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A decent mini drama but some plot holes but worth watching for He Xuan Lin
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75
“Always My General” started out with an interesting (but not unique) premise of FL disguised as a man and is the fiercely general of the Xuangjia Army. He Zuan Lin’s cross-dressing portrayal isn’t too bad. Of course, she still looks pretty and skinny, but at least her acting tries to show off a more manly side with some charisma. Gao Ming Chen could have pulled off the soldier role better if the makeup artist can tone down the white powder on his face. He is a soldier, and should have nice tan skin and not look like an idol.
I found the first half of the drama more interesting. I enjoy the hidden identity + revenge plot when the three main leads are trying to outsmart and out-scheme each other. The romance developed a little more abruptly after FL’s identity was revealed. I would have loved a little more buildup to that. 2ML’s obsession with FL wasn’t expressly conveyed to the viewers, but I assume he fell for her after finding out she’s a woman and realizing how amazing and attractive she was as a general.
The second half of the drama is when I see more plotholes. Our female general slowly becomes superwoman. She can’t do no wrong and can never die. She’s smart, schemey, can fight better than any man, yet beautiful and seductive. At one point, she needed to learn how to talk and walk like a woman, yet she suddenly possesses amazing hairstyling skills! Princes and emperors don’t necessarily have guards protecting them at all times and can be harmed easily. Palaces are accessible to anyone.
The acting is decent, but I’ve seen better overall acting in other dramas. Of course, He Xuan Lin’s acting doesn’t disappoint. Whenever she’s in a mini drama, she’s the star and carries the show on her shoulders. Gao Ming Chen (ML) and Leo Zhou (2ML) have their moments but their acting is not as consistent as He Xuan Lin.
For a low budget drama, it doesn’t feel cheap and I have to applaud them. The song played sounded beautiful and haunting, and complements the scenes.
Overall, this is a decent mini drama if you can just enjoy the ride and don’t think too much. I would have given this a higher rating if the ending is more satisfying, and the last few episodes don’t feel rushed.
Completed: 3/30/2025 - Review #561
“Always My General” started out with an interesting (but not unique) premise of FL disguised as a man and is the fiercely general of the Xuangjia Army. He Zuan Lin’s cross-dressing portrayal isn’t too bad. Of course, she still looks pretty and skinny, but at least her acting tries to show off a more manly side with some charisma. Gao Ming Chen could have pulled off the soldier role better if the makeup artist can tone down the white powder on his face. He is a soldier, and should have nice tan skin and not look like an idol.
I found the first half of the drama more interesting. I enjoy the hidden identity + revenge plot when the three main leads are trying to outsmart and out-scheme each other. The romance developed a little more abruptly after FL’s identity was revealed. I would have loved a little more buildup to that. 2ML’s obsession with FL wasn’t expressly conveyed to the viewers, but I assume he fell for her after finding out she’s a woman and realizing how amazing and attractive she was as a general.
The second half of the drama is when I see more plotholes. Our female general slowly becomes superwoman. She can’t do no wrong and can never die. She’s smart, schemey, can fight better than any man, yet beautiful and seductive. At one point, she needed to learn how to talk and walk like a woman, yet she suddenly possesses amazing hairstyling skills! Princes and emperors don’t necessarily have guards protecting them at all times and can be harmed easily. Palaces are accessible to anyone.
The acting is decent, but I’ve seen better overall acting in other dramas. Of course, He Xuan Lin’s acting doesn’t disappoint. Whenever she’s in a mini drama, she’s the star and carries the show on her shoulders. Gao Ming Chen (ML) and Leo Zhou (2ML) have their moments but their acting is not as consistent as He Xuan Lin.
For a low budget drama, it doesn’t feel cheap and I have to applaud them. The song played sounded beautiful and haunting, and complements the scenes.
Overall, this is a decent mini drama if you can just enjoy the ride and don’t think too much. I would have given this a higher rating if the ending is more satisfying, and the last few episodes don’t feel rushed.
Completed: 3/30/2025 - Review #561
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