This review may contain spoilers
A little trust goes a long way!
After reading some comments and reviews which were not as positive, I decided to give this a go anyway. Partly because of the cast and partly because the plot sounded interesting.There were obviously things about this drama that I liked and things that I didn't.
Let's start off with the positive and begin with the things I liked:
- I actually liked the female lead in this one. I'm not sure whether it's Zhao Lusi who seems to be able to bring life to any character or the character itself. I did appreciate that she wasn't a boring and weak damsel in distress type. Sang Qi was very independent and yes that sometimes led to her being reckless and impulsive, but it wasn't over the top.
- I liked the male lead. Yan Yun Zhi was very confident and straightforward and knew what he wanted, but at the same time he always seemed to respect Sang Qi as an equal and respected her decisions.
- I loved Yan Yan. I think a lot of people who watched this drama will agree. Yan Yan was a character that lit up the screen and stole the scene. Silly and adorable, kindhearted and loyal. He was the perfect best friend.
- Another character I absolutely loved was Sang Wei. He was such a loving father. And his interactions with his daughter were absolutely endearing to watch.
- I really liked the relationship between the main couple. I was a bit on the fence in the beginning, because he was basically her teacher, but right from the start the focus was never on their teacher/student relationship as both never treated each other as such. There didn't really seem to be an imbalance of power. I also liked how quickly he turned into the Xiao Bai that her brother described right after the got together. It was cute to see. Another thing I appreciated about their relationship was that they trusted each other unconditionally, so there were no infuriating misunderstandings.
- The majority of this drama is fluffy and cute and I really liked that they tackled getting females the right to study at the Imperial College.
- I liked the acting in this. It was convincing. Every actor did their part justice.
Now let's move on to things I didn't like:
- To be honest, I would have preferred if the drama was just about Sang Qi's journey of being the first female student and making all those changes, without the background death and mayhem. The investigation into the smuggling and poisoning was what made the drama a bit chaotic in the last 7 or so episodes.
- I really hated Zhuo Wen Yuan. I didn't really care that he was doing some shady business. I also didn't really mind that he got a lot of power very quickly. What I hated was his personality and the way he treated Sang Qi, his so called childhood friend and the girl he has been in love with forever. Obviously the feelings he had for her were never love to begin with. I understand that he was traumatised, because of what happened to his father and he wanted to rise to power to show everyone who looked down on him that he was a capable person, but the more episodes I watched, the more it became clear that he's clearly a sociopath. He only ever cared about himself, his feelings and his pain. He never cared about what Sang Qi was feeling and thinking. He didn't hesitate to hurt her. Never asked for her opinion. Went from "I'm going to have you whether you want it or not" to "if I can't have you, no one can". That's clearly insane. He actually poisoned the woman he "loved" and burned her corpse. I'm not really sure what the writers were thinking. If they hoped that the viewers would relate to him or feel sorry for him, it didn't work. He's despicable and creepy. The funny thing is, I would have liked his character if he had stayed the way he was before they revealed his connection to the Xizhao. He seemed laidback and fun to be around. Someone who wouldn't push his feelings onto Sang Qi if they were not reciprocated. Instead he turned into a disgusting characters that I wanted to stab every time he appeared on screen and I wanted to slap him whenever he called her "A Qi" shamelessly even after poisoning her. Such a creep.
- I didn't like Su Jie Yu either. Yes, she wasn't as bad as Wen Yuan in terms of despicable things, but in the guise of elegance, grace, intelligence, kindness and honesty, she was a backstabbing and selfish person. Just because she had met and fell in love with Yun Zhi first she seemed to think that she was the only one who had the right to his love. Even though she was rejected firmly so many times, she still went behind Yun Zhi's back to make his parents force him to marry her and eventually even got the Emperor to bestow a marriage. She even lied to Sang Qi that Yun Zhi only cared for her as a little sister and she shouldn't confess. I never understood characters like Jie Yu and Wen Yuan. What's the point of making a person who clearly has no feelings for you, marry you. Do they really think that after all the despicable things they did, that person will magically fall in love with them after marriage?
- Song Jia Yin was annoying, arrogant and spoiled, but she didn't deserve the ending she got. Wen Yuan didn't deserve her love.
All in all, I think this drama would have benefited from a more focused plot instead of adding too many unnecessary storylines and characters. I still did enjoy this. It was entertaining and funny. The best way to enjoy this drama is to not expect it to be something it's not. It's not a drama with a complicated plot, a lot of intrigue and drama. It's just a fun, light and entertaining drama with (for the most part) lovely characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fun and Refreshing!
