meimei

I'm glad that I was able to get back to your reply because i really have to agree with you (that TPOB is better) After episode 17, i feel like everything kind of fell off (I mean at least for me) though somehow, your points also made sense but it's just how i didn't look much into it or those things you've mentioned until you said it and i was like "oh i see". Honestly, even up to the latest episodes, those kind of shortcomings or like flaws were quite apparent. Still, i love it because of its whole message. I also want to finish watching it because the main leads, Zhou Ye and Ryan Cheng lived up to my expectations. The way they can pull me, despite I have questions about the progress of the story or how some of the characters can be really annoying.

After watching TPOB months ago, I thought no c-drama comes close to it—but this one is just as good, maybe even better. I haven’t read the original novel, but based on comments from those who have, it seems the adaptation does it justice or did justice to it, which makes me happy.

Coming from my own perspective, I really appreciate how it highlights that women can be just as capable as men (not just the romance). Although I’ve seen some complaints about how she’s not exactly “like a man,” even down to her physique—but seriously, she’s a delicate (idk if this is the right term for it but please do correct me if i'm wrong) woman pretending to be a man, that's how her character is written. How is that so hard to grasp?

Another common issue I’ve noticed is about Xiao Jue not recognizing He Yan (the present from the past)—the masked figure and the female general—despite her voice and other features being the same. I mean… obviously they’re played by the same actress, but in-story, people change. . like, puberty exists.

All in all, this drama exceeded my expectations. I’ve been waiting for it ever since I saw the trailer and knew instantly I had to watch it. The cast, visuals, chemistry, soundtrack, and even the AI work used to replace the actor’s face for Cheng Li Su—everything amazed me. I also love that the story didn’t drag out the reveal or revelation that He Yan is a woman

I just hope it delivers a great ending.

Honestly, I watched this drama because of Xiao Zhan – I loved him in 'The Untamed' and 'Oath of Love' (though I didn't finish the latter of this drama due to the female lead). But I'm pleasantly surprised with this one. I'm already hooked (i'm at episode 7) and it's just worth watching. Unlike other dramas, I don't get bored and find myself binge-watching this till I fall asleep. My only minor complaint is the romance subplot – while it's understandable, it feels like it deviates from the drama's original focus or intention. Nonetheless, i think it'll make sense eventually (perhaps, i might be wrong with my complaint since i'm still at the beginning and she might have this huge role)

Super duper grateful (to you) I'm glad this was one of my first few xianxia dramas that i was able to finish.

He looks majestic aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Glad to know ♡ I hope you'll enjoy! Also, currently, i'm watching the S3 of it.

It's a wrap! (you might wonder why it took me only few days to finish it. Well that is because as soon as you commented, i didn't stop watching and indeed, you're right about the drama)

Plot-wise, it was something that's overwhelming for me (and it's not a negative thing btw, it's just because it's the nature of that kind of genre which I'm still not used of) Despite getting familiar with the characters, i still couldn't get myself to grasp the whole plot (like everything). . and again, it's okay, I'm still satisfied because I got to see where you're coming from (like you've replied, i was able to recognize the reason why ML's aloof and cold towards the FL. I also got to know about the reincarnation thingy, the ML being the demon child, and so much more) But if i'm gonna be honest, there were some scenes where i felt like it was repetitive, too draggy, or unnecessary so i had to skip (this happened like few times only so no worries, it didn't alter my perception of the whole plot)

Overall, i'm happy with almost everything. Their chemistry and their visuals grew on me (this is my first impression of them btw and like TPOB, their faces were like a breath of fresh air) Not to mention, the ending? It got me smiling from ear to ear.

Side note: You also mentioned that Deng Wei is such a good actor, and I have to agree. The way his face, his expressions, and his acting won me over (like everytime he appears on my screen, i'm often left speechless) I also have to give credit to Julia Xiang for her versatility – she convincingly plays both strong and innocent roles.

Another side note: He's also one of the few actors who perfectly fit this genre. I was surprised when I saw a video of him with his normal hair, but even then, he's handsome. However, his image in this drama really captured my heart.

I was able to watch it from YouTube but i wasn't that satisfied with the subtitles, i had to continue watching it from a different platform (which i cannot disclose here because of the fear that it might be taken down but it's a website that is very popular or known to the viewers/watchers of any drama/series. You might wanna consider checking it on Tiktok, i believe it's there)

Sorry for the late reply, it was the first season and almost all of the episodes, Song Zuer appeared with him because they're part of the regular/main cast (or do you mean that the episodes where they necessarily interacted w/ each other? because if that is the case, i apologize since i don't remember anymore) Nonetheless, i believe the whole show itself is interesting.

