This review may contain spoilers
Perfection, even if season 1 ends dramatically.
Yeah, yeah, another fan is writing a review and rambling about it. lol*Story*
I was thoroughly engrossed in this drama. The storyline was captivating, and its ability to hold my attention was unparalleled. Each episode was masterfully crafted to add mystery and intensity to the plot, leaving me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. I was so invested in the characters and the story that I binge-watched all 46 episodes in one go, completely glued to my screen.
This drama is a true masterpiece, as it encompasses all the necessary elements to make it a thrilling experience. From the complex and intriguing plot to the romantic subplots that will leave you breathless, from the gripping drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the humorous moments that will lighten up the atmosphere - this drama has it all. It is a perfect blend of various emotions and genres that will keep you hooked and entertained from start to finish.
*memorable scene*
- 100 poems night ep 27
*Casting*
ML was fantastic! His acting skills were undeniably remarkable, and he portrayed his character with wit, humour, intelligence, and an overall lovable personality. All the other actors and actresses were equally impressive, but I must give a special mention to the Emperor who was simply outstanding. From the beginning, I knew that he was undoubtedly the protagonist's father and his objectives were to test him to be his successor. That's my take on Season 2 anyways, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. I must also highlight the exceptional performance of the child who played the lead role. Wow. Just wow.
Season 1 of "Joy of Life" was broadcasted in 2019, the same year as "The Untamed," which starred Xiao Zhan. Although I adored him in "The Untamed," I must say that I wasn't as impressed with his character in "Joy of Life." Perhaps it's because his role didn't allow him to shine as much, and his supporting role as a villain didn't help matters either. His character never allowed him to smile, and we know that his smile is his trademark. There are rumors that he has been replaced for Season 2, but we'll have to wait and see.
*Director, production*
An exceptional drama is one that encompasses a variety of important factors. First and foremost, a great script is essential to hook the audience and keep them engaged throughout the storyline. The right actors and actresses are also crucial, as they bring the characters to life and add depth to the drama. A budget that allows for wow factors such as stunning costumes, an impressive movie set, special effects, lot of extras and martial arts choreography can also elevate the drama to the next level.
However, even with all of these elements in place, the drama can still fall flat without a clear vision from the director. The director's vision must be cohesive and consistent throughout the drama to ensure that everything comes together seamlessly. Additionally, edits must be done with precision and skill to avoid any jarring or disjointed transitions. With all of these factors working in harmony, an exceptional drama can be created that captivates and enthralls its audience.
*Love story*
The drama's plot does not revolve around romance, but the main lead (ML) falls in love with a beautiful young girl at first sight. After a few misunderstandings, they get engaged. Amidst political challenges, the girl becomes part of a small circle of people that ML trusts. However, hints dropped in season 1 suggest that the story will not have a happy ending and that the martial artist QI girl (Haintang) will play a significant role in the romantic aspect of the drama. This is my interpretation, but nothing is confirmed. It is obvious to me that the emperor of Qi is a woman. I am wondering the story behind this. Rumors say there is more to her and ML.
This drama is not centered around love. Love is only a political accessory. So it will be interesting to see this part unfold in next seasons which I believe is a trilogy.
*music*
Once in a while a drama produces music that I become obsessed with. It happened with “Eternal Love”, “Faith”, “Love like the Galaxy”… and “Timeless” sung by Xiao Zhan. I had no idea the images were from Joy of Life. This clip video is a masterpiece, plain and simple.
*cons, inconsistencies*
In my opinion, the modern-day part where the guy explains his story and the last part when we are back to the modern days were completely unnecessary and added nothing to the storyline. His character is already established as an anomaly due to his mother coming from an advanced technology society. Therefore, his genius intelligence, his knowledge to be out of time and place and photographic memory can be easily explained.
*special effects, martial arts choreography*
The drama was aesthetically pleasing and visually engaging. However, I noticed that there were instances where the edits were not perfectly synchronized and it seemed like they had to use multiple takes to achieve the desired outcome. Despite this, I still believe that the overall production was very well executed and enjoyable to watch.
