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Great Characters, Fine Acting, Wonderful Story
When I started watching Blossom, I had no prior attachment to any of the actors. I picked it as a filler between other dramas I was following, but to my surprise, it captivated me right from the beginning. By the fourth episode, I was completely engrossed, and I rated it a solid 10/10. The compelling storyline and standout characters, particularly Song Mo, made me seriously consider naming it my costume drama of 2024.What I Loved
The plot revolves around the concept of a second chance at life, taking different actions to alter past events, and ultimately changing the fates of key characters. While the characters’ previous lives ended in tragedy, Dou Zhao (played by Meng Zi Yi) uses hindsight to navigate her new life. Her strategic decisions reshape not only her fate but also the lives of those she cares about, even though she cannot reverse her mother’s tragic circumstances.
The two main characters, Dou Zhao and Song Mo, were exceptionally engaging, but the supporting cast also stood out. Characters like the grandmother, Ji Yong, Song Mo’s loyal sidekicks, and even the Crown Prince’s wife (who makes a brief yet memorable appearance at the end) added richness to the story.
Li Yun Rui’s portrayal of Song Mo deserves special mention. While this was my first time watching him in a leading role, his acting had already impressed me in Love Like the Galaxy, particularly the unforgettable scene where he reacts with shock as Niao Niao punches herself. His nuanced performance in Blossom further solidified his fine acting skills.
The drama is filled with details and subtle humor that make it even more enjoyable. One of my favorite scenes is when Song Mo and Ji Yong end up together in a bridal carriage. Another standout moment is when the Crown Prince’s wife scolds her husband with sharp wit. These instances reflect the charm and depth of the storytelling.
What Could Be Improved
As much as I adore Blossom, I found the second half of the drama overly smooth for the main couple, Dou Zhao and Song Mo. Once they marry, the narrative becomes more of a romance, with fewer twists and challenges. The pace slows considerably, and the lack of angst makes it feel predictable at times. While it’s heartwarming to watch Dou Zhao thrive in business and Song Mo succeed politically despite his enemies’ schemes, the absence of significant tension left the latter half feeling less dynamic.
A Word of Caution
If you’re planning to watch Blossom, I’d recommend not pairing it with Story of Kunning Palace. That was a mistake I made, as the two dramas share several similarities. For instance, both male leads are estranged from their fathers, while the female leads have troubled relationships with their mothers. Both female leads are also business-savvy, and their respective male leads share close bonds with maternal uncles who serve as top generals. Switching between these dramas occasionally caused confusion for me, so it’s best to watch them separately.
Final Thoughts
Blossom is an easy-to-follow drama with a satisfying storyline and minimal angst. The main couple gets together midway through the series, and their journey afterward is relatively smooth. Dou Zhao achieves financial success, and Song Mo triumphs politically, making this an ideal pick for romance enthusiasts.
The title "Blossom" feels somewhat uninspired compared to the Chinese title, which references a hardy wildflower capable of thriving in any environment—much like Dou Zhao herself, who grows resiliently despite her lack of a sheltered upbringing.
Overall, Blossom is a delightful watch, particularly for fans of romance and character-driven storytelling. While it may not be perfect, its charm and heart more than make up for its flaws.
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Heart-Pounding, Beautiful Romance, Sad Story
When I first started watching this drama, I, like many viewers who only made it through the first couple of episodes before dropping it, found it awkward. Liang Jie’s acting felt unnatural, the dialogue was stilted, and even Chen Zhe Yuan had his moments of awkwardness. However, I kept watching—partly because Chen Zhe Yuan looks incredible in tactical gear and partly because he won me over when he rescued the female lead and held her tightly to protect her. That moment was undeniably heart-throbbing.Initially, my impression was quite critical. The script felt weak, the conversations lacked depth, and the romance scenes moved at a frustratingly slow pace. Even moments of physical contact felt cringeworthy. However, by episode 11, my perspective changed. I found myself moved, unexpectedly shedding tears as I began to feel the characters' pain, suffering, and emotional turmoil.
The first 11 episodes take place in war zones, immersing viewers in a world of chaos and danger. After that, the characters return to China, only for the male lead to head back to the war zone in episode 25, with the female lead following shortly after. By the time they both return to China in episode 37, they are broken.
Story & Themes
White Olive Tree is based on the experiences of Song Ran, who witnessed firsthand the horrors of a war-torn country, met Li Zan, and lost friends along the way. At its core, this is a story about PTSD—one that highlights how only those who have endured combat can truly understand each other’s pain.
It delves into the grim realities of war: terrorists planting landmines in fields, car bombs in crowded plazas, suicide attacks, and the ever-present fear of death. Beyond that, it’s a story of camaraderie, love, loss, and survival—a deeply disturbing yet hauntingly beautiful tale of romance set against a backdrop of war, courage, and heroism.
While the pacing is fast and tense during action sequences, it slows down significantly during romantic scenes. Dialogue is minimal, often relying on long pauses rather than words. However, despite the sparse conversation, the longing between the leads is palpable through their gazes.
Another theme this drama explores is the role of journalism in war reporting. While many reporters cover conflicts from the safety of hotel rooms, Song Ran immerses herself in the battlefield, capturing raw footage and firsthand accounts. Unlike journalists who chase fame and prestige—seeking recognition and lucrative rewards for their coverage—Song Ran is driven by a desire to reveal the unfiltered truth to the world.
This theme subtly critiques the bias of mainstream media, highlighting the contrast between sanitized, agenda-driven reporting and the unvarnished realities on the ground. It also underscores why platforms like TikTok have become a political battleground. While traditional media often relies on controlled narratives from a distance, grassroots reporting on social media has empowered ordinary people to document and share real-time footage, frequently challenging and exposing inaccuracies in mainstream coverage.
