This review may contain spoilers
Love/Hate with this drama
Finally able to sort out my thought about this drama.This drama is one of those "What could have been" with a better screenwriter (I know Tong Hua is in charge) and more experienced director.
What I love:
Qingshui Town. Amongst all the scenes throughout the 39 episodes, those in Qingshui Town were the best ones. Real and the character interactions were good although pacing here was quite slow.
Not gonna touch on the CP but scenes between XL/XY & XY/CX were aesthetically amazing.
What I hate:
When WXL became Xiao Yao.
Her growth graph suddenly plummet and it stayed constant till the end had me baffled. What Tong Hua wanted me to understand here? She stated her 3 things in earlier show, but later on, she looked like a love brain kid. Vague and fragmented.
How can she love normally when her childhood experiences affected her psychologically?
CX arc
This supposed to be the main arc, apart from the emotional arc from other male leads. This storyline should be tight and interesting enough to pull the emotions but the overall arc is just weak. Having watched shows like NiF, i'm expecting something from this but it's just disappointing.
Downplay of characters
In short, i just wish the writer retain most of them because this is my main source of frustration amongst all the points above.
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Love so much and Yang Zi u are a queen
She delivers a courageous performance in this drama, perfectly cross-dressing in a believable male role. In many scenes, don't be afraid to look normal! I chose to continue because she is one of my favourite actresses.The male leads surrounding her are unique and give our FL different emotional and physical experiences. You have the brother, the 'puppy' kind of love offering warmth, the challenger abusive potential lover... If I choose one I would go for XL since he is the best man on the show. XL is a perfect balance of the two, offering her both kindness and challenge. He also manages to bring out the best in her, pushing her to find her inner strength and stand up for herself.
The characters have all gone through some sort of abuse, and loneliness, and are mostly unloved .. and you might find the drama difficult to watch at times. But if you can digest those scenes, you will be rewarded and taken deeply into their world.
I got very hooked up since the beginning of the drama and I couldn't finish because of the end of some characters. So if you're looking for a great show to binge-watch, this drama is definitely worth the time – and the tissue box.
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A woman with four suitors
It looks like there is a part 2 to this drama. Frankly when I watched some of the trailers of the follow-on, it looked trashy, with the main character Xiao Yao (Yang Zi) nearly marrying every of her suitors, and two of them died. I do not like tragedies. I like to have a good feeling after watching a drama, not sick in the stomach.It is a really good production: an excellent cast who acted well, good looking actors and actresses, CGI is good, cinematography is great and costumes are lovely. So all the hygiene factors are there.
What I like about this drama?
1. Yang Zi had excellent chemistry with her 4 suitors. And she acted according to her relation to them: fear of the demon lord yet fond of him, anger with the betrayal of her real lover and dignified jealousy of his fiancee, gentleness and devotion to her lost cousin when she discovered him, and polite respect for her last suitor on the scene, who demonstrated his fondness of her. I think she was at one of her best. And she looked stunning dressed as the princess.
2. The story was well paced and interesting enough to keep me pursuing the drama to the end. Out of the 39 episodes, I can only recall one episode which was a little draggy. And this was probably because I had mistakenly skipped this episode and went back to catch up with it and I knew what was going to happen next.
What I dislike about this drama?
1. I felt that while Xiao Yao's selected fiance was a good choice, his relationship with her was the most shallow. So I felt it is a bit of a shame. But part 2 seemed to have a trashy ending.
2. And since the drama ended prematurely, the conspiracy behind the Tushan family was unexplained and the lover's betrayal was not clarified - poor guy who was so much in love with Xiao Yao and had done so much for her.
But overall, I would give this drama a thumb up and highly recommend it.
