A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College
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Typical plot but good
Title is weird that it doesn’t even catch interest. It’s the typical love triangle story of a woman wanting to be given same opportunity as a man. I find the second lead man’s performance and acting superior than that of the male lead. Slapstick humor but still entertaining. You can predict the storyline but most times it’s hard to be interested when you already know what will happen. This broke that rule. I don’t personally find any chemistry between the lead male and lead female. At the end, I was rooting more for the villain second male lead. His acting and portrayal of the role is that good. It is worth the time to watch.I believed there are two other series with same concept - female in period school full of men. Only exception in this story, Zhao Lusi didn’t pretend to be a man and entered as the first female student in an all male school. She pioneered being the first female student in an all male school.
One thing about Zhao Lusi is her excellence in portraying the core essentials of the role. She can adapt her personality to whatever role she is playing.
Although I like the male lead, I was hoping she ends with Ren Hao in this story. I know he is the villain somewhat but he played his character so well, I couldn’t help rooting for his character to get the FL.
Anyways, if you like period drama like I do, this is an awesome watch and you won’t be disappointed.
Love the Martial arts choreography. I love the wardrobes used by all characters.
One of the actress who played second lead is same actress in Love in the Galaxy that played the role of Niao friend that became her sister in law.
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Not boring and a very lively story.
I loved the development of the relationship between Xue Qianxian and Dragon King when they were trying to learn about mortal love. It was comical in the beginning and slowly got serious. On and off the second female lead will still be funny. The competition between two male leads is really interesting to watch and the scene where Xue Qianxian and Fate immortal pretended to be Ayu, was priceless.The character of Xue QianXian as a cold Lord,played by Deng Wei is quite impressive. Love the OST.
It is worth the time to watch.
The story goes on for decades and crosses lifetime but don’t let that dissolution you because it’s written really well that it’ll be enjoyable. I personally don’t care for story crossing timeline but this is different.
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Best BL drama for 2021
This second season tells the story at the stage of adulthood. It also touches relationship for two people with mental health issue. It is a BL story but you will focus more on the story. Strong emotions in Season 2 that will make viewers feel and empathize. The ending is a bit rushed or disorganized for me but the great story, acting and casts made up for the last episode. I think it could have been done better. I’ll definitely pay a subscription if there’s a 3rd season. It is a well directed drama. Great job to all staff and artists.Was this review helpful to you?
This series will surprise you.
I started this late because I didn't think it will be interesting for me. I decided to watch it while watching The Legend of Anle just to fill my time waiting for next episode of TLOA. It didnt grab me at first episode and actually left it alone until i again ran out of selection to watch. Loh and behold, I now favor it more than TLOA. I just completed episode 14 and felt the need to drop a review to those considering this series.I am guilty of not entertaining this series initially because the artists casted here are not ones I am familiar with let alone the concept of 3 men after one lady. They are all equally good ones so far so I cant even decide yet who I favor to win her heart.
It is not just about romance and getting there. The story is told so far in a well balanced manner. I enjoy the fantasy aspect of it too.
Give it a try. You may end up surprising yourself loke I did.
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All generation watch
I started watching this in iQIYI. First 2 episodes are free and at this time of review 1/16/23 there were 8 episodes released to watch already.It’s an everyday life story dealing with the social economic living dealing with independence and responsibilities at an early age. It also tells a story about friendship.
I can tell it’s for any early adult to late adulthood viewers. The story is simple and easy to follow. Anyone striving with making a living and being responsible will be able to relate to the main characters.
Romance is there’s but didn’t really start for main characters til episode 7 I believe. So far, I can’t really tell where the romance part is heading-still unclear.
I bit confusing with some scenes in regards to main characters’ backgrounds. Story about them trickles slowly. I completed episode 8 and still not sure why one of main lead changed his name, and why the other male lead sometimes is swimming in money and then the next do not have any but able to offer help with other lead actors’s grandmothers nursing facility.
I’ll edit my review after I watch all episodes.
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"My Lordship" excessively
I will reserve editing this review after completing the series. As for now, my thoughts:◇Good start of story introduction. Multiple flashbacks (typical Chinese way of clarifying a story in a series)
◇I think artists casted for the roles were good choices
◇Production and wardrobe is great. The focus on detail is evident.
