ChineseDramaFan

Love and Redemption for the Beauty and the Beast

This is a long awaited drama. Many viewers have come to watch Xiao Zhan's other dramas after his phenomenal acting in The Untamed. The storyline for The Wolf is intriguing. Perhaps more so for the original story, but in the drama adaptation, the supernatural elements have almost disappeared; there are no "werewolf" nor "interspecies" as tagged. The "wolf" here is a real human raised by wolves, without any human's social skills but with some traits of a wolf and extraordinary capabilities,

This is an amazing story that should not be judged prematurely; viewers must be patient with the beginning CGI wolf scenes (they are not of their best but they don't really bother me), and also not be put off by what happens to the Ma family. Persisting in continuing viewing, you'd be rewarded as the drama gets better and amazing in later episodes. The story turns and twists with plots within plots.

The Story
This is the love story of a wolf boy and a daughter of a general. Their odyssey for finding each other and reuniting takes them through a lot of pains and sacrifices; their devotion for each other finally wins.

Langzai (wolf boy, played by Wang Dalu) and Xing'er (Ma Zhaixing, played by Li Qin) have grown up together, each day accompanying each other and playing in the wolves mountain (where the boy lives). They care and love each other deeply. She teaches him human skills and he teaches her about nature. Something happens and they are separated for years. Both grow up and the wolf boy is adopted by the Emperor and becomes a prince. They meet again and she is to become his consort. Due to some misunderstanding in the past when they were first separated, he has mixed feelings for her but falls back in love with her when he realizes his mistake, and for her, she still misses and loves her wolf boy. Unbeknownst to her, he is involved in the killing of her family. When she finds out his involvement, she is devastated. Despair and revenge overwhelm her. And for him, he is buried in remorse. They become enemies - one searches for revenge, the other searches for redemption. Their rift is irreconcilable and they part ways. When she eventually finds out that he has not directly killed her family and has been trying to make amends to redeem himself, she comes back to him, only to find him dying. She knows she cannot live without him. With uncompleted missions he needs to carry out before his death, she helps him and perishes. As with wolves that mate for life, he follows her in death soon after.

The Plot
A ruthless, suspicious, manipulative and power crazy Emperor creates a war machine from the Wolf Boy and makes him one of his sons to conquer lands around his kingdom. To bring peace to the world, Wolf Boy eventually restores his youngest and compassionate brother to the throne.

One amazing viewer pointed out that some of the characters did exist during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdom periods. I was so shocked to learn that Bo Wang (Prince of Bo) was actually a real person, and how the events happen in the palace are actually based on some of the real historical events.

The Romance
Unmistakably, the romance is one of the best and the selling point of this drama. The heartaches, sacrifices, agonies, remorse, separations make this such an unforgettable watch. There are various reasons for Prince Bo (Wang Dalu aka Darren Wang) to sever ties with Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) and push her as far away as possible despite how much he loves her. Firstly, he's involved in the killings of her family (though he hasn't given the order) and secondly, he is trying to protect her, because he knows she is his Achilles' heel and she would be hurt by others to hurt him. But on the other hand, he loves her so much that it's painful to hurt her in order to push her away, hence creating the push and pull romance that I love so much here; my heart hurts seeing his agony and her misery. Despite himself hurting her with his words, he would not permit anyone else doing it; the outcome of any disrespect towards his love is pretty serious, like losing all one's fortune or demoting from a city mayor to a standing city gate guard. He's remorseful for the killings of her family. To redeem, he helps her take her revenge on himself; he teaches her how to hit himself hardest and deadliest. However, he also knows for her to go against him, it means she's also going against the Emperor whom he is still loyal to. He needs to make her hate him so much that she's strong enough to stand up for herself and fight him. He figures, if she can fight him, that means she is strong enough and will not be hurt by the devious Emperor. He uses hurting words to make her hate him and motivate her to stand up to fend for herself. What he says (the nasty words) and how he acts (the seemingly despicable actions) are not how he feels inside. As much as I love Xiao Zhan, the chemistry between Li Qin and Wang Dalu is so incredible that Xiao Zhan stands no chance at all in overtaking it; Ma Zhaixing and Wolf Boy make a perfect pair with contrasting visuals and yet beautiful chemistry -- they are the Beauty and the Beast.

From Episode 38 onwards, I cry in almost every episode thereafter. Seeing how the characters suffer and continue to be devoted and determined really makes one tear up.

The Characters and The Acting
The acting by the whole cast is fabulous, in particular the main leads. They all have made the story come alive, some with inner animal traits, adding more intrigues into the story, mesmerizing the viewers.

- Wolf Boy (Prince Bo/Chu Youwen) and Wang Dalu
Wolf Boy (Wang Dalu aka Darren Wang) is an orphan raised by the wolves. He is kind and compassionate. Having grown up with the wolves, Wolf Boy has extra ordinary power – he's agile (he can survive jumping into the abyss), he has sensitive senses (he can see winds, hear the flapping wings of the butterflies, smell and see in the dark), and his powerful physical strength is unmatchable by any humans (he can single handedly kill two attacking tigers). It is this incredible ability that the Emperor takes him in and makes him a prince, only to use him as a killing weapon. Since then, he becomes heartless and cruel. He is sent out to fight all the wars; he is an unbeatable war machine. He rehumanizes when he meets up with Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) again. She is given to him to be his future consort. Prince Bo does not have a beautiful face, but he has a beautiful heart. Despite being a wolf boy or a cold hearted war machine, he is always gentle and loving towards Ma Zhaixing. He loves his subordinates and his adoptive brothers, and always willing to die for them. He is loyal to the manipulative cruel Emperor because he wants to repay the kindness that his adoptive family has given him, in particular to the Emperor who has saved his life. Though he kills but he doesn't hurt innocents. When he refuses to kill for the Emperor, it becomes a predicament because to disobey means to be ungrateful to the one who has given him a second life, and to obey means he has to numb his own feelings. This predicament is central to his character development and the decisions he makes later. Despite losing his innocence as a wolf boy, I would have loved to see more scenes of Prince Bo retaining his prowess as a wolf, powerful and unbeatable; I wish he were as ferocious as he looks at the beginning.

Wang Dalu is the perfect actor for this character. With natural tan skin and a well built body, he really looks like a man who has lived in the wild and exposed to the elements. It is exactly this look that makes him a convincing ferocious wolf king. Carrying a sly hideous smile that tilts at the corner of his lips, Wang Dalu projects a fearsome and chilling image. As I get more familiar with the actor, oh boy, he grows on me. By the end of the drama, I find him so attractive, charismatic and irresistible. As I re-watched some of the episodes, I come to realize how difficult his role is. On one hand, he has to show he is a cold, war machine with no emotions, but on the other hand, he has to let the viewers see his agony, turmoil and most of all his love for the woman of his life. Despite some viewers criticize him for not emoting very well, I feel Wang Dalu has done exactly what he is supposed to do - his expressions should be subtle and cannot be easily understood by others. He has to hide his emotions, and with any feelings that he may show, it's always fleeting. I can definitely feel him when he is in turmoil and agonizing over his love and loyalty. Wang Dalu's acting is perfect!

- Ma Zhaixing and Li Qin
Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) is the daughter of a general who controls the Armies of Ma. She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and delightful like a butterfly. She loves Wolf Boy whole heartedly and doesn’t care how he looks and what he is; she just loves him as he is and his kind heart. As the story unfolds, Ma Zhaixing’s experiences are painful and heart wrenching, hurting over and over again by the man she loves. She’s forced to become strong and take charge to avenge for those she’s lost.

Li Qin is beautiful and adorable as Ma Zhaixing as a young girl (about 10 years old, it's a long stretch but well... ) or later as an adult. She has that gentle and delightful demeanor, and has played her role so well and convincing, bringing out the pains and agonies Ma Zhaixing is going through and making the viewers empathize and sympathize with her.

- Ji Chong (Prince Chuan/Li Juyao) and Xiao Zhan
Ji Chong is a wandering prince disguised as a mercenary. He can communicate with the eagle and has excellent martial art skills. He falls in love with Ma Zhaixing who takes him as a good friend. Despite not reciprocating his love, he continues to help Ma Zhaixing getting through her most painful moments. Like an eagle roaming the sky, Ji Chong is free-spirited and resourceful, and a very well-loved character.