The sheer magnitude of the budget allocated to this drama is clearly evident in every frame. The attention to detail is impeccable, and nothing seems to be done in a rushed or haphazard manner. The presence of numerous extras in almost every scene adds to the authenticity of the drama, and makes it feel more genuine and immersive. Overall, it is a testament to the high production values and the filmmakers' commitment to delivering a top-notch viewing experience.
*how I understand the story but mostly questions*
The clues are scattered and plentiful, enough to keep me on edge and make me wonder about what, when, how, and who.
**His mother: how and why did she leave her world. I assume she escape something or somebody. She left with a destructive firearm of mass destruction. Why? Why did she leave to find the blind martial artist? She seems to know the past and future. Who killed her? Was she captured by her own world people.
**Blind martial artist: he lost his memory but everything in him looks like a robot. Is he from his mother's world? Who is he?
**Clues: his mothers book which allow people to become master level 10, assuming level 10 is the maximum someone can reach. Where is this book? His mother explained the ice age and the circle of life with the return of the feudal era. How ML knew all these poems? Where did he read them? How hid he get all the past knowledge.
**Divine temple: how the wheeling chair villain know this place? What was his relationship with his mother? Did he kill her and why?
**3 amigos: emperor, wheelchair villain and adopting father… they seemed very close friends in their youth, then his mother married the prince next to be emperor. They seemed to have make a pact of silence
*Conclusion*
I read that this drama is part of a trilogy. I recently watched the trailer for the second season and it appears that we are in for another great ride. However, I also anticipate another bittersweet ending that will lead to the third season (nothing confirmed yet, my own assumption ). Despite my general preference for happy endings, I am willing to make an exception for this show, which I consider to be a true masterpiece.
As someone who recently watched the first season of this drama, I consider myself lucky that I did not have to wait for five long years for the second season. According to rumors, the second season is set to be aired in mid-2024, which is quite a long time from now. However, I can say with utmost certainty that this drama is one of the best out there and is definitely worth the wait. The plot, the characters, and the overall production are all top-notch, making it memorable and highly recommended for anyone who loves dramas. In fact, I would even say that it's a must-watch and rewatch for anyone who enjoys good storytelling and quality entertainment.
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Plot:
Despite being 46 episodes, the plot was somehow very tight and felt pretty fast-paced. The storyline was constantly evolving and changing, and there was something exciting and new happening in every episode. Usually, in dramas, I feel that the plot is predictable; however, nothing is as it seems in this drama and I felt genuine suspense and surprise. The details and complexity of the drama keep you on edge, as each layer is pulled back in every episode.
Characters:
The characters are amazing. Each character felt very unique and well developed as every character has multiple very different sides to them. All the actors and actresses did a wonderful job portraying the characters. Although, most characters didn't have many scenes (apart from the lead) every one of the characters were important to the plot and had a role in moving the story. The characters are very well developed where every antagonist was able to make me feel empathy and sorrow for them at some point. The main actor (Zhang Ruoyun) for the protagonist (Fan Xian) did an amazing job of portraying the character and his microexpressions made the character feel that much more real. I liked how the main character was not perfect and did not know everything, and at times he was very flawed. My favourite characters were Fan Xian's brother Fan Sizhe, his uncle Wuzhu, and Haitang Duoduo. Fan Sizhe was so funny, every time he entered a scene I would always laugh out loud. Wuzhu was just so cool yet cute, every time he had a fight scene my eyes would always be on him. Haitang Duoduo was such an amazing female character and she is also just so cool. She was a good fighter but was also genuine and did what made her happy.
Directing, editing and screenwriting:
I honestly think that the editing was a bit reason why this drama was so good. The editors did an amazing job and were able to perfectly combine funny and serious scenes. The screenwriters were very clever and are able to build up the plot then unravel a bit, before building it even more, then unravelling a bit, before building it to the peak. The directing was beautiful and the fight scenes have been some of the best fight scenes I have seen in a while. The fight scenes were all very well choreographed and the special effects used within them felt very natural and fitting. Honestly, the fight scenes were just so cool and reignited my want to learn martial arts.
