This review may contain spoilers
A Bittersweet Tale of Love, Justice, and Revenge!
During one his attempts to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that befell his family, Xiao Wu Xia, who lives in hiding as Wei Zhao, met Jiang Ci who disrupted his plans. Wei Zhao then hurt Jiang Ci with a poisoned knife to silence her. After being saved and taken in by Pei Yan, Wei Zhao continues to keep an eye on Jiang Ci to make sure she does not reveal anything to Pei Yan. While staying with Pei Yan, Jiang Ci kept on disrupting Wei Zhao's plans as to her, he was the villain. It was not until she saw how people would sacrifice themselves for Wei Zhao that she realized his plans were for a great cause. From then on, Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci got closer as they work together to fight for justice. Love sprouts and enemies turned to lovers. By the end of the story, Wei Zhao, Jiang Ci, and Pei Yan unite against the Emperor to protect Yueluo City and achieve justice.Love of Nirvana is an example of extreme enemies to lovers trope, as well as lovers (or friends) to enemies trope. Wei Zhao is a selfless, just, and kindhearted character with a tragic past. Even though he is not necessarily a paragon of virtue, it is enough to say that Wei Zhao is a sheep in wolf's clothing. On the other hand, Pei Yan is a wolf in sheep's clothing although, he is not necessarily a bad guy. Being caught in between filial piety and his own values for justice ended up making him a villain. Wei Zhao and Pei Yan's love hate friendship and camaraderie throughout the drama was something to look forward to. In between these two is Jiang Ci. She is one innocent, naive, and free-spirited lady with a mysterious identity. It's very interesting to see how her relationship with the two male characters progresses. Jiang Ci went from enemies to lovers with Wei Zhao as they work together for the same cause, while her relationship with Pei Yan went downhill as he continuously chose the wrong path. Jiang Ci's relationship with the two male characters were mind-boggling for different reasons.
Despite Wei Zhao's attempts to kill Jiang Ci three times, they still manage to fall in love. Is it stockholm syndrome? Pretty sure it is. Even after they fell in love, Wei Zhao doesn't seem to feel guilty about it as he did it to protect a cause. Yes, he is not an "I'd let the world burn" male character. I still question why exactly Jiang Ci fell for Wei Zhao. To fall for someone who tried to kill you three times is worth a great reason. Is it because he is just and selfless? That doesn't make sense! However, this questionable stockholm syndrome plot was definitely masked over and put to rest when we Pei Yan's selfishness and possessiveness comes out. This change somehow made Wei Zhao shine and appear as a better option of the two. Jiang Ci's naivety masked over the notion of being grateful also irks me. Pei Yan was possessive, controlling, and often gaslights Jiang Ci. Despite seeing firsthand how selfish Pei Yan was, she still gives him chances under the reason of feeling grateful for saving her.
Although there were some things that could be improved, it is enough to say that this story was well-written and well-paced. As much as I understand the bittersweet and tragic ending, I do wish we could have had a better one. One where justice prevails! However, the ending managed to give me some closure as his legacy continues.
They did really well in casting Ren Jia Lun, Li Landy, and Jeremy Tsui as the three leads. Ren Jia Lun was perfect for the role of Wei Zhao as he exudes charisma, intelligence, righteousness, and a cold aura. Li Landy did great as the innocent, naive, and free-spirited Jiang Ci. Jeremy Tsui also did well at acting out the possessive, controlling, conflicted, and mature Pei Yan. The supporting actors were also scene stealers. Special mentions to both Wei Zhao and Pei Yan's sidekicks, as well as the Wei Zhao's Yueluo City friends and family!
All in all, this drama will leave you questioning, thinking, squealing, and definitely keep you hooked to see how everything unfolds. I have personally rewatched this drama more than 5 times, mainly to see the enemies to lovers trope. Love of Nirvana easily makes it to the top of my recommended Chinese drama list!
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This review may contain spoilers
A Well Balanced Mystery Forensic Drama and the Greenest Flag Male Lead
This drama tops all the mystery, crime solving dramas that I have watched. The story was well written and well paced, leaving no plot holes or unanswered questions. The plot centers around solving cases through forensics, along with romance on the side. I particularly love how there are no misunderstanding plots throughout the drama.The actors did really well in acting out their roles. Ao Ruipeng was great as Yan Chi and trust me when I say this, Yan Chi is the greenest male lead in Chinese dramas. The admiration, respect, understanding, and love that he has for Shen Wan was honestly, inspiring. Also, the scene of him falling for her at first sight in episode 1 was beautiful and definitely worth looking forward to!
Li Landi was also made for the role of Shen Wan. As a coroner, she was really set on solving cases through forensics and she was not afraid to correct the wrongs, even if it’s someone dear to her. I have to mention that her eyes were captivating. Not only the two leads, Yu Chengen and Shen Yujie also did well in their roles as Yan Li and Yue Ning, respectively.