Xiao Zhan has an untamed aura that fits perfectly into the Ji Chong character here as a flamboyant and yet compassionate person. However, Xiao Zhan doesn't come on screen until Episode 11. Once on screen, his character is colorful and mesmerizing, and his performance is natural and believable. He compliments the character of Prince Bo who has a more serious and solid personality.

- Other Cast
Other cast members are equally impressive. As the Emperor of Yang, Chu Kui (Ding Yongdai) is ruthless, suspicious, manipulative and power crazy. Ding Yongdai’s acting is simply amazing, capturing all these elements of the character, making the viewers hate and yet fear him. All acting is just fabulous and immaculate.

The Official Sound Tracks (OSTs)
This drama produces some amazing OSTs. As a lover of classical music, I wasn't into the rapping parts in the song Who Am I initially. However, as the drama grows on me, the song sinks deep into me; I come to love it. Another song I love is the OST Heavenly Wolf Star. The instrumental Bo Wang's Heartache is another of my favorites. Each song digs deep into the listeners, helping the viewers feel the resignation and helplessness of the fate of our characters. The instrumental tunes are sad, mysterious and heart pounding, capturing everything in the story. Must listen!

My verdict
This drama has attracted a lot of attention because of Xiao Zhan after The Untamed. The Wolf was made before he became a superstar, therefore there is dissatisfaction with his fans for him playing a second male lead. Despite being a fan of Xiao Zhan myself, Wang Dalu has made a more convincing wolf king than Xiao Zhan would have; Wang Dalu has the look, physique and charisma for the role. The production team has made a perfect selection.

This is a rather heavy drama, with few dark jokes, such as the mantis analogy (the Khitan princess Bao Na [Guo Shuyao] depicts the relationship between Ma Zhaixing and Prince Bo as if they were the mantises, one eating the other after copulation, and Prince Bo rebuffs that it's the male mantis that gets eaten - I've laughed for days over this joke).

The storyline is intriguing and the characters are well developed and acted. There are no indications of any interspecies nor werewolf as suggested by the tags though there is supernatural power exhibited by The Wolf. The overall cinematography is fantastic despite some poor wolf CGIs in the beginning (actually they're not too bad), but others are pretty decent, especially the CGI tiger scenes (those are epic together with the acting of Wang Dalu). By looking at the cast that have not appeared and some disjointed editing, it is pretty obvious that some interesting scenes may have been cut abruptly to shorten the length of the drama (or due to censorship?). Whatever it is, this is still an amazing and enjoyable drama that depicts love and redemption, loyalty and betrayal, sincerity and deception, remission and revenge, humanity and atrocity, harmony and warfare, with amazing fighting scenes, and most of all, a beautiful love story of a beauty and a beast.

The ending may not be placatable for some viewers, but it is beautiful at the same time, regretful. For me, a good drama should not depend on whether it is a happy or sad ending; it is about the overall story and acting.

This drama is one of my all-time favorites and deserves a rare 10/10. Don't miss it!

TWO THUMBS UP!

Want more about the actual historical story? Read this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhu_Wen

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Amazing Acting | Brilliant Ending

This is the story of Liu Yikang, a real historical figure in the Liu Song Dynasty (420-479 AD). It was one of the most tumultuous eras of Chinese history. The aristocrats were wealthy and powerful, and the commoners were poor and suppressed. Parricides, filicides and fratricides were rampant. Historically Liu Yikang’s life ended tragically, killed by his own beloved and trusted brother The Emperor. The drama stops short of his tragic end (fortunately or unfortunately?).

In this drama, a lot of the events and villains are fictionalized. Though Liu Yikang (played by Qin Hao) is a real figure historically, his beloved wife Shen Li Ge (played by Li Qin) and her family are fictional. Despite their more than 10 years age difference, Qin Hao and Li Qin have very courteous chemistry together as a couple as there are no passionate kisses nor hugs (just a peck on the lips or a lean on the shoulder). Nonetheless, such chemistry doesn’t reduce our enjoyment of the plot and story. There are quite a few nail-biting close calls and frustrating near misses scenes throughout the drama, keeping the viewers sitting at the edge of the couch and captivating our full attention.

The drama starts with a bang, introducing Shen Li Ge as a beautiful and talented assassin. Li Qin is so beautiful that she looks amazing in every costume and hairstyle that she wears. As a fearless badass, Li Qin is convincing without losing her elegance. Her acting is on the notch.

Qin Hao is a veteran actor. He has the charisma as a powerful ruler. At the beginning of the drama, many viewers complain that Qin Hao is too mature to play the role. But Liu Yikang was exactly as this age during the time of the story. As the story develops, Qin Hao melts together as the Liu Yikang character; he gives a very convincing performance.

Both Shen Li Ge and Liu Yikang are facing a faceless mastermind. Despite taking down various powerful aristocrats who conspire to hurt them and their family, the plot continues to the very end, eventually revealing the identity of the mastermind behind all the destruction and killings, and his motivation for doing so. Though going through a lot of hardship and heartaches, Shen Li Ge and Liu Yikang combat the villains hand in hand and continue to outwit them with their determination and conviction.

This drama is filled with tropes, such as evil sister, falling off cliff (but not dead), loss of memory, accidentally kisses etc. There are also multiple unnecessary deaths just to make the characters martyrs. Many of the logic is illogical with flaws and plot holes. By the end of the story, there are still multiple unexplained loose strings.

I believe the visual director has had a field day with the palace décor. This is the first time I have ever seen such European inspired décor of the palaces with giant statues and water fountains. The mother consort’s clothing even matches her walls and furniture which may be a bit on the wild side of the imagination.

The ending is very typical of Chinese dramas – open to interpretations. Overall, if you like slimy infallible villains who always seem to outsmart the good guys, you may find this an exciting watch. If you’re an emotional person and have a tendency to invest deeply into likable characters, you may be in for some heartaches. For me, this is quite a good watch mainly because of the two main characters, Shen Li Ge and Liu Yikang and the fine acting of the actors.

With my epiphany which came one day later after the final episode, I find the ending brilliant. This is a drama strongly recommended (despite the tropes).

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Who Is the Third Person?

This is a story fictionalizing and romanticizing the actual historical events and characters of the late Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wuzong (r. 840 – 846). Apart from a few actual historical characters such as Emperor Li Yan (Wuzong) himself and the eunuch Qiu Shiliang, most of the other characters and events are fictional, though certain events are inspired by actual account based on historical records. Adapted from a novel, the overall story is fascinating and nail-biting, at the same time heart-wrenching when it comes to the fate of the Emperor and his romance with the only woman he loves and trusts.

Probably in order to pass censorship, the names of the characters have been slightly altered: Tang Dynasty has been changed to the fictional Xing Kingdom, the Emperor’s name from Li Yan to Qi Yan, and the eunuch’s name Qiu Shiliang to Qiu Ziliang. Such changes unfortunately have not been totally incorporated in the initial few episodes where the names Qi Yan and Li Yan are used interchangeably, bagging the suspicion that they were done haphazardly in the last minutes. Nonetheless, by episode 9, everything finally settles down and the names straightened up.

The Story

In a fictional setting mirroring the reign of Wenzong towards the end of the Tang Dynasty when the eunuchs have gained full control of the palace, the Xing Emperor and his ministers attempt to dispose of the evil head eunuch Qiu Ziliang (He Chengming aka Mickey He) to regain control, but the scheme fails. Prime minister Wang Ya and his whole family are executed. His two young granddaughters escape death and are separated. The younger girl loses memory and is adopted by Cheng Xi (Xi Xue) of the Ziyi (Purple Robe) Bureau and renamed Cheng Ruoyu (Zhang Yuxi). She’s being trained as a sword fighter. Her older sister vows revenge, changes her name to Qiu Yanzhi (Xuan Lu aka Lulu Xuan) and becomes Qiu Ziliang's adopted daughter, waiting for her time to pounce. After the death of Emperor Wenzong, his younger brother, Qi Yan (Cheng Yi) is installed by the eunuch to the throne and Cheng Ruoyu is assigned the duty to protect the Emperor. Since then, Qi Yan has been a puppet emperor with no power as all the military power is in the hand of the evil eunuch. Here, the two sisters cross path in opposing camps without recognizing each other, but somehow they have an unexplained liking and bonding to each other. They join hands secretly and overcome many deadly schemes by the eunuch. Qiu Yanzhi finally finds out Cheng Ruoyu’s real identity in episode 34.

