A Journey to Love (2023)

A journey that started well, took a detour and ended with…

… rain and a mirage.

Despite knowing that the last few episodes will be rushed and unexpected, I wanted to watch this as many have raved about how good the first 3/4 of the drama is. With each episode I enjoyed, my heart filled with dread to think how bad it could get towards the end… Thank goodness, it wasn’t as bad as I had expected.

The first 20 episodes were promising - good story which was beautifully shot, nicely paced and well edited. Then in the last quarter, the story unfolded very quickly with many things happening without much explanation so you were forced to accept things as they were (when the story revolved around the betrayal in Wu).

A romance that is realistic and grown up from the way they are attracted to each other to the way they express it to each other and sadly, to the way they contemplate if their different needs will make them happy to be together. Kisses are few but so much more meaningful than Wonderland of Love. The romance atmosphere sizzles instead with beautifully captured looks and embraces. Past the halfway mark, the romantic moments got a bit draggy and forced.

Humour done right with just enough to lighten the atmosphere and not over the top like My Journey To You. It is woven into the story naturally and does not just focus on one character being the court jester of the drama. While most of it comes from the self proclaimed expert on women which he plays very well, I also laughed out loud when the princess went from suicidal to talking about sweet and sour flavoured poison. I also loved the humorous sign language moments which are not usually found in dramas.

Acting was top notch. Both the ML and FL were good together and their chemistry in the beginning episodes were more touching. What I unexpectedly enjoyed were the sparks of love of the other 2 “couples” - very heartfelt and touching. 2 characters which I particularly like are the Princess and the Casanova. Seeing the princess transform realistically from playful and naive to independent and smart was a joy especially how she tried to save herself when she was “left behind” after her brother was rescued. My heart was constantly tugged with the complex Casanova character - the actor brilliantly portrayed his carefree attitude which hid so much deeper emotions within.

The fighting scenes were well choreographed and I enjoyed it despite it being super hero level martial arts as they also showed the leads sustaining injuries from the fight.

I accept what happened to the ML and FL in the end as it flowed well within the story. But the flash forward sequence (more than 10 years later) which vaguely alluded to children that could have been theirs and a dreamlike sequence which happened with a character that doesn't have a strong bond with them did not sit well with me. I would rather see how the princess turned out in the future and let her be the one to reminisce about the heroes.

Random notes:
1. Episode 10 - Crimson Guard received a secret message from a pigeon in the usual 2 inch length cylinder vessel. Next scene shows her unscrolling the message 5 inches long from top to bottom and 7 inches wide…
2. Not sure why all the romantic scenes were ok then for the one at night in the cave, there was the dreaded giant spotlight shining from behind the couples face… and the light came from the cave…

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Love it!!

I love everything about this drama. It so good.

Strong FL, that can fight and be independent. Has her own motives and goals - not just falling in love with the ml. She just not a crybaby or dismal in distress waiting to be save. She can fight on pier with the ml, she smart and help the ml push the story forward and achieve their goals (even pointed out by the ml himself to be relieved he doesn't have to watch his back when fighting cause she their fighting with him). Same as ml, he has his own goals and motives not just falling for the fl.

Both main leads compliments each other and love how both don't have a powerful position but still can make a difference - makes the drama interesting. You can feel the chemistry between them. Love how flirty and bold the fl lead is. The acting is good as well. The aesthetic is nice, costume, makeup, accessory, the action packed fighting scenes so well done and perfect. What else can you ask for!!

The bromance between the leads and his comrade are top tier, their interaction are funny and entertaining to watch. Really the highlight of the drama. Made me cry at the end, very touching the length and trust they have/go for each other.

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Powerful and captivating story!!

This story has captivated me since I started, the highlight of the story is the characters and the well-done plot, Li Yuning and Li shishi gave a great performance! In addition to forming a beautiful couple, with so much harmony, fire and passion, that you find yourself rooting for the couple until the end, the other characters are just as charismatic, such as the womanizing Shi San and always in a good mood. This ending didn't leave me with a bitter taste in my mouth like I thought it would, I thought it was coherent, there was no way they could get out of this alive, I was happy because run yu and yuan zhou had children as they planned and everyone is well and happy together on "another plane" I definitely recommend it and would watch it again.

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A wuxia drama with a sad ending.

I just reviewed RISE OF THE PHONEXIES with a sad ending. This wuxia drama focus on spies and behind-the-scenes fighters who gave their lives to fight the war for their kings. The conflicts and theme in this wuxia genre is different from Palace drama.

