Not an old cliche
I love The Autumn Ballad more than I thought. It's very different from other series I watched.Qiu Yan is very special. I love how she's not that typical. She's smart, strong and often scheming yet vulnerable enough in front of her mom, her sister and the one she loves. She's a perfect match with Liang Yi who are the same. He's quite grey and cold but secretly holds a soft spot for Qiu Yan. Their romance progresses quite naturally. It's just realistic and how love should be depicted (i.e. unlike some other series, ML/FL suddenly likes each other for ridiculous reasons...).
The side characters are however lame. Qin Xuan is useless for most of the series. But I cannot blame him because Liang Yi outshines him at all levels. Qiu Min's character development also doesn't make sense, especially in the last few episodes when she suddenly changes (for no reasons).
The ending is obviously weak. They introduce a new villain quite late and the ending for Liang Yi's mom is unnecessary. Why not a wedding instead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, I still love the series, thanks to all the cute scenes between Liang Yi and Qiu Yan.
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Watch it for the chemistry
Sugar, spice, and everything nice. The recipe for a good romance drama is to have the main couple ooze with chemistry and charisma. Thankfully, the story is not draggy and the subplots are threaded neatly so it was a smooth sail watching this. Qiao Xin as Qiu Yan and Xu Zheng Xi as Liang Yi was superb choice, I love every scene they were in. Maybe our protagonists shine brightly that some of the cast are overshadowed. Anyway, it was an enjoyable drama perfect for those looking for a believable romance historical drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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what makes me love this drama
first of all, i've seen this drama poster over and over, but i chose to ignore it because of the ballad word on the autumn ballad. i suspected, this is a hint for a drama full of tears, and i hate sad ending.however, i ended up watching because of a comment on d-cool stated "synopsis is bad. but the drama is good trust me"
thank you for whoever you are. so, i watched, and below are my likes and dislikes.
likes
- abstract opening. i usually skipped seeing opening because it's a major spoiler on c-drama. but here, i watched it until i sure, which is who. challenging for me
- Xu Zheng xi depicted Liang Yi. i was fascinated on how he's able to express a comical side of a strict-hard headed- always right- criminal investigator officer. his smirk got me in an instant.
- Qiao Xin put so much effort to described the feminist Qiu Yan, she express her stubborness so well. but i don't think she expressed Su Yiwan that well when they were challenged to proof her identity, but she did show Qiu Yan's character changes during her stay as Liang Yi's concubine
- Song Jin, my favourite bodyguard/servant character ever. he is a cabbage head in front of Liang Yi, but once he got to lead the squad, his voice changed to be demanding, as if playing time is over.
- Liang Yi's mother character, i love this supporting mother character
- i'd say all characters evolved together and all of them potrayed it well, i can feel the timeline is moving
- Chemistry of all casts are magnificent
dislikes
- my utmost dislike, why did Liang Yi had to wear ahjumma-like outfit? can't they find something more manly than fluffy skirt?
- i don't support feminist, that's why i found Qiu Yan's argument on early episodes was too typical. but looking at the situation, that might happen. despite feminism, i support compromise, to support each other on things other party lack of.
- i saw hakama like skirt, hanbok like shirt and chinese style outfit. did they intend to say that anothe countrys' influence had started
- Wayne Liu's Qin Xuan, i don't see this character different compare to his other project. i don't know where he missed it. but i know he worked hard.
- Qiu Min + Qin xuan scene. i skipped the most of it, quite predictable
all in all, this is a good drama
i might re-watch it someday for Liang Yi 😋
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Heart warming romance with interesting twists
I was happy to watch this mainly due to the ML as I was touched by his character in Legend of the Phoenix.Didn’t realise that there would be a detective style storyline which made it interesting as different mysteries were presented and solved. The final twist was a surprise and made for a sad sacrifice. But it wasn’t fleshed out enough and I was not convinced of the reason why it happened. Therein lies the flaw of this drama as some of the deductions break down if you try to delve deeper. Some twists were well done and tugged on my heart strings particularly the one related to the FL’s mother.
