A good drama enjoy it alot
A really good drama. I expected to be all about esports but there was sort of a sci-fi mystery and thriller to it as well. One thing that really hit me was all of the emotional scenes in this drama. I had tears in my eyes during many part of this drama. It was a good balance between bromance and romance too. I also like how each side character had a chance to tell their stories and we get to understand them as well. Glad they didn't went overboard with the romance so that was a plus too. The big brother little brother relationship was great. They both have their own female love interest though.Was this review helpful to you?
In 1998, Fang Mu is an arrogant but brilliant student who can profile a criminal in a few minutes without hesitation. But when we move to 2001, he is not the same self-confident guy anymore, he has built a barrier to defend himself from the past, from something that happened three years before. We don't know what made him change, we find our answers slowly, as we go on with the story.
Each murder case is brutal but well-designed. You find yourself absorbed in the story and when you finish the puzzle, you notice how the pieces fit together perfectly.
What grasps the attention is also the inner struggle that Fang Mu has to fight. "If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you".
As I said before, Evil Minds is a dark drama but it's also beautiful. With "beautiful" I mean the artistic quality of the filming, the quality of the scriptwriting and the choice of the soundtrack (especially the ending song, "Flying Horse" by Luo Er).
The acting is very good, especially because they aren't veteran actors. (And Chen Ruo Xuan is really cute ehm ehm XD).
I feel indebted to Evil Minds, so I recommend to give a chance to this great drama that has gone unnoticed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Twin Fates: A Low-Budget Feast with Extra Spice (and Open Robes) Updated review
Well, well, well—what do we have here? A surprisingly solid mini drama that knows exactly what lane it’s in and speeds right through it with unapologetic flair. Twin Fates doesn’t hide its low budget—you’ll notice it quickly—but instead of sinking under it, the production doubles down on bright colors, pretty costumes, and atmospheric sets that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy-fairytale painting. It’s immersive, it’s whimsical, and honestly? It works.The cast is all new faces for me, which is always refreshing. And while the ML might not be my “type” per se, let’s just say the directors clearly knew what they were doing when they styled him in that infamous red open robe. Did they miss a single opportunity to flaunt that bod? Absolutely not. Did I complain? Absolutely not (yes, I’m easy like that, lmao).
Plot-wise, it’s engaging enough to keep me binging—currently at episode 16 and having a blast. The FL is smart, likeable, and holds her ground, while the ML serves us one of the most entertaining jealous streaks I’ve seen in a while. Add to that some genuinely sweet chemistry, a gradual strengthening of their dynamic, and more than a fair share of kissing scenes, and you’ve got a treat for romance junkies like me.
Now, let’s be honest: the tropes are here. The corny, cringey, déjà-vu tropes we’ve all seen before. But that’s exactly the point—this drama leans into them with a guilty-pleasure confidence that makes you roll your eyes and grin at the same time.
This is best enjoyed with an open mind and reasonable expectations for the genre. I’m not claiming it’s a masterpiece—but it’s undeniably fun. At its core, Twin Fates is guilty pleasure done right: a low-budget package sprinkled with charm, swoon-worthy moments, and just enough spice to keep you entertained. Come for the fairy-tale colors, stay for the jealous ML, and don’t be surprised if you end up grinning like a fool at all the cheesiness.
Verdict? Guilty pleasure at its finest—with flavors worth tasting.
I’ll be back to update this once I finish the rest of the episodes—so far, it’s been loads of fun, and I’m curious to see if the ending keeps the magic alive.
✨Update✨
Okay, y’all—I finished it. And let me tell you, this drama is basically a cinnamon pancake: sweet, fluffy, sometimes sprinkled with unexpected spice, and the perfect comfort binge for romance junkies like me.
Cdramas already defy physics on the daily (flying sleeves, magical teleports, gravity who?), but this one had the FL sneezing on command like it’s her side hustle. Bro, that’s a superpower. I salute her commitment to the bit 😂.
Now, the romance? Chef’s kiss. If you like jealous MLs acting like territorial cats, endless smooching sessions, and cozy chemistry that feels like a blanket fresh out of the dryer, this is your pit stop. And guess what—they actually gave us a whole final episode just for the happy ending. Do you realize how rare that is in cdramaland? That’s rarer than finding a drama without a love triangle!
But let’s keep it real:
- Yes, this drama is low budget and short in length, so continuity hiccups and budget gaps are there.
- Yes, the actors did a solid job, though in a few scenes you can feel the effort to nail the expressions. Not terrible, just noticeable.
- And yes, I’m still not sure if I find the ML attractive. But listen—the directors clearly didn’t care because they kept showing him with that open robe and sometimes half-naked till the credits rolled. I, a certified shallow menace, humbly accepted this offering.
