This is a wonderful drama with a great story and great directing! The FL and ML characters are amazing, and I…
Zhou Ye and Dong Xuan have great heart-warming chemistry as mother and daughter. Watching each of them is compellingly down-to-earth and relatable (my mother grew up in a small village where we're not going to go into any details of the outhouse "toilets" of that time, and I can see how Dong Xuan as Liu Fen has some similarities but unlike Liu Fen, my mother managed to go to university in a city).
Zhou Ye and Zhai Xiaowen build solid beautiful chemistry from friends to more than that, in such an organic natural manner. Episode 8 handles their relationship evolution and time-skips very well. Previews for episodes 9 and 10 have me a bit nervous for our couple.
Hou Ying has experience as a screenwriter adapting novels for female-centric dramas, focusing on women, inspiration and growth. Given her other dramas as main screenwriter eg 2025's《亲爱的仇敌》ie https://kisskh.at/754331-dear-enemy, I'm happy that "Dream of Golden Years" is an experience where the audience can feel the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the directors and screenwriters during their planning and considerations of this drama.
From the comments I have read so far they re all negative and most telling me not to watch it so should I acc…
I read the novel, before the drama aired. I have also posted a spoiler-free review, with links in it to my forum thread about novel versus drama (to avoid spoilers):
If you had been here when the drama had been airing, you'd see how enthusiastic fellow viewers were. Plots and characters inspired many discussions, and for most of the duration people agreed or disagreed civilly on characters anyone liked or disliked. A lot of binge-watching and sleepless nights and it has been such a lovely page to participate in, That's why this comments page ballooned to more than 17,000 comments when the drama finished airing. The rating is roughly where it is, and fluctuated between 8.9 to 8.6.
Within the recent 4 months, some accounts came onto this page and kept dissing this drama about all sorts of details, including irrelevant details such as the ML being younger than FL in RL and hence affects their chemistry as a couple (but their primary drama that they favoured ie PoB was not an issue that the ML is older than the FL by the same age gap). All four actors and actresses in this drama and POB are mature, so what is the issue?
There's nothing wrong in criticising a drama if someone doesn't like a plot or technical aspect or character. I myself can see flaws and for me, the positives muchly out-weigh the negatives. That said, I don't try to drive away viewers from a drama with repeated comments because someone wants their preferred MDL drama to "be on top" and doesn't like other dramas doing well. Totally ridiculous. And that's only one example from one such account (which referenced the novel they clearly didn't read to claim there's a loophole in one part of the drama), until I finally called out that account for multiple comments of rubbish.
I am not a fan of the ML. And FL left me lukewarm. All this is before watching the drama. After watching the drama, I look forward to the next drama that the ML is in. FL has given me one of the top 3 portrayals of a female general in a C-drama. A majority of the supporting cast turns in strong portrayals, especially the veterans. The supporting cast also have their individual stories, not one-dimensional plot devices.
ML and FL are not going to turn stupid for love. FL is very competent, and the ML recognises her capabilities and how dangerous she is. Amongst couples in C-dramas, this is a mature couple because they are two seasoned capable warriors, and it takes time to lower the guard. They will always have each other's back. The chemistry is assuring and calm, and super-passionate at more than one point. For enemies to lovers, it is refreshing.
Completed this last night, and still can't move on. Absolutely amazing. The acting, the chemistry, the emotion...…
Totally agree! I watched the final episode at least three times. For an ending episode, it is amazingly powerful and poignant and raw yet theatrically lucid. Zhang Yishan, Han Dongjun and Zhang Tian Ai are fantastic in this, with a great supporting cast. Figuring out when to rewatch.
The 1980s is full of reform and opportunities for change, so this is an apt era for our heroine, a 36-year-old…
Broke 7200 heat index on IQiyi by now, but only shows 7000 officially on the posters as of the time of publishing yesterday evening: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5277886278011453
Dong Xuan and Zhao Da are acing their roles as Xia Xiaolan's mother and uncle respectively.