However, if I should ever write the ending of this drama, I would give it a twist and end it like this:
Cang Xuan ascended the throne on the support of the clans in the central plain. He fulfilled his promise to Xiang Liu and gave one of the mountains as a burial ground for the dead ChenRong warriors. Hong Liang, the ChenRong last defending general was impressed. He proposed a peace truce on the condition of a marriage alliance with the heir apparent (would be Crown Prince if the kingdom had not fallen) of the ChenRong royal family and Xiao Yao who was both a princess of HaoLing and a close cousin of the new emperor, therefore representing both kingdoms. The heir-apparent's identity and whereabout had been kept secret all these years to protect him from assassination. And he requested for all treasures of the ChenRong's royal family and the rebuilt ChenRong palace to be returned as a dowry for the princess and all the remnant ChenRong warriors to be pardoned.
CangXuan did not like the idea that an heir apparent existed and could potentially gain support for the re-built of the ChenRong kingdom. While Xiao Yao tried to get in touch with Xiang Liu to find out what was going, but he passed a message to her that the heir apparent was good looking, capable and in love with her, and encouraged her to agree to the marriage.
Before any decision, Cang Xuan revealed his love for Xiao Yao and promised that if XiaoYao should marry him, she would be the new empress as his current wife was only a concubine. Possibly, the old emperor was leaving the empress position for Xiao Yao when he decreed that Shen was to be the concubine and not the first wife. Xiao Yao replied that she loved him as a brother and did not have any romantic feeling for him but want to support him with all her ability to bring prosperity to his kingdom.
Saddened by the news that her real lover had just fathered a child, Xiang Liu's indifference and her shallow relationship with her fiance, she agreed to the marriage alliance to bring peace to Cang Xuan's kingdom. Her father, King of HaoLing, supported her decision to breakup her current engagement and marry the ChenRong heir apparent. Her fiance was heart broken. Cang Xuan however promised only the palace as dowry as the treasures of the ChenRong kingdom had long been awarded to the different mandarins who helped in the overthrow of ChenRong and to pardon all the remnant warriors if they lay down their arms. But the King of Haoling backed his daughter up with a generous dowry.
On the wedding day, the ChenRong heir apparent fetched XiaoYao from the ChenRong's mansion in a red cloak with a hood covering his face and a crystal mask. At the ceremony altar at the palace, Xiao Yao could see through her veil that he looked familiar. Xiyan anti-ChenRong faction with the silent approval of Cang Xuan and her ex-fiance, attempted to assassinate the heir apparent. In the fight, the red hood and mask was lifted from his head and it was revealed that the heir apparent is Xiang Liu! Xiao Yao was surprised and stunned for a moment but stepped in to defend Xiang Liu. The assassination failed as Cang Xuan ordered his guards in to protect her. Xiao Yao suspected that it was Cang Xuan's conspiracy to murder her husband and left with Xiang Liu to QingShui where they lived in seclusion. Her real lover, after realising his marriage is a sham, arrived only to see her leave with Xiang Liu. So Xiao Yao was lost to Cang Xuan, her ex-fiance and real lover forever.
Like my review or ending, give it a thumbs up. Let me know which you like in the comments. lol
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*Warning* Part 1 ends in the middle, abruptly. You may want to wait to watch the whole thing together
After a lifetime of betrayal, how should you pick your romantic partners? What does it mean to live a good life and how much are you willing to sacrifice to secure it?
The pitfalls of picking romantic partners here are realistic and addictive, and show the pros and cons of your typical love interests. Each gets a somewhat equal chance, and there isn't an 'obvious winner' as there is in other harem type scenarios. There are four here:
1) The ambitious childhood friend, 2) The kind, soft man inspired by a fierce woman 3) the ruthless and callous lover born out of years of trauma and fighting 4) the golden child, talented and fun with seemingly no darker pasts or sides
Add to that above standard music, and well done investment in cinematography and special effects, and this all came together well. Whether this rises to one of my favorites really depends on how pt 2 shakes out . . .
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This review may contain spoilers
I hope there should be 2nd season otherwise it was useless to watch it .
