Springsummer286

A Giant in Acting and Cinematography for the genre

Acting wise, I think most actors here are picked for their acting skills rather than looks alone. Rarely seen a cast so complete with great actors. Yang Mi surprises me but I am happy she has a breakthrough. She looks more beautiful here than in all those Xianxia dramas she was in. Ou Hao is new to me. I almost can’t believe that such fine actor exists. Raw. Tan. Simpleton facial features but with a beautiful smile and dimples. Bulky yet not gym- like muscular. So real. As for cinematography, you have to watch it to love it. So authentic.

Storyline. The drama didn’t hesitate to tell the story as how they imagine life to be like in the day. Not everyone ends up with a good ending. Even though it was unfair eg Susu’s case, that’s how we think would be the story for her. The only part I didn’t like was NiWei coming back as a Japanese traitor. Too typical and predictable. He should just be written off as a bandit and end up being rounded up since he kind of supported what his dad was doing. He was old enough to understand unlike this little brother who ended up growing into a good person. The older actors especially the mum in law is of another level. Her every movement, voice , accent, actions are so well done. She deserves an award. The father is a well known actor. So no surprises. But the father in law was a pleasant surprise . He started as a selfish greedy person but as the drama unfolds he is pretty endearing. His death was so emotional. I even look up the actor profile to check his past works. Small eyes with gigantic expressions. The farming story he told before dying is a classic.

It’s so scary to see how they lived so poorly. Yet it’s heartwarming at the same time to see them happy when the land is doing well. Things we take for granted like safe home, clean food and water, machines to help our chores were non existent. How the entire family agree or disagree over little things like buying a cow is priceless. Like their lifeline. Makes me want to visit and stay in one of these farms. They should use the set for eco tourism.

Overall super well done. Deserve many awards including one for Yang Mi. Such great acting overall.

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One of the Best!

This is my first ever review because I feel so compelled to do justice to this drama.

If you are a historical drama fan, you must watch this. Although the events and characters sometimes have some fictional elements (which I think they did on purpose to avoid censorship problems) the main plot and most of the events were played out nicely, down the the smallest details. As I watched this and read Wikipedia about each of these characters it really brought me joy in learning about Song Dynasty.

Some people don’t want to watch this due to bias against older actors/ actress (me included). But in the end I found them to be skillful and refreshing in telling this story. For those of us who knows the legend of Civet Cat replacing Crown Prince, this is the story itself but less vicious; more logical.

Wonderful to watch this without too much harem in-fighting and seeing a realistic portrayal of an Emperor, whom in spite of his status has a very hard life. He loves only one person and remains faithful through his embrace, gaze and need of spending time with her; yet he had to seduce other women in order to produce an heir (tastefully and sexily done …). He is also a fair person who doesn’t discard the women once he got his heir but to honor them best he could.

The main couple though in love evolved their love into a very mature relationship where they go through heart breaking decisions together. I sometimes feel so bad for them and wish they’re able to love like a normal couple.

Politically this drama also plays out the stress that the Emperor goes through and no wonder they die young whilst some ministers lived through 3 generations of Emperors. This is truly a bad for health job.

Everyone acts so well in their roles. Vic Zhou tends to have this pained , eye-squinting expression when he portrays the older weaker emperor. But he is very charming nonetheless. Even his consorts talk about his piercing eyes and good looks and how they all really love him. This includes the empress (Liu Tao) whom he loves so much.

This drama is a gem for people who likes to see a good quality set, high standards in acting, costumes, attention to every detail including etiquette and ceremonies. Amazing! Go watch it and you will be surprised how good it is. Some says initial editing was bad. I don’t think so. You just need to pay attention to the story. They make every episode counts and it’s paced so well that 61 episodes is not too long. I finally found something that is equal to Glory of Tang Dynasty which ‘wow’ me 3 years ago in a similar way.