Characters & Acting
Li Zan (Chen Zhe Yuan)
Li Zan is a bomb expert, a professional building demolition engineer, and a volunteer diffuser in a foreign war-torn country that strongly resembles Syria. He is compassionate, selfless, and undeniably lovable, a role that Chen Zhe Yuan brings to life convincingly.
While he looks young and has an almost boyish charm, his performance in emotional scenes is commendable. His crying scenes are particularly raw and moving, capable of bringing viewers to tears. Despite his somewhat stiff and robotic voice at times, his portrayal of PTSD is gripping and heart-wrenching. His action scenes, particularly in tactical gear, are well-crafted and believable, making him captivating to watch.
Song Ran (Liang Jie)
Liang Jie naturally exudes an air of awkwardness, which works well for her portrayal of Song Ran, a war reporter. Initially, her character can be frustrating—she jumps to conclusions too quickly, is clueless about war zones, and is often oblivious to danger. However, as the story progresses and her backstory unfolds, her independent yet vulnerable nature becomes more understandable.
Having grown up without a mother and feeling like an outsider in her father’s new family, Song Ran developed a strong sense of independence. However, once she meets Li Zan, she finds herself relying on him, as he consistently has her back. Liang Jie’s acting improves significantly after episode 11, making her character much more likable.
Both Chen Zhe Yuan and Liang Jie have a youthful appearance, almost reminiscent of high school students, which at times makes their pairing feel slightly off in such a heavy setting.
Supporting Characters
The banter between Sa Xin and Benjamin is a highlight, with their playful insults adding humor to an otherwise intense story. However, the long pauses between their dialogues sometimes make their exchanges feel overly calculated, losing the natural spontaneity of real banter. That said, Benjamin, played brilliantly by Wang Tian Chen, stands out as one of the most compelling characters aside from Li Zan.
OST & Cinematic Elements
The soundtrack is a major strength of the drama, featuring beautiful slow ballads in both English and Chinese, often accompanied by acoustic instruments. The music enhances the emotional depth of the scenes, making moments of love, loss, and suffering even more poignant. At times, the combination of the soundtrack and the visuals is enough to move viewers to tears.
The cinematography successfully captures the realism of war zones, military barracks, and battle sequences. Explosions, gunfights, and chaotic war-torn landscapes are executed convincingly.
Final Thoughts
The setting of the war zone bears a striking resemblance to Syria, and the political undertones of the story evoke real-world conflicts. The thought of a foreign superpower toppling a government that Li Zan is volunteering for, leaving the region in ruins and handing control over to terrorists who kill innocent civilians that Li Zan and his friends are trying to save, is deeply unsettling. The drama subtly mirrors these harsh realities, making its themes all the more impactful.
While I was initially critical of the acting and dialogue, the emotional depth of the later episodes won me over. Those who have experienced war or PTSD may find this drama particularly resonant. Beyond its romance, it paints a harrowing picture of the tragedies faced by people in war zones—parallels that may evoke sympathy for the struggles of Palestinians, Syrians, and others suffering in conflict-ridden regions.
Despite its awkward moments and slow pacing in certain areas, the intensity of the bomb disposal scenes and combat sequences compensates for these shortcomings. The war-torn landscapes feel authentic, and the emotional weight of the story lingers long after the credits roll. However, the length of the series begins to drag, particularly around episode 30, making it a challenge to endure all the angst and suffering alongside the characters.
The drama currently holds a low rating of 5.4 on Douban, likely due to, among others, its ambiguous ending, where the leads seemingly vanish and reappear in spiritual form, leaving viewers questioning their fate. Though the wounds on Li Zan's body have healed, the scars in his heart and mind last forever. The final message—that sometimes death is preferable to living in endless pain—is hauntingly tragic. The ending forces one to reflect on sacrifice, war, and the depths of human suffering, leaving an emotional imprint long after the last scene fades.
Side note
According to a viewer who has read the novel, dropped the drama and gave it a 4.5 rating, the original story has been drastically altered, diluting the emotional depth of the romance and making it far less heart-wrenching. While Chen Zhe Yuan delivers a brilliant performance as Li Zan, the screenplay does a disservice to Song Ran, reducing her character to an unlikable and poorly developed version of her novel counterpart.
Despite these flaws in the adaptation, I still love the story. I can only imagine how much more inspiring and emotionally impactful the original work must have been.
Great watch! Prepare to cry!
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How to Catch a Seditionist
In "The Legend of Zhuohua," we follow the journeys of two determined women in a society that doesn't always favor them. Our main character, Mu Zhuohua (played by Jing Tian), studies hard, passes her exams and rises in the government. Another woman, Princess Rou Jia (played by Wang Likun), secretly aspires to become the Emperor. Both women dream of bringing positive changes and cleaning up corruption in the government.Their goals are similar, but they have different approaches. Mu Zhuohua wants an honest government and a stable monarchy. Meanwhile, Rou Jia gets consumed by revenge and a thirst for power, and she hides her true intentions behind a mask of philanthropy.
The story begins with Mu Zhuohua focused on her career, putting love and family on the backburner. Even though there's a deep connection between her and Liu Yan (played by Feng Shaofeng), they choose a unique path, deciding not to get married or have children. But as the story progresses, it shifts towards a full-blown romance, with Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan growing closer. Unfortunately, Mu Zhuohua loses some of her initial spark as an ambitious woman striving for success. Nonetheless together, they crack the greatest conspiracy and catch the seditionist who is the mastermind of the whole thing.
It's said that the author was asked to change the storyline involving a female emperor. This shift causes Princess Rou Jia to end up as another negative character with a predictable ending, and perhaps the tone down has also weaken Mu Zhuohua's character.
In terms of acting, Wang Likun does an impressive job portraying Princess Rou Jia. Her transformation from grace and benevolence to calculated malevolence feels genuine and leaves a strong impression. Jing Tian's acting is decent, although it's a bit hard to picture her as the young and brilliant Mu Zhuohua due to her mature appearance. Feng Shaofeng's portrayal of Liu Yan, ailing but with a magnetic allure of a mature man in a deep voice with few words, is fine. However, the robotic voice dubbing is unbearable and distractive.
