Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Then about half way through, there were a few misses. Some big emotional moments got short-changed which is a shame when you build towards something for several episodes and then viewers don’t get the satisfaction of enjoying the moment. This happened a couple of times. Sigh.
Then we got to the annoy part where the bad guys get petty and the good guys are too noble to stop them. They keep falling for the tricks over and over again to the point where the good guys start to look really dumb. Sigh. Thankfully this is 46 episodes which keeps some of this to a minimum, but I started to really wish the heroes were more flawed and could just get angry enough to do something.
But mostly I really enjoyed this one with just a couple of very common grievances.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The Prince of Lan Ling is an excellent historical drama about a real life beautiful military man who ended up a legend because of his military acumen...and a dance that actually ended up being adapted by the Japanese (or so Wikipedia told me). The female character is entirely fictional I believe.Pros:
The story is fast moving and solid with well developed secondary characters.
The actors are solid; every single one. There is no weak link.
The second male lead is one of my favorites of all time. Love how that story evolved.
Girl is spunky and doesn't take a lot of grief from anyone through most of the drama.
Chemistry is great with the two leads. I still think this is one of my favorite performances by Feng Shao Feng and the hair...love the hair.
Cons:
They did spend time developing the character of the standard psycho woman that we see in these dramas, which I appreciated. However, I think too much focus on that character slowed down the story and truthfully, I'm kind of over the crazy crazy women in these dramas.
A lot happens in this drama, and occasionally the story is a bit contrived/silly but I think for the episode count, it is still better than most.
Trope-wise, there is some noble idiocy...more than once.
It's not really a pro or con, but I thought the ending could have come together a little better.
Overall, I highly recommend this drama, and I do think it is a cut above a lot of the historicals. I think that this perhaps was produced by a Taiwanese company...not really sure, but it doesn't appear to be dubbed so I also think this is a plus. Generally, I don't re-watch some of these longer dramas, but I've actually checked this one out again.
One final note: for anyone experienced, you will know that spoilers abound in the beginning and ending music of these dramas. Watch the beginning if you must, but there are spoilers to end ALL spoilers in the ending music. It's a great song, but I promise you, you will regret watching it because there are HUGE HUGE spoilers in it. I mean, I can't believe they did it and still don't know what they were thinking.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This drama is mainly a love story. I like how historical facts were incorporated with the fiction. The writers did a good job, of course there will be some minor annoyances in the story. The costumes and settings were amazing. Cinematography was excellent. Cast did a great job. I would have given perfect 10 but took a point off for the sad ending and not feeling chemistry with Ariel Lin and FSF (same with her and ZBB in I Will Never Let You Go). Kudos to Ariel Lin she tried her best here but I just can’t get into her acting and voice for a historical drama. Overall, I enjoyed this drama a lot. Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Worth Watching
Although this film was made in 2013, in comparison to 2022 films, it was done very well. So far, I thought the film was well-directed and the pace of most of the scenes was about right. Great story, good action, not too many flashbacks, good transitions into the next event, and enough suspense and turn of events to keep you watching for the next episode. I’m glad the film did not have an over-talkative or idiot character. The wardrobe for both males and females was nice using good fabric and colors. I will look for other films by director Chung Shu Kai.I thought the villains weren't too bad at portraying their characters. The more films I watch with Feng Shao Feng as the main lead, the more I like his acting.
I almost did not want to finish watching this drama because after episode 30 it looked like everything was going downhill. I had to remind myself that this was only a movie so I could finish the drama. I'm guessing that the ending is not going to be a happy one.
Was this review helpful to you?
Initially I couldn't stand Zheng Er And I wanted her to die a thousand times. But she portrays such an awesome evil witch. She's so crazy, but you just have to love to hate her.
I rewatched this twice already. I don't like the ending. It makes me feel depressed.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
