Lighter & Princess (2022)

I'm gutted, I wanted to like it more

Look, I love Feiyu and have waited for him to do a project like LAP, however, the plot of the ex-convict bad boy and the angelic good girl is one that Hollywood did many years ago and with much better results. It's a basic plot that needed something more explosive to keep it humming along.
Also and IMO, Jingyi was the wrong actress to pair with Feiyu because even when she's happy or playful, she always has a restrained manner about her as if her public image is more important to her than the character she's playing. Essentially, she acts the same in every drama of hers. How does she keep getting projects?

I see there's a lot of fangirling and comments like "oh my god, their chemistry" but honestly, only Feiyu brought the heat, Jingyi was all-around terrible as a romantic lead. The story is nothing special and the execution was even more lackluster. I hate when a series starts in the present and then takes almost 15 episodes to tell the back story through flashbacks. It's one of the laziest forms of storytelling because basically, the scriptwriter isn't confident that the story was good enough to build organically.

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THE BEST CDRAMA EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Lighter & princess is one of the dramas that I recommend watching the most because the story is very good and exciting. Chen feiyu & zhang jingyi (li xun & zhu yun) at lighter & princess can convey a message to the audience so well that the audience is carried away by the feelings they have built.
Sometimes when watching lighter & princess it's hard to tell the difference between CFY & ZJY playing or really LX & ZY playing because their chemistry is in real life and in the drama it just seems to flow and I as a viewer highly recommend this drama for you to watch too. MUST WATCH THIS DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!!

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One of the best drama that i have seen

This is the best drama that i saw. Omggg chen feiyu was awesomee!!! I love his acting the most and i dont think that could be no one better than him. I really recommend it as a drama and also for the fans of chen feiyu's. His best drama for real. The acting was the best for all the characters, because they suited them. I like the music also and the plot was actually meaningful. For sure i would see it again!!! The story has a good continuing and i was fully completed until the end! Also, combines university and adult life which i liked the most! This is the first drama that i cried the most and i wonder because it is really hard to cry.
Please vote good for this drama it is worth it!!!❤️

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The power of love!!

wanted to convey my thoughts...I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotions with this one..there were moments I was giggling away like a child, swooning at my screen then there were moments where I was bawling my eyes out..there were episodes where I was at the edge of my seat and characters whom I literally wanted to get into the screen and smack..but what made this show extra special for me was d FL..yes the ML is all hot and prideful and genius and everything but Zhu Yun stole the show for me...the determination she had for a girl who who looked timid and innocent and was not to forget privileged... the way she was ready to bear and sacrifice anything for the love she had for a man whom she mentally considered her King is the kind of unconditional love I wish to have for someone one day...Li Xun wouldn't have been himself or wouldn't have achieved what he deserved if it weren't for this woman standing by him ready to go through any lengths for him..in the process she nearly destroyed herself ( which I don't condone) but I tried understanding from her perspective and then I could see why she was ready to do anything for this man who basically changed her whole life and made her into a far more independent and capable person than she herself thought she was !!
Like others I don't hate Gao's character because he was not an evil person intrinsically but he had such an inferiority complex that he let everything good about him get ruined just to prove to this one man who had unintentionally made him feel inferior that he too could be as capable as him !!
A beautiful and epic love story with very rich and complex characters and a soul stirring OST!! 10/10

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If you are looking for a insane chemistry then it's definitely for you

I read so many reviews,people are saying ML is red flag and all.. yup he is a red flag,he did many mistakes but can you guys keep all this aside for a while and talk about his sufferings? He was just a school going teenager when he lost his mother then his only sister and this was not enough he got betrayed by his own friend. Anyone would turn into a red flag after going through so much, but he was lucky that he got a loyal girl like Zhu Yun who was ready to give up on everything just for him,she was the only girl who was on his side and you all are saying he doesn't deserve her? Guys he loved her she loved him.. and that's the reason they ended up together! I really liked the drama ML was not so goody goody like every drama and FL was not stupid she is beautiful,intelligent,mature and loyal girl who knows how to fight for your love and most importantly the chemistry between leads is insane.. their kissing scenes are just fire,their hugs are so comforting and height difference is so cute? One more thing Ost of this drama is so addictive,even though you don't understand Chinese but you will be forced to sing with them.. I really recommend this drama,if you are planning to watch it then please believe in me for once and go for itt,I am sure you won't regret after watching. Thankyouu !

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L&P WON MY HEART PERFECTLY

I hope it is not too late to review this drama.
This drama just came to my attention a week ago. As a picky C-Drama enthusiast, I need to find out a few details before watching the whole series.

The conclusion is THIS DRAMA IS AMAZING!!

L & P just won my heart!

A fascinating plot, wonderful actors, perfect chemistry for ML FL, enjoyable OST, and lesson learned in life (for me).