◇Started with the depiction of the struggles for being a female in a royalty, power and male dominated period.
◇by ep 12 not much background story for anyone but the female and male lead plus a little about second male lead.
◇I am in episode 12 and starting to get sick hearing "My Lord" wherein it it is said by lead female character excessively. Everytime she talks to Lord Ding, in every sentence she says, "My Lord" is said.
◇This series seems to be not any different from typical series highlighting smart and strong women wherein they show strong, decisive, and witty female character but then at the same time inserting stupid moves and decision that don't make sense for a smart and witty character.
Lead female is supposedly smart and talented, wanting to be a female official yet consistently placing herself in a situation that makes no sense and places her career and life in danger.
I am yet to watch a series that depicts a strong and/or smart woman that will remain true smart and strong from start to end of series.
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Can’t hook my interest
Tried really hard to give this series a chance but I eventually dropped it. Artists were all great. It might be the story just didn’t hook me at all.It’s too far out there for me probably and sometimes the scenes didn’t make sense.
I might return to it in the future and change this rating if I have the incentive to try watching it again.
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Thought it's a Vlog
I didn't last through first episode. I didn't find any substance to this series. 1st episode is like Vlog. Oat need to work kn his facial expressions. The director didn't plan this out, it's a train wreck. By first episode, there should be a hint for the plot. Feel bad for the production but this is a fail.The scenes are not even done smoothly. No rhyme or reason for the way scenes are done. it's like it was done to just fill an episode with nonsense.
This episode look more like an amped VLog. Should I even try other episodes and edit this review?
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The Taboo of the Age Gap
This is a fantasy BL series that attempts to navigate the complex waters of soul-swapping, grief, and unconventional romance. While it offers an intriguing premise, the execution leaves much to be desired, particularly regarding its central relationship and narrative logic.The series hinges on a wide age-gap romance between its male leads, a choice that serves as the story’s most challenging hurdle. While the fantasy element of soul-swapping is meant to bridge this gap, it often has the opposite effect. Watching an elderly man—who is simultaneously grieving his grandson and adjusting to a stolen life—pivot almost instantly into a romantic obsession feels jarring. The "taboo" nature of the relationship isn't just a social hurdle within the show; it’s a psychological hurdle for the audience that the script fails to clear.
The acting across the series is mediocre, though this is somewhat expected given the cast consists largely of new artists still finding their footing. However, the bigger issue lies in the writing. Despite being a fantasy, the plot lacks a necessary tether to reality. The emotional stakes are undermined by a lack of sensibility; the protagonist loses his sense of self and logic far too quickly for his transition to be believable.
The series is plagued by significant plot holes that disrupt the immersion:
Sudden Obsession: The character Zefang’s shift toward Huayian is baffling. He appears to be in an established relationship with another man, yet he becomes inexplicably obsessed with the lead with little to no meaningful transition.
Emotional Incoherence: The grief of losing a grandson is treated as a secondary plot point rather than a life-altering trauma, allowing the "old man" character to fall in love at a pace that defies human emotion.
Despite the messy plotting and inconsistent character motivations, The Promise of the Soul manages to remain just intriguing enough to hold a viewer's attention until the finale. There is a "train wreck" quality to the drama—you want to see how these disparate, often uncomfortable elements eventually resolve.
Recommendation: I am firmly on the fence. If you enjoy experimental fantasy BL and can overlook major logical leaps and uncomfortable age dynamics, it may be worth a watch. However, for those looking for a grounded or emotionally resonant romance, this series may be one to skip.
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A recommended watch
Production is simple but well done for the entirety of the series from wardrobe to props.All artist did an excellent job with their character, but have to say the actress who played Bao Xiasang still has improvements to do with her facial expressions.
I like the story: mystery, light humor, romance, and martial arts. Ending was left as if a season 2 can be expected which I hope they produce. No spoilers here just wish everyone will return to season 2 if there's any, but....
it's a recommended watch for me.
