This review may contain spoilers
First of all, I must say that the filming of the drama was ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING it felt like I was watching a movie the entire time. This is one of the few dramas with older actors (30+) that I've actually really enjoyed. I for one can't believe that Chen Kun (the one who plays Ning Yi) is actually in his 40s, that man looks like hes in his mid 30s still. I must say even though the romance between Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei wasn't the most obvious thing in the world they still had their moments. And lemme tell you, those moments were absolutely beautiful and the chemistry between the two were undeniable. Sometimes when Ning Yi would appear on screen I'd think he looks a bit like Willie Wonka, Johnny Depp's version (pretty sure just me though :)). Throughout the drama there's bits of comedy here and there to uplift the heavy atmosphere that the drama usually provides. The only character that I didn't seem to like was Shao Ning Zhao (the princess), she was too naive and never really understood her other brothers, since she only relied on the crown prince and Ning Qi, even though she knew they were committing such crimes, she still trusted and believed in them.
The soundtrack for the drama was AMAZING (probably used the word amazing like 10 times already :)). The music was carefully added in when it was needed and stayed away when it was not. Through this drama I've also learned the beauty of instrumental music, and how each song doesn't need to have words in order to show its meaning.
P.S. I need a man like Gu Nan Yi in my life :) . It was interesting to see how his character developed throughout the span of the drama. Even though he didn't have many lines, each line that he said was delivered wonderfully. My favourite line that he says is "???? ????" which roughly translates to "wherever you are, I am there" (not 100% confident in my Chinese skills though) every time he says that line it brings tears to my eyes.
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This review may contain spoilers
As a fan of gender benders and someone who loves strong female leads, I was pretty excited for this drama. Unfortunatly the drama mainly focuses on Ning Yi. I found his story boring and his motivations... not that interesting. His story arches felt more like things to keep the story moving instead of parts of the character that were motivating him. I also didnt like the actor for Ning Yi. God the eyebrows.... Feng Zhiwei was amazing though. I really liked her acting. Her character was really interesting. It was really difficult having to watch all the people in her life tell her everything she did was for Ning Yi. It was as if it were impossible for her to actually care about Dacheng's people or her own safety. Its just humiliating, I think, to write such a strong character to be so blind and dependent on love. I still dont believe she really was. In the bed scene, it was more like she was just trying to get over it, as if she didnt really care as long as she helped Dacheng and fulfilled her brother's wish to protect them.
Another thing. I found, especially in the beginning, that I was drawn to Feng Zhiwei and her supporting characters. Her storyline was always minor and sometimes more for comic relief, but I really found her cast of friends to be more interesting. I think its a shame and a waste for so much of the story to focus on Ning Yi. I really wish Feng Zhiwei could have had more focus and more screentime.
Seriously disappointed. :(
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A deeply disappointing piece of work.
Preamble: Rarely do I say this, but this was one of the titles whereby the acting and music surpassed all else. This is what made this a heartbreaking piece and the main reason I had to put off writing the review for about 6 months. I wanted to personally fire the screenwriter. Since I knew this was a highly-rated show, I wanted to give it a chance. The first 10 or so episodes were captivating enough to make me believe this would end up a good show. I mainly use C-dramas as background noise. There are only a handful of TV dramas I actually sit down and watch, I simply cannot believe I thought this would be one of them. What a waste of my time! After episode 35+ or 40+ (I don't remember precisely when the director decided to take a permanent holiday), I skipped past everything to save time. My time is more valuable to me than anything else.Storyline: The story starts off good and with decent pacing, however, midway through the show, there is a major turn of events. The characters' intelligent dispositions get thrown out the window. Towards the end of the story, the audience wonders, what is the difference between having an IQ of 80 versus 150, if they are going to end up doing the same type of stupid shit? Why build smart characters and spend several hours telling me that if they are going to (collectively, might I add) make dumb choices at the end?
Cast: A lot of recent dramas have the worst D-grade acting one could only hope never makes it onto the screen. It's a miracle this was not one of those. I am both glad and dismayed that they picked such an amazing cast for this show. Since the show went downhill so quickly, had it been a terrible cast, I might have thrown my laptop against the wall. The only way I could have even stomached the last 10 episodes (even with the skipping), is because the actors did a great job. At the same time, the actors worked too hard and did too well, they did not deserve to be thrown into a ditch. The director and screenwriter did them a great injustice.
