TBH, i was quite immersed in the story from the start of S2#1, but somehow lost interest by #28. So held off for…
The rhythm has slowed, extra plot is added, more characters are introduced. Many things going on at the same time but the main plot is not advancing. Some very nice highlights (mainly the male lead's) of the original work are either deleted or changed to female lead's in the drama. If you can bare until 30-31 it will get better. However, I do prefer male theme plot so I find it most interesting compare to the beginning part that you like. I don't know. Maybe double speed through it?
It's passable. There are some very good plot scenes+acting, especially the three cases that I re-watched a few times now; cattle thief, tear of the Buddha statue and the grain weigh. My all time favorite Judge Bao comes to mind during these cases. Oh, the memory. Conversely there are some questionable plots. In the end it sort of balances out but there are also some plot holes, which can also be ignored. If you don't like female scheming (I don't) the best part of the plot will pick up when they travel to Xizhou and in Xizhou. The clothes and props are simply dazzling, very unique to that time period and place. Kudos for the production team. Forewarn, the later 1/3 of the drama has many time leap. I dislike this a lot and I think may have something to do with trimming the drama from the initial 40 episodes to 37. Although that may not be it. Still don't like it. It's very lazy work, if you ask me. I think the earlier episodes can be cut to an episode or two to give room to play for the rest of the drama. Also, spoiler alert, expect no grand battle scenes. The white filter really bothers me at the beginning but someone must have some senses and darken near the end making it more comfortable for older people like me to watch. Overall it is watchable. It's better than the first part for sure. I will rewatch my favorites scenes.
I will only evaluate Xu Weizhou as I follow this drama because of him. His acting improved drastically within one year since filming the first part (late 2020), also his first in costume drama. This second season was filmed two years ago, from Sept-Nov 2021. I want to applaud Xu Weizhou for his amazing portrayal and shaping of Pei Xingjian, a real early Tang Dynasty historical figure. I finally found the taste of ancient scholarly flair I loved so much as a child watching Chinese costume dramas through his performance. He doesn't look or feel like a modern person cosplaying in ancient China. Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian has the right etiquette, mannerism that fits his status of a highly educated noble man. He is gentle, elegant, scholarly yet firm and sharp in his actions in his belief for his country and family. The real Pei Xingjian was prolific and renowned in both civil and military exploits (a feat not many historical figure achieved) and Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian exude this unique charm. It's a pity that this drama cuts a lot of the novel's best highlights of Pei Xingjian's civil and military contribution and his influence in Xizhou. It even downplay it somewhat. But, what's in the cracks still shines. That shining ray of light is his microexpression. It is exceptional. Very delicate and particularly piercing during fight scenes. As a person who grew up watching martial arts films, it's just beautiful. Although these fight scenes would be even more awesome if the cut is wide shot instead frame rate. It's also a pity that the original voice was not used. I saw some behind the scenes of Xu Weizhou's original voice and it is much better than the dubbed. Oh, well. Finally, congratulations, Xu Weizhou! Well done. Pei Xingjian is a very charming and unique ancient character I haven't seen for a long while now. I look forward to more interesting roles Xu Weizhou will bring to the audience.
I do wonder why Chinese production have such obsession with dubbing. My thinking is whether the original voice is good or not they should not be dubbed. It's a live production not an animation that needs a voice to the moving pictures. Anyway, I ramble on. The drama is good. Give it a try. Some will like it very much. My advice, don't think too much when watching it, just watch it. During the trial scenes, you'll enjoy it with relish.
It was a struggle trying to finish this.Did anything even happen to the princess trying to kill them?
No, nothing. The editing is little messed up. There are many missing plots; creating plot holes. In retrospect the Princess shouldn't have such a big role at the beginning. Her part should have been cut to no more than a couple episodes and then the rest can be in Xizhou as the plot there is better but we have to spend a long time with her to no conclusion.
The second female lead, Ashina, really threw me off. What happen to her? What's with the personality change? She is so different from the first time we met her.
I want to applaud the male support characters. They are very serious in their role. Personally, compare to the female tea parties the male scenes are so much enjoyable to watch. Su Nanjin totally got tricked by Pei Xingjian and rightfully weary of him. I can't wait to see what will unfold the last three episodes.
