This review may contain spoilers
Felt like watching a Cnovel: nonstop action, impeccable romance, extensive plot
If you like Cnovels and their immense plotlines, intricate world-building, and lovable side characters, SI JIN delivers on all fronts. I haven't read the novel it was based on (yet), but I've read many a Cnovel (a LOT that don't have drama adaptations) and this drama felt like a realistic interpretation from this type of regressor-revenge novel. Ofc, take my word with a grain of salt since I haven't read the source material. But I could definitely tell from the tropes, pacing, and plot arcs that the drama writers decided to highlight the best parts of the novel both from a storyline perspective and the audiences' perspectives.
Also, I LOVED THE FAST PACE.
Overall, loved it loads and it was a pleasure to see my fave actors working together. The light-hearted dialogue and character antics keep this an enjoyable and entertaining watch.
PROS:
❀ Women drive the plot | "But aren't you sick of these women empowerment stories???" NEVERR!! Listen, I grew up watching Cdramas where the FL always gets saved by the ML and they fall in love bc she's cutesy and annoying (and probably lied about her identity). I'm living for these Cnovel -> Cdrama adaptations with powerful FLs (whether it's through scheming or physical prowess), especially as they've existed in novelland for quite some time.
The first half of SI JIN explores our FL Jiang Si's family backyard with your classic evil aunt, concubine/legal daughter feuds, and matriarch favoritism. Unlike some other revenge stories, SI JIN keeps the goodness of the main leads - that is, even though revenge is happening, their overall values of seeing the good in people is maintained. Our FL strives, in this lifetime, to save her older brother, father, and older sister from their demises in the first lifetime.
The second half of the show brings our leads from the courtyard to the palace where we find that everything was interconnected in some way. I thought this half was VERY exciting and ended up binging it in a day lol.
Other relevant women: the main villain was def evil and selfish, but damn was she kinda cunty at times too. I enjoyed seeing women from all different walks of life supporting and uplifting each other (no matter how small their roles were): from troupe dancer to blind princess, everyone had unique characterizations and passions.
❀ LOVED THE FAM!! | Mostly the growth of the dad and older brother omg :,) They were so silly, supportive, and cute. And right when I thought the older bro was getting annoying, the storyline kicks his character into shape. You'll have to watch to see what happens!!
❀ A couple who supports each other through thick + thin and BONUS: I enjoyed alll the side couples too | I usually see the FL's actress in tough-girl roles, but it was a pleasure to see her as a noble woman. Another reviewer mentioned how it was unrealistic that her personality was so meek in her first lifetime but she's so pro-active in her second, but I feel like they missed the point... the show WANTED to emphasize that. It's called character development :') and most regressor stories are so enjoyable because we see the mc's utilize the knowledge from their previous lives to stand up for themselves + their loved ones to make a change in the new life. Anyway,,, Jiang Si's goal of justice coincides with the ML Yu Qi's goals as well, and they end up working in tacit understanding for most of the show. It was also quite sweet to see how they fell in love in both timelines. The FL is on the more serious side while our ML is a bit sillier (especially when he gets jealous hehe), but their devotion to each other manifests in many ways throughout the show which made their romance SOOO satisfying. Also, kiss scenes early on are always a plus for me!! No edging watchers here (thank god).
Side couples: all super cutesy and lovely; all with thoughtful development. For a show that bounces to various arcs quickly, I noticed they slowed down to develop the side characters' relationships quite well, whether it's romantic or familial.
❀ Lots of arcs, lots of characters | I was pleasantly surprised to see how quick this show addresses arcs and conflicts. The subplots were back-to-back, honestly at one point I was like "this FL can't catch a break" LOL. But nah I loved it. I think the writers did a great job in balancing the execution without making it feel THAT underdeveloped/rushed. And this quick pace is why I liken it to a Cnovel because unless it's a slice of life, they are also nonstop.
