Firefly88

Yeah, I could feel Minglan vibes here and there, but this drama couldn't hold a candle to the level and authenticity you see in Minglan.

I just feel this drama could be so much more than it is... I think a different FL could really elevate this series.

I'm still watching it. But it's mad that he is 46. He really doesn't look it.

I can't stand that type of villain, they make me so angry. Now Erniang has reappeared and is being a massive b!!!! I just had to stop watching because I was so furious!

I had no idea Wallace Chung was 46! He looks 10 years younger!

Omg Lianfang gives me murderous rage! AHHHHHHHH! Anyone else wish they could reach through the screen and slap her?

Watching it now. I really don't feel any chemistry between those two, it feels forced. I personally think a different FL would have taken this to the next level. She lacks a certain charisma imo.

It's still a good drama, and I'm enjoying it, but I can clearly see that it could have been better.

Are you looking for high quality dramas like this or more like this genre? This sort of 24 hour drama is quite unusual, but there are a few really high quality C dramas out there... What do you like in a drama?

For many watchers this is too mature/heavy. They like the fluffy teen dramas. They tend to score the highest and they are the worst (with a few exceptions).

Dropped Longest Day in Chang'an or Rebel Princess?

I love Minglan, definitely my top 5. Rewatched it several times.
I've seen all the others except Battle of Changsha. I liked the others, but they're not my top 5 for different reasons. Yanxi Palace went on a bit too long for my liking. Nirvana in Fire lacked something but I could never put my finger on it. Joy of Life is good, but not in the same league as the others. It's tricky with Chinese dramas, because they come in very different "leagues" and some can be great for their category in their own way, like xianxia and wuxia dramas, which I'm a big fan of. The main issue I find with C dramas is having to wade through the ridiculous fluffy idol dramas with these ridiculous FLs. Sometimes those dramas get higher scores than the masterpieces! Crazy!

I would say my historical drama list was something like this (no ranking):
Rise of the Phoenixes
The Rebel Princess
Story of Minglan
The Longest Day in Chang'an

These are flawless dramas in my opinion. Lots of other favs though like Princess Silver, King's Woman, Legend of Fuyao, The Song of Glory, Tribes and Empires, Ever Night, Love & Destiny, The Flame's Daughter...

Royal Nirvana could have been exceptional if not for the issues with the final episodes, and the endless relentless tragedy. Easily the most depressing drama I've ever watched, and that's saying a lot because the Chinese are real masters of tragedy!

Yes, for me the absolute highlight was the festival street scene with the singer performing on the stage. It was so beautiful I watched it several times.

Hahahaha that sounds about right!

What are your top 5 or top 10? I agree. This drama was a masterpiece. The festival scene with the singer on the stage was a work of art...
So hard to judge the quality of C dramas when these fluffy, idiotic idol dramas get such high ratings.

Couldn't agree more!!!

How this drama has 8.2 is a mystery to me... It is a MASTERPIECE. But, it is definitely for a more mature audience. No fluffy romance or silly clichés. The street scenes and the costumes and sets are incredible.

I started the first episode a while back and found it too cheesy. Does it improve? I'm wondering if I should give it another go...

I know exactly what you mean.

Wow. The visuals in this is amazing. I got some major Studio Ghibli vibes, especially "Spirited Away". I far prefer this film to the Mark Chao Yin Yang Master that I watched a few weeks ago.

Royal Nirvana was just depressing from beginning to end. Tragedy upon tragedy, full of angst and darkness... I also feel conflicted about whether I want to go back into that world even if the ending was rushed and confusing...