huasen

Very in-depth Villain but superficial Male Lead.

Review contains spoilers! Youve been warned!

Storyline: Very well written! Su Rongqing is such an interesting character. He loves Li Rong just as much as Pei Wenxuan does, but he doesnt trust her as much as PWX trusts her. Unfortunately, their life circumstances make it hard for them to be together. He just doesnt trust her enough to know that she'd be able to prevent his family's death. I cant blame him though, poor guy is traumatized. Not to mention the power struggles, there's no way the king would let them be together. That aside, I love the mystery around finding out what happened in the past. I also really enjoyed the reveal of SRQ. We got to hear the story from his side that made us completely understand why he did what he did. His death was unavoidable though. I like that, even though PWX and SRQ were enemies, PWX didnt want SRQ to die either. UNFORTUNATELY SRQ has so much more depth than PWX. PWX was just a puppy at the commands of LR. He's cute! But he's boring. But I did love the couple banter! They really are like an old couple! Two old souls and yet they still act like children and still get butterflies around each other. One of the goals of the drama was to melt LR's stone heart. Which it achieves; she goes from cold and independent to a damsel in distress. You can be a strong independent woman but when with your husband, you soften and he takes care of you. I didnt like it tho.
Casting: the pick for SRQ was good! His face is so innocent and yet so full of sadness. He portrayed SRQ so well! I just wanted to give him a hug!
I also wasnt a fan of Zhang Ling He much. I've watched him in Maiden Holmes and Love Between Fairy and Devil but DAMMNN he was such a good actor in this drama! I got butterflies!!
I'm honestly impressed with Zhao JinMai. A young but really good actress!
Overall enjoyable drama with really good side couples too

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A medley of complex, relatable characters in a refreshing execution *SPOILERS*

Plot discussion:
Born enemies but brought together with a shared duty to the people. I cannot express how fascinated I am with Wei Shao Qiao Man couple. It was so refreshing to see how well they understood each other and the absolute trust they both had in each other despite the underlying fact that they were raised as enemies. I also enjoyed the development of the Bi Zhi Qiao Fan couple as well. We will get into that later. Su Ehuang made a very interesting villain that I would also like to discuss later.

The Wei Shao and Qiao Man pairing worked despite their family histories because they both shared a common goal and that was putting the people first and working towards realm peace and prosperity. The absolute trust they had in each other and all the communication that happened between them were so refreshing to watch. Su Ehuang tried everything to separate them but their complete trust in the other was so strong that Ehuang's attempt was nothing more than an annoying pest. After every argument, they sat down and communicated how they felt, why they did what they did and all conflicts were resolved. They listened to each other, understood, and made changes to themselves so that their relationship could grow. In the beginning, Wei Shao's actions were completely out of his own need: He opened her mail in front of his subordinates, not thinking about how she would have felt; he used her Qiao family to belittle her; he forced her to pick Wei clan over her own family. I often think about how hard it was for Manman to go through an entire year, not only living in an unknown enemy territory but also to have to completely cut off all her memories of the people who raised her and who she grew up with. How can she sit still while the Weis constantly made remarks about how scheming and evil the Qiaos are? At the end, Wei Shao changes; he realized how difficult it must have been for her and even reminds her that she never was and never is at fault for what happens between the clans. He was willing to set aside his pride and his hatred to visit her family to actively understand them as people and not just as the scheming Qiaos. What have I learned from this couple? That marriage takes a willingness to change for the better of both parties.
All the times that Wei Shao was in war, he placed complete trust in Manman to back him up (when she could not borrow Boya forces) and protect Yujun in his absence (when she was literally pregnant). That last battle was definitely killing two birds with one stone. On one hand, Wei Shao trusted Manman so much that he did not have to turn around. In the other hand, he knew the world came before their little family. He was willing to put an entire 4 generation's worth on the line if it meant he could save the world. The cherry on top? Not only was Manman in complete agreement with his decision, she was even worried about whether or not HE would survive, completely brushing over the fact that HER life was also on the line; completely shooting down Su Ehuang's intended blow.
All this aside, I am a little confused as to what kind of person Manman is supposed to be outside of the fact that she deeply cares about the people. When we are first introduced to her, she is said to be intelligent and is shown to be a woman of few words. Even as she married into Wei clan, she absolutely displayed her compassion and wit in handling home affairs in a way that still maintained the family's, as well as her own, reputation. The drama did also show snippets of her feisty personality when she and Wei Shao got in their first big fight and again when she had too much to drink. I am confused as to whether she is meant to be an untamable, feisty female lead or is she a quiet, gentle, soft character?

