This review may contain spoilers
Untangling misconceptions | Understanding both perspectives is essential | MLs a walking Green Flag!
"In front of your beloved, you'll always be a child in this life." - Wen Shi / Pei Wenxuan's Mother.
Sometimes, it's really unwise and unadvisable to read reviews and watch spoilers before watching a drama. Because, what do you mean I stored this well-written story on the side for a couple of years just because I was influenced by some negative critiques I read online? Absolutely my mistake! Anyways...
In summary, I think the story was able to skillfully tackle a side of the "Rebirth plot" that isn't normally touched upon or addressed. Typically, it always revolves around "changing and correcting" what has happened, but for this drama, it's all about "clarification and acceptance."
At first, I had the impression that this would be another regret and repentance-themed plot. However, as the story progresses, I realized that they're neither focused on both, but more on learning what actually transpired and why it occurred in the first place. With that idea, I realized that they were not given the chance to relive their earlier lives to change and correct past decisions. Rather, the chance was given to make Princess Li Rong realize that she was already on the right path; It's just that she allowed her emotions to get the best of her—I am being subjective and character-specific here, as she was the only one who seemed confused and kept in the dark about the events of their previous life. Which prevented her from performing critical observation and rational analysis, ultimately resulting in the tragic and sorrowful conclusion of their previous life.
The story itself was nicely written. I appreciate that most of the scenes were straightforward and progressive—which helped to better represent the current mental age of the three characters who went back to their previous lives. While the resolution to the conflict was masterfully built and executed. I'm glad that they focused on resolving the issue, instead of making it unnecessarily big and overly dramatic. This helped the story avoid any additional immature and irrational conflicts that are often used in rebirth/time-travel themed dramas and allowed it to focus entirely on the pressing matters that made them remorseful and unsatisfied with their past lives.
The ending was presented in an unexpected yet reasonable manner that perfectly aligns with the title, 'The Princess Royal.' I honestly find it weird and amusing how they pushed the 'Regent Princess Royal' agenda. It was unprecedented, and I have never seen the concept utilized so positively before in any other dramas. However, I am glad that it ended that way, for the following reasons:
1. To finally provide a happy ending to Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen after their tragic demise.
2. To prevent the tragedy that occurred in their previous lives from ever happening again.
3. To cement Li Rong's role in the story as the most powerful figure: The Regent Princess Royal.
I also just want to list down some things I love about this production overall.
• I'm grateful that they immediately, on episode 2, discovered that both of them have re-lived their lives. Because of that, they didn't have to waste more episodes guessing why they're treating each other the way they do.
• I love that the story mainly focused on the leads recollecting and analyzing the past situation to gain clarity instead of immediately moving on. Finally, a mature concept.
• More so, I love how they alternately reminisce and reproach each other regarding their past circumstances: Li Rong with her bitter and salty memories of Pei Wenxuan's sentiments for his presumed first love (Qin Zhenzhen), and Pei Wenxuan's endless jealousy towards Li Rong's boy toy (Su Rong Qing). It's giving 'Couple Core'.
Let me also bring up a couple of things that felt a bit off, which could have been better with proper modifications.
×× The mustache in episode 1 looks so fake, I'm cackling! While it looks considerably fine on Pei Wenxuan, it is ridiculously unbelievable on Li Chuan. Since the actor is young, they should have used cosmetics to age him, which would have worked better than simply using a fake mustache.
×× The rain scene was everything—it was beautiful, heartfelt, and intense. The confession, the reproach speech, and them running after each other were so well done. However, as the story went on, it felt like everything went down the drain due to the constant doubts and hesitations, mainly concerning Li Rong's feelings, even after their confrontation. I think this scene would have been better if placed towards the middle part of the story, as it evoked immense emotion and would have served as a wonderful scene in sorting out their feelings and mending their relationship once and for all.