There aren't any boring episodes in this series, so I won't spoil too much for you guys. I highly recommend this drama for you.

During the young-adult phase (college life). It brings me joy to watch them in college, since they are a lot like I was during my college years. I was also a computer science student so I relate so much to this kind of campus life. It does not even surprise me when ML is a genius at coding. Participating in lab practice, solving coding quizzes, and building a team for a number of projects. I know there will be romance in there since we have interaction a lot everyday like ML and FL. Love is a habit, right? It's like nostalgia watching this whole series up to episode 22 for me hahaha.

During the adult phase (work life). This is the most interesting part for me. There are so many changes to ML and FL that they are like day and night. There is a huge gap in their background. The life of FL makes me jealous. She even graduated from Cornell Univ and had many prestigious internships abroad hahah. While I am deeply aware that it is not easy to let everything go to work for a small business, or to help the ML from a minus (considering his past), it is also very challenging. If I were her, I just couldn't. In addition to her intellectual skills, FL keeps her words to ML as well. Lesson learned for me.

My favorite thing about ML is that he has a lot of character traits that I admire (focus, goal oriented, genius), but his words always hurt despite the fact that his intentions are good. His intentions may not be understood by everyone. In this adult phase, I sense his personality has become better and better each day. I agree with FL everytime she said ‘we need to communicate’ since teamwork requires communication to support and understand each other. Since having back-up ideas is essential for winning a project, I didn't comment on his habit for work. As a project manager, I understand his position, just as FL has decided to follow his instruction. If we were to examine GJH's actions closer, I would understand, but I can't tolerate him taking over ML's company this way-in nasty manner. When it comes to a coding and project manager genius like ML, I prefer to stay close to him and make a team with him. This will enable us to achieve goal together, not become enemies since it is rarely successful. Just like the ending of this drama.

All OSTs are available at Spotify. I love all of them, especially Falling You. MY FAV.

The intimate scenes between ML and FL are all beautiful. Their interaction, skinship and kisses are real hahah I LOVE IT.

I would like to conclude by saying that it is hard nowadays to find any drama that is beautiful in all aspects and suits my taste. This gem came to my attention when I opened a web page about the Best Chinese Dramas of 2022. The "drama hangover" might last for quite some time because I won't be able to find another like this. But I will try to find one next month. Please recommend another drama like this for me hahah

YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS DRAMA NOW!!!

-YAE-

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A Heart-robbing Masterpiece ❤️

Been waiting for it for a whole year, but when it was released it clashed with my exams so I had to wait another weeks. And I don't regret it because I got to watch the whole episodes without waiting^^. I finished it in exactly a week. And this is my first completed drama for this year and after a long hiatus with dramas (I don't usually complete them). Since I've watched the trailer and read the synopsis , I knew I'll just love it! what encouraged me more is the fact that I'm a also a Computer Science myself. This drama has gave me courage, hope , dreams and self-belief. I love it sooo much. OFC it's one of my favorite dramas of all time.Now I want a Li Xun in my life too T_T I'm feeling empty and sad after finishing it.IDK How To Move On T_T HEEELP
What a great way to start the new year with a 10/10 drama from all aspects. Be it acting AAAAAAAH their chemistry and Li Xun's expressions,his eyes,his stare,his touch.... everything about him was perfect :')+ story+my field and even OST. Fun fact this is my first time ever not skipping the intro and outro songs for each episode. Words cannot describe my mixed feeling right now. If only I could forget it and watch it all over again. There won't be no other drama like L&P for sure.❤️
Now I do believe in TRUE LOVE and it will take its course. Can't wait to find my Li Xun too T_T

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Makes You Envious of Their Love

I had doubts about trying because it seemed like just another fluffy rom-com but the trailers convinced me to give it a go. The first ep caught my attention immediately even though there were a few cringy lines and I stopped watching for a bit. BUT after that episode, I just couldn't stop myself from watching the next and soon I was catching up with the available episodes.

I was so captivated by Li Xun and Zhu Yun's story even though there are definitely some cliches in there. It just felt more refreshing and new than any other modern Cdrama I've watched. Chen Fei Yu and Jing Yi really pulled off their characters and brought them to life! Their chemistry is really on another level, especially when you also watch the behind-the-scenes. They just look so good together. I ended up believing that Li Xun and Zhu Yun were real because the characters were so fleshed out. If the script wasn't written the way it was and different actors were casted, I truly believe that this story wouldn't have been as fun to watch or the romance as sweet. The OST is also very good! They play it at all the right moments to pull on your heartstrings. The filmography and production are of high quality and the script shows that the team cares about the flow of logic and storyline. Romance is also funny and adorable since there were a good amount of funny moments that happened very naturally and I kept on replaying them. The cute parts were also not too sweet, which is just my style. It really kept me grinning every time I thought of those scenes. The ending was also written nicely with loose ends tied up. After watching this, I have so many pictures of Li Xun and Zhu Yun saved and now I am a Chen Fei Yu fan :)) I haven't watched such a captivating Chinese modern-day romance story in a really long time!