With the starting of the story it was clearcut that both the child would be ended up together and I also felt like they but as soon as the story progressed some another story had started . First due to an accident they separated with eachother ,girl child since childhood faced a hardship which can't be imagineable where as boy childhood also faced hardship but on comparing with girl ,it was nothing. As they started living separated life . With time his life was in ease whereas hers in disguised. Then entry of another man in hers life actually she saved him from danger so he lived with her and slowly slowly they coming closed together ,he started like her but still she was confused before she realises anything third man already entered into her life . She fall in love with second man but all three loved her . I respect her love story but the way story connected other two men with her emotionally I always felt bad for other two especially the first one. But the way story ended I didn't realised it had good or bad ending . I hope there should be 2nd season otherwise it was useless to watch it .Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Brilliant Season 1 !!
It is not often that you come across a drama that ends its first season nicely instead of just being an excuse to get past the 40-episode-cap rule on dramas. The ending didn’t leave you hanging but was complete in itself and made you look forward to season 2 to see how things will develop. That to me is a perfect way to have dramas that have season 2 and beyond. Kudos to the director!!The FL was excellent! It was so refreshing to see her acting as a man. Her mannerisms were on point so all I had to do was get past her pretty face which was easy as it was explained that because she transformed her features so many times, she forgot how she looked like originally. I love her character and when she says she doesn’t want to hope for much so that she doesn’t get disappointed, it is so real to see that it is easier said than done when she has her heart broken.
Yes, there were little plot loopholes and cgi inconsistencies as with all other dramas, but there were easy to overlook as the storyline was so engaging. It just drew me in completely and I watched the first 10 episodes until the wee hours of morning.
Something little that stood out for me was positive eavesdropping. Usually, eavesdropping is used in dramas to create misunderstandings as only part of the message is heard. I was so happy to see the opposite here. The FL was talking about her first love and how he was like the moon (annd not a dusty jade) and his spirit animal relayed it back to him. So beautiful to see his tender loving smile when he heard this. The ML playing her love interest did superbly - you could see his joy, pain, frustration and jealousy and my heart broke when he could no longer cancel his engagement.
Another ML that I enjoyed watching was the demon. He was written very well and to see his many sides had me rooting for him and no longer seeing him as a villain. A classic bad boy with a touching past trope that was very well done.
I love the FL’s grandfather! Such a strong character and the actor playing him did a fantastic job especially in the final episode.
An ending that doesn’t see the FL paired off romantically with anyone and the reason for that is justified. So I am very much looking forward to Season 2 to see if her first love manages to get out of his marriage or if things will develop further with the demon ML. Either one and I would still be happy!
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A good drama but is not my type of drama
Honestly, this drama wasn't my cup of tea, but I did find some parts enjoyable.**Cons:**
- Every episode seemed to emphasize the main character's gender excessively.
- The reverse-harem aspect, while expected, felt a bit overdone with everyone constantly intrigued by the FL.
- I sometimes felt disconnected, possibly due to this being a sequel and references to past events that I didn't fully grasp.
**Pros:**
- The actors, all four of them, were excellent. Their performances kept me engaged despite my reservations.
- They each used their own voice, adding authenticity to their characters.
- The unique setting in primordial times with lots of sunlight and a sunny atmosphere in the earlier episodes was a nice touch.
- One of the ML was particularly gentle and kind-hearted, which I appreciated.
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A good one-time watch; Don't miss this
*This is my first review on MDL*I started watching Lost You Forever when it was on-air. Initially (13-14 episodes), I found the story to be pretty interesting. While I was figuring out the plot, a lot of things were happening so it kept me hooked. After that, the plot became boring for me for at least 7-8 episodes. Then suddenly, it became interesting. Needless to say, be prepared for a roller-coaster ride in all senses (plot, angst, joy, fun).
What I really liked:
- Acting. Yang Zi, Deng Wei and Tan Jian Ci slayed in their roles. All of them had very different personalities but when they appeared on the screen together, it was really refreshing to watch. I have watched Ashes of Love numerous times, but Yang Zi really surprised me this time with her versatility. Contrary to the popular opinion, I did not find Zhang Wan Yi's character interesting.
-Story. I did not read the novel before so I thought this is a new and different story. You will enjoy the story if you haven't read the novel like me. For novel readers, they will enjoy watching the characters come to life as the portrayal is good.
