A Must Watch…
The Story of Pearl Girl is a must watch…a well developed storyline, amazing acting, beautiful cinematography, excellent cast, and overall, top notch production.Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the plot. But after watching the first few episodes, the series is much more than I imagined and now I’m hooked. I’m half way through the series and am so glad they were approved for the 40 episodes - allows for a well developed storyline.
Zhao Lusi is an amazing actress. I have enjoyed watching her in other dramas , but her skills in this one is next level. Her ability to tell the story of her struggles and resilience through all her different emotions is incredible. The underwater scenes with her diving for pearls is exquisite. Liu Yuning’s acting as the ML is also impressive. His imposing stature and strong overall presence make him suitable for the role. The chemistry between the two leads is overflowing. They are very comfortable acting with each other. The cast are all great actors.
The cinematography from the underwater images to the desert scenes are mesmerizing. The costumes are captivating. The OST beautifully matches to the production. This series has been top tier so far…
I’m looking forward to the 2nd half of the series…
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BRTV interview
In response to BRTV who pointed out how #ZhaoLusi always cares about others' feelings. While shooting #TheStoryOfPearlGirl underwater scene, despite shivering from the cold, she kept saying "It's fine" and continued to cheer everyone up ☀️"It was a situation where an Introvert person like me needed to act like an Extrovert. I just thought that the conditions were already so toilsome and I'm already the one being taken care of. So if I'm still unhappy at that point in time, everyone else will be feeling uncomfortable too.
Working with discomfort is still a day, and working with happiness is also a day. A day is a day. So I thought I should just share some positivity."
*source from someone who actually knows Chinese , English and translate it perfectly
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THIS IS WHAT 2024 NEEDED.
I’m only up to episode 20 and let me tell you it’s been a rollercoaster for me. One I never want to get off.I’ve been a fan of the pairing of Zhao Lusi and Liu Yu Ning ever since they stole the show in The Long Ballad and let me tell you they ate and left no crumbs in Pearl Girl. So. Much. Chemistry!!!
Their story is angsty, beautiful, brutal and so addictive. I love the whole cast (especially Shrimp, Kang Ju and Loud), the costume (GORGEOUS). the OST (LYN, come on) and everyone’s performance.
ZLS is known for being typecasted but this show definitely showed off her range. I’m patiently waiting for more episodes.
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Cinematography is ✨️✨️✨️
I gotta say, the cinematography is so beautiful. Shout out to everyone that helped make this show. Because the image is breathtaking. It was the first thing I was drawn to. Personally, I'm staying for the cinematography. I still need to make sense of the story, but Netflix only has 5 episodes so far. I'm curious to see who her dad is, kinda abrupt how mom was killed off. But the main actressescrying skills are pretty good, it showed her desperation and grief when that dude took her mom's keepsake. Might update review later after finishing the show.Was this review helpful to you?
Worth the Buzz
I sometimes have the premonition that when something is hyped, it’s most likely not worth it. Honestly the over posting about the drama beforehand got annoying that I considered unfollowing some platforms. Fast forward, I tuned in right away when it aired, and I’m blown away at how much I am enjoying it. My gosh first episode had me so invested I was so impressed with the cinematic quality. It’s like the real life scene of the animated Ariel under the sea . Bravo well done.So much attention is given to main leads (deservedly so) but really though, everyone of the cast and their contributions deserve applause. I watch the older veterans and am so impressed at how they do so well with their lines and acting their parts. What to do without them right? So grateful for their work.
Production team did really well planning out each scene that the story flow is great as we can easily follow the story of the enslaved pearl harvester heroine. Lusi really put in the work to her character as she is shining. In fairness, as I’ve said, everyone is playing their role really well.
Join in the fun as the story unravels. It’s a fun ride and of course we got long ways to go but so far, it’s a very promising story that hopefully will end as it started, on a very high bar.
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HALF TIME REVIEW: A JOURNEY FILLED WITH DEPTH AND EMOTION.....
