romantic-at-heart

Unique, Beautiful & Uplifting!

The opening montage conveys that and is a good reflection of what this drama will deliver.

If you’ve ever gone through palace dramas hoping the villains get caught earlier and wishing that the leads didn’t have to suffer so much back stabbing and plotting then this drama will answer those wishes. And if you’re tired of always seeing women playing second fiddle to men, then this drama’s focus on strong, smart women supported by their spouses will be a welcome change for you.

As for romance, this drama had a different sort of love story. In the first few episodes, their budding romance made my heart melt. Then when the ML’s first wife came into the picture, there was a little twist and it became a hide-and-seek romance with the focus shifting to sisterhood. Thankfully, the last few episodes put their romance back in focus for a lovely ending that wasn’t rushed.

I love the FL with her big expressive eyes and adorable characteristics which may appear naive at first glance but proves to be honest kindness as she supports her family and friends in her own unique way. Her acting is mostly quite natural and it was particularly heartwarming watching her scene with her grandfather. The ML is a quiet and calm person whose gaze and subtle expressions convey humour as easily as it does love. The way he supports her fully and finds his own way to help her while not crossing his father (too much) made me like him even more.

The explanation of the different Plains in Episode 1 was adorable. 9 Plains in total and you get a variety of backgrounds - some where having concubines is the norm, some where you only had one wife and some where the wife is the head of the household. Despite their different upbringing, the ladies from the different Plains became good friends without any jealousies. It was refreshing to see this strong sisterhood as they overcame adversities together, cried together and celebrated together.

The story itself was simple and filled with the usual tropes but it had some interesting twists and was tastefully done. Politics was not complicated and kept to a minimum so it was not boring during the court sessions. Little touches of humour kept the mood light and I particularly enjoyed watching the ML’s butler’s comic antics and 5th Young Master’s funny expressions.

A little too perfect at times (no quarrels whatsoever whether between the ML and FL or among the ladies) so it’s better to not binge otherwise all that perfectness will start to get annoying. A good watch when you’re in the mood for something unique, beautiful and uplifting.

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As average as it gets

A typical tropey drama with a mix of good and bad moments.

The drama started off nicely and I enjoyed seeing them fall in love. The main couple acted well and looked good together although their chemistry was a bit lacking. There were plot holes throughout and while I managed to ignore some, others were too incredulous and I started getting disconnected from the drama.

I appreciate that the ending was not the typical rushed type and there was a sweet albeit predictable twist to tug at your heart strings.

Some plot holes towards the end of this drama that made me laugh:
1. During a confrontation on an open area, the ML and his soldiers managed to suddenly surround the bad guys in a blink of an eye without the bad guys seeing them coming… it was an open area…
2. The FL fell off a cliff and got washed to shore and looked like she hurt her leg. Next scene shows her running like she doesn’t have any injuries…
3. FL’s foster father was on a ship at sea and wondering if the FL lead survived the fall from the cliff and in walks the FL much to his joy and my confusion… the ship was at sea… how did she come on board without anyone noticing? Nope, she didn’t swim as she was not wet.
4. The ML‘s cousin is heavily pregnant and is supported by her husband when she walks but in the next moment, she joins her husband and the others in jumping and prancing around the main couple throwing petals in the air to celebrate their union :D

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Love these snippets!

I like how the main drama had its own closure and finding out there were these snippets were a lovely bonus for me.

It was nice to see how the SML did not wallow in unrequited love and did not have to have a SFL for him to live a good life. Something dramas usually don’t cover and this one does it well. Seeing more backstory of his friendship with the ML made the scenes where he looks forward to the letters even more heartfelt. The touch of humour there when he says he doesn’t want the letters but actually treasures them made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

The scenes where the ML first interacted with the FL was a fun little extra especially the part which had the chicken. He talked to her more normally back then. You could see that this changed later on. On one hand he loved her but knew he couldn’t. On the other hand, he had to keep seeing her with another man who was using her but she didn’t know it and instead was determined to help / save / marry him. If you loved the ML in the main drama, you will swoon even more in this bonus version.

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Engaging on so many levels!!

The story is good but what takes it to the next level is the way the story is told - kudos to the director and producer for bringing this fantasy xanxia world to life so realistically!

CGI is one of the best I’ve seen so far and their blue screen is almost faultless. Combined with gorgeous costumes, sets and props, this drama had me binging till 3am.

It was so endearing to see the ML fall in love with the FL and heartbreaking when his innocence was stripped away when he thought he was betrayed. Great chemistry and the FL’s acting was second to none.

I didn’t expect the second couple’s love story to be so moving and shed many tears for them. Most dramas don’t really have a strong storyline for the second couple but this wasn’t the case here.

The story for Blue Feather Bird caught me by surprise and I liked the twist in it to show us how things are seldom what it seems.