So if any of that sounds like a deal-breaker—move along. But if you can handle low budget with high fluff, jealous antics, and unapologetic guilty pleasure? Then Twin Fates might just become your new cinnamon pancake. 🥞💋
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Empowering Drama for Girls
I really love the female lead character in this drama - independent, unconventional, fearless, strong (good in fighting), forthright (doesn't hide anything - speaks her mind), intelligent, decisive, compassionate, confident, will not be manipulated, smart, at the same time, loves her family dearly and will protect everyone with her own life. Together with an eye-candy male lead, this drama is really an enjoyable and easy watch.Ban Hua (Guan Xiao Tong aka Gabrielle Guan) has come from a bloodline of royalty. Her paternal grandmother is also the aunt of the Emperor who respects her greatly and grants the Ban family unlimited privileges and protection from the other noble families who constantly want to harm them and even want them dead.
Ban Hua doesn’t take orders from anyone, not even from the Emperor himself. Despite her high status, she’s being shunned by most eligible men in town because of her ‘bad luck’ reputation, her unabashed demeanor, and most of all, her being the best fighter around as she’s learned her skills from her grandfather who was a great general. She is fierce and forthright with her feelings, beats the shit out of men whom she finds intolerable, as she tells them “even the Lord of the Netherworld is scared of me”.
The Ban family is one of the most wonderful families I find in any historical dramas, with loving and open-minded parents who respect Ban Hua’s opinions and supportive of her, a little brother who is sweet and streetwise, and a couple of adorable maid servants who are like sisters to her. Despite the high status of the Ban family, none is well read. It is hilarious to see how they struggle to read a simple letter or poem flawlessly, and to make sense of it. The family dynamics are precious and it’s always a joy to watch them.
After an incident, Ban Hua is bestowed the ability to see her future in her dreams. However, most of these dreams are omens to the fate of herself and those she loves. She finds ways to change course of their fates. As one can imagine, the steps and processes she takes are hilarious. And as in her dream, she meets her true love, Rong Xia (Hou Ming Hao aka Neo Hou).
Rong Xia is the most handsome man in the world. Not only is he handsome, he is also the most intelligent man. In contrast to the Bans, Rong Xia is very well read and gentle. He is also the Emperor’s most treasured strategist who holds important official post. Together with Ban Hua, they resolve multiple conspiracies hand in hand, saving each other time and time again from death.
Guan Xiao Tong is very beautiful with great acting skills. As Ban Hua, she brings out the fierceness in her, at the same time, not losing her elegance as an anointed princess. Dressed in her unconventional outfits purportedly designed by Ban Hua herself, Guan Xiao Tong brings Ban Hua to life. I really love her stylish outfits with bold colors and designs.
Hou Ming Hao is one of the most handsome actors around. He looks amazing in his scholastic outfit with a fan, he also looks so good in his somber court official uniform, and he looks mysteriously wonderful in his dark martial arts clothing. His acting is good too in bringing alive the gentle Rong Xia who viewers come to love so much.
My Verdict
I really love Ban Hua’s kickass demeanor and her beautiful stylish outfits, the handsome face of Rong Xia, the wonderful dynamics of the Ban family, Ban Hua’s and the second prince’s hostile relationship, the hilarious rivalry between Marquis Xie and Ban Hua’s father, the lovable side couples, among others.
This is a wonderful and happy drama not to be missed. The badass female lead alone would make any viewers love this production. Together with a very smart and good-looking male lead, this drama indeed is a great entertainment for all to enjoy.
Recommended!
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It wasn't perfect, it wasn't without it's faults, but it was a drama that I really enjoyed watching!
-The story centers around Cha Joo Hyuk, who is miserable with his married life. The drama focuses on how his one choice changes the world that he has always known. Not just for him. But for everyone he has known and loved.- Frankly, I'll agree with everyone who says that Joo Hyuk was an immature selfish jerk. I'll say the same thing. He was everything that people described him as. But REALISTICALLY so.
We, as viewers, are used to seeing a male lead who is righteous and is ready to sacrifice himself, for the female lead, at the very least. But Cha Joo Huk wasn't like that. Not at the start anyway. The choice he made was solely for his own happiness. But dare I say I understood Joo Hyuk? Don't get me wrong, I didn't like him either (not for a long time anyway), but I get his character. If faced with a similar situation in similar circumstances, maybe not everyone but still more than a few people would make the same choice.
- Again, this will probably go against general opinion (from those I read on different places), but I liked the character development of Joo Hyuk. And yes, I do think he had one. He started out a completely self centered jerk, who only wanted his own happiness. He blamed his wife for his unhappiness. But slowly, as he got to know his own faults, as he realized his own mistakes, we started seeing his character grow. He wanted to make her happy. Even if it wasn't with him.