"The story of 'Pearl Girl' is a captivating Chinese historical drama that follows Duan Wu, a pearl diver in search of freedom. After an unforeseen incident, she escapes the pearl farm and joins a caravan on a quest to retrieve a relic that was left to her. Along the way, she encounters a merchant named Yan Zijing, with whom she initially has a rocky relationship. However, as they travel together, they slowly get to know each other, and Duan Wu learns valuable lessons from him.What won me over about this drama is its storytelling. I am a huge fan of character-driven plots, and 'Pearl Girl' centers around Duan Wu's journey towards a better life. The depiction of her struggles, gains, and losses is beautifully crafted, showcasing how the people she meets—both good and bad—contribute to her development. I appreciate the way the story unfolds step by step; it's fast-paced yet allows you to fully engage with her experiences without feeling rushed.
The acting is another standout aspect of this drama. Zhao Lusi delivers an outstanding performance as Duan Wu, portraying her character with such expressiveness that I find myself emotionally attached to her journey. When she cries, I cry; when she laughs, I laugh. Liu Yining, who plays Yan Zijing, is equally impressive, using his eyes and body language to convey deep emotions that enhance his subtle yet impactful acting.
Iam also impressed by the characterisation and character development.... I love when characters are written with personality and complexity..and each of the characters or let's say most of the important characters in this drama is crafted with depth and complexity, making them feel real and relatable. Duan Wu, the female lead, embodies bravery and grit, showcasing her intelligence and willingness to learn, while also revealing her vulnerabilities and flaws. This balance makes her journey all the more compelling as she navigates her challenges.
Yan Zijing, the male lead, is another fascinating character. His quick wit and cunning nature reflect his troubled past, yet he also displays a softer side that adds layers to his persona. The dynamic between them is beautifully portrayed, highlighting their natural chemistry as they learn from each other and build trust.
The supporting characters also contribute significantly to the narrative. For instance, the second male lead may seem self-righteous at first, but his growth throughout the series adds an interesting dimension to the story. Each character has their own arc, and I love how their individual stories intertwine with the main plot, enriching the overall experience. The romance is subtly woven into the first half, and the development of the leads' relationship is both believable and engaging, setting the stage for the angst that follows.
This is a half-time review, and so far, I can say that if the second half or arc is just as good or even better, then the story of "Pearl Girl" is going to be one of my best dramas this year. I can't wait to see how it goes! But so far, I definitely recommend it. It delves into some deep themes, but it’s absolutely worth the watch. The character arcs and relationships are so well-developed, making it a captivating experience. I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in the upcoming episodes!
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This review may contain spoilers
GREAT 2ND COLLABORATION OF ZHAO LUSI & LIU YUNING
They knew each other pretty well by now so there's no hesitation and have strong familiarity in their acting. Their close friendship and the interaction is pretty comfortable so their chemistry is strong and abundance, their hugs are tighter and locking eyes without hesitant. Liu Yu Ning has gained experiences and involve in many great dramas recently, he is no longer a newbie because LuSi helped him to gain his notoriety in Long Ballad. The writer(s) of this drama is smart, female oriented drama with volume of masculinity where LYN comes in to role, one thing though the writer(s) seems to determine to kill everybody that's close to Duan Wu - none survive...(wth I have beef to pick with the writer). Ep23-onwards, the big number of head-peace & trinkets start to overwhelm. What we can see are big hair and burst of colors bling ornaments/jewelries, LuSi natural beauty is replaced with cheesy show-girls beauty standard. They also use their own voice...This time around, we can enjoy maturity of YuNing's acting as Yan Zi Jing, his misty eyes are real, passionate glances and caresses on LuSi's shoulder shown affection. Nothing is fake - all sincere. Although he's over her head tall, he manage NOT to look giant over anybody. He can be cynical or sweet as well, his facial muscle seems to know how to work it, great expression. He smiles quite a lot in this drama (than Long Ballad). His life goal is to take revenge to those people who killed his family, a high-risk businessman on the side. The love story is open & carefree rather obscure one in Long Ballad.
