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Intriguing Story, Great Acting
This story reminds me of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day”. It stars Bill Murray who portrays a cynical television weatherman covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive February 2nd repeatedly. This drama has a similar storyline whereby a young girl encounters a life threatening event and is trapped in a time loop to relive her life changing moment, and eventually she conjures up the courage to break away from it.Xu Xiaodong (Zheng Yecheng) is an artificial intelligence genius. For 10 years he has been trying to find out the person behind the scheme that has stolen his father’s work and slandered his father for plagiarism that has led to his death. Xu Xiadong is devastated and has been living through his pain. I have always liked Zheng Yecheng. I have been rather disappointed with the endings of most of the characters he has played in his previous dramas. Here, as a hidden genius with a sense of humor, Zheng Yecheng has brought his character to life. He is really convincing with great acting.
Lei Chuxia (Ju Jingyi) is a business owner. After a life threatening event, she disappears and travels 10 years to the present time and meets Xu Xiaodong. She repeatedly returns to 10 years ago and back, trying to figure out what has happened and how to change the outcome of the events. Despite of her unfortunate encounter, she always remains cheerful and optimistic. Ju Jingyi is beautiful with a natural happy-go-lucky aura that fits the Lei Chuxia character so well. With wonderful acting, Ju Jingyi gives us a very genuine and lovable Lei Chuxia.
All the side couples are great though initially I didn’t like Zheng Fanxing’s acting very much but as the story progresses, his acting becomes more natural and his character Jin Xiaorui very adorable.
My Verdict
Even though unthinkable and a fantasy, I really like the story. It makes me think of the “what-ifs”. What if I can time travel and go to the future and see the outcome of my decision like Lei Chuxia does, and then go back to the past to fix my choices. Changing my choices may definitely change the outcome, but doesn’t necessary mean a better one. These thoughts play on my mind while watching this drama, and help me look deep into myself. This story believes that there are many paths to get from point A to point B. If you persist, you would always reach your destination, no matter which path you take. Do you have any regrets that you wish you could go back to 10 years ago to fix? Do you believe you’ll always reach your destination no matter which paths you choose if you are determined enough?
Great entertainment. Great watch!
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Love Story between a Mortal and an Immortal
This drama starts off very good – beautiful actors, beautiful costumes, interesting story line. After the first couple of episodes, it begins to go all over the place. Poor script writing, plenty of plot holes, editing flaws (they even photoshop an actor's face onto another), confusing acting from the female lead, among others.I was initially put off by Fu Jiuyun (Zheng Yecheng) for his flamboyance, especially towards Qing Chuan (Zhao Lusi); his hands are all over her and she doesn’t seem to care. In fact, she gives the impression of liking such attention – being teased and pinched by Fu Jiuyun. As a Princess, Yanyan is dignified, determined and worshipped by all. In her disguise as Qing Chuan, a maid servant under Fu Jiuyun, waiting for her revenge, she has a total change in character. She loses her initial charisma which I feel is a poor script writing and also poor acting. Though I like Zhao Lusi as an actor and I like her other dramas, I don’t feel she fits into this Qing Chuan character very well. Zhao Lusi is cute and can be silly, but her acting is confusing as the Qing Chuan character who is supposed to be dignified, determined and strong. Zhao Lusi doesn’t have the charisma a princess normally exudes. On top of that, Zhao Lusi tends to take a long pause before she starts talking. It really feels weird for me that she’s not spontaneous in answering even the most trivial questions. The only consolation I find is she pairs very well with Zheng Yecheng visually.
Zheng Yecheng has a layback carefree spirit to him. With his outrageously gorgeous face with soft features, acting as a celestial being with no worldly concerns, Zheng Yecheng fits perfectly as the Fu Jiuyun character. I love the scenes of him gazing at Qing Chuan with those loving eyes. One can really feel his love for her, unreserved and unconditional. He has great chemistry with Zhao Lusi.
There is a lot of illogical dialogues and scenes, even the logic itself is weird. Despite the poor storytelling, I find the costumes to be intriguing with great details. I love Fu Jiuyun’s simple white gowns. I also love those sophisticated gowns worn by Yanyan especially the gown she dances in. The sound track that plays whenever Jiuyun longs for Qing Chuan or vice versa is beautiful and heart-wrenching.
There is also a couple of scenes I love the most. The first one is the scene of Yanyan dancing to the song composed by Fu Jiuyun. The scene is so beautiful and breathtaking. The second scene is the very last scene when Qing Chuan runs towards Fu Jiuyun under the peach blossom tree. That scene is celestial and can only be found in legend.
The final episode is a lazy ending. It seems that the whole thing is just a dream by Yanyan as a little girl, or is it her reincarnation, or is it a parallel dimension thing? It’s confusing. The weirdest thing is our female lead just goes poof and reappears with her love in a different dimension.
I would watch this drama for Zheng Yecheng if you’re a fan. For me, he’s the only thing that keeps me going in completing the whole series.