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Brilliant Storytelling and Acting

I don’t normally watch modern C drama because most of the time it’s so cliche. There is always an annoying FL best friend who will end up with the guy’s (almost always a rich handsome young CEO) assistant. And also an ex gf somewhere. But this one, although has most of the usual characters, turns out to be realistic.

Acting wise
The acting by both ML and FL are brilliant. Sun Li is already well known for her historical dramas acting but this is the first time I watch her in a modern drama and I am blown away. She is miles ahead of all other c actresses to date. Her portrayal as a woman who lost everything including marriage and career overnight is amazing. I think it’s how she uses small gestures to express her character that makes all the difference. As for the ML, this is my first time seeing him. He is very annoying to be honest and I kept wondering why they didn’t find a better looking and less annoying actor. In the end I realise it’s probably because he can act so well and manage to bring out the character itself. Everyone else is ok. I like the fact that there isn’t too much over dressing or make up. Everyone is normal. And has their own little story. Main characters were fleshed out brilliantly with their flaws including the leads.

Storyline
Not very unique but as mentioned very well told. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness, learning to stay grounded and humble. No one is bad or good. It’s always circumstances that decides if one is seen as good or bad. So yes, you will still like it and want to know what comes next or how it pans out.

This is worth watching unless you’re after an idol love story . Love the song Ke Xi Ai Ren by Sun Li. So beautifully sung . I am waiting for it to be available on Spotify!

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Realistic portrayal of love and regrets against modern China’s progress in last 5 decades

I came here to watch Zhou YiWei after discovering this charismatic actor in The Rebel Princess. Once again he has proven how great an actor he is. His realistic portrayal of the main lead made me wanna pick up the phone and call him to tell him to be nicer to the female lead! If only I could do that.

Storywise
This is an epic of love and regrets, amongst two best friends who fell for the same guy during their teenage years. Many of us have experienced this. Of course this is dramatised but the realism comes from the fact that at that age there is always an ultra popular guy whom everyone loves and he being immature, flirts back although he actually likes this very goody girl who ended up falling in love for the first and last time. The greatness of this simple story lies in the backdrop of how China progresses in past 40 years from Maoism to Socialism to now almost Capitalism in terms of wealth and power. Nice history class as a bonus here.
*Spoiler* ZYW portrayed this handsome attractive young man QiWei who messed up his relationship but got a second chance with the good woman ShuRong. Then he blew it again by rekindling his vulnerability for the other girl Xin Mei who is so selfish that we want her dead. Many people, hate QiWei for being heartless whilst watching this but I can see that QiWei instantly regretted what happened. The issue was he didn’t have the mental strength to deal with it . Instead, he succumbed to pressure and lost all his personality and became this guy who just wants to have some peace at home. He quietly blamed himself for breaking up his own little family and never dared to face ShuRong . So I don’t think he was heartless or didn’t love her anymore. He thought that Xinmei needed him more since she fights for his love openly. He didn’t realise ShuRong , not fighting for her man does not mean she was ok. Instead her heart breaks in silence everyday ever since. She is the typical good girl who is also very brave to walk away. Xinmei took advantage of both of their weaknesses and got what she wants. She even proposes to him and force it on him. He proposed to ShuRong and they looked genuinely happy. Even QiWei thought he had fallen in love totally with Xinmei but if you watch the last scene and think carefully he remembered his first date with ShuRong and he said ‘if he could start over….’ before stopping himself. Also I never figured out when he fell so hard for. Xinmei. He was more impressed by her pursuit of him and too proud to let it go when he was dumped by her after falling out of grace. He wanted the apology as his ego was hurt. This weakness caused him his entire life happiness. He is a pitiful character. Xinmei is plain selfish . She gets whatever she wants in whatever way she could. Lies, backstab and even sleep around to get her way. She had a crush on QiWei but I don’t think she loved him until maybe after many years together. He was more of a prize to show off and to spoil ShuRong’s life for she is so jealous of her friend who is happy and loved. She must see ShuRong suffer the loss of her one true love. She said it so many times as though QiWei is a prize.

