In the novel, Princess Xiyang wants to marry Xia Jingshi as a marriage alliance for long-lasting peace, after…
There is so much to enjoy, in this day and age! It's always good to experience a mixture of storytelling mediums, such as plays and musicals and other types of performances including circus acts or concerts. Even within movies, so much to learn and relish, but so little time. You can always DM me, if you want recs.
Here is my take on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, but read it only after you have finished all episodes:https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
Light-hearted dramas are always enjoyable. This is for me, a rare drama that actually recalls Shakespeare very well. I will go see your review. I chose to write my review without spoilers beyond the synopsis: https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/review/503570
Here is my take on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, but read it only after you have finished all episodes:https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
Yes, you did :) I studied Shakespeare as part of literature class during my teenage years, and my favourite plays of his would be "Julius Caesar", "Merchant of Venice" and "Macbeth". Fated Hearts is suited for people who prefer those works over "Romeo and Juliet" or "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I also enjoy watching plays in theatres, so my bar for measuring tends to be different, in that I expect above-average to strong acting from at least 90% of a cast and at least a good plot with not too many loopholes to finish a drama.
At the same time, I also grew up reading the likes of classics such as White Snake, Canonisation of the Deities, Journey To The West, and Dream of Red Mansion. Very rare to see a C-drama that recalls what I grew up with, for Mandarin and English.
That was funny XD All four of them are adorable!Wanted to add this, of JJY practising with wires and her hammer…
Yay!
VoS by Guo Jingming is most likely going to have sad endings for multiple characters (that's his style), so I want this director not to follow suit. Not asking for a wedding. Just something sweet and romantic enough to make viewers swoon. Their visuals are eye-catching, and this couple looks great together.
That was funny XD All four of them are adorable!Wanted to add this, of JJY practising with wires and her hammer…
I have read the novel previously. I hope for a happy ending for our couple! Zhang Yunlong gave my heart too much of a workout in "Love in Pavilion". Any idea of when this might air, perhaps December 2026?
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
I'm finishing an MDL review for this drama, which will incorporate a link for that commentary.
As to dramas, "The Guardians" is still my frontrunner for C-drama of 2025, which I have not yet finished. Adore the opening theme. 17 episodes flew by, without me realising.
Still trying to formulate an opinion about Time Raiders (watched 17 episodes). The author has a huge say over this drama and the second season, whereby three of the same actors will be used. Waiting for Whispers of Fate airing near end-October, which should live up to the hype. None of these are romance-centric, if any romance is present.
Currently preparing to watch 花季少女杀人事件 ie Girl On The Edge as per the MDL title, which stars Zhang Zi Feng. She's my favourite actress under the age of 35, and always turns in outstanding performances.
Sa Dingding lends her voice as part of the BGM at various points of the episodes. Here are ten moments with the lines from our leads, across episodes 2 to 14: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV16uHPzEEQz
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
The fact that Feng Suige has chosen to allow his sister to be temporarily in charge of state affairs while he is the Regent indicates he is either 1) bonkers for being overly sentimental, or 2) knows what he is doing
This drama has repeatedly emphasised how much the Feng battalion respects and values Feng Suige for treating them as brothers and vice versa, with rousing examples such as Lao Cao talking to Feng Suige who asks after a deceased Hong Shan. After so much bloodshed and understanding the Storm Alliance, Feng Suige no longer wants bloodshed and he is clearly in charge of the decisions pertaining to Susha, regardless of his position as Regent. When Yixiao first talks to Feng Suige in the final minutes of episode 38, she first raises the issue of him brokering peace between Susha and Jinxiu.
The fact that Xiyang is protecting the throne with him indicates he wants to change certain traditions (there's also a theme here that a lot of people might not see, pertaining to not repeating the mistakes of the previous generation and rectifying what parents never got right). It doesn't mean Feng Suige will not be Emperor. He has indicated that Xiyang must want the position and must be capable, before a succession is decided at the end of three years.
In the novel, Feng Suige already had concubines before meeting Fu Yixiao, which this drama removes completely. At the end of the novel in the epilogue, Fu Yixiao becomes the first commoner-queen of Susha.