Throughout the drama, one question arises repeatedly: Who is the third person? It feels as if there’s a hidden force, planning the grand scheme of things and playing everyone like a pawn. Viewers are left guessing and the mysterious figure propels the story along.

The Acting

In the actual historical record, it is said that “Li Yan was silent, intelligent, and decisive, not showing his emotions easily”. Who is better to take up this role than Cheng Yi? He fits this description to the dot. I have to applaud the production team in selecting Cheng Yi for the Qi Yan character. As I get to know this actor better, Cheng Yi is really the perfect choice for this miserable role as the puppet emperor. Like in his previous dramas, Cheng Yi has the quality and ability in bringing out the helplessness and hopelessness his characters are facing, making them authentic and believable. With a suave look most viewers would squeal, and walks swaying side to side in his emperor robe, Cheng Yi evokes Qi Yan’s resignation and sickly health that digs deep into the viewers’ hearts. His acting is remarkable with every facial expression and sad look in his eyes, capturing all the subtle emotions hidden within Qi Yan. As a royalty, Qi Yan is arrogant but at the same time suspicious of everyone around him. Though surrounded by people, he is lonely. Most of all, like in all Cheng Yi’s other dramas, he brings out the best suppressed emotions no others can; no one can replace Cheng Yi in acting as this complex and yet miserable character.

As a lonely person at the top perceived by many as a villain, Qi Yan finds a soulmate in Cheng Ruoyu. I’m not that familiar with Zhang Yuxi’s acting but here, she is convincing as a talented sword fighter who has a pure heart. It is this pure heart that Qi Yan has fallen in love with.

I have always enjoyed Hang Dong' s acting. Here as Prince Guang, he is authentic and believable. According to historical record, Prince Guang later became the emperor after Li Yan died. Three quarter of the way in, viewers still don’t know if Prince Guang a protagonist or an antagonist because Hang Dong is that good in hiding his emotions without betraying his role in the drama, leaving viewers continue guessing.

Last but now least, I’m impressed by He Chengming’s acting as Qiu Ziliang. The blinking of his eyes when he is suspicious and furious, the cunningness showing in his eyes, his every move, bring up fear and hatred of the character for the viewers.

Official Sound Tracks (OSTs)

As usual in most Chinese historical dramas, the OSTs are beautiful with touching lyrics, reminiscing the longing, love, resignations, and hope for the kingdom.

My Verdict

This is a wuxia romance story of Tang Wuzong with a little comedy. There are intrigues and mysteries at every turn. When one thinks everything is revealed and that’s that, things change and assumptions all out of the window. There’s always this mysterious “third person or party” lurking behind the scene. No one knows who he/she is, friend or foe. Every character has his or her own agenda and most motives spur on with revenge. Subtle comedies are dotted lightly here and there to balance the intensity of the plot, giving viewers a much needed breath of air.

According to some viewers, many scenes have been edited out. This could explain why there are some plot holes and logical flaws. Nonetheless, the story overall is still intact and rather well-told. Don’t miss it.

TWO THUMBS UP! Bravo!

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A Palace Drama that Feels Like a Rom-Com

This is a story romanticizing some historical figures, giving us two pairs of very lovable main characters – two sisters matching up with two brothers. The sister/sister and brother/brother relationships are enviable. It is the lightest non-comedic historical drama that involves palace politics. Initially, it feels like a rom-com without the rom-com tag as it's serious but at the same time, also so funny. The mishaps are hilarious!

Accordingly, this drama is based on the actual historical story of Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty (951-960 AD) during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. The founding Emperor Guo Wei had adopted Chai Rong, who later became Guo Rong, from his wife’s brother and groomed Guo Rong to be the heir. According to recorded history, Guo Rong first married the younger Fu sister. After her death, he remarried the older Fu sister who was also widowed.

The Story
For this drama, it fictionalizes the actual historical events and characters. Still as a prince and a general, Xue Rong (Li Zhiting aka Aarif Rahman) first meets the older Fu sister, Fu Yuzhan (Meng Ziyi aka Zoey Meng) and falls in love with her and wants to marry her. However, due to unforeseen mishaps, instead, the younger Fu sister, Fu Jinzhan (Li Yitong) is married to Xue Rong, both later become the Emperor and the Empress. The unintended marriage put them on a hot spot and into a predicament as Fu Jinzhan is also in love with another man, Jiang Shao (Wang Zhuocheng aka Marius Wang). Eventually Fu Jinzhan fakes her death and escapes the palace and elopes with Jiang Shao. Xue Rong remarries his love, Fu Yuzhan.

There are a lot of interesting and unexpected twists and turns here. As with most palace dramas, both Xue Rong and Fu Yuzhan live on thin ice; there are constant palace politics and threats with the Emperor’s throne being challenged for his legitimacy; there are constant dangers within the harem with the Empress being poisoned. However each time, the protagonists always come up on top winning, getting away from all the dangers.

The Characters and Acting
I really like the four main characters because they are strong with good fighting skills, and don’t hesitate to kick asses. Although the older Fu sister doesn’t know how to fight, she is very intelligent and strategic. Their alliance is heart-warming - they care, trust and love each other deeply.

As Xue Rong, Li Zhiting looks very good here (a lot better than in Princess Silver). He is charismatic, strong, powerful and yet compassionate. His character can be arrogant but at the same time adorable. Li Zhiting’s acting is very good, bringing out his regality in the royal court and then becoming a loving husband in pain at the brink of losing his most loved wife.

The Fu Yuzhan character is a very lady-like character, soft on the outside but strong like steel inside. Meng Ziyi’s acting brings out this character convincingly with her bright eyes and intelligent demeanor, and yet not losing her gentle and compassionate personalities.

I also enjoy watching the second couple, the younger Fu sister with her lover, both are impulsive, childish, careless and gullible but very adorable. Their chemistry is very good too. Li Yitong’s and Wang Zhuocheng’s acting here is believable and applaudable.

My Verdict
This is a light palace drama that feels like a rom-com. The twists and turns make it an exciting watch with the protagonists always come out winning, giving the viewers a sigh of relief. Though the ending for the first couple may not be savored positively by some viewers, and despite some flaws here and there, this is still a very enjoyable drama. Don’t miss it!

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Engaging Storyline, Strong Performances, Subtle Bromance, Cliffhanger Finale

"Towards the Truth" is a captivating thriller drama filled with mysteries and twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, this hidden gem seems to have flown under the radar, with fewer than 500 viewers on kisskh at the time of this review and even fewer ratings. It's no surprise that the overall score remains low, but that does not reflect the drama's true quality. With its solid acting, compelling storyline, and well-crafted scripts, it certainly deserves more recognition.

One possible reason for its low viewership and score could be the poor subtitle quality, as noted by some viewers. Given the complexity of the plot, accurate and coherent translations are crucial to understanding and enjoying the drama.

Storyline
Set during the Song Dynasty, the drama explores themes of injustice and corruption, focusing on the crimes of the wealthy and powerful who evade punishment through influence and nepotism. At its heart is Shen Song (played by Wang You Shuo), an exceptionally intelligent scholar who passes the imperial examination but clashes with the emperor, leading to his dismissal from court.

Struggling and downcast, Shen Song finds refuge with a kind constable who introduces him to his uncle, a restaurant owner. Shen Song then transitions into a skilled cook. However, his unique ability—a double iris in his left eye that allows him to peer into the past and uncover the truth—brings him back into the world of crime-solving. Though initially reluctant, he is forced to use his "gift" to investigate a gruesome crime involving over 60 corpses.