A Fan is different from Manman. From the beginning, we already know that her aspirations are smaller; she just wanted to live a peaceful life with Bi Zhi. It was just unfortunate for them that they were caught in a bad time. Manman guided A Fan into convincing Bi Zhi to take up his position as a general. While, with good intentions, was their ultimate downfall. When Manman rides to Boya to request aid from A Fan, she is turned away because not everyone is meant to be a hero. A Fan does not need to save the world, and truly she owes the world nothing. Some people can argue that Bi Zhi had this position of power in the first place because Manman made it possible and how ungrateful A Fan is. I don't agree with this argument. Manman, while also worrying about her cousin's well-being, also had ulterior motives for pushing Bi Zhi into the position as general. She was weary of her marriage to Wei Shao and had to make a plan B in case the marriage failed. Bi Zhi's character is simple; his sole goal in life is to make A Fan happy and he is willing to go to any lengths to please her. And the result? He is clutching her in her dying moments as he expresses his regret in becoming a general in the first place. He really was not meant to be one. Like A Fan, his aspiration was simple and that was just to live out his days peacefully with her. Two hearts with one simple dream caught in a storm and didn't make it out alive. I don't understand the people blaming A Fan. How many people can put their whole life, the love of their life, the father of their unborn child on the line for a world of people you don't even know? The Bi Zhi and A Fan pairing was absolutely a perfect juxtaposition to the Wei Shao and Manman pairing but the former felt so much more relatable.

It is so easy to be caught up in your own misfortune that you can't see how fortunate you are; that is the very definition of Su Ehuang. While yes, how unfortunate that her lover dies EVERY TIME, but how fortunate it is that they all loved her with all their hearts. Su Ehuang did everything out of self-preservation but quite frankly, I cannot use her poor background as justification for her egocentric behavior because she makes evil decisions EVERY TIME. Su Ehuang was given so many chances and had a choice to live a better life but she was constantly drawn to hurting others like a moth drawn to a flame. I was caught by surprise by the extent she was willing to go to get what she wanted. A lot of times, dramas won't be as "gruesome", if you will, but I was surprised at the cruelty I witnessed as the audience. She always realized it too late. In the end, she blamed it on fate that she missed her love every time but really, she turned a blind eye to her fortune out of an insecurity that she was not enough and her power-hungry addiction. Honestly an intriguing villain because I do think it is easy to fall into self-pity and forget to see how fortunate you really are. What did I learn? Start a gratitude journal and don't focus on your misfortunes; it really isn't good for you lol.

I don't have much to say about the Wei Liang and Xiaotao pairing. Really just another couple caught in the wrong time.

Casting:
Casting was excellent! I have always been a fan of Liu YuNing. Maybe my type is just tall? I think Song ZuEr is starting to grow on me. I know much of the plot revolves around her being absolutely gorgeous and to be completely honest, she did not quite his the nail on the head for me at the beginning. I wasn't used to seeing Xuan Lu in a villain role but am so glad that she got a chance to try something different and she did great! Ao Zi Yi tho was IMMACULATE casting! From when we were first introduced to Qiao Ci, Ao Zi Yi perfectly captures the innocent, naive warrior look. A Ci is a little awkward but that was his charm! How Ao Zi Yi carried himself in this role absolutely shows me a little warrior who is a little hot-headed from his lack of experience but is also humble also from his lack of experience. While a great warrior, was not arrogant. Overall great selection!

Music:
Liu YuNing. Singing. Heroic music. Need I say more?

Overall a very enjoyable experience! I'm surprised I did not cry. Instead, I learned so much more about what I can do personally to improve myself. Highly recommend.

