Gekijo

I did not know about this second set of subs - mind-blown 😆！ thanks for this！

Ooh, where can I locate the second set of subtitles? I watched on Netflix. Their first separation at the traffic junction left me bewildered; she broke down in tears after that.

Can try these:
General Chang Ning
The Gambit of Embers
Ashes To Crown (Chu Hou)
The Days of Seclusion and Love
The Road To Glory
Ci Tang

This drama is a rare gem. I totally did not see the surrealist twist coming and that’s what hooked me. Kdramas are so good at dishing out darkness when you least expect it - it’s done with a light hand here. This is a gorgeous drama for the eyes - the scenery and locations they filmed at were just amazing. I also have newfound respect for the acting powers of the two lead actors, especially Go Youn Jung - she is so good here. And the music is wonderful as well, I have the track Promise on loop. The only negative is the English subtitles - I think the translation of certain key dialogues just didn’t catch the nuances of the original Korean which left me scratching my head trying to understand why he or she was upset. But that’s not a deal breaker. Even if you both speak the same language, it doesn’t mean you will understand each other perfectly. And even if you both DON’T speak the same language, it doesn’t mean you won’t understand each other at all. Well done, scriptwriter-nim. I have DNFed so many kdramas, this one I completed.

Had fun watching the first two episodes. May this drama stay the course！

I like how she portrays General Huan too!

Dang, I’m enjoying this drama four episodes in. Huang Yang Tian Tian is a fine young actress. She really does bear an uncanny resemblance to the young Zhao Li Ying.

Yes. Princess Agents covers the story up till that frozen lake scene.

For those who are asking if they need to watch Princess Agents first, I feel that you don’t need to. As for Rebirth, although it picks up from where PA left us high and dry (ending it at the frozen lake was just bad screenwriting and I’m still unhappy about it), from what I’ve seen in the first two episodes, the audience is not left groping in the dark as the back story and past events are told quite well. So yes, I say it can be a standalone. Although when I say this, I am assuming that this time Rebirth will tell the story in its entirety. And as PA was made so many years ago, the whole production just looks so dated now. The novel was a good read, by the way.

I would like to see Deng En Xi playing the Empress Luowei against ZLH. I think this role needs a cool, imperious sort of beauty, hiding the fire inside of her. But being an up-and-coming actress, this might be her stumbling block to be cast against ZLH. Check out the intensity between herself and Wang Xing Yue 《告白》首发入梦时概念片 一眼入梦，往日的点滴一一... http://xhslink.com/o/CfMkzVwQlT

He does look very good - they have styled him well in this drama. Looking forward to his next period drama!

Yes! The two lead actors are a revelation - they are able to
convey their emotions through little gestures and facial expressions. I’ve watched a couple of Bao Shang En’s previous works and she really shines here as Cai Zhao. I’ve only watched Zhou Yi Ran in the modern When I Fly Towards You which didn’t really let him show his acting chops much but for this role, he has done it justice. They are good together.

Spot on!

I say please do NOT miss out on this drama. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, engaging, entertaining and showcases the spirit of Wuxia and the jianghu in a fresh way. I swoon for MQY’s dark, manipulative character who would give up his life for his one true love. CZ’s bright clear light never gets diminished and she shines the way for both of them. The past and the present are entangled and the new generation will right it. I have been listening to the soundtrack on repeat 😍, enjoying even the opening theme . The novel is a wonderful ride, convoluted at times but I think the scriptwriter has made it work on screen. Do not be put off by the jerky editing of the first few episodes.

So happy that you’ve written exactly what I think of this drama. Thank you for a very thoughtful review!

Really enjoyed this movie. It moved me. It was well made, period. The child actress did a great job, along with the rest of the cast.

Truly, the editing leaves much to be desired, at least in the earlier episodes. It helps that I’ve read the novel, although the novel itself was convoluted but the mystery and their romance kept me going. I do like the acting by the two leads ZYR and BSE and the OST is gorgeous. It’s actually a fun watch so far. It’s not slow that’s for sure - not boring at all so far.

Themes in a nutshell:
1) the previous generations strayed from the founder’s vision and left a mess for this generation to clean up and to learn from their mistakes
2) demon sect vs righteous sect - is everyone from the demon sect evil and everyone from the righteous sects all good?

So far this is what I remember from the novel. Anyone who knows, please add on.

Literally means “ancient clothes / costume” aka period drama

I have issues with the editing and post-production. Having said that, it’s a rollicking good story - I enjoyed the novel and am enjoying these first 7 episodes. It’s a high energy drama. Loving Bao Shang En’s portrayal of Cai Zhao. And the charismatic Zhou Yi Ran should really take on more 古装 period drama roles!!!