This review may contain spoilers
Come for the romantic green flags, stay for the funny and talented ensemble cast
Follow Your Heart is an original screenplay (not an adaptation) that is an easy, light, and heart-warming Rom-mystery-com. It's a leisurely paced drama (imho, they could have tightened it up by about 4 eps) with strong acting, great fight choreography, good OSTs, and lovely chemistry between the leads. It's not perfect, but as someone who rarely re-watches dramas I could actually see myself wanting to rewatch much of this for the cute humor, the sweet romance of the main cp (ugh the way he looks at her even though he can't see her face! this is true love!), as well as the action, and great performances - the ensemble cast is very strong. From the many Yan Nanxing 'shapeshift' actors, to the support characters, and especially Jiang Xinbai's extra af mom who I thought was hilarious.If you missed it when it was airing and you need a comfort watch, look no further.
-spoilers below-
First up: Happy Ending for all, except some side characters who sadly leave us but give our leads the opportunity to cry movingly. Even more joyous than the final wedding scene for me is the scene where Jiang Xinbai finally finds Yan Nanxing - even though she is self-conscious, looking like an old woman, afraid that she'll never turn back to her real appearance, he truly sees her and loves her as she is. This is the Real Thing folks.
Weak points/disappointments: the pace lags during the middle/last third, and the main lead's story disappears for a while. This definitely affects our appreciation of their chemistry, which is so strong at the beginning, but then we rarely see them together! LYX was injured on set so that's part of it, but I think the writing is more to blame.
Though there is one main "case" that is being solved throughout the whole drama, and one main cp, significant time is spent on the side-plots for the two other romances in the drama, of which at least one was not necessary. Characterization of some characters - particularly Jiang Suoluo (Sebrina Chen) never really worked for me. She was supposedly brilliant and competitive with her brother, but somehow couldn't even figure out how to break off her engagement to slimy social climber Yan BiQing (who did a great job of making me hate his stupid face.) I never got over how annoying I found her at the beginning even though she reconciled with her brother. The romance between her and Ruoqian felt forced and artificial for me - it would have been much more satisfying to see them crush on each other slow-burn style but then go off and become the great Chancellor and official that they wanted to be. Cdramas please stop making the end game early marriage and babies for EVERY character. JUST STOP.
I was also disappointed that they seemed to weaken Yan Nanxing in the middle - she is a traveling doctor who knows martial arts! She's a wily girlboss supreme! If they needed to make her a bit more helpless to further the plot they could've done it by putting insurmountable obstacles in her way instead of just somehow making her less competent. I still love her though. YNX is now one of my favorite FL characters, and I am so so so happy for Song Yi that she got to play her - she did a fabulous job.
The good stuff: Jiang Xinbai and Yan Nanxing are great characters, played by great actors, and their chemistry is great. Their relationship is a series of green flags, no contrived misunderstandings, just mutual admiration. The plot device of JXB being face-blind and her shapeshifting is adorable. He recognizes and loves her no matter what she looks like. This was especially funny on the 2nd wedding night - his was so angry he wasn't going to get his wedding night funtimes. And it was very touching at the end, when he recognized her even though she was old and gray (particularly touching to me, an old and gray watcher.) This is what love is like.
I did enjoy the Shang Beili and Tong Sai'er relationship as well - it's cute that he falls for her and her unconventional cooking then gets gege-zoned. Huang Riying did a nice job of playing a broadly humorous but innocent and naive character (which is tough to do, I often find these naive girls irritating, but I just thought she was cute and funny.) It was nice that they got Shang Beili to stop shouting so much after he fell in love - it softens even the loudest general I guess. It was also so satisfying to see the JXB/SBL relationship go from enemies to bros who had each other's backs.
I love love loved all the actors who played Yan Nanxing. Even Cheng Xiao who I have not been impressed with in the past did a great job of picking up YNX/Song Yi's mannerisms, and playing a woman stuck in someone else's body. Extra special shouout to Wang Chengsi, but all the dopplegangers were great.
Loved loved the appearances by Zhao Yuanyuan (Love is Sweet with LYX) and Wang Yifei (Ashes of Love & TTEOTM) give these beautiful and talented ladies some leading roles please!