I did enjoy the romance and similar to the newer dramas of late, there is a strong message of gender inequality and how our FL does not want to conform to the rules of society. Well done! It was nice to see the ML falling in love with her and missing her more than she missed him - a refreshing change.
Having explored Korean drama recently, it was unavoidable to make comparisons with the cinematography and story telling style. What this drama lacked in these areas, it more than made up for it with the costumes (not keen on Korean ones especially the males wearing forehead covering and their mesh hats) and language (my personal preference to learn Mandarin by listening to it).
A good watch if you are tired of the overly dramatic family back stabbing and political plotting. This one has the family overcoming adversity together. The initial family squabbles, jealousy or plotting were kept to a minimum which was more realistic.
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Until the last arc the drama is truly outstanding! I didn't feel bored at all, loved the chemistry, loved the FL that is strong, intelligent and not childish, loved the feminist touch with women's place in society being constantly questioned. Cinematography, acting, music, costume... everything so above the average. But the last arc was so stupid as a whole, I don't know what happened with the writers, why did they come with such dumb resolution to a good story.
But I have to say, I don't regret watching and I think you should try too, the end may be ridiculous but the whole path to it is very good, very enjoyable. All in all is a watch worthy drama.
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Refreshing storyline!
The drama is so far so good, specially the female lead! She’s not your typical dumb, pick me, good for nothing female lead but is a smart woman who ACTUALLY fights for herself instead of showing a cry drama or whatever. Her relationship with the male lead is also pretty good and her motive behind going for Qin Xuan was cunning yet as a woman imagining myself in her time, I actually think it was a very smart choice. The leads are so smart yet so cunning that I feel like I am in a hate love relationship with them because according to their character backgrounds their every choices make so perfect sense.Was this review helpful to you?
I already finished the drama and trust me, it's worth it. I really love this drama so much. It took days for me to move on from this drama because the storyline are amazing and the actor and actress carry the characters so well. I love the female lead character, a strong and independent woman. Also, the male lead. He make my standard go higher. I love a male lead like that. Such a strong man in terms of body and mind. When they cooperated, it just give me goosebumps! Because the way they think to solve problems are out of the box. Oh not to mention, their chemistry are super good.
I also love the plot twists. I was in a condition of culture shocked so many times while watching the drama. I usually avoid watch a drama that have sad scenes but believe me. I love it. I don't how to explain it but go watch it if you read this. it's worth it.
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Unexpected storyline, Twin Flame Connection
I didn't expect this drama to be this good.First of all i just found this drama on new released list and i was about to watch it but i hve bias view about FL. I hve seen her two dramas in which she sucks my girlfriend and You complete me !! And i wasn't fond of her acting. I dunno i just don't like her. But still i thought abt giving it a shot and its good. Maybe at first some of you must found it not interesting enough but it'll get interesting afterwards. If you're free and looking for historical dramas after watching so many historical that now you're running out of dramas like which one to watch next believe me and give it a try cause its worth it not bad at all. Even tho i hve prejudice against FL but i still like her in this show and the drama is really good.
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Mix of everything
Finished this maybe about a week ago so i may have forgot a couple of things. I think this drama is ok. Not so impressive but not thattt bad either. Maybe, im the only one who enjoy the later episodes as compared to the earlier ones it seems. Lol. I watched the earlier episodes while eating day to day and have no qualm whatsoever to stop anytime. But i find myself wanting to see the next episodes during the final arch of when liang yi was accused, so thats how i know i enjoyed the later episodes more. Well maybe except for the last attempt of qiu yan leaving liang yi, that totally has no point whatsoever *roll eyesI mean, whats the point of taking the blame and leaving liang yi to deal with the grief alone under the pretence to make him bounce back? Completely ridiculous reasoning!
