Ongoing 25/48
CarlJohnson
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2024
25 of 48 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 5.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Main Male Lead doesnt have role / contribute to the storyline even after halfway through the drama

Im quite frustrated with the drama actually. im halfway through the drama but main male lead doesnt have many important role in the story and rarely or didnt participate in any major plotline compare to his fellow main lead, except he only there as a love interest to female lead and involve in romance or fun part of the story, which by then is not that many scenes. This is a military drama and need seriousness, the character can have this immature vibes, however it depends on the story to inject depth to this type of character slowly. Look, Ive seen Xu kai in the legends, and here he potrays an opposite character, so i know he is a talented actor that can express his character excellently. But the drama didnt justify him enough to develop the depth of his character or involve him in the story. The drama didnt utilize this talented actor yet promoted him/this character as the main lead / couple alongside main female lead. For example, there are many times/scenes that 2nd male lead saved female lead or have that serious moment while main male lead didnt know that his love interest is in trouble. 2nd male lead have dominant upper role halfway through the drama that sometimes i think 2nd male lead should be the main couple because his involvement with female lead looks more realistic in life, compare to the main male lead whom have random involvement with her at times and always playful and immature without having serious outlook on his character (scene which can spark enough interest to female lead because female lead has more complicated side that needs reliable male lead- its not very realistic in a military drama to have male lead that always joke around and didnt get serious enough). Thats why i think viewer can't feel stronger chemistry between main couple compares with 2nd male lead and main female lead whom developed enough chemistry to spark viewer interest for this couple.

For me, main male lead character can be playful, quirky, immature but usually this type of character (even in rom-com) have serious side about him that others dont know. They can develop this side slowly and put some serious scene and inject maturity into the character so that he can be put in major plotline. Halfway through the drama and yet this male lead was left behind in any major plotline (like he doesnt know that female lead is investigating something or troubled with something while the other 3 main lead and villain including support role already in the mainstream plot, like wth happen with the story that he was left behind at the important part that all the characters / his peers have start getting involved yet he still not knowing anything - and sometimes i feel like he doesnt care for it). His character is like this support role that people only comes for fun part and takes for a joke but doesnt want to get him involve in most part of their life. Sometimes i feel this character doesnt even qualify to be made 2nd male lead in this drama. Wth that during the mission main male lead can still play around and the important point is he doesnt contribute anything to the storyline's progress. You see main lead can still be playful and immature but reliable, but he is playful but unreliable at the same time. He always jokes around and doesnt take things seriously. I think if they put any character or the main male lead died, it didnt affect the story at all. To be fair, the main male lead actually felt more compatible with 2nd female lead in terms of chemistry because he have more serious scene and depth with her, though im hoping his character get more serious from time to time. Of course there are few scene that fluttered your heart and give second look at main male lead, but somehow its not enough to develop this character to be taken seriously and to be relied upon. This is not the fault of actor or the acting/performance, rather that this character didnt have enough serious scene and intimate moment to develop the character for the audience/viewer.

I mean look, its halfway through the story, this supposed to be near or at the climax part of the drama. At this point, the drama should have shown us the viewer what to look forward on every character for the rest of the plot. If you (the production) want to have strong love rival in the drama, at least give both love interest (or any character at all) same chance to develop their chemistry. But for me this is not love triangle or anything, they do the opposite - they strengtened the 2nd male lead character and story towards female lead, but abandoned the main male lead character development at all. Not even that, the main male lead (for me) doesnt have enough strong point to be called the main lead. Because the drama doesnt show that he is reliable or can be relied upon when he needs to.

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Completed
sarafilleSD
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2020
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

Good story, Great cast, lotsa death and Little-to-no Romance

Started this after The Legends cuz I loved the on-screen chemistry between Xu Kai & Bai Lu.

I binge-watched up until the last few episodes & then needed a break cuz they did one of my fav characters dirty. It's a show w/heavy pro- Chinese/anti-Japanese propaganda since it was set in the early 1900s, lots of military-style operations & plot-developed events that developed pretty decently, plotting & back-stabbing & power struggle, great natural comrade-chemistry w/a bit of love-sick pursuit tossed in alongside it and really strong female characters. Our main girl is NOT the strongest character, even. There are actually two other more mature FLs who nail the different ways of being a bad-ass lady boss. The men are attractive in addition to XK & I think I have a new crush on the chairman in glasses. (That one sure snuck up on me; dang!)