At one point, Zhai Xiaowen ordered coffee every day for fellow cast members. Zhou Ye recounts how Zhao Da is responsible for this happening. Dong Xuan claims the coffee for her could sometimes reach the set before she turned up, depending on the day. Zhai Xiaowen also ordered different flavours of coffee for Zhou Ye every day (which Zhou Ye described as weird to her at times) XD: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5277540269689677
Xia Xiaolan gives 80s HK vibes, while Zhou Cheng is earnestly sweet yet very determined (he hides his stubbornness well). I don't give 8.5 onwards easily. I may adjust my score further up as we go.
I enjoy the business aspects of how the drama conveys Xiaolan's business acumen very naturally and how she is very pragmatically intelligent about her limitations, in episode 3: https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25460362
It is about survival too, and the the day-to-day aspects of challenges is presented in a manner that is gritty but not bleak.
Another well-done aspect is how cautious yet kind Xia Xiaolan is, towards Zhou Cheng. Their friendship is established very naturally after she was initially super-skeptical of him, and yet one can see the sparks of heart-melting promise. I was on the fence at first as to whether Zhai Xiaowen would convince me in this role (he was an earnest charmer in "Love In Pavilion" and then he gave my heart such a heartache), and by episode 7, I'm sold. Post-production editing is also making all this easier to digest. 8 episodes gone. Just like that XD
I believe it is the same basis as how Xia Xiaolan realised clothing was better than electronics as an interim…
In episode 2 at the beginning, there is a flashback to 2015 where she is announced as the second quarter's top-seller of products in her company, receiving a certificate of recognition plus a bonus.
In episode 3, she's demonstrating her business acumen. She recognises the convenience of trading agricultural products such as eggs, but not being a farmer who understands the finer details disadvantages her plus the capital gains from selling eggs is too little ie many days gets her less than 100 yuan, plus no more villagers will sell her ducks eggs because they want to earn the money for themselves.
Electronic items are more profitable, but initial costs for securing products are a deterrent and quotas are necessary, hence not doable.
Then she sees vendors selling clothes from Longcheng. She knows about selling clothing given her inner mental reply, and she is confident in logging inventory to balance costs and profits. Flashback to her in the future, where she has been in sales.
If travel costs are 40 to 50 yuan, and she needs to consider expenditure for 7 days to take a round trip to Longcheng that is approximately a week, and if she only stocks 600 yuan worth of inventory but can only make a profit maximum of 200 yuan, then the trip is not worth it.
Then she asks about oil cakes, which she knows nothing about but saw at Shangdu oil refinery. Pigs eat these cakes, so every household needs to buy these oil cakes. She gets a free ride from the tractor guy plus free transport back to her uncle's house for the oil cakes.
Using the uncle's tricycle, she sells 300 catties of oilcakes per trip at 15 yuan each time. In one month, she will reach her target of 450 yuan and enable a trip to Longcheng. When Xiaolan starts using terms such as implementing industrial upgrading, her "mother" cannot understand.
From this, her business background from the future is handy. BTW, she is a 36-year-old modern executive from the future. This segment shows how observant and realistic she is, about her limitations. Just trying to move one step at a time.
The 1980s is full of reform and opportunities for change, so this is an apt era for our heroine, a 36-year-old…
Retro dramas are a clever way to introduce an audience to the acting chops of an actor or actress. Well-done retro dramas are easy to relate to. Most people wouldn't realise that eating dumplings outside of CNY for villages in that era is unusual, unless you can afford the meat.
They've been kind enough to leave out what a toilet in a household of a village is like, in that era.
The rating should be higher than 8.2. It should be at least an 8.5 to be honest. I’m loving this drama so much…
I gave this a 9.0 because it is solidly enjoyable as a drama in technical and storytelling aspects including editing. Acting of the cast is also a blast!
