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Back stabbing women...
Ok...this drama isn't my cup of tea..I watched this because of Seven Tan...she's a great actress. But oh boy....I can't stand it when women back stabbing, bad mouthing each other just to gain favor from the husband they share. 4 wives, mother in law, an over bearing mother, jealous sister Er Niang (not to mention a brother and sister in law at the same premises), inserted their influences with their charm or devious act or authority to this poor guy the good general Xu Ling Yi - he's overwhelmed. I guess he made the bed and he need to laid on it....no wonder he look so tired in every episode with the full house of women bickering. I guess Seven Tan was the recipient of all the bad vibes, defensive fort to stand guard against all strong willed and crazy craved women...so I gave up. In my opinion, we don't need to watch all these bad s**t characters and be the judged who's better than the other. Sorry....Was this review helpful to you?
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Ughhh...
I am not a fan of Peter Sheng full stop. His acting at best is 4; wooden, expressionless, monotone, fake beta male, and not interesting at all. Meanwhile, Sandra Ma character was a famous strong general that gathered admiration, loyalty, love, powerful, and smart. How could a beta male Zhao YuJin could compete with that Alpha female General Ye Zhao? Married by arrangement, 2 concubines, mother, sister in-law, brother all in the same premises giving this poor general how to be a good wife (and daughter in law) to a spoil-rotten weak Zhao YuJin. All things considered, scene where Zhao YuJin danced in female garments was scarier than bloody-gut wrenching fighting scene, worst than a drag queen...with clothing disarray with other beta male friends...not that he wasn't pretty enough...because he didn't know to act. He looked like having great time orgies. I stayed until episode 14, long enough to endured Peter Sheng, finally drop it. Not worth to watch...I move on to something else better.Was this review helpful to you?
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Liu Xue Yi
Liu Xue Yi is a handsome man, I watch his drama and mesmerize by his good look, it's too bad his Female Leads weren't as compatible as him - not only in appearance but most importantly in skills. I dropped 'In Blossom' because his co-star Ju Jing Yi ruined the drama. Her pretty face didn't make a cut.This time his co-star is Wu Jin Yan played as Mei Lin - a blank face actress, can't really read her emotion in any given situation. It's her frozen face, can't ignore it. Her eyes empty, doesn't communicate her trauma or hatred or sad or pain to her character has experienced it. 1st to 3rd episodes I enjoyed to watch Liu Xue Yi which wasn't only a great vision, but his snarling/pouting /glowering/glaring/frowning is appalling. His beautiful face makes more sinister to the contorting situation - his barely smile brings out menacing character and unknown to anyone his secret of morbid plan of avenges. That's what I see him in this drama, value of his skill to the character. Liu Xue Yi is a promising actor if he can find a female lead that can bring out his personality in collaboration of future project.
Prince Murong Jing He (Liu Xue Yi) of the Great Yan Dynasty led his Weibei Army to reclaim Qingzhou, a lost territory. Became infamously 'Butchered General' from accusation of burning down a town and killed it's citizen. A misunderstood General that hold hatred to take on revenge to family who wrong him. Mei Lin's (Wu Jin Yan) family burned to death by, as she believed, Weibei Army which under Prince Murong Jing He's leadership. She dedicated herself to take on revenge to the man who responsible with horrendous act, Murong Jing He. Disguised as one of a hundred Xiyan beauties sent to the Great Yan as part of a political marriage alliance, she patiently waits for her chance to strike. But what Mei Lin doesn't know is that the man who masterminded her entire assassination mission—setting her on this path of revenge—is none other than Murong Jing He himself. That's the plot.
With the basic synopsis I wouldn't imagine the character Prince Murong Jing He; he's taking his time in finding the culprit, he takes on the blames, he receives scold, hateful profanity and scorn, thrown-rotten egg/vegetables from public humiliation, he bare it all with sinister sneers. His deep sarcastic voice (I heard it's his real voice) play important part for his edgy character, irony situation with his statuesque and stunning face.
I hate to drop this drama just because of FL...still many episodes to watch though.