Acting wise
Too good.. Zhou YiWei could make us remember our first loves and also make us wanna beat him up for giving up such a good woman and family for a selfish woman. Maybe it’s sex? Xinmei was always wearing more attractive clothing in her voluptuous body compared to ShuRong who dressed prettily but not sexy. Later he also slips into this old man look and personality who wants peace by being a ‘yes’ man at home. He and his reading glasses and slow gestures shows he was a trapped man who lost his fire. Great acting. I almost forgot this is the great general Xiao Qi in the Rebel Princess. A+

Mao Linlin was perfect as ShuRong. She is so pretty even as a grandmother. Omg. How did they think of her hairstyles and dresses .. so perfect. So sweet. And yet so strong to deal with the abuse and betrayal. Her hurt face and silent tears were on cue and last scene with QiWei was a perfect acting scene by two good actors. Why is this actress not more famous I am not sure. Maybe she married a real life Prince Charming after this drama. A

Ada Liu as Xinmei. Voluptous enough to show that she does use her looks to attract males and uses her tears to get her way. So many times! If it doesn’t work she lied and even used her own body to do it. Acting wise not bad but overact at times . Too evil. Not so realistic to always pick a fight and raise her voice. It could be more controlled. B

The rests. Average to good but the young actors portraying their grown up kids were not good. Need more acting school. C

Music is beautiful if you understand the lyrics. It actually questions when did QiWei even stopped loving ShuRong. I think the song is sang from ShuRong’s view point. She wonders…. That’s why she never stopped and could not stop loving the man. Too tired and good to fight and prefer to love from a distance.

Overall I think is a good drama if you can accept a realistic ending. In real life it is like this. Many people have to love from a distance. If you want a boy meet girl then breakup then marry other people then come back together drama then this is not for you. Anyway….how many people do that in real life? None I can think of.

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So boring that even Ryan Cheng can’t save it

I had high hopes for this drama. Two beautiful and not over exposed rising stars. The story started well but very quickly turned silly because the director is expecting us and every smart character in the drama to be so stupid to believe that

1) a person with super skinny female physique without a hint of workout / muscle to be a bad ass fighter and war hero- general who can best the physically stronger men. I am a very skinny and petite woman. Not disrespecting the physique for sure but I know the limitations of my size.

2) Just because FL wears a mask all her life when her identity was stolen everyone believed that her brother is her. How? This is a man’s physique, a deeper voice. It makes it sound like everyone only looks at a mask to identify a person. Can’t they at least try to work into the story for her to physically disguise herself with thicker clothes higher shoes etc to make the contrast less obvious?

On top of the above issues there is no real storyline except a stolen identify, the usual c drama corrupt Minister, and the FL going around a cold face ML. And of course a love triangle with a love sick 2nd ML. There is constant conflicts and wars that never lead to anything specific.

I tried very hard to keep going to see them getting together but even that desire can’t keep me committed. So what if they get together. They don’t seem to have much chemistry. They tried to act in love but it’s not convincing.

I still like Ryan Cheng Lei for his good looks and composure. But unfortunately this drama is not good for Zhou Ye. She has become annoying

Don’t recommend at all.

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Started well but quickly turn bland

I came here hoping that I can find the magic with RJL again. He is my first C drama crush and I was so into everything about him. But after Glory of Tang Dynasty and Under The Power (his best works) NOTHING is impressive. In fact I think he has gone backwards in his acting as he gains fame. He has no more expression except an upset or cold face. Even worse, he has been so obsessed in real life about staying slim that he is looking gaunt and unimpressive as a hero. Lost his beautiful smile and face. In addition, he has become even more soulless and one dimensional as he starts to dub his own drama. OMG. He has zero intonation and everything is so boring when he is speaking. As for the FL, this is my first time watching her. Not bad and quite natural and sometimes cute too. But together there is zero chemistry. Not believable as RJL is like a walking zombie reciting his lines. Personally so disappointed because he was my biggest hero for a while.
As for the story it’s actually quite nice. But it got a bit draggy in some areas and this diluted the anticipation and plot. Music is not bad but due to the other factors I can’t remember them.

