Destined (2023)

United as Husband & Wife—Destined together | Will always choose each other in this lifetime <3

I want to commence this review by saying how this drama gave me peace of mind, tranquil and warmth. I didn't exactly know how it happened at first but I later realized that it is all because this story created such a homey vibe...a feeling of security, strong bond, genuine concern and unconditional love that effortlessly resonated to its viewers which made me watch this in a comfortable and peaceful manner. I know it may sound weird, but I feel a lot kinder now. Hahaha! I would say they succeed in building a connection to their viewers on how they want them to view this drama as a whole. I believe they want people to know and understand that kindness, compassion and willingness to help can keep anyone away from worries, selfish desires and greed; and that it can become an instrument, a guide and inspiration for us to take on the right path to achieve a fullfiling and sucessful life.

I don't wanna make comparisons and I will not, however, I just wanna mention that this drama gave me the same vibe I felt when I was watching "The sword and the brocade" but this time the ML is a lot nicer and that there really isn't so much drama and scheming going on within the household. It maybe because of the story as both of the Female leads were forced into marriage but, more so, I think it's because of the FL and her gentle demeanor, intelligence and philanthropic activities to help people that made me reminisce of TSATB. All in all I love both dramas and I am really into this kind of story that highlights women and how capable they can be.

Story (Line, progression and twist) - I love how the story line focuses on the Main leads and stayed commited that way until the very end. I think this is one of those dramas who didn't get greedy in building so much side stories only to end up not using them. I also like the fact that all the supposed side stories were treated as a special scenes where we're only updated about their whereabouts just to check on how they're doing. It feels more satisfying that way because I don't really have to get stress on what will happen to them nor get bothered on whether we get an update or not. No strings attached at all! But kudos to the Writer for still keeping them in the story while casually giving us their life updates. I just also wanna add up that Luo Zishang's origin revelation is something unexpected yet makes a lot of sense to me. I never really bothered about his hatered, so when it was revealed at the end, I instead feel bad for what he went through at the same time happy that he get to meet his father as a consolation of his traumatic and tough childhood. But then again, he commited a lot of hideous and condemnable acts to get pitied. Well deserve death and a satisfying ending for him I'd say.

Overall design, CGI and Costume - The budget must have been huge because the entirety of the drama looks grand and luxurious. The wedding alone looks elegant and expensive, so what more with the other details I may have overlooked all throughout. The design and set up of each scenes are mostly intricate and it feels like the department handling this stuff made sure that eveything looks perfect the best way they can. CGI and editing are looking good too! and although I can still notice the use of green screens, I would say it's not as bad compared to other dramas out there who look straight up terrible. In regards to costume, I wanna say that they've got some good stylist with them. The choice of colors and designs for the costumes are great and I never felt that something is wrong with them. Most of the time I was even in awe on how good they're in making the costumes look beautiful and elegant no matter how simple they are. This also helped the actors/actresses to look more attractive and charming.

Lastly is the progression of the Main Leads' love story. The chemistry has always been there but Ghad! Bai Jingting and Song Yi's acting put it into another level. I love how their relationship gradually improved as time passes by because it showcased the real definition of Falling in love unexpectedly and unconditionally. I can still remember how the ML falling in love with the FL felt so magical. This story is simply so good. + I also appreciate that both of them are such mature characters who knew each other very well because it helped the story avoid unnecessary conflicts out of jealousy and misunderstandings.

Story - 10, This is such an inspiring and impressive story. I love how they're able to create a narrative that goes beyond the typical full of jealousy drama and was able to create such a strong and wonderful love story with firm foundation. Another factor that impresses me is on how they executed this drama with proper phasing even with all the timeskips that has transpired all throughout. What a Great Job!

Acting/Cast - 10, I'm very satisfied with the cast and I can never picture any other person playing the main and support roles; and as I mentioned above, the combination of Song Yi and Bai Jing Ting made this extra special and precious to me. This is also the first time where I truly appreciate and fell in love with Song Yi as an actress. Her acting is great + she looks extra beautiful here! My goodness! Liu Xue Yi did an impressive job too portraying his character, as well as the other supporting casts.

Music - 10, Proper placement of music and I also love their choice of BGMs in every scenes. + I love that they have full control of the volume of the song and never allowed it to overshadow nor drown the scenes it was used to even a single time.

Rewatch Value - 10, This is one of those dramas I will truly watch if I have more time and lesser drama to watch. I really appreciate the entirety of this production.

Overall - 10, Do I need to say more? Everything about this feel so precious and so close to me. I love the story so much and I also appreciate how they were able to tell the story in a nice and a broad-minded way. I highly recommend this drama specially to those who love the Main Cast!