My Verdict
I initially liked the drama, but as it progressed, it became slow and filled with plot holes. The main lead characters seem to magically know the thoughts of their enemies. When they discover Princess Rou Jia's true nature, they show no surprise, which doesn't make much sense. The main female characters also become somewhat passive, and the male characters become rather banal.
My suggestion? Watch this drama while doing something else, like cooking or working out. It can be a background entertainment option!
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Earthling Versus Alien, Who Wins?
I have always dreaded a sequel. That is because, despite how good the original story is, a sequel usually ruins it with a lack of new ideas and originality; it becomes repetitive and boring. For this drama, at first I thought Season 2 is one such disaster. To my surprise, not so. At the end of Season 1, Chai Xiaoqi (Wan Peng) left earth. Two years later, she returns. It was a happily-ever-after ending. The sequel starts off with her wedding with Fang Leng in 2021 upon her return. In the midst of their wedding, Chai Xiaoqi is being recalled and returned by force to her planet again.After wiping off her memories with Fang Leng (Xu Zhi Xian aka Thassapak Hsu), and reinjecting misinformation about him, Chai Xiaoqi is again sent back to earth with a mission: to steal the human's hormone from Fang Leng’s company. While traveling in her spaceship, there’s a mishap and she travels back in time to the year 2018 instead, a year before she actually met Fang Leng in the prequel (Season 1).
I was getting rather revolted for the first five episodes as Chai Xiaoqi is once again attracted to Fang Leng’s hormone; she is lustful and hovers all over his body, touching everywhere (he seems to enjoy it though). I was considering dropping the series. However, I was curious to see how the writer reconciles Season 2 with Season 1 giving that there are now two timelines. So I plodded on.
As the two meet again, everything starts with a clean slate except for Chai Xiaoqi, she has been told that Fang Leng is her husband, but for Fang Leng, he has never known her and finds her queer and annoying. The story gets better after episode 11 when she stops acting lustful. From there on, in fact it’s quite a decent watch with Fang Leng falling head over heels in love with Chai Xiaoqi, and she him.
My Verdict
This drama has so much sugar that I'm worried I may get diabetes by just watching it. There’s a lot of explicit intimacy gestures, touching, embracing and kissing. Viewers don’t need to watch Season 1 to follow Season 2 because they are standalone dramas. The writer has never attempted to reconcile the timeline with Season 1.
In Season 1, which comes later than Season 2 in terms of timeline, Fang Lie (Wang Youjun)’s mother and uncle, who were basically some cartoonish characters (even more so in Season 2), were Fang Leng’s nemeses. Here, Fang Lie’s mother becomes supportive of Fang Leng towards the last few episodes. Fang Lie himself was in love with Chai Xiaoqi in Season 1, whereas in Season 2, Fang Lie has his own love interest. Therefore, take Season 1 and Season 2 as two separate dramas that have some similarities, but that’s it. Season 2 is not really a continuation, but rather the same story told in a different way.
There is some very fine acting here by the two main leads, Xu Zhi Xian and Wan Peng. I love how Wan Peng acts when she becomes concerned and motherly, towards almost everyone in particular towards Fang Leng. I especially love Xu Zhi Xian’s portrayal as the cold CEO but without being robotic. His facial expressions and body language are very convincing, and his crying scenes can make viewers cry with him. I did.
There is also a romance between a human and a robot. I even sympathize with the alien antagonist who is perhaps the most unfortunate alien. In today’s world that is so lack of true love, affection and intimacy, this drama makes up the deficiency. If you crave for intense love, lots of kisses and hugs, this is it.
Great watch for romance buffs! Don’t miss it!
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Sounds of A Family
This story is set at the onset of the Cultural Revolution in the 1950s/1960s. It was the times when all capitalist families were banished, western ideas were deemed corrupt and any association with elitism was seen as unpatriotic and condemned. Family members were pitted against each other, separated and moved away to be ‘rehabilitated’. This story is about what we call a true family. It is humorous and warm despite the trying times many were going through.The Story
A divorced naval officer, Jiang De Fu (Guo Tao) falls in love with a beautiful girl, An Jie (Mei Ting) from a wealthy family. She is sophisticated and well educated whereas he is crude and poorly read. At first, she looks down on him, but because of her family background of being a capitalist, she is being sneered at and shunned, and can have no choice for a partner for marriage; any association with her is uncalled for. After some time getting to know him under various circumstances, she begins to see his qualities – kind, honest, humorous, witty, and compassionate among others. After a speech he gives about his own life, she is totally moved and falls in love with him, and they get married. After marriage, they continue to have 5 children, and this story is written by their youngest daughter who is a writer. In their old age looking back, despite all the ups and downs, bringing up a whole family and growing old together hand in hand perhaps is the best thing in life, and should be what life is all about - life is good.
The dialogues in this drama are hilarious, witty and unforgiving, and yet cute and endearing. Constantly sharp tongues lash out at each other, insulting with harsh words and yet, this is just harmless interactions soon forgotten; love often exudes in every word between the couple and within the family. Everyone talks this way, making it normal and no one feels insulted or upset. The dynamics between husband and wife, parents and children, siblings and siblings, friends and friends, are incredible, and well written and executed.
The story is told as it, exactly how things are. There’s no beautification for romantic effect. Everything is mature and up in the open including finding partners and having children. This is a great departure from the rom-coms that we are so used to involving younger actors with prudish characters.
The Characters and The Acting
This drama boasts some very fine veteran actors. Their acting is simply natural and convincing as if they are the real characters themselves. There’s some really amazing acting here by the whole cast too, in particular the child actors who are so wonderful showing the viewers amazing sibling dynamics and their relationship with the adults.