Tang Xiao Tian (Zhang Jin Ran) came in joining 2nd ML whose in love with Duan Mu (LuSi) at the first sight although she's only a pearl diver aka a slave under duress. As a gentleman scholar who is Prince Ying's study buddy, he has job to go around the country to investigate crimes, bribery, thefts, all wrongs in the country so he can give recommendation and/or uphold justice for the Kingdom. He's a handsome guy & rightfully a scholar. While Yan ZiJing endeavor in revenge, Jin Ran works hard to find the bad guys, he's a bit partial to Su Mu Zhe so any 'justice' he does always benefit to duo Su Mu Zhe & Yan Zi Jing.
Zhao LuSi (Duan Mu/Su Mu Zhe) has good acting. Her dance is seductively mesmerizing, her dive is what divers do, her terrified look on the abuse, tears that break heart. Her tiny figure seems the cutest besides tall LYN & TXT, she doesn't have muscle so when she did manual labor scenes she appears tiny fragile. One thing she needs to do better is she needs to take vocalization lesson, she's great when doing cutesy scenes otherwise she sound like misplaced (ep1-10). Because of the hardness of reality, she changed personality to pursue harsh business endeavor. I want details, if Duan Mu go through so much painful experience and ocean-diving - her appearance doesn't show that. She still has flawless skin, healthy hair, cherry smiles. Dry crack darker skin, dry rough shorter hair should be from frequent diving in to salty sea water. After ep 25 she's patronizing, doesn't resonate with her previous goal in life.
I am pretty sure besides these 3 actors (& Kang Ju guy) the rest aren't worth mentioning. The story on the middle are pretty slow, about business competition or jealousy (I want to slap Bai Niang, Zheng Si & Qin Mu guy the acting are so S***ty bad) after the pinnacle ep 18, the excitement drops to zero especially when Yan Zi Jing live under her house. The producer fill it with fillers to lengthen the episodes. This drama can actually slash to 30-32 episodes instead of 40. It isn't great like LLtG but I always love ZLS & LYN...it's great to see them together again.
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It is a story that will give mental energy to those who are struggling in life.
duan wu is like the pearl carefully picked by zhao lusi ࿐࿔through her character as duanwu, she left behind the most beautiful version of herself!
duan wu, like a pearl polished by the waves and sand, had her resilience and beauty brought to life by lusi's empathetic acting
whether it was her stubborn, unyielding tears while fighting against injustice, her sharpness in a breathtaking dance, or when she firmly told zhang langjun, "we are both fundamentally different," we could all see how much lusi cherished and deeply understood this character.
it is duan wu’s resilience and vivacity that makes this role unforgettable!
throughout the process, lusi embodied duan wu’s line: "women should not be bound by the fate spoken of by others." she grew with duan wu, accompanying her from resisting fate to reconciling with herself, completing her own transformation.
just like how sand turns into a pearl, lusi showcased the strength of women and the right to make their own choices. lusi became even more radiant because of duan wu, and with her sincere heart, she continues to sail forward in her acting journey ? ??
