zzazza

I'm open to each viewer's personal opinion about this drama, or any other drama for that matter. However, in this case, have you confused your personal feelings regarding an actress with the character of a drama? If ZLS had under- or over- dramatised her role, it'll be helpful for reviewers to identify and explain what these instances might be. Unfortunately, it's come across as you have a slew of actresses you hate, including Zhao Lu Si.

Additionally, I'm not getting what you mean by the FL being promiscuous. Her engagements with each person, ended through reasons outside her control. And as it is a coming of age drama, this is a progression of a girl growing up, buffeted by the changes around her. "Promiscuous" seems to be misused in this instance when FL clearly drew her boundaries with all men, when she was attached to A Yao or LBY, and even when she was unattached to anyone.

It would appear that your personal views of the actress has clouded and coloured your entire view of even the actual story and script of the drama.

Lest I'm accused of being a ZLS or any other actor's zealous fan, I'm merely a drama watcher. I'm all for objective reviews of a drama, acting, script, production. What you've written is far from an objective or a fair assessment of any part of this drama production.

Been waiting for more of your reviews and this definitely hit the ball out of the park. Where are the knocks on the heads when they are most needed? I'm glad you've expressed so well my own thoughts on L/HBY, SS and the Empress. Thank you again for sharing.

😂 Fans are so talented. The sudden appearance of other cast members made me laugh. Thanks for sharing

Not at all! Quite often, I find myself in the very same position too and wonder if I'm really coming from the left field in how I view situations, people and life. So I'm loving how well you put into words the exact thoughts and feelings i have.

I agree with the both of you! She was kindly and loving but not the best person to guide SS.

You have such a way with words and I appreciate your thoughts on different aspects of how the characters have been portrayed and the story told. I share the same views on both ZS and SS, and it was difficult reading how upset others were with the choices ZS made.

Couldn't agree more ... "To be honest and this is a word from the heart — I wish the leads wouldn’t have given up on their relationship this easily especially in a show that’s trying to advocate the strengthening of marriages. No matter who is at fault and who did what first to whom, there are lessons to be learnt and opportunities for growth that are lost when people give up on each without much of a fight. I say this as someone who has grieved for friends who have taken the same route and in the same way I grieve for the couple at the centre of this drama."

Have seen the same and grieved for what could've transpired for ZS and SS in the aftermath of what happened. Given the nature of the Emperor and Empress as depicted in the story, and unpacked by you, they definitely weren't set up in this instance to help ZS and SS bridge that chasm that they faced at this particular point.

Well, wannabe is as good in my books 👍🏻😉 Rather than an armchair drama slouch, like myself. Thanks for the recommendations! I'll be sure to note them down. I haven't watched any of those you mentioned. That's how far behind I am in the viewing journey 😁 Will have to make sure I gird my heart and prepare tissues before I start them.

You're a writer? All the more reason why I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you felt the storytelling unfolded. It's a great idea to document one's thoughts on the drama. I think it would contribute to a better appreciation of the drama, rather than take away from one's enjoyment of it. Unless of course, if it were a crappy story, then nothing can really save it 😅 Tbh I'm a little apprehensive venturing into another historical, or any other drama. LLTG was a random pick and I'm so glad it turned out to be such an unexpected gem. I may not be ready yet to be as invested in another drama of its length 😆

That's such an interesting and fun way to approach the drama. I'd love to hear what your take is on the drama. LLTG is my first foray back into the historical drama genre in a long time that I fear I'm more forgiving of many aspects of the drama (maybe overly so?), because I've become overly attached to LBY, CSS, Director Fei, my beloved Ah Qi and Ah Fei, and all the other personalities.

Apologies. I meant to say I do see the same as you, in that there are gaps in the narrative and we are left to make mental leaps in order to arrive at where the drama wants us to see where each character is now at. Those are the bits where I hope a re-editing or additional director's cut would fill in.

I definitely would've appreciated a more meaty fleshing out of Third Prince and his friendship with ZS. And the impact he has in the political arena.

Thank you for your kindly words 😊 I'll have to leave the critical commentary for now to our more analytical friends on this board, who can better express and expound on their thoughts. I think I'm a little too attached to our drama friends right now to be fully objective in weighing up the other aspects of the drama.

Maybe another episode or two might have helped flesh that out. Her wallowing in misery, I felt, was in keeping with her nature. Stubborn to the core, until something big enough comes along to shake it. She may have understood ZS's reasons for his actions but she certainly wasn't going to let him and everyone else (including herself) forget that he did her wrong. So, even if she made herself miserable and mopey, sticking to her own highly elevated principles of forgiveness, she was determined to hang onto it. Her pride also wouldn't let her admit to how detrimental to self that mindset is, and kept her stuck in that self-pity mode.

The Empresss was too kind to call her out specifically on that. But then again, much as I love the Empress, I felt that she too is a character that tends to dwell on unhappiness. A half cup full outlook. Her life was tragic in that the man she married loved another. But after 20 years of it, was there no joy at all in anything that they shared? It just ate away at her. Which is why her last words to SS was not to be like her.

Everyone else who could say something were either too mired in their own guilt/grief, or didn't have access to her in that 5-year period. Except for YS who should've given her a bit of a kick in the ass but he was probably afraid to rock the boat, lest she rejected his presence by her side.

As to maturity, I agree. She's going at snail's pace 😅 But she's getting there.

I love reading your thoughts on the drama, @DrammaAjumma. Nearing the end, I started to weigh up everything less critically myself, and just accepted the ride for what it is. In part because I expected that there might be less coherency in how it would all end due to the time constraints of editing. Hopefully we will get to see some revised edited episodes or additional director's cut further down the track.

I've reached the end of this heart-tugging, heart-wrenching, heart-warming drama. At various stages, there were so many things I thought to express. But now, at the very end, I find that there isn't much I want to say. Maybe saying them means I'm saying farewell to these much loved personalities, varied as they all are.

Going strictly by the drama, I'm satisfied that it portrayed a believable change after the 5-year interval. After such a traumatic life experience, both ZS and SS can't remain the same as they were, and that came through clearly. Yet, the essence of who they are still remains and we are given glimmers of that. If we were to follow on with their story (had the drama continued on), I'm sure we will see a return and more of SS's spunk, exuberance and creativity, as well as ZS's passion and determined pursuit of justice, now they have reconciled and the brokenness they both experienced healed.

This is a drama I'll hold dear, even in years to come. There may be slight flaws but like LBY and CSS and all other personalities, I love them and it all the more for being imperfect perfections. LLTG spoke to me on so many levels; from characterisation, storytelling, cinematography, through to BGM.

Thank you for sharing. Seamlessly and beautifully woven together.

His movements, somehow playful but also elegant. Especially sword and action moves.

Thank you. Love reading your thoughts as the story progresses.

Thank you. Didn't know if I'm the only one with this thought. 😊

I'm very much looking forward to that. And Third Prince 😁
Because i believe this is so much part of how she grows further. As does LBY.

When the sh*t hits the fan, I believe that the one who is likely unsurprised by it all will be Consort Yue. She could see the writing on the wall, from her late night conversation with LBY. Maybe not the when and how. But certainly, that it will come to be.