All in all, this is definitely one of my favorite dramas that I have rewatched multiple times! The cases in this drama were also able to get me hooked and on the edge of my seat.
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A Poetic Script and Top Tier Acting
First, I need to mention that the script was beautiful. He Yan’s moon line when they danced, Xiao Jue’s confession to He Yan when he found out how she feels about him, and Xiao Jue telling the royals and officials how he feels about He Yan.. beautiful and so well-written. I myself was swooned and repeated those scenes multiple times.Unfortunately, if not for the poor execution, this drama could’ve been perfect. As a start, I don’t know why they named it Legend of the Female General. Throughout the story, the ‘female general’ was not spoken of, as everyone knew the General Feihong as He Rufei, a man. I guess, this title could’ve worked after it is known that General Feihong was He Yan, a woman, which does not get revealed to the world until later in the series.
Second, I wonder how He Yan managed to hide her identity as a woman back when she was General Feihong but have it be discovered easily and quickly when she entered Yezhou Garrison. Also, I love Zhou Ye for the role but her built was so feminine. The shoulders, waist, everything was definitely not a man’s. Not to mention, I question how there were times Xiao Jue saw He Yan in a mask yet did not seem to have any suspicion that she is He Rufei, or at least looked like him. I wish the producers and director could’ve executed this better.
Despite the poor execution, the actors did really well at portraying their roles, especially Cheng Lei. Cheng Lei stole the spotlight. His built is definitely made for general roles so in this sense, he was perfect to act as Xiao Jue. Moreover, his facial expressions are a masterpiece. His ability to act out emotions just through his gaze was amazing. We could clearly see whether he’s suspicious, concerned, jealous, in love, just through his eyes. We could also see the change in his feelings towards He Yan through his eyes. Also, his lowkey corner of the mouth smile towards He Yan.. lovely. I immediately fell in love and became his hardcore fan after watching him in this drama.
Zhou Ye also did a really great job at her role. Although the execution, could’ve been improved either through the story, makeup, etc, it’s a fact that Zhou Ye was great in acting out He Yan as an independent, tough, ambitious, patriotic, female general. Her chemistry and visuals were perfectly paired with Cheng Lei. I have to admit that I ship them so much proven by how I’ve rewatched this drama multiple times just to see their scenes and hear the lines in this drama. I hope they get to work on another project as main leads with a happy ending.
In terms of story, it was definitely entertaining to me. It mainly focuses on love, justice, and revenge, packed in a light tone so it was an ‘easy watch’. However, throughout the drama, we can obviously see scenes being cut that affected the flow of the story and taken away that extra ‘spice’. Furthermore, I was so annoyed by the last few episodes. They could've just given us more happy scenes instead of forcing that one crazy conflict, but on second thought, I guess it’s necessary to show the kind of love He Yan and Xiao Jue have for each other, as well as their responsibilities as Generals.
Despite the things that I think could be improved, this drama is definitely one of my favorites thanks to Cheng Lei and Zhou Ye, as well as the script.
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Started for the Second Couple, Stayed… Briefly
The Human Realm’s queen gives birth to twin daughters with vastly different reputations. The elder sister, Qing Kui, is gentle, virtuous, and admired by all, making her the ideal bride for the Heavenly Prince. In contrast, the clever and sharp-tongued Ye Tan is misunderstood and ostracized, destined instead for the Demon Prince. When an unexpected mix-up sends each sister to the wrong groom, fate takes a dramatic turn. What follows are two unlikely yet captivating love stories, set against a growing conspiracy that threatens to disrupt all four realms.This is my first xianxia drama that I decided to watch on a whim. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I wasn’t particularly drawn to the plot; instead, I started watching after seeing a clip of the second couple and finding their bad boy–good girl trope interesting. Despite my anticipation, the heavy CGI felt too unreal and came across as cringe, especially when paired with the over-the-top comedy, which I found exhausting. On top of that, Xuan Shang’s death-and-resurrection storyline was something I especially dreaded.
The second couple stood out more to me than the main couple, but I eventually grew annoyed with Chao Feng’s constant mischief and Qing Kui’s naivety. The main couple didn’t capture my interest either, and I found myself exhausted by Ye Tan’s antics as well.
Even after taking a break and giving this drama another try, I was still unable to find it interesting. I ultimately decided to drop it after 16 episodes, as it simply wasn’t my cup of tea.
