tsuyoi_hikari

If you havent watch Nirvana in Fire. I would recommend that one. Joy of Life would always be recommended side by side with Nirvana in Fire for its compelling and clever writing and out of the world political mind games. But this kind of dramas are male focused which means 85% of the screen are dominated by male actors so to expect romance or lots of focused on strong female leads would be kind of impossible. But Nirvana in Fire has very strong and awesome female lead (she is a princess and military leader) despite the limited screen time she had due to the nature of the story.

Its explained why the Emperor look kind of fascinated when he first met him and take a peak of him when he's not looking (which is so unlike him to behave that way as an Emperor). For such a cunning man like him, its very weird why he is so protective of Fan Xian. It all made sense. :D

lol spoilers will ruin the drama completely though. I'm usually good at predicting plot and who is the real bad guys but even I was surprised with many plot twists in the drama. Great writing

Yes this is explained in the drama that the kid prince from the aunty is 3rd Prince. :) However, is there any explanation in the novel on why Fan Xian's mother loves the Emperor? Its hard to believe Fan Xian's mother willing to be with the Emperor when he already had 3 wives and 3 kids before her lol esp when she's from the modern world (or the mother is not from modern world in the novel?) where monogamy is a thing. I feel like all the 3 guys loves her but she chose the Emperor. Any reasons why?

He didnt flirt with several women lol. Its part of his personality/charms. He is like that with men as well. Mostly everyone likes and trust him by default -- its almost magical and I couldnt understand it either at first why all these important men treat him like their son.

I think I remember reading your comment at SSS where you complain about Wan'er. I for one like her character and didnt find her useless or a doormat at all as she the one who made Fan Xian feels safe (like a buffer) and happy and one of few people in Fan Xian's life that made him feels at home despite the chaotic life he is living. I love that the writer made Wan'er as his strength instead of his weakness and I like how she is not dumb and understand that it is her mother who is evil. Other dramas will make her leave Fan Xian since Fan Xian hurts her family along the lines 'I love you but we cant be together after all that happened'. >.> I'm so glad this drama didnt go through that route lol

His 'happy life' advise to Fan Xian hits me the most. I guess this will be the point where Fan Xian will really took his advise to heart despite his life might not be as calm and quiet like he wanted it to be.

TBH, for a drama as brilliant as Joy of Life, I'm willing to be a supporting casts (even if I'm a megastar) just for the sake to be part of the drama lol

TBH, everyone loves Fan Xian genuinely. But like his adopted Dad said, which one they will chose in the end (Fan Xian or Nanqing). For Chen Ping Ping, the secret worth much more than Fan Xian. I guess the Emperor is like that as well unlike his adoptive father or teacher who will chose him in a heartbeat.

I guess in the novel as well they dont have the ice age plot? So in the novel, he just reincarnated in the body of a baby, right?

Yes, I absolutely like all 3 of them. Chen Ping Ping made me sad the most tbh. The emperor, despite being cunning is an enigma.

Is there any site that I can read the novel in English? TBH, as long as Fan Xian gets his happy ending, its all that matters to me lol. But the story is absolutely compelling, clever and full of brilliant and lovable characters -- even the bad guys instead of hating them I was fascinated by them instead. I'm in awe with the writer for writing such a fantastic story.

I dont think its annoying since FL never show interest and friendzone the SML since early on and SML also know this as well. They also had conflict in the 2nd part due to some secret ~spoiler~ but the ML never one second doubt her love despite other people were telling him otherwise. I really like their relationship tbh. FL is very upfront with her feelings and always pursue the ML since early on. Plus, her fashion is A++ -- the best I've seen in modern Cdramas.

Ma Tian Yu's white hair is definitely a winner. I cant take my eyes off him -- he looks absolutely divine in that look. I actually tried to watch Ice Fantasy for him but I obviously fail. OTL

Thank you for writing this! I was laughing out loud many times since your article is simply hilarious!

Chinese costume and historical dramas are my absolute favorites so I share your sentiment. Men with long haired are definitely very attractive and like you, I like to see their hair down rather than in a bun. I also like how it was styled and love how they combine short hair with long hair and how every dramas has different way on how they styled the actors so everyone looks different.

And not to mention the brilliant hanfu? How colorful, with gazillion layers (lol) or how the embroidery look absolutely exquisite and expensive? I love historical Kdramas but when it comes to treat to the eyes, Chinese costume dramas totally takes the cake. Plus, with compelling and engaging plots, I have never look back. :D

I appreciate Cdramas in general because the male actors didnt really look like they wear make up (esp lipstick lol).

I actually try to like Autumn Concerto but I personally felt that the love is too one sided despite the fact that Mu Cheng did love Guang Xi. I dont know how to explain it tbh. Like she left him and made him totally heartbroken -- remember the scene where he chase her in the car when he's still in hospital gown? And again, it was him who want to reconcile with her while she still rejecting him repeatedly after their reunion. I like my romance drama to be more balanced. If they put plot where she also chase after him -- trying to make up to him, I'm incline to rate the drama higher. I guess I love to see efforts made when you said you are in love -- not just from 1 party but both.

Finger crossed! :D

I actually watched both dramas years back -- around 6 years ago. Just post about it recently here since I'm updating MyDramalist to keep track with my finished Kdramas.

I watched Hello Monster back in 2015 and this is the drama that introduce me to Bogum. I have no idea who he was at that time but I remember really in awe with his acting. I remember thinking 'Who is this guy and why he is so good?!!' Those micro expressions and subtle acting -- it make my heart breaks haha. Then Reply 1988 was released months after this drama and thats what shoot Bogum to stardom.

This is truly one of my very fave Kdramas tbh. It's very hard to explain why I love it since it will be a spoiler but like I said in my original comment, only when you watch this you will understand this gem and why this drama is very well loved by everyone. Even the theme song is a mystery and only when you watch the middle part of this drama that you can guess which POV is the theme song is for. :D

The vibe is totally and utterly different. I cant even feel it was from the same writer tbh. The closest vibe from Reply 1988 would be Hospital Playlist or Prison Playbook.