It's an underrated historical where gender tropes were flipped, merchant class family x law magistrate. The ost is good, the production with the cinematography is amazing and the tea facts were cool to watch, great cast. The creative vision here is bold, does it pull off everything perfectly? No, but it is fun and entertaining to watch, it's a breath of fresh air from the normal palace dramas.
most dramas having longer episodes sometimes just have those filler episodes, and i'm glad that kttph delivers…
Totally agree. HMH mentioned in one of the live's that he was given a completed script during start of the shoot and there were no major rewrites done during the production. That's why HMH and all the cast members were able to bring A level performances because the character arcs were built really well.
Episode 28 is a great finale episode, the conclusion was done as well as how the drama started which is no small feat. Rarely dramas get the ending right but this one checks all the boxes in making a conclusion so heartfelt and satisfying to watch as a viewer.
zero kisses doesn't mean that a couple is less romantic or affectionate with each other. Love can be expressed through acts of service, words of affirmation etc. Kisses should not be a barometer to judge romance in a drama but that is just my personal opinion.
The ending credit scene is set in the same way as when Wuyi and Jiayu first meet on the ship laying on the benches. That was a full circle moment that i appreciated. It's a small detail but that what makes KTTPH so wholesome.
LFY had a great raw energy to it but it just got slowed down by the audit subplot and then the other love interests were just not compelling. That feel flat for me. Some of the character motivations felt out of place such as Miao Jing just constantly putting herself in dangerous situations over and over and expecting superman chenyi to bail her out every time haha
However. chemistry was fire, best moments were when CP is together in the apartment doing regular things. Action sequences were great, SWL executed them really well. The childhood actors did really well playing their adult counterparts. OST is good as well.
For a urban crime romance drama, it delivers but you gotta suffer through it. It's a mixed bag for me.
I enjoyed this from start to finish. The cast knocked it off the park. The production was excellent, starting from the cinematographer who elevated the visual storytelling to a masterful level combined with the excellent dialogues from the script. Costuming, makeup, action sequences and practical effects were amazing to watch. The OST ranks amongst the best i have heard this year. For a production that was done on a modest budget, they have overdelivered in creating this excellent masterpiece.
These characters make you smile, laugh, cry and root for them as they navigate their struggles and strive towards their goals. That's what the best dramas make you feel and this certainly did it for me. KTTPH was a wonderful journey to take and i will miss all the twist and turns this drama threw in our faces and kept us on our toes until the very end.
Wuyi and Jiayu both optimize their duty to their nation before their love. Thats why Wuyi lets Jiayu go find the mineral deposits for 2 years so that they can turn the tide of the war. He gives her the freedom to do what she wants, and that has been consistent from the start.
No matter who is scheming against them, they trust each other because they know each other's character and devotion on doing the right thing not just for their own good but also for the greater good. The contrast with Li Mao shows this time and after time again.
Visual storytelling was on point when you see Wuyi and Li Mao walking away from each other at the end of Episode 18. Also with Jiayu walking away with Mao and going to Wuyi was a beautiful shot.
The plotting keeps you on the edge of your seat while the Wuyi and Jiayu bond grows more stronger with them working together. It's the perfect balance of what makes it so enjoyable to watch.
Scheming in this drama is on another level. Grand Tutor pulling the strings in the background but ended up paying the cost of losing his wife. I think for his grand ambitions, he is willing to do anything at this point. Same with Empress Dowager, they represent the old guard that is doing all they can to keep the current status quo of keeping the power in hand of noble families.
1. Relationship development of Xie Jiayu and Xiao Wuyi: The screenwriter has done an excellent job in building their relationship organically and feels like there is a natural progression there. They can argue with each other but with communication, they are able to overcome problems together. They both make each other better not just with their words but their actions as well. They do make mistakes but they learn and grow stronger than ever.
2. The pacing is faster but i like it because it matches the emotional tone of the drama where this is taking place in war times and the stakes are so high. It adds to the intensity which blends well with the action scenes.
3. Supporting cast are not just pretty faces, they all have a purpose. Each of them can exist on their own without the main leads and have their own struggles/stakes in this high level chess match.
4. Kudos to the director too as some of the composition shots have been brilliant especially during the contest scene, war scene or introducing a new setting.
5. The OST is an absolute banger and matches the tone of the drama.
I was skeptical about the story but it all comes together in the end. Overall, i love the simplicity and charm of the characters. Credit to the cast and the production team in bringing an original story that doesn't try to be flashy but leaves a hopeful and heartwarming impression that lingers till the very end.
Enjoyed these last episodes and the focus is back on the leads and their arc. I think the action is about to pick up, hope we get an epic battle scene in the finale.
One of things i like is how organic this xianxia feels on the production side from the mixture of high tech CGI and practical sets, natural sounds and costume design that is both detailed and specific to each character and their timeline. It's a nice balance that keeps the storyline grounded while not being overwhelmed by CGI.
love how the characters shift their strategy as soon as it doesn't fit their needs, new alliances form and old ones collapse. It's like watching a live chess match. I don't blame em, who wouldn't want to rule a tea business empire.
However. chemistry was fire, best moments were when CP is together in the apartment doing regular things. Action sequences were great, SWL executed them really well. The childhood actors did really well playing their adult counterparts. OST is good as well.
For a urban crime romance drama, it delivers but you gotta suffer through it. It's a mixed bag for me.
These characters make you smile, laugh, cry and root for them as they navigate their struggles and strive towards their goals. That's what the best dramas make you feel and this certainly did it for me. KTTPH was a wonderful journey to take and i will miss all the twist and turns this drama threw in our faces and kept us on our toes until the very end.
Till the next rewatch, bon voyage KTTPH!!!
No matter who is scheming against them, they trust each other because they know each other's character and devotion on doing the right thing not just for their own good but also for the greater good. The contrast with Li Mao shows this time and after time again.
The plotting keeps you on the edge of your seat while the Wuyi and Jiayu bond grows more stronger with them working together. It's the perfect balance of what makes it so enjoyable to watch.
1. Relationship development of Xie Jiayu and Xiao Wuyi: The screenwriter has done an excellent job in building their relationship organically and feels like there is a natural progression there. They can argue with each other but with communication, they are able to overcome problems together. They both make each other better not just with their words but their actions as well. They do make mistakes but they learn and grow stronger than ever.
2. The pacing is faster but i like it because it matches the emotional tone of the drama where this is taking place in war times and the stakes are so high. It adds to the intensity which blends well with the action scenes.
3. Supporting cast are not just pretty faces, they all have a purpose. Each of them can exist on their own without the main leads and have their own struggles/stakes in this high level chess match.
4. Kudos to the director too as some of the composition shots have been brilliant especially during the contest scene, war scene or introducing a new setting.
5. The OST is an absolute banger and matches the tone of the drama.
Back to the Brink: Rom-Com
Dashing Youth: Youth
Fangs of Fortune: Melodrama
Love in the Clouds: Romance
The Unclouded Soul: Slice-of-life
Each work has it's own unique style and charm. Enjoy!