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A Dry Story Based on Actual Event
Under the Microscope is a story adapted from the Silk Case, one of the six cases under Ma Boyong’s historical textbook. The author has also written numerous well-loved novels, among others, Secret of Three Kingdoms, Luoyang, and The Wind Blows from Longxi. Like the other dramas, the mood of this drama is serious albeit with subtle humor. It is a departure from the usual stories of royalty, noblemen and aristocrats, and instead looks microscopically into the issues faced by the commoners during the Ming Dynasty.The tax and financial system during the Ming era was a very complicated subject, and the story revolves around a tax called the “ren ding sijuan” (silk by head count). Shuai Jiamo (Zhang Ruoyun) accidentally discovers a silk tax entry on the county’s account book with a questionable amount. He deems it erroneous and requests the county official to rectify the error but is told he needs to appeal to higher up. While attempting to do so, he meets all kinds of obstacles, including attempts on his life; someone is trying to prevent him from appealing and digging deeper. Together with his only friend, Feng Baoyu (Fei Qiming), they are determined to get to the bottom of it despite putting themselves in great danger.
Shuai Jiamo is a young mathematical genius with signs of autism. To him, math always tells the truth and he doesn’t allow a speck of inaccuracy in it. Because of his obsession, most people regard him as an idiot, except Feng Baoyu who thinks Shuai Jiamo very special and would do anything for him. Zhang Ruoyun is an incredible actor. As the autistic Shuai Jiamo, he is genuine and very believable.
To readjust the tax amount on the account book, Shuai Jiamo is told to bring his appeal to court. While in court, he meets Cheng Renqing (Wang Yang), a talented but morally and ethically questionable lawyer working for a shadowy character to try to throw Shuai Jiamo’s case out. He has been successful, but Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu do not give up easily despite getting thrown into prison and their life being threatened. Wang Yang is a veteran actor, and has a charismatic aura. With a smirk on his face and a sharp tongue, his performance is on script and has no holes to poke.
All the other actors give a wonderful and believable performance. I particularly love the Magistrate Fang character (Hou Yansong). Seemingly lazy and useless, he turns out to be the hero of the people and the actor Hou Yansong has performed with full marks. I also like the Feng Baoyu character who loves gambling and is a real friend worth having for anyone. Fei Qiming’s portrayal is outstanding, bringing out the essence of the character convincingly.
My Verdict
This is a true story based on a historical event but not a drama for everyone. Some of the characters such as Shuai Jiamo and Cheng Renqing (written differently but with same homophones) were real historical figures. Shuai Jiamo’s obsession in math and in going to court to correct the tax errors can bore many viewers unless one is very interested in the complicated and confusing Chinese bureaucratic and financial system during Ming Dynasty. To add fireworks to a dry story to make it more palatable for entertainment consumption, some ninjas and wuxia sword fights are added. The scene when Cheng Renqing comes to the rescue of Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu in the nick of time on the beheading tables by throwing out two knives is simply hilarious and unreal.
Though at the end of the drama, it seems everyone receives their justifiable rewards or punishments, it doesn’t feel right to me. Despite all the heinous acts by the villains, the ultimate culprit’s punishments seem like just a slap on the wrist compared to what Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu receive for pointing out the problem -- some of the culprit's wealth is confiscated while the good guys are beaten and imprisoned -- this is probably quite realistic.
In the real event, Shuai Jiamo’s and Cheng Renqing’s fates were not as rosy as shown here; they were both sent away in exile for stirring up "trouble". In other words, the best way to deal with any problems at the local level was to punish those who pointed out the problems. As always, the drama depicts the aristocrats are the ones suppressing and stealing from the people, and the government the enhancer and the gestapo police -- a satire of wealth inequality, the world is never fair nor just.
Overall, this is a dry drama based on a real story full of ironies and paradoxes. The acting is very good and the script writing is tight and logical but too bad, as much as I have enjoyed it, the drama doesn’t make a compelling story for most casual viewers.
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A Relationship of Mutual Exploitation
Watching The Glory, I couldn’t help but see parallels to the power struggles and corruption we face in the modern world—especially the oligarchs who pull strings behind the scenes. The drama’s villain feels like a direct jab at them, wrapped in clever satire. Adapted from the web novel The Reborn Noble Girl Is Hard to Find, the series takes a completely different approach visually and narratively. Yet both versions stand strong on their own—comparing them wouldn’t be fair.Storyline
Zhuang Hanyan’s life begins with betrayal. Abandoned at birth and raised by abusive foster parents in a poor village, she’s treated like an outcast—bullied by children, starved, and chained like an animal. At 17, when her foster father tries to assault her, she kills him and his wife in self-defense, then flees to her real family in the city.
But home is no sanctuary. Her birth mother coldly rejects her, her father’s concubine schemes against her, and her half-siblings make her life hell. Worse, she’s being investigated by Fu Yunxi, a sharp-witted Dali Temple official who also happens to be her late half-sister’s widower.
What follows is a dangerous game of lies and manipulation. Though they’re not enemies, they’re not allies either—she tries to kill him to protect her secrets, while he blackmails her for information. Yet, beneath the deception, there’s mutual respect. Both have loved ones to protect and truths to uncover.
