first_snow55

The opposite can also happen. When a cp gets too popular and their is already a lot of shipping going on, the chances of actors collaborating again becomes low because the actors want to avoid rumors. All things considered, I think both Wu Lei and Lusi would want to take some time off before they take up another drama. I definitely don't rule out the possibility of a future collaboration, but only after some years.

Although I haven't seen those final episodes yet, I already feel the editing in part 1 was better.

You're welcome. Yes, a good script with good characterization for both is essential for them to collaborate in future. I know many people want to see them pair up again very soon, but I personally feel they should take some time and wait for a really great script because the expectations will be sky high.

That's an interesting angle to learn. I kind of guessed in epi 32 that something else is going on with LBY, now you've confirmed my guess.

Yes the monastery arc although short is really important in Changge's journey. Wu Wei can be translated as inaction, non-action, non-interference etc. It means going with the flow or allowing nature to take it's own course. During the revenge arc, Changge was resisting any and all kinds of change within and outside of herself. It is during her stay in the monastery, when she gradually comes to terms with everything, Changge's dreams also start to change. It's the first time she dreams of Asun and keeps calling his name in her sleep. Before that she used to always dream of her mother.

Along with Taoism and Confucianism, you'll find a lot Buddhism in historical cdramas too. Not too mention quotes and concepts from other famous philosophers/historical figures. I find it very interesting to learn about these
things.

If you can't access Viki then a lot of cdramas are uploaded on official YT channels too. This one is now available on Huace TV English channel on YT and other region channels.

Bai Lu and Xu Kai did four or five dramas together. They were not paired with each other in some of them and one of their dramas never aired. The reason being, they are from the same company and if I am not wrong, some of their projects, if not all were produced by their company boss who is also a producer.

Bai Lu and Allen Ren's two dramas are actually part of the same story. The drama was just split in two parts.

Repeat pairings do happen in cdramaland but it depends on a lot of factors. Xiao Zhan and Li Qin have done five projects together and they are good friends in real life. Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin are working together after five years I think.

Love is Sweet was a popular drama. Maybe they both liked the script and their schedule also matched that why they paired up again so soon.

Thanks for the explanation. I spoiled myself already with all the bts though, so I even know that backstory of LBY, at least most of it. I don't expect the drama to be primarily a love story and I don't mind watching the subplots at all, but sometimes certain things just feel long drawn and other things feel way too short. Like I said, maybe it's the editing. I also read that they had to air the drama earlier then they had originally intended and they rushed to air the second part as well.

That's good to know. Thanks.

Epi 32 and I am starting to get a bit frustrated with part 2. I loved part 1 minus the first four epis and I don't know if it's a problem with the script or the editing, but the drama seems to have forgotten a lot of characters here. Does Yuan Shen still exist? Whatever happened to Qiqi after that incident with CSS's bro? The Cheng family has mostly disappeared too.

CSS and LBY are far from being on the same page. Although that's understandable and I can view things from both their perspectives, CCS is still judging everything based on her feelings and sympathy for other people rather then accepting the fact that LBY has a better understanding of the royal family and palace politics. She is blatantly ignoring his advice and just being too stubborn. LBY on the other hand, doesn't yet understand everything needs to spelt out for CSS otherwise she just won't take his advise. CSS needs to learn that not all change is bad and shouldn't be resisted and sometimes change is a part of growth too. LBY needs to open up a bit more and explain his reasoning if he wants to have a healthy relationship with CSS. It's worrisome that CSS might end up getting into real trouble for being too trusting and might end up creating a huge trouble for LBY too.

Also, the scenes between CSS and LBY are just so far and few that I feel like I am waiting for an eternity to see their love story blossom. I keep craving for them but they have so little screentime together. As someone who started watching the bts videos long before I actually started the drama, I actually feel like the bts captures more and was what made the cp really popular, even more than the show itself. That's because we saw the various takes and fun that happened on set. For example, the scene where CSS's horse goes out of control was funny but it became all the more fun and talked about because we know what transpired behind the scnenes...ZLS getting scared and bawling her eyes out...WL wiping her tears and laughing...both him and directing not realizing she was scared for real...and the various clips of the same bts. That bts was actually the first one of the drama that I had watched. The real scene is funny but normal but the bts just makes it more memorable.

Thank you.

Yes, of course. A lot of viewers might also be pretty new to cdramas. The articles on MDL are posted on the homepage but I am not sure either how you can find old articles unless you specifically know what you're looking for. Here, I found the two articles. Thankfully I had saved the links.

https://kisskh.at/article/introduction-to-wuxia-dramas
https://kisskh.at/article/cookie-done-devitto-done-introduction-to-xianxia-dramas

Yes the tags on MDL are indeed often misleading. The definition of wuxia and jianghu can be searched on yt. I think someone wrote articles on MDL explaining wuxia, xianxia and xuanhuan last year.

No, I think it's because many people think any historical cdrama with fighting is called wuxia or that costume cdramas are either called wuxia or xianxia. A lot of people just don't know the specifics.

This isn't wuxia.
Alchemy of Souls shouldn't be called wuxia/xianxia either because those are cdrama genres.

Finished this yesterday. Loved the drama except for a few things here and there. Based on that I should give this an 8.5 or 9 but this drama earned some brownie points from me, so I am giving it a 10. I'll explain that in my longer review in a day or two. he he.

I don't know how far you've watched but that issue is addressed later. A drama tells a story about different people, you're not meant to like every action of every character or personally agree with everything in the first place. Sometimes you have to view things from the character's perspective. It seems you are unable to do that and don't enjoy watching things you can't relate to and also not familiar with the concept of arranged marriages. Might as well watch something else then? No point of further discussion I guess.

Thanks a lot. I'll check it out.

Thanks. Ep 26 cleared a lot of things up. I guess I was getting a bit impatient.

What an innovative way to promote ALZ and it's cp without actually promoting the cp!! I love their Mini Bazaar spread. Keep it separate but also keep it connected!! Interesting. Both GJ and Reba are gorgeous and the concept is very, very refreshing and beautiful. The Q/A is super fun. And goodness, I never thought I'd ever get distracted by Gj's female co-star when GJ is in the frame but Reba is heavenly gorgeous here!! Sorry Junjun, I love you but I can't take my eyes off of Reba here lol. The long flowing hair, the subtle makeup...just stunning. I remember reading somewhere a few days ago, probably somewhere in YT that Reba only looks good with heavy makeup. They should see this.

Btw, can we say that the promotions have officially started since we were given this? Maybe we'll get some good news soon. Fingers crossed.