After being a long time reader of reviews on MDL, I finally decided to write my own because I feel this drama is misunderstood by some. I'm a big fan of romance and mysteries and this series has both.If this show was a drink, it would be fizzy iced lemonade. Cool, refreshing and sweet with a hint of tangyness (from the challenges they had to face) - but overall refreshing and effervescent. You kind of know what to expect with every sip, but that doesn't make it less refreshing and fun. I would even say it's a little like a chick-flick (nothing wrong with that because people love chick-flicks). Even more so, it's just what I needed during difficult times such as these.
From the very beginning through the upbeat modern opening song (indeed all its OST - but I especially like the opening so so much I hardly ever skip it because it's so fun and uplifting) and opening credits animation, this drama establishes that it is not your usual period drama. It is refreshing, light-hearted and dare I say even quirky? If you are looking for a more serious epic drama mystery romance, I would recommend Under the Power starring Allen Ren. This is quirky, fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. People have commented that it's weird that Zhao Lusi's hair is dyed in the show. I think they probably made an artistic call and decided she looked better with the brown hair and since it's not supposed to be a historically accurate period drama it's ok - and I think that kind of tells you what kind of show it is. Light-hearted and Fun.
The series can be split into two distinct parts - but both I feel work very well together. The first half (until about episode 18 or 19) is about the Imperial College's first female student, Sang Qi. Zhao Lusi shines in this character and I can see why she was casted. She has this bright, happy air about her which she brings to the College. Xu KaiCheng is the perfect ML with his tall handsome strong physique (ok I have a crush on him) and calm aura and I really enjoyed the first half of the show where they established their relationship. The chemistry between both ML and FL was very strong. I think the entire first part of the show was to set the foundation of the various characters (ML, FL and supporting cast) relationships and friendships. Even Yan Yun Zhi, in the 18 or 19th episode alluded, when Sang Qi graduated, that this was not the end but just the beginning.
Indeed, the second part of the show just started to "begin" in episode 19. So that's where things moved from being about Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's happy romance at College to a drama out in the "real" world. I really cannot stand couples that break up a few times in one series over several misunderstandings, rumours or petty problems. Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's relationship was stable and mature and because of it, they were able to face many challenges together. They worked together to solve problems. At times it was Sang Qi who came up with the solution. She was no shrinking violet or damsel in distress. I loved how they practice martial arts together in the mountain (super cute) and fought together. At some times, Sang Qi was the one that rescued Yan Yun Zhi - I felt it was a relationship between equals, which is sometimes unusual for period dramas (like I said it's not your typical period drama). I also like that she fights her own battles. She never needs Yan Yun Zhi to fight for her - in any situation.
If I were to summarise this show it would be the abiding love between Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi. It's not really about a girl entering the imperial college - that's the secondary story.
Special mention must be given to the actor playing Zhou Wen Yuan. He was extremely versatile playing the amiable bff in the first few episodes slowly morphing into the villain.
Would I watch it again? Yes! I am planning to. It's been a while since a series made me laugh out loud and was fast paced enough for me not to drop it or get bored.
Was this review helpful to you?
GREAT DRAMA with quality plot, romance, friendship themes and OST!!!
Hilarious and amazing main/side characters! The plot starts light-hearted, seemingly just about the students' school lives, but a deeper and more mysterious plot emerges, whilst keeping the comedic aspect the whole way through still. Although the students are young, because each of them is connected to families of power, different trouble arises and not everyone is as innocent as they seem. The friendship theme of the drama is really heartwarming to watch, as you see how the female protagonist influences the male students at school and becomes friends, and how she forms friendships with her elder brothers' friends too. I also love how the female protagonist can stand up for herself, and how straightforward both protagonists are about their romance as well and not beating around the bush.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Thin Storyline
I came here to watch Lusi.The FL and ML's chemistry was good. Good enough for me to want to watch until they made it into a couple. Then I couldn't get myself to carry on to continue watching the subsequent episodes.
Lusi did her best of being her usual a lively character, which I love. But the storylines are not interesting enough. I have zero interest on the side characters stories. SPOILER: the guy who used to have a crush on FL changed his course and fell for FL's maid, who treated him so rudely in the beginning. She was over the top rude!
