Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

星汉灿烂 ‧ Drama ‧ 2022
Completed
BanxiTheCommentaryGrrl
0 people found this review helpful
23 days ago
27 of 27 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A Character-Driven Political Drama Worth Completing

The storyline is intriguing, and I found myself genuinely invested in the politics and character dynamics. However, without watching both seasons, the story feels incomplete.

That said, the comedic interactions between characters are enjoyable, and I liked all of the roles—though some stood out more than others. My biggest critique lies in Part 1, where a few character arcs felt rushed while others dragged. Still, I enjoyed the first part, adored the second, and ended up loving the series as a whole.

What I appreciated most is the psychological depth given to each character. We see lost and forced love, humiliation, regret, and abandonment shaping their lives. These emotional layers influence their decisions, affect their children, and echo into future choices. The actors did a wonderful job bringing all of this to the screen.

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Completed
Lavieenblume
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 4, 2025
27 of 27 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

One of the Best Chinese Historical Drama

I'll write the same review for both parts 1 and 2. Honestly, I'm not used to writing drama reviews, but I'll spend my time and energy to spread positive reviews and appreciate good work.

First, the storyline. The episodes are long, but it's because the journey is too. We get to see Shao Shang's growth from a child to a woman, understanding her perspective, reasons, and actions.
Every character in this drama has beautiful development, and it shows. There's no forced plot, and the storyline flows well. I'm impressed by Shao Shang's journey in finding love. Her search for true love teaches her many things and is the main factor in her growth into a mature woman. And Ling Buyi's story doesn't just stop at revenge; we see how he lives after achieving it. The supporting characters, including the prince's children, friends, and family, are all well-written.
The actors have excellent acting skills, with the leads (Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi) standing out. Their chemistry is remarkable.
The direction is also great, with a well-paced storyline, beautiful cinematography, and excellent set design.

There are many things I want to say, but this is all that comes to mind for now.

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Completed
Bellesister
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 28, 2024
27 of 27 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

This unexpectedly becomes one of my favorite

To comply with the government regulation, Love Like A Galaxy is divided into two parts, to keep episodes below 40. The total episodes for the whole parts is 56. I'm glad they did not just cut here and there to keep the drama to just 40 episodes. It would not be as good otherwise. They divided the drama really well. Part 1 deals mostly with the character introductions and background. You get to see some character development, especially the FL and ML. Cheng Shao Shang started out as a rebellious girl that was left by her parents since she was a baby, to the care of her "evil-lish", annoying, materialistic, selfish grandmother and second aunt. The first part is about Shao Shang's life outside of the palace, and more about her family. This is an unexpectedly good drama, one that i will put on my favorites and will re-watch in the future, time permitted.

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Dropped 7/27
Sirenas
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 3, 2025
7 of 27 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Annoying female lead

This is the second time I've tried watching this series because I REALLY want to. But despite all the great things going for it, the character of the main female lead, Niao Niao, is just too infuriating to watch.

Despite all the empathy or justification I've tried to muster up for NN due to her circumstances, her incessant self-pity and inability to empathize for others is just too irritating. It's hard to believe how much she's been "bullied" by her family when she acts like such a spoiled brat who is jealous of everyone for having a mother. Her parents were away risking their lives to support the family and although they had to leave her behind, you'd think she'd be happy to have both of them back alive. If she really were as clever as depicted, she should have known that her family were all liars and manipulators and anything they said about her parents were potentially false. Instead, she kicks into high manipulation gear the minute she sees them.

She acts like the biggest victim in the family but appreciates nothing and no one. Her father is loving and her cousins coddle her but she can't stop complaining about her mother disciplining her. Pouting and manipulating without putting any real effort into herself, and yet she just blames everything on everyone else. Her aunt physically and mentally abuses her husband and daughter but nope, NN is the only victim here. She makes it impossible to root for her.

It's such a shame because NN's parents are fantastic and have amazing chemistry with one another. The series initially won me over at the scene her mother rode in on a horse fully suited up in war gear. Her character is just so good. The male lead, Zi Sheng, is also intriguing so far, as well as the case he's working on. Even the family dynamics and drama are interesting.

I really wanted to try and just bear with NN's character until there was hopefully some severe character growth. But when within an episode, she had men falling for her left and right from their one and first encounters, it was game over. The score for her is almost nothing and an 8-9 for everything else about the series so far.

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Dropped 5/27
Ruthless C-drama addict
7 people found this review helpful
Sep 16, 2022
5 of 27 episodes seen
Dropped 1
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

This is a ridiculously honest review from a Chinese drama addict.