I decided to finish watching after investing up till Ep25. But I am considering skipping future RJL dramas. Can’t stand watching more one dimensional soulless acting. If you haven’t started I think you just skip this. Unless for some reason you still like RJL. As an update to my previous review 2 days ago I must say I am slightly happier watching RJL in the last 2 episodes. At least he smiles and largely stopped furrowing his eyebrows like he is pissed with the entire world. Everyone else even the big brother and the second male lead are more fun to watch and have more acting range than RJL.

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Great to watch for the first 2 stories only.

This drama would be 10 /10 for first 2 parts and 3/10 for the last part. Hence my overall rating is 7.5. And I dropped after episode 25. Didn’t want to continue wasting time on the last part.

This drama started so well and continued to be so engaging until the second story ended. These first two parts are so well acted, with tight and fast paced plots. The first arc was beautifully narrated with some real beautiful people ie Cheng Lei, Jelly Lin as the main leads. The story was simple yet powerful in showing how unchecked corruption and wastage can ruin families and a nation. The love story was subtle yet strong. Second arc was equally strong. Although there were some annoying characters here eg the sister in law who loves to shout instead of talk like a normal person, I feel that the drama is trying to be realistic to what life was then. How early communist leaders and members got carried away with their ideals and abuse the so called intellectuals. It’s quite sad to see how low educated people was given power and they didn’t know how to handle the power and responsibilities, hence abused good people who did not have anything to do with the decadent and corrupt practices of the past. Again the love story between the leads were beautifully told. Mature love without super attractive leads. Yet I was so touched by their love. The actor is so good. The third story arc unfortunately is so boring. Again there is a character liuling who just acts like a hooligan. Boring storyline trying to show 1980s /90s China trying to open its economy. Acting was flat. I wish they had focused on a more romantic storyline to portray this era eg how people separated to pursue dreams overseas etc. instead it kept going on about factory and garment production. So bad that I dropped the drama with 5 episodes to go. No point for me to continue because I didn’t enjoy this part at all.

I still recommend this drama but just watch the first two stories.

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Amazing family drama with Amazing Actors

This drama is amazing. People who grew up in traditional Asian families in the past 30-40 years would resonate with the family vibes. Parents who are over bearing and show love by scolding and then secretly worrying and crying. China’s progress in the background is an added bonus for us who like history. And it’s really amazing to see how China have progressed. Just go look at the cities today vs what you see in the drama.

ML is such a great actor. The ML’s character is so endearing , very cute, toothy infectious laughter, , always with a silly smile yet he hides a big ambition to grow and contribute to people and places he loves. Elvis Han deserves a bigger reputation and fame than many actors today. I suspect his dramas are mostly aired and catered to local audience and not international ones as I can’t find most of them on overseas platforms.

FL is amazing as usual. This is my third drama of hers in a row, after I discovered her in recent drama Wild Ambition Bloon. Her acting is powerful, natural and versatile, comparable to Sun Li. She too deserves more fame.

The story although good can be a little unrealistic at times. In particular, how the MIL keeps the ML‘s ID book even though he is a grown adult and family breadwinner…thus causing him to not be able to get his marriage registered and officiated for 9 years. Not possible. Secondly, the SFL character. She made someone’s husband abandon his family and young son for a period of time because she insists that he has to help her in her rehabilitation. It’s borderline blackmailing him by threatening him that otherwise she will die. It’s ridiculous. She has enough money to hire the best nurses to help her. She is so selfish. Luckily although she schemed her way to make his mother force him to marry her and abandon his real wife and son, fate has it that it didn’t happen. Luckily her character didn’t turn typically evil and ML was so resolute in never giving in. I love ML for this. He never waivered inspite of all kinds of pressure and blackmail to marry SFL.