Music: The scores for this show is the other reason I put off reviewing this title for so long. I do quite like the OST, though not all of them. I knew I would bash this show given the chance; for the sake of the music and for the sake of the actors, I had to wait.
Conclusion: Kill the screenwriter, then the director, hang their bodies somewhere public to scare the other screenwriters and directors into making better shows. Fire all the other terrible actors, use this cast for all the other shows.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great Lead Chemistry, Acting and Production
Completed - 3/31/2021 (late review/notes posted)Finally finished this drama and it has to be the longest one I've watched to-date (3/31/2021). It took me about 18 episodes to get really invested in the drama. I think the middle of the drama is the best. Acting of the leads along with the emperor was amazing. The supporting cast did a great job as well. Everyone commented on the cinematography and the costumes, and they are great. It's interesting to see a historical drama uses such toned-down color, nothing is too colorful even the concubine's costumes.
The chemistry between the two leads was amazing. I felt their love through their banter, argument and heartbreak. I felt that there isn't enough scenes where the two of them are together... I wanted more. Both are smart and intelligent characters. I do feel that FL needed a little more saving than I like, esp. since she's such a strong character. Everyone said the ending and the last 10 -15 episodes were horrible. I didn't think they were horrible but they do feel rushed and some decisions were uncharacter-like. The leads have such strong trust throughout the whole drama, that it didn't feel right when at the end, there was mistrust. I wish the ending was better. They suffered so much that I wish they could end up happy. I became a big fan of Chen Kun after watching this drama, and his character, Ning Yi, is one of my favorite MLs.
The music complemented the drama well, and this is the first drama that I realized not many songs where played throughout the drama. It's just enough to convey and support the scenes, but not overwhelming enough that every time an emotional scene comes up, you hear the same songs playing over and over again.
I would not recommend this show to someone who doesn't like angst and politics. It's definitely a very angsty melodrama but the acting is superb.
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A drama that ages like fine wine
The first time I watched this drama, I was quite disappointed with the ending. How could someone as intelligent and brave as Feng Zhiwei just end her life like that? After all she went through, I thought it was a waste and a weird change of character. And for Ning Yi, after all his struggles, the ending felt like an empty goal achieved in becoming Emperor. But perhaps that is part of the story? Can an emperor be fated to have true love? Fast forward about 5 years and with all the things I have been through, watching this again I have a new understanding of this drama. If I look carefully, the seeds of Zhiwei's depression and ultimate decision to end things were sown throughout the drama.It's hard to summarize this very long tale of 2 very multifaceted people fated to meet and fall in love but not to share a lifetime with each other. There's a lot of court/palace politics and drama that take a while to churn, but when things get going, they really come out in an exciting, satisfying fashion.
The production is beautiful - unmatched for me in recent years in C drama land. Great use of music - not overbearing. Some of the editing is uneven in parts, and the latter parts can be hard to watch for those wanting a happy ending. However, there is a tragic beauty in it as well that I can appreciate as I am getting older - although I would never want anyone in this day and age to suffer from depression as Zhiwei did.
Definitely worth the watch and re-watch. I haven't found a drama since quite like this one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Let me start by saying that I absolutely loooooooved this drama. Whats more, I read somewhere that it is loosely connected to the drama Legend of Fuyao (which I loved too). The FL is supposed to be the last descendant of Wuji and Fuyao.Cast
How could I not know Chen Kun. His acting was just woooow! I loved all his expressions and his deep raspy voice. I think he was born to play the role of Ning Yi. Ning Yi is supposed to be 26-28 in the drama but Chen Kun's portrayal of him was of someone older. I'm not saying this coz Chen Kun is in his 40s (So hot for a man that age) but because the character was so much mature and calculating and strategic that only comes with age and experience.
Ni Ni is definitely on my list of favorite actresses. She was just awesome as Zhu Wei and Wei Zhu. Even when she cross dresses she pulls it off. I usually cringe when females in dramas cross dress and nobody can tell that it is a girl. Oh btw in the drama, people who had met the FL as a female could tell who she was even when she dressed as a male. Every time Ni Ni cried in the drama I cried with her.