Anyways, I made this account just to review this drama because I loved it so much. I highly recommend this drama and you should 10/10 watch Joy of Life!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Far better than almost all other Chinese dramas
Joy of Life is the rare Chinese drama that manages to be succinct, thematically cohesive, well-plotted and populated with well-written characters. It has a fairly long episode count but it makes use of each of them and doesn't drag. When I was watching this for the first time I was astounded by how many firsts I was experiencing. It is the only Chinese drama I have ever watched that has truly compelling scheming. The only drama with an emperor whose scenes I don’t want to skip. The main lead is so three-dimensional he seems to be coming alive. The world itself feels huge, but also deep — and Chinese fantasy worlds almost never do. They show a restraint with the CGI that makes it more immersive, rather than cheapening the story with poor quality graphics. When I finished it I was satisfied, but I was also very sad because I realized that I would probably never see another drama like it. With the exception, hopefully, of season two! Joy of Life is so well realized that it makes other dramas feel flat and thin in comparison.The drama would not work nearly as well if that hadn’t cast Zhang Ruo Yun as Fan Xian. This character has to embody the show. He has to feel like a relatable everyman while also being super intelligent and charming. He has to be powerful while also feeling vulnerable, so you’re scared for him. He has to surprise his opponents and overcome obstacles set against him time and time again, seemingly against all odds. ZRY absolutely pulls it off. He is enigmatic and energetic and very funny while also handling the darker and more serious aspects of the drama.
A particular side note for Chen Doaming as the Emperor. This is hands down, bar none, the best performance I have seen of an emperor in any tv show I have ever watched. He is powerful, intimidating and sometimes cruel without ever resorting to being a tyrant and having a scene where he cuts off a peasant's head, or something. He feels like he's emperor not because he was born into the royal family, but because he was meant to be emperor. It feels like no matter where or when he was born or what status he was, somehow he would end up becoming emperor. He is so imposing and exudes so much weight on screen that you hang on every word he says. But he's not just scary, he's also funny and can be strangely warm. He is always a few steps ahead of everyone else and always seems to know what's going on, in a way that makes you love him more and also be more frightened for Fan Xian. I also love that he is almost always in what appears to be his pyjamas? Or at least his lounge wear? and in his private chambers. We never see him in his full emperor's attire or in his big hall or prancing around -- he is so regal and so clearly in charge that he just reads documents in his study and the whole kingdom comes trembling in when he calls. INCREDIBLE stuff. Truly magnetic.
The rest of the cast is also excellent, filled to the brim with upcoming and new talent as well as seasoned, legendary actors. Everyone is bringing a spark to their role, making even guest appearances meaningful. Wu Gang is wonderful as the tricky, slippery Chen Ping Ping. He, the emperor and Fan Xian make up the central trio of the show, three powers that are not necessarily in opposition, but are constantly They give legitimacy and depth to their roles and storylines, and they up the stakes tremendously. There are also supporting characters that really shine, Wayne Wang as Teng Zi Jing and Tian Yu as Wang Qi Nian are especially wonderful, but really there are so many great characters that I can't name them all. It's because they are all so great that you become so emotionally invested in the show. You never feel the need to fast-forward so we can 'get back to the main character'.
The story really rips along, upping the stakes and increasing the complexity at every turn. As it does so, the great cast fills everything out and makes you really care about the characters and their plights. As the story unfolds things get weirder and weirder, and the consequences become greater, and yet the story never really loses its joy and comedy. I am often left frustrated by historical dramas that start off very light and fun and become gloomy and tragic by the end. Even though I love a good tragedy, I also often feel that the drama isn't as good the darker it gets. However, even though Joy of Life CERTAINLY has strife, tragedy and darkness in it, the brightness we get at the beginning never goes away completely, no matter what's happening. Tonally, that's a juggling act that few dramas can pull off, but this one did. It can be deeply moving and emotional as well as incredibly funny all in the same episode.
A few things that weren't as good or that I know bothered some other viewers: The character of Lin Wan'er feels flat and underdeveloped, which is sad because she is a good actress who deserves a good role. In season two I hope that her role gets expanded and her character can gain some depth so that she will feel like a better match to Fan Xian. I do love their romance, which I think is magical and sweet, and they have good chemistry, but she becomes a bit redundant. I don't just want a weak, one dimensional invalid as basically the only woman in the show! Give me some better writing please!