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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A sweet gem

The first thing I will say is that this drama does not have pitiful female characters with uwu baby voices.

Our female lead starts off young, but she never has that childish voice. Her life is hard and she has stuff to do. Even the side female characters aren't terribly immature. It's so refreshing to watch a drama where the females aren't infantized.

Second, Bai Jing Ting as the male lead was perfect casting. His playful rich Young Master and serious court official facial expressions were perfect.

The plot/story in the first half had my heart pounding. You never knew who was going to be caught in the chaos. I really felt afraid for the characters.

The chemistry between the two leads was amazing. Even though they only share one one screen kiss, it was a beautiful scene. And you know what? I found myself not even missing kissing scenes. The way they looked at each other, hugged, touched, and spoke to one another was enough. It was such a treat to watch their marriage go from basically a business transmission to a legit marriage.

The side characters weren't too annoying. I was interested in all of their stories.

The plot in the second half turned it from a budding romance to a full fledge palace/fight for the throne drama. I think it was a smooth transmission, but I wish they focused more on the couple falling in love than who gets to sit on the throne.

The villain made sense to me at first, but the he went off the rails. I kinda felt bad for him and then again, dude... It's not and never will be that serious!

I'm giving it a solid 8. The ending was happy and didn't leave us guessing. Great drama!

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Couples who grow together STAY together!!! and end up saving the country along the way

If I could rewind time to rewatch this whole series again, I would do it right now.

I was so excited for DESTINED I even broke out my rusty Mandarin to try reading the webnovel it was based on (Chang Feng Du, or "Long Wind Crossing") before the series even aired. (Turns out my Mandarin was a bit too rusty lol.)

If you're a fan of:
- a heartfelt couple who goes through THICK AND THIN together to solve problems and save civilians
- intricate political schemes featuring a 3-dimensional, cunning villain who's easy on the eyes
- host of side characters that brighten up the screen
- diverse genres from war time, palace intrigue, business start-ups, to even slice-of-life and rom-com
- and main characters that go through amazing growth throughout the series,
Then this drama is right up your alley!!

PROS
❀ This couple is my new gold standard for historical dramas
No misunderstandings, unnecessary break-ups, and over-the-top arguments/bickering. JUST mutual affection and understanding, riding the same frequency, passionate embraces, staunch devotion, and growing with each other. The ML Gu Jiusi is at first a carefree dandy, but you can see that he's still soft-hearted and caring, which sets his character up for huge potential. The FL Liu Yuru is getting ready for an engagement as per the young ladies of the time period, but in the series she blossoms into more than those expectations. I adored how both leads inspired the other to go beyond what society expected of them. For GJS, it was maturing past his playboy tendencies to become an official that brought peace to the people, and for LYR it was seeking a surprise passion: business.
Their interactions were so sweet! I love how LYR turned her accidental marriage into something productive and pushed her husband out of his comfort level. On the other hand, GJS's open mind and natural intelligence also sparked new drive and passion into his wife's heart. Individually, they became dependable and strong. Together, they were a gold star team.
Their romance took up a good portion of the story and hooks you in with satisfying character development from the get-go. After the first 10 episodes or so, underhanded scheming upends their lives as they grow more into their roles to save the family.
OH! I also loved their kiss scenes :)) not to mention the couple looked gorgeous together.

❀ The side characters had significant depth
I love how the show focused on side characters as much as the main leads. Relationships of all types are featured: romance, bromance, sismance, revengemance (lol?), and more. The biggest shout outs I have are:
- Pan Xuan and General Zhou's bromance: one that transcends beyond official positions
- Zhou Ye x Ye Shian x Gu Jiusi's bromance: I literally pump my fist whenever I see them working together in court
- Liu Yuru x Ye Yun x Qin Wan Zhi's sismance: I love how each of them are capable in different ways (businesswoman, physician, and female general!)
- Luo Zi Shang as the villain and his subordinates: this villain!! He's smart and he knows it. Manipulating everyone everywhere he goes. But with his backstory and how the actor portrays him, you CAN'T help but feel as if he deserved more. Obviously too late with his evildoings, but you can't help but think: "what if?" in terms of his upbringing and situation. One of my favorite villains to date.
- Jiang He, GJS's maternal uncle: another intelligent character with hidden depths. I love how he was introduced and integrated into the story, as well as his role in wrapping everything up.
- GJS's mom and LYR's mommance: lol sismance but they're in-laws. Both strong women in their own unique ways.

