A Zillion% Must Watch and Rewatch.
This drama is EPIC! Totally truly love this drama. Im not going to write long review as most have been said in other reviews. Every episode of this drama gets better everytime. Now that I have completed this drama, I feel so empty that Im going to rewatch it!I hope they will give us Season 3 or surprise special episode or epilogue. Cant get enough of this drama.
A shout to all the cast and production for their brilliant work! My sincere thanks for making this drama amazing.
Wu Lei & Zhao Lusi š„°š„°
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Best period cdrama to date
LLTG made me sign up because i liked it so much. Aside from what others have previously mentioned, what sets it apart from other usual period drama imo are the following:1. Our leads are not dumb, pitiful and helpless. They are both cunning, sensitive and strategic on how they handle matters. Although they have flaws too that make them more relatable
2. The emperor, empress and consort live harmoniously without anyone with an intent to harm the other..
3. The family dynamics reflects cultural setting during that period but injected with a modern way of thinking by breaking the norms of what is expected specially the femele characters.
4. The drama triggered a sense of kinship to the fans and commenters that it made watching and waiting more tolerable and enjoyable.
Hope we could move on faster from this drama but this will remain one of my favorite cdrama of all time! š
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A character for everyone to imagine and consider
Overall the show is awesome, the romance of our leads was very beautiful and I enjoyed the character development of all of them. what I didn't like however was the fact that Yuan shanjian, the 3rd Prince and the crown prince still dont have love. Them I thought of someone who might be a match for Yuan shanjian. Meet yan lisheng.Yan lisheng is the 3rd daughter of the yan family, she is the illegitimate daughter as her mother is her father's concubine. Her father and mother were once in love but her father cheated on her mother and married his first wife then convinced her mother to be his concubine. As a result, lisheng also doesn't believe in marriage, that is why she is 25 and unmarried. She is intelligent, well mannered(when she has to be), loyal to those she loves, strong, cold to her enemies, doesn't tolerate nonsense. She isn't interested in gossip but loves finding out the truth about matters. No one dares to mess with her cause she knows their secrets. Her father is a county magistrate so she is a noble lady.
She meets Yuan shanjian who is still hung up on chen shaoshang when he visits her father while investigating something. Her family somehow gets involved in the mystery and she decides to find out the truth with Yuan shanjian. Given their similar personality they often bicker. They grow to respect each other and develop a mutual friendship. Or so they think. What happens when two people who hate marriage and love get caught in it's web?š
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A love as vast and beautiful as the galaxies
This drama has some really beautifully shot scenes. The lantern festival in the first few episodes is one such scene. It is one of the most striking first meeting between the ml anfld fl I've seen so far. The scene where the ml and fl meet in a forest in the middle part of the drama is also really beautiful. You can feel the chemistry and the warmth oozing out of the screen. The scene where the ml finally takes his revenge is also bloody amazing (pun intended). And ofcourse the ending scene with everyone stargazing is magnificent. The background ost and the sound effects just takes the scenes to another level.I loved all the characters. The Chen family has such a funny yet wholesome dynamic lol. The best characters by far are the Royal trio, the emperor, empress and the consort. Loved them to bits, especially the fact how they break every stereotype their character has in cdramaland. My favorite characters were the two bodyguards of the ml, A'qi and A'fei, they're so hilarious. And atlast the ml and the fl are phenomenal. The chemistry is off the charts. Fl isn't dumb!! And ml isn't cold!!!!
P. S: Wu Lei's voice alone deserves 10 stars!
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My Fave Cdrama of All Time!!
100% Thumbs Up to the cast and crew especially to the writer and director of this project.I can say the production team did a great job in interpreting the novel into live action. The director has a good eye on how the story will flow and each scene and cinematography are top notch.
If there is one complaint I have, it this.
Having read the latter part of the novel countless times, albeit using google translate. I was a bit disappointed with some of the scenes of the drama esp the 2nd part. Not because they didnt film it well but because I felt like the production had limited time to include all the necessary scenes to make it even more amazing. It seems they had to rush through it and skip some of the important scenes in order to put everything into 56 episodes. There were several interactions by the main leads with the other casts in the novel that I feel should have been included in the drama and the ending seemed rushed. But i guess the crew had to work within the limitations.
At the same time Id like to applaud them for trying to stay true to the novel despite the limited episodes given. It is still one of the best Cdrama I have watched so far. I emphatized with all the characters and the drama made me laugh, felt giddy, cry buckets of tears and it has touch my heart like no other drama had. I will definitely miss the cast and will for sure support the upcoming projects of Wulei and Zhao Lusi.
