His character as well as his acting fell flat, just like that in The Blue Whisper. I don't find myself attached to or intrigued by any character, let alone root for them (¬_¬). Will give this a few more eps. -- Completed. Overrated imo. The only character that kept me going is Yan Shifan lol. He perpetrated numerous immoral acts but with great panache and aplomb. He is just so enigmatically cunning and ruthless in a morally corrupt manner that I can't help but carry on watching to see how this old fox got outwitted and taken down. The concoction and execution of his convoluted wicked schemes got me on edge, and at some point i find myself rooting for him instead haha. This coupled with his superb acting undoubtedly command my attention.
Meanwhile, the poignant and ominous OSTs certainly help strike the right tone and elevate the mood. But other than that, nothing else is worthy of the high rating, from average production and low quality CGI to boring character writing and wooden acting, especially when it comes to ML's flat performance and lack of chemistry. His character doesn't resonate with me, as I find his stare somewhat devoid of emotions, as opposed to the deep longing and sizzling chemistry conveyed in the long affectionate gaze that some spoke of. I don't feel anything when ML feels melancholic/heart-broken and suffers injustices/grievances. RJL didn't do well embodying and portraying this complexed character who has a painful past imho. It felt as if the actor was reciting his lines and having a difficult time emoting and getting into character. I think Wu Lei or Xu Kai could've pulled this role off better. Well this drama defo helps lower my expectation for future dramas in terms of acting. 7.0 and not recommended.
I don't think so with each episode 50minutes and a good portion told plus I think this era will end by episode…
it's cut so it might not be the writer's fault, the stupid 40-ep restriction is to blame i think. I'm praying for its non-rushed ending *fingers crossed*
for a mini drama, this is very well-produced and neatly written with captivating cinematography. Chemistry is lukewarm though imo. But still highly recommended for a quick binge.
Anyone knows is there any drama that has cinematography like this too? Totally in love with the atmosphere.
City of Streamer. One of my all-time favs. Got hooked from the very first episode because of the superb cinematography, and more importantly, the sizzling chemistry between leads.
everything that happens here are inconsequential with a bunch of plotholes. The romance suffers because of it, and the chemistry feels very superficial and underwhelming as a result of the lame plot that builds up to nothing (I mean from ep10 the writer just put the chemistry to its slow demise as the story progresses). I initially dropped this on ep10, then picked it up again and eventually dropped again at ep21 after a series of disappointing scenes that i mostly fast-forwarded or watched at x2 speed.
I just finished The Rise of Phoenixes and came here to sooth my emotionally wrecked soul and ease my withdrawal symptoms, but sadly i just can't connect with any of the character, except for Fu Shou. I'm seeking the the sassy, level-headed, and complexed type of character with a dark past, but ML in this drama is meek, emotionally driven, and toooo benevolent that i find it easier to believe he's a saint than a human. He remains a mono-dimensional goody-2-shoes with little character development for the entire drama. As for the second leads (Sima Yi and ex-consort assassin princess), i find the portrayals of their characters disappointing, which is quite a letdown considering how long Elvis Han has been in the industry. Ex-consort feels like an inexperienced amateur swordwoman rather than a seasoned assassin, as she lost more than she won, and she seemed to always need saving. Sima Yi's boastful and obnoxious behaviours doesn't help to give me the impression that he's smart, rather it feels more like he's a preaching busybody. This is not to mention their obvious lack of chemistry, and them being paired as couple seems super forced. Finally, there are lots of instances that require suspension of belief, which is one of the reasons why i'm dropping this. Maybe someday in the far future i might be in the right mood to pick this up again.
I too loved it. Do you have any other recommendations
Yanxi is one of a kind. Looking for another palace drama with a FL as smart and vindictive and savage as Yingluo is like finding a needle in a haystack lol. That said,
- Jun Jiu Ling is a good watch with similarly fast pacing. FL is smart and really capable, also is out there for vengeance, but she's a bit too lenient for my taste (well she's a doctor after all).
- The Rise of Phoenixes also has high quality production, witty FL, complexed and layered character, well-written plot, but it might take a while to get acquainted with who plays which character (took me 10 eps), and the pacing is uneven, sometimes too draggy and other times rushed. Some side characters became slightly out of character for the sake of the plot, and the ending might not be to your taste (but i personally really like it). Despite its flaws, I'm recommending this because of the phenomenal acting from the cast, which got me weep like a baby. While Yanxi trumps when it comes to plot, TRoP takes the cake in terms of acting.
