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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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!
Was this review helpful to you?
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. MLIs 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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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
Was this review helpful to you?
A filler drama
The drama is below average. Story is typical and predictable. Seems like it’s a low budget drama for newbies to try out their acting skills. Acting by most casts are below average. The ML doesn’t have the ML x-factor so there is no charm in this. FL is pretty cute in Xiao Zhan’s Condor Heroes but here she looks very average. I think the styling is not good. What’s this curly fringe/ bangs about. Bad styling can definitely spoil one’s look.Overall if you have nothing to do, this is ok. Otherwise it’s a waste of time.
Was this review helpful to you?
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’.
Was this review helpful to you?
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 😊
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
Interesting Story Spoilt by irritating FL
Overall the story is interesting and engaging enough. Production is average in budget hence you cannot expect too much from the set (which is ok). However, the acting of the FL is not good. She overacts as the cheerful and cute person. I think this is Xuan Lu’s first FL role and she looks awkward and it shows in her mannerisms and speech. If she tones it down a bit it would be good, like all her other roles. I actually like her before this drama. Hence it’s disappointing. She is better as a SFL. As for the actor Vengo GAO he is extremely handsome but timeline wise it doesn’t look good as he is supposed to be 25 years old max. VG looks more matured than that and just can’t pull off from that age angle. His extremely handsome face and good acting is the savior. Overall if you have nothing to watch or waiting for new episodes of other better dramas (like me) then this is not bad (better than watching those hyper sexual shallow-story mini dramas).Was this review helpful to you?
Low Budget, Bad acting except the 2 Male Leads
A total disappointment! I was looking forward to this due to the awesome actors like Wang Qizi and Wang Hong Yi. I have seen both in many dramas and although they are not as well promoted, they have been great. But even both of their power can’t save this one. Although I have only watched 5 episodes, things don’t get better. Instead it gets worse with more characters introduced and they reinforce the issue of low level of acting skills.Storyline
Nothing fresh or exciting. The overused plot of FL family being murdered and ML trying to seek revenge for his framed teacher and a love triangle. This is not an issue if it’s done well. The issue is it’s so lazy. Everything seems too convenient eg someone wants to get to know a VVIP, suddenly his friend has an invitation to the VVIP’s house. There is rain and the carriage broke down. Out of no where a hotel popped up. Cmon! Maybe I haven’t given it more time, but honestly there is zero way this can turn into something better.
Acting
Aside from WQZ and WHY, everyone including the FL is not ready for their roles. They are like C or D level actresses and actors. No expression. Can’t act and frankly sometimes not even fitting the description of their roles eg the handsome prince or beautiful spoilt lady. This makes the MLs carry the entire drama and it shows. Such a waste of talent. This drama must have been on shelf for a while as I don’t think WHY especially would take this role given his current successes.
Production
The budget is next to none. I think they must have rented the cheapest set in Hengdian. It’s super unbelievable for the high minister’s house to have unpolished wooden doors. It’s crazy obvious. And the super rich ladies have maid-level hairpins of better productions. I don’t understand why is this so poorly funded and yet they want to be a full length drama. I don’t even want to mention the costumes. They should have done a mini drama that doesn’t need to do much except lots of hot kisses and romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