- Enough about the male lead, let's move on to the female lead. Woo Jin... At first she is portrayed like a "monster" who has a really short temper and is extremely violent. But later on we get to see what made her that way.
- One thing I really liked about this drama was the fact that how BOTH the leads were far from perfect. Although Joo Hyuk might be more so. Nevertheless we get to see them try and become better person. Both individually, and together.
- I really enjoyed the chemistry between Han Ji Min and Ji Sung. As a married couple, and as a non-couple too, they were believable.
- The second female lead- Hye Won. She is portrayed as a materialistic and vain person. I actually think she wasn't as bad as they were trying to show her. She behaved like she was entitled to everything, but she wasn't evil or villainous like a lot other SFL.
- The second male lead Jong Hoo, was a really good character. He was charming, but he never overshadowed the male lead enough to give you SLS. I really liked the bond between him and Joo Hyuk. It wasn't exactly bromance but they had a really nice friendship.
- All the other secondary characters were fun to watch. The mysterious ahjussi, Joo Eun, Woo Jin's mom... Everyone. My favorite was Sang Shik. His emotional scenes always got me smiling.
- Also Jo Jung Suk's cameo! Loved it! The whole thing was so cute! Joo Hyuk 's reactions XD
- As for the one thing that bothered me was about the children. How could they give us one, just one scene. I think everyone is aware of the fact that a parent child bond is truly a special one! So how could you not, writer-nim? This is just one thing I cannot get over.
- Overall, I really, really enjoyed this drama! It has everything, a spectacular cast, and intriguing storyline, a good OST. So please give this drama a chance.
Happy Watching!!
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Basically, it doesn’t matter if you don’t usually watch dramas from China, or if you don’t usually watch period dramas, or if you don’t usually watch long dramas. This drama is, objectively speaking, so splendid and magnificent that if you don’t check it out, you’d be missing out. Big Time.
Not even exaggerating, by the way.
1. The polish : Everything is carefully, lovingly, beautifully shot, costume and background music, everything is precisely, just-so perfect
2. The acting :The cast is a sprawling one, as befits the scale of the story, and from the principal characters to the secondary characters, to even the small, incidental characters, every single one is well-acted with his/her unique character, character development and plot twists adds a lot to the story and each character
3. The Romance : THE BEST, Great chemistry between the two main leads, with UH-Mazing cute scenes.
4. sisterhood and motherhood : this close palpable relations between main leads and secondary characters are so breath taking.
5. The villains : with their acting forced to hate them more and more with every passing episode.. they did great job
What a breathless, breathtaking journey. Equal parts brilliant and satisfying, and executed with such meticulous, fine care, The Princess Wei Young is definitely a drama for the record books.
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Wallace lives and breathes his role as Bo Jin Yan. He's adorably awkward when it comes to romance, and level-headed when it comes to his job as a criminal psychologist. Wallace also plays his 'split personality'; very well, showing that he's a versatile actor. I think Sandra was the perfect cast actually. She's pretty, and yet she gives off a girl next door vibe, complementing Bo Jin Yan (Wallace) fabulously. In a way, their relationship reminds me of Edward and Bella from Twilight- cool, seemingly emotionless male lead and sensitive yet observant female lead that brings the warmth out of the male lead. In my opinion, they have great chemistry and Bo Jin Yan's cheesy lines were hilarious. I can't forget Jin Yan's love for fish. He loves to eat fish so much that it was part of the storyline-kind of cute. I actually didn't guess the ultimate Big Bad so I was shocked when the twist came out. In that respect, this drama did a great job because it kept me on my toes.
The cinematography was gorgeous as well, the fish eye lenses were a cool touch, and I loved the car, Andy. So high-tech, and hilarious-Andy's like part of the cast! The cases were interesting and not too predictable. Every case was drastically different so it didn't get boring. I especially liked it when Jin Yan does his criminal analysis because it's so interesting to listen to. The cases flowed well together and connected with one another, each case spanning around four episodes, and led up to the Big Bad storyline. Though it seemed like each case was separate, they were all ultimately connected to the Big Bad, and the drama explores the deepest aspects of human desire through the cases. All the leads had a backstory as well, lending more depth to the story, making the drama come more to life. It was a little graphic but not too intense/gory either.
I loved Zi Yu (Andrew Yin), he is the ultimate best friend. Their bromance was fun to watch and a good comedic relief from the serious tone of the crime investigations. Xun Ran (Wang Kai) was a good second lead but the drama never really gave him a chance to be a serious romantic threat to Bo Jin Yan. Nevertheless, I admired his dedication and willpower as a cop- his acting was also spot on. The beginning was a bit slow but it was needed to set up the story. It starts rapidly speeding up after around three episodes. This drama didn't drag that much; rather, it went by quickly in 24 episodes.