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Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun
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Casts Switch Did Not Matter
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the first season, I wasn't overly anticipating for a sequel. It is like having a very satisfying meal but not wanting same menu right away.This sequel was plastered a over, showing tVN's exemplary job in advertising. It piqued my curiosity since I have read of main casts being replaced. Disney, Hulu, and a lot of other major entertainment providers purchased rights to show this sequel that hyped up the interest of many internation viewers. Let us not forget that Netflix has the first one still available in their platform with high viewership.
The concerns of artists changes affecting the overall quality of this series was put to rest after the first episode for many viewers. Lee Joon-Gi replacing Song Joong-ki as Eun Seom did wonderfully if not better in portraying the character.
The location set and production didn't fail, but how can the beauty of Burma's landscaping be any disappointment? It was the perfect location for such a costume series.
I can say that this was a satisfying watch and highly recommended to watch the first kne before watching this sequel. I just wish that aside from tVN, other paid platform will have both available for viewers however, I am finding out that most will only have the first or this second one available and not both.
Enjoy watching!
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When story is written with with overly victimized lead character that runs 3/4 of episodes long, it gets tiring and exhausting. The romance and triumphs were overshadowed by excessive degradation of the lead character and couple of other female characters.
It would have been nice if there was a balance but mostly the story from beginning evolves around the lead character being put down, degraded, humiliated, hurt, set aside, bullied, plotted against, etc. Gets exhausting to watch something like this even when the ending is in positive good light.
The lead female doesnt seem to fit the character. I was not content with her portrayal of a victimized person that only knows how to be nice and sweet to get through the abuse. There were a few situations wherein by speaking up she could have avoided the chaos but it was written to produce chaos to solve.
The male lead was convincing with his portrayal.
The wardrobe dept did a great job. Production obviously put a lot of work on details.
There's light humor that if you dont pay attention, youll miss. Many scenes that were unnecessary.
All artists were excellent in portraying their roles. Its the way the story was written that exhausted me emotionally.
I am seriously wondering why the writer didnt consider writing this story in a way that showed a much stronger character for the female lead.
At any rate, for me, I prefer to be entertained not be irritated consistently enduing 45 episodes of consecutive bullying, plotting, chaos and problems.
I probably wod have not fast forward a lot if theres a hook of triumps & accomplishment for every 10 degradation, bullying, and abuse but its a continuous negativity and suffering for the female lead and other female characters that i got exhausted and frustrated.
The ending is good but just like anything positive ornrewarding it was short and glossed over.
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?Awesome?
Enjoyed this series a lot. The Director did a great job in expressing Ma Ke’s character here. I think the female lead’s character could have been done better though.The evolution of the story is amazing. It wasn’t ruched nor was it too slow. It has a good balance in the way the story was relayed on screen.
You may get exasperated sometimes with the FL character being stubborn to the extent that it wasn’t logical anymore but the rest of the series made up for it.
At the end I just wanted Ma Ke to get what he wanted 😂 I felt bad for him.
The costumes were excellent. The stunts were done well. I highly recommend this series to anyone. It may be old but it’s still a great watch.
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Creatively done
This is my first Japanese BL series I watched. I like the simplicity of the storyline. I think they could have done a little better in providing a background for the main character at the start to provide an idea of how he behaves. You have to wait til towards the end of the episode to have a clear idea of the lead character’s behavior. As a viewer, my curiosity is what kept me watching. I’m glad that they continued the story. It is nicely done and there’s a segment where it’ll get your heart pumping.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Writer’s angst???
Safe to say this is a fantasy themed series. I only completed 4 episodes and might still change my rating and review after completion of the series .The writer piled up every suffering on the rich lad. Pretty much only two things going for him, son of a tycoon and his good looks and even lost being a child of a tycoon as a start. Left, right, up, down there’s constant issues thrown at this rich lad. Not educationally savvy, hard father, wicked step-mother, anxiety disorder, then turned poor, bullied by classmates, evil female friend, only person who saves him occasionally don’t like him, etc. what else ??? I’m exhausted just imagining what this kid if being put through. Then at the end he probably will also lose the two things that makes him feel content: parents and girlfriend. Then return to being a rich tycoon son, wicked stepmom, devil of an uncle and a brutal father.
I wish the story is more balanced out. My heart aches watching this series and still debating if I should continue or save myself the anxiety.
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