Up to ep 8, I admired this FL character’s confident. In this story, we know so far that she is in the 80s era…
I believe it is the same basis as how Xia Xiaolan realised clothing was better than electronics as an interim sales step within episodes 3 and 4, after selling duck's eggs while trying to accumulate capital from duck's eggs. Being from the future means she knows what the future of buildings is like, so she can see real estate increased and changed massively, hence the money will be there. Architecture will give her advantages for insight and networking. She demonstrated being aware of networking and sales pitches, in earlier episodes.
I really like episode 7 where Liu Fen demonstrates how she is changing slowly but surely despite being naive and bullied for at least 20 years living in the Xia household, spending more time living in the Xia household than her own family of Liu household. I also enjoy seeing Xia Xiaolan understand her even though they are not truly mother and daughter due to the transmigration. Divorce is unthinkable in the 70s and 80s, and only in the most extreme cases.
The 1980s is full of reform and opportunities for change, so this is an apt era for our heroine, a 36-year-old modern executive who accidentally and irreversibly improves the life of an 18-year-old countryside gal, thus regaining control of her destiny and finding what she lost.
“重活一次，我不仅要自己痛快，也要让我的家人朋友过得痛快。” - This is her main voice, and the emotional core of the story. Through her determination to help those she loves, various touching stories of neighbours and family are connected, as they support each other to move towards a brighter future.
The struggles of college students, villagers, self-employed, other marginalised groups and their improvements are tied to the progress of the storyline. The positive energy realistically inspiring others to remember: A solution is possible if we are dedicated and willing to take necessary steps for success? It doesn't make the survival theme in this drama too bleak, and the aesthetics help to convey a youthful feel of hope and potential for improvements, in spite of poverty.
One of my all time favorites. I’ve watched from beginning to end numerous times over the years - I’m talking…
There's literally no one else who is the God of War Jiu Chen, save for Chang Chen. To have Ni Ni acting opposite him also makes them one of my top 3 C-drama couples of all time. Their acting, be it individual or as a couple, is so wonderfully nuanced and charismatic.
And the rest of the cast complemented the drama in different ways (I prefer the acting, villains and storyline here over TMOPB). Whoever paired the leads and chose many of the casting characters is a genius.
Liu Lingyan and Hou Ying focus on three main directions for the drama:
Business line eg from duck eggs to clothing, eventually real estate investments, dividends as would occur during the changing era etc
Family line includes Dong Xuan's evolution awakening from traditional forbearance to balancing individual boundaries and a mother's love with self-reliance, to transform and improve upon the traditional female consciousness.
Zhou Cheng (Zhai Xiaowen) breaks the stereotype of the boss as a "comrade-in-arms" partner, using the "five-year college entrance examination" and one other time-related issue to highlight the characteristics of the era while conveying his emotional fondness, reliability and consistency to Xiaolan.
Any knowledge from the future does not determine business success and improve the household's socio-economic situation. Success still requires tenacity plus strategies to adapt to local demands and thinking.
There are spoilers in this article, which I leave here :)
If you want to know more about the production ideas, values and presentation of this drama, this is a helpful article. As to Zhai Xiaowen, we'll have to wait at least 10 episodes while the story gets to a certain point, in order to know :D
So far I think there is a lack of emotion in this story, life isn't just black and white it can be grey too, randomly…
As someone who doesn't like Zhou Ye's acting in previous dramas despite liking "Word Of Honor" (and also dropped "The Untamed" due to multiple reasons of not enjoying aspects of that drama), I am very pleasantly surprised by her here. Also because the filters are not OD, her acting comes through in a realistic manner that demonstrates different subtle shades of emotions and caution. She appears subdued in episode 1 (save for when she speaks up), as she figures out what is happening to her and where she is, as she knows she isn't in a safe position. Fight then flight.