I think all the other casts were perfect as well. I really liked the emperor although he is an antagonist and headmaster Xin. Even the bad guys did a good job coz I really hated them. I think the one I hated the most was the 7th prince because he started all nice and innocent but was a scheming b. I also thought that there weren't any unnecessary characters because usually in other dramas there are side plots with their own little romances that bore me to death.
Plot
The plot is not very unique. Its about princes fighting for the throne but I liked how cunning and strategic the ML was. The villains were cunning too which kept me on edge. I hated the whole bloody pagoda coz they just appeared everywhere and contributed little to the whole plot except to make the fact that the FL was forbidden love for the ML. I loved the fact that the FL wasn't an airhead and could actually contribute especially to the ML. There aren't many cool fighting scenes in this drama. I also love the fact that the people around the ML were very loyal to him, even people who intended to betray him like the eunuch sent to spy on Ning Yi by the emperor.
Romance
The romance here is slow burn and they just kiss once but the leads chemistry was sizzling. This is the romance I like where the leads are not all kissy kiss but can communicate their love by gazing into each other's eyes. Also they loved and trusted each other and were very understanding. And pet names. Little raccoon. Aww I loved it when the leads give pet names to their significant other.
Minor Spoiler ***Although FL married prince Helian she repeatedly expressed how she loved Ning Yi. Although circumstances forced them to never be a couple they acknowledged the love they had for each other and constantly worried, cared and were there for each other. I like how the FL believes that the ML would never do something wrong and evil, although this does not apply to the last two episodes. Spoiler end***
Costumes
I liked the costumes, they were all colorful and eye catching. Although I didnt like the ML's costumes most of the time. They were either too loose on him or made him have a pot belly. And did anyone laugh at his stripped pants. They looked like pajamas. At first I didn't like his long hair either but I grew to like it. But the emperors, the other princes and other characters all had good costumes. I especially like the FLs wedding costume and anything she wore as a female.
OST
Did I mention how much I love when I come to know that the leads sing their own OST. NiNi sings the ending OST and that makes the drama more endearing to me. I wouldn't download the tracks and listen to them but the OST and other music in the drama flowed with the story and was pleasant to hear.
Overall
Will def re-watch this drama. Although I hear many say that the last couple of episodes aren't good I choose to disagree. It was slow but it provided the closure needed minus the whole bloody pagoda/slave market which could have been skipped. Also I'm not a huge fan of the ending either but I understand and since I expected the worst sorta accept it. PS I feel that the title of the drama has no connection to the story.
Edit: Chen Kun's expressions specially when he s being sad, petulant are that of a 26 year old or someone much younger. But since he clearly doesn't look 26 sometimes It comes off as overacting (which I honestly didn't mind). But I am curious about something, often in the palace Ning YI assumes this look of I am just a poor, harmless little innocent boy while the next minute he looks at the antagonist with a look that says, I'm all schemey and ruthless inside. It reminds me of when Gus and Shawn from Psych turn their backs and try to figure stuff out. Its hilarious coz although it looks good on camera If I were in the palace I would see though Ning Yi.
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Ning Yi...one of the most complex character in a C-drama
This drama has it all, amazing production, intelligent dialogues, heart-thumping moments, attention-keeping palace plots, good-looking people and costumes, explosive chemistry between the different protagonists and antagonists ...The director together with the actors have been able to create pure magic in their characterization and in weaving the complicated interactions by them.
The actress NiNi in her portrayal of both Wei Jhi and Feng Jhi Wei brings a lot of freshness to the dark character of Ning Yi as well of the Emperor. Her character is really an intelligent and smart. Her easy camaraderie, her dignity, her sorrows and her longing for her love really seeps through Ni Ni's portrayal. This is the making of a fine actress when she very naturally seem to behave, walk, talk like a young lady, like a man as well as be the very feminine, sad Jhi Wei later. A big Kudos to her.
