Lies, Lies, and More Lies!

The story was interesting and was well told. The writers and director got it right. The actors were superb. You loved the characters, or you hated them - this is the proof of a great performance. The chemistry between the ML & FL was so sweet, and I even liked the chemistry of the second couple too. No loose ends as far as I could see, and everything wrapped up nicely in the end; their story was not rushed or short-changed.

But...

For the first time since I started watching CDramas, I actually hoped the ML's character would get some comeuppance. I really got angry at all the lies he told - and kept on telling. He seemed not to have any conscience about lying, especially to someone he was supposed to love. I found similar fault with SFL's character, whom I found to be singularly annoying! Both characters seemed so dishonest and just flat out lied their way into the hearts of the FL's character and the SML's character. As much as the last couple of episodes tried to give them redemption, I just could not get past how much they both lied so much in the beginning! At one point I kept hoping one (or both) would succumb to a sword or fall off a cliff or something! Anyway, all's well that ends well, and the writers gave them both happy endings.

As it is with any MangoTV production, the English subtitling was terrible. Some of the translations made it impossible to figure out what was happening, what the history or backstory of some events were, and even some explanations that would have made the story make complete sense. Some things were left up to the viewer to try to figure out or decipher... or not know why but just accept that something had happened.

Rewatch? I doubt it with those subtitles - and I don't think I could manage watching the lies fall from those lovely lips another time.

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Almost a masterpiece

But for the decimation by the censors, I would have given this drama a perfect score. The editing due to the new censorship guidelines bordered on massacre and made the story choppy. That being said, there were no unnecessary sidelines, no petty spats and tantrums. No brainless ninnies (if you don't count the FL's maid). And you could still get the gist of the story even with the obvious chops.

Wang He Di & Chen Yu Qi were great together. Even without the PDA and kissing scenes (which we, the viewers who watch for the romance want more of) their chemistry was evident, and the tenderness they managed to portray, endearing and believable. I was backing them all the way. It was refreshing to see a couple trust and believe in each other, still express doubt, anger, even jealousy, without the silly, immature pouting and mind-games. The supporting characters were awesome too. Even the evil characters were played to perfection. And here, I must single out possibly the best performance of the drama, by Peter Ho. As the fanatical emperor, he was totally hateful and deranged, terribly flawed and pitiable, without conscience or restraint - but still self-doubting and simple-minded at times. He was magnificent!

Some say the ending was rushed, but I think it was satisfying. I would have liked a little more closure for some of the characters, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I'm glad the bad guys got their comeuppance in the end - I'm happier that the lead couple lived happily ever after - but I still have lingering questions about some of the other characters I liked and got attached to. Oh well, guess you can't have everything!

This one is a definite re-watch.

Oh, and one more thing... Wang He Di's fight scenes. I'm not big on the technicality of action scenes, but boy! was he a thing of beauty to watch in some of those sequences. Truth be told, he's a thing of beauty no matter what he's doing, but... those fight scenes! Wow! This young man has a bright future ahead of him.

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What an absolute waste of time!

The premise of this story was initially interesting. I kept waiting (hoping) for the characters to develop. They never did. The only one who was worth watching and who was not a complete airhead was the warrior woman who had the most tragic end to her story. I had such hopes for her. The FL was underwhelming - neither intelligent nor independent - just vapid and shallow. The businesswoman/inventor was boring and predictable. The other spoiled brat concubine obsessing over the emperor was a wailing ninny - irritating as hell! Most entertaining character in this show? Eunuch Wu! I kid you not!

There really wasn't any point to the story - the characters were doing the same silly things: crying, screaming, eating, being childish and just plain annoying. The ML was complacent and long-suffering. There was no romantic value to lead couple's story at all - they were almost like siblings. This story was very disappointing because of the absence of romance.

This isn't even worth a second look let alone a rewatch. What a waste of time, money, and actors.

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A story cute enough to keep me watching

I really liked the ML. The FL was ok in moderation, and irritatingly dumb sometimes. Or maybe she was just playing dumb? I don't know, but I didn't find it endearing (as some viewers did). There was definitely chemistry between the two leads, and I wish the director had used that to their advantage more. The second couple had chemistry from the get-go, but their story was just kind of thrown together instead of developed.

Some characters deserved some Karma, which they never got. It seemed like the writers were intoxicated with happy endings, so they gave them to everybody - even the undeserving! That disgusting stepmother & stepsister, that equally disgusting sister-in-law and her servant. I like some comeuppance in my dramas.

The story itself was simple but had too many holes - and jumped from one scene to something totally different with no segue in between. There was a lot of potential in this story, and the actors would have been great playing the characters with more substance in the drama. Maybe that's why I watched all the way through - because I liked the actors a lot and hope to see them in other productions (preferably costume or historical dramas which are my favourites).