1. Overall plot is about the struggles and lifes of spies and assassins. Two assassins from two different sects meet, fight, argue about their ideals. Finally, they fall in love, married and carried on their duties, without regret to continue to fight the war. The kingdoms involved can switch sides and be enemies or friends. So volatile.
2. The drama shows the comradeship of the closely-knitted members. And how they solve issues.
3. The 40 episodes can be divided into 3 arcs. First arc focus on the romantic story between the two main characters. The 2nd arc focus on the ways to get good diplomatic relations between kingdoms. With the hope to avoild war. The third arc is about the feelings of the characters when facing possibility of death. When war and deaths are unavoidable. The sad ending with so many deaths shows the desperation of the situation and make me believe in ancient times, this did happen.
4. I gave it an overall rating of 8.5 because of the story and the acting. I like Liu Shi Shi's acting in this drama as she plays a matured adult role. I have watched a few of her dramas, and I like this role the best. Liu Yu Ning has good acting skills. Great supporting casts.
5. Excellent fighting and battle scenes.

Watch out for the last scene of the drama and decide if the ML and FL has descendants or is it just a dream?

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GREAT DRAMA

The best drama of all the dramas I watched in 2023. Every episode is very entertaining and enjoyable. Many episodes are funny too. I like the teamwork, brotherhood & love portrait in the drama. There’s no boring scenes and all 40 episodes ended so fast. I wish it has longer episodes. Thought the ending is sad ending NOT bad ending but I don’t regret watching & didn’t feel sad. Only sad the drama ended.
All the actors & actresses portrayed their roles very very well. The chemistry between them are so good. The main leads Liu Shi Shi & Liu Yu Ning are superb.

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So good!

This is easily one of the best c-dramas of 2023. It does not use the same lame tropes so many other dramas fall victim to. There are no unnecessary plotlines or characters, no continuous cycle of misunderstanding and miscommunication. The drama has meaningful character development, romantic chemistry, and one of the most wholesome and healthy relationships I've ever seen.

There were, of course, some problems. Li Tongguang's (LT) was a terribly written character. His continuous obsession with Ruyi was extremely frustrating . The writers went out of their way to keep him incompetent until the very last episode. His immaturity caused a lot of people to die unnecessarily. After the emperor was killed, it was pretty unbelievable that the first thing he chose to do as the new regent was to poison Ruyi and force her to marry him, just for her to be rescued by Yuanzhou in the same episode, and for Yuanzhou to tell LT for the 100000000th time that he was a creep and a coward. This was especially frustrating because it happened after LT had really good scenes with Princess Yang Ying making it seem like he was getting over his infantile obsession with Ruyi. The show also fixated too much on the Ruyi and Yuanzhou's love story. Yes, we all loved them. They became a couple early and it was refreshing to see them having mutual understanding, respect and love, without falling back on jealousy and miscommunication. But, the writers should've given more screen time to other couples too. I really wanted to see more romantic chemistry between LT and Princess Yang Ying.

Princess Yang Ying was one of my favorite characters who went through the most intense character development. She started as a meek and weak girl just to grow into a strong person taking charge of her life. There was no character regression from better to worse. Everything that happened to her was on point and only contributed to her character growth.

The romance between Ruyi and Yuanzhou was unbelievably wholesome. Yuanzhou was written as every girl's dream man - tall and handsome, strong, kind and attentive, loving and understanding, not obsessive or overly-jealous, intelligent, a friend, a leader, a fighter and protector. The guy was perfect. He let Ruyi handle her business but also protected her when she needed protecting. And, Ruyi didn't magically turn into a damsel-in-destress as soon as a man entered her life.

The message of the show was incredibly meaningful - friendship, loyalty, country, love, and staying true to yourself. I was also impressed by how the characters went out of their way to stress the importance of having respect for women and often said things that we as audience were feeling when someone *ahem* Li Tongguang *ahem* acted like a mentally deranged creep.