❀ Everyone was casted really well
I loved Bai Jing Ting in You Are My Hero and Reset, and he was AMAZING in this historical piece. His facial expressions - especially towards the beginning - were hilarious as he acted as a carefree dandy. Later down the episodes, even though his character matures and starts to command attention both in the palace and on the battlefield, he still retains some of that playfulness. Song Yi's character also grows from a demure lady to a smart businesswoman (after trials and tribulations), and she executes that transformation really well. At first her dub was a bit sweet/sing-songy to me, but I got used to it as it matched her character. Liu Xue Yi as the villain was stellar as well - even though he was super evil I felt for him. I really did. And not just because of his sad backstory and good-looking face, lol.

❀ Really enjoyed the plot execution
Although I know there was deviation from the book, I love how the storyline pans out. I thought everything was revealed naturally and methodically, and the storyline was tight from beginning to end (meaning - no unnecessary fillers). You looking for a Chinese drama with minimal plot holes? You came to the right place. The writers did a great job tying up loose ends, in my opinion. You get to see the outcome of all the major characters and the final conclusion - which did have tragic moments as per unspoken historical Cdrama rule - was ultimately fulfilling. I literally felt like I had withdrawals after I finished the last episode.
As for the plot, we get to enjoy a host of genres: first we see a rom-com background where two seemingly different people end up together. Then, tragedy strikes and they walk through fire together to save their family and rebuild from scratch, lending a slice-of-life feel. LYR is building her business while GJS enters the government as a lowly yamen runner. As he works his way up (literally climbs the official ladder through numerous achievements and plans), we get introduced to war and much more action. Finally, the main leads make it to the capital and the show continues in a palace setting as everything leading up to this moment gets revealed.

❀ Subtle message of female empowerment
I feel like many Cdramas try to push feminist ideals in your face and end up getting a bad rep. DESTINED doesn't have that focus; rather, the feminist ideals are naturally integrated in the story and characters. GJS - literally greenest flag to have ever flown - is open-minded and not afraid to call people out.
- Why would you have filial piety if your father doesn't deserve it? -> A statement he makes that LYR is shocked about, but ends up applying to her own situation.
- Who says that women can't do what men do? -> GJS's message that inspires LYR to find her own passion rather than living for the sake of her husband.
- Women from all sorts of life: from LYR's birth mom to her friend that takes a stand in her hostage situation to the antagonist team's brothel owner who also takes control of her own life, each woman is depicted with quiet strength and resilience.
In terms of female empowerment, this drama does an amazing job in "showing" those ideals rather than just "telling" the audience.

CONS
✕ I can't really think of anything huge under the haze of my overall love for this drama, but some weaker plot points include:
- 2ML/villain's obsession with the FL: I know Asian dramas tend to oversell childhood friends but even the flashbacks weren't strong enough to supplement his attachment to her
- how our main couple never caught a break after they established themselves: it was literally one conflict after another lol. I didn't mind it but I can see why folks get tired after ep 30ish since the series starts dialing up the palace drama and politics.

OVERALL
DESTINED balances multiple genres really well, but at its heart is a young couple who goes through obstacles and end up growing as individuals while saving people. Along the way, they gather a colorful crew of loyal friends who become the pillars of the nation. While the FL and her business does take a step back in the latter quarter to make room for the ML's kingmaker moves in the palace, she still supports and supplements him. At the end of the day, they were certainly destined for each other.

Brb, about to rewatch it now ;)

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Watch for the romance, try to ignore the rest

Mediocre show with some intereseting moments, overabundance of sweetness and domestic bliss as well as suprising amount of brutality.

Storyline and characters are mostly mediocre, the level of intrigues by various baddies far from intelectual masterminds. This doesnt have to be a bad thing - a charming proof of their inteligence. Sometimes they felt like a necessary trope to add - e.g. evil concubine. Othertimes, the capricious nature of the bad guys was almost refreshing or on occasion even felt realistic (man in high position who are not eveil mastermind but rather short-sighted scared fools making lot of emotional decisions).

Unfortunately, the shows starts quickly favouring telling and not showing, which leads to tiresome amount of expository monologues or various repetitive dialogues used as characterisation tool (not always supported by the actions of said characters).

And then there is the blasted ep 17 that made me furious by its sheer idiocy. Well, if it was to be a proof of their youthful ignorance, I apologise.