Sadly, even though the chemistry was simply adorable between the leads, there was little romance. I say this because I will be 100% up-front about the fact that I watch dramas for the romance but if a story is good & the characters are good, I'll stay to watch even if my original intention isn't fulfilled. :) A good story is a good story. :) For those in disagreement, I will say he DID romance her as he was pursuing her, sure, but they cut out all the kiss scenes & even though he helped her & protected her as a mature man might, I never got the grown-up-guy-in-love vibe from him. Yes, their chemistry was super cute. But he was like a little puppy, wanting to chase her round and give her licks to show he liked her and get attention from her. It was cute but it went nowhere during the show, mostly due to editing & other plot developments. I did enjoy the way he teased her, though. OML. It was just too long of a show since a) I usually don't care for military dramas and b) I wasn't satisfied with the way they eventually got together BUT I finished it because all the other characters were GREAT. I mean, really great. The story started to lag in the last 1/3 (typical) but then things progressed quickly at the end, as the cadets teamed up to take care of business. Satisfying explosions, people die who should die & it's all wrapped up neatly in a bow.

Opening credits song is pretty cool & some other decent OSTs help but I would not watch this again. I didn't skip much, though, which is really sayin' somethin'...

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Completed
Hyukfied
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 17, 2019
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
Aside from the visual candy. the overall storyline was interesting to watch. It typically focuses on a military training, patriotism, love triangles and friendship. Barely any typical romance or skinship.
The cast did a wonderful job, they're all great actors.
However there were a few things that irked me.
Gu Yan Zheng played by Xu Kai. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to watch this drama because I finished The Legends where Xu Kai and Bai Lu were also main leads. I was also a fan of Xu Kai, however, I really dislike his character here. I've never disliked a main lead so much to the point I don't want him as lead. Why? His character's personality is very irritating, immature and annoying. He doesn't care much about the consequences of his actions at all. He's basically blinded by love. He also annoys the female lead like a 10 year boy crushing on a girl. Its ridiculous. Sure, they're cute but I rather have Xie Xiang with Jun Shan than Gu Yan Zheng. Aside from his irritable personality, I really love his hair styling here; even the clothes from this era looks marvelous on him! When Gu Yan Zheng is serious, he gets serious and is able to kill people with accuracy. His skills are top notch despite his laziness and goofiness. I admit sometimes I like his character when he's goofy but there were times when I really think he needs to stop. haha

As for Xie Xiang played by Bai Lu, her character was interesting. It was funny to watch her run back and forth as herself and as her "brother." I like that she somehow reminds me of Mulan, she may be weaker than the other military comrades, however she has the speed to knock you out! There was even a mission she managed to handle all on her own! BRAVE and STRONG woman! I like that she's able to fight back with men and not be your typical weak, timid, female lead.
She's not the only girl who showcased how strong she is. :)

The cinematography is beautiful. I don't usually like this era because of the war talk gets boring but I love the clothes, the old, rustic buildings, the cars and even the home decor! Although there were some scenes I notice were filmed with a green screen which was a bit disappointing. haha I guess its to be expected.

I recommend this drama if you like military hot guys, watch girls whoop ass, and love between friends.

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Completed
Crazy about Asian dramas
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 28, 2022
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

Happy ending but simple

Story was based on the Chinese and Japanese conflicts which happened in the 20th centuries. So it may be a true story so if I see it as a true then I can't say much about the which I don't like because director also becomes helpless at this situation . He has to show the way story was .
Bit if it is not a true story and director pick the concept of Chinese and Japanese conflicts and how much Chinese people suffer because of this so he could give some more romantic scenes among the couple and her brother's story also . Except last two -three episodes ,it was not clear that who got female lead though by poster of the drama we can guess but still this had create confusion.
My favourite chay of the drama is Qu Man Ting . She was just Fabulous in the drama.

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Completed
Kaye Kaye
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 4, 2022
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

This drama is a masterpiece.

I love the story overall. I watched it for about seven times already and I still enjoy it. I love the characters really especially on how Bai Lu fits the role. The flow of the story never disappoints me. I highly recommend this drama to anyone who loves rom-com, yet the drama is more on the mixed genre; action, romance, comedy, thrill, and adventure. More KaiLu drama please.
I love the story overall. I watched it for about seven times already and I still enjoy it. I love the characters really especially on how Bai Lu fits the role. The flow of the story never disappoints me. I highly recommend this drama to anyone who loves rom-com, yet the drama is more on the mixed genre; action, romance, comedy, thrill, and adventure. More KaiLu drama please.
I love the story overall. I watched it for about seven times already and I still enjoy it. I love the characters really especially on how Bai Lu fits the role. The flow of the story never disappoints me. I highly recommend this drama to anyone who loves rom-com, yet the drama is more on the mixed genre; action, romance, comedy, thrill, and adventure. More KaiLu drama please.

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Completed
Abi
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 21, 2021
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Awesome amazing will rewatch a million times

I originally watched AMA after watching the legends. However I was a little hesitant because I hadn’t ever watched something like this before. My doubts quickly disappeared. This drama is so good. If it’s not my favourite it is definitely one of my top 5.

Xu Kai and Bai Lu did an amazing job I absolutely loved both their characters. All the side plots and side characters were interesting too, I rarely found myself bored with them. Occasionally I was a bit disinterested but that was mainly when the main plot was really roaring.