Love like the Galaxy is preposterously one of the most hyped dramas of 2022 amidst the airing spree of a myriad of other anticipated dramas. In as much as I, saw an auspicious chemistry between the two mail leads, Cheng Shao Shang casted by Zhao Lu Si and Ling Bu YI casted by Leo Wu, particularly stemming from the former's successful movies where she made us breathe in at intermittent stages of the plot a therapeutically refreshing air by virtue of her laden rich youthful energy character, hued with very excellent gusto ( portrayed in Who Rules the World starring she and Yang Yang), the male lead quite did wrong to the movie on my part. Leo Wu is boring, very less handsome, uncharismatic, lacks every sense of exigent humor, dull and doesn't exploit to his advantage his brilliant paired cast. He has never been good in exemplifying and playing romance. He made The Long Ballard which got featured in, a brilliant Diralba Dilmurat, very boring and I had to painfully leap over many an unwatched episode just to have a peek into the end, so frustrating.

As a preacher and delibrator of good C-dramas osts, this drama lacked any captivating and heartwrenching one (compare with
with the likes of Immortal Samsara, TMOPB, The Wolf, Novoland:Pearl Eclipse, Legend of Fei, Acient Love Poetry, amongst many others)., so exceedingly bad!

The sound effects was ridiculous and a disgrace, alongside the visual effects and everything.

There are a couple of many other things I would have loved to append to this honestly brutal review but I think none of them could measure a millionth to the tune of disappointment I have in the choice of the Male lead. A very bad thespian. I do not want to see him in any movie.

The only worth final note is that i PROUDLY dropped this series just some few minutes into the 5th episode, It was like a burden was lifted off my shoulders.

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Dropped 3/27
VKO
19 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2022
3 of 27 episodes seen
Dropped 56
Overall 2.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

surprised at the high ratings

Other reviewers find this to be a good drama but unfortunately, I totally disagreed. May be is because I expected more from these well-known actors.

What can I say about the 3 episodes I've watched so far?.....I am searching for the the right words to describe, but this is all I can came up with...... "This is a really stupid drama"....... The story, if there is one!!! is stupid. The acting is really stupid. Even the dialogues are stupid....

If this is a comedy, it is not funny. If this is a drama, it lacks performances. If this is mystery, the excitements are missing. If this is a romance, I have not even got to that part yet.......So far, It is nothing but childish mischiefs and absurdity.

It is painful for me to watch any further, but that is only my opinions.

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Dropped 2/27
Betsy3491
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 7, 2026
2 of 27 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 4.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 4.0

Slow to start...

People have told me that LOVE LIKE THE GALAXY is a fantastic drama. I believe those people. I read the reviews, and they all said the same thing.

In Episode 1, we meet the cast of characters, a large, unpleasant, bickering family. A war’s raging on the border, and Mom and Dad are just back from the frontlines. They haven’t seen their daughter Cheng Shao Shang for ten years--nor have they made any real attempt to contact her. Why?

It’s not clear. We’re told that Chen Shao Shang has been cared for by neglectful relatives. She’s been starved, mistreated, and deprived of an education. The poor girl’s health is supposedly precarious.

But with a couple of winks, the girl lets the audience know that she’s faking it. Also, the actress in question looks particularly well-fed–so, not to worry.

We hear over and over about the travails of Old Madame Cheng–the blubbering, melodramatic grandma. I counted twelve(!) different speeches made by this woman in the first two episodes. She whines and complains incessantly. There’s also a thoroughly wretched uncle who’s been embezzling armaments–and a stone-faced general who comes to investigate the crime. Everyone argues about who’s filial and who isn’t.

There’s no hook, nothing to convince me to keep watching this series.

In addition, this entire series is 56 episodes long! Judging by the first two episodes the pacing is going to be sloooowww. I'm sorry. I can only go by what I’ve seen so far. Your mileage may differ.

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Dropped 1/27
ladychuhua
5 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2022
1 of 27 episodes seen
Dropped 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

SYNOPSIS

This drama depicts the story of Cheng Shao Shang ", the "unruly" daughter of Cheng clan and of Ling Buyi, the emperor's adopted son.
Shaoshang grew up without her "family". She does not know what love means, how it feels to be loved and when you can feel love. All throughout her life, she was bullied and mocked for being "abandon" as a new born and "illiterate". She refused to be bullied and so she stand up for herself most of the time. When her parents returned from almost 15 years of absence, she thought she can finally feel the warmth of having "real family" love but then constantly reminded by her mother how "incompetent" she is compared to her "well-mannered" cousin (asian thing).