But what makes this drama so special is the character of Ning Yi. In fact, the whole drama pivots on Ning Yi. He is one of the most complex character that I have so far seen in Chinese drama. He is so cunning, ruthlessly plotting his way to revenge and towards his path to reunite Tiansheng and towards becoming the Emperor. Yet, he is so tormented with self-doubts, by his innate wish to be a good and righteous person, by his vulnerabilities towards his mother, the Emperor (his father) and the woman he loves, by his plotting debates and banter with his true friend Xin Ziyang. Chen Kun did a fabulous job in portraying and giving dimensionality to this character. Though he is quite short (in terms of height), his portrayal of the character make him seem larger than the screen. I am on my third binge-rewatch of this drama. I just cannot get enough to look at all his facial and body expressions.
Love, Love, Love this drama.
Of course, the last part is not well executed and this unfortunately, seems to be rather common to C-Dramas. For this reason, I will not even comment on it nor allow it to influence my overall appreciation of the drama.
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Everything about this drama is subtle, especially the relationship between the characters. A gesture here, a look there. They are built up on unspoken words and hidden meanings. The connection I felt I had with the characters was profound and I really felt their joy and their soul-wrenching pain. It has such a wonderful balance between light, silly comedic moments; peaceful, tranquil moments; high adrenaline action; heavy, serious moments and times when your heart breaks. It's balance incarnate.
The script is philosophical, poetic and highly intellectual. It is not an easy watch, but will take you deeper down the rabbit hole with each episode. I have rewatched this drama about four times. Each time I watch it I peel back another layer of meaning and notice more details that I didn't notice before. Masterpiece is the only word I can use. It is flawless. In fact, it doesn't fall prey to a lot of cliches in Chinese dramas, for example, the female characters are not infantilized but rich, complex characters in their own right.
Last but not least, the sets and costumes are out of this world, breathtakingly beautiful. Feng Zhiwei's and Ning Yi's clothing, down to the smallest detail, are mind blowing. The sets, even the lighting, is elegant in a very Chinese way. Really exceptional drama.
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An Epic, Intense, Mesmerizing Drama
THE RISE OF PHOENIXES was a highly worth while series to watch. Beautiful aesthetics, with a superb attention to detail, breathtaking historical settings and costumes, plus acting unlike anything I've seen in recent years. Truely superb! I can't explain the sense of realism this series conveys, it feels so genuine, mainly due to the skills of the stars, but also due to the level of detail and passion in the writing of the story and characters, as well as in the visual scenery, costumes, setting etc.The story was very moving in itself, both thrilling and compelling. Years after tragic events took place in the kingdom, after the treacharous changing of an empire, a banished and useless prince moves out of the shadows and a young woman tries to defy destiny, but both become tangled in a tale masterfully woven. Highly addictive and hard to look away.
The Rise of Phoenixes was so rich and beautifully constructed, drawing you in, deeper into the web. This tale is so complex and brilliant, filled with memorable characters, suspense, political intrigue, court power struggles, epic strategy, romance, tragedy. So many characters were wonderfully played, whether you loved or hated them, the acting is all excellent. Character chemistry was excellent, love, hatred, rivalry, friendships...all very well portrayed.
Lead Actor Kun Chen (Ning Yi, Prince of Chu) and Actress Ni Ni (Feng Zhiwei/Wei Zu) made great leads in this series. I've since become a die hard fan of them both. Both stars were absolutely brilliant in their acting abilities. The character of Ning Yi was deeply complex and mesmerizing to watch. Kun Chen played his character with masterful skill, conveying vast amounts of expression, emotion and intelligence into his part. I can't describe how hypnotic he was in this role. There's something about his mannerisms that are so deeply compelling with eyes that seem to see everything and stare into your soul. Those eyes of his are some of the most expressive eyes I've ever seen too.
Ning Yi is a deeply brooding one, passionate and fierce, yet calm and restrained at the same time. His character is a very complex one, driven by revenge but also by a deep sense of justice. You truely feel that Ning Yi is a character with a deeply fascinating mind. And he was able to be quite unpredictable. I was won over by him pretty early on.
Actress Ni Ni played her part beautifully, able to believably change gender roles and personality depending on her identity in the series. As the young Feng Zhiwei she is bright and witty, full of laughter and sweetness and high spirit. As her male persona Wei Zu, she was clever and studious, cunning and direct. She is always brilliant and beautiful. As she steps up into higher classes she carries herself ever with more grace and poise, and all the while never loosing her spirit. I found myself entranced by her as well. She is such a highly skilled actress and played her role so believably. All the leads, as well as many of the side characters, we're brilliant in their parts as well.