I have to say something about the ending. A lot of people hated it, but I thought it was ok. I don't think the main couple died. Some people interpret the ending as symbolic or metaphorical or just Chu Yue's dream. I can't agree. We never saw anyone actually dying, but a lot of suggestive scenes that someone supposedly died. For characters who successfully faked their death throughout the show, they faked it again to be able to walk away and to start a family in seclusion, just like Yuanzhou wanted from the very beginning. And, Ruyi followed him because she couldn't imagine life without him. If it was Yang Ying in the last scene, the death scenario would've made more sense because she was very close with Ruyi and Yuanzhou. Chu Yue - not so much. When Chu Yue saw the boy, she immediately imagined Yu Shisan because that was her last memory of him. Instead, it was someone else who was named after Yu Shisan bearing Yuanzhou's last name. Yuanzhou named his son in honor of his best friend who died. The only red flag was the boy wearing white and riding a white horse, white traditionally being the color of mourning in China. But the idea that death came to reunite Chu Yue with her friends in the afterlife, most of whom she didn't even have a chance to develop a relationship with, looking like Ruyi's and Yuanzhou's son who was never even born, is some crazy mental gymnastics I am not willing to entertain.

The acting was good. I loved Alen Fang's portrayal of Yu Shisan, who was so goofy and adorable. This was such a pleasant surprise after my disappointment with his performance in the Long Ballad. And, of course, Liu Yuning will forever be my favorite.

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Best drama to end 2023 with - make sure you have a tissue box watching the last 5 episodes!

I was so excited to watch this series as Liu Shi Shi is finally coming back after her last drama in Lost Love in Times. Finally watching Liu Yu Ning as a ML was super exciting as well. I first saw him in The Long Ballad as a second ML. He's known for his songs in OST so finally watching him as a ML made me love him more.

This series has so many actors/actresses that you have seen in other dramas so it's really nice seeing everything in another drama together.

Alen Feng and Liu Yu Ning was in The Long Ballad together and they acting was so good in that series, but this series, their acting definitely blew my mind. I honestly fell in love with Yu Ning throughout the whole series and Alen character just made you laugh so much.

Maggie Huang - Jin Mei Niang, you should know her from Eternal Love and also in Princess Agents and Lost Love in Times.

Chen Du Ling - Xiao Yan [Empress of Wu State] who is also in Till the End of the Moon along with Zhang Zhi Xi - Jia Ling [Scarlet Guard Right Emissary]. She was the Phoenix Goddess.

Ye Xiao Wei - Li Shou Ji / Prince He Dong [An State] & Chen Xiao Yun - Noble Consort Chu both from Novoland: Pearl Eclipse

It was really nice to see so many actors/actresses from previous dramas all together.

When I started watching episodes 1 to 34 ,I couldn't believe how good the whole drama has been, whether it's the romance, the plot, or the character dynamics. The cast and martial arts was just phenomenal and shocked my mind that I knew this was the drama I wanted to end 2023 with.

They released the express package for episodes 35-40 today and I watched it in one sitting (make sure you have a tissue box by your side). Last time I cried this hard was in One and Only and holy that was only last 3 of me crying in that drama.

But I'm pretty disappointed on how it was so rushed, it was just one dead after another. We foresaw what would happen to Yu Shi San has it was in the opening with his eyes covered but I didn't think he was going to die. When Qian Zhao and Sun Lang died in the war, I just couldn't stop crying in episode 35.

When episode 36 started when Yuan Lu was going to An and he pasted by where Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou was, I was so sad that Yuan Zhou didn't go out to see if it was Yuan Lu or not. But then Yuan Lu decide to go back and check if it was Yuan Zhou and decided to not go inside to check made me so sad and mad! It would have been Yuan Zhou last time to see Yuan Lu.

In episode 37 where Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou got married and 3 butterflies showed up, I believe it was Qian Zhao, Yuan Lu, and Sun Lang congratulating them on their wedding as at that time Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou didn't know they past yet until later on in the episode.

Fast forwarding to episode 39 and 40, in 39, we see Yu Shi San fighting so bravely but didn't see his death, like didn't even show his body. Then in 40 we see Yuan Zhou stabbed like crazy and then "died" and Ru Yi goes on a suicide mission and then boom 10 years later. -- way to rushed in the last 2 episodes. We see Chu Yue in the field and then a male in a white horse coming towards her. We later find out it's a boy and his name is Ning Shi San and he has a sister name Ren Lu, meaning Yuan Zhou and Ru Yi didn't die.

Ning Shi San also mention the horse was a gift from Uncle Ding, Ding Hui is from Liu Dao Tang and we didn't see him die. Qian Zhao gave Ning Yuan Zhou the life preserving pill earlier, it’s very likely he could have taken it after his stab wounds, either by his own memory or saved by Ding Hui.