Additionally, I think some people weren't expecting this to be as fantastical as it is, and were put off by it. This world feels like a heightened reality. The weird secret societies, people with incredible powers, the time travel (??), the encounter with heaven (??) -- all these things feel natural and enjoyable if you're prepared for them. If you go into this show expecting a Serious Historical Epic you will be disappointed. That is not what this show is. It's a fantasy comedy drama that is honestly more enjoyable, intelligent, well-acted and suspenseful than 90% of the dramas that I have seen in the last five years, regardless of country or genre.
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Truth to be told, Fan Xian ain’t exactly a likeable character. The more I thought about his actions, the more pretentious he seemed - to the point I was actually anticipating someone putting him in place, even if just temporarily. For someone who just wants to live a joyful life, he did not try to avoid the attention. For someone who wanted to fight the corrupt, he was too good at manipulating others and using them to his advantage.
Even tho I was not on board with him as a person, I still extremely enjoyed his character. I do believe the simping over him from other characters was a bit too much, but there is no doubt - he was that charming.
By the end of the show I had my favorites: Emperor, Ruo Ruo, Teng Zi Jing and Shen Zhong. Seeing how some of these characters are not even the mains, and add to the story for a limited period of time, it shows how much care was put into making even supporting and side characters 3 dimensional, with their own arcs and depth.
Character wise, I have only one complaint: Wan’er. It’s not that I disliked her, I was just painfully indifferent to what her story is. For the majority of the drama she was passive, playing more or less just the role of Fan Xian “kindergarten” like love interest. That said, her character was the center of one of my favorite scenes from Joy of Life so she gain few pints form me.
I’m sure I am not the only one who thinks the characters were the best part. With how well written they were, how unique and entertaining their interactions were presented, no scene felt redundant.
The story itself was truly well paced. Probably one of the best pacings from any Chinese show I have seen. The comedy bits were funny and well spread throughout the show. Joy of Life provides a few emotional scenes, but they never hit me hard - mostly because they were not set up well. It’s hard to get emotional, when literally seconds ago I was laughing on the floor coz of the over the top fighting choreography.
The fighting scenes themselves were another aspect that was either hit or miss. Some were perfect, some far from it. Overall, I liked them all, either because I was impressed or entertained.
The drama is full of plot twists, it’s hard to predict characters’ motivations and future plans. Some twists were brilliantly planned, with clues scattered throughout the plot, some came out of nowhere, being completely impossible to predict, only guess (the type I myself quite dislike).
Sadly, the ending left a lot to desire. It was just anticlimactic and infuriating to me as a viewer. More about it in the comment section under spoiler.
Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable ride that led to nowhere and doesn’t make me want to continue the journey - I am off this train. I feel like season 2 will clown me at the end too, leaving me annoyed and forced to watch last season, and I’m not up for it.
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Amazing!
I watched this drama right after The Long Ballad. First 10 minutes of ep1 I thought why this drama has high ratings then I was hypnotised by wonderful acting, great music, story itself at times can be too much to follow but how clever! The cinematography is magical, fight scenes are so cool. The music plays just at the right time to evoke emotions, so well done! The stories ML tells to FL and you see it in animated at the same time was so good. I was in tears, really captured the emotions there.I have to say one of the most shocking ending I have seen, I could never have seen it coming. I know there is a sequel coming soon but still.. After the end, I had to go back and watch from the beginning. I loved it, I will miss it so much!