Ling Buyi is the adopted son of the Emperor. He is a capable General with a "broken" and "dark" past. He felt a strong attraction to young lady, Shaoshang but he did not yet to confess his feelings. He mostly appears whenever Shaoshang is in trouble or in danger, willing to risk his life just for her to be safe. "Action speaks louder than words".

There are two other important "male heroes", Lou Yao and Yuan Shen. Both are from noble families. Lou Yao, the first one to pursue Shaoshang, asked for her hand for marriage and the first one to show Shaoshang how to be "appreciated", "valued" and "loved" but the engagement did not last long for some circumstances. Yuan Shen, pursue Shaoshang when Ling Buyi was punished by the emperor and was sent to the frontier for a long period of time. Heartbroken Shaoshang accepted Yuan Shen to forget Ling Buyi.

Fate played them well.

Ling Buyi came back and messed Shaoshang's feelings again. This time, they will not let go of each other and will hold on forever.

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Ongoing 1/27
Xukaixoxo
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2024
1 of 27 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
"The colossal drama 'Love Like the Galaxy,' featuring outstanding performances by Zhao Lusi as Niao Niao and Wu Lei as Ling Buyi, goes beyond mere romance, delving into the wisdom of family bonds. Zhao Lusi captivates the audience with her heartwarming portrayal of Niao Niao. The tenderness of her character establishes a strong emotional connection, while her acting prowess brings both humor and wisdom to every scene.

Wu Lei, in the role of Ling Buyi, brings a calm and emotional depth to his character. Viewers can feel every emotion he experiences, from joy to sorrow. The chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei creates a convincing romantic dynamic, breathing authenticity into the love story.

Beyond the remarkable performances, 'Love Like the Galaxy' imparts valuable lessons about the importance of family. The well-structured and surprising plot takes the audience on a profound journey exploring family relationships and true love. The drama not only pleases the eyes with its colossal visuals but also touches the heart with strong moral messages.

The director and production team deserve appreciation for their intelligent direction, stunning cinematography, and meaningful screenplay. The harmonious alignment of emotional background music and dramatic scenes intensifies every moment.

'Love Like the Galaxy' is not just entertainment; it's an emotionally touching experience. Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei successfully bring their characters to life, making this drama unforgettable. Overall, it's an artistic creation that seamlessly combines romance, family values, and wisdom, earning it applause as a remarkable colossal drama."

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Ongoing 27/27
KhitSaithongWest
7 people found this review helpful
Jul 5, 2022
27 of 27 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

รักละครเรื่องนี้

เริ่มเรื่องได้ดีสนุกและน่าติดตาม นักแสดงดีมืออาชีพ มีคุณภาพสมกับที่รอคอยมานาน แค่สี่ตอนก็หลงรักละครเรื่องนี้ไปแล้ว ขอบคุณทีมงานผู้สร้างรวมทั้งนักแสดงและผู้เกี่ยวข้องทุกท่านที่ผลิดละครคุณภาพดีๆแบบนี้ออกให้รับชมนะคะ สำหรับละครเรื่องนี้ให้คะแนนไปเลย 100 คะแนนไม่หัก

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Completed
Hyperborea
6 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2025
27 of 27 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Una Galassia di Stronze