In the start of the show both of Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou faked their own deaths as they wanted to live peacefully/Ru Yi wanted to find out the murder of Queen An. It's a fitting end for them to end the show with fake deaths to have their Happily Ever After.

Ning Shi San took his father's surname while his sister, Ren Lu took his mother's surname. Ruyi mentioned she wanted a girl not a boy at the start of the series. It's so cute they name their kids after Yu Shi San and Yuan Lu.

Ning Shi San mention his mother likes swordsmanship while his father is good at making wine. There was a conversation between Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou when they were discussing what they wanted to do after the mission. Ru Yi mentioned how they can go to a small island for a break when Yuan Zhou tire of the world and Ru Yi can practice swordsmanship while Yuan Zhou farm and hunt. Since Yuan Zhou can't farm or hunt while living in town, he turned to making wine instead.

Honestly they should have made done 42 or 43 episodes for this drama or one or two specials to make the fans happy. It was way to rushed in the last 2 and it would have been nice to have a better ending.

Still a drama I would highly recommend!

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Bold, epic with a slight stumble to the end

There is a lot to love about this drama - it is epic in scope and dares to tell a complicated tale not only of love but also of friendship, duty to one's country and respect for your fellow man (or woman). Above all, it features many complex characters that develop throughout, notably several strong female characters including our fearless female lead, Ren Ruyi (played by Liu Shi Shi).

Ren Xin, a former deputy leader of the Scarlet Guards of the State of An, is framed for the death of Empress Zhaojie and forced to reinvent her identity as Ren Ruyi. While on her own quest to avenge the Empress, Ruyi comes across Ning Yuanzhou (Liu Yuning), himself also the former deputy leader of the State of Wu's Liudao Pavilion (a sort of spy organization not dissimilar to An's Scarlet Guards), who is busy trying to leave the world of court politics behind. They find themselves working together and join the diplomatic entourage bearing special envoy Prince Li (who is actually Princess Yang Ying in disguise) to An to rescue the Emperor of Wu.

While the story may sound complicated on paper, it is actually quite easy to follow and watch, a testament to the strength of the show's writing and performances. Particularly in the first half of the drama, with the entourage's long journey as the framework for the show, we get a terrific balance of adventure, exciting fight sequences and character development. Under Ruyi and Yuan Zhou's guidance, Yang Ying (He Lan Dou) transforms from cowardly princess to steely prince in what is to me the most satisfying and interesting arc of the entire show. Along the way, we also get to know NYZ's gang: the pretty playboy Yu Shi Shan (a hilarious Alen Fang), kind and cheerful Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei), stoic and loyal Qian Zhao (Wang Yi Zhe), and lover of all furry things Sun Lang (Li Huan).

At midway, the drama sags a bit when Li Tong Guang (relative newcomer Chang Hua Sen) meets up with the rest of the cast as his character devolves into an injured puppy in what is probably the least desirable arc of the show - his obsession over his former master Ren Xin. I would not have minded a few episodes of this, as I understand what the writer was probably going for. Having suffered a difficult childhood and losing his mother and master during his youth, I can see why he would latch onto his master at their reunion, but 10 episodes of this is overwrought and threatens to undermine his character's development from boy to man and from general to de facto leader of a nation. Fortunately, LTG's scenes with Yang Ying towards the end of the drama somewhat salvage things for me. But it is a bit too little too late.

Then we have the final 6 episodes or so, which zoom by at a more frenzied pace, making one wish perhaps less time spent on obsessive LTG would have translated to a smoother build to the climax and a more satisfying conclusion. And while I enjoy Chu Yue's (and Chen Hao Yu's performance) scenes with Yu Shi Shan, from a writing standpoint the story did not really need her character in there to work. Personally, I would have liked the ending scene to have included YY and LTG instead. Looking at the narrative and characters, these two are the most affected by our main leads, and lacking a conclusion (or at least some kind of denouement) to their story is a disappointment.

Ultimately, however, the many merits of this drama outweigh the downsides, and this is one you do not want to miss for this year if only for the truly great creation of many strong, multifaceted female characters (including villains). If I had watched this before Story of Kunning Palace (to which I gave a 9), I probably would have rated Kunning lower, as this is by far the superior of the two recent costume dramas in terms of story, characters, performances and music.

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It's a journey you must watch!

