You've summarised the issues of this drama perfectly, exactly what I was think. I did manage to finish it but just zoomed through each episode and you're right it doesn't get better. The acting is also quite terrible, no chemistry between the actors at all. The 'incest' felt so 'illegal' while watching their romantic scenes together...
The last few eps with the whole brother story was kind of weird. I get that they were trying to do the whole 'avenge my father' kind of thing but it didn't make sense. The brother - who was clearly did not have a skill to hold a shareholders meeting as shown in earlier episodes, after his dad's death all of a sudden became smart and knew how to manage a company. Kind of forced. There was some weird editing of scenes towards the end. Otherwise would give this drama a 9/10.
Got to episode 18 out of 35. At this point of the series, there should be more progression in the story and the characters...minimal. The main leads continues to bicker back and forth - they like each other then they don't. The timeline is all over the place and I don't even know what's going on anymore. Have to say Xing Zhao Lin's acting is quite subpar, I feel like I'm just watching Enteral Love all over again with his character. He seems to pick similar type of characters - would be interested to see what else he can do. Unfortunately I'm dropping it, might see highlights on youtube instead.
I got to episode 6 and had to drop it. It's dragging on and on, another mary sue female lead with a supposedly strong ML but instead is a coward. Next!
I think this drama has been one of my favourites this year. Good blend of romance, comedy and politics/tactics. Each cast member was so memorable and their role had significance. The pacing was good and ended just nicely if they are planning for a s2.
I was going to pace myself and enjoy this series as it releases over the new years. Now you drop the rest of the episodes in one go? (Not complaining but...)
Ok so it has broadcasted until ep 28, we are halfway through... I feel like it should wrap up in then next few eps. What are they going to do for 16 more episodes?!
There was no clear conclusion the lead's relationship - there was no resolution. Didn't get back together nor break up. It kind of just ended with a cliff-hanger. Overall, the last few episodes was a mess. I enjoyed the vibe of the drama but the whole plot was pretty bad.
Unpopular opinion. If this is the director’s attempt to mix Korean and Western drama styles - it is pretty badly done. I’m not sure who is doing the English script but it sounds so unnatural. I know there is a lot of ‘telling’ in korean drama but they’re acceptable when it’s fun and light. In these more serious plot lines, it’s very cringey to see the character to ‘tell’ everything that is happening instead of ‘showing’ to let the audience interpret.
1. Story of Yanxi Palace
2. Ashes of Love
Best Historical Drama:
1. Story of Yanxi Palace
2. Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
Best Wuxia/Xianxia Drama:
1. Ashes of love
2. Bloody Romance
Best Romance/Comedy Drama:
1. Meteor Garden
Best Chinese Actor(and for which role?):
Nie Yuan - Qian Long (Yanxi)
Best Chinese Actress(and for which role?):
Zhou Xun - Ruyi
Best Chinese Supporting Actor(and for which role?):
Leo Luo - Run Yu (Ashes of Love)
Best Chinese Supporting Actress(and for which role?):
Charmaine Sheh - Consort Xian (Yanxi)
Best Couple:
Yan Zi x Deng Lun (Ashes of Love)