❀ Misunderstanding level: 2/10 | Ummm surprisingly low for the way the plot is set up? Especially given how the FL was seemingly killed by the ML in their first life, you would expect more indignation and suspicion on her part. Honestly I'm not complaining. I love how both the FL and ML gave each other chances to explain themselves, actually LISTEN, and overall support each others' decisions. I thought the ML treated the FL SO well, and his character/behaviors definitely made up for his fumble in the past life (1000%). Ofc this treatment was reciprocated by the FL, which is why I really enjoyed this couples' romance. Ugh, nothing like mutual pining/suffering for one another (not in a toxic way dw) to get a watcher giggling and feet kicking in the air!!
CONS:
✕ Sooo much more potential with world-building | This is a minor complaint but the drama introduces really cool characters and subplots that remain unexplored which I GET - we got more important things to address - but it would have been a cool addition. Especially the history and characterizations of the Nanwu people - there was definitelyyy some tension with one of the characters and whatnot. Again, I appreciate the show focusing on the main elements of the plot. But this would have been an added plus!
✕ Wouldn't have minded more exploration with the main antagonist's motives | This again was not necessary as the storyline did develop the Princess Royal and her past/relationships quite extensively, but it would have been an added plus. OH and also some more background on the FL's mother's story as well - I bet the novel had some additional details for that subplot.
✕ Got kinda bored with some of the fam subplots | Do I think it's important to highlight these familial relationships, especially the mother-daughter bonds? Yus for sure. Were they kinda boring? Honestly yes compared to the high-stakes plotting of our main leads. But honestly didn't hate it, I just thought they were the more drag-y parts of the show.
✕ Editing kinda takes time to get used to | Another small complaint, but I thought the scenes were abrupt in the beginning (especially the past life introduction) and some scenes weren't shown which makes the watcher make conjectures to fill in those gaps at times. It isn't the worst I've seen in Cdrama-land but I do think it could make the plot confusing for a casual watcher. (I personally thought the fill-in-the-blank scenes were fine and explained in other context clues.)
OVERALL
While this is a revenge story, the tone remains carefree and light with our quirky cast of characters, hilarious dialogue, and the main leads' just and upright values/morals. As a historical romance fan, this hits just the spot as our main leads are together for most of the drama and have unwavering trust and devotion. The backyard and palace schemes are just what you expect from a Cdrama and yes, predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable as the show takes careful consideration of the female characters' personalities and development. And I'm super happy with the ending too, so this was a hit from start to finish!
Also, I LOVED THE FAST PACE.
Overall, loved it loads and it was a pleasure to see my fave actors working together. The light-hearted dialogue and character antics keep this an enjoyable and entertaining watch.
PROS:
❀ Women drive the plot | "But aren't you sick of these women empowerment stories???" NEVERR!! Listen, I grew up watching Cdramas where the FL always gets saved by the ML and they fall in love bc she's cutesy and annoying (and probably lied about her identity). I'm living for these Cnovel -> Cdrama adaptations with powerful FLs (whether it's through scheming or physical prowess), especially as they've existed in novelland for quite some time.
The first half of SI JIN explores our FL Jiang Si's family backyard with your classic evil aunt, concubine/legal daughter feuds, and matriarch favoritism. Unlike some other revenge stories, SI JIN keeps the goodness of the main leads - that is, even though revenge is happening, their overall values of seeing the good in people is maintained. Our FL strives, in this lifetime, to save her older brother, father, and older sister from their demises in the first lifetime.
The second half of the show brings our leads from the courtyard to the palace where we find that everything was interconnected in some way. I thought this half was VERY exciting and ended up binging it in a day lol.
Other relevant women: the main villain was def evil and selfish, but damn was she kinda cunty at times too. I enjoyed seeing women from all different walks of life supporting and uplifting each other (no matter how small their roles were): from troupe dancer to blind princess, everyone had unique characterizations and passions.
❀ LOVED THE FAM!! | Mostly the growth of the dad and older brother omg :,) They were so silly, supportive, and cute. And right when I thought the older bro was getting annoying, the storyline kicks his character into shape. You'll have to watch to see what happens!!
