Fantasy story with love and resolving grudges

Grim reapers, deities, ghosts - nicely woven together with romance and perfectly timed reveals. The music played a bit part in setting the correct mood and I found myself tearing up at many moments when words were not even spoken.

The drama was extremely well written with many interesting little stories being introduced and solved all the while having flashbacks of the FL’s past life which made me feel so sad for her. Watching her fall in love with the ML was heart wrenching since it was already revealed early on that she would be leaving him in the end.

I loved the FL’s character, gorgeous outfits and stunning manicured nails! She had wonderful chemistry with the ML and their bickering was cute and natural. Although she puts forth a cool and strict front with her staff, she cares for them immensely as is revealed in the way she protects them and the way she is engulfed in sadness when they leave her.

The deity concept here (Mago) was interesting and it was fun to see them all look like identical sisters but with different personalities, hairstyles and dressing to suit their different responsibilities - the strict one dressed in black, the beggar-looking one in charge of poverty, the perky one dressed like Queen E and so on.

The ending was done nicely in several stages. It was good that the drama didn’t just end when the FL’s grudge was resolved (as most dramas usually do) and it went on to do very nice closures for each of her staff before coming back to end on the FL and ML. Not the happy ending I would have liked but one that fits this storyline.

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I loved Zhou Ying’s business acumen!!

I loved it even more when I found out that most of her business dealings and strategies were based on real life. She was truly ahead of her time as she not only lead the Wu family business to greater heights but also gave back to society, particularly the poor and underprivileged.

The romance was mainly fiction though parts of it followed history. I was drawn to the FL and the men who loved her - such bittersweet romances which tugged at my heart strings. The storyline for these romances was engaging and I was constantly hoping for a happy ending which never came. There were some sweet moments throughout and I did wish it would have lasted a little longer before the story moved on to another plot. Bravo to the FL and the MLs who really brought their characters to live.

Costumes for the ladies were gorgeous with beautiful embroidery and stunning colours. A surprising attention to detail was a short little snippet of the banquet preparations which showed lots of real food - made me want to see more of it! One thing I didn’t enjoy was having to turn away from the screen on a few touching scenes as the camera was going around in circles which could have triggered my vertigo.

Although this was a long drama, there were many different plots and endings so you didn’t have to wait till the last episode for it all to come together. Lots of life lessons along the way and nicely written characters made this a simple joy to watch.

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Smart chess-like manoeuvres coupled with fantasy martial arts

From start to finish, this drama felt like a chess game where events unfolded because they were planned in order to illicit a specific outcome. It is strategies that not just take you from point A to point B (like most dramas) but to point C, D, E and beyond!

With flying swords at a flick of a finger and swirling waters with a wave of a hand, this drama satisfied me with a myriad of martial arts experts and their respective skills beautifully brought to the screen with decent cgi.

The ML’s father is a master strategist and though the ML doesn’t see eye to eye with him, the ML comes to terms with the reasons behind his father’s long term plan. It is a sad revelation how his father had to hold back on revenge, in order not to waste the efforts of all the lives lost in order to bring peace to the country.

Cinematography was gorgeous and I love the sceneries and settings. The pacing was leisurely allowing you to take in and enjoy the drama like a piece of art. While this was good in the beginning, I soon found it a bit tiring waiting for certain scenes to move along.

The ML is extremely lucky - he can pick up martial arts easily as he is gifted and also manages to come across many characters who end up saving his life on numerous occasions! The ML proves to be a chip of the old block with his fair share of strategies and long term planning, desperately wanting to not do things his father’s way but at times, ends up doing just that.

Unfortunately, the romance was muted with it barely visible most of the time and only had one touching moment when he had to part with her.

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Heart warming romance with interesting twists

I was happy to watch this mainly due to the ML as I was touched by his character in Legend of the Phoenix.

Didn’t realise that there would be a detective style storyline which made it interesting as different mysteries were presented and solved. The final twist was a surprise and made for a sad sacrifice. But it wasn’t fleshed out enough and I was not convinced of the reason why it happened. Therein lies the flaw of this drama as some of the deductions break down if you try to delve deeper. Some twists were well done and tugged on my heart strings particularly the one related to the FL’s mother.