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A Mind blowing Experience
This series is an addiction, it's a thrilling ride that never ends till the last second of the 46th Episode. It'll leave you empty & unfulfilled with any other drama. I'm desperately in search of another series with this kind of badass emperor, I often find myself missing the witty, all knowing emperor that could never be manipulated by mere tricks & had a firm grip on power and everyone beneath him.Fan Xian's character is such a well rounded, multi-faceted hero /anti-hero, you'll find yourself rooting for him and wouldn't even mind him having a harem (inside joke for those who have watched this lol)
Every Character is so well written from Chen Ping Ping to Duo Duo and everyone else he meets in the course of the show
I've never watched something so brilliantly written & thoroughly captivating
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All time favorite drama
There is absolutely no fault with this show. The casting is amazing, the storyline is top tier, and the martial arts is really good. My favorite is all the layers that are unwrapped as the show goes on. I was totally invested starting episode 3 (1-2 is more or less backstory) and am really glad to watch this, cant wait for season 2. Another thing is that the drama was not like stone cold humorless, it had the comedic scenes thrown in while mixing with the serious plot line.If your looking for a wuxia/palace type drama blend with a deep plot and witty humor thrown in with fantastic scenes, you have to watch this.
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Far from being the best-looking actor, Zhang Ruo Yun has enough comedic chops and charisma to be the leading man Fan Xian. Now Fan Xian is extremely smart but he is no Gary Stu. He makes mistakes and is not afraid to look silly. He has no real drive and ambition but makes up for it with curiosity and candor. He’s also shamelessly modern. I like watching him throw other characters off balance with his modern attitude and sensibilities. This is a satire of those stuffy historical dramas, much in the same vein as TVB’s “A Step into the Past,” only more sophisticated.
Chen Dao Ming (my reason for picking up this show) does not disappoint. As the Qing emperor, he looks very humbled and more like a hermit than a ruler. Underneath all that is a shrewd and predatory man, a praying mantis lying in wait to strike its victims. That said, he’s still not the scariest guy in the series. The crown prince, played by Zhang Hao Wei, is a psycho with a pretty boy’s face. Wu Gang as Chen Ping Ping is unsettling in the best possible way. He reminds me of another genius actor, Christopher Walken.
Calvin Yu as Shen Zhong is the real star of the second half of the series. He’s cunning, cruel, and always ready to maim and kill at the drop of a hat. He’s also selfless and patriotic. If told from a different point of view, this complex man would be the hero of the story, not a villain.
If you ever get tired of all the politics, watch for the Fan family. They bring a lot of lightness, warmth, and humor to the show. Underneath their petty squabbles and dysfunctions, there is a love and support that many of us can relate to. The actors here carry themselves well, as do most of the cast. The only thing lacking at times is the emotional punch, especially in the romantic scenes.
The plot has many twists and turns, so much that it tied itself into knots. I don’t know if the writers can undo those knots in a realistic, believable way. We will see. I patiently await the sequels.
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There isn’t a lot of joy so I’m not sure why it’s titled that way in English.
The idea that this is a modern man’s story adds a fresh perspective which is refreshing. Points to the music also being modern.
The first 2/3 are interesting and great, Then he goes on a mission and then a dozen new characters get dumped in without any real character development. The last 16 episodes then feel like any other palace intrigue drama with lots and lots of talk and then more and more talk. I wish they found a better way to keep this as fresh as the first part.
Also one plot twist was so freaking obvious that I felt the character was stupid for not seeing it.
Anyway, obviously there’s is a lot more story left since this ends on a cliffhanger.
Despite my drawbacks, I will be tuning in for the next season.
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Now coming to what I did not like. The characters are so short lived except for the main ones. They will start showing a guy and lots of talk about how great or powerful he is and then boom dead or gone or don't appear again. And Few important roles have very limited screen time such as the female lead. And Romance. There is absolutely no chemistry between the leads and I still wonder who really is the female lead. And as the drama progresses, there is just lot of talking about the scheme and it doesn't give you that kick. And for the main character just blurts out everything to his companion whoever it is and everything goes according to his plan throughout the series. I mean come on, give him some unexpected twist or something.
And some point in the story, there are just lot of characters without much meaning. And in such long series, character, suspense everything grows as you progress. But in this case it was just dragging.
Basically they have tried but missed it. It could have been a really good one. But NO, it's not.
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A Masterpiece of Multifaceted Brilliance
"Joy of Life" stands tall as a monumental achievement in the world of television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers around the globe. This series is not just a drama; it's a symphony of storytelling, weaving together a tapestry of emotions, historical intrigue, and human connections that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.Impeccable Character Development:
At the heart of "Joy of Life" are characters so finely crafted that they transcend the screen and become companions in our journey. Fan Xian, portrayed with extraordinary depth by Zhang Ruoyun, is a protagonist who evolves before our eyes, from a witty and cynical outsider to a shrewd strategist navigating the intricate politics of the court. Each supporting character is equally vivid and three-dimensional, adding layers of complexity that mirror the intricacies of real life.