She's met so many unpleasant people previously that for the majority of these episodes, she is now a lot wiser in seeing through intentions that she reacts swiftly instead of allowing herself to be used and bullied. It takes at least four episodes for her to be alright with realising and revealing that she is happy.
This drama is an adaptation of a novel with more than 2300 chapters. So far the pace is appreciated with how the story moves through different events advancing the main narrative while revealing traits and growth of various cast members in a show-to-tell manner rather than trying to tell the viewer what to think, otherwise I'd be bored and drop the drama. I like "This Thriving Land" but it is very heavy on a viewer who isn't prepared for super-harsh reality of rural life in 1930s (and that drama was also significantly diluted from the novel). At least in 1983 and 1984, the realities in this drama are less emotionally depressing, but doesn't hide the fact that progress happens at a snail's pace and she has to adapt to the 80s of rural China.
She gets into dangerous moments where she could be badly wounded, or worse. But she has wits, and she fortunately reaches a family that backs her up unlike the one she flees from. Enjoying how she overcomes obstacles and curious to see how she will deal with the latest setback in episode 6, from episode 7 onwards.
Several episodes and chortling zingers later, warm moments, teeth-gritters and thefoodmakesmesohungry- Hugely enjoyable! I forgot I was watching 6 episodes.
Rooting for Xia Xiaolan, a badly-bullied heroine determined to make the most of life and rise up, which Zhou Ye is relishing with restraint and aplomb. Cui Yi (last seen in "How Dare You!") as Bei Shu is an inspiring cheerleader. Several other supporting cast members include Zhao Da protecting Xiao Lan as her amazing uncle, who always have a knack for making me want them to triumph (he was also in "This Thriving Land"). Dong Xuan as Xiaolan's mother Liu Fen is a woman growing to find her strength while turning in a terrific nuanced portrayal of someone who initially exasperated and then made me happy to understand her. Watching Dong Xuan interact with Zhou Ye is incredibly heart-warming and uplifting. A mother-daughter duo that I want to find out more about, and look forward to future episodes with! Curious to see how Xia Xiaolan's loving family members progress with the rest of the drama :D
Speaking of songs from this drama, 90s J-drama musical vibes are absolutely uplifting eg the sonically vibrant duet《绽放（For my love）》by 银河快递 (Galaxy Express) that I have on repeat :https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ErwQzPEAi/
everything of the Chinese version is even better than the original.
Your question of whether someone watched the original or not (and everything else including lack of assessment capabilities) can be answered by reading this thread: https://kisskh.at/748667-wo-de-da-shu#comment-24805186
Ps. They don't know what tvn Asia is, and they don't agree with the official commercial feature segment for "My Mister" aired by tvn Asia in March 2023.
Wow! What a detailed review, like reading a thorough report for this film. So well written, thanks! I can see…
Finished watching it for the third time in the cinema, so now I can answer you.
IMAX is stunning for action scenes and battle and landscapes but also somewhat overwhelming, whereby the emotional impact of various scenes is better experienced in a more-normal cinema setting.
As to a flaw, I have pointed out flaws above for viewers not-versed in the manhua or animation, which is: [Non-combat scenes could have been increased by eight to ten minutes, for more insight into characters for viewers with no background in the manhua or animated series. This would also aid viewers to gain better insight into motivations of specific characters, to connect better instead of reckoning “Blades of The Guardians” is too packed with characters they barely know.
Essential non-combat footage was edited out, such as a short revealing exchange between Lao Mo and Di Ting involving Dao Ma. ]
The movie should have been lengthened by another 4 to 6 minutes of non-action footage, to strengthen certain connections and relationships for the audience. We are already at 126 minutes, so another 4 to 6 minutes doesn't hurt. Creation of The Gods ran at 148 minutes. Near the end of the movie, one can see how deeply Dao Ma feels for Di Ting, but not having more to their backstory (such as the meeting between Di Ting and Lao Mo which was cut out) meant it is hard for the audience to relate to their relationship and the final impact of what Dao Ma finally does.