During this investigation, Shen Song meets Gong Sun Li (Zhang Chen Xiao), the son of a high-ranking treasury official. Gong Sun Li, despite his privileged background, is earnest, compassionate, and driven by a desire to fight injustice. Together, the two form a formidable team, joined by others, to crack cold cases and challenge the corrupt officials who enable societal inequality.

What I Liked
֎ Shen Song and Gong Sun Li: These two characters are the soul of the drama. Shen Song’s intelligence and moral compass, paired with Gong Sun Li’s unpretentious charm and unwavering integrity, make them incredibly relatable and inspiring. Their dynamic and camaraderie are highlights of the show, portraying mutual respect, care, and occasional humor.
֎ Character Depth: The drama does an excellent job of delving into the multi-faceted personalities of Shen Song and Gong Sun Li. Shen Song’s unique eye ability is used creatively to reveal his past, while Gong Sun Li’s relationship with his father showcases his complexity and personal growth.
֎ Themes of Justice: The exploration of systemic corruption and the struggle of upstanding individuals against societal rot is both thought-provoking and relevant.
֎ Humor and Pacing: Despite its serious themes, the drama incorporates moments of humor, particularly through its portrayal of government officials reluctant to challenge the status quo. Its fast-paced narrative ensures there’s never a dull moment.
֎ Brevity: At just 16 episodes, the drama packs a lot into its runtime without feeling rushed.

Areas for Improvement
While the central characters are well-developed, many of the supporting characters, including Qin Er (a supposed main character), feel one-dimensional. By the end of the story, her backstory and motivations remain largely unexplored, which is a missed opportunity to enrich the narrative.

Additionally, the sheer number of plots, subplots, and twists may overwhelm some viewers, particularly with subpar subtitles making it harder to follow.

Final Thoughts
"Towards the Truth" is a well-crafted drama with compelling characters, a gripping plot, and a strong message about justice and integrity. Its nuanced storytelling and fast pacing make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Despite its shortcomings, particularly in subtitle quality and character development for the supporting cast, it remains a highly underrated gem.

The enigmatic character who compels Shen Song to use his unique eye to uncover the past and solve cases remains shrouded in mystery throughout the drama. His/her true identity is only unveiled at the very end, leaving viewers with a tantalizing cliffhanger that sets the stage for further intrigue.

For fans of historical mysteries and thrillers, this drama is definitely worth your time. It’s a pity that it hasn’t reached a wider audience, but those who give it a chance will likely find themselves engrossed in its story and rooting for its upstanding protagonists.

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An Underrated Gem

I love this drama. It is a gem under the radar. It has a great plot with unusual and interesting criminal cases filled with man-made supernatural phenomena, magic and mysteries. Each case is different with unpredictable outcomes. The main characters are intelligent and lovable. The pace is good, the story telling is excellent and logical. All these are built upon a real historical background which is authentic and fascinating, albeit violent and stormy. Most of all, it’s a page turner and very addictive.

Set in the Tang Dynasty during the tumultuous second reign of Emperor Ruizong (r. 684-690, 710-712) (not explicitly stated) who was one of the sons of the infamous female Emperor Wu Zetian, the era saw the Dynasty as the center of the world with exquisite material life and fusion of diverse cultures. Consistently behind the scene is the power struggle, which is historically recorded, between the Emperor’s younger sister, Princess Taiping (youngest daughter of Wu Zetian) and the Crown Prince, Li Longji. It was said the Princess was the real power behind the throne. Many court officials and military personnel flattered to join her camp, and her power exceeded even that of the emperor’s. In this drama, we see deadly political conflicts and manifestation of conspiracy between the Crown Prince and the Elder Princess. And both of our main leads are embroiled in the conflicts which are linked to the cases they have to solve.

Yang Xuwen as Lu Lingfeng is convincing as the proud general who is not too flexible but very good in martial art fighting especially with his long spear. He is upstanding and will do anything to uphold justice. He is loyal to the Crown Prince but is warned to hands off from his investigation of the Chang'an Tea mystery which he's deeply involved and couldn't withdraw himself. So after the mystery is being solved, Lu Lingfeng is stripped of his title and ordered to leave the capital. Behind his background, he has a secret which he doesn’t know himself. Yang Xuwen has a rather rigid look and his portrayal of Lu Lingfeng is very believable.

Su Wuming (Yang Zhigang) is a student of the genius investigative judge Di Renjie. He is humble and resourceful, and is appreciated by the Princess. Su Wuming doesn’t want to be involved in the royal court disputes and is sent away from the capital to the regional office. He is meticulous and observant of the tiniest details, and he is wise but often underestimated by his enemies. Yang Zhigang’s portrayal is very authentic with his suave demeanor, bringing the character alive and loved by viewers.

On their way out of Chang'an, Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming meet again. Lu Lingfeng initially has a grudge against Su Wuming over some personal issues. After solving their first case together, they become rather fond of each other and the two become good partners, and from thereon, jointly solving cases after cases. Both characters have opposite personalities and strengths, complimenting each other in their investigative work. The bromance between the two is funny and lovable. Their formidable team later includes a talented artist who is in love with Lu Lingfeng, a brilliant doctor disguised as a beggar who loves to eat chicken, and a boy who is talented in martial arts and later becomes Lu Lingfeng’s disciple. I really enjoy watching all of them working together, fending off enemies and solving cases.

My Verdict

If you love The Imperial Coroner, The Detective, Ancient Detective, or Miss Truth, you may love this drama as well. Though with less romance than the other aforementioned, this drama has, among others, few plot holes, good storytelling, and high quality plops. The cases are intriguing and complicated, and the characters are equally lovable and intelligent.

The drama showcases phantoms, illusions, legendary beasts with the ample use of CGIs, some very good as (such as those with the giant crocodiles, phantoms), some less so (such as those with the giant bear). Every seemingly unimportant detail is a clue. Each case is different like an adventure. The case solving techniques involve new way of thinking, understanding of human psychology and most of all, common sense. The culprit in each case has compelling human reasons for committing crimes. A lot of the plots and dialogs are oxymoronic and comical without brazenly admitting so.

Romance is not the focus here as both men are tsunderes and practically run away from romantic relationships despite both men so have love interest with two women. For me, no romance is better than bad romance.

A great watch for thriller buffs.

TWO THUMBS UP! BRAVO!

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Cold Face General in Intensive Romance

I love this series! This is a warm, easy to watch and adorable drama with funny scenes of an unpretentious female lead who is direct and sincere. There are intensive romance, mysteries and deep plot with supervillain. The female lead is forthright and that has resolved or prevented a lot of misunderstandings. Also, kissing and wedding are right at the beginning, so there's no long waiting for romance to happen and blossom, like in other dramas, usually at the end.

The Story
To rein in the power of General Chu Xiuming (Wu Xize) who is guarding the warring border up north, the ministers press the Emperor to decree a marriage of the second daughter of Rui Wang (Prince Rui) to the General. The bad name of the General - ugly, fearsome, and having killed 2 previous wives - scares the appointed daughter, and she wriggles out and passes the marriage over to her younger half-sister, Shen Jin (Tang Min), whose mother has lost favor from her father. Shen Jin accepts the marriage because she just wants to get away from the household which she abhors. At the General’s manor, she helps fend off intruders and receives admiration from the General’s subordinates. Very soon, she realizes the general is not what she has imagined and she falls head over heels in love with him, and he her. Together, they uncover the greatest conspiracy and put the perpetrators away.

There's always a mystery - who was the mastermind behind the death of the 8th prince the crown prince and his entire family 16 years ago? All indicators point towards the Emperor and Chu Xiuming is determined to find out to bring justice for his uncle, the crown prince. The conspiracy unravels in the last 2 episodes and the show becomes nail-bitingly intense. The ending is heart-warming and satisfying; there’s no random killing off of the characters.