There are many flaws in each of the characters, but like us, no one is perfect. How the dynamics between the characters play out eventually make all these characters alive, realistic and relatable.
Jiang De Fu (Guo Tao) is perhaps the most lovable character in the story. Guo Tao may look too mature for a male lead in the beginning as a young naval officer, but as Jiang De Fu becomes a father and continues to be promoted to the position of a commanding officer, Guo Tao is perfect for the role. He looks amazing in his white naval officer uniform and his distinguishable charisma overpowers everything around him. Respected by all and yet warm and sincere to everyone, Jiang De Fu is simply an amazing husband, father, co-worker, subordinate and superior. He is tactful and articulate, manages to get the points forward without hurting feelings. With his wife, his subordinates, his children, his sister, his best friend, they banter, bicker and fight, yet they care for each other. Only he can deal with the strong character of his wife and defuse any tense situations with his negotiating skills.
An Jie (Mei Ting) comes from a wealthy family owning businesses. She is intelligent and well read. With a sharp tongue and unforgiving demeanor, she initially looks down on Jiang De Fu and his people for being ignorant and uncouth. She even feels his name is too unsophisticated and teases him. Since marriage, she constantly teaches him about hygiene and cleanliness. How she banters with her husband and bickers with his sister is really a joy to watch. Mei Ting’s portrayal is 100% as a by-gone ‘da xiao jie’ to a wife of a military officer with 5 kids. She is so natural and convincing.
As the younger sister of Jiang De Fu, Jiang De Hua (Liu Lin) has come from the rural area and is crude and simple minded. Despite the constant fights with her sister-in-law An Jie, she is loyal to her brother and his family. She helps take care of the household and all the children, and has become a very important part of the family. Over the years, her relationship with An Jie improves and they each care deeply for one another. Liu Lin’s performance is absolutely fantastic and applaudable.
My Verdict
This is a really delightful drama for the whole family. The inter-personal dynamics are very well written and performed. For a span of over 50 years, we see how life changes, from dating to marriage to parenting to growing old. Despite all the ups and downs, raising children and taking care of a household, life passes us quickly. Taking life as it comes, as how the characters in this story do, can help us see life with more enthusiasm, and love the people around us. Like we all have experienced, all the characters here bicker and fight all the time, as well as they tease and joke. After their harmless encounters, they make up and life moves on.
Life is good. Don’t miss this amazing family drama!
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A Perfect Mismatch
"The Longest Promise" is the most excruciating lack of mutual understanding I’ve ever seen in a drama! It's supposed to be a romance between a teacher and his pupil, but it's like watching two people trying to solve a Rubik's Cube with their eyes closed! They're attracted to each other, but they're so clueless about what's going on in the other's head, it's like a never-ending game of emotional hide-and-seek.This drama is adapted from a novel called "Zhu Yan," written by Cang Yue who has also written the story for “Mirror: A Tale of Two Cities”, another poorly conceived drama which tells the story of the fish people of Su Mo, a character appears in “The Longest Promise”. While everyone else seems to be raving about this drama, I find myself fighting off yawns. The plot revolves around Zhu Yan's emotional rollercoaster ride, and it's like they're dissecting her feelings with a microscope. Talk about overanalyzing!
Zhu Yan is supposed to be a sweet, kind, and innocent girl, but the poor script writing makes her come off as plain stupid and unbearable. Ren Min's portrayal doesn't help much either. Every time she calls out to her shifu, I can't help but cringe. It's like innocence and seduction got tangled up in a messy knot!
Likewise for the Shi Ying character. Don't get me wrong, I love Xiao Zhan, but even his talent can't save this inconsistent and lackluster portrayal of Shi Ying. Blame it on the poor script writing, I guess. In fact, almost all the character writing is very poor; they are inconsistent and full of logic flaws.
My Verdict
The writers are on a mission to extract emotions and tears from the viewers, but it just feels forced and dry. The dialogues are as predictable as counting sheep to fall asleep, and plot holes are everywhere. And can we talk about that resurrection ending? It’s bizarre. Luckily there were no halos and water-walking this time (which happened in “Mirror: A Tale of Two Cities”), thank goodness!
I hate to be a party pooper, but this drama is just not my cup of tea, even with the talented Xiao Zhan and Ren Min on board. Sometimes, you just gotta accept that not every drama can hit the mark, no matter how much we adore the actors. Let's shake our heads, move on, and find something that'll tickle our funny bones for real! This drama is for Xiao Zhan’s hardcore fans.
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Some Great Acting, Intriguing Story & Humorous Dialogs
The MDL description of Dawn Amidst Hidden Clouds as a simple story of "girl meets boy, amnesia, love, and happily-ever-after" does not do justice to its complexity. Beneath this surface lies a tale rich with twists and turns, where the protagonists double as antagonists, making the plot far more intriguing than it first appears. This drama is entertaining and rather enjoyable to watch.Storyline
Leng Qing Yao (Zhao Qing), the daughter of a gifted doctor who served the ailing Lou Ming Ye (Chang Hua Sen), shared an inseparable bond with him during childhood. Their idyllic friendship was shattered when both sets of parents were murdered for mysterious reasons, leading to the children’s separation. Leng Qing Yao, suffering from memory loss, was adopted by a street doctor and renamed Lan Che. Lou Ming Ye, meanwhile, was taken in by one of his father's generals.
A decade later, Lou Ming Ye has risen to the position of Chief Justice of Dali Shi, while Lan Che leads a local vigilante group fighting crime. Determined to uncover the truth, Lou Ming Ye tracks down Lan Che, suspecting she might be the daughter of the doctor who allegedly killed his father.
At the heart of the story is a substance resembling marijuana, which relieves stress but induces hallucinations and even death in large doses. A more potent mixture of the drug grants temporary strength but at great cost. Both Lan Che and Lou Ming Ye are determined to find the mastermind behind the production of this dangerous substance.