Last but not least, the moms! THE MOMS. Finally we get a LYX drama with alive moms, and they are both tough, funny, and thoroughly entertaining. YNX's adopted mom was streetwise and funny (though i wish she hadn't randomly disappeared through some eps) and JXB's mom was a highlight for me. Weng Zhenrong did a great job being thoroughly entertaining - the Duchess was competent but capricious, intelligent and politically savvy but also loving and devoted to her kids. Her portrayal really encapsulated the kinda screwball-comedy tone I thought they were trying to go for, but alas, the entire drama didn't stick with that tone.
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Just for fun (and Luo Yun Xi :)
PLOT: The FL, traveling doctor & martial artist, meets the ML, son of a princess and head of the Imperial Inspection Corps, when he investigates the trafficking of "zornia" (=opium). Events bind them despite their initial distrust. But, the ML suffers from face-blindness and the FL changes bodies (bodyswap) every month, during her menstruation. Sharing these secrets, they will help each other (=> fall in love, etc.).PROS:
+ A nice CL with Luo Yun Xi and Song Yi
+ A great cast with many excellent actors
+ The tone is light, making it very clear that credibility or realism should not be sought.
+ Very suitable, light and gentle OSTs.
CONS:
# slowness, lengths in the last third
# Nothing really unexpected despite the Fantasy plot, lots of clichés.
# One thing annoys me: the FL, a good fighter and with martial art skills at the beginning of the series, becomes weak, vulnerable, without strength, ... when she falls in love... Why ?? Why does this always happen ?
=> Good Fantasy / historical / Romance drama but won't be remembered.
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PLOT: La FL, médecin itinérant & martial artist, rencontre le ML, fils d'1 princesse et chef du Corps Impérial d'Inspection, lorsque celui-ci enquête sur le trafic de "zornia" (=opium). Les évènements les lient malgré leur méfiance initiale. Mais, le ML souffre de face-blindless et la FL change de corps chaque mois, durant ses menstruations. Partageant ces secrets, ils vont s'aider l'un l'autre (=> fall in love, etc.).
PROS:
+ Un joli CL avec Luo Yun Xi et Song Yi
+ Un great cast avec de nombreux excellents acteurs
+ Le ton est léger, indiquant très clairement qu'il ne faut pas rechercher la crédibilité ou le réalisme.
+ Des OST très adaptés, légers et doux.
CONS:
# des lenteurs, longueurs dans le dernier tiers
# Rien de vraiment inattendu malgré le plot Fantasy, beaucoup de clichés.
# Une chose m'agace : la FL, bonne combattante et avec des compétences en art martial au début de la série, devient faible, vulnérable, sans force, ... lorsqu'elle est en couple. Why ???
=> Bon drama Fantastique / historique / Romance mais qui ne restera pas dans les mémoires.
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I enjoyed it.
After marathon of watching K-Dramas I'm finally back to watch C-Dramas.The story is mainly ML investigating drug cases. It's a romcom, light-hearted drama. Many people complained that the plot was weak, too much comedy and not dark enough. We all know Chinese dramas are always light-hearted and don't have too many political issues involved because of their ridiculous censors. They can't make a drama with a dark theme. Moreover, it's clearly mentioned that it's a romcom, not a mystery drama. So why so much fuss about it? If you want to watch something dark base then this drama is not for you. I liked that they didn't have a rushed ending but rather a proper & sweet ending. It would've been great if they had also shown three couples married life. I loved all the cash acting. Nothing to say about Luo Yun Xi acting. He always gives his best. I basically watch it for him only. Also the plot does have romance involve but investigation plot was more in focus in fact it was more than the romance.
Laughed how Jiang Xin Bai & Yan Nan Xing held the man's hands in at cross & kept on pulling him to their side. Fighting with the man in between is like playing with him.
Yan Nan Xing refused every ritual before doing at her first wedding. I really liked their first wedding.
Loved Jiang Zhi Yi. She is so sweet. Her reaction to everything is top-notch. It is overacting, but that's how her character is.
Jiang Xin Bai can recognize pigeons but not people.
Laughed how Jiang Xin Bai used Shang Bie Li to run away from his grandfather's birthday.
Laughed when Yan Nan Xing threw vegetables & chicken at Jiang Xin Bai & Shang Bie Li to prevent them from fighting.
At first, I thought Liu Ruo Qian was a villain, but he was totally the opposite. Down to earth, hardworking, honest, soft-spoken. This kind of guy is very rare in today's world. It happens only in dramas.
Laughed how Tong Sai Er behaved with Shang Bie Li. She isn't afraid of him.