Characters & Acting
Zhuang Hanyan (Chen Duling) is a survivor—intelligent, ruthless, and deeply wounded. She’s compassionate but never naive, willing to kill if pushed. Raised in betrayal, she trusts no one, not even Fu Yunxi, despite her growing feelings for him. Chen Duling embodies the role perfectly—stoic, calculating, and striking in Ming Dynasty nobility attire. (A far cry from her performance in Fang of Fortune, which didn’t leave much of an impression.)
Fu Yunxi (Xin Yunlai) is just as morally gray—cold, cunning, and willing to bend the law. Though he’s a deputy prosecutor, he lets Hanyan go free despite knowing she’s a murderer. His relentless pursuit of corruption makes him a target, and after his wife is poisoned, he becomes a single father fighting a shadow war against the remnants of a eunuch’s criminal empire. Xin Yunlai’s performance is decent, though at times he seems oddly detached from intense scenes.
Ruan Xiwen (Wen Zhengrong), Hanyan’s mother, steals every scene she’s in. Her cruelty is terrifying—she screams, threatens, and drives her daughter away at every turn. But it’s all an act to protect her. Wen Zhengrong delivers a powerhouse performance, making us feel the agony beneath her harsh facade.
OST
The soundtrack shines brightest in the rare tender moments between Hanyan and her mother—soft, melancholic melodies underscoring their fractured love.
Final Thoughts
Romance isn’t the focus here. This is a story about vengeance, survival, and the ugly choices people make when pushed to the edge. Both leads are deeply flawed—Hanyan is a murderer, and Fu Yunxi is an official who plays dirty. And that’s what makes them so compelling.
Most dramas force their characters into redemption arcs or moral clarity. Not this one. Hanyan doesn’t repent for her crimes, she doesn't need to, and Fu Yunxi doesn’t suddenly become a saint. They’re ruthless, pragmatic, and unapologetic—a refreshing change from the usual righteous heroes.
This isn’t a story about love conquering all. It’s about rage, power, and the lengths people go to protect what’s theirs. And for those of us tired of cookie-cutter plots, that’s exactly why it’s worth watching.
Novel vs. Drama
Don’t expect the novel and drama to align—they’re entirely separate. The book is a reincarnation story: Hanyan, murdered on her wedding night, wakes up in her 12-year-old body and relives her life with new knowledge.
Some Key differences (not complete)
- Hanyan was never exiled; she grew up loved by her mother and younger brother.
- Fu Yunxi is a prince and general, rumored to be gay (and 21 when Hanyan is 12—a very different dynamic).
- The novel’s tone is more scheming nobility than gritty survival.
Both versions have their strengths, but the drama’s raw, unflinching darkness makes it unforgettable.
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The Shades of Justice
In this gripping thriller, we delve into a world where the boundaries of justice are not clearly defined. The story revolves around a young servant who masterminds a heinous crime, leading to the murder of his master's entire family, heirs, and servants. With their wealth in his hands, he vanishes for years, only to be confronted by justice two decades later. This short drama, spanning just 12 episodes, is a rollercoaster of enigmas, mysteries, ironies, suspense, and dark humor.Constable Qu Sangeng, portrayed by Bai Yu Fan, embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover the gruesome murder of his beloved superior, whom he regarded as a father figure. Soon, a string of similar murders emerges, all pointing to a common culprit. Qu Sangeng must untangle the web of connections between the victims and decipher the motive. The trail leads back to an incident that occurred two decades ago at the Lu mansion, which was razed to the ground, claiming the lives of most of its occupants. Only Lu Zhi, played by Yu Yao, and a handful of others managed to escape.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers will empathize with Lu Zhi, understanding the circumstances that drove him to commit these atrocities. As a clever adolescent, Lu Zhi believed he had executed the perfect crime, unaware that someone held knowledge of his dark secret. This mysterious individual resurfaces two decades later to exact vengeance on those responsible.
While Lu Zhi's story is the genesis of these events and the serial killer's vendetta sets Constable Qu Sangeng on his quest for justice, they are not the central characters. The focus of the story shifts to Qu Sangeng and his decision to prioritize justice over personal vengeance, as well as Song Chen's struggles, portrayed by Ning Li. Both the adult Lu Zhi and the serial killer make only hidden or fleeting appearances as the story progresses.
Every character seems to harbor a motive and arouse suspicion. As the present-day plot unfolds and investigators attempt to piece together a complex puzzle, flashbacks shed light on the events from two decades ago. While the drama hints at hidden and illicit affairs, there is no central romantic subplot, reflecting the societal norms of the era.
Without good translations, some viewers may find this drama hard to understand as it is laden with riddles from verses and poems by the ancient sages. Even those well-versed in Mandarin and written Chinese may find themselves struggling with certain scenes and story elements, as the narrative moves swiftly and some details remain unexplained, catering to a more discerning audience. Rewatching becomes essential not for cherishing particular moments or characters but to gain a deeper comprehension and capture the subtleties that might have been missed.
My Verdict
This thriller is an adrenaline-pumping ride, offering a captivating storytelling format, top-notch direction, and commendable performances, with Yu Yao's portrayal of the juvenile Lu Zhi and Ning Li's portrayal of Song Chen standing out the most.