Engaging Plot and Pacing:
The drama's plot is an exquisite blend of genres—historical, political intrigue, romance, and comedy—each enhancing the others. The narrative dances effortlessly between thrilling action sequences, moments of heartfelt connection, and bouts of delightful humor. The pacing is masterful, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while maintaining a balance that allows for meaningful character growth and emotional depth.
Balancing Tension and Humanity:
"Joy of Life" succeeds where many other dramas falter—balancing high-stakes political intrigue with genuine human moments. The show masterfully captures the tension of power struggles within the Tang Dynasty's court while never losing sight of the individuals who shape and are shaped by these machinations. The relationships, both romantic and platonic, are beautifully developed, portraying authentic emotions that resonate deeply.
Breathtaking Visuals and World-building:
The meticulous attention to historical accuracy is evident in every frame of "Joy of Life." The intricate costumes, opulent settings, and sweeping landscapes transport viewers to the Tang Dynasty with a sense of authenticity. The visual storytelling is so vivid that it becomes a character of its own, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
Powerful Themes and Thoughtful Commentary:
Beneath its surface, "Joy of Life" tackles profound themes—identity, ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. It offers astute commentary on power dynamics, the consequences of one's choices, and the true nature of joy amidst adversity. These themes resonate universally, transcending time and cultural barriers.
In conclusion, "Joy of Life" is not just one of the best dramas; it's a monumental work of art that elevates the medium. With its unparalleled character development, intricate plot, emotional depth, and breathtaking visuals, it immerses viewers in a world where history and storytelling converge in perfect harmony. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, complex narratives, or simply the magic of human connection, "Joy of Life" is a journey you won't want to miss.
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This review may contain spoilers
The Ultimate "Trust No One" Drama
When I first came across Joy of Life, I was hesitant to watch it. I looked at the description on Viki and was like, " This sounds like it will have a lot of drama in it. Do I really wanna watch this and potentially get my heart broken by the writers?" I didn't wanna watch it, at first. Then I watched it because I had nothing else to watch and I don't regret watching it. Joy of Life is one of the best Chinese dramas that I've seen in a really long time.Story: The story line is intriguing. I didn't think it was gonna be a guy who was born in the past, but yet he knows about future inventions and the like. That threw me off when I first started watching it. This drama kept me on my toes constantly. You never know who Fan Xian can trust 100%. A lot of people seem to be on his side or want to help him, but they're actually working against him. I just stopped trusting everybody eventually. I couldn't bear to get my hopes up that he had other people he could rely on. He has people he can rely on, but people outside that little circle of trust. I'm glad that there will be a season 2 because that ending blew my mind. I did not see that coming. I should have seen it coming, especially since you shouldn't trust anyone in this drama, but it still blindsided me.
Acting: The acting was awesome! I only looked at who played the male lead and I was excited when I saw that it was Zhang Ruo Yun. I think the first thing I ever saw him in was Medical Examiner Dr. Qin. He was fantastic as Dr. Qin. He was fantastic in this drama. I was excited to see what type of character he would be playing in this drama. He did such a good job. I loved his acting and I love the character. He made me laugh a lot. I will say that I didn't know that Xiao Zhan was in this drama until I looked up the cast list as I was watching the drama. You only hear his voice when you first meet him and it was bugging me because I recognized his voice, but couldn't place it. Then I saw it was him on the cast list and my curiosity was satisfied.
Overall: Basically, Joy of Life is a fantastic drama. It is a drama that has you questioning everyone's motives towards Fan Xian so that does add some suspense to it. It's obvious with who some of the villains are, but not all of them. I like that about this drama. It's nice to have a little mystery. I recommend this drama to everyone, but I recommend not binge watching it. There is just so much stuff packed into each episode that it can be overwhelming. For this drama, I would take it slow. It's worth it to take your time.
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