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This review may contain spoilers
AWARD WORTHY - BRAVO FOR WU LEI & ZHAO LUSI
I would nominate this drama for the best drama of 2022 and probably all time. Hoping all the crews get the awards and appreciation they deserve. Perfect music, directing, camera angles, screen writer, make up/costumes, editing, setting and lighting, main or supporting actors. Wu Lei & Zhao LuSi raised the bar of acting, comparing with other dramas - I can't find anyone more brilliant than these 2 young actors - they'll have most promising future as long as they'd find the good team in the industry - Chinese acting school should have this drama in their curriculum because of the epic scenes and actors should take this as their standard of good acting. There're cute, funny, romantic, beautiful scenes in every episodes that passed quickly. Let me breakdown the most remarkable scene of season 2 that I think Wu Lei and Zhao LuSi deserve some awards.Ep 29 You're the brightest star in my eyes. A romantic kissing scene that sent thousand butterfly to weak hearts, but that wasn't kissing part that so memorable to me. It's editing part, when Ling BuYi kissed and PAUSED.....5 seconds paused that's stop the moment of love and blooming beautiful romance - not to mention the music to set the mood.
Ep 39 Beating 100 strokes. LBY intention to be willingly beaten up 100 strokes was to understand CSS true feeling while the Emperor tried to give CSS a life lesson. CSS appeared to be scared and mortified to witness the beating of love ones, the urgency of her voice under the snowing blizzard. That's not what make this scene memorable but the comedic side of otherwise horrible beating scene, the Emperor with his two wives arguing and his eagerness to see love declaration from CSS, or the 3rd Prince who miscounting the strokes purposely. The best acting in here was the supporting actors like Emperor, 3rd Prince, 2 queens, or even the executioner soldiers, they're remarkably firing up the atmosphere of heart-broken begging and cries from CSS. The other was the camera took such great angle and music to add some flares but yes it was sad but also funny....unexpected chuckle f, that's the best of this episode.
Ep 48 Revenge scene. While CSS predicted what LBY's going to do in the night of rehearsal two days before their wedding day. When LBY had no other choice but to murder Ling Yi the killer of his father Huo Chong and Huo Clan. He had to keep the secret of his real identity for 15 years before finally taking avenge after the death of his aunt (mom). The scene was brutal bloody violence but the director left it to our own imagination, with closing door shadowy flying fallen figures, blood spreading all to windows, dead bodies piled up high aftermath, background orchestra gave the unforgettable epic scene. Aftermath, LBY laughed hysterically between relieved and reality set in and CSS witnessing what he's done. Fallen tears she questioned 'why?'
Ep 49 Fallen down the mountain. CSS came to rescue LBY, galloping fast braving arrows but cornered at the end of cliff. With her red wedding gown, messy hair blowing amidst snow flakes, pale lips, scare and determination wet eyes, LBY decided to throw himself down the mountain after saying goodbye. Horrific scare of CSS realizing LBY flew down leaving her, screaming calling his name in desperation and fainted in mental shock. The best of this was the setting and ZLS acting..
One thing that I don't like about Chang ShaoShang character was she meddling into Palace's politics, she's being 15 inexperience new comer in the palace, she's taking side to none of her business just because she'd like certain person. For a girl that wanted to be care free and outspoken, Ling BuYi was the one who always clean her mess, came to her rescue, defending and protecting, so much patience and fully compromise to her. It beat the purpose of demanding free will but showing stubbornness spoil naive clueless impudent burden she was, when making mistake she'd blame it to someone or circumstantial. As she apologized endlessly, she'd do the same recklessness the next breath.....so disappointed of her. As she became the most powerful influencer....she could talk/argue over her elders (including Emperor) and she could charm her way to the most powerful people in the palace. ep 34 didn't sit well with me, with their influence, Emperor and 2 queens had to resolve their disputes over engagement and resolved somebody thrown in jail or temple. Besides all these, ShaoShang was pretty cute, determine, smart, kind, lovable, and straight forward. I could imagined the happiness for both LBY/CSS union. Personal opinion, I'd rather have her married Yuan ShanJian, they had the same temperamental.
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Exceeded expectations - superb acting and top-notch storyline
Just finished all the episodes and what a performance especially from the male leads. Leo Wu has spectacularly captured the grit and angst of his Ling Buyi character in those revenge scenes. Zhao Lusi was a marvel in this entire drama - she perfectly portrayed the wit, stubbornness and youthfulness of ShaoShang in the earlier episodes and seamlessly transitioned acting-wise to a broken-hearted, elegant, still smart but more mature ShaoShang towards the end. The drama deserves to be watched for these two characters and actors alone but it was such a great and surprising treat to watch a very well-written, well-paced, enjoyable story, with an incredibly talented ensemble of cast - all very endearing and memorable and even the villains and minor roles - a great director, excellent cinematography and music. For those still on the fence - watch this if you are looking for a top-quality drama to savor from beginning to end:) 10/10 overallWas this review helpful to you?
