Xien_Rue

In Goong, the 2nd ML father died when he was still crown prince, while his father (the then current king still alive). Thus, the succession went to the 2nd ML uncle. This drama is different.

Yan Xun is a case when someone let their pain rule over them. His vengeance changes him to be someone that enjoy destruction and no longer has moral compass. I watched PA for a bit years ago, since it was Zhao Li Ying. But, even then, I cannot really enjoy the story. My problem was no clear romance line. I could not see Chu Qiao liking Yuwen Yue even back then. Their interaction was always one sided, as far as I can see.

In this Rebirth, I have high hope at the beginning. I thought finally we will have proper relationship between the leads. And of course, I like Li Yun Rui due to Blossom. But, the story right now is kind of all over the place. You have Yanbei, Ximeng, Biantang, Yong. Each country somehow has problem with slavery and FL wants to change the world. Nothing wrong with the grand dream, but the drama instead focusing on Yan Xun getting unhinged day by day, Zhao Chun'er craziness, Empress Dowager craziness. It seems like all the villain are unhinged.

For Li Yun Rui. I like his acting. His character is also interesting. Unfortunately the drama don't expand on that more. But, I honestly cannot enjoy the romance between the leads due to FL acting. I am at ep 15 right now, stomach-able. Perhaps I will be in definite hiatus when I cannot take it anymore; like what I do with Pursuit of Jade.

FL acting is lacking, chemistry quite abysmal. Story wise, cannot truly comment since the longer I watch, clearer that this theme is not my cup of tea. It is revolving in FL wish to abolish slavery. Each country leadership is shown to be disgusting in different way.

Watching this up to episode 8. FL acting is quite lacking. Her lack of expression is problematic. I am soldiering on for Li Yun Rui for now ....

I cannot really differentiated whether people has botox treatment or not. But, he is indeed looks plump, I just take that as weight related.

Watching K-drama after years hiatus. I am interested in the "what if Constitutional Monarchy" trope. And FL character is interesting. I hope to see a double strong lead character. It is rare to see FL that will not let herself be rolled over under the weight of social status.

My mouth! It is like every slight negative comment will get flooded by "justification" by fans. As I see it, this drama is not that "hot". The comments in Douban and Bilibili kind of hot and cold. In the beginning, there was lots of praise. But, toward the middle, dissatisfaction started to come one another, but fans always try to silence the argument for the sake of "protecting the drama". I doubt it will have long tail. Lots of people watch this for Zhang Ling He.

Great review. Currently I am in ep 28, but I do read forum discussion so I know what happen in the future episodes. I think lots of us will agree that first tens episodes are the best. But everything fall apart once the war arc starts. I agree that Fan Chang Yu sudden rise as super soldier is just .... off. It really disturbed me. I am all for growth. But Fan Chang Yu acted like wild card in military camp, and she somehow is so powerful that she offs 2 generals. What the hell. I know she has martial arts training, but this is war. Life and death in balance.

Just checked the MDL page for Twelve Letter, seems a promising emotional packed drama. Will check that out after I am done watching The Double.

Sigh, it is hard to say anything bad about PoJ currently. Too many people get enamored with the visual vest at the beginning that they cannot see the flaw. I also have difficulty in continuing that. I stop at ep 28 (skipping a lot during military arc).

Honestly, I am quite confused why people don't like GtG more. Plot has flaw, yes, but it is not that blatant flaw. And the acting is really top notch

I have not yet the time to check his other dramas. I have read lots of people praise Twelve Letters. Will check on that. Watching him in The Land of Warriors as Tang San and then watch him as Mu Qing Yan here, you really see the contrast, hahahaha! The production is not that good though, as I see it. The action felt stiff.

Right now, I am trying Pursuit of Jade, since lots of people seems to be enamored by it. I need to see it for myself. Honestly, I still prefer Generation to Generation. Really glad to find this gem. Usually such sinister ML will mellowed up in the end, becoming "good". So so glad this one does not. Mu Qing Yan is a schemer until the end and Zhou Yi Ran depicted that very well.

Just found out that we can comment on certain review. Great, because since I read your review, I feel the need to say something.

Thank you for your wonderful review!!! Agreed 1000% with your observation toward Zhou Yi Ran acting. I cannot say it better myself. Honestly, I also stay until the end for him. First time I watch him was The Land of Warriors. At that time I just want to see how they will continue the drama based on Douluo Dalu (the one with Xiao Zhan disappointed me so much). I can see he was handsome, but that's it. Nothing catched my attention by then.

But this drama, WOW!! Mu Qing Yan entranced me from beginning to end with his acting. What I like is that Mu Qing Yan personality practically intact and stable for the whole drama. Even during his distress or romance pursuit, you can see beneath all of that, certain sinister personality lurking. His body language was good also. Even problematic FL and butchered script at the end, could not make me give up. I just needed to see how Mu Qing Yan ends up.

Looking forward for his future drama. Perhaps I should go back and finished The Land of Warriors ....

Koreans hating on it? What is this? I never hear the news

I think I need to agree with this observation. The ML lacks highlight. Everytime he does something heroic, somehow the FL always come to take the spotlight.

I have watched until ep 28. The FL is quite sober. But, I have said that I have problem with the romance in general, not the FL character. I think the root cause is in the story itself. First proud man like Xie Zheng will never lower himself to be a matrilocal husband. And due to class different, their worldview is very much different.

Some people will say, this difference is the one make this drama interesting. Well, I can give you that. But it just does not click well with me.

I also have problem with how romance is depicted in this drama. Honestly, I don't like this cinderella trope with social class difference. Because in real life, this kind of relationship to ever happened is nearing zero. Different social class, means different upbringing, and most importantly, different mindset. Even though attraction can happened, but I doubt the relationship can last.

Finally a drama with normal FL where she takes equal responsibility in the relationship. Tired with drama with FL acting like the biggest victim and "wait" the ML to "admit" his mistake when she is the one that messed up. This drama is very much fresh air to me. Love both ML and FL character here.

You are my mouth. I hope I can like this comment more than once. Zhou Yi Ran and Mu Qing Yan are the reason why I stay until the end.

I also cried a lot. But, that scenes really good. It is the pain that really punch you to the gut. Both leads acted wonderfully

Zhao Yi Ran really a great surprise for me. Will check for his future drama. His Mu Qing Yan is so amazing! What I like is that he was not only acted based on momentary emotion is certain scene, but he really act according to character development trajectory.