A Talented Cast Brings Fascinating Characters Brilliantly to Life
I don't anticipate writing very many reviews, but this show has lived in my mind ever since I first started watching it, so I wanted to share its strengths for others like me who browse review sections to decide what to watch.
Don't let my 8 star rating fool you- although I didn't rate it higher because I had mixed feelings, I am obsessed with the characters and romance, and personally love rewatching this show.
First, the actors elevate the show's story. The plot is much stronger in the beginning than the end; although many plot elements of the finale are cliched or have been done before, I enjoyed the actors' performances so much that I honestly didn't mind. The one subplot that tried my patience was the "noble idiocy" bit that came in about 3/4 of the way through. I kind of wish that part had been cut out, it didn't do much for the story and was resolved in an unsatisfying way for me personally- although I did love seeing them happy afterward. I also was not a fan of the "northern kingdom" plot, that felt poorly done, but I expected as much.
Despite my two criticisms, I again want to underscore that despite my not personally liking those subplots, the characters kept me watching. I loved the cast and the actors that played them. This was a stacked cast in terms of talent. Wow.
Second, I loved the romance so much it kept me watching through all the highs and lows. I love mature characters who are both competent and stand by each other's sides, and I felt that this show did that type of relationship very well. Both the leads are immensely talented and you really felt their respect and appreciation for each other turning more intimate. Their banter and flirting was so fun and remained one of my favorite parts up until the very end.
Third, I felt that the friendships were one of the most heartwrenching aspects of this show. Yes, just as heartwrenching as the romantic drama. Without spoiling anything, there are some deeply emotional and inevitable twists of fate and character choice that left me heartbroken. These friendships were built so carefully over the course of the show, that when the twists came, I was devastated. I really loved how impactful these friendships were shown to be, along with other kinds of relationships that were so central to Zhuohua's life. It made all of the characters' arcs feel richer and deeper for it.
Fourth- continuing from third- the characters were all so fascinating to me. The surprise villain was really fun to watch, and all of the various side characters were very fun. I found myself disappointed that some of them didn't return later in the show. The leads were wonderful. I especially have to shout-out FSF because I love the type of lead he is playing in this show, and he never diluted the character's personality; while he changes through the show, he remains true to his core. I am always disappointed when an ML loses his personality after he's in a relationship, but not here! Their wonderful dynamic soared to the end.
The happy ending is SO happy, even unrealistically happy. But I love to see Zhuohua get everything, lol. I was glad for her. She got the guy she wanted and the life she wanted. I rated "rewatch" as 7 because I figured many others many not view this as a rewatch type of show since it is historically inaccurate and the plot isn't as well executed as it should've been. But to me, it's a definite rewatch just because of the characters. I love to see Zhuohua and her friends succeeding in life and I loved their romance.
If you decide to give this show a try, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Everyone's taste is different, but I know I will never forget these characters or that beautiful opening song.
Don't let my 8 star rating fool you- although I didn't rate it higher because I had mixed feelings, I am obsessed with the characters and romance, and personally love rewatching this show.
First, the actors elevate the show's story. The plot is much stronger in the beginning than the end; although many plot elements of the finale are cliched or have been done before, I enjoyed the actors' performances so much that I honestly didn't mind. The one subplot that tried my patience was the "noble idiocy" bit that came in about 3/4 of the way through. I kind of wish that part had been cut out, it didn't do much for the story and was resolved in an unsatisfying way for me personally- although I did love seeing them happy afterward. I also was not a fan of the "northern kingdom" plot, that felt poorly done, but I expected as much.
Despite my two criticisms, I again want to underscore that despite my not personally liking those subplots, the characters kept me watching. I loved the cast and the actors that played them. This was a stacked cast in terms of talent. Wow.
Second, I loved the romance so much it kept me watching through all the highs and lows. I love mature characters who are both competent and stand by each other's sides, and I felt that this show did that type of relationship very well. Both the leads are immensely talented and you really felt their respect and appreciation for each other turning more intimate. Their banter and flirting was so fun and remained one of my favorite parts up until the very end.
Third, I felt that the friendships were one of the most heartwrenching aspects of this show. Yes, just as heartwrenching as the romantic drama. Without spoiling anything, there are some deeply emotional and inevitable twists of fate and character choice that left me heartbroken. These friendships were built so carefully over the course of the show, that when the twists came, I was devastated. I really loved how impactful these friendships were shown to be, along with other kinds of relationships that were so central to Zhuohua's life. It made all of the characters' arcs feel richer and deeper for it.
Fourth- continuing from third- the characters were all so fascinating to me. The surprise villain was really fun to watch, and all of the various side characters were very fun. I found myself disappointed that some of them didn't return later in the show. The leads were wonderful. I especially have to shout-out FSF because I love the type of lead he is playing in this show, and he never diluted the character's personality; while he changes through the show, he remains true to his core. I am always disappointed when an ML loses his personality after he's in a relationship, but not here! Their wonderful dynamic soared to the end.
The happy ending is SO happy, even unrealistically happy. But I love to see Zhuohua get everything, lol. I was glad for her. She got the guy she wanted and the life she wanted. I rated "rewatch" as 7 because I figured many others many not view this as a rewatch type of show since it is historically inaccurate and the plot isn't as well executed as it should've been. But to me, it's a definite rewatch just because of the characters. I love to see Zhuohua and her friends succeeding in life and I loved their romance.
If you decide to give this show a try, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Everyone's taste is different, but I know I will never forget these characters or that beautiful opening song.
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