Right now, all three of them have different learning curves. Drama-Yixiao never indicated she was against Feng Suige being Emperor or not. She only asked him about that subject, and finishes with hoping she will never have to use that new bow in war, only wanting peace and prosperity. In other words, she is also indicating that her final choice will depend on circumstances.
This open ending is actually the best possible option, for this drama. It is about empowering individuality and working as a team, yet bearing in mind the bigger picture of duty and country.
That said, your speculation about them eloping, Yixiao being pregnant and Feng Suige secretly marrying her doesn't make sense to me, because it would indicate they have ignored the most basic sense of propriety, behaved in a completely irresponsible manner ill-fitting of the regard that people who know them hold for them as responsible leaders, and it would be shocking for them in their positions to disregard the most fundamental tradition of adhering to the mourning period (whether it is 100 days or up to three years). To do all this would be completely unacceptable and out of character for both of them. Some traditions hold more weight than others, and the mourning period is one of the most important traditions. The Directors and Screenwriters clearly understand traditions well enough, and the domestic audience would be shocked if the ending is what you claim about Fu Yixiao and Feng Suige. I would definitely disapprove of such disrespect.
As to the rest of what you are referring to, the moment Yixiao could be the first Commoner-Queen of Susha in the novel, that meant a lot of traditions were thrown out the window and will be further thrown out the window. In this drama, making Xiyang temporarily in charge of the state affairs is the example indicating Feng Suige intends to change certain traditions.
The way they crossed cups doesn't indicate anything special to me. It is however, an indication of their closeness and intentions to honour each other as spouses during this time. Hope this helps.
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
Thank you! The observations are too long to be in a review for this drama, which I will finish and post at some point.
Speaking of reviews, I advised at least one MDL user to read your review of TJOL in their comment to my TJOL review, since you went into the nitty-gritty more than I did while we each covered very different angles and aspects.
What I like about the fights of this drama (although the chopping at times instead of showing an entire fight sequence did get a bit annoying at times) are Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao going at it in very believable realistic moves, especially Feng Suige's style of fighting with fists or sword.
Reminds me to a certain extent of movies I used to watch, such as a 1993 movie with decent English subtitles known as "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (before Jet Li became famous in the West). HK martial arts action film when stars did their own stunts was very enjoyable, because stars such as Jet Li and Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo could actually fight. At least one actress in there can fight too. The Red Lotus Flower Society wants to overthrow an evil Manchu Emperor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupLe8A2xM8
Hence looking forward to a not-yet-aired drama involving Peking Opera and Kungfu reminding me of those days, which is "Gladiator In the Theatre" starring the likes of Zhang Yishan amongst a strong ensemble cast: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5067022944178847
Spoilery synopsis: In the early 1990s, battlefield hero Feng He returned home to Qingping Town. A cultural relic…
Based on what I saw in SOKP and OaO before dropping both dramas, I am certain Wang Xingyue has a wider acting range that he has not brought out. I found his role in The Double to be boring but that is due to the writing, although he did Duke Su well and he was charismatic. I watched The Double mainly for the actresses such as Wu Jinyan, Joe Chen, Li Meng and Ai Mi, as well as Liang Yongqi because their performances range from riveting to superb for me.
This drama is interesting to me also because for the first time, I will be able to gauge his full abilities for myself. With this Director and the cast, it's going to be at the least, a fairly good drama. That said, I wonder what the OST will be like.
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
The screenwriters did well for many characters. But drama-Xia Jingshi was too hard for them to reconcile in their writing, given he was the most noble character in the novel only to become one of the worst villains in the drama. So sadly, he had to die. I believe Zhang Yunlong would excel in the role, but he is usually ML in a drama which is why he is now filming "Lai Zhan" as Xiao Yihan, and the Reuters coming from there is also beautiful.