What makes this drama truly striking is its realism, even in today's world, in depicting the complex backdrop of wealth and power. Characters like Lu Yuan Bao, portrayed by Zhang Xi Lin, who transformed from a bandit to a wealthy and influential figure, highlight the murky waters of power dynamics. The story also portrays corrupt government officials who can be easily swayed, and the wealthy who, despite their outward respectability, remain to be despicable and thuggish. The concept of justice is portrayed in shades of gray, demonstrating that what one person sees as justice may be viewed as injustice from another's perspective. This theme resonates with the contemporary geopolitical landscape. For Qu Sangeng, choosing justice over personal vengeance is a wise choice given his superior's role in his father's death which he remains unaware of.
Great watch!
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Dedication, Devotion & Sacrifice
This is a story of a dedicated friendship to an Emperor, a devoted love to a “shifu” (teacher) and the sacrifices of the main characters for the greater good. The romance is heart breaking and the bromance is heartwarming. Adapted from a novel which I haven’t read, some of the characters are said to have tamped down to make them less ruthless and more likeable according to some readers. All in all, this is a high quality production with recognizable actors and a beautiful storyline.In recent months, there have been a few dramas with the theme of romance between teacher/shifu and student/disciple. This is one of them, and I can’t help thinking, “Is this a recent fad?” I don’t want to get into the morality of such a relationship and will leave discussions to the viewers. Without having read its plot in the novel, how the adaptation turns out here is very plausible and palatable for most viewers.
Ye Hai Shi (Yang Mi) is rescued and adopted by Fang Jian Ming (Chen Wei Ting aka William Chen) when she is very young. Under adoption, she's disguised as a man and changes name to Fang Hai Shi. He teaches her everything from academics to combats. In the process, she admires and falls in love with him, and he is also attracted to her as she grows up. Whenever he detects danger, he always comes to her without fail, as she is precious to him. But he cannot be what she wants, a lover or a spouse, because he is a “baixi” for the Emperor, an invisible link whereby he would endure harm, pains and death for the Emperor. It is this type of love-and-pain relationship that propels the story and makes the characters lovable and the viewers empathize with them. Together with Zhuo Ying (Wang Sen), another Fang Jian Ming’s adopted disciple, they form a spy ring cum secret service for the Emperor.
I love the young actor who plays the juvenile Ye Hai Shi. She has an innocent face, and yet exudes a charisma of a boy - among others, strong, forward, fearless. Yang Mi plays the adult Ye Hai Shi / Fang Hai Shi with a different charisma, giving viewers a different feeling for the character. Here under her, Fang Hai Shi is still headstrong and valiant, at the same time, very feminine even when she dresses as a man. When leading her soldiers fighting the enemies, Yang Mi’s acting is passable but lacks the robustness of a male general. When facing her shifu, Yang Mi is like a little girl secretly admiring a lover, peeking at him under her lush eye lashes - that, she scores 100%. Many complaints of Yang Mi stem from her using her own voice in the dubbing. Though she has a very unique and nice voice, as a commanding general, her voice sounds too girly, and as a woman, she sounds too mechanical and lacks the spontaneity a woman normally possesses.
As a veteran actor, it’s not a coincidence that most of Yang Mi’s co-stars for her major works are not from mainland China. In this case, Chen Wei Ting is from Hong Kong. Though part of China, Hong Kong has its own movie industry and actors, and has very different values and styles. Very popular as an actor, however this is my first Chen Wei Ting’s work. I love the Fang Jian Ming character he plays here. I also love his styling though some viewers complain about his look as well as his acting. Despite not being 100%, I still like Chen Wei Ting’s portrayal as a calm, scheming, dedicated, strong fighter character with great physique cladding in white.
Xu Kai Cheng’s portrayal as the Emperor seems on and off. The strong friendship he has with Fang Jian Ming is heartwarming but at times, confusing due to the inconsistency in Xu Kai Cheng’s acting. Playing a supporting character Zhuo Ying, in fact, I’m most impressed by Wang Sen’s acting. I love the dynamics he has with Fang Hai Shi as siblings. I also love the devotion and commitment he has with his shifu and the Emperor, and not least, I love the undying love and dedication he has for a woman he secretly admires. Acting also as his cruel look-alike brother, Duo Luo who has a totally different personality and demeanor, Wang Sen aces in both characters he plays. I am particularly impressed by the scene when he has a hand-to-hand combat with his brother. The fighting is so real and heart-pounding that it is one of the best scenes in the drama.
There are multiple villains here, most are right there in the open with blatant disguises. Compared with the original version in the novel, these villains seem to have died of easy and quick deaths.
Perhaps what I love the most about this drama is how they have adapted for the fate of both the main characters, Fang Hai Shi and Fang Jian Ming. From the novel, the Emperor somehow develops feelings for Fang Hai Shi and forcefully takes her away from his best friend to become his consort. Such action does not go down well with today’s viewers. The adaptation is swift and brilliant such that, though Fang Hai Shi still becomes a consort, it is a plan by Fang Jian Ming to protect her by stashing her away with the Emperor for safe keeping. So in the end, both couples - the Emperor/Ti Lan (Chen Xiao Yun) and Fang Hai Shi/Fang Jian Ming - are still faithful to and for each other only. This is a big relief for all romance buffs.
