noor1234

I've reviewed the Zhang Linghe - Chinese military (media wing) controversy over 'foundation-wearing general' and concept of masculinity, in the context of traffic idols, female brands and female consumers. Do check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks : https://youtu.be/W6SxcA3515A

I've reviewed the Zhang Linghe - Chinese military (media wing) controversy over 'foundation-wearing general' and concept of masculinity, in the context of traffic idols, female brands and female consumers. Do check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks : https://youtu.be/W6SxcA3515A

The baby's father is the brother played by Satoshi Tsumabuki.

I also reviewed it for a YT channel: https://youtu.be/iTq-vOn9tbI

This was very well-made and from the first shot of the film, when you see Satoshi Tsumabuki in the bus/ train, you can feel this is one depressing film and as the story moves forward, you realize it's far more harrowing than that first shot and nothing is as it seems!

https://youtu.be/iTq-vOn9tbI

I liked the series and reviewed it for a YT channel. I think Jdoramas are superior to both K & C in terms of world-building, showing people doing actual work and bromance and romance. It's not as cheeky as K-dramas.

https://youtu.be/iTq-vOn9tbI

I reviewed for a YT channel as part of Kazumasa Hayami's books, and I think Gukoroku: Traces of Sin aby another author is better.

Do check out the video review of the series, thanks: https://youtu.be/h118d2Gx2EA

I think this is a cool dorama to have come out of Japan recently.

@adelananda, Everything you've said is true, but it is such a risk! I didn't like the 'illusion/dream' sequence of mortal life, where DX is selling fruit (!!!!!) & she is a carpenter, and I was like, this may look like a simple life but it also sounds so poor, to live like this as a mortal is tough. And no children! At least in that dream. Even if he retains title of former general, the palace intrigue and war will always loom despite the riches, while she will have no real power (even if she has her own money) - in fact she and entire family can get killed if emperor dislikes DX over anything! Instead of giving it all up, she should take a vacation once a year to experience all the senses and go back to that dark, unfeeling, spirit world which is her day job! (like all 'human beings' who have their annual paid leave!) :)

@sirup 'She just likes him most of all, it's all her whim or mood or taste and not really about him.' - I hadn't thought of it from that angle. Thanks.

Spoiler tags are usually for life and death reveals or major plot points or endings. Not for every small thing commented on by someone (such as a dream/illusion!!!!). I'm sorry but in this drama's comment section, you are coming across as a bully rather than just another individual commenting on a show. You cannot dictate people and need to stay in your own lane, i.e. MYOB.

- DX himself acknowledged that many men would've been in love with her over the years, and it would also be weird if the most powerful being in the world is shown as a vir**n even after 400 years. Viewers should be thankful she doesn't have a harem of boys. Older woman-younger man trope aside, I think there's a gender-role reversal in this drama. Simu is playing the archetype of cold CEO and DX is the goofy cinderella. Also, someone in the comment section said '22' lovers were too many (!) - all we know is she enjoyed s*x with others (they could be 'bed warmers' for all we know), but regarded them well to have kept ALL in the same graveyard as some trophy!!!!

I'm sure she picked exceptional people as lovers - not dumb & weak men. DX is also brave, smart & totally devoted to her. The fact that he doesn't give up on winning her & wants to know the real her, may be endearing but there's nothing extraordinary about DX. Yes, we clearly see that she treats DX differently from others, indulges him like a spoilt kid, & goes to hell and beyond to keep him alive, she even gave him space in the bed chamber (when he was ok & when he was ill) - which everyone in the spirit world says has never happened before. But is he worth giving everything up for? No.

- I think DX & Simu's scenes could've been filmed more sensually (with closeup shots) to show nonverbal heat or affection, but their 'romance' or connection does not merit her giving up everything, ALL THIS POWER, all this prestige and status just to turn mortal for a general who will have all the power in a world where she'll be powerless, and he can get killed in some war or enmity or disease & she won't be able to even help him or herself - I know he doesn't die in the end, neither of them do, BUT it feels such a comedown to me, this 'abdication' by her, and all because she's tired of being an immortal ghost queen living in a dark unfeeling place, just to be in a five-sense relationship so that they enjoy a lifetime together as mortals (!) What makes this guy special? - that he's being played by CFY?

Ep. 22-Trailer23: 22 lovers in 400 years is not a huge number considering she's a queen....but the drama needs to make us believe why Simu does what she does in the end....

Ok.

Ok. I think he looked better with a healthy weight on his face. I don't think it's the Chinese audience as much it is the Chinese industry standard to have stick thin / anaemic-looking actors and actresses (who most definitely develop health issues confirming to unrealistic and unsustainable body weight).

Ep. 8 & 9: My opinion on the drama has changed:

a) ML's entire back story and his amazing maneuver in the enemy lines have sold the 'young general' thing to me, Chen Feiyu looked every inch like an elite assassin trained to take down 100 men, winning a war in non-traditional manner, who is grappling with his own 'normality/monster' issues. Very good stunt choreography too and the amount spent in production is obvious.

b) Now I'm invested in how ML beats his rival in court, the competition with Marshal Qin and the politics meant to keep him behind and weak, as well as FL's journey handling the obsessive SML & spirit-man looking for her human body's true identity to bring her down.

c) I'm not sold on the 'romance' bit yet, but the older woman-younger man trope is at play here, she's mothering him right now and he likes the strength and gravitas she obviously possesses as the immortal spirit goddess/queen from the sky. His liking the aggressive bandaging by her has BDSM vibes. I think CFY's husky/macho/whispery dialogue delivery and his heavy breathing around Dilraba with tight closeup shots of both works to show the interest between them, or some sexual tension and connection, because otherwise they don't have any sizzle or camaraderie (I don't see the flirtation either). Let's see how the 'romance' develops.

Ep. 1 - 5: So I've forwarded most of the episodes just to see ML & FL's scenes. This drama was filmed 2 years ago and only now has seen the light of day (good CGI takes time apparently), when we have already seen a bulkier/better looking Chen Feiyu in 2 recent hit projects (when destiny brings the demon & love story in 70s - he acted very well in both). He is too thin in this one, has no gravitas or presence as a 'general' (and I'm one of his fans who believes he is a good actor). He looks like a Temu Aladdin. And Dilraba looks older than him (probably should look older too because she is head of spirit world who has lived for a 1000 years). They have zero chemistry. Dilraba had excellent chemistry with her costar CXX in Love on Turquoise Island (even if that was a damp squib romance, they looked good together). She and Chen are mismatched. I also have no interest in the battle scenes and aftermath of wars, and my guess is, this is a battle-heavy-political-intrigue-drama. But I will continue to watch because there is nothing better on TV right now (except for Love Phantom). This is a bit of a filler series for me.

The best thing in the drama is the kid and his attachment to Dilraba - and Dilraba's performance as a cold but not indifferent immortal spirit-holder.