Overall this is a very good drama. Not typical in terms of key challenges and love triangle’s. Highly recommend this.

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Great Drama. My View of What Happened to the two couples. FL / ML, President and Hongmei

I came here to watch Sun Li after bingeing on her recent dramas. But what I got was multiple folds of satisfaction and delight.

Acting
There is nothing more to say about Sun Li. She is the Queen of C drama. Every main character is a class A act. So good, small gestures or not, each emotion is played to perfection. Even the smaller role like the loan shark Cui, he gave me the goosebumps when he threatens the ML. I was actually scared. Special mention is the President. He is so subtle and good and you will grow to see his charms and understand why a woman would find him attractive. It’s not the title or money alone. It’s the man. Mark Chao as ML looks a little youthful for FL Sun Li. Physically he looks great with He Yao. That’s the only blip. But in the end you do need these two great actors to be the couple. ML is super charming. He is not the typical fair and made up pretty face. He is tan, no fancy makeup but he has great haircut, superb posture, great dressing, cute grin and a sense of masculinity that keeps you focusing on him.

Story
It’s a realistic portrayal of office politics and bullying. The FL also experiences the difficulties of a corporate female who wants to be taken seriously for her talents in an industry dominated by men. Also realistic is the fact that the only woman in the management team is the HR Director. I vouch for this as I lived through the FL‘s experience to rise to the C level. I ended up reliving the journey I went through. So I can say this is very well told!

Ending
Unfortunately the ending was rushed and two important matters weren’t explicitly explained.
1) Did ML and FL get back together. My take is, they finally ended up on the same side and both are satisfied that they have achieved this without compromising their own principles which led them to break up in the first place. I think they finally believe that they can pick up their love for each other from where they left off and this time they will be successful. It’s good to see ML never doubted his love and didn’t even give He Yao a chance in spite of the temptation of instant success. Hence he deserves the FL again.

2) FL’s best friend Hongmei and the President. Hongmei is the most annoying character for 38 episodes out of 40 as far as I am concerned. I didn’t understand how the two can be best friends when Hongmei acts like an idiot next to the smartest girl. She can’t speak properly. Acts like she is voiceless. Dresses sloppily as an HR executive when the boss is so polished. Has no opinion at home. Lives a miserable life. The most annoying part is she is so untidy looking. That stupid hairdo. An untidy ponytail to work in a big company and she wonders why is she not as successful as FL. Anyway, in the end (rightly or wrongly) she redeemed herself by walking out on her fiancée who is such an ass. She is right. She lives like a pauper sharing a small flat that has no toilet or bathroom. It’s so dirty and I kept wondering how they do their morning business in the common washroom with multiple tenants like this. Yuks. Yes she ended up with the President, although we don’t know as a mistress or girlfriend (in the case if he has no wife). We don’t know this as there is no mention of a wife. I think what happened was, Hongmei knew President somewhat likes her (perhaps she is the most simple minded person he has around him and it gives him comfort since everyone else is like a shark waiting for his blood. He can be a normal person with her. No need to strategise). She took a chance and took a ride home when he offered (FL was also offered the same ride but declined) and lied that she lives in a nice apartment along his way home. The scene cut to him dropping her off, she figured out how to go back to her slum home …and when she got home and saw what she saw, she packed and left her fiancée. I guess what wasn’t showed was that the President figured out she didn’t live in that nice apartment and offered her a chance to move there if she is willing. She took up that offer after returning home and saw that she has no hope in the fiancée who is useless, unambitious and probably would live in a miserable or slumdog lifestyle forever. The choice she made is quite clear. She had a mighty President who is nice to her. He is not sleazy but just older. Very respected, wise and respectful. The fiancée is indifferent, and not very respectful or attentive and useless.