I just wish the sub plots are more prominently told especially with the Zhuo Ying’s arc, instead of the scenes being played out in his communication with his shifu and Hai Shi. Zhuo Ying is indeed a very impressive character and his story captivating.
My Verdict
This is a fantasy story that involves supernatural beings like a talking mermaid (and a few others), and dark magic. The CGIs are very good with very convincing sceneries, people and fighting scenes. There is no need to watch other Novoland series before this one as they are not related. The pace is very fast especially with the wuxia fighting scenes executed with heart throbbing beating drum.
Half-way through airing, the drama has a very low rating of 4.9 on Douban. It’s gone up slightly at the end of airing at 5.1. Many viewers do not like Yang Mi for various reasons - her look, her acting, her voice. Others don’t like Chen Wei Ting. Online criticism is ferocious. Don’t be disheartened by such poor ratings and negative comments because, flaws there maybe, this is still a wonderful and beautiful story with amazing characters, a lot of great scenes and commendable cinematography.
A great watch! Don’t miss it. Two Thumbs Up!
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Could Have Been Better
This could have been an enjoyable drama had it not been the poor performance of one of the lead actors, Yu Menglong. Though the storyline is simple, conflicts between neighboring countries, conflicts within the royal court, conspiracies, switches of identities etc. make this drama a rather good watch.All the characters are quite interesting too. The Jing Ci character could have been so intriguing but Yu Menglong’s disastrous robotic portrayal sends it down the drain; he walks like a robot, talks like Alexa in a male voice, stands like a mannequin. Even when he tries to tell his love how much he loves her, there’re no emotions nor expressions on his face, nor can the viewers feel any heart-warming passion he has for his love. His declaration is like an announcement reading from a book – unemotional. It’s indeed such a pity because Yukee Chen (plays the Feng Mian Wan character) and the other cast members put up quite an impressive performance.
I must say I quite enjoy watching the side couples especially Princess Zhangle (played by Ma Yue) and her to-be consort. Though they don’t have many scenes but their dynamics are cute, as the princess has a forward personality whereas her consort is rather timid and unromantic. The other couple is Zuo Yanxi (played by Kid Young) and Jiang Tan (played by Xu Hao). This is a tragic romance when a great man is being brought down by his love of the woman who is also his Shimei (sister in learning). The Jiang Tan character is not likable as many viewers take her scenes as the opportunity for bathroom breaks, to put it mildly.
Overall, I would say, watch this drama if you can’t find anything better to watch, or watch it in between episode releases of other dramas. It’s not totally terrible, but it’s not fantastic either.
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Dark Humor
This is a dark comedy movie. Despite winning the Oscar with 4 awards, I can't say I like it. The acting is fine, so are many other movies. This movie depicts the great divide between the haves, and the don't haves. It also shows how easy it is to forge any documents in today's digital world. And how the unscrupulous can cheat their way out in a world that demands paper qualifications.I have to admit I do enjoy watching how the family of four get themselves out of their predicament living in a squalid condition to live in a multi million dollar home. But as the story unfolds, I sense more stormy waters ahead. As expected, the story takes on a dark turn, becomes psychopathic and murderous.
My verdict? This is not my cup of tea. As much as I'd love to have an Asian movie to receive the Oscar, I really can't say this is it.
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Rather Bizarre Ending
Believe in Love is a partly xianxia, partly non xianxia drama. The xianxia elements are not pronounced throughout the story, as most of the characters are all normal humans living an earthly life, until towards the end when some elements of xianxia come to light. This is another story revolving around cuisines and food, and it is my fourth one in a row. Despite the tag that says “comedy”, there is very little comedy here, or comedies that don't make people laugh. Nonetheless, it’s quite an enjoyable light watch with some “angsts” for some viewers.Hua Yinan (Huang Shengchi) and Lu Yue’er (Zheng He Hui Zi) were lovers in their previous life as General Mu Yuan and Xiao Man. Mu Yuan died and Xiao Man perished while trying to save him. Thousands of years later, they meet again living on an island -- Hua Yinan as the son of the owner of the island and Lu Yue’er as the daughter of the owner of a small noodle shop. With mysteries and unexplained circumstances, Hua Yinan is told to marry Lu Yue’er in his father’s will before he can inherit his father’s legacy as the rightful owner of the island and all his properties, including the biggest and best restaurant on the island. Hua Yinan is reluctant to marry Lu Yue’er as he doesn’t like her and the feelings are mutual. Through various encounters that make them save each other’s life, Hua Yinan begins to fall in love with Lu Yue’er. So when she agrees to marry him, Hua Yinan is overjoy. He inherits everything the will promises he will. Comes our antagonist who was the antagonist in their previous life as well. What follows become a test of their true love for each other.
The whole cast is new to me including the main leads. Huang Shengchi is good looking and despite having acted in many dramas, this is my first drama of him. His portrayal of Hua Yinan is convincing with a mild demeanor and a soft romance towards his love. Likewise, I have never watched any of Zheng He Hui Zi’s dramas, and her portrayal here is equally convincing as the naïve Lu Yue’er or the arrogant Tang Yingying. Her outfit is rather unconventional with bared shoulders, accentuating her narrow frame, making her looking like a little girl. Their dynamics together are sweet and authentic with a lot of intimate scenes. The antagonist is vile and hateful, and Xiao Kaizhong's portrayal is very convincing. The second couple, Su Tang (Zhu Rong Jun) and Du Ruo (Hou Dong), is quite a joy to watch, and the stepmom and step sister are so horrible that you want to slap them. These supporting actors are great in their respective roles.