Some people might say at least one of the fights could be captured the way Shaw Brothers movies captured fights ie one long continuous sequence between fighters with no cuts. If that is done, there is a good chance the audience will feel as if they are watching but not immersed and it will break the energy and adrenaline fostered in the viewer.
Camerawork chosen for the fights means visceral reactions from the viewer are unavoidable. To also see changing reactive expressions and hear the clash of weapons or impact of blows- The audio-visual aspects of addressing your senses is well-met throughout this movie. Yuen Woo-ping wants the audience to feel A LOT. And in this, I solidly concur. In my third viewing, my eyes got dusty more often than expected.
I'd say if someone wants to watch a wuxia movie and not feel too much, then this is not the movie for them. This is a movie that is strongly designed to enable you to feel, and you will. Because the alliance for one side doesn't always win. And you will feel something for at least one villain, on top of the rest of the team.
And at the ending, I walked out of the cinema feeling pumped, because that ending is too awesome and watching three times (including until the credits are finished) finally has me satisfied!
Months ago, Luo Yunxi also spoke in Mandarin about Tang Lici's growth and evolution using certain terms to demonstrate Buddhism is the key philosophy for Tang Lici as episodes progressed, and his answer also affirms Tang Lici's decisions in episodes 39 and 40.
Under the spoiler tag is the combination of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese mythology, Mandarin terms, Luo Yunxi's answer, plus one classical Chinese literature source underpinning episode 40 from 38:55 onwards, to answer one common question about Tang Lici relative to Xue Xianzi which you and others have expressed.
2 
8 
3 
1 
6 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
I've mentioned her in comments:
https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25453920
and
https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25466986
Have you checked out this drama yet?
Zhou Ye and Zhai Xiaowen build solid beautiful chemistry from friends to more than that, in such an organic natural manner. Episode 8 handles their relationship evolution and time-skips very well. Previews for episodes 9 and 10 have me a bit nervous for our couple.
Hou Ying has experience as a screenwriter adapting novels for female-centric dramas, focusing on women, inspiration and growth. Given her other dramas as main screenwriter eg 2025's《亲爱的仇敌》ie https://kisskh.at/754331-dear-enemy, I'm happy that "Dream of Golden Years" is an experience where the audience can feel the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the directors and screenwriters during their planning and considerations of this drama.
https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/review/503570
If you had been here when the drama had been airing, you'd see how enthusiastic fellow viewers were. Plots and characters inspired many discussions, and for most of the duration people agreed or disagreed civilly on characters anyone liked or disliked. A lot of binge-watching and sleepless nights and it has been such a lovely page to participate in, That's why this comments page ballooned to more than 17,000 comments when the drama finished airing. The rating is roughly where it is, and fluctuated between 8.9 to 8.6.
Within the recent 4 months, some accounts came onto this page and kept dissing this drama about all sorts of details, including irrelevant details such as the ML being younger than FL in RL and hence affects their chemistry as a couple (but their primary drama that they favoured ie PoB was not an issue that the ML is older than the FL by the same age gap). All four actors and actresses in this drama and POB are mature, so what is the issue?
There's nothing wrong in criticising a drama if someone doesn't like a plot or technical aspect or character. I myself can see flaws and for me, the positives muchly out-weigh the negatives. That said, I don't try to drive away viewers from a drama with repeated comments because someone wants their preferred MDL drama to "be on top" and doesn't like other dramas doing well. Totally ridiculous. And that's only one example from one such account (which referenced the novel they clearly didn't read to claim there's a loophole in one part of the drama), until I finally called out that account for multiple comments of rubbish.
I am not a fan of the ML. And FL left me lukewarm. All this is before watching the drama. After watching the drama, I look forward to the next drama that the ML is in. FL has given me one of the top 3 portrayals of a female general in a C-drama. A majority of the supporting cast turns in strong portrayals, especially the veterans. The supporting cast also have their individual stories, not one-dimensional plot devices.