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SO GOOD! I am so emotionally attached to this drama

Omggg I cried! But it felt good. The characters had so much dimension! Tian Yao was definitely written by a woman. A lot of the things he said just felt so heart wrenching. Examples: "I would wish the couple happiness" or "You want too much. All I want is her". And he didn't just say it, his actions showed it too! I really understood his past and how it affected his future. It all gets connected in the end. IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE once you make it to the end. It all stemmed from one person and everything is connected. The plot was well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I havented watch a well balanced drama in a long time. The plot was intriguing, the characters felt real, I cried. THE OST MAKES ME CRY! BFTB had its happy moments but also a few PAINFUL moments. A perfect medley of love, pain, and mystery. Tbh, the ending felt rushed and I still have no idea whether it's a happy ending or he's dreaming... WHICH I STRONGLY DISLIKE. If it's a happy ending, I need confirmation; I need to see the characters living their happily ever after and explaining to me how she's still alive etc.

Also, Hou MingHao is an amazing actor! His eyes speak so much! I definitely need to see him in more xianxia/wuxia dramas

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A heartfelt drama about sisterhood and feminism with a dash of humor and romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. It was definitely humorous at the start but the drama shifted to a more serious tone about halfway through. I love how the main characters faced a variety of issues such as socioeconomic disparities, female rights, natural disasters, and even in-home power struggles! Our main characters were able to tackle them in a way that shows their true generous character. We saw the main characters mature without losing their true selves.

The development in the romance department was also slow but steady. Li Wei is not a princess in distress and Ying Zheng was completely supporting her from behind without overstepping his position. I honestly love that. He knows his wife is capable but is still willing to lend her a hand. They also didnt have any major miscommunication issues which was refreshing.

I thought 40 episodes would be too long but upon finishing the drama, I felt the pacing was very fitting for this kind of story. We grow along with the characters at a very natural pace. I didn't feel any part of the drama being too rushed. It is very common for dramas to have a rushed ending just to wrap up the story. I am pleased to say, that is not the case for New Life Begins. Bonus points for the flashbacks in the last episode! It made me realize how much everyone has grown.

Pros: Family bonding, sisterhood, steady pace, empowering
Cons: Music wasn't catchy and oddly really melancholic. I felt like that didn't really match the mood.

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Show was mid

The storyline was simple. One of the things i definitely could not get past was the lack of sisterhood in this drama. Of course, Gu Xiao Man and Qiu Yan were great friends to Lin Xi. I have no issues with them. Hightly disappointed in Zhuang Fei and Shi Ying. Why are we sabotaging each other over men??? Couldnt get past that. I was also consistently rolling my eyes with GXM and Chen Yi Chuan. She was OBSESSED with him. I spent so much of the first half of the drama waiting for her to wake up and realize how much better Duan Ning treated her and how poorly CYC treated her. She was literally a dog at his beck and call. Additionally, Xia Lin Xi is too much like a supportive female western character (like the ones in the old cowboy movies). She is just there to provide help to the male lead. Yes, i agree she loves him and I also agree that he is a great person but some things she did just felt like she was doing TOO much. I guess she's fortunate that Jiang Zheng Han truly loved her and wasnt there to take advantage of her.
If i knew these people personally, i would definitely want to tell them: (1) Men are not worth fighting over. (2) You can love men but being obsessed with them is not okay. (3) You dont have to do everything for him. Let him be his own independent person. She bought him a laptop, rented him a place to stay near his work, moved his entire secret base to him, agreed to go abroad to fund the company. It just felt too much like we were regressing back to plots where the ladies are just there to aid the male lead.

On the bright side, i do like that JZH trusted XLX's decisions. This was something Qin Yue couldnt do.
Speaking of Qin Yue, why is everyone so blindly in love with someone who doesnt love them back? It was a whole love conga line!!