Would I rewatch this? I might. It was ok enough for me.

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Not Disappointed. I loved This Drama!

The story was pretty straightforward. and flowed relatively smoothly. There were a few parts that threatened to get draggy, but they didn't happen too many times and they didn't last, so I didn't fast-forward through the scenes. There were a few holes and loose ends, but not sufficient to spoil anything for me.

The characters were likeable, and the actors did a phenomenal job in portraying them. The ensemble worked so well together so their relationships were believable, and I actually liked most of them. However, the couple that made the entire story worth it for me were the ML & FL. Chen Xiao & Liu Yifei were electric!!! They portrayed a depth to their relationship that I have not seen in many Cdramas, and which I found to be very refreshing and endearing. They expressed so many emotions without words - a look, a touch - their romance felt 'real'. Even with the chaste kisses, they smoldered. Their embraces felt warm and real. They did a superior job in this drama.

I wish that a little more time would have been invested in the supporting couples' relationships. Much was left to the viewer (except for the obvious wedding, of course) and I would have liked to have seen a wedding for the main couple. As I mentioned before, a few loose ends... what happened to Gu Qian Fan's father and brother? Was Qi Mu served with his comeuppance? Why did San Niang's son suddenly come back to find his mother? Did Song Yin Zhang and Chi Yan become a couple?

Loved this drama - and will probably rewatch it at some point.

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I Don't Want it to End!

After The Sword & the Brocade and The Rebel Princess I didn't think I would find another drama I loved as much. But I did. I love the closing theme 'Cocoon' the most. The story has a few holes (which ones don't) but I can live with that. I love the characters so much, well-acted and so endearing. The story arcs draw you in. The villains are believable but not over-the-top.
The chemistry between the players is great, however the director must be Victorian, because the silliness they did with the kissing scenes really spoiled the moments and the atmosphere for me. That misdirection bordered on ridiculous.
That being said, however, the real star of this piece for me is Leo Wu. Just WOW! As popular as she is, the FL was just ok - and the second couple were so darling. ML took the whole show. I will re-watch just to look at him, his expressions - his fighting - and of course, that shirtless scene. GREAT drama, worth the watch. I'm taking it slowly for the last few episodes because I just don't want it to end.

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The FL ruined this Drama for me!

After the first episode I knew that it was going to be hard to watch this FL. First of all, she looked like a pre-teen trying to be an adult, worse of all, a kick-ass heroine. Her movements reminded me of an ungainly newborn colt, not the smooth precise movements of a real martial artist. (I'm tired of these delusional heroine wanna-be's). Her acting left much to be desired, and her facial expressions made her look even more immature and almost comical in some scenes. Sorry, no more Song Yiren dramas for me - one and done!

I didn't mind the ML, but his storyline left a lot to be desired also. I was really not enjoying the 'idiot' phase. And was it just me who couldn't find the FL's 'falling in love with him' and her pretended devotion to him appealing? Didn't SHE cause him to become that way from poisoning him? Did she ever own up to it and did the ML know it was her who made him an idiot in the first place? That's a pretty big loophole for one drama!

I liked the He family and their dynamic, and for me, the real tragedy of this tale was their demise - and the FL escaping their destiny. It was probably the most touching and heart-wrenching story arc, and the best acting of the entire drama. Pity they didn't know her part in the downfall of the ML.

Such a disappointment this drama was. The leads didn't even have any chemistry really. And what the heck was that ending?! I read a couple of reviews that said there was a bonus episode after Episode 26, but I have yet to find it. One review said it tied up loose ends and made the ending in Episode 26 make sense. I guess I have to go hunt that down to see if it can redeem the ending and make up for wasting all that time on this travesty.

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Finally! A Story with Substance.

I admit, I choose dramas with hot eye candy leads and a whole lot of romance. I have only recently started watching modern day dramas, preferring the historical costume dramas instead. All the Way to the Sun made me happy I have crossed over.

It was very satisfying to see characters with such depth. It was even more satisfying to see female characters who were not silly, petulant, helpless ninnies swooning and fighting over men. Landy Li and Naomi Wang were superb in their roles of Li Mu Jia and Tian Rong. Very worthy of mention was Yuan Ran's performance as the lady boss. What a strong, classy woman! Wang Yang was swoonworthy as the older, wiser, more reserved leading man. Loved his expressions and the way they showed his emotions even when there was no dialog to go with it. Xu Shao Ying's portrayal of Wan Bing was so down-to-earth and sincere too.

The writer did a wonderful job bringing this story to the screen, and the director guided the actors to make the characters real and relatable. The OST was very appropriate and beautiful, enhancing the scenes and situations. All around, this production was so well done. I hope to watch more dramas by all of these players.