ML and FL are not going to turn stupid for love. FL is very competent, and the ML recognises her capabilities and how dangerous she is. Amongst couples in C-dramas, this is a mature couple because they are two seasoned capable warriors, and it takes time to lower the guard. They will always have each other's back. The chemistry is assuring and calm, and super-passionate at more than one point. For enemies to lovers, it is refreshing.
Dong Xuan and Zhao Da are acing their roles as Xia Xiaolan's mother and uncle respectively.
At one point, Zhai Xiaowen ordered coffee every day for fellow cast members. Zhou Ye recounts how Zhao Da is responsible for this happening. Dong Xuan claims the coffee for her could sometimes reach the set before she turned up, depending on the day. Zhai Xiaowen also ordered different flavours of coffee for Zhou Ye every day (which Zhou Ye described as weird to her at times) XD: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5277540269689677
Xia Xiaolan gives 80s HK vibes, while Zhou Cheng is earnestly sweet yet very determined (he hides his stubbornness well). I don't give 8.5 onwards easily. I may adjust my score further up as we go.
I enjoy the business aspects of how the drama conveys Xiaolan's business acumen very naturally and how she is very pragmatically intelligent about her limitations, in episode 3: https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25460362
It is about survival too, and the the day-to-day aspects of challenges is presented in a manner that is gritty but not bleak.
Another well-done aspect is how cautious yet kind Xia Xiaolan is, towards Zhou Cheng. Their friendship is established very naturally after she was initially super-skeptical of him, and yet one can see the sparks of heart-melting promise. I was on the fence at first as to whether Zhai Xiaowen would convince me in this role (he was an earnest charmer in "Love In Pavilion" and then he gave my heart such a heartache), and by episode 7, I'm sold. Post-production editing is also making all this easier to digest. 8 episodes gone. Just like that XD
Currently have this song from the drama OST on repeat:《绽放（For my love）》by 银河快递 (Galaxy Express) :https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ErwQzPEAi/
In episode 3, she's demonstrating her business acumen. She recognises the convenience of trading agricultural products such as eggs, but not being a farmer who understands the finer details disadvantages her plus the capital gains from selling eggs is too little ie many days gets her less than 100 yuan, plus no more villagers will sell her ducks eggs because they want to earn the money for themselves.
Electronic items are more profitable, but initial costs for securing products are a deterrent and quotas are necessary, hence not doable.
Then she sees vendors selling clothes from Longcheng. She knows about selling clothing given her inner mental reply, and she is confident in logging inventory to balance costs and profits. Flashback to her in the future, where she has been in sales.
If travel costs are 40 to 50 yuan, and she needs to consider expenditure for 7 days to take a round trip to Longcheng that is approximately a week, and if she only stocks 600 yuan worth of inventory but can only make a profit maximum of 200 yuan, then the trip is not worth it.
Then she asks about oil cakes, which she knows nothing about but saw at Shangdu oil refinery. Pigs eat these cakes, so every household needs to buy these oil cakes. She gets a free ride from the tractor guy plus free transport back to her uncle's house for the oil cakes.
Using the uncle's tricycle, she sells 300 catties of oilcakes per trip at 15 yuan each time. In one month, she will reach her target of 450 yuan and enable a trip to Longcheng. When Xiaolan starts using terms such as implementing industrial upgrading, her "mother" cannot understand.
From this, her business background from the future is handy. BTW, she is a 36-year-old modern executive from the future. This segment shows how observant and realistic she is, about her limitations. Just trying to move one step at a time.
They've been kind enough to leave out what a toilet in a household of a village is like, in that era.