The music kept me barely breathing in lots of suspenseful moments so it definitely did its job! There was a lot of orchestral music which was a nice change from usual dramas.
Re-watch? YES! I will most definitely re-watch this and so far this is my favorite Chinese drama! I recommend this drama if you're into suspense, crime scene investigations, and lots of romance. I wouldn't recommend this if you don't like romance intertwined with crime scene investigations. That said, this drama was fantastic in all respects so I recommend it to everyone. (10/9.75)
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A Girl's Secret Crush Diary
Hidden Love (偷偷藏不住) adapted from the novel of the same name, is a youth romance drama revolving around Sang Zhi, and her secret admiration towards Duan Jiaxu, her brother’s friend and how it develops to a relationship.Hidden Love is a captivating and heartwarming youth romance drama that explores the theme of love, friendship, and personal growth. The drama sticks closely to the novel, keeping the dialogues between the characters. In addition, the drama also manages to beautifully capture and translate the novel to life, capturing the nuances of the character’s relationship and also seamlessly intertwines comedy with poignant moments, romance, and many more.
Although Hidden Love treads some of familiar tropes of a youth romance drama, but it manages to distinguish itself with its heartfelt storytelling, nuanced character development, and some freshness into the genre. Sang Zhi isn't like any other young female lead who blindlessly chase after Duan Jiaxu, just because love at first sight and so on. However, just like any other young girls, she began to develop feelings gradually and secretly. Duan Jiaxu is also a very good male lead, whereas he truly looks upon Sang Zhi like a litttle sister, being kind to her, defending her, guides her, and more.
Hidden Love manages to strike a balance between tender moments of romance, family moments, and also youth leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. The comedic timing of the talented cast is impeccable, delivering punchlines and physical comedy with finesse. Although the drama primarily focuses on the youth and romance, but it also touches on deeper emotional themes. Moments of introspection and personal growth are woven into the narrative, allowing the characters to overcome their past and discover new aspects. Those elements bring an additional emotional depth to the story, ensuring a well-rounded viewing experience.
Chen Zheyuan and Zhao Lusi is the perfect Duan Jiaxu and Sang Zhi! Both of their performances are nothing short of brilliant, both of them are able to bring Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu to life. Zhao Lusi is able to bring innocent Sang Zhi to life, she brilliantly portrays Sang Zhi from a young age to adulthood. Her cute little actions are so convicing that makes one think that she really is a high school student! On the other hand, Chen Zheyuan also did a brilliant job in portraying Duan Jiaxu. He uses micro expression and his expressive eyes to act and communicate. Both of their performance transports and immerse viewers in the lives of their characters, making us feel their every emotion, as if we are experiencing the joys and sorrows together with them. Both of their chemistry is also palpable, enhancing the authenticity of the relationships portrayed on screen and making viewers deeply invested in the drama.
The supporting cast also adds depth and charm to the narrative, bringing a diverse range of personalities and subplots that enrich the overall storytelling experience, keeping viewers engaged throughout the drama. For instance, Sang Yan, Sang Zhi’s brother. Sang Zhi and Sang Yan’s on-screen witty banter and comedic timing add a genuine touch to the storyline. The banter between the two siblings looked so realistic, just like any other siblings argument; many of their actions looks genuine, and feels like it is unscripted!
Hidden Love cinematography manages to capture the innocence of youth, the sweetness and pain of one-sided love, and the intimate moments between the character. However, I personally am not a fan of the drama’s green/ grey muted filter in the earlier episodes, which I find it makes the drama looks a little bit dull. However, as the episode progresses and Sang Zhi grow into an adult, the filter became better! There are also few moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven. Some scenes could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative flow in the earlier episodes. However, in the latter episode, a lot of the scenes are cut down, which may leave viewers a little bit confused and unsatisfied with the closure. Nevertheless, these minor hiccups don't overshadow the drama’s overall charm. The overall execution, engaging performances, and heartfelt moments compensate for the drawbacks.
Hidden Love soundtrack also perfectly encapsulated the whole drama, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Composed of enchanting melodies and emotionally charged ballads, perfectly complements the narrative and adds an extra layer of depth to the series.