The writers put a lot of thought into how Feng Suige at the end should embody the potential of a future emperor. That is why the Storm Alliance arc was interesting to me, for comedy but also demonstrating lessons that Feng Suige took away to finally believe again in the possibility of a ruler being good when previously, he learned his father manipulated him to want him to become a ruler and that is what a ruler should be. Feng Suige needed to believe he can create a different viable path, if he becomes an Emperor. He obviously didn't just give this temporary position to Xiyang on a whim, because he remembers all the men who died due to treachery from Murong Yao. The deaths of his men are deeply engraved in him, which has been shown time and again. Xiyang definitely would decide and agree to consult with him on all matters, because of how much she has changed.
Even if temporary, a female empress is good because of the many changes that can be instituted to improve the lives of females. Feng Suige and Xiyang must surpass their parents who each made serious mistakes. And they do it together for the sake of the people, while respecting their individuality. If Yixiao is going to be Empress, she also needs time to learn. So it's a good ending.
In the novel, Princess Xiyang wants to marry Xia Jingshi as a marriage alliance for long-lasting peace, after…
It's going to be hard to top Li Qin's general. I like complex female characters and as long as they are well-written and convincing, I will watch. Hope you enjoy the final 6 episodes of this drama!
I decided to make one more comment which you can read if it interests you, about the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc and the character growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang being natural by the end of episode 38:
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
What is Imperial Coroner 2 about, as in what in this drama is a draw to watch?
I decided to give my thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, plus what I think of the growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang to become naturally intended by the writers by episode 38: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
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I posted a review for this drama: https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/review/503570
At the same time, I also grew up reading the likes of classics such as White Snake, Canonisation of the Deities, Journey To The West, and Dream of Red Mansion. Very rare to see a C-drama that recalls what I grew up with, for Mandarin and English.
https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
VoS by Guo Jingming is most likely going to have sad endings for multiple characters (that's his style), so I want this director not to follow suit. Not asking for a wedding. Just something sweet and romantic enough to make viewers swoon. Their visuals are eye-catching, and this couple looks great together.
Oh, I saw this comment about the Director changing the BE to a HE: https://kisskh.at/790246-lai-zhan#comment-22935770
Please be true!
Wanted to add this, of JJY practising with wires and her hammer before becoming A Dai: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5223222710632780
As to dramas, "The Guardians" is still my frontrunner for C-drama of 2025, which I have not yet finished. Adore the opening theme. 17 episodes flew by, without me realising.
22 episodes of 35 episodes are available for free viewing at the Youku channel, and here is the first of the episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D0-24--lBE&list=PLATwx1z00Hsdw43g51DQXqLolbUxe6EZZ&index=5
Still trying to formulate an opinion about Time Raiders (watched 17 episodes). The author has a huge say over this drama and the second season, whereby three of the same actors will be used. Waiting for Whispers of Fate airing near end-October, which should live up to the hype. None of these are romance-centric, if any romance is present.
Currently preparing to watch 花季少女杀人事件 ie Girl On The Edge as per the MDL title, which stars Zhang Zi Feng. She's my favourite actress under the age of 35, and always turns in outstanding performances.
The actors for Physician Ling, his daughter Ling Xueying and Sa Dingding have fun talking about their characters and moments: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1DtWqzwEvZ/
This drama has repeatedly emphasised how much the Feng battalion respects and values Feng Suige for treating them as brothers and vice versa, with rousing examples such as Lao Cao talking to Feng Suige who asks after a deceased Hong Shan. After so much bloodshed and understanding the Storm Alliance, Feng Suige no longer wants bloodshed and he is clearly in charge of the decisions pertaining to Susha, regardless of his position as Regent. When Yixiao first talks to Feng Suige in the final minutes of episode 38, she first raises the issue of him brokering peace between Susha and Jinxiu.
The fact that Xiyang is protecting the throne with him indicates he wants to change certain traditions (there's also a theme here that a lot of people might not see, pertaining to not repeating the mistakes of the previous generation and rectifying what parents never got right). It doesn't mean Feng Suige will not be Emperor. He has indicated that Xiyang must want the position and must be capable, before a succession is decided at the end of three years.
In the novel, Feng Suige already had concubines before meeting Fu Yixiao, which this drama removes completely. At the end of the novel in the epilogue, Fu Yixiao becomes the first commoner-queen of Susha.