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A Pesky Plot
Set in a tumultuous time of war, Lin Hang Jin seeks refuge and lives with Xiao Bei Chen's family after her father got imprisoned. As they live together, the immature and mischievous Xiao Bei Chen often bullies her and cause trouble in her daily life. Despite so, she always answered with resilience. Topping that with her kind heart, Xiao Bei Chen's admiration for Lin Hang Jin grows and love blooms. The story follows their romance filled with misunderstandings, war, distance, and rivals.The themes explored in this drama was intriguing enough for me to start watching. Upon watching the first episode, I wondered how the enmity between the two main characters will develop to love and whether their love would stand the test of war, distance, and competition. However, I find myself feeling exhausted over the initial buildup of the story.
Xiao Bei Chen being this mischievous and immature young gentleman, constantly bullies Lin Hang Jin. Although he keeps approaching and bothering her in order to prove a point to his friends, I believe that he just wants her attention. After developing feelings, Xiao Bei Chen would come up with schemes to enforce himself on her. Despite this plot being cute at first, the repetitive schemes started to get boring and annoying. Not to mention, Lin Hang Jin was so naive to his schemes and despite her aloof exterior and intelligence, she would always end up a damsel in distress, which was frustrating. This drama had a promising plot yet its writing did not deliver. All the schemes in the beginning had already wore me out before the real romance and story even began.
Despite the exhausting antics, they made a good decision at casting Chen Du Ling and Shawn Dou for the roles of Lin Hang Jin and Xiao Bei Chen, respectively. Chen Du Ling's visuals and expressions were befitting for the naive, gullible, intelligent, resilient, and elegant young maiden, Lin Hang Jin. Her outfit, makeup, and hairstyle did not disappoint! She looked really pretty wearing the outfits from that era. Shawn Dou was also great at portraying the annoying and immature young master, Xiao Bei Chen. Even as his character grows, he was able to pull a 180 in portraying Xiao Bei Chen as man who became more responsible, mature, and charismatic in addition to the personalities that he already had.
By episode 5, the antics had already wore me out and I decided to drop this drama. I have to admit I am still curious as to how their romance progresses though. I just can't seem to tolerate watching Xiao Bei Chen's schemes towards Lin Hang Jin and how he later pursues her.
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A Chinese Version of Extraordinary You and It Is Not for Me
A Dream within a Dream is a drama about Song Xiao Yu who was pulled inside a script playing a tragic female lead who was constantly bullied and tortured by the male lead, Nan Heng. The story definitely resembles the Korean drama, Extraordinary You, even sharing the same plot that no matter how hard the characters try, they are always pulled back towards the 'right' plot.For the record, I was also unable to finish Extraordinary You. The reason is because I find the idea of being so helpless against the plot (or fate) to be disturbing. I ended up getting bored over the repeated attempts to change the plot and I also cringed at times when the characters failed to change the plot. However, one thing I like about this drama is how they reenact popular scenes from other dramas.
The actors did well though! After watching The Prisoner of Beauty, I became a fan of Liu Yuning, which is why I started to watch this drama. As expected, Liu Yuning did great! He has that charisma and appeal whenever he acts in costume dramas. Li Yi Tong was befitting for her role as Song Xiao Yu/Song Yi Meng, as well.
To be fair, I've only watched 4 episodes. I might give this drama another try but for now, I am putting it on-hold.
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Not My Cup of Tea
Despite the many positive reviews and the fact that it extended up to 3 seasons, this show was just not my cup of tea.I am a sucker for mystery, detective shows. Although I wasn’t really convinced when I read the synopsis, the story that blends mystery, detective, and supernatural beings was worth giving a try. However, I ended up finding myself getting bored mainly because it was too slow and there was too much back and forth dialogue for my taste. The mystery cases presented in this drama also did not get me hooked.
The actors did not help either. In terms of acting, I’m pretty sure they are great actors. Sadly, I just don’t find their characters interesting. However, I have to say the production quality, especially the makeup and outfits, were great though!
All in all, I wouldn’t say this drama is bad. It’s just not my cup of tea. There’s too little thrill, adrenaline, build up, romance (even a subtle one), and too strange of a mystery for my taste.
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Huh?
The story was too weird and messy for my taste. The cool toned color grading did not help at all. Also, I felt so uncomfortable and disturbed when I see Peng Guan Ying’s character(s).To be fair, I’ve only watched the first 2 episodes, which is why I said it was too weird and messy. I might need to watch more so I could understand it better. In terms of how I feel when I see Peng Guan Ying’s character(s), I think it may be because of what happened in the first episode. I’m not sure why but he just gives me the creeps and makes me feel so uncomfortable, like for real. For the record, I’ve watched similar-themes shows and I usually don’t feel uncomfortable or disturbed when I see the antagonists, but with Peng Gaun Ying’s character(s), I do. I have nothing against Peng Guan Ying though!
I might give this one another try in the future, but for now, I’m dropping it.
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