Dramas like these touch on so many relevant themes - family, culture, human flaws and weaknesses, relationships, romance (I would have loved a little more of that). These stories draw us in and make us feel like we know the characters or perhaps even have experienced some of these situations ourselves. I really enjoyed watching this, and did relatively very little fast-forwarding and anticipated every episode.

I will very likely rewatch some time when I want something that is not only satisfying, but doesn't rely on silly tropes and a lot of overdone dramatics.

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How to Mess Up a Good Thing

The story was promising. A tale of revenge with the most compelling of intentions, thrown off the tracks by 'true love'. The acting in this piece, with one glaring exception, was stellar! The ML played his role to perfection. The intensity of his hatred and desire for vengeance. The way he held on for dear life when he realized his feelings were changing - and he was falling in love. The confusion, the indecision, the turmoil... he did a great job bringing Yiting to life. The supporting players did a great job also. Their interactions, their emotions, drew the viewers in and made us a part of their struggles and their personal situations. I would have loved to know more of their own stories and see them developed more. I'm so glad the promise of happy endings for Yiting's brother and the best friend were given to us. I especially liked that the writers didn't just sugar coat the mother's wrongdoings - and even the bitchy ex-girlfriend got some measure of redemption.

Now as to what messed this drama up for me... I cannot determine whether the writers meant for the leading female character to be so dumb, or to act like a first-class fool. I get that she was supposed to have grown up spoiled and protected and naïve but come on! This girl behaved like a three-year-old (apologies to three-year-olds everywhere) for most of the series! If the actress was portraying clueless, she sure did a convincing job. Surely there was another way to make this character a little more appealing and a lot less annoying! Even if she started out dumb and stupid but grew up through adversity and pain and became a strong, independent, intelligent adult! At one point I was rooting for the bad guy to kidnap her and throw her over a cliff (we know that cliffs are never the 'end' in CDrama)... and frankly, I would have been ok with a happy ending for the ML without her! I have never not liked a FL character this much. She had ZERO redeeming qualities except maybe a little chemistry with the ML (but to be fair, even a rock would have chemistry with one as hot as him). I want to say I would take a look at other works of this actress, but if this one is any indication of her acting ability, no thanks!

Absolutely NO rewatch value, which is a shame for the other actors I liked so much, and the ML - but I will look at their other dramas to be fair and give them a chance.

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More Finance - Not Romance

While this was a pretty good series, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped to. The story was just mediocre and stretched out a little too long for me with no real appeal (I'm always in it for the romance factor, folks) and this one was not even a slow burn. We almost missed the romance completely! However, almost at the end when we got our PDA fix, it was fleeting at best. There were noble deaths, but characters we lost, nonetheless. I'm all about Karma, and for me, there wasn't enough development in the characters who deserved comeuppance. A couple of the storylines felt incomplete or not explained as much as I would have liked so as to get the intent and see the impact on the overall story.

The actors delivered good performances, the relationships were relatable and believable. They gave us a gamut of emotions and tugged at our heartstrings. They made us love them, hate them, grieve with them, celebrate with them. There was obvious chemistry between the ML & FL, but for me, it was a pity that there was no sizzling romance (what I look for in the dramas I watch).

But the real star of this drama was Liu Xue Yi. I like this actor a lot. I have seen him in other productions, and love when he plays a good guy. He put in a stellar performance in this drama - making it possible to despise his character and not even feel bad when he met his end. As touching as it was meant to be, his evilness was etched in my mind because of the superb acting of Liu Xue Yi.

Rewatch? Probably not. Too many episodes with not enough romance for my liking. However, this was a good series, worth watching to the end.

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Happy Romance

I loved this story. The actors did a phenomenal job - the ML is going to make a name for himself; I could watch him all day! The chemistry between the lead couple was magic, and really, all the couples had great chemistry. There was an even mix of romance, evil villains, tragedy, and a little comedy thrown in for good measure.
The story was simple but kept you interested (maybe because of the great acting) - and that little twist at the end. Loved it! I especially liked that the FL was quirky but not silly and brainless - all the female characters were strong.
This was great for weekend watching, and I most likely will rewatch it at some point.
Loved loved loved the baby!!

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Worth the Wait and Effort

I waited a long time for the ML & FL to take the plunge, and boy was it worth it! This was my very first CD and I am hooked forever now. The costumes, set design, mannerisms and cultural settings - breathtaking! It transports you back to a time when there were rules and customs and honor (even though some of it was pretty weird and pretty warped). I loved this drama. The chemistry between the lovers was so real and believable. I will watch it again and again. Some of those characters were so evil it was cringe-worthy (in a good way) and it was nice to see them get their karma.

Loved the music too. The opening theme and the closing music, but most especially the love song.