I have now watched AMA twice in the span of less than two months, both times I binged it. Even on the second viewing I couldn’t stop myself from watching.

Overall it’s a great show with action, a great plot, interesting characters, and a romance I can get behind.

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Completed
tomo84
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 23, 2024
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

a little touching scene

the storyline was not so bad. I used to be familiar with military dramas in western movies involving women. They were usually nurses or female soldiers. In this drama, getting a female trainee in the dormitory for men could be impossible. First of all, a women would be through the physical checkup. I don't think Chinese military is that sloppy or careless. Though I feel very sorry for Chinese people over the invasion of the Japanese army, depicting our army looks rather too rough. Of course, I like the male lead , but I felt he showed off too much there. His friend's relationship with the flower shop owner was quite touching. Their scene was a minor thing. But, in another site, I found another woman has the same idea as me. Also, the soundtrack for passing by the tomb by her was short but unforgettable. I loved the background scenery such as streets, towns, or the regular pub.

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Ongoing 9/48
Miss .Z
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 10, 2021
9 of 48 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Review on this Drama if you dropped it from the first episode

When i first saw or watched this drama back in 2020 i dropped it from the first episode because i didnt like the characters but now ive been admiring Xu Kai's acting and looks, i planned to watch it again and it was good and not bad as i thought. This drama has romance if you like romance but it comes as a support of the story so i guess thats why it wasnt in the genre or in the tags of this drama. The characters and roles were all funny. And like any other dramas if theres a happy and joyful scene, a tragic scene comes in. Some of your favorite characters may die and some may not.


I like the villains role. Its a girl and theres not many Girl Villains in dramas. but this one played out so well. Now i really really really like girl villains because i think they are all misunderstood and this one showed ot really well. Although we might not know what her plan really was or why she did all of those things but i think she was a puppet of the japanese.

I think this is it for my review. I hope you find this review helpful and you enjoy the drama

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Completed
RohitKumar
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 11, 2022
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

i like acting.

this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. this is most favorite drama life ever and please give 5 stars to this drama. thank you and love you.

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Dropped 1/48
Kuya4LN13
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 20, 2024
1 of 48 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 1.5
Story 1.5
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.5
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

Smut but vanilla

From episode 1 with political undertones looks like a glorified smut story.

I can't help think of Mulan's story after reading the synopsis but after seeing all the toxic masculinity in the first episode and knowing the Main FL is being set up with her roommate as a romantic interest who literally tried to kidnap a woman just because he liked her made me want to scratch my eyes out. While this may be acceptable in some cultures and the setting of the drama looks like it's from an important part of Chinese history but the toxicity of men playing soldiers is not worth burning my brain cells over.

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Completed
PisbliBloqueada
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 18, 2024
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

It's just love! It's just love Who knows what is true

It's being trapped by will
It is to serve those who win, the winner
It's a possession with whom loyalty kills us
As opposed to you is the same love

temos varios tipos de amor, o da família, o amor entre amigos que se assemelham a irmãos, o romântico, o que ama, cuida, o mais precioso e o que nao se pede nada em troca..

It's a series about patriotism, I don't understand the historical context of the time because I'm not Chinese so I only speak for the history itself!

PERFECT SERIES!
Characters very well developed by the actors, each episode has a short direction, and EACH EPISODE IS VERY WORTH WATCHING!
1 - WOMEN: if you want to watch series to fall in love with perfect men and dream of someone like you, here we have six! (Shen Ting Bai, my favorite) I removed the female character.
2 - the story is beautiful, about true friendship, companionship, friendship between brothers, why not talk about generosity and kindness too
3 - there are no moments of romance, kisses, hugs but there is THE COURT, WANTING MUCH MORE THAN WANTING GOOD, DOING IT WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN, doing it because you love it.
4 - Get ready to be undecided between two VERY DISTINCT characters, and cry with the recruit you will hate the most.
5 - DON'T GIVE UP, VALE CADE SECOND WATCHED, for me as a story as I said, I wanted to have had the perspective of someone from China on the events of the time.

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Completed
Lunna
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 10, 2021
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
É um C-drama cheio de emoções e problemas que ocorrem entre os chineses e os japoneses, fazendo com que tivesse muita confusão e inimigos em todos os lugares.
Então é reaberta a Academia Militar do Arsenal para treinar os jovens. Aí então Xie Xiang resolve se inscrever no lugar do irmão que morreu.
Lá ela tenta manter um perfil discreto, porém com o nascer de uma amizade com alguns de seus colegas de classe esse segredo vai ficando cada dia mais difícil de guardar.
Gente, sério, recomendo demais, apesar que faltou algumas cenas de romance porém o foco do drama não é esse né?😅

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Arsenal Military Academy (2019) poster

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