I did enjoy the romance and similar to the newer dramas of late, there is a strong message of gender inequality and how our FL does not want to conform to the rules of society. Well done! It was nice to see the ML falling in love with her and missing her more than she missed him - a refreshing change.

Having explored Korean drama recently, it was unavoidable to make comparisons with the cinematography and story telling style. What this drama lacked in these areas, it more than made up for it with the costumes (not keen on Korean ones especially the males wearing forehead covering and their mesh hats) and language (my personal preference to learn Mandarin by listening to it).

A good watch if you are tired of the overly dramatic family back stabbing and political plotting. This one has the family overcoming adversity together. The initial family squabbles, jealousy or plotting were kept to a minimum which was more realistic.

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Almost magical

A story unlike any I’ve watched before. Seeing the relationship grow between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper was the best part of the show for me - many funny moments and many touching ones as well.

The acting was top notch and I was particularly touched by the overwhelming sadness conveyed by the Grim Reaper so I was glad he had a happy ending. His pale outlook fit his Grim Reaper look very well but I was happier to see him in his other character that had a moustache - so tormented but more handsome. The Goblin was a bit too quirky at times (drying his hair while acting like a teenager, singing a love song etc) which I found to be out of character. FL was spot on with her expressions and mannerisms which made for a believable high school student. Cinematography and story telling were well done, particularly how the Grim Reaper works.

But...

I was not comfortable seeing a romance between a student (19) and an older adult (39 for the last 900 years). Can’t be helped since the story relies on the age 9, 19, 29 explanation of when someone is the most vulnerable.

Thankfully, there was the romance of the second couple to pull me back into the show whenever I got a bit unsettled seeing the FL in her school uniform cozying up to the ML.

This drama’s theme song hit the right notes for me. It was haunting yet evoked a mystical aura which I feel really suited the show.

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Gorgeous sets and costumes!!

Not a fan of this period of time in China as the costumes are not not flowy like in wuxia dramas and cannot appreciate the half bald hairdo for the men and finger accessory for the women BUT

The story was engaging, the sets evoked grandeur and costumes were richly embroidered.

As this was my introduction to palace drama, I was not put off by all the back stabbing and plotting that happened at every turn. It was intriguing to watch all the events unfold as I empathised with all the women having to “share” one husband. I am glad I do not live in those times.

Yingluo was an exceptionally written character. She was placed in many different situations and through it all, her quick wit saved her and those she cared for.

If you only want to watch just one palace drama, this should be the one.

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Not my cup of tea

The story flips back and forth between modern day and the past which was new to me. Perhaps it would have appealed more to me if there was a stronger connection or similarity between the actors who played dual roles in both time periods.

I loved Lee Young Ae in Jewel of the Palace and as Saimdang, she excelled as well. Her expressions filled the whole screen and I was constantly wishing this drama didn’t have the modern day element.

Do not watch this thinking that it is a romanticised version of Saimdang as there are many elements introduced and changed here that does not match what I’ve read about this famous person. This only part which is correct was that Saimdang was a great artist.

I loved the story about the paper production in itself as it was eye opening for me. Saimdang was portrayed as the perfect mother who gave sound advice and allowed her children to choose their own path - mostly inspirational but came close to being too saintly at times.

Too much mystery left unanswered for the 2 main leads in modern day left me hanging.

Some might be satisfied with this different type of happy ending but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

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Stunning visuals!!

I have been putting off watching Korean dramas for the longest time as I prefer the flowy costumes of Chinese dramas and can also improve my Mandarin.

But after binging for a couple of months, I could no longer find any good Chinese dramas. Then I came across Empress Ki which was a Chinese story with Korean dialogue.

And I was blown! It was a real dramatic DRAMA with the usual share of plotting, back stabbing, betrayal, lost love and more. I found the story telling quite different from the Chinese palace dramas and the pacing was quicker. The opening scene created so many questions in my head.