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BELOW EXPECTATION
Zang Hai was originally the son of the Imperial Astronomer. However, when he was young, he witnessed the murder of his entire family. Deciding on the path of revenge, Zang Hai withdrew from the scene temporarily and began training himself by learning construction and the art of war. At the young age, he reconstructed his entire face (surgery) so his ebonemy won't recognize him to revenge, he becomes so handsome boy then a man Xiao Zhan. Ten years later, he returned to the capital as an unrecognizable figure and became—through mentoring—the adviser of his enemy, Duke Ping Jin. From the Lord's manor to the court, from an ordinary advisor to becoming the chief minister of the imperial cabinet, through all deception of loyalty and dedication. Zang Hai struggled in the face of treacherous political plots and battles, finally getting a chance to kill his enemy.Xiao Zhan obviously a very handsome man, like no one else is better looking than him (thinking to myself that handsome of man he shouldn't be bowing to anybody). Even the Female Lead Zhang Jing Yi (as Xiang An Tu) can't outshine him, she's (what I call) frozen face actress. Zhang Jing Yi has poker face, can't really tell what emotion or reaction to the scenes - blank face and she smiles wanly - she has this cringe sourly smiles. I felt like Xiao Zhan is a diamond surrounded by common rocks.
So, I think 7 episodes is enough for me. I like Xiao Zhan but I don't think this drama is IT.
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Too Juvenile to my taste...
Alright, I don't think this drama worth my time. But if I am on my teen, I would probably like it. It's too juvenile...you don't want to watch someone play games all the time and get credits for it. The guy has obvious nose...that can't help but noticing..sorry. The girl looks much older than the boys and apparent. I dropped it because nothing interest me that will get me to sit down and enjoy the drama. If the idea of playing games all the time will get you a girl and fame, that is lame, so I moved on seeking other dramas that worth my appreciation, the promotion picture looks favorable though. Note: Damn....I felt bad because my favorite guy Liu YuNing sang one of the OST 'You have me'...Was this review helpful to you?
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AGE GAP
At least in this drama, they're opened in saying the 6 years age different, which is ok. As Yang Mi looked so much older and tired look here (still beautiful though) and Xu Kai wasn't like bubbly himself. Yang Mi didn't look her best compare with other actresses in this drama; messy long hair, oversize dresses, tired eyes, downward red lip. The good pair of an experience family lawyer who lied about her marital status and a stay-home finance advisor (fake) husband. They stayed together for their own reason and benefit which eventually fallen in love and formed an actual marriage.I like Yang Mi best friend-sister in law (factual her ex husband's girlfriend) which a very dynamic friendship and sister in law both legally and informally. Xu Kai's character was kind of blah....no lively character that get him interesting. Qin Shi had a very competitive with Lawyer Xu and ex boyfriend Lawyer Tao professionally and romantically. Yang Hua's meddling mom was pretty annoying, not sure what she really wanted from her son. Girlfriend, yes. Marriage, yes. But not with Qin Shi (Yang Mi) so they had to play a trick to get even with her...so what did she really want then? The more they avoided her, the more vigorous Mom wanted to solve her son's love life, the more annoying it became. I don't know if that's a normal in China, we're supposed in modern set up, it's pretty out of line when the mother restricting a child's choice of life. But anyway....
Decided to drop it, kind of tired with Yang Mi's acting. Sometimes she acted like a spoiled-child, a professional lawyer, naive adult, while Xu Kai acted spiritless uninteresting man. I think I have watched it enough and don't want to invest my time to unworthy drama. Quit!
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UNREALISTIC
Anime, unrealistic, inefficient/oversize costumes, overboard visual effect and lighting, focus audience: preteens and teens.Line of story? Lei WuJie (Ao RuiPeng), an aspiring hero encountered the owner of Fallen Snow Villa by destroying his place, owed 500 tails for the damage Xiao Se (Li HongYi) agreed to come with him to XueYue City. They embarked the journey, met masters and hold friendship along the way. Every casts were dressed in elaborate oversize robes and long flowing hairstyles (very inefficient when they're the masters of something and had to showcase their masterpiece) prevented them moving freely and nothing but keeping appearances - to some the oversize robes looked redicolous on them, or a lady wore a mustache.