Tong Sai Er copying every move of Yan Nan Xing was cute.
Tong Sai Er reason for seeing Shang Bie Li really shocked Jiang Xin Bai & Yan Nan Xing & Shang Bie Li. I laughed so loudly at this scene my mother was glaring at me for it.
Yan Nan Xing expression when Jiang Zhi Yi said that Jiang Xin Bai is her nephew was hilarious.
Laughed how Shang Bie Li apologized to Jiang Xin Bai.
Love how Yan Nan Xing always shut Jiang Suo Luo mouth, she always makes her feel guilty.
Shang Bie Li looked cute while sulking.
Loved Yan Nan Xing & Jiang Zhi Yi cat fight. It was so hilarious.
Loved how Jiang Zhi Yi punished the teacher for bullying Jiang Suo Luo.
Epic ending of Ep22, Jiang Zhi Yi might have a heart attack.
Loved Jiang Zhi Yi in Ep23. Her expressions & reaction were so funny.
Love Jiang Xin Bai & Shang Bie Li bickering.
Poor Jiang Xin Bai & Yan Nan Xing first night was ruined. I laughed so much at the scene.
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Sweet Funny Story
I watch all Luo Yunxi costume period series, but in this series i like him most, so handsome, he usually plays elegant Xianxia story, this elegant style becomes his trademark, but in this film he acted differently, but i think he acted the best here, handsome and so man....he didnt look too thin too in this series, sweet and funny story, and he looked the most handsome and so attractive, Luo Yunxi and Song Yi here had strong CP feel too, so sweeeeet.....Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
hit-and-miss but still okay drama
Story is exactly like the synopsis given by mdlMl is Duke as well as chief of inspector office who suffer from face blindness but this don't stop him to catch criminals (since one sences deteriorate other enhance ) plus he is smart and intelligent.
FL is traveling doctor also suffer from strange condition that every full moon for some strange reason she start menstruation which lead to body change or transform ( throughout the series she change 10 times into different people of all age and gender ,director use all popular actors for all transform nd they did a good job 👍
beside them there are many other characters some are interesting some are normal all respective actors did their part of role as it was written (nothing special),(*I like ml mother character she is cute some may found her annoying but 4me she is fun her childish annoying reaction were total fun 4me ).
On acting - all actor did the normal job (just one point that I watch Ryan cheng the actor who play shang bieli other dramas his is a decent actor but for some reason I found his acting weak in this drama at some point his is okay🤤 nd some point I was like what he is doing nd why he is doing like that 🤔(surely nobody gonna get any award for this seies in this department or any other😋).
as for dialogue delivery nd all I'm foreigners so this doesn't bother me.
OST I don't understand language so for me music rhythm sound and some time English translate lyrics speaks louder, if I found myself hum the tune I like it, if it I don't I don't, doesn't make ost poor( judge yourself).
production value wise this drama was good they did spend money equally wisely
cinematography, color grading, overall tone, camera angle, lighting, set designing, costume, hair- makeup, sound and music, martial art fighting sequence where all good ( personally I don't have any issues , I even like all the fighting sequence ).
okay there that's it I don't have any issues in any other departments.
so let now start with why I say hit-and -miss
and credit goes to half hearted written story (contain spoiler*)
I mean overall story was not poor it's interesting but what worng with female lead condition atleast give it proper explanation director or story
writer change her condition according to their will without any explanation at first she change every full moon but later she start transforming irregular maybe as story need but atleast if they add an angle which solve the reason why the irregularities occur it be better {surely marriage or their love relationship isn't the reason or it is(if it is is poorly written)}
; second too the end director decide to mention mystery toward female lead condition if she got cured or not {it's like she will know, whenever it happen, if it happens (whatever🥴)} atleast they show male lead got cured miraculously.
; third last few episodes they were drag totally unnecessary especially fl mother death arch and later she surrender herself I found it so so boring it was all useless and unnecessary. ( I surely like the end of how ml found her and recognise her) but before the court fight catching the actually mastermind the detour the story take was boring and unnecessary yes they explained the fl and ml connection but overall no need of other things (killing) expect that.