As they investigate the deaths linked to the drug, they discover that the truth is layered with deception. Reality and illusion intertwine, making it difficult to discern friend from foe.
Characters & Acting
Lan Che, formerly Leng Qing Yao, is portrayed as cheerful, intelligent, and refreshingly candid. Zhao Qing brings charm and authenticity to the role, making Lan Che's humor and jealousy very endearing. Her chemistry with Lou Ming Ye adds depth to the narrative.
Lou Ming Ye is a sickly yet skilled fighter. While Chang Hua Sen's portrayal is solid, it lacks the magnetism that could make the character more compelling. Interestingly, the supporting characters shine, particularly Fang Ting Ge (Wang Xin Ting), whose loyalty and humor provide delightful moments. Similarly, Li Mo (Qiu Hong Kai), the Prince of Yan, undergoes a remarkable transformation from a frivolous playboy to a responsible leader, adding an unexpected layer of complexity.
Dialogues & Humor
The dialogues, particularly between Lan Che, Lou Ming Ye, and Li Mo, are laced with well-crafted humor. The wit is subtle and natural, steering clear of slapstick while maintaining a lighthearted charm. Conversations are straightforward, with no excessive wordplay, which enhances the drama’s relatability.
Ending & Final Thoughts
The final episodes are packed with twists and turns that feel rushed, leaving little time for viewers to fully absorb the revelations. The ending gives the impression of lazy writing, as loose ends are hastily resolved with minimal explanation, making the resolution feel abrupt and unearned. The closure feels forced, lacking the emotional weight needed for a truly satisfying conclusion. Nevertheless, it manages to tie up the story to some extent, though the final moments leave little lasting impact.
In conclusion, Dawn Amidst Hidden Clouds may not be groundbreaking, but it offers an enjoyable viewing experience, particularly for those who appreciate humor and well-crafted dialogue. It’s a drama worth watching for its engaging characters and intricate plot.
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Poor Acting, Bad Script
This is a short drama with only 18 episodes, each 7-8 minutes long, and a total length of only about 2 hours. I finished the whole thing in one night like watching a movie. A talented girl (Huang Nuannuan) interested in forensic science, helps solve mysteries and crack murder cases with the help of another female investigator (Zhang Danyang). She meets a man who claims he’s the Crown Prince (Shu Yaxin) but she doesn’t believe him. When murders happen in the palace involving foreign dignitaries, the Crown Prince asks for her help. She solves the crime, at the same time solves the murder of her own father who was the palace doctor many years ago. She and the Crown Prince fall in love. The end. There would be a season 2 with a bigger plot than what has been unfolded so far.My Verdict
- Don’t watch it if you have better dramas to watch
- Acting is elementary as if the actors are in their first day of acting school
- Plot itself is not too bad, but plenty of plot holes
- Logic is bad
- Dark
- Limited humor that’s not even funny
Not recommended!
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Hair Pulling Script
Though not overly exciting, I have sort of enjoyed the first half of the story (season 1) because there is nothing out there to watch. I thought the second half would more or less be the same, continue from the first half. To my disappointment, the writing gets really bad and childish, though the storyline continues. Throughout, I have been suppressing myself from hurling pillows at my computer. And I’m glad it’s over.From season 1, we have established that Jun Wujiu (Li Xizi) is a genius investigator, and he works seamlessly with Cheng Yang (Chen Ziyou), who wears many hats (he is a police officer cum prosecutor cum magistrate - what a conflict of interest here), in solving criminal cases after cases. What seemingly unrelated, in fact all these cases are associated with each other and ultimately, pointing to a couple of villains who are behind all the killings in broad daylight. When the dots are connected, it is not difficult for the team to find evidence to put the villains away, and that’s the boring and frustrating part because of the bad writing. Though the villains are blatant and out in the open, the protagonists become very stupid and do all the dumb things that even a 3-year old wouldn’t do (well, maybe I exaggerated, but you get what I mean). The dialogues become kiddie with a bunch of noise and no substance. The timeline is all messed up (when it’s broad daylight, the dialogues refer to midnight etc.) causing eye-rolls constantly. Glaring flaws and plot holes run every minute. From episode 8 onwards, every episode is a torture – I feel like vomiting blood.
My Verdict
This is a very disappointing drama. There’s no character development, no plot build-up, no epiphany, and no planning because the protagonists are always reactionary. If you are looking for romance, there’s none either (I don’t care so much about romance here). Not one character stands out that makes viewers love and remember. The male lead character, Cheng Yang, is not very impressive though the actor looks very nice in his uniform. Perhaps that’s the only thing I like the most – beautiful constable uniform (call me skin deep).
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A Warm Chicken Soup Feel-good Drama
I discovered Bai Jing Ting in “Ping Pong Life”. I love his acting as a scrawny, lack of confidence kid in that drama. When I stumbled on “You Are My Hero”, I realized he plays a totally different role here as a commanding police officer in the special force. I was curious: how does a seemingly scrawny Bai Jing Ting play an authoritative role? I was totally swept off my feet by his unexpectedly over-the-top performance here, and his amazing charisma. Together with the ever lovable Ma Si Chun (Sandra Ma), this drama is so enjoyable to watch.This is a romance story of a police officer and a doctor, both save lives -- one heals to save, the other kills to save. Despite their respective jobs that are very demanding, they are both passionate with what they’re doing, love each other and are each other’s hero.
I was sucked into the drama within the first episode, like a tornado sweeping me off my feet. Everything is so well done here – all the scenes are very real, like the hospital where Mi Ka (Ma Si Chun) works, the surgery rooms where she operates; the police academy where Xing Ke Lei (Bai Jing Ting) trains, the dangerous hostage police scenes where he kills to protect; and most of all, the earthquake ground zero scenes with the disaster zones, survivors and rescue teams. All these scenes are so real and believable, and all actors have given their best performance here.