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one of the best, top tier, romance dramas ever

first, the male lead. many people don’t like him so i NEED TO SET THIS STRAIGHT. people say he’s too much of an asshole but like, if i went through what he went through, i would be way worse ngl and it’s not even that bad. like sure he’s rude and a little arrogant but (maybe im toxic) its not even that bad. also the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (like everyone needs to know this) he has is immaculate, especially because of the fl and he becomes so much sweeter and everything, and the “i hate everything but you” trope is so freaking good!! also just want to add, his perseverance and like ability to keep going towards his goal is so admirable like he works so hard and that’s how he gets places in life lol.

the female lead. bro she’s such a queen and mother like she’s definitely top tier best ever female lead ever!! clearly she’s my favorite but she’s just so sweet and so loyal and so kind but not a pushover (!!) and just such a badass at some moments but also such an angel. im in love and SHE’S SO SMART and just hard working - i just love her so much i can’t even describe it. she deserves everything in the world she’s so mother (I already said this i need to stop).

the chemistry and acting from the two leads is so so so so good! i love them! the chemistry makes me faint like im intruding on something private and their kisses (… ep 35; 13:30) and HUGS! i have never liked hugs in dramas as much as theirs like their HUGS!! and their like sweet dating scenes where they laugh with each other, etc is so asldfjskgls like im squealing (i know. so weird. but i can’t help it)

other things lol:
the supporting characters are some of my favs ever. genuinely love all of them so much and the way they portray the villains like yes, i do hate them. the villain’s acting is so freaking good too. OH and the side relationships are SO CUTE bruh like ren di and her bf slays

the storyline is actually so different from other dramas and executed so well. like the flashbacks, the first episode being reality and then flashing back for some episodes and then getting back to that point. i love how they break up and have angst but its not really because of a misunderstanding: it has my other favorite trope in the world where he acts like he doesn’t love her to protect her but he does. so angsty and amazing. pacing is great too

OSTS ARE SO TOP TIER. literally never skipped the opening ost ever in any episode and the rest match the vibe so well

also it has so many of my favorite tropes:
- CUTE NICKNAME (princess is such a cute one!!)
- the “underdogs-have-to-work-with-a-bunch-of-weird-people but still manages to slay and forms a great friendship” like i love the whole of “flying heart” company so much (ml and fl go there to get their revenge and slay so hard!)
- the ANGST from “i love her so i have to protect her” and “still loves her but have to pretend i don’t”. like the scene where he tapes back together their picture makes me cry
- FRIEND GROUP TROPE - like i thought lixun was a sad loner but he has friends in college with the fl so like i love their friend grou. they work so well
- famous romance trope~ (as a side trope)
- BEST CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT from the two leads!! they were great the first few episodes but the end is asldkgslkgh they became such amazing slays
- THEIR CUTE SCENES like i swear they seem so real. the chemistry!!

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"But our love's not worth playing chicken with"...

Warning, spoiler ahead!!!




The show is split into two timelines, several years apart.
We see our duo in college and then several years later as working adults.

PLOT:
Female lead is the only child of a respected middle-class family. Her parents love her and she's been raised well. The only drawback is how controlling her mom is. Mom is an education official who is very controlling and exacting in directing her daughter, all "for the sake of her daughter's future". But nothing that mom has commanded thus far has been truly against the daughter's wishes. When the show opens we are introduced to a young, sheltered girl entering her first year of college, under her mother's strict control, but not unhappy because nothing in her life has been difficult or against her own wishes so far.

Our male lead has a sad past. Coming from a poor fatherless family, he's used his wits and vast intelligence to earn money however he can in order to pay for his mom's medical expenses. He is extremely smart and knows a lot (a lot!!) about computer programming/hacking.
His mom hits a critical stage in her health, leading him to need a large influx of fast money; at the same time a classmate approaches him with a scheme--take a test in my name and I'll pay you... Of course the plot is discovered. As a result, the male lead is expelled from school and must repeat his senior year of high school.
His mom dies. His only remaining family, an older sister, moves to a different town to earn money. He is left alone. Shattered by loss and injustice, we meet him as he enters his first year of college (a year behind schedule), a man alone, determined to learn as fast as possible in order to earn money (ie power and security) for himself, vowing to stay alone and depend on no one.

The fl and ml, classmates, clash from the start.
She wants him to come to obligatory morning review classes since his absence costs the entire class demerits.
He has no intention of attending said review classes since it's a waste of his time and our boy is determined not to let anything or anyone distract him from his main goal of learning and earning money asap.