Right now, all three of them have different learning curves. Drama-Yixiao never indicated she was against Feng Suige being Emperor or not. She only asked him about that subject, and finishes with hoping she will never have to use that new bow in war, only wanting peace and prosperity. In other words, she is also indicating that her final choice will depend on circumstances.
This open ending is actually the best possible option, for this drama. It is about empowering individuality and working as a team, yet bearing in mind the bigger picture of duty and country.
That said, your speculation about them eloping, Yixiao being pregnant and Feng Suige secretly marrying her doesn't make sense to me, because it would indicate they have ignored the most basic sense of propriety, behaved in a completely irresponsible manner ill-fitting of the regard that people who know them hold for them as responsible leaders, and it would be shocking for them in their positions to disregard the most fundamental tradition of adhering to the mourning period (whether it is 100 days or up to three years). To do all this would be completely unacceptable and out of character for both of them. Some traditions hold more weight than others, and the mourning period is one of the most important traditions. The Directors and Screenwriters clearly understand traditions well enough, and the domestic audience would be shocked if the ending is what you claim about Fu Yixiao and Feng Suige. I would definitely disapprove of such disrespect.
As to the rest of what you are referring to, the moment Yixiao could be the first Commoner-Queen of Susha in the novel, that meant a lot of traditions were thrown out the window and will be further thrown out the window. In this drama, making Xiyang temporarily in charge of the state affairs is the example indicating Feng Suige intends to change certain traditions.
The way they crossed cups doesn't indicate anything special to me. It is however, an indication of their closeness and intentions to honour each other as spouses during this time. Hope this helps.
Speaking of reviews, I advised at least one MDL user to read your review of TJOL in their comment to my TJOL review, since you went into the nitty-gritty more than I did while we each covered very different angles and aspects.
What I like about the fights of this drama (although the chopping at times instead of showing an entire fight sequence did get a bit annoying at times) are Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao going at it in very believable realistic moves, especially Feng Suige's style of fighting with fists or sword.
Reminds me to a certain extent of movies I used to watch, such as a 1993 movie with decent English subtitles known as "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (before Jet Li became famous in the West). HK martial arts action film when stars did their own stunts was very enjoyable, because stars such as Jet Li and Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo could actually fight. At least one actress in there can fight too. The Red Lotus Flower Society wants to overthrow an evil Manchu Emperor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupLe8A2xM8
Hence looking forward to a not-yet-aired drama involving Peking Opera and Kungfu reminding me of those days, which is "Gladiator In the Theatre" starring the likes of Zhang Yishan amongst a strong ensemble cast: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5067022944178847
This drama is interesting to me also because for the first time, I will be able to gauge his full abilities for myself. With this Director and the cast, it's going to be at the least, a fairly good drama. That said, I wonder what the OST will be like.
The writers put a lot of thought into how Feng Suige at the end should embody the potential of a future emperor. That is why the Storm Alliance arc was interesting to me, for comedy but also demonstrating lessons that Feng Suige took away to finally believe again in the possibility of a ruler being good when previously, he learned his father manipulated him to want him to become a ruler and that is what a ruler should be. Feng Suige needed to believe he can create a different viable path, if he becomes an Emperor. He obviously didn't just give this temporary position to Xiyang on a whim, because he remembers all the men who died due to treachery from Murong Yao. The deaths of his men are deeply engraved in him, which has been shown time and again. Xiyang definitely would decide and agree to consult with him on all matters, because of how much she has changed.
Even if temporary, a female empress is good because of the many changes that can be instituted to improve the lives of females. Feng Suige and Xiyang must surpass their parents who each made serious mistakes. And they do it together for the sake of the people, while respecting their individuality. If Yixiao is going to be Empress, she also needs time to learn. So it's a good ending.
I decided to make one more comment which you can read if it interests you, about the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc and the character growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang being natural by the end of episode 38:
https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851152
I decided to give my thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, plus what I think of the growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang to become naturally intended by the writers by episode 38: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132