In conclusion, Li Rong wasn't mistaken; she just didn't know the whole story—and that's because Pei Wenxuan never mustered the courage to clarify his feelings to her. Above all, I'm proud that she remained pure-hearted till the end of her supposed first life. She was misguided and perhaps blinded by the fact that her husband loved and cared for Qin Zhenzhen, but what I love about her is that she never used that to harm her. She knew her worth and chose to end their connection, as she's not someone who would ever settle for receiving just a portion of Pei Wenxuan's affection.
P.S. Pei Wenxuan deserves an Honorary Award for being a walking green flag. Li Rong is the luckiest for finding such a loyal, loving, and magnanimous husband who genuinely adores, understands, and dotes on her. This man committed one mistake and never did it again; and in return, he is ready to devote his lifetime to making up for it.
Pei Wenxuan: Your Highness. If I die in the palace today. What will you do?
Li Rong: If you die in Huajing, I will gather the troops and destroy them. Do you understand?
Story - 9.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. The only issue I had was with the "Rain Scene," which I believe would have been more instrumental and effective had it been placed in the middle of the story or used as a device to ultimately resolve their relationship issues. It lost much of its essence because it was added in the first quarter of the story.
Acting/Cast - 10. Each scene was delivered with a great amount of emotion and support, and I never found anyone lacking. I love the lineup of actors and actresses, and was very happy to have finally watched this. This is my first Zhao Jinmai drama, and I consumed it very well. Zhang Linghe's character here is a much lighter and calmer version compared to all of his roles I have watched so far. I would say I love him better here.
Music - 10, Non-negotiable. Why are this drama's OSTs coming at par with how touching, solemn, and soothing K-OSTs are? The songs were never overpowering; they were never distracting. Instead, they are like the wind on a calm sunny day—mild, warm, and comforting. It's as if they are the voices that gently whisper and envelop their message and intentions to its viewers. <3
Rewatch Value - 9.5, I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely re-watch it if given a chance. It's once of the drama I stayed up multiple nights to finish.
Overall - 9.5. My rating would have been a perfect 10 if the rain scene had been positioned more appropriately. Whoever edited this was misled/misguided by the idea that it would be effective to place such a romantic and evocative scene in the first quarter, rather than using it to conclude the romantic conflict between the leads. The sequencing was consequently messed up. Nevertheless, this remains a highly recommendable drama.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
Sometimes, it's really unwise and unadvisable to read reviews and watch spoilers before watching a drama. Because, what do you mean I stored this well-written story on the side for a couple of years just because I was influenced by some negative critiques I read online? Absolutely my mistake! Anyways...
In summary, I think the story was able to skillfully tackle a side of the "Rebirth plot" that isn't normally touched upon or addressed. Typically, it always revolves around "changing and correcting" what has happened, but for this drama, it's all about "clarification and acceptance."
At first, I had the impression that this would be another regret and repentance-themed plot. However, as the story progresses, I realized that they're neither focused on both, but more on learning what actually transpired and why it occurred in the first place. With that idea, I realized that they were not given the chance to relive their earlier lives to change and correct past decisions. Rather, the chance was given to make Princess Li Rong realize that she was already on the right path; It's just that she allowed her emotions to get the best of her—I am being subjective and character-specific here, as she was the only one who seemed confused and kept in the dark about the events of their previous life. Which prevented her from performing critical observation and rational analysis, ultimately resulting in the tragic and sorrowful conclusion of their previous life.
The story itself was nicely written. I appreciate that most of the scenes were straightforward and progressive—which helped to better represent the current mental age of the three characters who went back to their previous lives. While the resolution to the conflict was masterfully built and executed. I'm glad that they focused on resolving the issue, instead of making it unnecessarily big and overly dramatic. This helped the story avoid any additional immature and irrational conflicts that are often used in rebirth/time-travel themed dramas and allowed it to focus entirely on the pressing matters that made them remorseful and unsatisfied with their past lives.
The ending was presented in an unexpected yet reasonable manner that perfectly aligns with the title, 'The Princess Royal.' I honestly find it weird and amusing how they pushed the 'Regent Princess Royal' agenda. It was unprecedented, and I have never seen the concept utilized so positively before in any other dramas. However, I am glad that it ended that way, for the following reasons:
1. To finally provide a happy ending to Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen after their tragic demise.