❀ A couple who supports each other through thick + thin and BONUS: I enjoyed alll the side couples too | I usually see the FL's actress in tough-girl roles, but it was a pleasure to see her as a noble woman. Another reviewer mentioned how it was unrealistic that her personality was so meek in her first lifetime but she's so pro-active in her second, but I feel like they missed the point... the show WANTED to emphasize that. It's called character development :') and most regressor stories are so enjoyable because we see the mc's utilize the knowledge from their previous lives to stand up for themselves + their loved ones to make a change in the new life. Anyway,,, Jiang Si's goal of justice coincides with the ML Yu Qi's goals as well, and they end up working in tacit understanding for most of the show. It was also quite sweet to see how they fell in love in both timelines. The FL is on the more serious side while our ML is a bit sillier (especially when he gets jealous hehe), but their devotion to each other manifests in many ways throughout the show which made their romance SOOO satisfying. Also, kiss scenes early on are always a plus for me!! No edging watchers here (thank god).
Side couples: all super cutesy and lovely; all with thoughtful development. For a show that bounces to various arcs quickly, I noticed they slowed down to develop the side characters' relationships quite well, whether it's romantic or familial.
❀ Lots of arcs, lots of characters | I was pleasantly surprised to see how quick this show addresses arcs and conflicts. The subplots were back-to-back, honestly at one point I was like "this FL can't catch a break" LOL. But nah I loved it. I think the writers did a great job in balancing the execution without making it feel THAT underdeveloped/rushed. And this quick pace is why I liken it to a Cnovel because unless it's a slice of life, they are also nonstop.
❀ Misunderstanding level: 2/10 | Ummm surprisingly low for the way the plot is set up? Especially given how the FL was seemingly killed by the ML in their first life, you would expect more indignation and suspicion on her part. Honestly I'm not complaining. I love how both the FL and ML gave each other chances to explain themselves, actually LISTEN, and overall support each others' decisions. I thought the ML treated the FL SO well, and his character/behaviors definitely made up for his fumble in the past life (1000%). Ofc this treatment was reciprocated by the FL, which is why I really enjoyed this couples' romance. Ugh, nothing like mutual pining/suffering for one another (not in a toxic way dw) to get a watcher giggling and feet kicking in the air!!
CONS:
✕ Sooo much more potential with world-building | This is a minor complaint but the drama introduces really cool characters and subplots that remain unexplored which I GET - we got more important things to address - but it would have been a cool addition. Especially the history and characterizations of the Nanwu people - there was definitelyyy some tension with one of the characters and whatnot. Again, I appreciate the show focusing on the main elements of the plot. But this would have been an added plus!
✕ Wouldn't have minded more exploration with the main antagonist's motives | This again was not necessary as the storyline did develop the Princess Royal and her past/relationships quite extensively, but it would have been an added plus. OH and also some more background on the FL's mother's story as well - I bet the novel had some additional details for that subplot.
✕ Got kinda bored with some of the fam subplots | Do I think it's important to highlight these familial relationships, especially the mother-daughter bonds? Yus for sure. Were they kinda boring? Honestly yes compared to the high-stakes plotting of our main leads. But honestly didn't hate it, I just thought they were the more drag-y parts of the show.
✕ Editing kinda takes time to get used to | Another small complaint, but I thought the scenes were abrupt in the beginning (especially the past life introduction) and some scenes weren't shown which makes the watcher make conjectures to fill in those gaps at times. It isn't the worst I've seen in Cdrama-land but I do think it could make the plot confusing for a casual watcher. (I personally thought the fill-in-the-blank scenes were fine and explained in other context clues.)
OVERALL
While this is a revenge story, the tone remains carefree and light with our quirky cast of characters, hilarious dialogue, and the main leads' just and upright values/morals. As a historical romance fan, this hits just the spot as our main leads are together for most of the drama and have unwavering trust and devotion. The backyard and palace schemes are just what you expect from a Cdrama and yes, predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable as the show takes careful consideration of the female characters' personalities and development. And I'm super happy with the ending too, so this was a hit from start to finish!
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