This review may contain spoilers
“Must Watch” for a Reason!
**This review is for both Part 1 & Part 2. Spoilers given later with episodes numbers are referencing this as one drama, not two separate parts.**
Being totally honest, I actually dropped this years ago after only about 8 episodes. I really wanted to watch it because I’m a fan of both the main actors, but I just couldn’t handle how horrible the FL’s mother was to her. But I’ve been on a historical drama binge watching journey recently & this one ALWAYS gets recommended so I thought, “you know what, let’s just give it another try.”
And I’m so glad I did because wowza - this is absolutely beautiful. I now understand why it’s labeled as a must-watch for drama lovers. If you’re like me & have been hesitating for whatever reason, I recommend you just give in & press play so you can experience the beauty for yourself.
It’s a very well done drama. The storyline & pacing are both great (keep in mind that, all together, this drama has 52eps so it’s not going to be fast paced.) There’s a lot of character growth for multiple people, not just the Leads. There are numerous schemes & endless plotting by so many various villains. There’s great slow-burn relationship development. Because there are so many episodes, it allows time for things to really build & progress, giving us a fully developed story rather than just bite sized pieces that make us fill in a lot of holes. (Not that I mind shorter dramas, I’m simply stating facts.)
It’s ultimately the story of a girl who was left behind as her parents (both generals) went to war & the general who falls in love with her at first sight though he’s harboring some pretty big secrets. Neither is perfect; both are flawed. But love doesn’t require perfection, thank goodness 💕
She was raised by her paternal family who mistreated her daily so she’s grown up relying solely on herself for anything she needs. He has a tragic past & his position makes people wary of him. Neither is quick to trust nor does either find it easy to rely on others. But they form a connection during both traumatic moments & humorous ones. When they choose to be together, regardless of their issues & doubts, they form a bond with a depth neither ever imagined; they discover a love the likes of which they weren’t sure existed. Their relationship is tested many, many times. By delulu love rivals & jealous “family” members, as well as political schemes & royal demands. This duo faces a LOT on their journey together, then even more during their 5yrs apart. They do not have an easy & blissful romance, but rather a love that’s forged through trials & tribulations. But it’s a love they both fight for, protect, & long for when it’s lost. Then it’s one they cherish when they have each other back again. (Which, small complaint, it really would’ve been great to see more happy & lovey moments of them after all the baddies are eradicated.)
So, yes, I loved this drama. I liked part 2 more simply because the Leads are a couple then, but part 1 is also filled with many meaningful & memorable moments too! And it’s not just the Leads that I enjoyed, but other characters & aspects as well:
- The oft-times hilarious, matchmaking emperor
- The respect & friendship of the empress & concubine
- The fact that ALL the villains are dealt with one by one throughout the show
- The FL’s brothers & the way they always include, love, & defend her
- The ML’s bromance with his two most-trusted soldiers
- The additional details given in the subtitles (at least on Viki app…)
There’s so much to love about this show! I highly recommend it for fans of the historical genre. Yes, there are hecka toxic characters (& yes, the FL’s mother stays that way for the majority of the show. I get that she doesn’t know how to be a mom to a girl but seriously - that’s no excuse for her abuse!) And there are annoying characters (I’m looking at you, Mr. SML. Just go away until you can leave the FL alone, please!) But there are many really lovable characters too! So push play & enjoy this beautiful journey.
\\\\\ ——— \\\\\ ——— >>> ——— <<< ———////// ———//////
‼️ SPOILERS OF SOME OF MY FAV MOMENTS/SCENES INCOMING!! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW!! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! 😉‼️
\\\\\ ——— \\\\\ ——— >>> ——— <<< ———////// ———//////
EP.12 - FL giving ML medical aid for the arrow in his chest. Eyes don’t lie… 🫠
EP.24 - ML’s speech & defense of FL against her mom; their engagement
EP.27 - the drunk piggyback ride. OhEmGee 🤣
EP.29 - the rooftop forehead kiss *swoon*
EP.34 - concubine dealing w/ ML’s “stepmom” & the wicked old royal lady 🙌🏻
EP.36 - ML teaching FL self defense moves
EP.45 - FL’s brother’s “wedding” while in prison - precious!
EP.47 - Leads biting each other to seal an oath 🫶🏻
EP.48 - FL’s family helping her fight to save ML
EP.49 - FL getting ML on the horse. ML sacrificing himself off the cliff. Emotions!
EP.50 - ML not letting them take the string off his wrist even while unconscious, but finally loosening his grip when FL plays flute to soothe him
EP.53 - ML saving her from runaway carriage & refusing to release her as they cling to the mountain 👏🏻 Empress’ final moments (cried so hard!) 😭
EP.55 - that hug upon realizing ML made it out alive…🔥
EP.56 - FL’s whole family riding through the smoke as one to save her, all unsheathing their swords?! Wowza!! “Who dares to harm my Naio Naio?” Perfection! Also, the emperor’s temper tantrum at not being at the wedding, hahahaha!
Feel free to share your favorite moments with me!!
_________\\__________//________
-⬇️ M O R E 🚫 S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
.
…
….