I added some comments here about the screenwriters and storyline directions (and left out the spoilers): https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25453920
Starting thoughts and music here: https://kisskh.at/776939-again-my-life#comment-25449068
I really like episode 7 where Liu Fen demonstrates how she is changing slowly but surely despite being naive and bullied for at least 20 years living in the Xia household, spending more time living in the Xia household than her own family of Liu household. I also enjoy seeing Xia Xiaolan understand her even though they are not truly mother and daughter due to the transmigration. Divorce is unthinkable in the 70s and 80s, and only in the most extreme cases.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5277790519691698
“重活一次，我不仅要自己痛快，也要让我的家人朋友过得痛快。” - This is her main voice, and the emotional core of the story. Through her determination to help those she loves, various touching stories of neighbours and family are connected, as they support each other to move towards a brighter future.
The struggles of college students, villagers, self-employed, other marginalised groups and their improvements are tied to the progress of the storyline. The positive energy realistically inspiring others to remember: A solution is possible if we are dedicated and willing to take necessary steps for success? It doesn't make the survival theme in this drama too bleak, and the aesthetics help to convey a youthful feel of hope and potential for improvements, in spite of poverty.
Too bad this isn't on CCTV.
And the rest of the cast complemented the drama in different ways (I prefer the acting, villains and storyline here over TMOPB). Whoever paired the leads and chose many of the casting characters is a genius.
Liu Lingyan and Hou Ying focus on three main directions for the drama:
Business line eg from duck eggs to clothing, eventually real estate investments, dividends as would occur during the changing era etc
Family line includes Dong Xuan's evolution awakening from traditional forbearance to balancing individual boundaries and a mother's love with self-reliance, to transform and improve upon the traditional female consciousness.
Zhou Cheng (Zhai Xiaowen) breaks the stereotype of the boss as a "comrade-in-arms" partner, using the "five-year college entrance examination" and one other time-related issue to highlight the characteristics of the era while conveying his emotional fondness, reliability and consistency to Xiaolan.
Any knowledge from the future does not determine business success and improve the household's socio-economic situation. Success still requires tenacity plus strategies to adapt to local demands and thinking.
https://cj.sina.com.cn/articles/view/7879776328/1d5abd84806801cgz0
There are spoilers in this article, which I leave here :)
If you want to know more about the production ideas, values and presentation of this drama, this is a helpful article. As to Zhai Xiaowen, we'll have to wait at least 10 episodes while the story gets to a certain point, in order to know :D
She's met so many unpleasant people previously that for the majority of these episodes, she is now a lot wiser in seeing through intentions that she reacts swiftly instead of allowing herself to be used and bullied. It takes at least four episodes for her to be alright with realising and revealing that she is happy.
This drama is an adaptation of a novel with more than 2300 chapters. So far the pace is appreciated with how the story moves through different events advancing the main narrative while revealing traits and growth of various cast members in a show-to-tell manner rather than trying to tell the viewer what to think, otherwise I'd be bored and drop the drama. I like "This Thriving Land" but it is very heavy on a viewer who isn't prepared for super-harsh reality of rural life in 1930s (and that drama was also significantly diluted from the novel). At least in 1983 and 1984, the realities in this drama are less emotionally depressing, but doesn't hide the fact that progress happens at a snail's pace and she has to adapt to the 80s of rural China.
She gets into dangerous moments where she could be badly wounded, or worse. But she has wits, and she fortunately reaches a family that backs her up unlike the one she flees from. Enjoying how she overcomes obstacles and curious to see how she will deal with the latest setback in episode 6, from episode 7 onwards.
Our Bei Shu is happy here!
Several episodes and chortling zingers later, warm moments, teeth-gritters and thefoodmakesmesohungry- Hugely enjoyable! I forgot I was watching 6 episodes.