Both the male lead (ML) and female lead (FL) are strong, courageous and excellent in what they’re doing. Mi Ka (Ma Si Chun) is a talented neuro-surgeon. She’s kind, amiable, humble, intelligent with a sense of humor. Ma Si Chun may not have the Miss Pageant kind of beauty but she is perfect in this role as a surgeon who cares more about her skills than her look. And this is precisely the attraction for Xing Ke Lei (Bai Jing Ting) who falls in love with her for her authenticity and unpretentiousness. As Xing Ke Lei, Bai Jing Ting is serious, deadly, authoritative, but without losing his sense of humor too. His transformation from a wimpy kid in “Ping Pong Life” to a commander of a SWAT Team in this drama is awe-inspiring, and confirms Bai Jing Ting as a flexible wonderful actor. Looking like an adolescent, Bai Jing Ting may not possess the face that most consider as handsome, but oh boy, in uniform, his charisma is undeniable.
My Verdict
What a captivating drama this is. Many dialogues are light and funny, they even sound unscripted, spontaneous and natural. Many scenes make me laugh out loud, at the same time make me cry. The police scenes are nail biting and the medical emergencies are nerve cracking. Doctors and police officers are the toughest professions as they take a lot of courage and determination, passion and dedication to succeed. This drama shows in details the dedication portrayed by our characters. The romance is reciprocal with depth and understanding, and yet without compromising to each other’s professionalism.
Visually Ma Si Chun and Bai Jing Ting may not look like a perfect pair, but their chemistry is amazing and the couple and their courtship are definitely relatable to the viewers.
This drama makes me feel good and warm; it’s a story about life and death which walks within a fine line, and that the message of this amazing story.
TWO THUMBS UP!
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Great acting | Wang Yibo is angelic
I came to check out Wang Yibo’s acting after The Untamed. To my surprise, this is a delightful drama which has not been properly appreciated. The acting by the 2 main leads, Joe Chen and Tong Da Wei, is excellent. They are funny, lovable and natural. Having said that, I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the two. To me, they are best friends who help out each other in times of need. On the other hand, I feel Wang Yibo’s love towards the Joe Chen character more intense and sincere despite they are not meant to be together.At the time of filming, I believe Wang Yibo was still a teenager or just beginning to enter adulthood. Bearing this in mind, I feel he did a fantastic job in acting the role of Di Zhi Wei who is a spoiled brat from a filthy rich family. Wang Yibo has a natural cold look and a don’t-give-a-damn expression written all over his face naturally, playing this role is a brilliant selection of the directors. Wang Yibo really fits in the character so well. He is so good looking with an angelic face, so when he is facing failures and forced to grow up, one’s heart really goes all out for him wanting to shield him from the pain he’s facing. But look is not his only asset; Wang Yibo is multi-talented. In this drama, he showcases some of these talents. He is an amazing dancer, and some of his dance moves are inserted in the drama; he loves long boarding and again he demonstrates his skills here; he loves gaming, and in this drama, he has a new startup company developing gaming apps. Despite his age, his acting is pretty good; he is funny, silly, very lovable, tender, and super cute. Playing Di Zhi Wei feels like Wang Yibo is playing himself, totally natural.
A fun drama to watch. Don’t miss it!
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Great Performance by Little Actor
Any family that has a sicken child with a serious disease from birth can empathize with this story. In this drama, the whole story revolves around the child, trying to get him back to health. It’s tormenting and painful to see the child’s little body going through all the pains and sufferings. If you have experienced the anxiety before a surgical operation, you could empathize with the characters’ anxiety here too. This is a story that is full of loneliness, despair, longing, waiting, at the same time, lavished with determination and devotion.How this drama is being cut and edited is rather confusing at the beginning. As the story is unfolding, there is a lot of flashbacks and backstories. In fact, two timelines are playing out concurrently, one telling the present story and the other the story of how Nie Yusheng (Chung Hon Leung aka Wallace Chung) and Tan Jing (Li Xiaoran) have met during their adolescent years in high school.
I find it strange that when ex-lovers meet again, they act like strangers to each other; there’s no surprise, no nods, no eye contacts, no nervousness -- nothing, as if they have never met before. This strange phenomenon doesn’t only apply to our main leads, it also applies to our second lead couple, and even between father and son. Only the backstories reveal that these people indeed are no strangers to each other, and with flashbacks, only then viewers see their emotions and subtle expressions. As viewers get accustomed to the style of storytelling, it becomes rather enjoyable as the details are explained well in the backstories and flashbacks.
Nie Yusheng is almost like a walking corpse haunted by the past. Playing a tormented and bitter heart surgeon, Chung Hon Leung’s acting is very convincing, especially with the scene when Nie Yusheng breaks down and sobs. However, as many viewers have commented, dubbing in his own voice, it has given inconsistencies to the character. There are times when dubbing with the actors’ own voice is good, but not here because Chung Hon Leung’s native tongue is Cantonese. This has made him speaking Mandarin with a Cantonese accent which doesn’t go very well in this drama because he speaks differently, perhaps too differently from everyone else. It is even harder not to notice when the adolescent Nie Yusheng speaks perfect Mandarin and an adult Nie Yusheng doesn’t. I also find it hard to watch Chung Hon Leung playing the role of the adolescent Nie Yusheng when he loses memory as this is really a long stretch for the actor.
Tan Jing (Li Xiaoran) is mature and patient, enduring all the hardships that are thrown at her, at work and in life. A devoted mother, she would do anything for her child. Li Xiaoran has played her character convincingly showing the motherly side of her character with full marks.