Not sure if those have seen the drama has issue the white dreamy filter as I do. It's glaring to watch many of the scenes sometimes because the characters are bleached white. I can't even make out the characters' face!! I feel this lense make the production all around cheaper than it is. I mean sometimes it's just the right color grading (during Pei Xingjian' serious scenes) but almost all of the time it's downright plasticky. All the beautiful furniture, intricate clothes designs and texture of the fabric are made to look somewhat washed out. I wish post production had chosen a neutral hue than the xian xia, fairylike look.
Omg, hahahahehehe. The golden finger is late but it's here again. Governor Pei Xingjian how have you survived the last few decades of life without your wife? At the same time the audience can only live vicariously through other characters' and the voceover narrations of your battle of wits and war scenes. Well, just three more episodes left. I can only hope it will wrap up well.
ZhouZhou's next project after filming the current Blasting Squad (Nov-Jan) and Melting City (Mar-May?) might be a costume drama. He said it himself on Weibo so I guess it's a matter of waiting for the official annoucement, likely mid of 2024.
This drama is going downhill. There were some good plot points in Xizhou, especially with Pei Xianjian, but now it's back to square one. The most anticipated part of the novel was reduced to a mere paragraph of narration lasting no longer than a minute in episode 25. I know it was filmed because fans got some behind the scenes pictures. I understand the drama was initially set to 40 episodes but cut down to 37 episodes BUT what is left is that majority of it is as boring and brainless as it could be. The novel is a time travel heroine going to Tang Dynasty however since that part is not valid for this drama some of the dialogues and things that are reasonable in the time travel are fantasical here. Watching thus far I'm thinking the heroine can be Wu Zetian and rule Tang Dynasty instead of the the real Wu Zetian. Additionally, the emperor should have sent the heroine instead of Pei Xianjian. Really she is so smart; in a Chinese term she has a golden finger. Whatever, my initial expectation is too high for this drama. I'll just watch this as another mindless C-drama. The producers, screenwriters, editors, directors don't seem to understand that solid, grounded plot is king not cliches, brainless plots. Especiallly regarding a historical figure as prolific as Pei Xingjian of the Tang Dynasty; the only one that made a grand name for himself as the governor of Xizhou and contribute greatly to the dynasty in his lifetime.
I understand some people might like this and I don't hold it against you. It's just my personal rant. Unless the rest of the drama does a u-turn it's just another bad drama that I invest my feelings in.
Do you need to watch season 1 first before watching this?
Not really. The first 12 minutes of episode one did a review so you don't really have to watch season one if you don't want to. Just know that season 2 starts right where they got married at the end of season 1.
Congratulations! Last evening episode 21 aired with the highest rating this season. All cast member were great and the storytelling (and viewing experience) of this case is finally not fragmented. There's a sense of momentum and anticipation to see more.
Look forward to the great Governor of Xizhou, Pei Xingjian, solving more cases and gaining the trust and confidence of the people of Xizhou.
The fight scenes are very nice. It's not those slow motion ones, thank god. Although the camera work last season is little better looking. Besides the fight scenes I like the court sessions. Pei Xingjian is wise, benevolent and dedicated to the people of Xizhou and Tang Dynasty.
Err, I don't know what to think or say. Many highlights in Xizhou (according to the novel) that should have been the hero's is filmed as the heroine's... The logic starts to get messy a few episodes back... The editing of all the male lead's scenes are inexplicable; barely any closeup, many wide or faraway shots, when he talks other people's face fill the screen, and many more...
Iโm desperately searching everywhere to watch this. Anyone know anything?
It is currently available only in mainland China, no other regions or countries. I think it may have something to do with the contract with Zhejiang TV station. Looking at the calendar schedule Zhejiang TV is airing the whole 37 episodes this month. So far Youku unlocks each episode(s) right after the TV broadcast. I have a feeling other regions will have to wait until the TV finish airing... I hope I am wrong. :(
I guess I'll watch this since I watched the first season. I hope they made the FL smarter in the second season,…
I haven't seen ep1 yet but those saw it said all characters are smart, especially the female lead, and are adapted closely to the book. Vastly improved from season 1. If so, I hope the rest of this season maintain this quality. ๐
Spoiler: Almost half of ep1 does contain review clips of season 1.
Congratulations to Xu Weizhou on a complete success of the premiere of the stage play "Thunderstorm/ใ้ท้จใ" and "Thunderstorm II/ใ้ท้จยทๅใ" yesterday (May 13, 2023) at Fuzhou Strait Culture and Art Center. Tonight, local time, will be the second show. Reviews from fans and other theatergoers alike praise your acting. Bravo!