All the different storylines and plots were interesting and woven together very nicely. I can’t wait to see Part 2!!!

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A beautiful romance set within an engaging backdrop

Little touches that made it more grounded for me in the way they talked to each other (she said “what are you doing here?” He replied “meddling”) and the natural way they acted with each other (she holds his hands down easily as she forces her blood into him)

A story that was not totally original but had some nice little surprises and twists. A 2nd ML that became a textbook villain was easily overlooked as there was so much more to enjoy from the costumes and sets to the above average CGI. Loved the hair styles* too!

ML shines as usual and his eyes just melt my heart each time he looks at the her. FL was the standout from playing a flirtatious fairy to finally being her true self - the way she talks and walks changes and it was so natural. After all, she grew up posing as a male so I’m glad they didn’t make her end up ladylike like some dramas do.

Their romance was beautiful even when it was painful. The scene in the rain was very well done.

What brings this drama to the next level was the relationship each of them had with their companion beasts. So much development and growth especially for 27. Watch how he reacts to her and how they just know each other so well. I can’t think of any other drama’s companion beast that has such depth of understanding and banter.

A nice ending and I’m happy to rewatch this again in future for the beautiful romance and touching relationships with the companion beasts.

*can’t stand other drama’s male characters who have hairstyles that have 2 long clumps of hair hanging from either side of their temple. This drama does it beautifully especially on the 2nd ML.
FL’s loose flowy hairstyle is gorgeous without the dangly bits (that seem to follow Bailu in the past few dramas). FL’s hairstyle changes to a neater version when her identity is exposed - nice touch!

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But a shadow of Ten Miles of Peach Blossom

Immortals, demons, gods and nine-tail foxes are the common ingredients of this fantasy drama and Ten Miles of Peach Blossom but it falters in all aspects.

The most glaring one for me was the inconsistent CGI - some looked good while others looked childish. So important to get this right to be able to immerse yourselves in this fantasy setting. Thankfully, most of the wire work was smooth so the illusion of flying and landing and clothes flowing the right way was better than most dramas of this genre.

Dresses were beautiful and flowy but unfortunately too much dangly bits in the hair and some looking very plasticky. TMOPB is still tops for me to this day for this aspect.

Story was average with the usual misunderstandings to drive separation and evil thoughts. If you let yourselves use logic too much, you’ll end up raising your eyebrows at immortals using a toilet, walking or flying when they could teleport and much much more.

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Heart breaking sacrifices

One of the better dramas with good writing on the many sacrifices that took place. Heart breaking and lots of tears shed as the music and cinematography added to sadness of each sacrifice.

Unfortunately though, Part 2 started off draggy in the cold North Abyss in comparison to Part 1 which opened with an engaging story in the beautifully imagined Flower Valley.

Seeing the FL suffer constantly being trapped and on the verge of death made for dreary watch with no end in sight for a reconciliation between the main couple. Some of the storylines like the evil spirit, Heavenly King and 3rd couple were also not very engaging.

Although the love triangles were carried through from Part 1, I am glad it didn’t turn into jealousy and instead have the 3rd wheels being understanding and letting go. I still loved the second couple here in Part 2 and cried buckets again for them.

As with Part 1, I enjoyed how realistic everything looked especially the animation of the powers swirling around and the portals and energy shields that remind me of Dr Strange. Costumes were gorgeous and stunts well done.

Thankfully, the ending was mostly happy although it was the usual vague, leave it to your imagination type for the main couple.

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Not my Wonderland

Wonderland was too fake for me to buy into their heart-to-heart talks there. And unfortunately, the tear jerker scene there just didn’t do it for me - firstly because the whole wonderland setting looked so artificial and secondly because there were too many flashback scenes. The last few episodes were too draggy.

This drama was really generous with the kissing scenes but unfortunately, some of them felt forced and out of place. Sometimes, all it takes is a hug or a loving peck on the forehead to have a more impactful, romantic atmosphere.

Parts of the story just didn’t sit well with me. A good guy turned bad just because he saw the FL in a romantic moment with the ML and he even tried to kill the man who raised him just to force the FL to be with him. Was he driven insane by his desire for the FL?

This drama likes making people go insane so it also made the FL’s father go mad and his hair turned grey overnight. And how the ML found someone who could do “magic” to cure the FL’s father took this drama away from reality.

And just when you thought the insanity cards were all played out, another character was written to go insane as well.

What I did like were their costumes and fighting scenes. The beginning storyline was interesting as well to see how the FL and ML strategised and tried to one-up the other person. Thankfully, there was a happy ending.

Random note: Is there a product placement advertising in the drama for Tang Confectionery? The way they kept talking about it and all the dried fruit and nut made it look like it was an advertisement…

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Does he love her more than she loves him?

It was a good thing I reduced my expectations for this drama despite all the hype and positive reviews otherwise I would have been more disappointed with this drama.

