Chef's Kiss kind of Chinese Drama
Let me first start on its introduction, it wasn't as impactful as every other scenes but it created a pathway for a great story to unfold.If anyone says anything bad about this story regarding its pacing, then maybe they can't stand such a propely paced story at all. I love how the characters weren't rushed into having their character development, unlike other dramas do (like literal two episodes and they're completely overturned in terms of personality lol). Definitely an top tier on the factor of character development, especially the villains. All of them were so well-written in why they ended up turning like that. My personal favorite was Hao Du, loved how he started from killing anyone that goes against the way of his mission to a literal sweatheart to his wife and serving her every needs even if it cost him his own life.
Now the actors and actresses, they picked the people on point! Dilrabra and Wu lei performed sooo well in this drama, struck my heart with their talents and skills like a cupid <33 love them. I also appreciate Zhao Lusi a lot, she's a very popular actress now, and this is one of her earlier dramas, she really is a talented actress. Liu Yuning was also phenomenal here, although he had small screen time compared to the main characters, his acting was showcaswed.
AND NOW the certainly most unique part of this drama, the one that really brings the flavour out... the world building! (well for me) I love how the story sequenced its events, which made out a sort of map on its viewers mind what kind world is being built for the watchers out there, and it was certainly not a bore. I really liked how they showed that on our Female Lead's Journey, her from her birth place and being a commander to military advisor to different places along with leading armies which kind of highly aided to how the world building was created beautifully!
Overall, this was such a good show! one of the best if you ask me! I'm so looking forward for the drama's of Dilrabra, Wulei, Lusi, and Yuning this year!!
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Right mixture between drama and relationships.
It was a while since I last watched a historical drama, and I was unsure of the quality of this one. Before diving in, I read a few reviews that gave me a bit of hope, and damn, it started off really well. Usually, any series that manages to hook me does so with an intriguing introduction, typically in episodes 1–2, and this drama absolutely nailed that.Unfortunately, I didn’t fully read the synopsis beforehand, so I got really confused when the characters suddenly switched identities. I had already grown attached to the original actress playing the female protagonist in the first few episodes, which made me hesitant, I actually protested a bit internally, thinking I’d much prefer the old actress over the new one.
But as I continued watching, I slowly became attached to Zhi. Her dynamics with the male lead gave me a lot of mixed feelings. I’m honestly such a sucker for K-dramas where the female lead is a supposed villainess — hated by the male lead at first, only for him to fall deeply for her. I was kind of wishing for that angle here. I guess it was just the face-swapping twist and my own expectations talking. Don’t get me wrong, I really did love Yang Caiwei with Pan Yue, and the whole identity switch was at the heart of the drama. That contrast— between appearance and soul— was truly the beauty of it all.
I initially watched this for Liu Xueyi because I adored him in Kill Me, Love Me, and who knew I’d end up staying for Ju Jingyi? Her character development was great, shifting from a seemingly wicked woman to someone genuinely sincere. I also liked the second couple a lot. I was really rooting for them to end up together, and while they sort of did, that ending still stings (I hated how it wrapped up for them!).
The story had just the right blend of emotion and intensity. While the actors still have room for growth, they carried the story well and gave heartfelt performances.
Season two or not, I truly hope this drama gets the recognition it deserves. It was a captivating ride with twists, growth, and a lot of heart, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
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Indeed a beautiful tragedy.
This has long been in my list for a while. I have seen a summary of this story from tiktok which was written that this drama is bound to make you cry to some scenes and laugh to the main characters' banters, which was down right my alley.I didn't expect much when I first started this drama because at today's mainstream drama, a lot high quality ones were competing with each other and I just suddenly decided to watch one from years ago. And boom, it certainly exceeded the expectation i had when i first read the reviews, people who were giving thia drama 10/10 were certainly right. RESPECTFULLY, this drama would shine in today's time, i just love the effort in creating a quality series for this story, how they sourced the original material was amazing!
Overall, the casting was perfect, the actors and actresses are truly skillful. They have really shown the beauty of their own characters. I also totally commend the pacing and the world-building, mannnn, it was really planned out and was executed so well. Would totally rewatch this show after a few years passes.
A MUST WATCH GUYS!!
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