All in all, Hidden Love successfully captures the essence of a youth love journey. It is a delightful concoction of youth romance drama! With the actor’s stellar performance, engaging story, it offers a fresh delightful take on the youth-romance genre! You will find yourself with smiling, laughing and swooning watching the drama ◝(ᵔᵕᵔ)◜
FYI. the male lead DOES NOT develop any romantic feelings for her until she is an adult
Hidden Love extra chapter (6) - Wedding Night: https://twitter.com/afterrnoont/status/1680883026438537216
Hidden Love extra chapter (7) - The Daily Routine of Life with Two Kids: https://twitter.com/afterrnoont/status/1680630598761861120
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This review may contain spoilers
Legend of Zang Hai isn’t the kind of drama you say you enjoyed, it’s more of an experience.. A story about revenge, it follows our ML who after witnessing the brutal slaughter of his parents, friends and family at the age of ten sets out for vengeance with the help of a mysterious group of people..The script, direction and screenplay are just impeccable.. And the performances?? Absolutely out of this world.. Xiao Zhan’s portrayal of Zang Hai is unforgettable.. He fully embodies a boy shaped by trauma and driven by revenge, yet unable to let go of the softness he was born with.. There were so many scenes where he proves just how good his acting really is..
This drama might not be for everyone.. It doesn’t have your typical ML who goes around killing and beating people up in the name of revenge.. LOZH proves that not every hero needs to be a martial artist.. Instead, it dives deep into the emotional cost of vengeance and how destructive it can be.. The story makes us care about the characters so much that we are forced to question whether what Zang Hai is striving so hard for is truly worth it..
I absolutely love it when we have two main leads who can actually act and not just serve visuals.. And also the FL being the one with the physical strength and martial arts skills?? Always a treat.. There’s just something so fun about watching a badass FL protecting her man..
Zhang Jing Yi was extraordinary as usual.. Loved her chemistry with Xiao Zhan.. Even though this wasn’t a romance centered plot, it still gave us one of the best matched couples.. It was heartwarming to watch them fall in love and heal their broken hearts.. After he meets and falls for Antu, the story becomes more interesting.. Because now suddenly he wants to think about a life after revenge..
Absolutely loved the cinematography.. It was artistic and beautiful.. Zhen tower was just magnificent.. Scenes like the Empress Dowager’s funeral, the boat scene in ep 15, the Prince’s residence, the dinner fight at the Marquis’s home, and the rain fight, just to name a few were all stunning to watch..
Overall, Legend of Zang Hai is truly worthy of being called one of the if not the best CDrama of the year..
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... Because a drama educating adolescens on love and loneliness in high school, can't score higher.
7/10 is not a bad rating and I did not dislike this drama. Honestly it was very entertaining to watch and it was very well made. The actors did an incredible job despite being so young and I have great respect for them, since they pulled off the "Mature" tag without making it seem trashy or unrealistic.
Before watching this drama you should prepare for:
sexual scenes (Underwear, over the bra touching, covered up sex scenes, making out, and other mature content.)
A lot of inside dialogue
Lesbian love
High schoolers making countless mistakes and being generally butter brained.
The feels.
This drama will not make you cry but since it is a Jdrama, don't expect things to go the way you want them. This is basically a drama showing how people grow with time and experience. YOU WILL FEEL FRUSTRATION
It was very well made, so if you have nothing against the things listed above, I think you should take your time to watch this. It will be a nice memory and each episode is only about 23 minutes long. Nothing to lose and it will surely be an experience.
ENJOY!
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Sisterhood. Love. Delicious delicacies
卿卿日常 (New Life Begins) narrates the story the life in Xin Chuan, how different women from nine regions come together and live their life there, also centering around the main couple (the sixth prince of Xin Chuan and a girl from Jin Chuan.)Helmed by director Zhao Qichen, who also directed My Heroic Husband. You can expect a good laugh from the drama! There are a lot of elements in the drama that is intertwined together flawlessly, such as comedy, feminism, love, friendship, family, and a tad of (child’s play) politics and rivalry. There are so many plot devices and themes that worked together harmoniously, there isn’t any dull moment for me. It is well-paced, the storyline develops at a brisk and engaging pace.
What makes this drama different from other dramas is (at least for now) that the drama avoids going on the mainstream road. There is no rivalry and scheming between women, unlike other historical dramas. The drama has a very heavy element of feminism - how women in this drama showcase their abilities, support, protect, and have each other backs, and more. Other than it, the drama also focuses on what women experience: postpartum depression, domestic violence, marriage, and more. All the women characters in the drama are interesting, well-conceived, and realistically written - each of them comes from different regions with different mindsets and beliefs, thus making their struggles and actions understandable. The colorful and depths of the ensemble characters make the drama even more compelling.
In addition, almost every couple in the drama is very also lovely! Every couple’s romance is developed equally. It is nice to see how each couple grows fond of each other over time and also grow as an individual. Each character possesses their own distinctive qualities that when combined together make the overall development of the story interesting and fun. Each character is also multidimensional, each having its own interesting story arc. You will find yourself immersed and invested in each character’s growth through the experiences they went through. I especially love how Hao Jia (the second prince’s concubine) has an inner monologue whenever the second prince is near him!