Main couple also had poor communication skills. They think hiding their personal struggles from the other is the right thing to do. But at that point, are you even in a relationship if youre not willing to work out problems together?? Why are you making the decision for the other party rather than giving them a chance to share their opinions?? For example, XLX tutoring because her mom cut her funds. I get that she was worried that ZJH would worry and that he would take on the role of breadwinner on his own. Judging by his response when she decided to go abroad, i dont think he would stop her from teaching had she just been transparent with him.

The ending felt rushed yet also dragged out at the same time. We were bombarded with updates on everyone during XLX's time abroad and yet nothing past the wedding between our leads. What was the point of a bug popping up during their wedding? It was like the ending was beng stretched then abruptly ended??? It felt like a useless point to me.

Overall, was disappointed in the plot. Music was meh. Main actors were great though!

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A game of deception, a war lost to love

Storyline: Overall a great storyline with unpredictable twists of fate and painful sacrifices. The good moments were fleeting, chased by conflicts. The story starts off light-hearded and comedic as we watch Jo Bozai and Ming Yi compete in a war of deception; who can out-decieve the other? We see Ji Bozai mercilessly using and deceiving Ming Yi, taking advantage of this useful pawn that fell into his arms. It isnt until he falls in love with her that he learns to cherish her. The prideful Ming Yi isnt much different; deceiving him relentlessly even as he is willing to sacrifice himself to save her again and again. And then she fell in love with him. Suddenly they were both decieving eachother in attempts to keep the other alive. Ming Yi leaving Ji Bozai not because she stopped loving him, but because she couldnt bear to steal his Golden Millet Dream. Ji Bozai keeping it a secret from Ming Yi that he endured so much pain and suffering to refine the Golden Millet Dream for Ming Yi to be cured. Omg the frustration of this deception is so much worse than the deception to self-preserve! I was constantly pulling my hair, wondering when the truth would be revealed! I love the playful and flirtatious banter between these two and their chemistry is off the charts!

Lets talk about Situ Ling. An exceptionally pitiful character chained by his upbringing and background, tortured by his obsession with Ming Yi. This character definitely brings about the question of when is obsession acceptable? Dont viewers enjoy it when the antihero sacrifices the world in order to save his one lover? Thats what Situ Ling essentially does. He tries everything in his power to take care of and love Ming Yi. He is just misguided in this illusion of love. Ming Yi never wants Situ Ling to do these things for her; she never wanted him to transfer his lifespan to her. Yet at the same time, Ming Yi didnt want Ji Bozai to sacrifice himself to save her either? So what makes it okay for Ji Bozai to do it and not Situ Ling? Is it because Ming Yi doesnt love Situ Ling and expresses again and again that she wants to leave a respectable boundary between them but he keeps crossing it? Situ Ling is a great foil to Ji Bozai: both came from backgrounds of torture and suffering and yet Ji Bozai chooses to do good. But would Situ Ling also choose to be good if he found love too? While a pitiful character, I can't get past his soft "jie jie", it gives me chills 🙈

As much as I love xianxia, i cant enjoy it because of the obsessesion with pain and suffering. If I got paid for everytime the antidote is painful to prepare/endure, I'd be rich. There also really isnt much thought-provoking happening in the drama. The answers and foreshadowing are given to us in memories immediately as the twist is revealed. It doesnt give me enough time to guess the twists myself. Solutions to problems are often some kind of herb or some kind of array.

Casting: I love Neo Hou because he is SUCH a crier! When he cries, i cry. He portrays microexpressions of love and pain so absolutely well! I fell in love with him in Back From The Brink and so many of his dramas have sad endings. Im so glad this was a happy one! Lu Yuxiao has an interesting sound of speech and is also a painful crier. I think she portrayed this role v well and im glad they picked her! A lot of times, side characters dont know how to shed tears but the entire cast knew how to cry! Which made the experience all the more real!

Music: ooh so good! Emotional and fits so well with the scenes they play in! It got to a point where hearing the ost from this drama triggered a pain response. I can recognize Liu Yuning's and Neo Hou's voice anywhere! I also super appreciate it when the actors sing the drama ost, it feels more immersive!

Overall an enjoyable experience! Just too painful to rewatch. I had to take a break from watching because i was too emotionally invested. Some plot twists, i did not see coming and i was so invested!