Might be my Favorite Cdrama Ever
This show is exactly what i've been looking for. Over the past few years I found myself steering away from dramas with straight couples as I was tired of the tropes where girls had to act ditzy and had no personality other than being the love interest. That's not to say this show was clear of all tropes but it was done so tastefully. The relationship between the two leads was not smooth sailing but it was always on the basis of respect. They respected the heck out of each other which was made their love so beautiful.While it might be disappointing that the main focus of this drama is not completely the two leads as it is family oriented, don't let that keep you from watching. You will fall in love with all the characters and find yourself laughing, crying, and getting angry alongside them.
If you're hesitating to watch the show because of its length, I guarantee by the end of it you'll think 56 eps was way too short.
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Summary in few sentences
I cried rivers, I laughed tons. I've skipped some lengthy shots, I had my guts clench in anxiety. Overall it was so brilianty done it made me feel...The acting was... really good, you could believe they were immersed in characters and knew them. and the music made it even more believable. Nice usage of Chinese ancient music yet epic modern when needed.
Just warning it's lengthy. If you don't have time don't start it because it's made a way that wants you to watch it all at once :)
And second warning. if you are sensitive, perceiving bring a box of tissues. I really cried a lot. Sometimes out of happiness, sometimes out of sorrow.
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This review may contain spoilers
The most beautiful storyline
At first when my sister suggested this show to me, i was skeptical because iāve seen some bad chinese historical dramas so didnāt want to give it a go initially. HOWEVER, I still went on mainly due to the beautiful casts of this show. I was surprised by the first episode, didnāt know 44minutes could flew by so fast.Storyline:
I can say that LLTG storyline is not boring at all though there are still some cringe worthy moments, but still bearable. At first, i was definitely confused by the political shits that was happening but as the episode goes on, it cleared my doubt and i can reason with Ling Buyi/Huo Wushangās actions. Believe me, each episode is interesting as they slowly uncover all the bad deeds that it will make u curious for the next episode so 56 episodes wont be such a drag for u.
Cast:
Honestly, remarkable cast. I canāt say more because just by watching and observing all the emotions they put in, a masterpiece is born. Wu Lei was good at keeping a straight and frowny face and omg when he gets mad, itās HOT. Rosy who portrayed as Shaoshang was so bubbly and cheerful yet sheās a woman who is not scared of bullies and instead fight for her own rights, a true definition of women empowerment. It was truly relatable when sheās also someone who keeps everything inside her heart till it was too much for her to handle therefore, burst into tears infront of her fiance. Not gonna lie, the bullies were so good at acting i legit felt like i wanna punch them. All in all, thereās no bad actor in this show and this show will surely make u cry a river.
But if thereās one thing i want it to be better; uhm kissing scenes wise i would love it if itās not just them putting their lips together but showing a good kiss considering how much angst moments theyāve been through. Second, personally the ending was alittle underwhelming since we couldnāt see their wedding though they did say they gonna get married but i still want to see it!!! However, everyone got their own happy ever after i guess so allās good.
I strongly recommend people to watch this show! Itās a comedy + full of angsty moments where u gotta get ur popcorn ready and be comfortable at ur own seat. Oh not to forget, the Emperor and Ah Fei were the true comedians in this show with our little Shaoshang :) iāve found gold so letās all be happy and watch this comedy x historical show to boost ur happiness!
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Amazing finish. Fantastic Series
Hi all, apologies for a late review, I actually have finished this quite a while ago but too many things going on.Story: Carrying on from Season 1, this is an amazing story with plot twists and turns, its amazing how they have built the suspense of the story right up to the crucial points and just went you believe its over, guess what more comes your way. The ML/FL relationship dynamics is done really well. I would love to see ML/FL be in a modern series one day as I believe the chemistry is amazing.
Acting: Amazing chemistry all around, great acting from not just the ML/FL, everyone involved played their parts well, the villain's and other side characters played their parts amazingly.
Music: Same as season 1 no changes there
Rewatch: Absolutely without a doubt. I think I have watched this series in total approx 3 times now and some selected episodes a few more times as trying to understand the dialogue more as I rely on subs to understand what is happening. Overall a fantastic series and cannot wait for more like this in the future.
Overall: Amazing series, definitely one of the best series in 2022 by far.
Cheers,
Shing
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