It showed the female lead as an Empress-to-be then quickly cut away to when she was a child being dragged along with other women to be given to another country. With each episode that passed, I was kept on my toes wondering what would transpire that would make her the Empress and how she lost her first love.

Good to watch if you are into palace drama and politics.

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Electrifying Chemistry!!

Another of my all time favourite wuxia which I watched last year.

Mark Chao encapsulated his character so well that I felt his pain and love so vividly. The way he looks at Yang Mi made my heart melt.

The unique story line drew me in to this fantasy world. As the story progressed from one life to another, the leads looked more handsome & beautiful. Yang Mi was a plain looking student disguised as a boy in her first life, a simple mortal in her second life and a cool beauty in her third life.

Most dramas have young skinny actors as the male lead so I happy to see this was not the case here. Even with long flowing hair and a loose fitting black robe, Mark Chao was the epitome of the God of War that he portrayed.

A classic that should not be missed if you are into Chinese mythical gods and demons.

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Endearing wuxia with heart wrenching sacrifices

Watched it last year and it still remains as one of my top dramas of all times.

Korean drama enthusiasts like my friends might not agree as the pacing of the story is slower but for a new Chinese drama fan who hasn’t watched Korean dramas yet, I was totally sucked into the storyline.

The beginning was a bit confusing and I found myself playing back certain parts. But stick with it and you will be transported to a world of martial arts filled with beautifully choreographed fighting sequences.

The rapport between the 2 main leads was very natural and while both actors were good, Sean Xiao was in his element as Wei Wu Xian. He played a range of emotions as he grew from charming and cheeky to serious and responsible. I watched other dramas he acted in but could not find the same magic. Seeing how different he is in real life goes to show how good an actor he is.

With each sacrifice, my heart strings were tugged and my tears flowed. The final one caught me by surprise and I was sobbing like a big baby.

A definite must watch for wuxia and Sean Xiao fans!

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Coming of age and understanding what love is

In part 1, Zhao Lusi was in her element being cheeky, mischievous and lovable. For part 2, we see more serious emotions and she pulls this off very well too making me cry along with her and making my heart ache when she suffers setbacks.

With the story involving more of the royal family this time, it was refreshing to see the Consort and the Empress getting along with each other and not get jealous of each other unlike other palace dramas. Consort Yue was my favourite with her sharp tongue and no nonsense attitude.

Skipping forward 5 years was nicely done here with little snippet scenes - something I haven’t seen in a drama before. Watch out for a little humour with “chicken wings” and “rabbit” as a break from all the seriousness.

(Repeat from Part 1 as it still holds true for Part 2)
The cinematography is superb and had those panning scenes which I enjoyed in A Dream of Splendor. Scenery was gorgeous and sets were very realistic. Casting for the extras was very well done and it was so good to see the black guards looking especially tough and rugged unlike some dramas where the guards looked like school boys.

Unfortunately, while I loved the FL, I would have preferred a different ML. Just personal preference on what I would consider handsome. His posture didn’t sit well with me either but other than that he was a good actor who rode the horse very well and had great fighting scenes.

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Could have been, should have been, but wasn’t

The story was decent so this could have been and should have been an epic drama but wasn’t.

Though I liked the twists in the story, the way it unraveled could have been done in a more impactful manner. The way the story was edited and put together was a bit lacking at times and felt jerky thus detracting me from immersing myself in the drama. Parts of the story was draggy so it was easy to lose interest.

It’s saving grace for me was the beautifully imagined sets and props. The CGI on the deity’s powers which had wonderfully animated spiralling “smoke”, power or fire was gorgeous to see on the tv screen.

While the final showdown was done well, I was surprised to see that after all the fierce fighting, the ML managed to take down the villain without any major power move. What a wasted opportunity to give a big wow ending to this battle. How the ML and FL managed to escape after this showdown was too convenient. No explanation on this and to top it off, the ending was a bit too abrupt and not what I would have liked.

Watch this only if you are willing to not question the storyline too much and if you are a fan of the FL and ML.

