I loved it!!!!!!!
There is so much romance!!! The story always surprises you, oh I absolutely loved this!!!!!!!!!!!! The romance is incredible! They have chemistry! I want to see them together in another series!!! This male lead in his uniform is completely astonishing!!! I love the female lead too, she is humble and powerful and great! I hope to see more series like this with the romance over the top and all of that. Some parts were a bit scary like when thr antagonist was in the screen but he is so scary! Hahaha still I just loved this series! There is action, great effects! Great actors, the music is magical! Thank you for this amazing series!!!!! I love all the actors. ??????? The song is beautiful!!! I want to find it!Was this review helpful to you?
Off the charts chemistry
I just finished binging this show over 5 days, yes all 55 episodes and didn't skip anything. I know this drama has mixed reviews as some would prefer more romance, but I personally enjoyed the slow burn romance. The chemistry between Lu Yi and Jin Xia was truly off the charts, and even though I didn't go into the drama thinking that Ren Jia Lun was very attractive, I have now come out a huge fan. His gaze is irresistible.. I could've gone without some of the romance from the side characters but that's alright. Don't sleep on this drama!Was this review helpful to you?
A sweet slow burn detective romance with well developed supporting characters and subplots
This is a gem of a detective romance historical. I've watched a couple of this genre (Miss Truth, Maiden Holmes--both I liked very much too) but this is the first one that is of this length (55 episodes) which allowed for expansion of subplots and supporting characters' growths. When watching this show, you'll want to pay attention. Skipping through will take you out of the mystery and investment in characters. This drama is kind of like if our main characters (and supporting characters) went on side quests (in this case, on cases) and all of it relates back to the main plot of fighting the antagonists. The majority of the show is the characters on that journey and away from the capital where the ministers and emperor live.There are some focus on the political plot and several names--that I personally never quite connected to who is who--but I like that it's not a big mess about ministers fighting and scheming against one another. It's mostly one main clan/villain group from the ministers VS our main characters. When the story show scenes about those ministers, emperor, and talking, it doesn't take too long. The main focus is the characters figuring out mysteries in the cases and trying to get evidence to fight the antagonist.
Allen and Seven's acting and chemistry as Lu Yi and Yuan Jinxia is a perfect combo. Allen plays a perfect cold stoic imperial guard who gradually shows his feelings. Seven's Jinxia is lovable with perfect comedic timing and also perfect tearful and sorrowful expressions. Her tears make me want to cry too. And she can fight! Like actually fight and hold her ground. A lot of times, the FL is written to be clever but not able to physically fight, which is frustrating as then she becomes a bit of a burden and in need of saving. Jinxia generally fights her way through things and it's only through the real tough situations that she needs saving from. (In fact, she saves the male lead a couple times! Love it.)
This is your classic dislike-to-love couple and their slow burn romance is well done. Truly, I think this is one of the slowest burn romances I've seen in a Chinese drama. They're not going to fall in love within the 5th or 10th or even 15th episode lol but all the set-up of trust and believing in each other's capability is there and it's SO good. It's well written and organic.
The supporting characters too had my hearts. One great thing is that the actors really look like characters from this time and era. I don't know how quite to explain it. For some dramas and some actors, they look like they're actors wearing costumes rather than genuine characters in this time setting. I love that the characters in this show all look like genuine characters.
I adore Shangguan's development and her romantic arc with Yang Yue and their romance is also well done.
Xie Xiao is a hilarious character, at times a bit annoying, but endearing.
Lin Ling and Uncle Begger! I adore them too.
Han Dong as Yan Shi Fan, the antagonist/villain, is great; he has such a beautiful face, but he's so evil. I love to hate him because he's such a terrible person with such a beautiful face. Well done, Han Dong! I hate your character so much.
I only have two criticism:
1) the panning into their eyes or fists is not a good directing move. Maybe to general viewers, it's not as abrupt, but I never got used to those cut close-ups. Yes, Allen and Seven's expressive eyes are great, but I would like to see their whole face rather than just their eyes. It's too awkward to see just their eyes personally.
2) Sometimes, the political subplots or the antagonist don't feel connected to the main story with the main characters. It's not as strongly connected. I'll be watching our main characters and then we'll have a cut away to something happening back in the capital and I'm like "oh right, there are some schemes happening here. Forgot about that." Ultimately, our main characters come back to the capital and these schemes become stronger, but I think since our main characters are away for quite a while doing their investigations, the stuff happening at court is put in the back of mind. Also, I think because of this issue that as the series reach about mid-way point, the plot does feel a tiny bit dragging. Because the main characters are off on their own plots, the subplots feel irrelevant and dragging even though it'll become important later.
Overall, a delightful and interesting show with a strong cast and acting. The 55 episodes is a little bit intimidating to get through, so watch this when you're in the mood to pay attention and for detective historicals with slow burn romance.
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The drama is too long to have investigative plot for 55 episodes. Dropping it.