The Characters and The Acting
I love the Shen Jin character. How she has grown up fighting for territories in her childhood has made her courageous and proactive. She knows she has to fight for what belongs to her and what she wants so that she would not be taken advantage of. She is sensitive and not naïve, and she doesn’t sit around waiting for things to happen. Whenever she feels an imminent threat, she would jump into preventive action to protect herself and those around her. After marrying Chu Xiuming, her greatest fear is losing him to another woman as how her mother loses her father; she vows she would not take her mother's footsteps. But her schemes are mostly naïve, brainless and hilarious, causing headaches for her husband who forgives her again and again. It’s nice to see this couple resolve their misunderstandings very quickly, and both are quick to apologize to each other. She eventually grows to trust him and not jealous over any women that he may come in contact with. Tang Min’s portrayal of Shen Jin is marvelous.

General Chu Xiuming is a cold face general who becomes a romance buff after marrying Shen Jin; he sticks around her, lovingly and protectively. He is handsome, wealthy and powerful. When they are recalled and return to the capital, numerous eligible women, including Shen Jin’s own sisters, come forward offering themselves to the General, but he rejects them all; his eyes are only on Shen Jin. Tall and handsome, Wu Xize’s portrayal is believable and his action scenes are pretty good.

There’re two great second couples, one loyal to Shen Jin and the other to Chu Xiuming. They act as conduits between the General and his wife, helping them resolve any misunderstandings there may be. And I love their ingenious makeshift wedding ceremony for one of the couples - simple, warm and beautiful.

The OST
This fluffy drama gives us a few amazingly beautiful official sound tracks, in particular the OST Only For You, conjuring images of the loving General and his wife.

My Verdict
I have really enjoyed watching the two love birds telling each other their love and admiration for each other constantly. Every day, every moment when they're together, the General recites love verses to his wife, confirming his love for her. His words are sweet and his love verses are romantic. They're like glue, sticking at each other’s side all the time. There are many kissing scenes. This is an ideal husband/wife relationship - loving, understanding and forgiving, which also plays an important part in the plot when the story unravels. There're no hidden emotions nor hidden feelings. She always tells her husband exactly what she wants. I love that because men are usually slow to catch hints. Her forthrightness is inspiring.

The drama is cut in an interesting way: at the end of each episode, the cut scene is played, giving additional information to the viewers without affecting the flow of the story. These cut scenes are enlightening and can make the story clearer.

Admittedly there is a lot of flaws and holes, inconsistencies and lack of details in this drama. For example, some scenes are jumped and characters are switched without warning, the couple wear shoes on their wedding bed, the abrupt change of character for the evil sisters, etc. Nonetheless, these haven’t reduced my enjoyment.

If you love supervillain, evil sisters, some palace politics, a protective powerful general with an easily jealous wife, you may like this fluffy drama like I did. Don’t miss it. And don't miss the epilogue.

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Funny, Emotional, Wholesome, Hearty, Mature Romance

Life is like driving a car - sometimes you step on the gas pedal, sometimes you brake; you stop and go. Master of My Own is such a story that most viewers can relate to: a working life that is filled with challenges, a boss we hate and office politics with back stabbing, denial and betrayal. One can even lose everything and has to start over again. This is a story that resonates with dreamers and entrepreneurs alike. It also imbues the message that if one were to persevere with one’s goal, one would eventually see it turn into reality.

Lu Jiming (Lin Gengxin) is a venture capitalist and a mean boss. He is corky, arrogant and has a foul temper. Most of all, he has a poisonous tongue that strews insults at, basically everyone he meets, including his staff, his enemies and his father. In turn, he gets insulted back repeatedly but he has a bulletproof skin that such insults don’t get to him; he is so confident in himself that he shrugs these insults off. Despite he yells and insults his staff, they fear and love him, for he is a decent and caring person deep down. I love how this character is being written. The writer shows Lu Jiming’s egregious behavior with him re-giving a gift that he received from the same friend 5 years ago; none of his closest friends want to take his calls because he’s too mean, to list a couple of examples. And yet, this character grows over time, becomes more empathetic and less self-centered, and kinder with his words.

Lin Gengxin has a face that fits that tongue. He doesn’t look young nor pretty but he exudes that mature manly charisma that convinces anyone that he’s a very capable and successful man. I find Lin Gengxin very convincing here, either as a successful investor or as a down and out loser.

Ning Meng, or Lemon, (Tan Songyun) is a college graduate majoring in finance/investment. But she is recruited by Lu Jiming’s company as a stand-in secretary as all his previous secretaries have quitted for not being able to stand his nasty temper. In the hope of being transferred to the investment department at a later date, Ning Meng takes the job. Little does she know that she’s been treated like a worthless maid, taking care not only her office work, but also Lu Jiming's personal life at wee hours. Ning Meng endures and puts up her best front when facing Lu Jiming, only finds herself being stepped on, trashed, again and again. Up to here, many viewers cannot stand Lu Jiming anymore; many even drop the drama. If you’re one of these viewers, I urge you to press on.

Though very intelligent especially in observing the flow of things and managing human relationship, Ning Meng is inexperienced. As a viewer, I could see what Lu Jiming is trying to do for her: to toughen her up. Indeed in many eastern cultures, unlike in western cultures, people do not expect praises for job well done, but constantly receive criticisms, with the notion that this would make the recipients more humble and stronger.

Though as nasty a mouth as Lu Jiming’s and his mistreatment of Ning Meng, viewers can see he has something for her: his reliance on her and he feels very comfortable with her like a pair of old shoes, that's why he takes her for granted, thinking she would be there for him all the time; he is too proud to admit it, and he doesn't even realize it himself. Having said that, Lu Jiming does always come to her protection in the crux of the moment. Based on that, as much as I want to kick his ass, I understand where he comes from and forgive him.

Tan Songyun is a veteran actor. She portrays her character growth, as an inexperienced fresh graduate to later becoming the investment director, very well, real and convincing, and in the process, the lessons she learns and her character develops accordingly.

The whole cast is pretty good, in particular my favorite side character Yang Xiaoyang (Wang Lina). I find her cute and real. I particularly love her dynamics with Lu Jimin. I love her expression of resignation when she is assigned to replace Ning Meng as his secretary. She is so adorable. I also like the side couple who are Lu Jimin childhood friends.

My Verdict

I like this gorgeous drama. The relationship is mature, not the love-at-first-sight type. There are no blurry eyes but rather realistic love relationship based on trust and shared values. Every character has its flaws. The characters develop and become better and stronger. The plot is realistic without any outrageous twists and turns.

Though fictional, the drama shows the pains of entrepreneurships, investment risks, office life, failed family/couple relationships, sickness and death, and most of all, a capitulation whereby our main character loses everything: his love, his business, all his savings, all his investments, his father, and being deep in debt. This is something many viewers can empathize with as in real life, it can happen to anyone.

Many viewers find the romance too slow burning. I find it subtle and wholesome. In fact I find humor in every conversation. Sometimes it's so funny, ironic and oxymoronic. It is very comforting to watch a relationship that reads each other's mind and sticks together high and low. Though the main leads are not a couple from the beginning until the very last second of the drama, I find their romance and chemistry beautiful and sweet. For me, that’s a perfect long lasting relationship.

Have you ever worked very hard and in the end you still lose everything and face defeat? You lose confidence and become deflated. After losing everything, Lu Jiming learns that in life, success and failure are not the most important things; success can be just superficial, but whether one is contented, that is more important and it comes from within. And we need to learn how to get back up after fallen, that’s the message of the story.

Enjoyable watch. Recommended!

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How to Date a Celebrity

I have never thought I would have enjoyed a youth drama such as this one, but this drama proves me wrong. I have really enjoyed it. The acting is natural, the characters are lovable and the sweet internet romance is very real and cute. This is my go-to drama after a hard day of work. It is really relaxing and funny that makes you warm and laugh out loud. There are no annoying characters and no bad love triangles. The story is simple sweet and heart-warming and the main actors are beautiful and lovely.

He's an all-rounder straight A’s college student and a gamer, and she's an alumnus and a popular singer. He's her secret admirer and, she barely knows him. Then they meet playing online game and their romance begins, without knowing who each other is; they just fall in love.

Dating a celebrity is hard work, and a celebrity’s dating is also a hard work. Both cannot do things that normal lovers do. But both are willing to sacrifice for the other.