SLIGHT SPOILER - mostly angry rant about the level of idiocy this show can try to present as sound economical thinking

Family moves to a different region for various reasons with the intention to reestablish their business and redevelop the region in very modern sustianable manner - crating a proper infrastructure that would make trading easier, creating various job opportunities in this new underdeveloped region etc etc etc. Yay.
There is lots and lots of talks how thousands of people depend on their business. This relocation is done not just by the main family, but the branches and all their affiliates. Then, suddenly, the main couple gets possesed by the spirit of student communists from the early 20th century and decide to give their wealth away to the governemnt (and you know the government is good because the local homeless community doesnt complain about them - naturally, why would they complain about governemnt that cannot provide them with shelter and food despite their refugee status) as a pennance for their sins of being evil burgoise merchants. This action is framed as something to help the region. Because, naturally, one-time donation accomapnied by aforementioned thousans of people who followed the main family to this new region with promise of jobs and home and are now without said jobs and home (their employer deciding to quit) is the way to go when one tries to improve underdeveloped region.

end of spoiler rant


Acting - nothing to keep you glued to the seat but not bad. Just be prepared for endless talks. Romance between the main couple - tooth-rotting sweetness, be ready for the most pleasant of diabetes.

And to cleanse your palate, you have the cruelty of the bad guys and rather brutal depiction of war and its consequences (at least in contrast to the harmonoius romance strylines) - which is a refreshing alterantive to the usual heroism. Given the drama´s tendency to grand motivational speeches, one tries to see some idea behind this and for the sake of my nerves, i decided to go with pacifism (a good thing). or maybe it´s just a tool to up the drama and hardships of the good guys. Most likely both are correct, even though not both delivered with the same strenght.

Overall, it´s not a bad show, if you concentrate on the romance and the domestic bliss and dont bother to think too much about the grand narrative and economical or societal theories presented here. :) and are fine with charming amount of ageism (mother-in-law is fortyfive and can´t stop whining about being old and useless. Well, at least she is not in her thirties, so some progress has been made!

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Not for me.

I'm dropping this.
The convoluted premise is just not interesting and Song Yi is not utilized super well.
See, I find she's at her best as a strong confident character, sassiness being appreciated.
Here she just pines and cries all the time.
Like girl, you got arranged-married into a rich family, how awful for you! And your husband even wants to divorce you and give you a ton of money? The horror!
Main dude tries, he's trying so hard I'm surprised he didn't pull a funny muscle in his face. Also his ears are massive.
But yeah, it's just not what I hoped. Definitely not Dream of Splendor, nor Joy of Life/My Heroic Husband.
Pass.

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Just not for me

I watched 2 episodes. I didn't find the story entertaining so decided to drop it........ For me it was just boring, I tried few times....

The characters and leads were ok just the story didn't appeal to me. Maybe should of been more patient with the story but in the moment just felt didn't want to continue with it.......

Anyways, those watching please enjoy.
Those who want to give it a try, I suggest to give it a few episodes and form an opinion......

I am still open to watching more of these leads in future dramas, this does not change my opinion of them......

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Ignore the insensible plot elements and you'll love it!

First episode is aestheically gorgeous. ML is at his adorable best! FL maturity shines. 2nd MLs are so suited to their roles.
But I haven't given a ten because there are parts of the story that don't make sense....for example, her first meeting with him is over a fox fur sold by her evil 'step-mother'---she demands it back even though he paid for it. And she wants it back to sell it.....huh? why is he at fault? And then there's the confrontation in the Pleasure House--would he really accept his wife berating him in public? Then, there's the giving away "ALL" their fortune because they can't get licenses to sell, but yet she turns around and easily opens a new business...with what funds? how did she get that license so easily? Then, there's her mission to gather provisions across the country---isn't the whole reason their own province has inadequate provisions because the other provinces don't/won't sell their own precious supplies? Yet, she has the funds and resources and successfully obtains 2/3 of what she needs?
I haven't yet gotten to the end, but ignore these gaffs in the storyline and enjoy.

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waste of time

One word: boring. I feel like it's a waste of time, and I've already dropped it.
Plot is mediocre, acting is mediocre.
Apologies in advance to him and her fans.
Is Bai Jing Ting a good actor to begin with?
I know he's good at making troubled faces and expressions, but I just don't think he's capable of making a heartfelt appeal to the audience with a facial expression that has no dialogue.
Song Yi has never given a great performance, and I feel the same way about this drama, that she is a mediocre actor compared to the greats like Yang Mi and Sun Li.
Everyone has their own taste in dramas.
Many people enjoy it, as evidenced by the ratings. Those who are addicted to the drama should continue to enjoy it.

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Um drama sobre confiança e responsabilidade

A Review contém spoilers, então apenas leia se já terminou a obra e gostaria de ler a opinião de outra pessoa que gostou muito do enredo.
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Se podemos resumir os pontos altos desse dorama com certeza seria a construção e evolução dos personagens principais de maneira singular e como isto formou a relação de amor e confiança entre os dois.