Under the Power was recommended by my friend, so I started watching it, and I am dropping it after 13 episodes for the following reasons:1. It is too long, 55 episodes.
2. It is too long to watch the lead CP investigate corruption/mysterious murder for that long without any other twist.
3. I love Seven Tan but think Allen Ren is not good. He is a one-dimensional actor with the same facial expression for every emotional or non-emotional scene.
4. The pairing of them is not that great.
Nowadays, I have no patience for anything over 40 episodes unless it is split into two parts or has great plots and good pairing CP like Who Rules the World or Love like the Galaxy, or the Rebel Princess (which has 68 episodes, and the acting is good.)
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Ren Jialun played as Lu Yi (LY) is so perfect. Even though he have like sour face for almost the entire drama, but i really feel his face even though sour but still likeable ^_^. His sour face can't make us hate or make our eyebrow flinch with not like :p. I really like the changing in his character. From really cold & strict to the book, he even not slightly soft with Yuan Jin Xia (JX) who is he know is a girl, to became soft and approachable, especially when he with JX we can see the face became so much softer. I also like how the writer show us LY struggle in the last episode where he have to protect JX but at the same time he didn't want to hurt JX.
This is the second time i watch Seven Tan, i really like her, will gonna see her other drama. I like her character JX, she is goofy, tomboy but also sensitive & a little bit sly sometimes ^_^. Like when she want to trick Lin Ling to treat LY with the gun.
Like ChineseDramaFan i also rarely to like an antagonist. The character Yan Shi Fan (SF) played by Han Dong is perfect. Even though he so vicious but somehow he didn't make me hate him like other antagonist character. SF himself really arrogant to the core, even until the last where LY arrest him, he still not show regret or fear, not even just a little bit.
The only one i really can't stand in this drama is the water scene. Oh that water scene really hurt my eyes. So so bad.... The other still ok.
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Rare worthy drama; CP with great rapport & chemistry
You can be put off by the length of drama ( i try to stick to Cdramas less thn 40episodes) BUTThese are why you should give this drama a try:
1. Leads that have something special in terms of character: ML, Lu Yi is someone not just cool but ice cold when it comes to criminal, ruthless and unfeeling as req by his job. He doesn't spare much attention to other things but work to be done, criminals and spies to be caught and justice fulfilled. He's a skilled martial artist but he isn't invincible. He is intelligent and cunning but careful and meticulous. FL is daring, has good tracking skills, is bold but can sweet talk and change her tune to save her own hide. She's also a skilled martial artist as trained by her master and can defend herself. She has an infectious personality and like her name last word means Summer) exuded warmth.
2. Story/plot: The first few episodes developed very well. In very few scenes we got the gist of the main characters. It was vy engaging. And although the Male and Female leads started on the wrong foot, their negative interactions were magnetic. The cases and how ML-FL goes abt solving them adds mystery and intrigue and also becomes the mechanisms that lets the leads understand and overcome their initial misconceptions abt each other. Ep 1 to 45: the story was fantastic, rarely boring. I even like the secondary love story although that arc had some repetitive elements but the 2characters was worthy of your time to see to their own happy ending
3. The love story: Its rare that an investigation, historical C drama can develop such a moving and deep love story. Rarer still that ML and FL are on the same wavelength. Their every interaction was like pilling stone upon stone..until it becomes a strong fort of its own
With each passing case and time working along each other: trust, bond and understanding was built. ML begins to find sth else other than work and crime thats interesting. He begins to have reason for good mood and his smirk turns to fleeting smile. His eyes usually cold and shrewd becomes warm when he looks at the FL. FL comes to understand him. Admires ML's intelligence, sense of justice and finds theres that someone that she could rely on. He would have her back. As the story progresses, the depth and lengths they each go to protect one another (in dangerous situation, in sickness and death) shows how devoted they are to each other. Despite my description, their interactions are sometimes really cute and funny and sweet. You have to watch it to get what i mean
4. The acting: Perfection for the scoring and I couldn't deduct. Tan Song Yun was always likable as an actress but this her role as Yuan Jin Xia was the best yet. She gave life, warmth and depth to her character. Ren Jia Lun was new to me but oh boy did they made an excellent casting in him..he made Lu Yi outstanding. I'm calling this duo Big Eye Couple. And they put their eyes to beautiful use. They were so good with the eye gazing.. so much emotion conveyed even when little or no words were spoken. That chemistry that they could develop from just glancing at each other or smiling at each other or conveying fear was hands down amazing.. it made so many scenes moving and oh so unforgettable. Han Dong was a brilliant antagonist, he was really fleshed out and not your typical puppet villain.. he was scary in intensity, in his cunning and psychotic personality.
Why i deduct little on the score.
