I hope Xaio Xi’s character sets a new benchmark for male significant others. The typical male lead would reveal the minimum information about issues going on in a palace/business/family/clan to avoid hurting or confusing the female lead. The FL would spend several episodes working with wrong assumptions or miscommunications that add no real value to the storyline. This character is refreshing.
The best part of this was the vintage architecture, decor and the lush scenery. I watched all episodes for that alone because the storyline and chemistry were weaker than average. I expected the high energy martial arts girl and the stone face elite boy relationship to start out distant. It is supposed to grow with him softening and becoming more expressive, emotional and showing some passion. It never happened. Skinship? Forget about it! They tripped and fell or he caught her, as expected. It felt cringey because the natural feeling of closeness was not there. They smiled at each other more towards the last 5 episodes after becoming official. The romance was disappointing on a whole. There is no balancing this with a great storyline.. The storyline was basic and boring. The secondary couple had the most interesting relationship. Their love life was more believable. The fight scenes were well choreographed. Watch this for the beautiful sets and the second lead couple. 7.5/10
This is mostly fantasy with a little romance at the end. Not great, but, watchable because it is a movie that ends quickly. I watched it on iQIYI. 7.5/10
I felt like an outside observer during many scenes rather than being absorbed in it. It is mostly the cultural differences that surprised me like heavy pressure to be all in on the wife and mother roles only and pressure to drop the hard earned career once married or pregnant. The drama exposes the conflicts with the old male dominated conservative value system within a modern progressive society from a female’s perspective. It was interesting to watch the growth of the lead character. 8/10
It looks like a rough draft version of good relationship drama. I’ve only see 4 episodes. So, it could get much better. I have to come back after it finishes. The actors in this are easy on the eyes and they are already proven in their field.
Wayment- did you just say the FIRST 200 CHAPTERS?!! O_OFirst- I applaud youSecond- what dafuq?!!Third- with what…
Lol. Surprisingly, there is a good story outside of all the sex. They may have to reduce this to multiple “bromantic” relationships once the sex is removed to please the sensors.
This has to be my favorite non-romantic drama this year! Started with a very good storyline that was enhanced by excellent acting! The leads as well as the secondary characters are obviously experienced. I cried both sad and happy tears when I wasn’t laughing at the antics of the multiple bromance pairings in various age groups! I never thought the chess game Go could be portrayed so passionately. I started this biased that I may not complete it. This was based on the main topic of chess and no heavy drama or romance. I have not seen the anime so my expectations were not too high. But, I was familiar with a few of the actors and took a chance. The retro feel and good background music were pluses. It is well worth watching a few times. 10/10
I have read the first 200 chapters of the novel and I am curious how they will create a drama after removing the sexually explicit scenes (X-rated), rape, abduction, molestation, sexual predatory behavior, human trafficking, torture, and sadism. BL and time travel are the lesser issues for the Chinese censors!
The storyline was basic and boring. The secondary couple had the most interesting relationship. Their love life was more believable. The fight scenes were well choreographed. Watch this for the beautiful sets and the second lead couple. 7.5/10
The actors in this are easy on the eyes and they are already proven in their field.