My Verdict
This drama is not great nor very bad. It’s easy watching though it can be rather slow pace as there is a prolong romance play which can be welcoming for some romance buffs, but boring for others. The last episode turns into a love triangle with a xianxia fight with superpower. The endings have multiple plot holes and questions not answered. It's rather bizarre. Overall, watch it for light entertainment and don't be too bothered with the details.
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以恶制恶 Yǐ è zhì è (Fight Evil with Evil)
The Chinese drama Riverside Code at Qingming Festival weaves a captivating tale of mystery, murder, and resistance against corruption, resonating with audiences worldwide. Its theme of "fighting evil with evil" brings to mind real-world incidents, such as the recent controversial U.S. case where the murder of a CEO—a powerful yet allegedly corrupt figure—drew public support for the killer. Similar to the drama, this highlights a broader societal frustration with the unchecked power of elites, offering a powerful parallel to the struggles depicted in the show.Historical Inspiration: Qingming Shanghe Tu
The drama is rooted in the famous Chinese painting Qingming Shanghe Tu (Along the River During the Qingming Festival) by Zhang Zeduan from the Northern Song period. This five-meter-long masterpiece is considered a national treasure for its vivid depiction of everyday life in Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng). Unlike typical artworks of the era, which focused on aristocracy or nature, this painting showcases over 800 figures engaged in various crafts and daily activities.
The painting’s mysteries are as intriguing as its details. Scholars debate whether it symbolizes the kingdom's prosperity or foreshadows its decline. Even the title, “Qingming,” is ambiguous—does it reference the Qingming Festival, or does it literally mean "clear and bright"? This ambiguity adds layers of meaning, making it an ideal foundation for a fictional story.
The painting includes fascinating details: fortune tellers, flower sellers, barbers, teahouses, wine shops, bustling city gates, and even early equivalents of modern conveniences like food delivery. It paints a picture of a progressive society, alive with the vibrancy of urban life over 1,000 years ago. Against this rich backdrop, the drama reconstructs many of the painting’s scenes, breathing new life into its legacy.
Storyline
Riverside Code at Qingming Festival delivers a dark yet humor-infused tale of murder and justice. The plot revolves around the killings of corrupt officials and wealthy socialites despised by the common people. Drawing inspiration from The Da Vinci Code and its integration of historical art, the drama masterfully uses elements of Qingming Shanghe Tu to drive its suspenseful narrative.
What I Loved
֍ Historical Integration: The drama’s creative use of a historic painting brings the past alive. Iconic scenes, like the red bridge, are given intriguing backstories.
֍ Educational Value: Each episode ends with fascinating insights into Song dynasty inventions and culture, such as the construction of the red bridge (Hong Qiao) and the creation of moving horse lanterns (Zhou Ma Deng). These snippets enrich the viewer’s understanding of ancient Chinese ingenuity.
֍ Focus on Commoners: The absence of palace intrigue and the spotlight on everyday life is refreshing. The familial love and resilience of the characters shine without reliance on romantic subplots.
Areas for Improvement
֍ Acting: While the cast is commendable, Bai Baihe’s portrayal of the assassin could use more nuance. Her calm demeanor suits the role but lacks subtle emotional depth, which could have added realism, especially in private moments.
֍ Plot Holes: Key elements, such as how the vigilante obtained a diary containing a murdered official’s confession or his resources for elaborate schemes, are left unexplained. Filling these gaps would have made the story more cohesive.
֍ Ending: Though full of twists and turns, the final episode felt overly straightforward compared to the preceding suspense. A more layered conclusion could have been more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this drama’s unique premise, rich historical setting, and focus on commoners’ lives. It avoids overused tropes, offering an intellectually engaging narrative. Riverside Code at Qingming Festival not only entertained me but also inspired me to delve into the mysteries of Qingming Shanghe Tu. This series is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, art, and thrilling storytelling.
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A New Age Wuxia
Unlike wuxia by Jin Yong and his contemporaries, this is a nontraditional wuxia drama. Though still embodies the basic wuxia elements of chivalry in social and moral codes, its heavy use of CGI in depicting the exaggerated inner energy and superpower with people flying like birds, has rendered it more like, rather, feel like a xianxia drama. And that makes this drama stand out from the other wuxia dramas.There are a lot of firework displays in the fighting scenes with characters showcasing their powers and prowess, zipping through buildings and landscape, moving mountains and dividing seas. More serious wuxia buffs may not appreciate such exaggerations, but the story and the characters are captivating.
Like most wuxia stories, there are many characters here and together with their criss-crossing relationships, it can be confusing. Some characters can also have multiple shifus (teachers) with different skills. On top of that, some characters may appear at the beginning episodes, never reappear until at very much later episodes. Therefore, watching with a character map can help greatly if spoilers are acceptable, at the same time, take notes.