New Life Begin’s cinematography is generally adequate. But some of their shots of food are beautiful, which will make you salivate. The color palette of the drama is light and bright-toned with a soft filter and vibrant color palette, which is pleasing to the eyes. Another thing I loved about New Life Begins is their elaborately authentic sets and exquisite costumes. Where each character has their own styling. Lastly, though not seamless, the editing and scene transition is cohesive. There are a lot of scene transitions in between however it’s understandable as the narrative not only narrates the character in a certain period of time but over a long period of time.
The characters of the drama are brought to life by an outstanding cast, who delivers compelling interpretations of their character. Both Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei did an exceptional job in the drama, embodying the character! Tian Xiwei imbues her character as Li Wei with cuteness, nuance, and also elegance! Though she looks very cute and sweet. But she is not one of those sweet-looking girls that are easily manipulated. She manages to infuse her character with kindness, righteousness, knowledge, and standing by what she believes; which makes her character very interesting. It is unimaginable that anyone else can pull off such a character other than Tian Xiwei.
Bai Jingting also elevated his character with his micro-expressions. As the sixth prince who grows up to be sickly and secluded, he still managed to show us different sides of the character - how he grows throughout the relationship and more. Not only Bai Jinting and Tian Xiwei but each character in the drama were immensely elevated by all the cast’s excellent acting. The depth and richness of each character and their development were commendable. In addition, all the character’s interactions and chemistry are also realistically and convincingly portrayed.
Personally, I think this is a really great drama to watch when you're looking for something light-hearted! This drama is like a serotonin boost!
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It was a story bogged down by a messy predictable script and two lead actors with about as much chemistry as a goldfish and a tree. Throughout the first eleven episodes, we see little no character development in either of the lead actors, and then are left with so much sudden character development in the next five that it's completely ridiculous.
Though, had the story a fast enough pace and a more well rounded script the show wouldn't have been such a bore. Had they cut out all the needless parts and really gotten to it sooner, the later character development and the development of emotions would've made a whole life more sense, as we'd have had more time to see these changes. Instead, the ending was rushed and messy, and also somehow boring and skippable. This series was eleven episodes of utter waste, and five episodes of trying to make it all make sense.
The one and only redeeming quality of this series, was the second lead couple. Ji Yi was smart, down to earth, and willing to work hard, and Chang Soo was fun and cute. Together they were honestly the best part of the show, I often skipped to their parts. Their chemistry was off the walls and their romance oddly believable. I would've much rather watched an entire series about them doing cute couple things and arguing than having to watch the cringe worthy romance between the main leads.
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Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Mental health warning: if you are prone to depression do not watch this drama. It is relentlessly depressing and could win any competition for most tragic, angst ridden character ever. Despite the lack of balance in the mood and other flaws, the acting is fantastic and there are many stunning and unique aspects to this drama that make it worth watching. This drama literally transports you to an elegant pavilion surrounded by breathtaking landscape to admire the majestic grace and radiance of a pair of courting cranes... only to have them swoop down and poop all over you. You should stop reading here if you want to avoid mild spoilers - it is impossible to meaningfully review this without any.The biggest issue with this drama is that it is not accessible. The plot is heavy with political intrigue and revels in ambiguity. This leaves many things open for analysis and discussion. Nothing and nobody is as they initially appear. The plot twists are intricate and the devil is in details that don't always lend themselves well to film adaptation. To dial up the suspense, key segments of footage is omitted and played back later to reveal the plot. Multiple re-watches are needed to understand the subtleties of each twist. The subtitles appear to be decent but don't do justice to more detailed subplots or the overall beauty of the prose. This is one where good subtitles would be worth waiting for. [Update Feb 2023: Good subtitles are now finally available for this on Youku International. They are vastly superior to previous ones so try to watch this on Youku.]
This story is adapted from a well-acclaimed novel about a tragic prince who is beset with treachery at every turn. Plotting and conspiracies are afoot as court officials advance their own agendas amidst the power struggle between crown prince Xiao Dingquan (Luo Jin) and his brother from another mother Prince Qi (Jin Han). The emperor (Huang Zhi Zhong) blatantly favors his first born Prince Qi over his heir Dingquan, who is perpetually in danger of being deposed by his own father. The emperor holds Dingquan to a higher standard; he must be groomed to hold on to the throne and carry on his legacy. Dingquan is hurt and bewildered by his father's favoritism and longs to be treated at least equally. He doesn't see that as the crown prince, he is already the most dear. The emperor presides over a corrupt court and depends on powerful generals to secure the kingdom's borders. He maintains his grip on power by pitting powerful ministers and generals against one another and does not allow sentiment or moral scruple to upset the balance of power in the court. Even his best loved sons have to be pawns in this merciless game of thrones. He finds Dingquan's morality and sentimental attachments at best naive and inconvenient; and at worst incompatible with the power dynamics and political realities of the court. He dislikes his son's frequent appeal to their relationship and his affection to get his way rather than winning on the merits of the situation. Their relationship is complicated by Dingquan's close relationship with his maternal uncle General Gu Silin whose military might is a source of discomfort and paranoia for the emperor.