Extra side note: am i supposed to be assuming something between 27 and Buxiu? I feel like theres some room for that.

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Storyline: I thoroughly enjoyed this drama! Coming from a large, primarily female household myself, this drama felt really personal! Each of the sisters had their individual love stories and different personalities. I loved watching each sister's story unfold! All the sisters were unapologetically feisty which was refreshing to see! The husbands also doted on their wives and loved them with their whole hearts while also recognizing their need for independence. However, I felt like the fourth sister got the shorter end of the stick. Her chapter felt a bit rushed and lacking depth. The third sister, on the other hand, had the longest, fleshed out love story. It was as if too much time was devoted to the third sister earlier in the drama that the fourth sister's needed to be shortened. This drama feels more slice-of-life and less drama-driven than a lot of other dramas but the romance and sisterhood was what kept me hooked!

Casting: Sometimes I get tired of seeing the same faces every time so watching a drama with lesser known actors/actresses gives a breath of fresh air. I am glad that the acting careers of Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Xing Yue are taking off because they absolutely deserve it! I've watched these two in different dramas before and I really am starting to see the charm of LYX and the silliness of WXY peek through! I dont think the drama would have the same feeling of simplicity and relatability had they selected better-known actors for the roles.

Music: I actually finished watching this drama a long while back and am only just know getting to write the review. I don't remember much in particular but I still enjoy listening to the opening on the daily! It felt really fitting to the story.

Overall, I dont remember much. It's been a hot minute since the last watch BUT I do remember binge-ing the heck out of this drama. A great feel-good watch and I would highly recommend for anyone who is not in the mood for pain.

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Resolving the mystery was why I stayed. Drama was cute but Meh

Resolving the mystery was what kept me watching it. The mystery itself wasnt ground breaking like some other dramas I've watched. Jeremy's acting was also really good! HIS EYES they speak volumes. Overall, a cute fluffy drama! Ending felt a bit rushed? I love all the side couples and am glad that they all had a happily ever after. I've been rooting for Zhou Shu An since the beginning! I've definitely watched more captivating dramas; ones that left me feeling like a piece of me was ripped away. This one wasnt that. I guess I didnt really feel like i got to know the characters personally. It just felt like i was watching a show. I wasnt submerged in the experience. Also, FL cries too much. It is as ML said, she cries about everything. Ive rolled my eyes quite a few times getting through this drama. Some scenes felt too unrealistically cheesey.
Even so. It was enjoyable!

P.S. Im not the kind to rewatch. Take my rewatch value with a grain of salt.
P.S.S. is it normal to pair NaNa with older actors? She was paired with Vengo Gao in Snowfall. It just feels odd to me. Was the age gap a part of the storyline?

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Truly empowering and heart warming!

The plot was one of the best I've watched in a while. I know dramas nowadays focus on female empowerment and this drama really did a great job in that aspect. A household of women who have never worked a day in their lives and yet, they beat the odds. I felt so empowered by the scenes where everyone gathered together to run the family business. That's my dream right there. I cant explain how warm and fluffy this drama made me feel. She's also very human. She's strong, resilient, independent, yes but she makes mistakes too. She feels real. I like that about her too.
Focusing on the romance, it wasnt too much. It completely matched their personalities. It was gentle and unboasting. I loved it.
Casting. I think the actress was a great choice! She looks resilient. Not your typical damsel in distress. Also love the side couples!! Shaoyao and Shen Huan couple was such an interesting soft delve into interabled relationships? Kinda like Attorney Woo. HOWEVER I dont know how I feel about Hu YiTian as the male lead. I've only ever watched him in A Love So Beautiful and he gets the stoic characters down. Gu Yanxi has a lot more depth to his character and I dont think Hu YiTian is quite there yet. He spends a lot of the drama with an empty look on his face 😂 I still like him as Gu Yanxi though. Also Caesar Wu, I cant take him seriously! This character type is so drastically different from the "monster" general in General's Lady.
Overall, I really enjoyed the drama!

ps. Im not a rewatcher. I tend to only watch shows once and call it a day.

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