Seems this is anime style, unrealistic visual effect all over the place with lighting which supposedly superficial (fake) strength . In my opinion, this drama focus-market was to preteens or teens that only grabbing entertainment and imagination without concern of philosophy or literature consideration in the mix. Li HongYi, ep 11, still hasn't done anything to his acting besides fold his hand, flew here and there, judging and knowing everybody. Unknown yet what his character and intention....or his existence being part of the drama. Ao RuiPeng did better here than his previous role in Female Student Arrives at Imperial Collage, his energy and youth radiant more than anyone else. Liu XueYi (Wu Xin/monk) was great with his character...
I hope I have better one to watch..........sigh.
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Sean Xiao Zhan
I watch this drama for Sean Xiao Zhan, he gained weight for this role and I think he looked amazingly gorgeous with messy and dirt on his hair and body, with his smile - sparkly eyes - and angled head he won my heart. I think he should be the main leading man because he has a lot of charms, beauty, intelligence, power. Well, after that I got bore with Li Qin character, she's lousy in acting childish (which actually fine since she's not a child anymore) hate watching an adult acted like she's 10yo.Darren Wang is great for his character, he looked like a wild wolf alright. Guess after listening to the comments and praises from other people - I had high hope for this drama but it didn't meet my expectation so I drop it. For the reason of Xiao Zhan, I'am going to focus on him, if we can get rids few of other actors I would give this drama solely 10 in scores. Either Xiao Zhan as a bounty hunter or a prince, he's looking better every time. One thing good about this drama is they didn't use any obvious makeup in actors...they could still look dirty, messy, rustle, wrinkles but gave more authentication of the characters.
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TALK....TALK.....TALK
There's saying this drama is Chinese CSI historical setting, there isn't much action going on - only talk...talk...talk....much serious conversation about crime investigations. Although the men carry swords, I don't see them using them more than a few stances. It isn't a light drama, the seriousness of this drama is more talk talk talk The FL isn't pretty - has cute chubby baby cheeks and not a typical a spoiled-young lady but an intelligent-down to earth- working class young lady Chu Chu (which I like), the ML is a high born intelligent educated man..not an over indulgence of a Prince. For sure this drama is boring... although I am only on ep 12 but couldn't stand it no more...how could that be? I love the prince Xiao JinYu (Wang Zi Qi), the story is good, the acting and casts are good, but...episodes 12 don't make things any less boring....talk some more. I love the makeup, nothing is over the top, everything looks very ordinary natural which I like it, isn't common C-drama that usually full of artificial neatness or make up. I see none of character smiles...or maybe a little.Was this review helpful to you?
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Back to the 80th style
I watch this kind of drama back in the 80th, back then this drama was typical but when we watch it today 2021 its kind of odd and out of date. I only watch the one available in Youtube and so far I am not impressed. The light is dark, the childish acts from the actors, the rustic setting, so much reminded me of Ti Lung, young Jacky Chan, David Chiang, young Lin ChinShia, all great movies they're in. Not sure if I want to continue watching it, the typical alike 'Condor Heroes' drama sagas which I loved back then but I would not say the same for this drama. I dropped it...I have better to do with my time than watching this..Was this review helpful to you?
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The beautiful Angelababy...