I've heard of Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life but have yet to watch, since i'm a fan of romance haha. You can give these a try.
i'm very disappointed in ML on ep 63. After facing all the life-death experiences together, he still came to the…
Nini and Chen Kun's phenomenal acting stole the spotlight in the last arc. The final 2 eps got me gutted. I'm crying buckets and having withdrawal syndrome now. Where can i find another drama with complexed and layered character writing coupled with visceral acting and witty mind game like this?
also, I think this ending beats any other happy endings. I'm so glad it ends like this, cuz HE would make all of the sacrifices inconsequential, thus resulting in me feeling insulted and dissatisfied. Their relationship is irreconcilably broken beyond repair. This is the best outcome it can be, and certainly more emotionally impactful.
i'm very disappointed in ML on ep 63. After facing all the life-death experiences together, he still came to the conclusion that leaving her in another man's arms is the best option for her. Okay i get that he wants to keep her safe, but that's at the expense of their love. He let her go for the second time already, when he could have chosen to stay by her side and fight for her! And he still wouldn't learn the lesson, despite her asking him what he wanted to say to her three different times! She hangs in there for him when he left her for the first time, and he still decides to let her go for the second time smh. It would be an insult if she accepts him again after this. -- disappointed in ML again on ep 65 because of how short-sighted he has become. -- given all the bloodshed between them, the ending is perfectly justified. I'd be mad if they were to be together lol. That said, I wish there were just one more episode that would delve into the aftermath of her death, especially how it'd impact Gu Nanyi. -- overall, i've enjoyed this drama, despite it going downhill from ep 56-57. The last arc is messy writing with pacing and editing issue, and lack of explanation. The pacing is sometimes draggingly slow, other times rushingly fast. Their plans weren't explained well, ML and his sidekick making questionable decisions, antagonists becoming superficial and one-dimensional. Logic is off, and suspension of belief is needed on some parts. That said, the acting is superb, especially from our leads Ni Ni, Chen Kun, and Bai Jing Ting. I'm thankful for the sad ending, as opposed to hating it like other viewers, as i find it gratifying. Her death is the biggest revenge on ML, the payback for all the grievances she's endured. I would rate the drama 9.0 before ep 57 for all the mind games, and 7.0 for the remaining 13 eps. Average 8.0.
dropping and retrying 3 times, but i guess this drama is just not for me. I'd rather see a slow-burn romance than an unnatural insta-love. Those supposed to be romantic and swoon-worthy interactions are just too forced and cringey >"<. Chemistry between leads feels like 2 actors acting it out. Overrated.
engaging plot, but stiff acting. The buildup to their romance is kinda rushed, and the emotions feels kinda scripted and contriving, mainly because of the wooden acting. I can't really feel the emotions portrayed here, especially the crying and laughing scenes. Main leads couldn't pull off the chemistry, which felt bland and cringey at times. Would be better if leads were played by another actress and actor.
on ep22 and Lu Yun Qi is exhausting my patience (¬_¬) . I'm so fed up with that self-entitled, self-righteous coward and control-freak. I feel like puking in disgust and spitting in his face every time i see him. His only redeeming quality is that he likes FL, and even that is considered an insult and misfortune for her - the victim of his so-called love. I would rather be single forever than have a scumbag force himself onto me and love me in such a coward and obsessive way. --- i was waiting for karma to take its course, but it never happens for this coward psycho. He was let off the hook very easily with a mere apology, without having to pay. He acted like a traitorous scum who disregards morality 90% of the drama, abetting the crimes of the despicable backstabbing prince who killed FL's father, after which he did all the shitty things to innocent people, and got away with impunity.
what i really don't get is, why tf he likes FL but decided to do nothing when he saw FL's father being strangled to death. He even aided the crime, and become an obedient dog for the person who caused the excruciating deaths of FL's father and friend. Such a huge plothole. His sudden change from a disgusting murder accomplice into a benevolent guy who atones for his crimes on ep37 gave me a whiplash. FL is just so forgiving it's vexing to watch. How disappointing (¬_¬). --- overall this drama is worth a watch for the amazing plot development. For those who intends to watch, i suggest skipping the rage-inducing Lu Yun Qi if you can. Don't waste your sentiment hating this disgusting & loathsome character and expecting payback, cuz you won't get the satisfaction of seeing him suffering from retribution.
I got bored and started fast-forwarding from ep40. From then on there isn't anything that keeps me hooked anymore. Currently on ep44 and i'm struggling.