So begins a game of cat and mouse and one-upmanship. Who can outsmart whom? Who is smarter? Who is stronger? Who is more stubborn?

Eventually, she falls in love with his wit and sheer genius.
Eventually, he falls in love with her tenacity, charm, and doggone stubbornness.

They start dating...

And, predictably, when things are going good, the sh1t hits the fan.

And now the players take their assigned roles for the rest of the show.
Our boy: devil may care attitude, couldn't care less about anyone's opinion of him, determined to succeed and walk his own path.
Our girl: An obedient daughter, but only up to her line in the sand-aka the boy. Completely devoted to him.
The mom: determined to "save" (control) her child and lead (bully/ force) her into a bright future.
Two antagonists : 1) a fellow student, used to being number one in a pond (his hometown) who is suddenly forever reduced to number two after leaping into the ocean (stacked against our genius male lead). 2) an interloper from a different college who's just plain an asshole, with no morals or principles.

Things happen...people are hurt...and we leave our main duo in a very, very bad way...


Leap forward a few years.
Our boy is changed. Our girl is changed.
We meet them again as pale imitations of who they were.
But one thing stays the same: Our boy is determined to succeed, all on his own. And our girl is determined to help him, despite what he wants, regardless of the cost to herself.


My title for this review is a line from Sia's song 'Broken Glass': "But our love's not worth playing chicken with".
To me, this entire show is a high-intensity emotional game of chicken between several players.
* How far can mom push our girl?
* How far can our girl challenge (defy) her parents?
* How much can our girl sacrifice and endure for our boy?
* How much and how long can our boy hurt our girl?
* How much can our girl, and our boy, endure?
* How much are friendship and pride worth to our jealous friend? And which of the two will win in the end?

The chemistry between the leads is one fire. Combustible, with the heat felt through the screen.
Incredible acting by them both.

As characters, I admire the girl very much. She knows what she wants, is realistic about paying the price for it, and is steadfast in pursuing it.
I really wish she'd loved herself more though. Despite that, what some might see as weakness, allowing herself to suffer again and again in her support of him, I see as her making that choice again and again to take on the pain because she loves him and wants him to succeed-no matter the cost. That's strength to me. She knows herself and is willing to pay that high price.

As for him.... I can understand his reasoning. But I wish he'd have been kinder. Or maybe cut her off completely, and not allowed her to help him at all.

But they are both stubborn as hell, lol, neither of them yielding.
Towards the end when they are both able to be honest with each without any barriers, that makes for a beautiful relationship. In the future that strong bond will be unwavering no matter what comes their way. They are two very strong people who don't back down and will do anything for each other.

The mom....
As an educator, I expected more from her.
A greater understanding, and respect, towards her daughter.
And a greater open-mindedness, receptiveness, towards our boy.
Ultimately she very much disappointed me. A self-important hypocritical tyrant. Zero redeeming qualities.
As for the dad, he came through in the end. He always was the gentler parent. I'm okay with him. Decent guy.

The jealous friend/ antagonist #1....
Not being number one is a reality in life. Very very few people can claim that title. As children, we can strive for it. As adults, we must simply strive to be the best possible version of ourselves. That's a lesson he never learned. And he was willing to hurt innocent people deeply because of a childish vendetta instead of accepting reality and growing the hell up.
I don't like his ending, but it is what it is.

MUSIC:
Wonderful. My favorite song of the ost is "Falling You".

REWATCH VALUE:
10/10

HEA:
yes :)

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Almost a perfect one.

Hmm so before I start I need to say this. Lighter and Princess is the only Drama this whole year that I've binged. It took me 11 months to find this one and I can't be more thankful.
With that being said let's get into the review.❤️
From the very first episode I was deeply hooked. It just makes you wanna know their story. The first few episodes which were mainly about ML and FL banter was suprisingly not clingy. It was just DONE RIGHT!!!!
The progress of the main characters along with the supporting characters was done so beautifully. There were many heart fluttering interactions between the leads that just brings a smile to your face.
By the time I got to 15th episode I was totally in for the story, acting, leads and cinematography as well. It was all just SOOO GOOOD
When I was at around 22-24 episode I thought this was totally a banger that is gonna go straight into top of my cdrama favourite list. It definitely is in top 5 but something in the later episodes just changed my judjement.

here comes little spoilers so skip it
( I just don't get why Li Xun has to go physical to avenge his sister. He is a sensible character and what he has done is little dissapointing. From that moment everything goes wrong. Zhu Yun suffering mentally, Li Xun behaviour changes, Gao jinghong being a total freak is just too much for me to handle.)

Apart from the ones I've mentioned earlier I think Their efforts for revenge, their relation build up in the 26-36 episode could've have been stronger, effective.

The acting was top notch. Loved the ost.
memory lane : fireworks scene, proposal scene, all uni interactions <3<3. This was a great one.

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