Ep 46 to 54: I didn't like the final arc of the story. I felt birth secret thing that was revealed and the repercussion from it detracted the beauty of the story. It was there for heart wrenching and sad reasons. Yet It took away the precious beautiful thing between the leads. Ep 55 was a rewarding episode. That mooncake scene was brilliantly written and delivered beautifully. It concluded well but perhaps a bit rushed.. given the hardships they faced (and viewers had to bear) last 8 episodes it would have been nice if we were given a bigger reward.
Rewatch: I already missed the leads. I love how FL is very open with her affections for ML and openly admires and admits her admiration for him. Given how cold he was in the beginning, his first confession was really moving. And later on how he surprises her when he doesn't mince his words to convey how important she is to him. So worth rewatching.
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This review may contain spoilers
LU YI & JIN XIA FAMILY COMPLICATION
Love the comedy, action, social standing on background story of this drama. I love Allen Ren and Seven Tan, they're so cute together. One had OCD and the other one was free spirited - a girl whose appreciated the value of money. There were great interaction to get to know each other better, support and sacrifice and in love. Implacable Lu Yi was so gorgeous in his layer of robes, could't see speck of dirt. Being in uniform, Lu Yi was the best dressed officer as far as I am concern but when he's out of layers - he's not buffed at all - just a skinny lad. Seven Tan delivered her character very smoothly, I think Lu Yi fallen in love with her in how much Jin Xia always found reasons to touch him. Kind of the breath of fresh air after so many C-drama stories were about intrigue, greed, power, and jealousy. I love the dynamic relationship between Lu Yi and Jin Xia, not just the cuteness together but also professionalism when they're on the job. Besides 2 ML, Han Dong (Yan Shi Fan) and Li Qin Qin (Jin Xia's adopted mom) did amazing with their characters.It's dragging the whole Japanese pirates case or zombies, half of the drama was about it. Jin Xia found out Lu Yi's father was involved of the killing her entire family (& clan) based on the order of Emperor. Although their love affair were blooming and promised to love one another, Lu Yi felt guilt of his father's involvement so he voluntarily went for his execution. Emperor realized his wrongdoing by ordered execution of Jin Xia's family later and pardoned Lu Yi. Yeah, it's complected background causes but the end of story was very fulfilling. I think 55 episodes is way too long - 30 something episodes would be more proportion.....I skipped on not so interesting plots.
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MC is cold but caring. ML is bubbly and smart. There's barely any kiss but the chemistry between the two of them are very good. The ML is a good-looking man, the MC is cute and pretty. Because of this, I have become a fan of the two main leads.
The story is nothing too outstanding but the main characters bought life to this seemingly plain plotline.
When everything was going well, of course, something bad will happen to either the MC or the ML towards the end (which is completely unnecessary). Tbh, I skipped the last episodes and just watched the final ep. Ren Jialun is indeed too handsome ahah.
I seriously love this.
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A slow burner in romance.
The title of this review speaks for itself, although I don't have a problem w the storyline, I don't like how the fl's aunt keeps opposing her ang the ml being together, like his dad was the one doing wrong, not him, why do you have to make things hard for your niece??? Just let her be w whoever she wants. Another minus is that the romance develops really sloooow, so those who want to see lots of kissing scenes or the couple getting together quickly, I'm sorry to disappoint but this finna take a while, but overall the drama is great!Was this review helpful to you?
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Slow burn love story with amazing leads
Just finished watching this last week. A drama with happy ending, beautiful locations, stunning clothing, variable story lines, and mixed of characters/personalities. The embroided gown/uniform was just stunning!! A period/historical/fantasy/romance /love triangle heaven for C-drama lovers.Some spoilers coming next! I wasn't very keen with Lu Yi character at the beginning. He was just a sour resting face guy who wears a stunning embroided gown. He was ruthless, a bit of a snob and thinks very highly of himself. BUT, later on, when he started to smile more and confesses his love to Jin Xia, you can't help falling in love with him too. He is so handsome when he smiles! Jin Xia, on the other hand, was a happy go lucky, ass kicking, albeit a little bit childish and annoying at the beginning, somehow turn into a helpless young woman towards the end, again a bit annoying. It would have been great if her character could be strong all the way throughout the drama. But, happy ending nonetheless (sigh!!)
Couldn't really get into Xie Xioa character at all. He gets to clingy and almost cringe worthy when he was declaring his love to Jin Xia. This guy cannot take no for an answer. Da Yang's romance was watchable and I am glad for a happy ending for them too.
Now, lets talk about the baddie, the one and only Yan Shi Fan. My goodness, he is a nasty piece of work, but with his one green eyes and devil may care demeanour, you can help but love him too (maybe it is just me). His acting was spotless and you can feel the fear in your heart when he flicked his fan.......A tall and handsome bad boy, what more can you asked for.
The opening and ending songs were so good and stuck in your head long after the drama ended. I like it that much, they are both in my playlist now. Really touching songs and Allen Ren singing voice is so haunting and soothing. I like the ending so much, I even re-watched Episode 55 again.
Highly recommended and a must watch C-drama. As for re-watchable - definitely a few re-watchable episodes.
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