This is my first drama of the ML, and although it takes me some time to get used to his deep voice, i came to like his acting later on. Plus, liang yi’s character turns out to be cheeky later on behind his stoic arrogant mask, it is quite endearing. Lol. I have quite an issue with the costumes for FL during first half of the drama. FL has a very skinny body built, and the costumes given to her looks very unflattering to my eyes, i prefer the costumes she donned after she became liang yi’s concubine more.
In terms of the villain, gosh, yuan lang and qiu min are probably two most annoying characters i’ve ever see! Yuan lang is so superficial, and a petty rival to boot while qiu min is stupid to the point of facepalming yourself. Lol
And as many others already commented, there are a few illogical ideas regarding the script. Like, liang yi able to drive the noble consort to death just like that (helooo one, noble consort is usually too scheming and power hungry to just resign herself just like that and two, the heck will happen if the emperor finds out his official cause his mother to commit suicide later on? That story will not just end there). And also liang yi being chummy with yuan lang so fast after he killed his best friend (aide/guard). Too 180 degree!
All in all, this drama is ok and a can-watch-if-you-dont-have-any-other-things-to-watch-currently but i dont think i’ll be rewatching this twice
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Mystery Romance Life
This drama gives closure and explanations to everything (though some in the last episode seem unnecessarily complicated). It really emulates the storyline of FL and ML's love of writing mystery book and providing ample thought process. They make it seem like the FL has written this drama as her book in the future.The drama can be divided into sections. Ep1-13 feels like a complete season, we'll title it "Qiu Yan Escapes Marriage". This is about FL's problems that she needs to get over herself. Ep 14-28 could be titled "The Real Charade", about her family problems. Ep 29-34 "The Lies Unravel" is about the world's problems/the bigger picture/the greater good. I love that the drama builds her up to handle bigger problems and shows her growth. The middle section can seem a bit slow, but it does make sense that it would take longer to solve.
I love the character presentations. No one is perfect, everyone does something wrong or unforgiveable. Many times people do not forgive, and just say "this is not as important to me anymore" and allow themselves to move on. I think this is very accurate to real life. You may hate and spit someone, but if you are happy as yourself and where you are now, there is less reason to dwell on that hate and spit for another person. Each character goes through their own process of letting go of something, from the FL letting go of her resentment towards her birth mother's preferential treatment for her brother, to FL's sister's resentment of FL always hogging the spotlight. There are plenty of times of letting go for the greater good. And even if you scheme, you should try to not harm others in the process.
This is a great drama about persevering through hardship and that if you are happy with the version of yourself, you will continue to grow and help those around you.
Aesthetics wise, I love the clothing and the styling. The music is soft and simple.
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At last - a drama that merited a perfect 10 BUT...
Just finished watching this series. What excellent story telling. Superior acting - the ML, FL, just about every actor in the production. The chemistry was great, the interactions so well-done. Every episode drew the audience deeper into the intrigue, and I couldn't wait for the next episode to air. One or two minor holes in the plot, but not enough to take away from the excellence of this drama. Started out a little slow, but I persisted and am glad I did.Can I just say again how stellar the performances of the actors were? Every single actor made you believe their role - you loved the ones who were good, you hated the ones who were evil. The expressions on the ML were priceless and without saying a word, you knew what emotion he was feeling. That he did his own dialog too - love his voice. I wasn't as impressed with the FL, but have to say that her dialog had all the emotion that she needed for that role, and although at times she could be headstrong and almost arrogant, she came to be the perfect match for the ML and their romance was powerful and believable.
So why only an 8?
(SPOILER ALERT) 3 main reasons: First, and most important, killing off Song Jin. No matter how his demise supposedly contributed to the story (I couldn't see it), that was hurtful. Second, Yuan Lang got away with all his evil deeds and didn't get enough retribution for me. (Sorry doesn't make it right). Third, Qiu Min got a happy ending - and that one was the hardest to swallow (mean bitches don't deserve a handsome prince).
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