I have really enjoyed watching the two young actors playing the adolescent Nie Yusheng (Zhan Yu) and Tan Jing (Fan Shiran). These two talented actors have truly captured the essence of the young couple and their amazing chemistry. I wish the director had continued to use the same actors into their adulthood instead of switching to Chung Hon Leung and Li Xiaoran because with the older pair, the whole feel of the story has shifted. Perhaps this is the effect that the director has wanted to show the viewers: how growing up has changed the couple and their chemistry.
My most enjoyable moments are probably when little Ping Ping (Mi Ke) comes on screen. The little actor is a gem and he nails the role so naturally. All his dialogues are intelligent and heart touching. His moments with his grandfather are precious as the viewers can really feel the love, joy and resignation of the relationship.
My Verdict
This is an adult romance drama that cannot be watched with skipping episodes nor with fast-forwarding as every scene is a hint to the next part of the story. From the beginning until about episode 12, it’s a rather excruciating watch as the viewers experience the longing and emotional pains of the characters. Misunderstandings are abound with words heard out of context and being misconstrued. This drama perhaps has the greatest and longest misunderstanding, from episode 1 to the last, that has kept our main characters apart. It is also a drama with mysteries, murder, coverup, office politics, family conflicts, revenge, and more. It is the little Ping Ping that has brought the adults back to reality and sanity, as watching him is the most heart warming experience. The story carries the message that, the one who is obsessed with revenge ends up with nothing; the one who leaves power and materialism aside and holds on to the people he loves gains everything.
A drama worthy of our time. Recommended!
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扮猪吃老虎 Bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ -- Pretend to be a Pig and Eat a Tiger
This drama is a very unusual rom-com; action packed, it is without the usual fluffy romance nor the love at first sight stuff. In fact, it’s rather dark despite a rather hilarious male lead with a Mr. Bean type of character, on the surface that is. Within the first 10 minutes of the first episode, I was absorbed into the story because it is both serious and funny. As the story unfolds, the plot becomes deadly and a hidden antagonist looms.Liu Qing (Zhu Yawen) is a soldier for hire. After a mission where he is wounded and lost a few of his comrades, he becomes despondent, feeling guilty of his role in causing his friends’ deaths. He is approached by the father of Mu Wanqing (Yang Zishan) who proposes to him to marry his daughter because the father wants someone with Liu Qing’s quality, and can be trusted, to protect his daughter in the company she has taken over as the Chief Executive. Liu Qing has been in love with Mu Wanqing since childhood so he immediately agrees to the arrangement. Having being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, Mu Wanqing has lost confidence in any marital relationship, but only agrees reluctantly when her parents plead with her.
After marriage, Liu Qing is treated like one of the employees, from a car park attendant to a bodyguard, until he begins to rescue Mu Wanqing from all kinds of predicaments, and even from danger, again and again, without letting her know he has helped her. In front of her, he is just a dumb guy good for nothing. Mu Wanqing figures out his real background eventually and begins to fall in love with him.
Zhu Yawen’s Liu Qing is simply amazing, exhibiting his wonderful acting skills. Either in his tactical gears or in his office suits, he is very convincing. Without a present day’s effeminate face, many young viewers have not realized how good Zhu Yawen is. Here, he can look very silly, comedic and humble like a dork, the next minute, he is commanding and lethal. And he is so believable in both of these personalities. Indeed his acting as a pig eating a tiger is so enjoyable to watch because everyone underestimates him.
Yang Zishan’s acting is fine here, with a lot of inconsistencies as attributed to the poor script writing and mediocre directing. I’m also not particularly impressed with the side couple’s and other supporting characters’ scripts. Some actors seemed to have used their own voices. Zhu Yawen has a magnetic deep voice and with his professional dubbing skill, he makes his character come alive. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to the other main characters, in particular He Junxiang’s Lei Shuo; his dialogues sound stiff and unnatural. One of the biggest complaints among viewers is the mouth motions don’t quite synch with the words spoken, as if the dialogues have been rewritten. Though not in his own voice, Zhu Yawen’s English dialogues are some of the best spoken English in Chinese dramas.
The drama shifts from office politics to kidnapping, to flesh trade in Indo China, to arm trade in Russia, involving company trade secrets, rescue missions, snipers, heavy machine gun fights, explosions, all unfolding in a story of adventure, thriller, murder, police, military, criminal organizations, and more. From episode 20 onwards, the story escalates into a Hollywood Rambo style of story telling.
The ultimate villain turns out to be rather disappointing and anticlimax with no compelling objective other than greed, and even with greed, he flip-flops, giving the viewers a cloud of questions, “huh?”
My Verdict
I have really enjoyed the beginning of this drama, in particular with Zhu Yawen’s pig-eats-tiger acting. Unfortunately as the plot unfolds, it deviates, making the story feel like a potpourri of multi genres. As a viewer puts it succinctly, “The first half looks like a poet, the last half looks like a hobo.”
If you’re not into rom-com and prefer watching some actions, this drama is action packed. But be warned, it is not consistent and plots holes are blatant. Some props can even look very fake too. The writing is wild, the directing is on and off, the editing is inconsistent.
This is an 8.0 from me, but I really like Zhu Yawen’s acting which I think he could deserve a 8.5.
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Fast Moving - Everything Goes in a Blur
After The Untamed, Jade Dynasty is a much hyped movie because of its main male lead, Xiao Zhan, the most popular Chinese actor currently. Many viewers, including myself, love Xiao Zhan in The Untamed playing the character Wei Wuxian. In this review, I’m trying to be objective despite my love for the actor.I’ve never read the novel related to this movie but I have watched the drama Noble Aspiration. I cannot say I was impressed by the drama; I found it too draggy, to the extent of becoming boring to watch. When it comes to the movie, it has to pack 55 episodes of the drama into about one and a half hours of the whole story. Things get moving very fast (in the movie). A big segment of the time is involved in fighting, which is pretty good at some scenes, especially the fight choreography performed by Xiao Zhan. However, there’s not enough time for character development. We hardly get to view the Bi Yao character properly; she’s simply just in and out of the scenes. There’s no time to see her and Zhang Xiao Fan’s relationship development, let alone how they fall in love with each other. We do get a peek at how Xiao Fan loves his shijie and how well she has treated him from young, how close he is with his shixiongs (senior brothers). I do prefer the Zhang Xiao Fan character played by Xiao Zhan than by Li Yi Feng. In Jade Dynasty, Zhang Xiao Fan is lovable and selfless but not lacking in his playfulness and silliness, whereas the Li Yi Feng’s portrayal in Noble Aspiration is a super slow person in every sense, so much so that many viewers are being put off by the un-charismatic character.