All the characters are complex, interesting and lovable, and the selection of actors is spot on. I love Li Hongyi’s indifferent demeanor which is just perfect for the role as Xiao Se who has lost all his strength and doesn't seem to care a bit even if the sky is falling. Liu Xueyi’s cheekiness and funny aura are ideal as the hilarious Wu Xin the monk who makes me laugh whenever he opens his mouth. Ao Ruipeng looks and acts like a big baby, and fits seamlessly as the innocent and chivalrous Lei Wujie who has a terrible sense of direction. Every other character matches its actor, giving viewers a convincing performance. The dialogs are unexpected but logical and humorous.
The story spans from the initial episodes of adventure, meeting people and making friends, to later episodes of intense palace politics with deadly scheming and assassinations. There are several characters whom I like a lot but they either die early or never appear again. Thanks goodness there's no romance between the main leads, though there is some subtle love interest.
My Verdict
Fast moving, intense, humorous, captivating, lovely characters, great acting, superb directing, editing and production. Indeed kudos to the new and refreshing way of telling a wuxia story.
A must-watch. Two thumbs up! BRAVO!
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Tropey but Enjoyable, Great Acting
The storyline of Romance of a Twin Flower sounds tropey – fall off cliff, switch identity, amnesia, an egregious antagonist, an admirer turns deadly, and more – but the execution of it is excellent with intact scriptwriting, directing and acting. The setting is authentic, the costumes are nicely done and beautiful, the dialogs are as expected, and the logic is sound. Most of all, the chemistry of the main couple is good and believable.The drama opens with Nie Sangyu (Peng Xiaoran) falling off a cliff. She is then rescued but has totally lost her memory. Nie Sangyu is a cruel and despicable person, but the rescued Nie Sangyu is a kind and very lovable person. Turns out the rescued Nie Sangyu is not the original Nie Sangyu, but no one suspects that she's not the real one because they look exactly the same except different in temperament and character.
Nie Sangyu is married to Marquis Ning Yuxuan (Ding Yuxi) who is forced to marry her, but he dislikes her because the original Nie Sangyu is not likable. After going through all the life and death experiences together, both the fake Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan fall in love with each other. When he finds out Nie Sangyu’s real identity as Ji Man, Ning Yuxuan wants to marry her, but this must be done privately because her real identity cannot be revealed to others just yet. Their wedding is disrupted unexpectedly as the events unfold.
Both Peng Xiaoran and Ding Yuxi have given a wonderful performance here. Their characters are believable and lovable. I have loved Peng Xiaoran since Goodbye My Princess. Here, she is beautiful and natural. Ding Yuxi may not be everyone’s pretty boy and he’s not tall in stature, but he’s a wonderful actor. I have enjoyed all his dramas.
The antagonists are made known from the beginning. Ma Ke plays Ling Jianxing as Ning Yuxuan’s nemesis. Throughout Ning Yuxuan’s career, Ling Jianxing has always been there to create stumbling blocks for him, many times deadly, but each time, Ning Yuxuan is a step ahead of Ling Jianxing.
Ning Yuxuan also has a concubine whom he marries for a reason. Wen Wan (Jia Nai) is the most hated character in the story. Hypocritical, jealous, murderous, Wen Wan wants Nie Sangyu dead, and sabotages her repeatedly. Again and again Nie Sangyu dodges death through her quick wit and help from Ning Yuxuan.
Luckily, we have an intelligent and benevolent emperor here that makes the story very pleasant. The two maids that follow Nie Sangyu/Ji Man around are sweet, and her friends are trusty and dependable. Ning Yuxuan’s loyal bodyguard, Gui Bai (He Changxi), is also an interesting and lovable character. There are some very lovely side couples with their respective sweet romance. Too bad a secret admirer whom I have come to like, becomes a deadly antagonist.
My Verdict
Despite all the tropes and cliché, and some plot holes here and there (eg. how Ji man loses her memory), this is a very enjoyable drama. For romance buffs, this is not smooth sailing for the couple; they are separated for one year (for an acceptable reason) before getting back together again. Great acting, lovely story, and good directing.
Enjoyable watch! Don’t miss it!
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Deng Lun is a Gem
I must say, I have enjoyed watching this drama. Not for its great plot nor fancy actors, but for something closer – home, what it takes to make a place we can call home. It takes a lot of love and sacrifices. It takes courage and patience.Deng Lun’s acting is simply 10 out of 10; he is natural, funny and lovable. The character he plays as Shao Peng Chen, grows from an arrogant spoiled brat to a considerate and compassionate leader. His wits, kindness and empathy help him win many hearts, including the love of his life.
Another notable acting is by Li Xin Yi who plays the wily Hao Mei Li. She grows from someone who always undercuts her friends and co-workers to a reliable trusted friend whom everyone loves. Li Xin Yi pins the character to the spot. I really love watching her, though in the beginning I must admit I did roll my eyes whenever she appeared and talked.
There are no real bad characters from start to finish in this drama. The whole drama basically portrays a very real issue faced by many young people living in big cities in China, in particular, Shanghai, where property prices are beyond the reach of many families. As it is a tradition that most Chinese families demand ownership of properties, it has become a constant stress for the growing number of young people working in the cities. The pressure from both sides of the families for a young married couple to own a property is simply unimaginable.