Rooting for Xia Xiaolan, a badly-bullied heroine determined to make the most of life and rise up, which Zhou Ye is relishing with restraint and aplomb. Cui Yi (last seen in "How Dare You!") as Bei Shu is an inspiring cheerleader. Several other supporting cast members include Zhao Da protecting Xiao Lan as her amazing uncle, who always have a knack for making me want them to triumph (he was also in "This Thriving Land"). Dong Xuan as Xiaolan's mother Liu Fen is a woman growing to find her strength while turning in a terrific nuanced portrayal of someone who initially exasperated and then made me happy to understand her. Watching Dong Xuan interact with Zhou Ye is incredibly heart-warming and uplifting. A mother-daughter duo that I want to find out more about, and look forward to future episodes with! Curious to see how Xia Xiaolan's loving family members progress with the rest of the drama :D
Speaking of songs from this drama, 90s J-drama musical vibes are absolutely uplifting eg the sonically vibrant duet《绽放（For my love）》by 银河快递 (Galaxy Express) that I have on repeat :https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ErwQzPEAi/
Then there's《呼唤》 by Zhang Liyin: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1JBwQzKET5/
ED song 《白日炽梦》 by Liu Lian: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1KpwQzjEDr/
Ps. They don't know what tvn Asia is, and they don't agree with the official commercial feature segment for "My Mister" aired by tvn Asia in March 2023.
IMAX is stunning for action scenes and battle and landscapes but also somewhat overwhelming, whereby the emotional impact of various scenes is better experienced in a more-normal cinema setting.
As to a flaw, I have pointed out flaws above for viewers not-versed in the manhua or animation, which is: [Non-combat scenes could have been increased by eight to ten minutes, for more insight into characters for viewers with no background in the manhua or animated series. This would also aid viewers to gain better insight into motivations of specific characters, to connect better instead of reckoning “Blades of The Guardians” is too packed with characters they barely know.
Essential non-combat footage was edited out, such as a short revealing exchange between Lao Mo and Di Ting involving Dao Ma. ]
The movie should have been lengthened by another 4 to 6 minutes of non-action footage, to strengthen certain connections and relationships for the audience. We are already at 126 minutes, so another 4 to 6 minutes doesn't hurt. Creation of The Gods ran at 148 minutes. Near the end of the movie, one can see how deeply Dao Ma feels for Di Ting, but not having more to their backstory (such as the meeting between Di Ting and Lao Mo which was cut out) meant it is hard for the audience to relate to their relationship and the final impact of what Dao Ma finally does.
Some people might say at least one of the fights could be captured the way Shaw Brothers movies captured fights ie one long continuous sequence between fighters with no cuts. If that is done, there is a good chance the audience will feel as if they are watching but not immersed and it will break the energy and adrenaline fostered in the viewer.
Camerawork chosen for the fights means visceral reactions from the viewer are unavoidable. To also see changing reactive expressions and hear the clash of weapons or impact of blows- The audio-visual aspects of addressing your senses is well-met throughout this movie. Yuen Woo-ping wants the audience to feel A LOT. And in this, I solidly concur. In my third viewing, my eyes got dusty more often than expected.
I'd say if someone wants to watch a wuxia movie and not feel too much, then this is not the movie for them. This is a movie that is strongly designed to enable you to feel, and you will. Because the alliance for one side doesn't always win. And you will feel something for at least one villain, on top of the rest of the team.
And at the ending, I walked out of the cinema feeling pumped, because that ending is too awesome and watching three times (including until the credits are finished) finally has me satisfied!
I have just made two comments, to aid the non-mandarin-speaker and answer this question including why.
Original title of Drama and why this matters, for the explanation of the ending: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-25416512
Months ago, Luo Yunxi also spoke in Mandarin about Tang Lici's growth and evolution using certain terms to demonstrate Buddhism is the key philosophy for Tang Lici as episodes progressed, and his answer also affirms Tang Lici's decisions in episodes 39 and 40.
Under the spoiler tag is the combination of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese mythology, Mandarin terms, Luo Yunxi's answer, plus one classical Chinese literature source underpinning episode 40 from 38:55 onwards, to answer one common question about Tang Lici relative to Xue Xianzi which you and others have expressed.