It is interesting to note that the Zhang Xiao Fan character is slightly similar to the Wei Wuxian character in The Untamed – among others, innocent young boy turns demonic; upstanding, altruistic and loved by all surrounding him; loves and adores his shijie (senior sister).
The whole movie is light-hearted, at times funny, but mostly cartoonish. For me, it is quite a letdown. Maybe I have geared up too high hope in the first place.
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Decent Story & Acting, Weak Writing
Despite some plot holes here and there, My Destined Consort is a watchable drama centered on power struggles—both in the open conflict between two brothers vying for their father’s succession and in the shadows between their scheming wives. The villains are no mystery, as their true nature is revealed early on. While the storyline, setting, and acting could use some refinement, they’re generally acceptable. Since the plot leans heavily into political maneuvering, don’t expect much action. That said, the scheming itself offers decent entertainment value.Storyline
The story is set in the fictional Dong Zhou (East State), one of four states in a larger kingdom—the others being Xi (West), Bei (North), and Nan (South). Shen Jiangli (played by Hai Lu) is married to Lu Jing Ming (Xu Hai Qiao), the second son of Dong Zhou’s ruler. Jing Ming has an older half-brother, Lu Jing Xiu (Wang Luo Jia), born to their father’s first wife. Though the younger brother has never fought for succession, Jing Xiu grows increasingly insecure, convinced their father favors Jing Ming for his intelligence and compassion. Determined to eliminate his brother, Jing Xiu begins plotting against him.
Just within days after Jing Ming and Jiangli’s wedding, he is summoned to battle an emergency war. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu’s wife schemes against Jiangli, framing her for a crime and getting her banished to guard the ancestral mausoleum for life. When Jing Ming returns from war—his entire platoon slaughtered—he blindly accepts the false accusation that his new wife attempted to kill his mother and sister. Angered and feeling betrayed, he cuts ties with her, though she remains in his heart.
Five years later, Shen Jiangli returns to the Lu mansion, no longer the timid, naive bride but a skilled physician seeking justice and revenge. Her transformation shocks the household, and to make matters worse for the villains, she brings with her a son—Jing Ming’s heir, now a direct threat to their power.
The rest of the drama follows the relentless schemes of Jing Xiu’s wives as they try to harm Jiangli and her child. Yet, each of their plots backfires, forcing them to reap what they sow.
Acting & Characters
Shen Jiangli’s evolution from a meek girl to a confident woman who protects herself and aids her husband against his brother’s schemes is compelling. Her medical expertise and newfound boldness make her a formidable force. Hai Lu delivers a convincing performance, portraying Jiangli’s solemn and stoic demeanor with nuance. Though she’s been in numerous dramas, this is one of her stronger leading roles.
Xu Hai Qiao, a seasoned actor, does a passable job as Lu Jing Ming. My only gripe is his hairstyle, which looks oddly bulky, almost like a hat. Otherwise, he carries himself with regal charm, though his role feels secondary compared to Jiangli’s dramatic comeback.
Lu Jing Xiu, the eldest son, is ruthlessly ambitious. As the rightful heir to his father’s throne, his obsession with eliminating his younger brother, Jing Ming, seems excessive—until it becomes clear that his ambitions stretch far beyond Dong Zhou. He dreams of conquering the other states, even if it means plunging civilians into suffering—something his benevolent father would never condone. But Jing Xiu couldn’t care less; power is his only goal. Though thoroughly unlikable, Wang Luo Jia’s portrayal is spot-on, making the character chillingly believable.
The rest of the villains are equally detestable—but not in a mysterious way. Their wickedness is laid bare from the start, so there’s no suspense about their intentions. While some characters may grate on the nerves, they’re more irritating than truly menacing.
Plot Holes & Weak Writing
One glaring plot hole involves a character who is mentioned but holds no real significance to the family—despite supposedly being one of the daughters. It’s revealed that Jing Xiu and Jing Ming had another sister who was allegedly killed in the same fabricated battle that wiped out Jing Ming’s platoon. Yet, throughout the entire drama, this sister is never acknowledged, mourned, or even referenced. Then, out of nowhere in the final episodes, her name suddenly surfaces, and Jing Ming accuses Jing Xiu of orchestrating the battle that has caused her death as well. The lack of buildup makes this twist feel forced and emotionally hollow.
Another instance of weak writing is the confusing timeline surrounding Jing Ming and Jiangli’s romance that may have given them their son. Jing Ming was supposedly sent off to war right after their wedding, leaving viewers puzzled about when they even had the opportunity to conceive a child. The drama never clarifies this inconsistency, making the son’s existence feel like a convenient afterthought rather than a well-planned narrative element.
Final Thoughts
The storyline isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s engaging enough when you’re in the mood for a scheming-heavy period drama. The romance isn’t a typical push-and-pull dynamic; instead, it’s about rekindling love between a married couple bound by a child. It’s a tale of a husband seeking redemption after wronging his wife through mistrust. The drama also touches on the harsh reality of politics—where there’s no right or wrong, only strength and weakness—a theme that still resonates today.
I wouldn’t call My Destined Consort a must-watch, but if you’re looking for something to pass the time, it’s an acceptable choice.
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