Being a romantic at heart, the dramas that move me are the ones where the both the ML and FL show their love for each other after overcoming numerous pitfalls. In this drama, just when I thought the leads reached this point, the story tried to be different by continuing to portray the FL hiding her true feelings from the ML right up to the point of her demise.

Major spoiler - I had my own interpretation of why she did that at her deathbed. Perhaps she loved him so much she wanted to do the classic “hurt him so he forgets her” move which was also hinted at when one of her best friends tries to tell the ML about the FL’s love for him when she gives him the FL’s momentos.

The beginning was good particularly seeing how the ML come to terms with his growing love for the FL. I enjoyed seeing him portray a range of emotions from joy (when he overheard her telling her friends she liked him), yearning (the last time he asked her to be with him) to pain (when he was looking through her momentos).

On the other had, I didn’t connect much with the FL expressions especially her wide eyed surprised / shocked looks which started to annoy me whenever I saw it. The storyline didn’t help win any points with me either as it got tiring to see her continuously be vague about her feelings for the ML. Even the flashback scene of them with their newborn was lacking in love on her part. And the ending scene which was supposed to be sweet and romantic didn’t deliver as her expressions looked so controlled as she smiled at him. (Reminds me of how an empress needed to smile - a fake one just to show a pleasant face)

The pacing for this drama was a bit slow at times so I ended up multitasking with my iPad while watching it - not a good sign which is why this drama didn’t end up as one of my favourites.

What saved the day was the gorgeous costumes and beautiful cinematography. I loved the lighting, sets and props which gave it a very authentic feel and transported me back in time.

So, does he love her more than she loves him?

The answer for me is that they both love each other but he was more open in showing his love to her throughout. And while I understand why she hid her feelings in the beginning, the romance died down when she went back to hiding her feelings after the brief loving moment of their first night together. If only there were some scenes to show mutual genuine love after she became his consort...

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Touching and heartfelt

Ji Chang Wook shines once again and his portrayal of a broken person healing with people who care about him was very touching. His acting blew me away especially since this wasn’t the usual romantic persona that he embodies so well in the past.

The rest of the cast were superb as well. Seeing the person who started off looking normal then worsened as her dementia progressed brought back sad memories for me. Another standout character was the brash captain and how his character evolved from the time he started his own business to when he lost his family, realised the wrong path he took and succumbed to his illness. All nicely told in flash back format and brilliantly acted by Sung Dong Il.

You need to be in the right mood to watch this as this drama raises a lot of questions about how we should live our lives as we experience the different deaths that occur throughout this drama. Not for binging as the heart can only take much heartache.

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Flawed Romance Flawed Execution

My heart goes out to the ML who fell in love sincerely with the FL who had ulterior motives behind her actions of keeping him alive and safe. Is a love like that worth glorifying? In the world of drama, it is as long as the FL falls in love with him too. If you’re not a fan of this type of storyline, skip this drama as there are other flaws that can either annoy you or make you laugh:

1. Sleeping with all their hair accessories and gorgeous clothes - unrealistic especially in the mortal realm and somehow only restricted to the females as the males are seen without their headgear and with nightclothes.
2. Back and forth over and over again as the FL repeated left and easily returned to the ML. Too many times and too easily accepted by the ML made it so unrealistic.
3. FL was the most beautifully dressed up maid in all the dramas I’ve watched, complete with fancy headgear. She only wore the maid outfit once and subsequently was in fancy clothes although she was supposed to be a maid…
4. In the dream storyline, I am baffled by how the storyline forced in the sleeping together scene. So out of character for the FL to take action that way.
5. ML was a disciple in later episodes but you would never guess it from his fancy clothes and headgear particularly since his sect does have their own dress code.

A drama I expected to be flawed but I loved the actress playing the FL so watched this drama with my hand on the fast forward button as I mainly wanted to see the romance between her and the ML. And I am satisfied as these 2 actors did a beautiful job conveying all their emotions. The ML was in a class of his own making you feel all his torment and his love for the FL. I loved their interaction best when she was taking care of him when he was blind and although a common trope, my heart fluttered when his eyesight returned and he found out it was her taking care of him all along.

While this drama had a ton of misunderstandings to keep breaking up the main couple, I was glad that it reduced by the time the story moved on to when the ML became a disciple. In particular, I appreciated that there were both good and bad views from the immortals at the platform where the ML was being interrogated for causing the death of an immortal.

Above was written after watching till episode 35 which ended with a sweet moment. Then in the next episode, this drama unleashes a super huge misunderstanding that snowballs into a witch-hunt or rather devil-hunt as the last few episodes builds to a climax. Ending was a bit too short so it mainly focused on what happened next for the FL. Would have liked a few scenes on what the immortals did next or whether they ever found out about the ML’s sacrifice and regretted jumping to conclusions. No surprises or improvements in the overall story telling so my rating stays the same.