may both duan wu and lusi always shine like the sun, lighting the path ahead ☀️
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This review may contain spoilers
The Emotional Rollercoaster you don’t want to get off! Zhao Lusi Delivers EVERYTIME
So far… I felt the emotion of each character that if it ends as a tragic love story, I would completely understand why. From the very first episode, Duanwu is no punk! I love how Duanwu as a character even though she is naive in some aspects ai ly because she’s grown up in the Pearl farm but she’s also exceptionally smart for someone who has had to Literally fight for everything she’s ever had. The fire in her eyes is that of a survivor! She’s realistic. So far we’re seeing the development of an intimate storyline between ML and FL and it’s one of understanding, they’re from the same world, they make sense together. In the same light we’re seeing the expressions of interest to the FL by the SML and she’s shut him down at every turn. Like I said, she’s no punk so she’s not going to feed into his sugarcoated sweet talk! I love this aspect of the drama especially because there’s no dilly dallying of leading the SML on just to have an unnecessary additional plot line! She knows that in the world they live in, they could never work! I especially loved when she challenged SML when he spoke of the mermaid and the scholar story! She’s an ambitious dreamer in the sense that she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to Grab it. She’s realistic (see her interactions with SML and his advances) and she doesn’t believe in fairytales which is what I’m sensing from the SML! I loved when his attendant asked him if he would be willing to go against his family for her, and judging by his character, a person who at every turn seems to do what is right, he probably wouldn’t.Her journey with ML leaves us as viewer anticipating and trying to guess if they will make it! You may be thinking, why should she fall for someone who essentially abused her physically from the day he met her, but again this story is not that of roses and fairytales! KJ explains that he wanted her to become resilient because that’s essentially how he grew up. Then we get to see a little bit of insight into his survival story and we realise the beating she received at his hands was cherries compared to the tragedy he faced to become who he is. Again ML and FL make perfect sense together… there’s no other way to describe it!
Every single character so far in this drama has understood the assignment and has delivered! There has been no miss-cast and the drama engages you from the first scene in the first episode, I mean get your tissues ready. You’re thrown into a world that’s completely different from other CDramas! I think the story really sheds light into what life was like for the majority of people back then, because it wasn’t all fairies and a fight for the throne and power! There were people who were killed senselessly, kidnapped and thrown into slavery, tortured, raped etc! We get thrown into a world in cdrama that we as viewers are not particularly familiar with because most stories are usually toned down or they are Palace dramas so we know what to expect. With TSOPG we don’t know what to expect so it allows us to relate to FL even more because she’s taking us on that journey.
The soundtrack 10/10
The visuals 10/10
Casting 10/10
This show has been amazing so far and I really hope the momentum continues to build until the very end. I’m giving it an early 10 stars because of how captivated I have been from the first episode. I mean I was crying from episode one, I’ve laughed with them as well and I’ve cried again. The casting is EXCEPTIONAL! Ms ZLS NEVER DISAPPOINTS.
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High potential to No potential
After the back to back hits, Lusi has emerged to be an all rounder actress. Yes I admire how she can pull off any role, while I'm also aware that this couldn't have been possible without choosing the right scripts that showcased her talent. At first I was really excited for this drama and was curious to see what she was bringing this time but only to be disappointed soon.1. Initial episodes were good and brought a lot of curiosity about what's gonna happen next. The suffering was hard to watch so I was expecting the revenge would be a lot more cruel.. this is where the disappointment started.
2. I'm a big fan of LYN, love his voice. Was expecting a lot from him but his role is just very pale and ok. I mean there's no charm in any of the characters..
3. The script itself is quite boring...too many unnecessary things are included with little to no comedy. It feels very dull and depressing somehow! There's nothing eye-catching or anything that you would be looking forward to..
To summarize, it started off well but failed to keep me constantly hooked, I might just watch it for the sake of completing it.
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Good beginning but already declining before the midpoint
Really enjoyed the initial episodes, lusi was carrying the show but the writing and story were interesting as well. But around episode 12 the writing and story were becoming quite uninteresting to me. Every scenario now follows the same program on repeat as they move around to the next people to take down. I went from binge watching and looking forward to the next episode release to struggling to get through episodes 15 and 16. I fear there's no way this holds up for 40 Episodes and will struggle like almost all c dramas do to finish the show.I like the male lead and his acting but don't feel any chemistry between him and lusi, and as their love interest is becoming a part of the story i feel his acting is getting worse.
The other males aren't very good actors either, including the second male lead. The worst of the bunch is the character Cao. The females in the show are doing a much better job of acting.
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