The story of ML and FL is a bit unsettling. A student and teacher in a romantic relationship? My heart couldn't take it, I was always on my toes that they wouldn't get caught by the others in the academy. I understand both are in the marrying age, but it just feels so wrong for a teacher to "abuse" his position that way. He just seemed to be a horny guy whenever he saw her!
I have to say the SML is the coolest character here.
I wouldn't recommend this drama. I'm now looking forward to watch Lusi's next drama with Yang Yang!
Was this review helpful to you?
Has Nothing to Do with College
"A Female Student Arrives at College" is ridiculous. She actually arrives in and arrives out. We expect her (as the first female student) to shine among the male students... but ...no.. The drama has nothing to do with a college. The FL, Zhao Lu Si, runs around like a chicken with the head cut off “busy” with whatever nonsense pops up in her mind. It's not that she lacks acting skills but script writers keep her in the same funny, humorous, comic pattern from one drama to another. The dramas she is in are almost identical. In this drama her kinda comical image doesn’t fit into a role of a college student. Her behavior is more like of an uneducated, ignorant, scandalous girl who sells radishes at the market. So this costume drama doesn’t coincides with her acting like a modern girl from a modern society, this image that doesn’t belong to this drama; so to say, the drama and her run separate ways. Not mentioning lack of connection and charisma between her and MLWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great romance with a strong plot
I absolutely adored the drama, it had everything that I love! Rosy Zhao was amazing and the two male leads were fantastic. Thanks to Rosy, they really shone on screen. The drama was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of drama, romance and comedy. The costumes and makeup were impeccable, but the dance and song choreography needed significant improvement. It was not awe-inspiring to watch someone just turning around and around.Ren Hao was my favorite character, his villainous yet madly in love portrayal was spot on. Not to mention he looks absolutely delicious on screen! However, I felt like we needed more information regarding his transition from a teenager to a man. I was left wanting to know more about how he became a villain, even if we got glimpses of his aunt.
Despite my appreciation for the music, I must say that the synchronization between Rosy Zhao's vocals and the music was extremely poor. Moreover, the dancing choreography was quite subpar, as it seemed like anyone could merely spin around with a flowing dress and raised arms. It is disappointing that the production did not put in more effort to improve these aspects of the performance.
Lusi Zhao is an all-round package. She shines and brings out the best in every partner, be it male or female. I caught a glimpse of her 2023 Lu Lu land concert, and she was stunning. However, I hope she pays all her taxes.
Even though I loved the drama and have re-watched it several times, I have to admit that the lip-syncing during the school singing performance was terrible. I wished the directors did better on this. But overall, the script, direction, and acting were all top-notch. Kudos to the entire team!
Was this review helpful to you?
Watch if you like The Romance of Tiger & Rose/ ZLS's usual acting
I might be biased towards because I personally enjoy ZLS's character as the funny, outgoing and fun loving FL. She did it yet again after the success of The Romance of Tiger and Rose. Although many people mentioned of the lack of chemistry between ML and FL - i felt that this show have a good contrast between both leads as the ML is one with less words and strict as compared to FL.The show started off very well as we get to see a lot of banter and cute scenes in the school from both leads and other character. The show then progress to more political scenes where they show the evil side of 2nd ML. This is also one of the shows has a lot of 2nd ML scenes - which i don't think is entirely a bad thing.
FINAL VERDICT: a very predictable show, which you will know what is gonna happen next, a good show with mix of romance and politics. overall a show you can easily watch finish in 1/2 days, no frills!
BONUS: OST is great too!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This is good if you like light drama
If you don't like serious drama, this drama is good for you. The storyline is kind of slow but it's alright if you have much time to watch it. This is kind of light drama. The teacher for me is kind of weird when both of them start dating, it's like very awkward because he give her girlfriends like some sudden punishment that ends up got attention from the other. The first thing they don't want their relationship to be spoiled right... but what the teacher does is haha.I love the actor and actress that played here. I can say they play their role very well
Was this review helpful to you?
Cute but Kind of Drags
This drama was very cute. But the unfortunate part is that the second half of it where the plot turns to solving this huge conspiracy really drags on.Pros:
- Acting was great and the cast is adorable. There is lots of funny moments and I think everyone played their roles well.
- A good amount of humour sprinkled throughout
- The main couple had decent chemistry (their scenes were cute and funny to watch)
- I loved the original plot of having a female centric drama -> where the female lead challenges societal norms at the time
- I liked the sets, costumes etc.