Overall a great drama. Wish they showed the last two bits as I guessed above. But it’s ok. I think I can live with this imagination instead.

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Good production and storyline, but leads lack chemistry making it a waste

The production of this drama is of high quality with right pacing. There isn’t any boring episodes although the last few episodes did drag out the fighting a little.

For a fan of all 3 leads I was looking forward to this drama. But strangely when you put them together it falls so flat. Let me explain my thoughts
1) Ren Jialun was my first C drama super crush. I was so obsessed and charmed by him in The Glory of Tang Dynasty. But since then the only good acting and drama that came from him is Under The Power. I can’t finish anything else with him to the extent that I stopped liking him. The issue is, I think he has stagnated in his acting or has become too self-conscious. He constantly frowns and have this pout or stone face trying to act cool. Dude. Relax. You were so relax and good in GOTD. It has become so boring when he is on screen these days. Just same old single expression. And his chemistry with FL is hardly there. Like there is a barrier. Again in GOTD he was so natural and convincing that I thought he was really in love with Jing Tian. C

Jeremy Tsui is super charming in most dramas. I like him here too. Always deliver. Very expressive. But this script here is illogically making him obsessed over the FL at one stage. Perhaps it’s due to the lack of on screen chemistry and compatibility. He was so good with Andy An in Legend of Dugu and in Autumn Ballad. That’s how it should be. Something just lacks here. B+

Li Landi is very pretty. But she has lost her innocent or cute look. Maybe she has lost weight. Go watch her in Dreaming Back to Qing Dynasty with Wang Anyu. They were so young but so good. Even in the Starry Love, she was so convincing. I think she is miscast here and just not able to generate any spark with either men. This FL role needs someone with really strong character who can handle hurt and deception at a young age. She just cannot. B-

With the 3 leads together, the older casts like Lord Pei Yan’s mum and the Emperor became the real acting powerhouse, even convincingly conveyed the emotions of their young spurned love and sacrifice. Worth mentioning that minor actors that played Mr. Cui and Ms Dong had more sparks than the leads.

Overall the drama has a good story but falls very flat with the acting or lack of chemistry amongst the leads. I think RJL has run out of ideas on how to act and think too much. Maybe he needs to get some acting classes to learn more expressions. Even with a sad background surely the character can afford a smile and don’t need to knit his brows all the time.

Watch if you still like them. Otherwise it’s a torture watching your favourite actors ‘reading scripts’.

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Like a Practice Drama for new comers

I watched this after all the hype. Some people may like it but I fail to see anything of value in this drama. All the actors apart from the FL is amateurish and look like they’re yet to graduate from acting school. ML
Is ok but still far from the normal actors we see on screen in terms of acting naturally.

Story wise there is not much to figure out. It’s like a story where you know exactly what happens because it has been used many times except that this is in fast forward mode.

Don’t waste your time even if you don’t know what to watch after a great drama. Be patient rather than wasting your 30 ep x 10 mins on this.

And I have heard comments that FL is voluptuous. I totally agree. Her body shape is non typical of any C drama actress … this is a plus for diversity. The only plus of this drama.

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A Good Legal Drama but characters’ development is flawed

Overall, I enjoyed this drama and appreciate the acting from most casts. The legal cases presented were realistic and they were solved with decent depth and explanation. It’s good to see that everyone has conflicts and weaknesses. That’s real life. No such thing as a perfect person. However I feel let down with the over dramatised characterisation of the FL and the young lawyer Xia Shu.

What’s good?
1) Acting of key characters including the supporting casts are decent to good. No one is too awkward in portraying their roles. The FL lead can act. I may not like her character (see below) but the actress is good. She is natural and has small talks and movement that make her acting stand out. ML is a good looking mature guy. Acting is good too. Good pairing.

2) Cases are good and realistic in terms of their resolution. Most characters including Mentor Mei is imperfect. That makes the drama interesting as it’s not predictable.