The father-son relationship is the most significant, riveting relationship in the drama. Luo Jin visibly takes his acting up another notch in his portrayal of the lonely prince who demands his father's affection and approval even as he unflinchingly opposes him to protect his values and those dear to him. He was a bit too generous with the waterworks and indubitably has yet to master Hu Ge's ability to make his audience sob uncontrollably without shedding a single tear. Nonetheless Dingquan's struggle to stay true to himself as he is pushed to make painful choices for political expedience is compelling and gut wrenching. It is however, Huang Zhi Zhong's emperor that steals the show. He is first emperor and then a father caught between two sons that he loves in very different ways. His cold and ruthless public exterior masks his private pain every time he is forced to deal harshly with Dingquan, whom he distrusts but is actually the son that can hurt him the most. He is a cynical old soul who is disdainful of but yet also reluctantly admires his son's idealism and moral conviction. The emperor was masterfully portrayed and is able to evoke complex and multifaceted emotions including anger, empathy and pity. The conflicts that unfold show us that neither is ever completely right or wrong they just have different world views and priorities.
The second important relationship in the drama is the love story between Wenxi/Gu A'bao (Li Yi Tong) and Dingquan. The chemistry between the two leads is delightful and one of the reasons I stuck with this drama. The way the storyline unfolds and the writing however does not do justice to this wonderful pairing. In the novel (which I did not read) Dingquan never meets Wenxi, he only knows her as Gu A'bao. In the drama, Dingquan has several encounters with Wenxi before she steals into the palace disguised as a maid. Although he never fully sees her face, it is clear that they are soulmates and they fall in love. Forced to go separate ways, in their last encounter Wenxi approaches him in the palace dressed as a maid. Shortly thereafter, he meets Gu A'bao the maid with whom he continues to communicate in sophisticated allegory and metaphor but we are supposed to believe he doesn't recognize her! It is manifestly obvious that she is educated beyond even highborn ladies like the crown princess. This inexplicable and pointless faithfulness to the novel (after departing from it so significantly) is most likely just sheer laziness. They had the OTP meet early on to make it more romantically appealing but didn't bother to make further conforming changes to the plot.
Had they more logically carried this change through the plot, with some small modifications, they could have set the story up for a huge, far more relate-able and captivating plot twist, one that works much better in a drama instead of getting mired down in dry and detailed twists that work better in a book. I was already half convinced that at some point Dingquan figured out who she was and they were working together - this resonates from their body language and the way they communicate with each other. Considering the mental masturbation that went into the trivial question of whether the two male leads in the Untamed were lovers, imagine the speculative interest that would have gone into analyzing when Dingquan figured out Gu A'bao was Wenxi and when they started working together.. Instead they dragged out the reunion and settled for a far less memorable, crowd pleasing moment of truth devoid of the drama's signature ambiguity. This would also better explain some of the extreme lengths he goes to to protect Gu A'bao and make some of her motives and decisions more logical but those are small points. I just sigh for the big opportunity missed!
There was excessive plotting and too many betrayals in this drama. Censorship and deteriorating writing in the middle made some sub-plots confusing and less logical. The villains in this drama are complex grey characters with families and relationships that cast them in a somewhat sympathetic light. They are also way too smart, to the extent that each of Dingquan's few hard won victories cost him an arm and a leg. While there is some character progression and growth, Dingquan is too emotional and does not learn from his mistakes. As a result of repeated defeats, crushing personal losses, and an increasing sense of isolation the character regresses and starts to exhibit his father's capacity for cruelty and abuse. I did not like where they went with this and the way he treats the female lead is something that did not sit well with me. It was also gratuitous and rather pointless unless the writer was trying to make me lose respect for both characters. Which is a pity because Lu Wenxi/Gu A'bao is a uniquely interesting character - passive aggressive, bold, stubborn, vengeful, brilliant and indomitable. Li Yi Tong was so incredible in this role I was angry at the writer for diminishing her character into a bit of a lovesick fool in the middle although she finishes strongly.