……
The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.34 💋
- Together : ep.28 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.51 💔
- BackTogether : ep.55(end) ❤️🩹
Being totally honest, I actually dropped this years ago after only about 8 episodes. I really wanted to watch it because I’m a fan of both the main actors, but I just couldn’t handle how horrible the FL’s mother was to her. But I’ve been on a historical drama binge watching journey recently & this one ALWAYS gets recommended so I thought, “you know what, let’s just give it another try.”
And I’m so glad I did because wowza - this is absolutely beautiful. I now understand why it’s labeled as a must-watch for drama lovers. If you’re like me & have been hesitating for whatever reason, I recommend you just give in & press play so you can experience the beauty for yourself.
It’s a very well done drama. The storyline & pacing are both great (keep in mind that, all together, this drama has 52eps so it’s not going to be fast paced.) There’s a lot of character growth for multiple people, not just the Leads. There are numerous schemes & endless plotting by so many various villains. There’s great slow-burn relationship development. Because there are so many episodes, it allows time for things to really build & progress, giving us a fully developed story rather than just bite sized pieces that make us fill in a lot of holes. (Not that I mind shorter dramas, I’m simply stating facts.)
It’s ultimately the story of a girl who was left behind as her parents (both generals) went to war & the general who falls in love with her at first sight though he’s harboring some pretty big secrets. Neither is perfect; both are flawed. But love doesn’t require perfection, thank goodness 💕
She was raised by her paternal family who mistreated her daily so she’s grown up relying solely on herself for anything she needs. He has a tragic past & his position makes people wary of him. Neither is quick to trust nor does either find it easy to rely on others. But they form a connection during both traumatic moments & humorous ones. When they choose to be together, regardless of their issues & doubts, they form a bond with a depth neither ever imagined; they discover a love the likes of which they weren’t sure existed. Their relationship is tested many, many times. By delulu love rivals & jealous “family” members, as well as political schemes & royal demands. This duo faces a LOT on their journey together, then even more during their 5yrs apart. They do not have an easy & blissful romance, but rather a love that’s forged through trials & tribulations. But it’s a love they both fight for, protect, & long for when it’s lost. Then it’s one they cherish when they have each other back again. (Which, small complaint, it really would’ve been great to see more happy & lovey moments of them after all the baddies are eradicated.)
So, yes, I loved this drama. I liked part 2 more simply because the Leads are a couple then, but part 1 is also filled with many meaningful & memorable moments too! And it’s not just the Leads that I enjoyed, but other characters & aspects as well:
- The oft-times hilarious, matchmaking emperor
- The respect & friendship of the empress & concubine
- The fact that ALL the villains are dealt with one by one throughout the show
- The FL’s brothers & the way they always include, love, & defend her
- The ML’s bromance with his two most-trusted soldiers
- The additional details given in the subtitles (at least on Viki app…)
There’s so much to love about this show! I highly recommend it for fans of the historical genre. Yes, there are hecka toxic characters (& yes, the FL’s mother stays that way for the majority of the show. I get that she doesn’t know how to be a mom to a girl but seriously - that’s no excuse for her abuse!) And there are annoying characters (I’m looking at you, Mr. SML. Just go away until you can leave the FL alone, please!) But there are many really lovable characters too! So push play & enjoy this beautiful journey.
\\\\\ ——— \\\\\ ——— >>> ——— <<< ———////// ———//////
‼️ SPOILERS OF SOME OF MY FAV MOMENTS/SCENES INCOMING!! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW!! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! 😉‼️
\\\\\ ——— \\\\\ ——— >>> ——— <<< ———////// ———//////
EP.12 - FL giving ML medical aid for the arrow in his chest. Eyes don’t lie… 🫠
EP.24 - ML’s speech & defense of FL against her mom; their engagement
EP.27 - the drunk piggyback ride. OhEmGee 🤣
EP.29 - the rooftop forehead kiss *swoon*
EP.34 - concubine dealing w/ ML’s “stepmom” & the wicked old royal lady 🙌🏻
EP.36 - ML teaching FL self defense moves
EP.45 - FL’s brother’s “wedding” while in prison - precious!
EP.47 - Leads biting each other to seal an oath 🫶🏻
EP.48 - FL’s family helping her fight to save ML
EP.49 - FL getting ML on the horse. ML sacrificing himself off the cliff. Emotions!
EP.50 - ML not letting them take the string off his wrist even while unconscious, but finally loosening his grip when FL plays flute to soothe him
EP.53 - ML saving her from runaway carriage & refusing to release her as they cling to the mountain 👏🏻 Empress’ final moments (cried so hard!) 😭
EP.55 - that hug upon realizing ML made it out alive…🔥
EP.56 - FL’s whole family riding through the smoke as one to save her, all unsheathing their swords?! Wowza!! “Who dares to harm my Naio Naio?” Perfection! Also, the emperor’s temper tantrum at not being at the wedding, hahahaha!
Feel free to share your favorite moments with me!!
_________\\__________//________
-⬇️ M O R E 🚫 S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
.
…
….
……
The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.34 💋
- Together : ep.28 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.51 💔
- BackTogether : ep.55(end) ❤️🩹
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