I guess few less episodes won't bother anyone
or they can focus more on fl irregularities and give more proper explanation ( than love or marriage).
so this is it, my review end here hope it helps other and doesn't hurt any overally enthusiastic fan emotions.
rewatch value depends only on drama fans and drama watchers weird taste(actors fans have many other better options).
goodbye tada 🙏
have a nice day
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A light weight drama
The story was neither particularly good nor bad; it was a lightweight narrative that didn’t demand strong acting. However, the actors and actresses did their best to bring the characters to life, which I appreciated.Luo Yunxi, whom I previously watched in TTEOM, once again impressed me with his portrayal of JXB. He suited the character well and delivered a commendable performance.
Similarly, Song Yi, whom I saw in Destined, brought the character YNX to life convincingly in this drama, despite YNX being poorly written. Her acting skills were great, and she didn’t disappoint.
Both Luo Yunxi and Song Yi have immense potential in their acting careers. I watched this drama mainly for them, and they didn’t let me down. I’m eagerly looking forward to their future projects.
The chemistry between the leads was solid; I found no flaws in their interactions. The supporting cast also did an excellent job, adding depth to the overall experience.
Despite the story's simplicity, I enjoyed this drama, including the filler episodes.
Overall, I would rate this drama an 9.0 out of 10.
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This review may contain spoilers
Spoiler
This drama is basically Beauty Inside in ancient China — same body-swapping concept, but now with palace robes and political scheming. While the premise had potential, it never digs deep. The identity shifts serve more as a quirky plot device than an emotional journey, and the romance lacks real depth. Visually, it’s stunning with elaborate sets and costumes, but the storytelling feels recycled and safe. It’s entertaining for a casual watch, but if you’ve seen the original, this version offers little new beyond the historical backdrop.Was this review helpful to you?
There's only one word for this drama, SLOPPY
I'm sorry, I am appalled by the sloppiness....To the point of angry, I am dissatisfied. Good budgeting, good casting, good theme of story, good start, good CGI... being butchered by the sloppiness of the drama's crews... 20 first episodes give me chill and addiction for the next story, but after that, I am speechless.
The story line is disoriented and illogical, the important part being shortened at the point of mess, the unimportant part being drag too much and too long...
How's that possible u asked???? I am shocked too... apparently It is very much possible T.T
Song Yi made a good statement in her carrier these past years, a series of good dramas so far, but this drama made a taint for her...
As for Luo Yun Xi, still, too thin for a main lead, hope he gain some weight soon...
That's all, hope for the better next time!!!
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Sumptious light comedy romance detective show in beautiful historical setting for relaxing watch
Combination of factors makes for a thoroughly enjoyable watch: 1.) Great acting by very capable actors makes you laugh during funny moments and immerse during emotional scenes 2.) The production value (sets, camera work, art direction) is very high, great quality and has obviously been designed with lots of care - loaded with artistic shots and a feast for the eyes 3.) Script is well written - has good combo of comedy, suspense, plot discovery, touching romance (as with all shows, there are ups and downs with slower phases during the 40 episodes but this does not detract from the overall feel the creators are striving to evoke) 4.) Plot/themes - particularly liked the focus on what genuine/true love means (not the angsty/immature/ revenge type theme that seems too common in many c-dramas) , family, empowerment of women, at times ingenious use of the shapeshifting plot for good laughs, logical plot that explains itselfWas this review helpful to you?
The story started with Yan running into Jiang and subsequently avoiding him as she thought that he might arrest her for being in the wrong place and suspected of a crime. Humour arose because of Yan's shape shifting into the wrong person at the wrong time, although this was sometimes useful when she needed to avoid being arrested.
They eventually teamed up to solve the problem of Zornia grass which was cultivated by an unknown person whose identity and intent was unknown. Unknown to them, they were connected in the past and their problems were related to an event in their childhood.
As a fan of Luo YunXi who acted Jiang Xin Bai, I was drawn to this drama because of him. His acting in Ashes of Love and Til the End of the Moon was intense and outstanding, both dramas were among my favourites. Song Yi on the other hand had always acted in some humorous characters and did them well.
The story was interesting interjected with some humour and some intense moments. But Luo did not have the opportunities to repeat his intense acting in those two earlier dramas.
Nevertheless, this drama is entertaining and is suitable for some light-hearted entertainment.
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Sweet and funny and very enjoyable.
This drama is very underrated. it is sweet and funny and the actors were all great and they have excellent chemistry, especially Luo Yunxi and Change Lei, watching them bicker like school boys is just so heartwarming. hope to see them again in a fantasy drama. that would be something. Well, it is not a classic and off to a slow start, but it is very enjoyable. Thank you for the hard work xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxWas this review helpful to you?