Playing the character Liang Chen, Xu Lu is very convincing. As a true singer herself in real life, Xu Lu pockets her role perfectly and effortlessly. She is immaculate and natural as if Liang Chen is her. She absolutely nails it and more. Xu Lu is beautiful, fashionable, and so adorable that anyone can fall in love with. No wonder Lu Jing (Lin Yi) falls head-over-toe in love and cannot have enough of her.

Lin Yi has also nailed his character. Long legged with slender long fingers, Lin Yi is so good looking with a boyish face. After all, he is 4 years younger than Xu Lu in real life and as in the story. But their chemistry is amazing. They are so convincing as two lovers. Their kisses (a lot of them) are real and passionate. They really love each other so much and cannot have enough of each other. And they are explicit about their feelings for each other; they don’t hide their love in front of their friends and relatives. It is really sweet and beautiful when two young people fall in love. Being so tall, Lin Yi looks exquisite in his large wardrobe of trench coats.

The OSTs

As Liang Chen is a singer, various songs are sung constantly throughout the drama. These songs are beautiful and the lyrics are touching. I particularly love it when Lu Jing plays the Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto which is one of my favorites, and it is being done rather extensively. Though not perfect acting playing the violin, Lin Yi’s tall figure, long legs and slender fingers make up the imperfections.

My verdict

This drama raises an interesting question:

Should a woman choose a successful and mature man or a young impulsive big boy to be her future partner? For Liang Chen, she has no doubt that Lu Jing is the one. So the answer is, it all depends on what one wants in life and what one's values are. For me, I would have chosen Lu Jing too. Who would you have chosen?

This is the best big sister/little brother rom-com I've ever watched. Bravo!

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A Mixed Bag of Everything

"Gone With the Rain" presents a diverse mix of elements right from the start. It combines comedy, wars, romance, sisterly love, murders, forced marriages, conspiracy, sacrifice, unfulfilled love, war games, strategies, suspense and thrillers. It's like experiencing a buffet of genres in one story. However, the romance aspect of the story leaves a somewhat unpleasant taste. Brazen atrocities are committed with impunity, and the suspense and mystery elements resemble an Agatha Christie whodunit set in a schoolhouse. At times, the logic of the plot feels a bit childish, as the storyline takes unexpected twists and turns to fit the writer's desired ending.

Based on the romance novel "Storm and Rouge" (Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan) by Ni Luo, the drama revolves around the lives of Tang Moxi (played by Zhang Nan) and her first cousin, Bai Fengyao (played by Wang Yuwen). Having grown up together in Bai Fengyao’s home after Moxi loses both her parents, they navigate through a turbulent era of wars, scarcity, losses, forced marriages, hardships, betrayals, and nearly every challenge imaginable. Their bond is defined by their unwavering love and devotion to each other, overshadowing the traditional romance aspect that serves more as a subplot.

Tang Moxi defies the conventions of a typical heroine. She doesn't fit the mold of a delicate flower waiting to be saved or a Cinderella longing for a prince. In fact, she lacks education, refinement, and even exhibits selfish and greedy traits in her pursuit of goals. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a care for love and morality, alongside her fearless and untamed nature. She fearlessly shelters a wounded young officer rumored to be a spy, intimidates creditors with a kitchen chopping knife to protect Bai Fengyao, and skillfully negotiates with unsavory characters. Moxi's strong-willed and passionate character is akin to a torrential rain that is difficult to ignore.

Moxi, portrayed by Zhang Nan, appears as a young girl, around 15 years old, reflected in her clothing style, with shorter skirts paired with long pants. Initially, this may seem odd if viewers are unaware of Moxi's young age, possibly due to the actor's tall stature. However, as the story progresses and Moxi reaches marriageable age at 17, she looks stunning in her adult costumes. Despite her constant sour expression, her smile radiates warmth, which Zhang Nan portrays wonderfully.

Bai Fengyao, played by Wang Yuwen, contrasts Moxi's character. She embodies gentleness and strength, occasionally displaying stubbornness and possessing extensive knowledge from wide reading. Wang Yuwen convincingly brings the character to life, with Bai Fengyao appearing younger than Moxi due to the actor's youthful-looking face. The heartfelt sisterly relationship between Moxi and Bai Fengyao is portrayed with heartbreaking sacrifices and unconditional love.

Moxi falls in love at first sight with Wan Jiagui (portrayed by Zhao Yingbo), a young and handsome officer who initially hesitates to commit due to his unwavering dedication to the country. However, he eventually falls for Moxi, captivated by her courage, intelligence, and selflessness as she saves him without expecting anything in return. A big applause to Zhao Yingbo's portrayal of the Wan Jiagui character.

Early in the story, Moxi encounters Chen Wende (Sun Yizhou aka Sean Sun), who is significantly older, around 13 to 14 years her senior. Contrary to others' fear of him due to his unflattering reputation, Moxi boldly insults and chides him, leading to continuous banter between the two characters throughout the drama. Moxi's forthrightness and unpretentiousness intrigue and amuse Chen Wende to the extent that he falls in love with her. Sean Sun's excellent portrayal of the character adds believability to their evolving relationship.

The entire cast delivers commendable performances, although some actors may have slightly overacted, making it difficult to discern if it was intentional for humor or a result of their acting abilities.

My Verdict

The series comprises two narrative layers. One layer delves into the emotional entanglement between Mo Xi and Chen Wende, Feng Yao and Wan Jiagui, while the other layer explores the story of four individuals protecting each other and serving their homeland. These two narrative layers intertwine, merging personal emotions with feelings of family and country.

The story beautifully captures the essence of self-preservation, mutual support, and understanding within the two main female characters. Although the sisterly relationship takes precedence, unfulfilled love becomes a central theme, amplifying the committed relationship between the two cousin sisters. The pain and torment experienced when the two lovers are forcibly separated by fate and events create a bittersweet romance. However, romance enthusiasts may be disappointed when the direction of the romance changes by the end of the story.

It may take some time to adapt to the storytelling format of the drama, as Moxi's wild imagination often takes the form of playful and silly scenarios on screen. This is understandable, considering Moxi's young age and her tendency to engage in immature thinking.

The entire story is built around a conspiracy to overthrow the throne, with wars, deaths, separated lovers, and a hero unjustly accused. However, all these events seem somewhat futile, as Moxi effortlessly exposes the conspiracy's flaws in the end. The climax of the story disappoints and is hardly worth mentioning. Plot holes and logic conflicts are prevalent, but viewers are advised not to take them too seriously.

Although left to be desired, the overall plot is quite intriguing, the acting is commendable, and the attention to costume and props is evident throughout.

A rather fun watch! Recommended!

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Great Cross-Dressing and Beautiful Ending

Recently, there have been quite a few cross-dressing Chinese dramas and The Heiress is one of them. I was hooked to this drama right from episode one because of the amazing cross-dressing, the plot, and the acting. The overall storyline is pretty serious but the dynamics of the characters and their relationship are hilarious and adorable. I was really enchanted by the acting of the female lead and her dynamics with the two male leads.

The heir, Han Shi Yi (You Jing Ru aka Una You), is supposedly the son of the General of the Han’s Army which guards the northern border. He is ordered by the Emperor to the capital because the Emperor is weary of the power of the Han’s Army. At the capital, Han Shi Yi is required to attend class in an academy which is meant for princes and nobles. Disguised as a flamboyant playboy, nobody knows he is actually a girl because her identity is switched with her murdered twin brother.

At the academy, Han Shi Yi meets the prince, Chen Ting Yi (Jiang Chao) and the son of the Prime Minister, Wang Zhong Yu (Wang An Yu). At the beginning, both Cheng Ting Yi and Wang Zhong Yu fight for Han Shi Yi’s support as they covet for her family’s powerful army as in palace politics. Han Shi Yi tries to stay neutral as getting on any one side may bring imminent trouble for her family, and she mustn’t expose her disguise as this would be punishable by death. Unbeknownst to themselves, the boys are attracted to her. Everyone thinks they’re cut sleeves. Even they question themselves of their own sexuality. However, very quickly, both discover her real gender and they help cover her secret because they are both in love with her.