Gradevole drama a sfondo storico, ispirato probabilmente alla dinastia Han (206 a.c/226 d.C.), a tema politico, tratto dal romanzo di Guan Xin Ze Luan, "Xing Han Can Lan, Shang Lu".
Il contesto storico precisamente dovrebbe essere alto l'Han Orientale (25-220 d.C.),durante il regno dell'imperatore Guangwu (25-57 d.C.; ciò non è esplicitamente dichiarato e i nomi sono stati modificati). Come l'imperatore Guangwu, anche l'imperatore di questa storia è un imperatore fondatore che non uccide ed è benevolo con i suoi suddit
Narra della protagonista, la quindicenne Shao Shao (NiaoNiao), cresciuta senza cure genitoriali, in quanto figlia di due generali impegnati in una guerra al fronte.
Nonostante una sceneggiatura interessante che mostra il percorso evolutivo, quasi un racconto di formazione, della giovane Shaoshang (corda di cetra), interpretata abbastanza bene da Zhao Lusi, e nonostante la regia sia abbastanza curata (con momenti molto buoni e qualche falla), alcuni aspetti hanno penalizzato la mia valutazione "tirata":
- spreca troppo tempo con troppe donne deliranti e ossessionate dal ML. Questo va a discapito della narrazione.
- Wu Lei è risultato sufficiente nella interpretazione ma è mancata completamente la profondità e l'intensità che il personaggio dovrebbe avere, se lo confronto con Wang Xing Yue, di 2 anni più piccolo, ne esce pietosamente e amaramente sconfitto; stessa cosa dico della madre della FL, l'ho trovata poco performante per il ruolo sebbene inizialmente io l'abbia compresa nei suoi intenti.
- Elementi comici e tragici non sempre fusi bene insieme, danno un tono grottesco al lavoro.
- Una sceneggiatura e una regia che calcano troppo alcune scene romantiche, rendendole patinate, edulcorate, finte, a scopo fan service (esempio proposte di matrimonio plateali, senza aver creato alcunché a livello di rapporto per giustificare una mossa avventata, a poca distanza da un fidanzamento revocato, FL e ML che girano insieme roteando, mentre si fissano, il cliché della caduta abusato , tipo 5 volte su 10 incontri).
Personaggi troppo caricaturali per risultare credibili (Imperatore che si occupa di gossip e rumors, non c'è un solo discorso politico o a sostegno della nazione. Mi ha divertito ma quanto può essere credibile).
Un aspetto che non mi ha convinta a livello di scrittura : Niao Niao era stata abbandonata dai genitori, rimanendo con una nonna malata (disturbo psichiatrico), e una zia rancorosa e cinicamente sadica, non aveva appreso nulla di quello che serve per inserirsi nella società di quei tempi ,eppure, forse per sopravvivenza ,era diventata moralmente integra, con competenze architettoniche e ingegneristiche (che si basano al 60% sulla matematica). Io Boh!
Altro aspetto non convincente era il modo di rappresentare la malattia della madre del protagonista maschile, aveva sicuramente un DSPT con sintomi dissociativi regressivi: a volte sembrava in contratto con la realtà , e altre no ma in modo diverso, all'inizio la vediamo proprio in un mondo tutto suo, poi presente nel momento ma disconnessa per brevi attimi, poi presente e infine di nuovo distaccata.
Da clinico direi che c'è molta confusione sul modo di rappresentare il disturbo, NON DICO SI DEBBA ESSERE PERFETTI IN TUTTO ma dato che lo valutate 10 mi aspetto uno studio prima di caratterizzare i personaggi afflitti da disturbi psichiatrici. Lo fanno i turchi, gli americani... e credo anche noi italiani che abbiamo una recitazione penosa.
Le stronze con cui si relaziona avevano ricevuto la migliore educazione, alcune da tutori imperiali, eppure erano stronze, manipolatrici e inviperite. Questa dicotomia forse serve a dare spessore e lustro al personaggio principale ma se non mostri l'evoluzione delle stronze diventa una velata misoginia nei confronti delle donne, dipinte tutte come fredde, meschine, vendicative, ciniche, svalutanti, manipolative, alcune sadiche.

Cosa mi è piaciuto invece:
- il rapporto con la madre, conflittuale e molto ingiusto da principio si ammorbidisce e avvia delle mutuali riflessioni, la madre inoltre quando la ragazza subirà qualche torto saprà difenderla in modo aggressivo.
- il personaggio principale è intelligente, resiliente e pieno di sfumature, umano e abbastanza rancoroso.
- l'evoluzione di Niao Niao, da ragazzina ferita e pestifera all'inizio, a quasi donna matura e riflessiva alla fine. La crescita è palpabile e apprezzabile, molto ben resa.
- il rapporto con i fratelli, sebbene venga mostrato poco, gli uomini della famiglia Cheng sono tutti meravigliosi, a parte il simpatico padre che manca totalmente di spina dorsale e autorevolezza.
- il personaggio timido e remissivo di A'Yao è stato ben interpretato, e la sua dolcezza inizia a sciogliere una inaccessibile (da principio) ShaoShao.
- regia, in alcune riprese molto suggestive e caratteristiche, bellissima la introduzione nella prima puntata e l'incontro nel giardino dei Lu, l'uso delle luci e la scenografia;
- sceneggiatura interessante che non perde mai il ritmo e non annoia.

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Completed
Nijan
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 15, 2024
27 of 27 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Tout simplement magnifique , j’ai adoré du début à la fin les jeux d’acteurs m’ont tellement transporté et j’ai pleuré toutes les larmes de mo corps. J’ai partagé chaque émotion avec les acteurs pour dire combien ils sont bons.
J’aime le fait que l’amour entre nos deux protas se soit construit petit à petit se basant sur la confiance et l’admiration. Le prota aimait tellement la prota qu’il était prêt à tout pour la voir heureuse .
Les autre personnage n’en reste pas moins attachant aussi . Les moment drôles m’ont tué de rire 😂
J’espère tellement les voir jouer ensemble encore .

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Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1 poster

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  • Score: 8.9 (scored by 33,018 users)
  • Ranked: #121
  • Popularity: #264
  • Watchers: 64,593

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