-Set. A lot of time and money has been spent on the set and you will actually feel this while you watch the drama. The VFX is good. I especially liked the VFX animals because they were really cute.
What I didn't like
-Zhang Wan Yi's character and portrayal. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate him. But I felt I have seen similar acting in Goodbye My Princess. For me, the freshness was missing. I have seen similar characters for Tan Jian Ci's role as well but I found his acting refreshing. So, there is a difference I felt.
-Music. There was nothing special about it.
-Rewatch value. I won't watch this a second time.
That all being said, I am eagerly waiting for the season 2. This is a perfect drama for one-time watch. You will feel their pain, joy, love, and these feeling evolving and changing as the plot progresses. That is why you should not miss it.
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It is, as expected, great!
Taking my time to savor "I Lost You Forever" proved to be a well-judged decision. While I anticipated enjoying it, the strategic delay heightened my appreciation, leading me to want to share my thoughts now.This drama unfolds like a tapestry. This isn't a result of veering off course or losing direction but rather due to the fluid changes in scenarios and the intermittent introduction and departure of characters outside the main quartet. This dynamic approach, while invigorating, makes the story feel longer than it is, which, fundamentally, isn't a negative aspect.
Undoubtedly, the standout feature of this drama is its characters. The majority of them radiate an exceptional sense of authenticity. Each character possesses an irresistible charm coupled with unforgiving flaws, navigating actions that alternately endear and exasperate, reflecting not poor writing but a genuine depiction of human complexities.
Despite the political storyline's crucial role in the final episodes, the narrative retains its character-driven essence, so I feel it is only fair to have a discussion of the four main characters.
Xiaoyao's character is a truly captivating focal point of the narrative. Initially introduced as a man and maintaining this identity for a significant duration, her complexity adds a unique layer to the story. Strikingly, she manages to be simultaneously likable and polarizing, creating a multifaceted appeal that solidified my adoration for her as a central character. Delving extensively into Yang Zi's performance almost feels unnecessary – her portrayal in this role is nothing short of phenomenal. Consistently compelling from the beginning to the end, Yang Zi brings a depth and authenticity to Xiaoyao that is undeniably convincing.
Cangxuan didn't immediately capture my favor in the initial episodes, but over time, I found myself warming up to him. His narrative intertwined with Xiaoyao adds a compelling dimension, challenging conventional expectations of the male lead. Zhang Wanyi's portrayal matches Yang Zi's excellence, contributing significantly to the seamless execution of their interconnected stories.
On the flip side, Tushan Jing emerges as the narrative's Achilles’s heel, showcasing vulnerabilities both in writing and acting. Initially established as a fair enough character, he falters significantly as the story unfolds. His indecisiveness and weakness, despite hailing from one of Dahuang's most influential families, present a stark contrast to the greatness attributed to him. While the hardships he faced in the past are acknowledged, they fail to fully explain the extent of his character shift.
Deng Wei's portrayal of Tushan Jing, though not abysmal, falls noticeably short compared to the other three. His limited range of facial expressions and lack of nuance became wearisome after about 25 episodes. As the main love interest, his on-screen chemistry with Yang Zi lacks conviction, making their romantic moments feel unconvincing.
Lastly, Xiang Liu. It's an understatement to label him merely as my favorite. Tan Jianci consistently exceeds expectations, proving to be the unparalleled choice for bringing Xiang Liu to life. This character, with its profound complexity and layers, posed a substantial challenge, one that Tan Jianci masterfully conquered. His expressions transcend the ordinary, evoking palpable emotions that leave me both connected and perplexed by the intricacies of his character.
Xiang Liu's love for Xiaoyao is evident, yet his actions defy predictability. He's capable of extraordinary feats for her, yet equally inclined towards unexpected choices. Will he go to extremes to protect her, or might he lead her into unforeseen challenges? The uncertainty surrounding his character adds a magnetic allure, keeping me on the edge of anticipation.
