This review may contain spoilers
One of the best drama ive watched in recent memory. The enemies to lovers troupe was done perfectly for which the relationship pacing was directed in a believable way. Im a real sucker for attraction at first sight but never love and this drama really pulled me in by how the director and writer build the main couple's relationship. From enemies to allies to friends then eventually lovers. Although the male lead did get subtley swayed by the fl's beauty, it was never a deal breaker for him to suddenly forget his generations of hatred towards the fl's family. I always felt that dramas that opt for the route of beauty to triumph over hatred is lazy writing and a complete distachment of reality. To have a strong and everlasting relationship, attraction and lust is never the answer, but care, discernment and communication is key and the drama really delivered on this point.
Characters
Honestly i think Xiao Qiao is one of the best female lead ive watched so far. As quoted from the drama, she was like water- adaptable, persistant and strong. Yes, she is beautiful but she is so much more than that. Xiao Qiao embodies the tranquility of a calm and peaceful spring lake but will show controlled anger when needed. I love how the drama didnt make her seem like a mary sue where she was born with all the qualities that a female lead should have, but rather she picked it up from her family. The wisdom and strategic mind from her grandad, her love for her subjects from her dad and the attention to detail and care on household matters from her aunt. Xiao Qiao knows when to strategically back off when needed and was never one to demand the ML to see from her perspective. She was never excessively self righteous but rather down to earth and pragmatic .Any sort of misunderstanding was immediately addresed by her and she didnt made any excuses when she was wrong. Even those that had supposedly wronged her, she didnt fight fire with fire but instead seeked a peaceful solution.
Wei shao is a cold blooded and ruthless person that only cares for vengence against those who wronged him. I really enjoyed his duality of being a clumsy husband in love while still maintaining his stern image of being a ruler of a great nation. He enjoys Xiao Qiao's care for him but it doesnt really change his hatred towards the Qiao family. But through Xiao Qiao's constant effort, he finally understood the meaning of love and having a significant other. WS was written as a tortured character that was lonely but finally found solace in XQ that truly understood his wants and needs. She was his missing puzzle piece and the drama conveyed it beautifully.
Chemistry
The chemistry between the leads were so intimate and endearing. The teasing and push and pull was so sweet and cute for a young couple in love. They were so vulnerable with each other and it felt like an invasion of their privacy .
Cast
SZE is my favourite actress right now, the emotional depths displayed by her felt so raw and real. She pulls off the graceful and regal image of a noblewomen so well, but can be childish and cute when angered. Her drunk scene was so effortlessly adorable and never once felt cringey or forced. She is definately a multi faceted actress that truly embodies the character when needed . I didnt even realise she was the bratty kid from The Bond until i looked up her name. A complete win to casting team and cant wait for her new drama coming up.
LYN was someone ive seen in passing in other dramas like the long balled and TSOTPG, but ive never finish any of those drama mainly cause the story felt too draggy. Honestly felt his acting in those drama was passable but nothing ground breaking. But boy brought his acting chops to TPOB and left no crumbs. His scenes as a lovesick puppy craving for attention from his wife was chef kiss and omg his height is so damm attractive.
All the supporting cast did a great job from the villains to the 4 generals. A big shoutout to the actor and actress playing wei liang and xiao tao, as their scenes were so cute.
Pacing
The whole story progressed well with the exeption of the last 3 episodes which felt rush. I felt like the team made the big war scene a little too unrealistic with questionable decisions made by the main villains. I wish the story also didnt dumb down Bi Zhi so much to the point that it made me frustrated.
All in all, the drama was a million times better than its novel counterpart which only emphasized the physical attraction between the MCs with no emotional depth.
With all its flaws, this gem of a drama has officially made me its willing prisoner and i dont see any chance of escaping anytime soon.
Characters
Honestly i think Xiao Qiao is one of the best female lead ive watched so far. As quoted from the drama, she was like water- adaptable, persistant and strong. Yes, she is beautiful but she is so much more than that. Xiao Qiao embodies the tranquility of a calm and peaceful spring lake but will show controlled anger when needed. I love how the drama didnt make her seem like a mary sue where she was born with all the qualities that a female lead should have, but rather she picked it up from her family. The wisdom and strategic mind from her grandad, her love for her subjects from her dad and the attention to detail and care on household matters from her aunt. Xiao Qiao knows when to strategically back off when needed and was never one to demand the ML to see from her perspective. She was never excessively self righteous but rather down to earth and pragmatic .Any sort of misunderstanding was immediately addresed by her and she didnt made any excuses when she was wrong. Even those that had supposedly wronged her, she didnt fight fire with fire but instead seeked a peaceful solution.
Wei shao is a cold blooded and ruthless person that only cares for vengence against those who wronged him. I really enjoyed his duality of being a clumsy husband in love while still maintaining his stern image of being a ruler of a great nation. He enjoys Xiao Qiao's care for him but it doesnt really change his hatred towards the Qiao family. But through Xiao Qiao's constant effort, he finally understood the meaning of love and having a significant other. WS was written as a tortured character that was lonely but finally found solace in XQ that truly understood his wants and needs. She was his missing puzzle piece and the drama conveyed it beautifully.
Chemistry
The chemistry between the leads were so intimate and endearing. The teasing and push and pull was so sweet and cute for a young couple in love. They were so vulnerable with each other and it felt like an invasion of their privacy .
Cast
SZE is my favourite actress right now, the emotional depths displayed by her felt so raw and real. She pulls off the graceful and regal image of a noblewomen so well, but can be childish and cute when angered. Her drunk scene was so effortlessly adorable and never once felt cringey or forced. She is definately a multi faceted actress that truly embodies the character when needed . I didnt even realise she was the bratty kid from The Bond until i looked up her name. A complete win to casting team and cant wait for her new drama coming up.
LYN was someone ive seen in passing in other dramas like the long balled and TSOTPG, but ive never finish any of those drama mainly cause the story felt too draggy. Honestly felt his acting in those drama was passable but nothing ground breaking. But boy brought his acting chops to TPOB and left no crumbs. His scenes as a lovesick puppy craving for attention from his wife was chef kiss and omg his height is so damm attractive.
All the supporting cast did a great job from the villains to the 4 generals. A big shoutout to the actor and actress playing wei liang and xiao tao, as their scenes were so cute.
Pacing
The whole story progressed well with the exeption of the last 3 episodes which felt rush. I felt like the team made the big war scene a little too unrealistic with questionable decisions made by the main villains. I wish the story also didnt dumb down Bi Zhi so much to the point that it made me frustrated.
All in all, the drama was a million times better than its novel counterpart which only emphasized the physical attraction between the MCs with no emotional depth.
With all its flaws, this gem of a drama has officially made me its willing prisoner and i dont see any chance of escaping anytime soon.
Was this review helpful to you?
