Overall it is still a good show although it could be better
The first half of the show was strong and lived up to the title 'The Princess's Gambit', the princess (FL) was witty and resourceful, and also showed the flirtatious side, and I was entertained to watch the FL and ML bantering and outsmarting each other.However, the remaining half of the show the FL became flat and annoying (not entirely the actress' fault). In line with it, the show also became a bit messy. It seemed the script was deteriorating, and poor directions may contribute to it?
It has a Happy Ending, although it was rushed in a short vague scene, there wasn't other tender scenes or dialogues between ML and FL. Overall it is still a good show although it could be better.
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Great Love Story
The story feels shallow in the beginning when the ML fell in love so easily to FL, without any in depth exploration. I think it has to do with the attachment that he grew up with red camelia since he was young, not being loved by the parents, and the strict disciplines he had to abide by. I think the story would be more solid if they explain and explore the background story better, and also tell the story why the red camelia was special compared to other floral deities surrounding the ML.The ML and FL were good-looking and their acting was good, plus beautiful soundtracks making the show enjoyable to watch. For me this is an easy watch when I can pay less attention and not have to worry about missing anything.
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This review may contain spoilers
Better the 2nd time to Rewatch
The first time I watched the series, I didn't like it that much because the story seemed to be jumping everywhere and I had a hard time to follow. However, the superb acting of the ML, FL and the rest of the crews had kept me going to finish. I have since rewatched it more than one time. The small talks are good and touching, which I had missed the first me, but really contribute to the story development.The ML acting is especially on point, his eyes, face and body expression and the tone of voice. He is just the right age, mature, so masculine and good looking in any outfit. He seemed to be deranged in the beginning, but his character evolved due to interactions with FL. He became a really good human being and devoted partner. It really brings up raw emotion knowing he was the one trained and poisoned the FL and after they fell in love all the positive things he did to FL.
The FL acting is also good. She is pretty, agile and a good fighter, also a good communicator, her words are kind and positive. She knows when your act alone is enough and no need to say anything in some touchy moments. I thought she was lucky that the ML loved her very much but it's not that simple. She was also poisoned and lied to by ML, hard to imagine how to get over that, thank goodness ML never gave up on her.
This is one of the greatest love stories known and I recommend to rewatch it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Love both possibilities
I think the drama was underrated as this was a decent drama with interesting story line. It was a bit confusing the first time I watched it as the transition to the other what if scenario was not clear. Additionally, I found the ML's mother very annoying throughout the whole show. Once I get the premise of 'what if', the drama was easier to follow and enjoyable to watch (ignore the ML's mother).The 1st 'what if' scenario, simple life in a smaller town surrounded with family, was a pleasure and comforting to watch, how they found joy in mundane things and how they persevered the hardships. I'm glad that the FL chose the 1st 'what if' scenario.
The FL and both MLs were superb, good looking and great acting. As a side note, the 1st ML (Liu Xueyi) was a happy-go-lucky guy in this drama instead of a brooding person he typically casted in period dramas, good to see him cheerful and smiling alot.
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Romance with Detective and Forensic work
In addition to the superb acting and the love story, the detective and forensic aspects kept me going in watching the series. I thought I would quit after just a couple but no the series kept getting interesting.The ML Liu Xue Yi as Pan Yue is such a delight to watch, not just his good look in costume drama, his acting is excellent. I want to see more of his works, definitely one of the best actors in Chinese costume drama in my opinion.
I enjoyed the FL Ju Jing Yi as well, I thought her acting was overall good. I wish they opened episode 1, in addition to the Yang Caiwei, also showing Shangguan Jhi who was rich and spoil and always had unrequited love interest on Pan Yue since she was young. This would help the viewers understand the face swap better.
I rewatched the drama not long ago, and I enjoyed the drama more during rewatching, so definitely this drama has high rewatch value.
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Great love story
This show has intriguing plot with 1 FL and 4 MLs. It's romance theme in plots, dialogues and flows. Overall, it's a great script and directing which is hard to find in Cdrama (in my opinion). The OSTs are beautiful. The visual presentations are pleasing to the eyes. Additionally, the FL and the MLs are very good at portraying their characters.Was this review helpful to you?
