This review may contain spoilers
The eyes, Chico, they never lie
This drama encapsulated everything I enjoy in dramas and more. It gave me romantic comedy, cool fighting scenes, and beautiful setting with its beautiful casting. It is definitely not a perfect story because I find myself longing for some moments but it delivered what it had to and I would gladly watch it all over again!I enjoyed its first arc, maybe my most favorite — Ji Bozai and Ming Yi trying to read each other's body languages, overly flirting to avoid getting caught, and playing couple in front of others. I say give me more!
Chao Yuan being the main villain isn't a shocker but he's someone I try to understand and that's a reflection of how they built his character. He was not likeable but he had a heart (albeit limited) at the beginning before becoming who he is. His story breaks my heart because at one point, we saw that he's aware that he's succumbing to the evil but he also knew that there's no turning back anymore. Instead of hatred, I only feel pity for him.
I enjoyed seeing Ji Bozai and Ming Yi's growth and become each other's helping hand in everything even from the beginning. Aside from that, their fiery chemistry not only with the intimate scenes but also just as they navigate and resolve the issues arising in Hexu. And have you seen their eyes? That's what made this drama the way it is — in Ji Bozai and Ming Yi's eyes, you can see the story.
And I just have to say, cinematography is incredible! I kept rewatching their Heartbond Array and when they were trying to fight the Sky Swallowing Array. When they showed a montage of Ming Yi's walk towards Ji Bozai as Ming Yi walked out of Ji Bozai's spirit well... they just stabbed me in my chest. And one of my favorites, Ming Yi turning around to face Situ Ling; that's all Ming Yi and her beautiful face.
It seems like 40 episodes was perfect because some things felt missing in between although that didn't really trample on the storylines. It is such a shame that the production had to adjust because of some circumstances because we really could've had it all. Nevertheless, it was a great drama and the ending is executed well.
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This review may contain spoilers
Who run the world?
GIRLS!Hua's family and their story of building their life from the ground is my favorite storyline. Among this big family lies different stories of womanhood from their early life until the drama's present time. Despite their differences, Hua family became united and managed to rose from the dust. I love Grandma Hua and Empress Dowager's friendship that saved them multiple times. Cunning she may be, I also adore Master Haoyue.
Opposite to the people I dearly hold from this drama, the Emperor made me furious from the beginning until the end and that feeling extended to Yanxi because he was loyal to him until the end. This emperor is fortunate that even after everything, Yanxi remembers him with love.
Despite overcoming challenges together and helping each other, Hua Zhi and Gu Yanxi's lives felt separate, in both good and bad ways.
My conclusion: A very enjoyable drama. The flow of the drama is enough to understand and absorb the story. I like that this drama makes you think and not just spoon-feed information. However, romance isn't a strong suit for the leads. On the other hand, I admire Hua Zhi and she's definitely one of the fictional women I look up to. I recall how different she was from ep 1 to ep 40... she has grown a lot and learned new values on top of the values she already live by. A female-centric drama done amazingly, I would say.
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