You Jing Ru is actually a very beautiful woman. Dressed as a man without much makeup, she is very convincing. Her character as Han Shi Yi is flamboyant, bombastic, crafty and egregious, trying to annoy everyone around her to throw them off. But deep inside, Han Shi Yi is intelligent, kind and wise; she sees what others don’t. You Jing Ru’s portrayal is simply fabulous. I love the way she pretends to talk and fool around, twisting her words and fooling everyone. I love it when she fights with Wang Zhong Yu, naming her tortoise Wang Er (Wang Zhong Yu is also known as Wang Er) in retaliation to him naming his pet piglet Miss Han. The naming is super funny because Wang Ba (8) in Chinese means tortoise, and Wang Er (2) is like her calling him a brother of the tortoise. And Wang Zhong Yu’s use of the piglet to tease Han Shi Yi also has deep symbolism here as in the saying of pretending to be a pig and eating the tiger, calling Han Shi Yi a pretender.

The 5th prince Chen Ting Yi has a cold personality with no smile. Jiang Chao is a perfect choice as he is extremely good looking with a cold-face that is emotionless. Having said that, he does smirk whenever he approves of something, and that smirk usually says a thousand words. It is very funny when a cold face character meets a flamboyant character as in Han Shi Yi. Their interaction is hilarious and endearing. However, I find the chemistry of Han Shi Yi with Wang Zhong Yi much better than she has with Chen Ting Yi.

Despite his father the Prime Minister, an archenemy of the Prince, Wang Zhong Yi doesn’t get involve in his father’s politics and schemes. He is good-looking, artistic and romantic. For Han Shi Yi, he is a good friend that can be trusted and she goes all the way out to protect him for the treachery his father has committed. Wang Zhong Yi is one of the most well written and loved second male leads in dramas and Wang An Yu’s portrayal is closed to perfection.

The story is mostly funny and the dialogues are hilarious until episode 19 when Prince Chen Ting Yi and Han Shi Yi are separated as they go their separate ways to wars. The war scenes are authentic and Han Shi Yi's fighting choreography as a general is very convincing and beautiful. As with all wars, the scenes are sad and heart-wrenching. There has not been any misunderstanding between the two until this point. The whole misunderstanding and the dilemma faced by the Prince cause their rift and doesn’t resolve until the end of the story. Given the final statuses and positions of each side, I find the ending brilliant, beautiful and appropriate. Although without an explicit wedding scene, this is a happy ending.

By the end of the story, there are no loose ends. Everything is reconciled properly, all the characters receive appropriate retribution or rewards. The editing and screen play are good too. If you don’t mind some tropes such as love triangle, underwater kissing scene, falling off cliff and surviving scene, amnesia scene, this drama is a good watch. I have really enjoyed it.

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A Real Chinese History Drama

This is the story of Li Chu (Tang Dynasty Emperor Daizong) and it is divided into 2 seasons with 60 and 32 episodes respectively. For this drama, it is during the reign of his grandfather Emperor Xuanzong (712-756 AD) and later the reign of his father Emperor Suzong (756-762 AD). The time was a tumultuous period of Chinese history. There were the An Lushan Rebellion, the loss of Chang’an to the rebels, the escape of the royal family, the capture of Li Chu’s consort by the rebels, power struggle, usurpation, filicides and fratricides. Many of these historical events and important figures are depicted in the drama, and it’s an enthralling watch.

The drama romanticizes Li Chu’s and his favorite consort, Shen Zhen Zhu’s love affair and their devotion for each other. Understandably, some of the events may not be true historically but only for dramatic effect. This has been done rather well with few noticeable plot holes. However, there are also many tropes and clichés. Some of the logic seems to be over simplistic and unrealistic. Some historical characters are depicted as villains, cunning and sinister. Li Chu (Ren Jialun) and Shen Zhen Zhu (Sally Jing) are living in a dangerous environment that they both have to tread extremely carefully with every step they move and every word they say. One wrong move or word would immediately lead to their deaths. It is this angst that has captured the viewers attention throughout the drama.

Ren Jialun’s acting is acceptable in this drama. In fact, he’s rather convincing as the character Li Chu, except he may not look his best in armor and helmet (his head looks weird in the helmet). However, I’m not so comfortable with Sally Jing, and not very impressed by the Shen Zhen Zhu character that she plays despite she (Shen Zhen Zhu) is supposed to be very intelligent; time and time again, Shen Zhen Zhu is fooled by her own cleverness and that has created a lot of frustration over the character for viewers. I also find the pairing of Ren Jialun and Sally Jing not ideal as Ren Jialun has a small boyish face whereas Sally Jing (she has a large face) looks very mature with disproportionately large eyes laced with plastic brush-like eye lashes. There’s hardly any chemistry between the duo.

The side couple story is sweet and heart wrenching. Lin Zhi (Jennifer Shu) and Li Tan (Qin Jun Jie) are the saddest couple as Lin Zhi’s experience is very real to many women who have to live through such pain everyday and she is totally relatable. Jennifer Shu’s portrayal is wonderful and very convincing. Qin Jun Jie’s performance portraying Li Tan as an impulsive man is equally laudable. This pair has wonderful chemistry together and their story is painful. Despite Lin Zhi may not have been a real figure historically (Li Tan is real as Li Chu's younger brother), I find the side couple story more compelling.
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The general tone of this drama is somber. Apart from some flaws here and there, there are also some hilarious moments that are really fun to watch. Overall, this is a fine drama based on real events, but the story interjected with too much fantasy may have been a bit overdone. After completing the 60 episodes, I find myself needing a break before continuing on to season 2. I wish the series had not been this long.

This is a good watch for history buff if you don't mind some added fantasy.

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Fabulous Acting, Great CGI, Great Story

This is one of the very few dramas that I find so relaxing and enjoyable. It is very funny and yet not comical. The humors come mostly from the marvelous acting, the dialogues and the dynamics between the characters. As this is a drama revolving around supernatural phenomena, the CGI here is simply top-notched. This drama is the third season of the Wu Xin series. Despite this, the timeline is a lot earlier than the previous two series, setting in the Tang dynasty period. One doesn't need to watch the previous two seasons to understand this one; everything is explained clearly and flows nicely. This drama stands alone as a complete series.

Elvis Han (plays Wu Xin) is a marvelous actor. He has an air of maturity and provides stability in every situation he's in, and yet he doesn't lack that humorous and playful demeanor. I really enjoy all his scenes. As a man with no heart, (his name Wu Xin literally means no heart in Chinese), he's an immortal. The use of homophone and puns with his name is hilarious as the phrase wu xin can also mean "unintentional". But Wu Xin is so fed up with living forever that he contracts killers to kill himself as he has not been successful in doing so himself. His journey in seeking his own death is simply so outrageous and funny. I really enjoy the parts when Wu Xin is possessed by Liu Xuan Hu making him taking opposite actions and bickering within himself. The scenes are so funny and Elvis Han is fabulous in acting out both characters at the same time.

Comes the girl that falls for him, and eventually he for her. Chen Yao (aka Sabrina Chen) plays both roles as a twin girl in Liu Qing Luan and her twin brother in Liu Xuan Hu. With a slender physique, Chen Yao's portrayal of Liu Xuan Hu is amazing as she looks like a weak, sickly, feminine boy who excels academically. No one knows the talented scholar has an identical twin sister who helps settle scores for him. One really cannot tell if Liu Xuan Hu is a boy or a girl, even Wu Xin is confused; he has treated Liu Xuan Hu as a boy when in actual fact it's Liu Qing Luan's disguise. The discovery process is so funny, and Elvis Han's expression of surprise is an outstanding acting. Switching in and out of her role as a male and female character, Chen Yao has done a fantastic job. Bravo to her amazing acting.