Shao Peng Chen in this drama comes up with a solution in solving the pressing housing issue. It follows a popular affordable rent-to-own model, which has been trending in western countries with the decline of home ownership. His conviction and determination in achieving his goals play out as he picks up the pieces when he fails, and forever optimistic and hopeful, never letting his failures overshadow his judgement.
This drama brings love, friendship, family, trust, compassion, and hope. It is heart-warming and it leaves one with a feel-good sense. It is worthy of our viewing if even just for Deng Lun’s performance. I guarantee you, he would make you fall head-over-toe for him, if he hasn’t already.
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An Irresistible Blend of Laughter and Love
"Hilarious Family" is a slapstick drama characterized by its exaggerated expressions and actions. Despite this, the comedy remains relatable, with natural and genuinely hilarious jokes. Each character is distinctly unique, realistically portrayed, endearing, and undergoes well-developed growth. The deliberately exaggerated acting, though, is both convincing and playful. At its core, the story follows a widow who raises her four daughters by selling tofu. Now that the daughters are grown, the widow is focused on finding suitable husbands for them, providing a satirical commentary on societal norms that still resonate in today's world.The story introduces multiple romantic couples, each with their own amusing yet heartwarming stories. The music dances with a whimsical charm, amplifying the actions and emotions of both the events and the characters.
Du Ruyu (Liu Lin) adores all of her daughters equally, though there are moments when it may seem like she favors the eldest and overlooks the second. This, as it turns out, is a misunderstanding. Her strong sense of pride and concern for social image often lead to comedic mishaps. Her own romantic subplot adds a sweet and amusing touch to the story.
The eldest daughter, Chun Jinrong (Han Yunyun), at 29 years and 18 months, is fervently in pursuit of a husband. Her mother pulls out all the stops to assist her in this quest. Jinrong is the most refined among the daughters and invests the family's limited resources in clothing and accessories, all in the hopes of attracting a wealthy suitor. Initially appearing as a potential gold digger, as the story unfolds, we come to understand her motives and see her love for her family. Her escapades and encounters are hilarious.
Chun Peilan (Jackie Li), the second daughter, is a gentle and domestic individual. Her aspirations are centered around cooking, managing household chores, and caring for the family. While no one anticipates her finding love, she captures the heart of a very handsome man with dreams of becoming a valiant hero and a dashing sword fighter, but he couldn't use a sword.
The third daughter, Chun Banxia (Wu Jiayi), is a principled individual intolerant of any hint of wrongdoing. She is well-versed in the law and medicine, and assists her uncle in running a small clinic from home. The humorous exchanges she has with her mother underscore her sharp wit and determination.
Finally, the youngest daughter, Chun Keling (Li Jiaqi), is a spirited tomboy known for her youthful courage and impulsiveness. She enjoys venturing outside, often accompanied by a pair of friends, to confront bullies and teach them a lesson. Unbeknownst to her, a remarkably handsome young man falls in love with her for her distinctive qualities. However, not every girl dreams of marrying a prince, and Keling is no exception.
The final episode strikes a poignant and insightful note, yet the comedy continues, offering a delightful contrast. Lu Buping's hilarious kitchen scene and his comical daikon cutting leave deep impression. Chun Peilan originally requests the daikon to be diced into small cubes (丁), which is the true essence of cutting into "ding". Lu Buping, however, took a more literal approach, sculpting it into the shape of the character 丁("ding"). Despite its slapstick nature, I'm consistently impressed by the exceptional writing and acting on display.
My Verdict
Rowdy and constantly chaotic, this heartwarming story does away with traditional antagonists. Challenges faced by the characters often find resolution through serendipity. Every chaotic mishap can be traced back to a series of comically absurd misunderstandings. The romance is tender, endearing, and injected with humor. The dialogue is natural and witty, and the performances are praiseworthy. It's an easy-to-follow, enjoyable relaxation suitable for the entire family.
Recommended!
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Real Passionate Kissing Scenes
OMG! This is the only Chinese drama I’ve ever watched with so many passionate kisses. Other Chinese dramas normally have superficial kisses like a peck on the lip or cheek. But this drama goes all the way out to capture real, passionate and sensual kisses. The male and female leads don’t seem to have enough of those kisses and with each other!This is a light-hearted drama. It’s funny, and the plot is straight forward with not many twists. I like the chemistry between the lovers, as mentioned earlier, they don’t seem to have enough of each other. I also like the relationship between the Prince and his buddies. Their silliness is the most hilarious things to watch and I really love watching them teaching each other the art of “conquering” women.
Overall the acting is good, especially for the new comer Ling Mei Shi who plays the Li Ming Yue character. She is cute, beautiful and works very hard in bringing us a very convincing princess. Alen Fang is very good looking with a cold and arrogant look, fitting the role of Li Qian very well. As Li Qian, despite his intelligence, he is repeatedly fooled by his own wife, the princess, over and over again. Together with his buddies, Si Kong Zhen and LiXun, they seem to have some kind of bromance with each other and the overall effect is funny, sweet and heart-warming.
Overall, things fall into places well and no loose ends, and the pace is just good.
If you want something light and good for a laugh, this is a good drama to follow.
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