- The first half of the drama does have rewatch value for me.
Cons:
- The second half of the drama I felt moved away from the romance and I would have liked to see their romance play out more as their story developed.
- The second half of the plot also dragged and the story lost some interest.
But I would still recommend this drama, at least the first half of it because it is an adorable love story and I really liked watching the MFL and ML fall for each other.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
If you're tired of heart wrenching dramas, this one is a great follow up!
If you're after something light hearted, this show is pretty good. I enjoyed the comedy and the easy going plot. I found myself laughing at a lot of the earlier episodes. Some may argue that the acting isn't great, and there were some moments that could have been filmed better, but I enjoyed the chemistry the actors had. I think Zhao Lusi has that charisma even off-screen that you can see which makes the relationships on-screen bearable to watch. The overall storyline was better than I expected, it dragged on a bit towards the end with the whole chase around to catch ZWY and the ending was a little anticlimactic.What I wasn't a fan of was the hair and makeup in this show, her hair isn't half brown 'from being in the sunlight' that some may suggest. It's clear it's faded from the roots. the most they could have done was just spray it or something. Who would have the ability to die their hair back in the day? that part seemed a little unbelievable. Some parts of the editing were a bit cringey to watch as well.
I enjoyed the CP moments between the leads and I most enjoyed her relationship with Yan Yan who really turned out to be more of her best friend than ZWY was. I didn't mind the soundtracks either, was very fitting to the show and scenes.
Overall, don't expect much. I watched it after watching Forever and Ever & One and Only and wanted something easy to pass the time and it did the job. But I doubt I'd rewatch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sad that the sweet nice one is actually the villain
The drama centres around Sang Qi, the only daughter of Marshall Sang as she becomes the first female student at the imperial college to fulfil her late brother's wish. Not knowing the tradition in the capital, she enters into a pact with the spoiled Song JiaYin, daughter of Minister Song to get Yan YunZhi to accept her pouch. Failing this, she would have to perform at the Lunar Festival. According to the tradition of the capital, this is a gesture of demonstrating and accepting love between a man and woman.As it turns out, Yan YunZhi is the Head of the Imperial College. Her childhood best friend Zhou WenYuan is a top student at the college and helps her through various crisis. It is hilarious as she tries various tactics to get YunZhi to accept her pouch. But things turn sinister when she is poisoned and becomes embroiled in the investigation of the smuggling of prohibited items into the capital involving high standing people in the court.
Although the story seems rather straightforward at hindsight, it is not quite so obvious at the beginning. The initial ten episodes is quite humorous and light-hearted but the drama becomes dark and more intense. It is quite clear early in the drama who the villains are, but it is quite unclear what the next turn would be.
Acting is excellent. Xu KaiCheng (YunZhi) is tall and handsome and Zhao LuSi (Sang Qi) is very pretty especially when she lets her hair down and don on feminine clothes, and they have excellent on-screen chemistry. Ren Hao (WenYuan) as the second lead is really good as well - you can see the different changes of expression on his face - from the loving childhood friend to a jealous monster. I am sure he will elevate into main leads in future dramas. And among them, you see a fashion parade of lovely period costumes.
The ending is well-crafted with a mix of happy and sad endings. You would be happy for the couples whose lives have ended well. Some of the villains are shown to have a human side, which makes it difficult to hate them - at least it gives you some confidence in humankind. In fact, you would even feel sorry for them. It is heart-rending as one of the villain kills themself in desperation. You witness how a young person with great promise travels down the wrong path and eventually ruin themself while some are ruined by greedy parents. Somehow you wish things could have turned out differently for them. The ending stirs up the emotions.
Although I won't rate this among the top league, but I say it is a very good production and well worth your time watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sit back relax, just watch.
Don't get hung up on all the arm chair judging. This is a drama to sit back and just watch. With some giggles, ooo's and aaah's and just mind fun.Scenery, costumes, acting, and different episodes all have different levels of good and really good. I personally see this as a light drama compared to some of the more heavy weight ones.
To many heavy ones in a roll is not fun. So have lighter ones in between is good to have and allows us to see more ingenuity in production by all areas of the drama to keep it light but nice and beautiful.
I hope those who make dramas will remember to give us rom-coms regularly in the costume era regardless of those who would pick them apart from an arm chair. Especially making them not necessarily stupidity silly, but fun, funny, active, and bantering between in them dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