The ending episode was messy and leads to the (mistaken) conclusion that the ending is open, possibly sad and definitely bad. For all intents and purposes however, the story actually ended at about 26 minutes into the last episode when things come to a full circle for the OTP. At that point, the two important relationships are satisfactorily and realistically resolved and all of the villains get some form of retribution. All of the rest is of footage that relates to a final thread that was shot but not aired due to censorship. This hints at the possibility of a different or open ending; that there is more betrayal and tragedy ahead. However, there was not enough build up of this thread to substantiate any definitive outcome. It should all have just been lumped together with the 3 minute cryptically worded epilogue that suggests the story continues (and may even be released one day). Viewed that way, the ending was good enough.
The twelve episodes that were cut likely closes the remaining loose threads with respect to several characters including Gu Fengen, scholar Xu and the 5th prince. Although the story never builds towards its final denouement, this could be the one time Chinese censors did us a big favor. This writer has no sense of balance and destroys some fantastic tropes and characters by taking them to mind blowing extremes. I have heard how the novel ends and I don't need to be there for a final betrayal that culminates in tragedy. This writer tortures the main protagonist to death with a vindictiveness that suggests the character was inspired by someone who terribly wronged them. I am glad that the censors have forced us to get off the bus at a great place and right before it drives off a cliff.
Despite the resonating sadness, this is still a ravishing production with some truly brilliant acting, moving prose, thought provoking insights, intriguing ambiguities and an acceptable ending. It has some of the most poetic, romantic lines I have come across in a Chinese drama. The real tragedy is that this has all the makings of a masterpiece but it just was not.
Sept 2020 Update: The last 12 episodes (Royal Nirvana Special) are out. It ties up all the remaining loose threads regarding Prince Zhao (5th prince), Gu Fengan and Xu Changping. It is well done with a fitting ending.
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What an emotionally tormenting drama! Great acting!
If I were to describe this drama in one word, it would be "INTENSE"; in the simplest form, it would be BITTER, BITTER, BITTER, sweet, BITTER, BITTER, BITTER, sweet - with capitals being strong and lower case being weak. It feels as if after the bitterness and one is given a lollipop, before one can take a second lick of the candy, it's taken away.This is a "heavy" drama in every sense. Every episode is packed full with actions, plots, plots within plots, palace politics, murders, corruption, greed, power, fears, injustices, conspiracies, wars, fights, killings and more. The ugliness of human nature is vividly displayed and it has never receded over the hundred of years to these days. The writers and directors bring out all the ugliness of how power and wealth can corrupt a person, and the story is amazingly told in this wonderful drama. It is indeed disheartening for us to realize that we're still constantly repeating history over and over again, and we never learn.
The drama itself is serious and nerve wrecking. Every life is always on the line. Everyone tries to outwit another, and losers die. All the events are multi layers.
The events unfolding can be difficult to understand particularly if there are no English subtitles and the viewer not a native Mandarin speaker because everything moves fast and the plots are intricate and complicated. At times, I'd need to take a break away from this drama to get a breather because there is just too much information one has to absorb within an episode.
As Crown Prince, every move Xiao Ding Quan makes is always undermined by unseen forces. Injustices and luck always deal him a lower hand. What seemingly works out great for him would turn out bad in a twist. Danger lurks in every corner. Lu Wen Xi's fate doesn't fare any better. She's constantly wrongly accused and persecuted; her loss and pain are immeasurable. Her tormented undying devotion for the crown prince is heart-breaking. In every episode, I'd have to hold my breath - it's really that intense. The unfair treatments both characters face and endure makes the viewers sympathize with them and demand justice to be served.
The acting is impeccable. Both Luo Jin and Li Yitong are excellent actors. They effortlessly capture all the essence of their characters and play them flawlessly. I'm particularly impressed by Li Yitong in this drama. I love her bare face look with natural make-up. She's so beautiful.
Have I mentioned the romance part? It's painful and bittersweet. I also love the relationship Xiao Ding Quan has with his older cousin, Gu Feng'en. My only comment here is just the visual aspect of the actors and their characters - Luo Jin (38 yr) is obviously a lot older than Zheng Ye Cheng (26 yr) who plays an older role. Playing a youth of 20 as the crown prince, Luo Jin seems to have overstretched a little bit. The age gap is too large and this has given me a mismatched feeling, as least visually. Nonetheless, it hasn't hampered the amazing work of this drama.
I almost missed the epilogue had I not completed playing the ending OST in the last episode. In it (the epilogue), it reveals who Xu Chang Nian is. Before this, I had always wondered which side he's on.
I would fully recommend this drama to anyone who loves Chinese historical stories and can endure mental torments. In terms of acting and plots, this drama is a true gem.
Two thumbs up!
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