K-Drama 
The road to splendor was long, rocky, and definitely not an easy one.
What a roller coaster! This drama was honestly exhausting at times, but it also left me with such a huge sigh of relief by the end. Honestly, this is easily one of my top 3 dramas of the year.
I really miss their Ganlin days, when everything was simpler and sweeter. Their dynamics changed so much after arriving in the capital. One problem after another, and at some point, you could really see that they had lost their spark. Thankfully, they eventually worked things out and came back stronger. They honestly have one of the best communication dynamics in Cdramas. Their love feels so equal. They stand by each other and always have each other's backs.
I also really liked the political storyline. Cdramas can sometimes get too complicated with all the political schemes, but this one kept its main conflict clear and easy to follow. I could also understand the Emperor's position. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. Still, I couldn't help feeling sad for everyone who had to become a sacrifice along the way. And WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO FALL ON ZHAO LING? Give my man a break! Also, that little stunt the Emperor pulled involving Zhao Ling and Tingyun... I honestly didn't see that coming.
My only real complaint was how much screen time the Young Master and Young Madam Yu got. Their storyline frustrated me because I never really saw them as worthy rivals. Both of them seemed insecure and didn't really know what they wanted for themselves. It was such a contrast to Zhao Ling and Tingyun, who knew what they stood for and could stand on their own. But I eventually understood what the writer was trying to show through these two couples. They were constantly controlled by their family, while their parents kept using them (especially their son) as shields to protect themselves from the consequences of their own actions. I actually ended up feeling quite bad for them.
But despite all my complaints, I was pretty happy with how things ended. The resolutions felt human, everyone important got their closure, and nothing felt unnecessarily rushed. And seeing their little family back in Ganlin? That was such a lovely way to end their journey.
And the cinematography? Absolutely beautiful. The autumn forest, the golden leaves, the desert scenes, the colours and framing... I kept replaying certain scenes just to appreciate how gorgeous they looked. I also loved the subtle sound effects and the OST.
Would I rewatch the whole thing? Probably not. But I'd happily go back to all their sweet moments in Ganlin.
I really miss their Ganlin days, when everything was simpler and sweeter. Their dynamics changed so much after arriving in the capital. One problem after another, and at some point, you could really see that they had lost their spark. Thankfully, they eventually worked things out and came back stronger. They honestly have one of the best communication dynamics in Cdramas. Their love feels so equal. They stand by each other and always have each other's backs.
I also really liked the political storyline. Cdramas can sometimes get too complicated with all the political schemes, but this one kept its main conflict clear and easy to follow. I could also understand the Emperor's position. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. Still, I couldn't help feeling sad for everyone who had to become a sacrifice along the way. And WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO FALL ON ZHAO LING? Give my man a break! Also, that little stunt the Emperor pulled involving Zhao Ling and Tingyun... I honestly didn't see that coming.
My only real complaint was how much screen time the Young Master and Young Madam Yu got. Their storyline frustrated me because I never really saw them as worthy rivals. Both of them seemed insecure and didn't really know what they wanted for themselves. It was such a contrast to Zhao Ling and Tingyun, who knew what they stood for and could stand on their own. But I eventually understood what the writer was trying to show through these two couples. They were constantly controlled by their family, while their parents kept using them (especially their son) as shields to protect themselves from the consequences of their own actions. I actually ended up feeling quite bad for them.
But despite all my complaints, I was pretty happy with how things ended. The resolutions felt human, everyone important got their closure, and nothing felt unnecessarily rushed. And seeing their little family back in Ganlin? That was such a lovely way to end their journey.
And the cinematography? Absolutely beautiful. The autumn forest, the golden leaves, the desert scenes, the colours and framing... I kept replaying certain scenes just to appreciate how gorgeous they looked. I also loved the subtle sound effects and the OST.
Would I rewatch the whole thing? Probably not. But I'd happily go back to all their sweet moments in Ganlin.
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