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The ML as the Demon King stole my heart! Everything else was…

…a mixed bag that luckily didn’t rush the ending. How he came back to life, it is up to us to imagine but at least it gave some happy vibes in the end.

Nothing new here. Common tropes. Average acting though the ML looked very cool as the Demon King and the FL’s acting is better here that in her previous dramas. Costumes were hit and miss where some were gorgeous and ethereal and others look plasticky. Some of the FL’s super big hairdo had me in stitches especially when she was running.

I wasn’t expecting much so I was pleasantly surprised that the drama managed to give me something to look forward in episode 32-33 unlike the past few dramas I watched that quickly went downhill in the second half. However, the final confrontation was a let down and the villain had some of the stupidest lines I’ve ever heard when he tried to justify what he did.

Random note: only watched this as I have a 1-month iQIYI subscription. Unfortunately, when casting to my tv, it only allowed it at 480p so while the resolution was decent most of the times, it was horrible during the parts with CGI and everything looked very grainy. I’m not techie enough to understand if there is a way to cast a higher resolution to my tv that is not Apple TV so I will not be extending my subscription.

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Too many cliffhangers to end Season 1

Unfortunately, I didn’t read reviews of this drama and just tried it out based on the overall rating I saw. Otherwise, I would not have started it as it did not have a fair amount of closure and wrap up. Go ahead and have a second season or more, but each season must be able to stand on their own. Too many questions left unanswered in the last episode made for a disappointing end. So if you’re like me, don’t start this drama until season 2 has aired and ended without a teaser for a season 3.

That being said, I did find this to be a uniquely entertaining drama and was mainly let down by the way it ended or rather… didn’t end.

The imagination behind the story was fantastic and the story telling was fast paced although a bit too repetitive in parts. Cinematography was great and I enjoyed the CGI used to display their powers. While this was a fantasy setting and all manner of hairstyles should be accepted, I still could not get used to the modern day looking hairstyles for the ML and his two friends.

I also did not appreciate how some parts were not fully explored and conveniently wrapped up very quickly - one of the most annoying one was when the ML’s “father” turns up only to have it all settled in a matter of minutes. I was expecting more explanation on his motives behind his actions and how he was tempted to dabble in sorcery.

If you can overlook this and are not bothered by an ending riddled with cliffhangers then you will be one of the many fans of this drama unlike myself.

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Familiar formula but still enjoyable

Once you’ve watched many dramas like this, it is hard to be surprised by the storyline as most of them follow the same pattern (unexpected meeting, grow to fall in love, have to part, death which leads the other one to forget their principles, back to life, overcome evil) but this drama added it’s own spin on this pattern with an interesting though hard-to- believe* opening where the FL injures herself while fleeing an arranged marriage.

Thankfully, this drama is on the new trend to give us happy endings which are not short and even used the last episode to play out a little side story which was enjoyable and let me have my feel good vibes for a whole episode as I loved seeing them live their happy life for a full episode!

The ML carried himself well as the last ancient god but I was struggling to see him he as a sickly mortal. Interesting to see how the drama chose to have a role reversal where the ML is the one who pines after the FL. It was fun to watch the FL being more matter-of-fact and let’s move on after having sex but it was a bit of out character for the ML to suddenly be so clingy & willing to throw caution to the wind when he was shown to be such a strong selfless character who put the 3 realms above his own interests during the first half of the drama.

As long as I turned off all these questions that kept popping up in my head, I was entertained with the above average CGI and sweet love story between the FL’s parents (I saw that coming a mile away so was just waiting to see how that part of the story would unfold and this drama delivered nicely)

*hard to believe on so many levels as the FL is shown to be the best fighter so how can she be so badly injured that she loses her human form. Also, she has a good relationship with her master so why were they not able to discuss the marriage alliance the same way they talked about other important issues? Didn’t really make much sense to send all the generals & soldiers to hunt her down and bring her back for the marriage as she can easily just not go through with the wedding by saying no in person during the wedding. Unfortunately, most dramas have this problem where logic is usually the first to go as long as it moves the story along in a nice way.

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