I was a little disappointed that the final episode felt a little rushed - and left too much undone, or loosely tied up. I would have liked a little more detail, a little more closure. But I suppose a happy ending is a happy ending.

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An Example of the Worst Kind of Screenwriting

If you are able to make it through 33 episodes (albeit short format) without giving up in disgust, then the last episode might redeem this drama. The ML's performance, his assistant, and marginally the mother contributed to helping the story to survive. Even a couple of the 'villains' managed to be convincing in the badly written roles all these actors were given. To be fair, the worst role was the FL's character - so this is not a critique of the actress' skills, but of the part she was given to play.

What is it about these writers than insist on portraying women as brainless, immature, ridiculously shy and seemingly naive? Do Chinese women really admire these simpering, juvenile, childish stereotypes? They giggle and hide and overact to the point of ridicule. The costumers dress these women like children, which only adds to the cringey feel of the characters behaving like, looking like children - with these handsome, older male leads. It borders on almost perverted at times, especially in the romantic scenes where the ML is more aggressive, and the FL behaves like a child.

When the FL is written in this light, adding the trope of drinking till the character is wasted and almost unconscious, waking up in some man's (usually the ML) bed, and not remembering anything of the night before is an equally disturbing trend.

We, the viewers, long for well-written storylines that utilize the talents of so many of these actors/actresses. We welcome and relish positive stereotypes and realistic and intriguing plots that draw us in, not disgust nor disappoint. It seems to be getting worse in these mini dramas and micro dramas and that is a real disservice to the Chinese Drama genre and in particular, women.

I certainly cannot imagine that I watched the same drama that most of these reviews refer to. Except for that last episode that offered a modicum of dignity to the story, the FL's character in rest of the episodes was almost embarrassing to watch.

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Coming Back Again and Again

I'm not really into these reincarnated, reborn plots, but since this is make-believe I can live with it. Seriously, sometimes one has to take reviews with a grain of salt, taking into consideration that everyone has opinions and perceptions that might not align with one's own. That was the case here. I almost didn't watch because of the responses of some posters. Now I'm glad I followed my mind and gave it a shot. So, it won't win any awards for acting - but that isn't why I watch these dramas. They are an escape - a world made up of stories - so I don't take them so seriously that they affect me, especially negatively. If I don't like what I see, I stop watching.

That being said, I didn't mind the lead couple. They weren't sizzling but they were passable. I think the scene that had some viewers up in arms about was tastefully done, and if one watched the whole story, the reasons are explained. Also, the couple did have a history - not as though right off the bat they got married and they were strangers with no emotional attachment, so that wasn't an issue for me. The villains were awful enough, but they got some kind of comeuppance so that was ok with me.

One thing I really must comment on was the hair and make up. Both were awful. It was hard to find the characters appealing with such terrible make up. The women looked unattractive and unappealing, and the men (white-hair guy) looked washed out and pasty.

Again, this drama won't win any awards, but it you're looking for something to watch in-between serious dramas, or just to fill your time, this isn't bad.

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47 Episodes of Flashbacks

This drama had only two things going for it. An ensemble cast who did a great job bringing their characters to life - and a gorgeous ML.

The writing was passable, but the series was drawn out by too many useless and unnecessary flashbacks. 47 episodes were really excessive. I used my fast forward button a lot. Too many police meetings and briefings, and too many musings by the villain. Those were getting really boring!

Best parts of this drama were the friendships. Jianguo, Xiao Shuai, Zhou Li, & Zi Guang - and their relationship with Uncle Guo. FL's dads - Hu Yu Jin & Huang Zhen Wu, and the young squad members.

William Chan did a great job with a character that wasn't really written well. Loved the fight scenes and just looking at him in general. They could not get him clean-shaven quickly enough for me, but he rocked the manbun!

Probably the smartest officer of the bunch, and the one who really deserved better than he got in the end, was Han Jin. Easy on the eyes as well - he always managed to inject some intelligence in their intelligence.

Finally, the FL. Normally. I don't mind Ma Si Chun. I've seen her in other things - but this one was underwhelming because of the character she was given to play and how really poorly written it was. Police can't afford to be careless or impetuous or unruly. She was just all over the place and then sulking when chastised or screwed things up. And how wishy washy was she in her relationship with the ML!? One minute she is all lovey dovey, the next she's accusing him, arresting him, interrogating him, and treating him like a criminal. Girlfriend like that? No thanks! So sorry - the romance sizzle fizzled with her character. What a waste of a sexy, gorgeous ML!

I was really looking forward to a good story, with enough time to tell it and tell it well. What a let-down. No rewatch for me, thanks. Once is punishment enough. I'll find a shorter drama with Chan in it for eye candy.

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