Primeiro Liu Yuru — ela se apresenta na superfície como uma personagem de uma moça comum, que sofreu na infância por questões familiares e que por isso sonha com um bom casamento.

Já Gu Jiusi — é um menino rico e mimado, que nunca teve preocupações na vida e vive da maneira que quer.

Contudo, essa é apenas a visão superficial dos dois, e quando são obrigados a se casar, acabam por mostrar seu verdadeiro lado um ao outro, enquanto colocados em prova nas dificuldades do enredo.

A história circula entre apostas dos protagonistas, seja sobre seu casamento, suas conquistas profissionais e o futuro da nação, apostas arriscadas, mas sempre visando o bem.

A construção da relação de confiança da Yuru e do Jiusi foi palpável, bem escrita e emocionante. A relação deles foi formada passo a passo e de maneira sólida, tanto que em todos os problemas enfrentados havia diálogo entre eles, ajuda de ambos e confiança mútua em suas decisões. Eles eram realmente jades puras e essenciais para a paz do reino.

Particularmente, minha parte preferida foi a que eles ficaram em Youzhou. Todo o enredo desse arco foi impecável, tendo seu ápice na cena que Jiusi defende os portões da cidade com apenas 10 mil soldados, com a Yuru cuidando das pessoas comuns em seu interior. A tensão e o medo pode ser sentido em cada cena, em especial na que eles finalmente admitem seus sentimentos e aceitam a morte desde que fiquem juntos. — Em relação a essa última parte, mesmo que até então eles não tenham demonstrado afeições físicas, os dois já agiam como um casal que se amava, ganhando muitos pontos em demostrar que o amor em sua plenitude não é apenas algo físico mas muito mais que isso, mais sobre as emoções intrínsecas nas ações, o respeito e a confiança. Assim, naquele momento, foi possivel ver que os dois já se amavam profundamente.

Outro ponto muito gratificante de se assistir foi a colocação das mulheres neste drama, sobre eles mostrarem sua luta pela igualdade e como elas se provaram conquistando sucesso em diversas áreas de atuação, seja na rica família de comerciantes Gu, administrada com perfeição pela Sra. Jiang Rou, e posteriormente pela Yuru, a força da General Qin WanZhi, a luta da médica Ye Yun — estamos aqui para ver mulheres fod@s no poder.


Um dorama muito bom, que por ter tantas cenas e enredos bem feitos fez com que o final deixasse uma sensação que poderia ter sido mais marcante. Isso é perceptível quando analisa-se a história do grande vilão Luo Zishang, que tramou durante toda a obra para no desfecho descobrir-se que a história não era bem aquela que ele acreditava. A cena de revelação de seu grande plano foi meio vazia, não passando a emoção que deveria — Eu esperava mais um "eu sou seu irmão" e uma grande reação. Contudo, no final é compreensível que um drama todo focado na importância da confiança entre os personagens finaliza-se com o entendimento que as pessoas que você mais ama e te ajudam são as que você deveria confiar — não em alguém que tramou a obra inteira.

Alem disso, por outro lado, o fim em relação ao futuro do reino me agradou, apesar de não ser um final feliz para todos.

Como a série mostra, o trono é um lugar solitário. E todos que chegaram lá acabaram de certa forma destruídos. O enredo de Fan Xuan e Zhou Gaolang foi triste de se assistir, eles eram melhores amigos, irmãos, mas a pressão do trono fez com que eles se afastassem. Uma suspeita, um mal entendido, fez com que houvesse uma quebra de confiança. Amargamente, apesar disso, no final vemos que Fan Xuan errou em suas palavras e atitudes, mas que no fundo seus sentimentos sempre foram os mesmos que dividiu com Zhao Gaolang no começo de suas jornadas. Contudo, Zhao Gaolang se sente traído, acreditando na perda da confiança de seu amigo somada a dificuldade de interpretação da fala ambígua de Fan Xuan ao pedir para ele ser o próximo imperador, que no começo pareceu um teste, mas no final era mesmo a vontade de um pai que queria muito acreditar que seu filho poderia mudar.

Por fim, Zhao Gaolang sobe ao trono, destruído, sem sua família, sem seu melhor amigo, mas com a responsabilidade de manter o Estado seguro, a mesma responsabilidade que os dois assumiram quando conquistaram Darong da rebelião.

Posteriormente o trono é dado a Zhou Ye, outro personagem com um bom caráter, e junto com Ye Shi'an, Shen Ming, Ye Yun, e claro Jiusi e Yuru, criam uma dinastia mais justa e próspera — sendo este um bom final para toda a luta dos protagonistas.

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