What’s not so good.
1) Character development for FL is not so good. She went through a lot as a betrayed spouse in deep debt. It’s understandable that she hesitated for a long time before accepting ML’s pursuit. However what I dislike is, she verbally abuses him all the time. Initially yes, they didn’t understand each other and he did come across as unscrupulous. But cmon after so long and so many episodes where he helped her and many others, she continued to abuse him verbally, never took him seriously when he gets serious and try to be nice, disrespectful and insensitive towards him eg asked him to accompany her to wait for Xia Shu in middle of the night as she was scared of the stalker then immediately dismissed him like a rag when her friend is back. That’s plain rude and disrespectful. He on other hand has developed into a better person. Hence overall I don’t like the FL . I agree with the ending where ML sort of gave up on their relationship even though he loves her so much because she doesn’t gave him confidence that she will have his back when he is down and invalid. It’s a genuine concern and I feel sorry for him. The love of his life is not reciprocal in terms of emotional attachment. I think FL loved her first husband more. In Season 1 she took almost the entire season to decide to report his blatant fraud and abandonment to the police. It even caused her mother’s live and yet she hesitated .

Second bad character was Xia Shu but it improved a lot in mid season 2. How can a smart person who graduated in Law from USA behaves like a total idiot at work? You get privilege but you also need to show some professionalism. Playing video game in office. Wearing shorts to work, making blatant mistakes during cases. I didn’t believe she even went to high school. And it continued even after she was supposed to fall from grace and became poor. Her car, taken by her ex BF and she had to make such a huge effort to take it back??? Just make a policereport that someone stole your car is probably easier no? Unrealistic.

Since I am here I like Qiu Hua the SFL best. She has grown and is mature and logical. Even marrying the person she didn’t love due to gratitude and yet she did her best to stay in the marriage. It’s realistic to show her marriage dilemma as she deserved better. The husband simply doesn’t align with her in any way. The scriptwriters should have given her a better man who loved her and she could love him back just as much.

Overall a good drama except for some flaws above,

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Fast Paced and Great Acting.

Many reviewers have written a lot about the plot. To me it is decent and quite refreshingly acted out. Rebirth is not overused. As I see it she might be a Saintress (like some spiritual thing due to her mother’s lineage). Hence she could tell the future and have a glimpse of her past live.

FL lead actress has always been a good actress and chemistry queen with her MLs. This drama is no exception. If you have watched Glory of Tang Dynasty with her and Ren Jialun , her character in these two dramas have some similarities in their suffering and love for the eventual emperor. Many people love the ML actor. Truth is this is the first drama where I appreciate his acting. However it annoys me that he only whispers most of the time when everyone is talking at a normal tone. Wish Zhang Wanyi can dial back that unique speaking manner and not make it annoying instead. I am sure many are annoyed at some point.

Why is no one talking about Zhen official and the Princess Fuqing. This Zhen character is so charming. Steadfast. Smart. Pure in his love. Both he and Princess Fuqing really make my heart warm. Love these two.

I have throughly enjoyed this drama. Not to mentioned it’s beautiful sets and costumes. Love the head pieces

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Most beautiful OST

When I first watched this I only knew Vic Chou as someone from F4 fame. His initial appearance didn’t impress me; as he seemed a bit round in the face and his character Yin Xue is a bit strange and Yin Xue’s story didn’t seem to join properly with the plot’s timeline.

But wait… be patient and by the end of the drama I cried for Yin Xue (not because he died, don’t worry this is a happy ending drama) I kept rewatching the last episode to see his expression. This guy either knows he is very charming or he is quite playful by nature. So cute!

Story-wise at first it seemed like a typical jianghu drama with endless fighting to be the leader but the real story is a multi-layered story across lifetimes. Brotherhood, Insecurities. Ignorance, Selflessness, Obsession…all played out beautifully in the name of love.

Lastly the OST is so beautiful that I am so glad I know enough Chinese to read the lyrics and sing them everyday whilst driving my car 😊

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