For the first time in a long while, I'm able to watch a drama without skipping any episode. I applaud the writer for her originality and most importantly, making the flow of the story very sensible and entertaining. In addition to that, the directors did a fantastic job for bringing the story to life. All the characters in the show are well rounded regardless if they are the main, sub main, or supporting characters. I would blab for too long if I talk about each character that stands out to me (because they all do!) in the show, so I will only briefly mention my top three favorites. Liu Yu Ning played his character, Ning Yuan Zhou, flawlessly. I already liked him in the Long Ballad, but now it's more like love. Liu Shi Shi's comeback to drama land as Ren Ruyi has been her best performance so far. I love the fact that the writer made the two main characters so similar and fitting for each other; Both are leaders, strong willed, smart, and loyal to their country and men til the end, yet when they stand apart they both shine differently. You will need to watch the show to appreciate the chemistry between Ning Yuan Zhou and Ren Ruyi because words cannot justify the feelings you get when watch the main leads tangle. Yang Ying is the third character that I came to love. She is the one that I see has grown the most in her character as she journeyed into the unknown and utilized the power of her royal blood not for her selfish desire but her country.
This drama overall started well and ended well, but not satisfactory (warning for those who wish for a happy ending). However, because of the merits the drama has built up (i.e. character development A+, story development A+, music A+), I came to accept the ending as is. My one and only complaint of this show is the last scene in the last episode. I feel it should be Yang Ying instead of Chue Yue because Yang Ying had a closer relationship with all the members of Luido Hall and Ruyi. She was practically part of the gang! Her presence in the last scene would generate a stronger sense of appreciation of seeing Ning Yuan Zhou, Ruyi, and the rest of gang galloping through the fields and tie it all up nicely. Would I watch it again? Of course! 40 hours of your life will be well spent if you binge this show (and it should be binged).

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Loved every aspect of this! All the characters was soooooo lovable! Yes-even LTG. The core 6 was so adorable and cute. Their Journey was filled with so much blood. But even then, they found little moments to enjoy each other's presence and to even fall in love - RY and NYZ. The main couple was so mature about their relationship. They were both clear with what they want. They communicated with one another and confided with one another which brought so much trust even when one was a spy and the other was an assassin. LSS did amazing as always and killed it with her role. LYN did a great job bringing the awesome and talented leader of Six Realms Hall to life.

The character that surprised me the most was Princess YY who had the most character development- from someone so naiive and weak to someone who was brave and intelligent all thanks to her "parent' NYZ and RRY. I am glad that she did not become someone who betrays her people but stayed so loyal. Yuan Lu was so adorable. he trusted and stood by his Six Realm Hall team till the end. His death was expected but unnecessary and ridiculous. uuggggh. Still can't get over it. QZ was the cool guy in the team. He held an unreadable face which at some point made me despise him but still ended up loving him either way.

And last but not YSS, my favorite character. He was the joy of the group. He was the comdeic break- our one and only handsome man. Like the other members of Six Realms Hall, he was loyal, maybe even more than YL and QZ to NYZ not to women. LOL. He was the second in command to NYZ and I can see why. Though he claims to be a womanizer, his heart was set on CY but due to circumstances of the country, he knew he would die thus choosing not to love her. Their love line was so cute and ended when it didn't even start yet-what a pity. LTG was such a baby through and through. When you think "oh he's gonna grow" he doesn't.

The plot was literally the core 6 journey mixed with politics. It was great to see them all grow to be heroes in the end and bringing peace. Last 6 episode, I thought it felt it was rushed, the cutting of the scenes felt off and the death of the main characters were UNECESSARY but understanding i guess. I'd definietly rewatch this again.

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This drama is amazing would recommend

I started this drama a few days ago and loved it. The actors all had great chemistry with each other.. the casting choices were great. I loved how all the characters were written, they were all unique and the way they interacted showed there different personalities really well.

I really enjoyed the plot and how there weren’t any plot holes or unnecessary plots added were you would wonder why they added it when it doesn’t make sense. I really wanted this drama to have a happy ending for the characters but the ending makes sense and was done really well.

I rated everything a 10 except rewatch value…I definitely think I will rewatch it someday but not anytime soon since I don’t want to cry the minute I start it but maybe when I’m more emotionally stable I’ll give it a try. Just thinking about the show makes me want to cry.

When Qian Zhou died I started bawling I had trouble watching whenever another character died I would cry even more. By the second to last episode I was crying so hard that I had hard time catching my breath.

I really grew attached to these characters they were great and the show itself is amazing I really recommend this drama.

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