2. To prevent the tragedy that occurred in their previous lives from ever happening again.
3. To cement Li Rong's role in the story as the most powerful figure: The Regent Princess Royal.
I also just want to list down some things I love about this production overall.
• I'm grateful that they immediately, on episode 2, discovered that both of them have re-lived their lives. Because of that, they didn't have to waste more episodes guessing why they're treating each other the way they do.
• I love that the story mainly focused on the leads recollecting and analyzing the past situation to gain clarity instead of immediately moving on. Finally, a mature concept.
• More so, I love how they alternately reminisce and reproach each other regarding their past circumstances: Li Rong with her bitter and salty memories of Pei Wenxuan's sentiments for his presumed first love (Qin Zhenzhen), and Pei Wenxuan's endless jealousy towards Li Rong's boy toy (Su Rong Qing). It's giving 'Couple Core'.
Let me also bring up a couple of things that felt a bit off, which could have been better with proper modifications.
×× The mustache in episode 1 looks so fake, I'm cackling! While it looks considerably fine on Pei Wenxuan, it is ridiculously unbelievable on Li Chuan. Since the actor is young, they should have used cosmetics to age him, which would have worked better than simply using a fake mustache.
×× The rain scene was everything—it was beautiful, heartfelt, and intense. The confession, the reproach speech, and them running after each other were so well done. However, as the story went on, it felt like everything went down the drain due to the constant doubts and hesitations, mainly concerning Li Rong's feelings, even after their confrontation. I think this scene would have been better if placed towards the middle part of the story, as it evoked immense emotion and would have served as a wonderful scene in sorting out their feelings and mending their relationship once and for all.
In conclusion, Li Rong wasn't mistaken; she just didn't know the whole story—and that's because Pei Wenxuan never mustered the courage to clarify his feelings to her. Above all, I'm proud that she remained pure-hearted till the end of her supposed first life. She was misguided and perhaps blinded by the fact that her husband loved and cared for Qin Zhenzhen, but what I love about her is that she never used that to harm her. She knew her worth and chose to end their connection, as she's not someone who would ever settle for receiving just a portion of Pei Wenxuan's affection.
P.S. Pei Wenxuan deserves an Honorary Award for being a walking green flag. Li Rong is the luckiest for finding such a loyal, loving, and magnanimous husband who genuinely adores, understands, and dotes on her. This man committed one mistake and never did it again; and in return, he is ready to devote his lifetime to making up for it.
Pei Wenxuan: Your Highness. If I die in the palace today. What will you do?
Li Rong: If you die in Huajing, I will gather the troops and destroy them. Do you understand?
Story - 9.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. The only issue I had was with the "Rain Scene," which I believe would have been more instrumental and effective had it been placed in the middle of the story or used as a device to ultimately resolve their relationship issues. It lost much of its essence because it was added in the first quarter of the story.
Acting/Cast - 10. Each scene was delivered with a great amount of emotion and support, and I never found anyone lacking. I love the lineup of actors and actresses, and was very happy to have finally watched this. This is my first Zhao Jinmai drama, and I consumed it very well. Zhang Linghe's character here is a much lighter and calmer version compared to all of his roles I have watched so far. I would say I love him better here.
Music - 10, Non-negotiable. Why are this drama's OSTs coming at par with how touching, solemn, and soothing K-OSTs are? The songs were never overpowering; they were never distracting. Instead, they are like the wind on a calm sunny day—mild, warm, and comforting. It's as if they are the voices that gently whisper and envelop their message and intentions to its viewers. <3
Rewatch Value - 9.5, I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely re-watch it if given a chance. It's once of the drama I stayed up multiple nights to finish.
Overall - 9.5. My rating would have been a perfect 10 if the rain scene had been positioned more appropriately. Whoever edited this was misled/misguided by the idea that it would be effective to place such a romantic and evocative scene in the first quarter, rather than using it to conclude the romantic conflict between the leads. The sequencing was consequently messed up. Nevertheless, this remains a highly recommendable drama.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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