Other tour cities the next few months include: Xiamen Kah Kee Theater, May 20-21; Wenzhou Grand Theater, May 27-28; Sichuan Grand Theater, June 3-4; Shenzhen Ploy Theater, June 10-11; Guangxi Culture Art Center, June 17-18; Zhuhai Grand Theater, June 23-24; Hangzhou Theater, July 1-2; Beijing National Center for the Performaning Arts, July 21-23 and Beijing International Drama Center-Cao Yu (dramatist/playwright of this drama) Theater, August 18-20.
I will only evaluate Xu Weizhou as I follow this drama because of him. His acting improved drastically within one year since filming the first part (late 2020), also his first in costume drama. This second season was filmed two years ago, from Sept-Nov 2021. I want to applaud Xu Weizhou for his amazing portrayal and shaping of Pei Xingjian, a real early Tang Dynasty historical figure. I finally found the taste of ancient scholarly flair I loved so much as a child watching Chinese costume dramas through his performance. He doesn't look or feel like a modern person cosplaying in ancient China. Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian has the right etiquette, mannerism that fits his status of a highly educated noble man. He is gentle, elegant, scholarly yet firm and sharp in his actions in his belief for his country and family. The real Pei Xingjian was prolific and renowned in both civil and military exploits (a feat not many historical figure achieved) and Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian exude this unique charm. It's a pity that this drama cuts a lot of the novel's best highlights of Pei Xingjian's civil and military contribution and his influence in Xizhou. It even downplay it somewhat. But, what's in the cracks still shines. That shining ray of light is his microexpression. It is exceptional. Very delicate and particularly piercing during fight scenes. As a person who grew up watching martial arts films, it's just beautiful. Although these fight scenes would be even more awesome if the cut is wide shot instead frame rate. It's also a pity that the original voice was not used. I saw some behind the scenes of Xu Weizhou's original voice and it is much better than the dubbed. Oh, well. Finally, congratulations, Xu Weizhou! Well done. Pei Xingjian is a very charming and unique ancient character I haven't seen for a long while now. I look forward to more interesting roles Xu Weizhou will bring to the audience.
I do wonder why Chinese production have such obsession with dubbing. My thinking is whether the original voice is good or not they should not be dubbed. It's a live production not an animation that needs a voice to the moving pictures. Anyway, I ramble on. The drama is good. Give it a try. Some will like it very much. My advice, don't think too much when watching it, just watch it. During the trial scenes, you'll enjoy it with relish.
I want to applaud the male support characters. They are very serious in their role. Personally, compare to the female tea parties the male scenes are so much enjoyable to watch. Su Nanjin totally got tricked by Pei Xingjian and rightfully weary of him. I can't wait to see what will unfold the last three episodes.
Not sure if those have seen the drama has issue the white dreamy filter as I do. It's glaring to watch many of the scenes sometimes because the characters are bleached white. I can't even make out the characters' face!! I feel this lense make the production all around cheaper than it is. I mean sometimes it's just the right color grading (during Pei Xingjian' serious scenes) but almost all of the time it's downright plasticky. All the beautiful furniture, intricate clothes designs and texture of the fabric are made to look somewhat washed out. I wish post production had chosen a neutral hue than the xian xia, fairylike look.
I understand some people might like this and I don't hold it against you. It's just my personal rant. Unless the rest of the drama does a u-turn it's just another bad drama that I invest my feelings in.
Look forward to the great Governor of Xizhou, Pei Xingjian, solving more cases and gaining the trust and confidence of the people of Xizhou.
The logic starts to get messy a few episodes back...
The editing of all the male lead's scenes are inexplicable; barely any closeup, many wide or faraway shots, when he talks other people's face fill the screen, and many more...
Spoiler: Almost half of ep1 does contain review clips of season 1.
Other tour cities the next few months include: Xiamen Kah Kee Theater, May 20-21; Wenzhou Grand Theater, May 27-28; Sichuan Grand Theater, June 3-4; Shenzhen Ploy Theater, June 10-11; Guangxi Culture Art Center, June 17-18; Zhuhai Grand Theater, June 23-24; Hangzhou Theater, July 1-2; Beijing National Center for the Performaning Arts, July 21-23 and Beijing International Drama Center-Cao Yu (dramatist/playwright of this drama) Theater, August 18-20.