Eagerly anticipating the second part of this compelling story, I can only hope it maintains its current breathtaking quality. While aware that it will not unfold as I wish (I can feel it), the prospect of the unknown journey ahead is both intriguing and exciting.
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50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
"There must be 50 ways to leave your lover".- Paul Simon
Indeed, every way to leave your lover is explored here in "Lost You Forever".
What a pleasant surprise this is. I could never stand Yang Zi and her saccharine cuteness, but nonetheless, I gave this a try, and it did not disappoint! The strongest aspect this series has going for it is the dialogue, which is intelligent above any Chinese fantasy drama I have seen to date.
Yang Zi, in opposition to her usual on-screen persona, played an intelligent woman who becomes extremely skilled at life in general as she progresses through the story. It was nice to see a female main character change with time and learning, instead of staying the same.
She gets callouses on her hands in the same way she developes callouses around her heart. Would I have prefered if another actress had played the role? Yes, if I'm being honest. However, Yang Zi killed it (in a good way).
I've talked about Tan Jian Ci before when he stole the show in, "Court Lady". This guy is so, so good, and yes, I am going to mention his sexy voice one last time here. What a sexy baritone! Mmmmm
Anyway, Zhang Wang Yi was the show stealer of this drama. He is phenomenally good here. What his character embodied for me was the impending sense of loss a sibling feels during adolescence, when their sister or brother abandons them for marriage to form their own family. At least, that's the sense I got about it.
This drama explores different types of loss, including how every brother/ sister will one day lose their sibling/s one way or another. We all come into this world alone, and that's the way we leave it.
This series does have its draggy episodes, which has to do with the usual pitfall of too many episodes to fill with content. I can't lie and say I didn't skip over large chunks of it, which I didn't even need to see, as there is a whole lot of recap talked about by the characters within each episode. This could have easily been a great 16 episode drama, but I understand that writers are pretty much forced by contract to stretch ideas out to breaking point, and I can't blame them for something they have no control over.
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This review may contain spoilers
Almost missed this gem of a drama
I'm late at the game since I just finished it today. This came out right after TLP which I love so it took me a while to cleanse my withdrawal syndrome from that drama. I'm so glad that I tried watching this now since no current drama caught my attention recently.As for the story, I love epic and bittersweet dramas such as this. The story is so gripping that I'm glad I've watched it now where all episodes are available.
For the characters, let me break my review:
1. Xiaoyao - strong-willed and very jaded which is understandable due to the circumstances that the character went through.
2. Cang Xuan - XY's brother. I love CX character. From the start, you can see that is meant to be the king.
3. Tunshan Jing - XY' true love. The most pitiful character. His kindness and gentleness are both his strength and weakness. I read reviews and people are disappointed with his character since they see him as very weak and helpless, however, that weakness made me love him more. Not your typical Alpha male and bad boy ML character.
4. Xiang Liu - XY's BFF (friendzone). His abusive behavior towards XY during the start of the drama made him my least favorite character. Love him or hate him, he is what is his because of what he has gone through in his life.
Now, I'm in the minority here since most of the viewers are Team XL but the most character that touched my heart is Tunshan Jing. XY and TJ's love story is so sad and poignant that their parting made me cry a lot. I love dramas with sad endings like Goodbye My Princess and The Longest Promise.
For the actors, Yang Zi brought her A-game for this drama. Also, first time watching Zhang Wan Yi, Deng Wei, and Tan Jian Ci. Now I understand the hype about these 3 actors after the drama. All of them are good but my bias has to be Deng Wei.
Cannot wait for Season 2!
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Amazing Drama
Lost you forever has been one of the most finest drama. I have watched many great dramas this one is on the top list. All the characters are well played . Specifically, Deng Wei he was absolutely amazing and well matched with the main actress yang zi, which gave the drama sweat butterflies. On the other side Zhang wanyi played the role of cold and strong character which was amazing.The story was wonderful a10/10. It would have been best if the season 2 released sometime soon. But the audience will be waiting for it.
I have watched season 1 twice.
Overall fantastic drama!
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