In their quest to seek death for Wu Xin and cure for Liu Xuan Hu sickly body (what an irony), they encounter mysteries and crimes. Every event is related to another and unfolds nicely over time, usually through medium and "fa shu" delivered by the Taoist master. The initial unseen dark force that seems to mastermind everything turns out to be a previous acquaintant of Wu Xin. Their relationship, dynamics and dialogues are just a joy to watch. The seemingly unseen fearsome and mysterious character suddenly becomes a person with a cartoonish looking mask. Many of the characters that seem to be sinister in the beginning turn out to be harmless. One of my most enjoyable moments is watching Elvis Han handling a baby; he's such a pro and the scenes where both powerful fa shi, Wu Xin and Bai Liu Li, rendered helpless by a crying baby is just hilarious.

As expected, when an immortal falls in love with a mortal, how the ending would be. As Liu Qing Luan ages and finally dies in Wu Xin's arms, Wu Xin is still as youthful but the pain he is suffering is immeasurable, though this is the umpteenth time he is going through it. Each time, the pain of loss of a loved one is new and unforgettable for him. The only way to relieve himself from all these pains is not through death (which he can't die) but through letting go. Finally, Wu Xin realizes that he needs to forget after every life that leaves him, and to start afresh. That's the only way to continue living to eternity.

Oh, have I mentioned the sound tracks (OSTs)? They are very good. Love them!

Don't be misled by the low rating. This drama should have received a much higher rating had it not because English subs are not available at the moment of its airing. Many non-Chinese speaking viewers are unfortunately not able to enjoy this fine drama.

For me, this drama is unexpectedly good. If you can understand Chinese, or able to find English subs, do watch it. It's a drama that would make you laugh because of the funny dialogues and human to human dynamics. The mystical supernatural phenomenon is intriguing, and most importantly, great acting and great story telling make this a must-watch drama.

Two thumbs up!

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A Heartfelt Ode to Macau

Begin Again is a charming drama aired during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to China after over 400 years of Portuguese rule. Beyond being a simple drama, it serves as a love letter to Macau, showcasing the city’s idyllic lifestyle, unique culinary heritage, and cultural blend of East and West. Macau is also a unique confluence of Mandarin and Cantonese, and the drama beautifully highlights this linguistic duality, adding depth and authenticity to its portrayal of the city.

Set against Macau’s slower-paced lifestyle—a stark contrast to the hustle of nearby metropolises like Hong Kong and Shenzhen—the series weaves its story through vibrant visuals of local delicacies, historic landmarks, and contemporary attractions. Its promotional intent is clear, and it delivers beautifully on this front.

Storyline
The narrative takes its time to introduce the four main characters, whose chance meetings evolve into meaningful connections. While the overarching plot takes a backseat to Macau’s scenic and cultural showcase, the character interactions provide a gentle framework for the drama’s progression.

֍ Mai You Ge (Amy Chen): An advertising executive in Macau to oversee a promotional video project for an international hotel. Lost in a foreign city where she doesn’t speak the language, she meets Xu Jun Le (Sunny Sun), a charismatic local who doubles as her informal guide and companion.
֍ Chen Jia Hui (Zhong Chu Xi): An art director and artist representing Macau’s glamorous and artistic side. She crosses paths with Han Jun Hao (Elvis Han), a professional race car driver in town for the thrilling Macau Grand Prix. Their first encounter—a spontaneous and adrenaline-fueled motorcycle race—sets the stage for a story brimming with speed and passion.
֍ The third and quirkier subplot involves a hotel manager who finds herself babysitting an 8-year-old Eurasian boy—a piano prodigy preparing for a recital.

Each storyline feels secondary to Macau itself, which remains the true star of the show.

What Worked
The drama shines in its portrayal of Macau as a city of contrasts—new and old, glamorous and traditional, East and West. The slow-paced, idyllic lifestyle is a refreshing escape, and the sumptuous local cuisine is almost a character of its own.

֍ Cultural Representation: Through Mai You Ge’s wide-eyed exploration, viewers are treated to a culinary and cultural feast. Her onscreen enthusiasm for food is contagious.
֍ Character Diversity: Each character offers a different lens on Macau. Chen Jia Hui embodies sophistication and high society, Han Jun Hao captures the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the Macau Grand Prix and the city’s thrill-seeking side, and Mai You Ge represents those yearning to escape the chaos of modern life. However, the standout is Xu Jun Le (Sunny Sun), whose carefree, carpe diem attitude is infectious. His simple yet rich life philosophy resonates deeply.
֍ Language Differences: Though both Mandarin and Cantonese are considered Chinese, their spoken forms are vastly different—almost like separate languages. The drama cleverly highlights the nuances of these differences, often using them as a source of humor. Misunderstandings due to language barriers and differing terminology provide moments of levity and authenticity, giving viewers insight into the cultural and linguistic richness of Macau.
֍ Cinematography: The city is beautifully shot, with an emphasis on its blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. The Grand Prix scenes, in particular, are brimming with energy, capturing the electrifying rush of high-speed racing and the iconic atmosphere of the event.

What Could Be Improved
While the child actor playing the young Eurasian boy performs admirably, his babysitter Casey suffers from awkward and stilted dialogue. Additionally, Isabella (Lisa-Marie Tse) feels overly exaggerated, making her scenes slightly uncomfortable to watch.

Final Thoughts
Don’t expect a gripping or intricate plot from Begin Again—its primary goal is to promote Macau, and it excels in this role. The lighthearted stories of the characters serve as a vehicle to explore the city, its cuisine, and its culture. The Grand Prix scenes add a much-needed dose of adrenaline, and the language differences inject humor and authenticity.

More than just a drama, Begin Again serves as an invitation to visitors and expatriates alike to take a break from their exhausting "996" work lifestyle. It even subtly encourages the idea of moving to Macau for a life inspired by carpe diem—a slower pace filled with rich experiences and simple joys.

At its heart, Begin Again delivers a powerful reminder: the most important part of life is not about results, and it’s not just about the journey—it’s about the company we keep. The last two episodes are especially moving, as they highlight the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and making changes when life isn’t fulfilling. As Einstein put it, “If you keep doing the same thing over and over again, it will not give you a different outcome.”

For anyone curious about Macau or simply looking for a cozy, picturesque watch with a touch of high-speed excitement, Begin Again is worth your time.

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Sweet Romance, Great Acting

Since time immemorial, humans have fantasized to possess supernatural bodies, with powers to see through walls, to hear even the slightest sounds, to smell the faintest scent, to speed like a cheetah, to feel nature, and most of all, to stay youthful and to live to hundreds of years. This drama gives the viewers a glimpse of how such powers can bring as in Han Zheng (Bi Wenjun). Together with a love triangle, suspense, and investigation, this is a very delightful story.

Han Zheng is a subhuman species (homo “whatever”), Qi people, living in the north. He has come to the south to seek his best friend who has disappeared with the “seed fire” which is of utmost importance for the survival of his species. In the south, he meets Su Jiu’er (Li Yitong) who is a sickly homo sapiens (Qian people) constable, brilliant in solving cases. Through unexplained reasons, they always find it soothing when they touch each other, and each time, Su Jiu’er feels rejuvenated. After some time, they both fall in love with each other. Together hand in hand, literally, they solve one mystery after another, and eventually expose the greatest conspiracy.

I must commend the production team in the selection of the cast. Bi Wenjun is tall and good looking with a face that says he can transform into his “natural” form anytime. He’s the perfect fit as the description of the Qi people are said to be tall and strong. His acting is very believable especially when he is flummoxed by the Qian people’s traditions and habits. In contrast, Li Yitong is petite and cute, and makes a very convincing feisty Su Jiu’er who is intelligent and not cringey. She has amazing chemistry with both Bi Wenjun and Chen Heyi who plays the character of Prince Wen Jun. Despite a love triangle, the friendship of the trio is warm and lovely, and makes the viewers root for both male leads.

All the characters, even the hidden antagonist, are lovable and the use of actors appropriate. The CGIs, fighting, horror scenes etc are believable and still maintain a lot of humors and jokes. Though there could be a few plot holes here and there (such as Han Zheng suddenly knows how to read Su Jiu’er’s letter in Qian language), it doesn’t lower my enjoyment of the story. My only regrets are, the potential of a great second couple fizzles out, and by the end of the story, the antagonist is still missing. It seems there will be a season 2 soon.

My Verdict
Great watch for all. Don’t miss it! Bravo!

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