1 
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Completed. Overrated imo. The only character that kept me going is Yan Shifan lol. He perpetrated numerous immoral acts but with great panache and aplomb. He is just so enigmatically cunning and ruthless in a morally corrupt manner that I can't help but carry on watching to see how this old fox got outwitted and taken down. The concoction and execution of his convoluted wicked schemes got me on edge, and at some point i find myself rooting for him instead haha. This coupled with his superb acting undoubtedly command my attention.
Meanwhile, the poignant and ominous OSTs certainly help strike the right tone and elevate the mood. But other than that, nothing else is worthy of the high rating, from average production and low quality CGI to boring character writing and wooden acting, especially when it comes to ML's flat performance and lack of chemistry. His character doesn't resonate with me, as I find his stare somewhat devoid of emotions, as opposed to the deep longing and sizzling chemistry conveyed in the long affectionate gaze that some spoke of. I don't feel anything when ML feels melancholic/heart-broken and suffers injustices/grievances. RJL didn't do well embodying and portraying this complexed character who has a painful past imho. It felt as if the actor was reciting his lines and having a difficult time emoting and getting into character. I think Wu Lei or Xu Kai could've pulled this role off better. Well this drama defo helps lower my expectation for future dramas in terms of acting. 7.0 and not recommended.
- Jun Jiu Ling is a good watch with similarly fast pacing. FL is smart and really capable, also is out there for vengeance, but she's a bit too lenient for my taste (well she's a doctor after all).
- The Rise of Phoenixes also has high quality production, witty FL, complexed and layered character, well-written plot, but it might take a while to get acquainted with who plays which character (took me 10 eps), and the pacing is uneven, sometimes too draggy and other times rushed. Some side characters became slightly out of character for the sake of the plot, and the ending might not be to your taste (but i personally really like it). Despite its flaws, I'm recommending this because of the phenomenal acting from the cast, which got me weep like a baby. While Yanxi trumps when it comes to plot, TRoP takes the cake in terms of acting.
I've heard of Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life but have yet to watch, since i'm a fan of romance haha. You can give these a try.
also, I think this ending beats any other happy endings. I'm so glad it ends like this, cuz HE would make all of the sacrifices inconsequential, thus resulting in me feeling insulted and dissatisfied. Their relationship is irreconcilably broken beyond repair. This is the best outcome it can be, and certainly more emotionally impactful.
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disappointed in ML again on ep 65 because of how short-sighted he has become.
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given all the bloodshed between them, the ending is perfectly justified. I'd be mad if they were to be together lol. That said, I wish there were just one more episode that would delve into the aftermath of her death, especially how it'd impact Gu Nanyi.
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overall, i've enjoyed this drama, despite it going downhill from ep 56-57. The last arc is messy writing with pacing and editing issue, and lack of explanation. The pacing is sometimes draggingly slow, other times rushingly fast. Their plans weren't explained well, ML and his sidekick making questionable decisions, antagonists becoming superficial and one-dimensional. Logic is off, and suspension of belief is needed on some parts. That said, the acting is superb, especially from our leads Ni Ni, Chen Kun, and Bai Jing Ting. I'm thankful for the sad ending, as opposed to hating it like other viewers, as i find it gratifying. Her death is the biggest revenge on ML, the payback for all the grievances she's endured. I would rate the drama 9.0 before ep 57 for all the mind games, and 7.0 for the remaining 13 eps. Average 8.0.
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i was waiting for karma to take its course, but it never happens for this coward psycho. He was let off the hook very easily with a mere apology, without having to pay. He acted like a traitorous scum who disregards morality 90% of the drama, abetting the crimes of the despicable backstabbing prince who killed FL's father, after which he did all the shitty things to innocent people, and got away with impunity.
what i really don't get is, why tf he likes FL but decided to do nothing when he saw FL's father being strangled to death. He even aided the crime, and become an obedient dog for the person who caused the excruciating deaths of FL's father and friend. Such a huge plothole. His sudden change from a disgusting murder accomplice into a benevolent guy who atones for his crimes on ep37 gave me a whiplash. FL is just so forgiving it's vexing to watch. How disappointing (¬_¬).
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overall this drama is worth a watch for the amazing plot development. For those who intends to watch, i suggest skipping the rage-inducing Lu Yun Qi if you can. Don't waste your sentiment hating this disgusting & loathsome character and expecting payback, cuz you won't get the satisfaction of seeing him suffering from retribution.