It won't be fair that the beautiful Angelababy was stumbled on the acting because of her breathtaking beauty < female genius military strategist. She's more up to modern setting FL than centuries ago heroine...but here I am apparently stereotyping or even misogynistic although can't help it when concerning show business - all about acting, presentation and appearance. Anyway, her delicate beauty appearance might not be representing rashness reality of 'Military. Strategist' which predominantly men....at front line of war(s). Imagine if you will, the beautiful Angelababy in a war with her glamorous delicate white or pastel flowing gown tell bloody-slashed exhausted soldiers what to do, I couldn't take her part convincing enough. She might be genius, brilliant, but rival General Chu BeiJie wasn't a fool either. He retreated and lost soldiers but came back strong, he knew what he's up against. The little boy (General) Chu fallen in and promised himself to marry a little girl when she helped him and Mom, way back then. Luckily, he recognized in adulthood and pursued her...took her as a wife. Her loyalty laid to someone else...divided between a husband (from opponent kingdom) and where she's from (sweetheart). Heart wrenching scenes supposedly but...I waited and did not drop a single tear...what's going on??? No...it's not about Bai PingTing....I don't know I didn't finish the drama...62 episodes was way too long and by episode 19 I lost interest.Was this review helpful to you?
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GOOD LOOKING CASTS
Only 4 episodes that I watch his drama, not so much opinion but I notice few things that make this drama stand out. All the cast are so good looking, easy on the eyes. Esther Yu looks like her real age, could see clearly Zhang LingHi was a much younger man. Only the oldest JieJie that's light (although she's suck in dancing), setting and costumes are beautiful, too much dialogue exchange without story progress: dramatic monologue. No much entertainment..1. Background music / Ambient
Over dramatized background music. Simple scene accompanied with music that focus to create a certain atmosphere or state of mind, a dark edgy one, intended as cinematic thriller background. Everybody talk alot; scheming, explaining, threat, smirking, intimidation, all done in talking. Appeared there's none of happiness or cheerful on the scenes.
2. Denigrated Women
Survival fight on the mud (ep2), selecting a bride from 10 women and when they don't get selected they'd be killed - women tried to win favors from the male counterparts - to be the bride of Gong family she needs to be in perfect health like weekly health check up or something; felt like worst selection of a Queen (oh...but whatever). Hmmm...not a great,
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BIG SIGH......
Zhang ZiYi might be famous and the best actress back then but still she couldn't transform herself into 15 years old princess. Unfortunately, the whole actor cast for age appropriation to the main actress, everyone looked too mature for the roles, we could even see the wrinkles or creases. But hey...who am I to say? Was the acting good? No matter how good the make up was, 40 something age woman couldn't cover her maturity into a teenage girl - so for acting ZiYi didn't pull it off so was Tony Yang. Well, actually the entire team was a joke. Make up done horribly wrong....older actors can't disguise into younger versions no matter how thick the make up was. No one can disguise life experience-contained in someone's eyes into an innocent youthful person. But again, why was too emphasis on the younger self of characters? When they all know they have all mature actors? They could have hired young actors to play part of younger-selves.The set was beautiful though...beautiful clothing (too overboard with coming-out age party)...but story was outdated. Tired of typical story line 'imperial intrigues, jealousy, power hungry, greed.' nothing different from thousands other dramas. None of those interesting new idea of story that will get us hook on. So, I sighed and moved on especially when there were others coming more interesting story lines....Word of Honor anyone? With so much talents and money the production company invested in this project, it went flat and not interesting. Big name like Zhang ZiYi didn't make impression...