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Martial Arts to the Max!!

A story about the strong friendship bonds in the martial arts world brilliantly brought to life with a glorious variety of characters, clans and their respective special fighting moves.

The younger generation of martial artists are coming out into the world and go on various adventures while honing their skills. The older generation watches and nurtures while back stories and truths are revealed about their past. When the older generation fight, you can see even more impressive cgi!

Wujie is my favourite character, one you don’t often see in wuxias. He is goofy in an endearing way as it really shows how pure his heart it. His character is perfect in bringing attention to Xiao Se as it is humorous opposites that make their friendship so believable. I am so happy his love interest was a strong beautiful character who liked him in return. They had a nice chemistry together unlike Xiao Se and Qinglou. Thankfully, this drama is less about romance and more about brotherhood so I enjoyed the soulmate-type bond Xiao Se shared with Wuxin. Although they had to part frequently, their bond seems even stronger that the one Xiao Se shares with Wujie as they share so many similarities in their personality and intelligence.

My favourite scene would be the banquet. How he planned to bring his invited guests to it was brilliant and the twist at the end was a real surprise to me - really heartfelt and bittersweet. Other little twists in this drama could be guessed quite easily for those who’ve seen many dramas already so it is extra nice to get surprised like this.

I enjoyed how different characters were introduced into the story gradually, at a good pace so it didn’t overwhelm me and I could enjoy the respective characters personalities and martial arts.

Costumes were lavish with rich looking fabric, gorgeous embroidery and realistic looking leather accents. Fighting sequences are among the best I’ve seen in a drama with dramatic cgi. A definite must watch for wuxia lovers. Do also look for the special extra ending (links are in the “recent discussion” threads). It makes the happy ending even happier!

But if the links are not working and you do not want to pay extra to view it, below is what happened. So please stop here if you do not want to spoil the surprise extra ending.

I liked how this special extra ending flows naturally like a continuation from when they left Tianqi. The scene opens at Snowfall Villa (back to where Episode 1 started, everything comes around full circle) and you see humour as the workers are wondering if their boss will ever return and tada! The boss walks in with his friends! He treats his friends to a meal which the workers can’t believe since they know him as being very stingy. They think someone has impersonated their boss but this is soon dispelled when the boss orders plain noodles for his friends while ordering beef noodles for himself hahaha. As they eat, someone walks in and it is… Tang Lian who explains that his master took him away to recuperate as he lost all his martial arts. His death was a lie to keep him safe. A wonderful happy ending for those whose hearts were broken in the earlier episodes. The last few seconds cut to Xiao Se approaching Wuxin on a snowy mountain top and my wishes have been heard as I did want to see them both reunite. Hopefully season 2 will focus more on their friendship.

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Ordinary in the most extraordinary way

A male lead that is ordinary in appearance but extraordinary in his analysis
A county that is ordinary on the surface but hides an extraordinary history
Officials which are ordinary but hides so much extraordinary pain and suffering

An intriguing drama that weaves a compelling tale of how nothing is as it seems as truth after truth is revealed. Leaving you with the ultimate question - who is the villain? People who are intelligent and helpful turn out to be murderers and not just one or two! Victim of circumstances? Fate?

Beautifully shot and told, it made you feel like you were transported back in time with its realistic costumes and props. Actors were all great and I was glad to have a male lead that was more ordinary looking than his 2 sidekicks!

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“Sherlock Holmes & Watson” wuxia style!

The rapport between the 2 male leads when solving their cases is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson and it was enhanced further when the villain ML joined them!

A good break from romance dramas, this drama gives you 3 brilliant MLs who brought their characters to life not just when they interacted with each other but also in the well executed fighting scenes. I also loved the cool looking mobile house drawn by 4 horses and the life he led with his dog - the touch of humour on his cooking skills was nicely brought up throughout the drama.

The storyline was interesting in the way that the various mysteries they solved were related to each other and developed the bigger story behind the ML. I enjoyed the reveals behind each mystery. While some may prefer to be given enough clues to see if they can figure it out, I was happy enough to be spoon fed the deductions which were generally quite smart albeit a bit far fetched at times.

I am confused about the ML’s former love interest who on one hand seems to have gotten over him but on the other hand seems to show that she still cares for him… on one hand she writes him a break up letter and on the other hand she says she didn’t mean it… she even got married to someone just because that person loved her and cared for her throughout the ML’s disappearance for 10 years… no sign of love on her part and she was quick to leave him when he started getting jealous.

Some good twists in the drama especially the one with the mother bug which caught me by surprise. A good drama to watch if you’re not looking for romance and if you are ok with an open ending.

Random note - same Emperor and Empress from Destined made me do a double take as I had just finished that drama ;)

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