This series far exceeded my initial expectations. It has a great mixture of the epic story of classic C-Dramas, (master storytelling, depthful characters, tradegy, mystery, intrigue, romance) but with a keen eye to historic detail and masterful cinomatography to boot. There's a great balance of serious and humor within the series as well.
I was slightly apprehensive going in, worried the western (Netflix) influence might have altered the series but was deeply satisfied with the results. It was truely an epic series that will definitely win more worldwide audiences over to appreciate the complexity of Asian dramas. You can tell good money went into this masterful production. Everything seemed to have such care taken. For a drama it felt uncannily realistic, believable, addictive, gorgeous to watch, seemingly painstakingly crafted. Definitely not one to miss!
Overall this series was truely unforgettable and not one to miss if you are a fan of historical C-Dramas; especially epic sweeping series filled with power struggles and political intrigue, court drama and scandel, darkly tragic romance and thrilling, intelligent storytelling that you keeps you always on the edge. Seriously worth several watches. This left me craving more...
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This review may contain spoilers
When a masterpiece meets a cliff..
To start off my takes on this series let’s just all come together and agree on the one undeniable strength of this drama, the tone.This drama is best to be labeled as “Spicy”. Easily one of the strongest characterizations I’ve seen yet. The leads being my favorite duo to hit the screen. The back and forth, tease-like bond, mature yet suspenseful tension between one another doesn’t give enough justice to them.
The support characters is nothing to scoff at either, with great humanized actions and reactions with fierce pacing that will have you on the edge of your seat. Almost everyone has their own goals, ambition, and reasoning behind their actions, which btw, are mirrored to their own personalities.
The story is mix of some well known series alot of us seen already, but it takes these premises and themes and executes it with its own personality with perfection, UNTIL, it doesn’t..
Well, well, well. If it isn’t my arch nemesis seen in 95% lengthy cdramas, the falling action. Let’s admit it to ourselves that the quality of this series’ writing has drastically fallen after it’s 50 episode mark. You’re tackled with so many inconveniences yet in VERY convenient timing, inconsistencies in almost every character worth mentioning, plot devices for the sake of forced narrative direction, and to top all of those off, underused/simplified and characters so bland or cheap that it’s borderline impossible to sympathize or understand their drive towards their actions.
To say this drama isn’t worth the watch simply because of the last few arcs would be a lie. Create a plot diagram of the Introduction, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Now replace the words leading up to the climax with Episodes 1-50. Then episodes 51-70 with down to the Resolution. That best explains the quality of this drama. A phenomenal build up that meets the peak of the mountain, only to take it’s own life with a slow, unfortunate downfall.
The first Periodic Cdrama I’ve managed to finish and thoroughly enjoy for the most part. Like many, I’m grateful for the unforgettable journey.
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Dragged me to disappointment
Definitely one of the most disappointing asian dramas I have watched. I waited and waited for it to pick up but it kept dragging and instead, it became ridiculous. The story went all over the place and every single character turns out to be the worst version of themselves. I didn't like how they turned into cry babies. It felt like I was watching a mexican telenovela where there's a crying scene for every two minutes. Too much victim mentality and wallowing in self pity. The two lead actors did have chemistry but the writers build tension with so much teasing and bantering that when they finally got together, it felt really underwhelming. Now, one of the few good things of this show is the actor playing emperor. He was outstanding! His facial expressions, his hand gestures, his voice - all of it was on point. Everything is what I imagined an emperor would be like. That is some top notch acting right there! Ning Qi is also good. He was a really effective villain. Ning Yi had his moments but some scenes seemed a bit over done. Feng Zhiwei could be played by any other actress and I couldn't care less. Nothing remarkable about the actor. The set is well-produced. Cinematography is good. Poor writing ruined it. It was quite obvious that the writers were in a hurry towards the end. They kept dragging the story only to rush it towards the last 10 episodes. I usually like sad films and shows (Ruyi and Mr. Sunshine) but this one is such a letdown.Was this review helpful to you?