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HIGH EXPECTATION WITH LOW OUTCOME
Alright, I haven't watch much of episodes so there isn't much of impression I get from only watching 5 episodes. But so far, fighting/action is pretty good - the story though kind of choppy - don't know the background story/character of Fang Zhu (William Chan), the Emperor (Xu KaiCheng) who madly/obsessively in love with the wife, Fang HaiShi (Yang Mi) a girl that pretended to be a boy to have better opportunity and became a student of Fang Zhu. Alright these are our main character; Fang Zhe is so blah expressionless like an empty shell, the Emperor ballistic over the death of beloved queen - his favorite word choice is 'boring' KaiCheng is like forcing his face to appear angry, So far, the relationship between the Emperor and everyone else is nothing but aggravation, that's what I don't understand. Yang Mi acts the same as she was Bai Qian/Fu Yao - her mesmerism is not far from her last dramas - nothing is new about her. Ep 4, Fang Zhu fainted in Hai Shi annd they sit still all night long under the rain, ok under circumstances she can actually move him to warmer & dryer place to get him safe (not getting infected for his back injuries) but no she stupidly stay that way hold him. The next morning, Fang Zhu fall into the ground and she scream for help and people run toward them to help. Where those people the night before? Can she yell for help the night before? No...no...doesn't make sense. Ep 5 she said she's going to kill Emperor to help her teacher? Lol..wasn't she the one who start it all to get her brother and teacher punish??Typical C-drama, a girl who pretended to be a boy is usually appear more girly; shorter than average men height that she surrounded herself with, delicate posture and has lovely face, soft feminine voice, and likes girls stuff. I don't know why all the men around so gullible to accept this feminine boy is genuinely a man (soldier on top of that!) even MuLan has to change her behavior and voice to be accepted to the Army. Another Typical is a reserved man Fang Zhu as appear to be an emotionless man where there isn't emotion in his eyes like giving up on life, Mark Chao/Wang Duo/Shaw Qu has way better acting skill in word 'Reserved' because they could convincingly deliver their character. Haiyo, tired with Angry Emperor, madness that I believe such annoyance just because of a woman? Move on already, man.
All in all it isn't good. The theme of love relation between teacher-student is on the range and kind of tiring; One and Only (Allen Ren/Bai Lu), Female Student at the Imperial Collage (Zhao LuSi/Xu KaiCheng), The Longest Promise (Xiao Zhan/Ren Min), 10 miles of Peach Blossom (Yang Mi/Mark Chao). As many say to hold on till ep 10-12 to watch improve scenes, do I have patient to wait that far? Finally decided to drop it....story is choppy, William Chan wooden, Yang Mi unimproved, characters are lame, Xu KaiCheng 'boring', OST so so, rewatch value 2-3, nothing to hold me here.
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DR. BAI ZHU WAS ANNOYING
What's up with Bai Yu's lip? There wasn't any chemistry between Yang Mi (Dr. Xiao Yan) & Bai Yu (Dr. Bai Zhu), he supposed to act confident but came out as arrogantly ignorant, seriously I don't want to be treated with a doctor like him, especially the first patient (as we watch) died during recovery. He's the definition of God Complex of a physician, sadly he proved himself wrong . Dr. Tang, Yang Mi's co-worker need another acting lesson, her looks like Yang Mi but acting wise was terrible. The best acting was Li DongHeng, he acted normal, his dialog deliverance was precise and clear. The actress who play 'Lead Nurse Jiang' was good. Yang Mi as a doctor looked very convincing, as mature actor Yang Mi could pass as an experience 'Doctor without Border' that had seen a lot in human suffering between war, poverty, emergent, and limitation of basic needs. Dr. Xiao Yan had been through a lot in war zone, between saving life on straining condition, experienced the misery of sickness, as well as broken heart losing her fiance.Had enough, she requested to go back to China and worked at ER doctor in well established hospital. Dr. Bai Zhu just got demoted to ER (LOL - from Cardiac surgeon to ER doctor, never heard such a case happen in US ) after the death of his patient who he persuaded patient (& family) to agree to do a high risk surgery. Dr. Xiao Yan learned how to maneuver new reality being a doctor in civilize country while Dr. Bai Zhu was like a stalker. Besides all that, patient's dynamic stories were being presented as part of dramatic entries. Exaggeration in doctors part to be involved in making decision for patients, retrieving personal information of patient was breaching privacy, in whatever reason this was just outright no no. I didn't like to see doctors who put their hands in their white coats, it's lazy presentation of medical professionals on the job. Visited patients, went around checking patient with hand in coat's pockets? Didn't we ever see that in reality?
Watch it once and realized it's no rewatch value, as Bai Hu doing minimum effort I dropped this drama, Bai Hu wasn't a sympathetic doctor - more like an ash**le than an outstanding 'highly contribute' citizen as a doctor. I think Bai Hu brought this drama down, decided that 10 ep was more than enough. I think he'd be ok if he acted like he's most amazing talented great doctor (Like Dr. House) than as an arrogant bastard ignorant stalker.
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