I'm still obsessed with this drama and can't stop raving about the leads' incredible chemistry. Honestly, I'd love to see them in a modern drama, especially knowing how they always have uhmm matching outfits in their interviews and how they got to be in a show entitled "The Truth" (I just finished watching that show btw)

Thank you so so so much! This really means a lot (although my watchlist is super outdated since I've binge-watched so many dramas that aren't on there, but it's cool to know that we have similar taste, i really really really appreciate that you checked my profile because it gives me reassurance? Idk haha)

Also, to be honest, i'm hard to please when it comes to dramas, and I've been let down by popular c-dramas before and the recent ones (except TPOB). Upon checking videos with regards to cdramas on Tiktok, a lot of people recommended this so i gave it a try. Unfortunately, this one didn't grab me at first (which is why i left a comment here) and again, because it's not my usual genre. But thank you for pushing it to me, it encouraged me to give it another chance, and the review that you gave definitely spoke to me. I was able to know the characters more and what the storyline offers (aside to what i've known)

Will reply to this as soon as i've finished the drama. Again, thank you so much.

Can anyone tell me if this is worth finishing? I'm at ep. 4 and i'm like 50/50 with it, still trying to feel it 'cause somehow the genre is really not my thing, but the visuals of both the main/lead characters just drew me in plus the cinematography (the chemistry is a bit fine as well). Also, care to tell me if the storyline is gonna get better? like were there twists? plot holes? or something? (Please do spoil me 'cause in that way, i can assess if it's good or not. I don't depend on my perspective with this because again, it's not the kind of genre that i always watch, but simultaneously, i just didn't wanna waste my time if it's not worth it. Thank you)

I loved the actress due to the movie, 'A Little Red Flower', and was stoked to see her in this drama. Even more that the clips that i've seen from TikTok, looked promising, specifically the leads' chemistry. However, I was disappointed to learn about her "no kissing scene clause" I mean, the title itself (Be Passionately in Love) suggests intimacy, but without kissing scenes, it feels like a fundamental piece is missing. Don't get me wrong, i'm not opposed to romantic dramas without kissing scenes, but given the drama's concept, it feels so off.

Just finished it today and ngl, i got so sad with the ending, not because the main leads didn't have the ending that i was hoping for (they actually did have a happy ending) but it's just how the last few episodes were too much for my heart. It broke me into pieces how a lot of characters died especially Wei Liang. He's like one of my favorite characters and i couldn't stop crying when he got killed. Even more when Wei Qu begged for him to go and find him :((

But more than that, i genuinely felt sad that this is over. From being skeptical of watching it (because it has a lot of episodes and like i've said before, i wasn't much of a fan of popular c-dramas but here we are) to loving every episode and cast.

Thank you to the writer, director, and all the staff behind this drama. Truly a masterpiece that i will never forget.

Bonus: Became a LYN and SZE enthusiast.

It’s quite unfortunate that i discovered them late 😭😭 Nonetheless, one of the few dramas that i’ll absolutely replay or rewatch.

I rarely find popular c-dramas to my taste (some dramas are overhyped, at least in my opinion), but this one is an exception. The moment i started episode 1, i didn't stop (which means i continued watching) until i already fell asleep. Just like SOKP, the characters were well-developed, and the storyline gave them the attention that they deserved. In particular, both the main and supporting cast managed to capture my heart, like they're all lovable.

Likewise, the chemistry of Manman and Wei Shao was top-notch (i feel like it also stems from me, not knowing them much as an actor or an actress or who they are despite their popularity, so in my perspective, they're like a breath of fresh air) The slow-burn, the longing in their eyes, etc. they definitely encapsulated the proper emotions. Plot-wise, how love was portrayed in this drama really gave me in. It wasn't just "love" between the two of them rather towards their family which made it so much better.

Lastly, i'm not yet ready to say goodbye to this drama. Tomorrow's the last day and i feel like crying 'cause i already got attached with each one of them.

and you think others didn't do the same thing? like c'mon. it's not like he relied ENTIRELY to them. plus if it was luck, he won't be able to solve whatever's given to him especially on the last round where they're on THEIR own.

What do you mean luck with regards to Hyungyu? Like he’s one of those players who always solve things? Be for real 😭

Season 1 is incomparable because it's the original, built from scratch. The cast's fresh perspective adds to its charm, as they're experiencing the game show's twists and turns for the very first time. Props to HSJ for delivering a wonderful performance. However, i also believe that this season was able to deliver its own appeal, its own plot twists.

Down to the participants, i don't get where the hate is coming from, whether it's for Hyungyu, Hyunjoon, 7high, or any of the participants. Since they're already AWARE of how the game show works, it's most likely their option is to be more strategic and cautious/conscious of everything, everyone. That includes having to be one step ahead, being able to take more risks, to be able to negotiate, and worse, having to manipulate others or betray them for your own sake.

On the other hand, i did have some problems with the production as well. Like someone commented here that there should be individual games to really showcase their true ability, something that they cannot be in contact with other participants or be able to communicate with them. Another thing is the idea that there are a lot of prisoners, almost like half of them which already created a division from the start. I think 3 is the perfect number for the prisoners and more reasonable for the survival or death match.

Other than those stated above, i didn't have many issues with it. Also, can i say that both Hyungyu and Hyunjoon deserved those coins? because they're one of those players who immediately took the risk and dealt with it (To clarify, on Hyunjoon's case, he got really lucky on playing the rock, paper, scissors but i still think that it's impressive how he's determined, pushed himself, and didn't back out. Fortunately, the game's perfect for him). The only difference is that Hyunjoon did get those coins but didn't have the benefit of revealing it anytime he wants, whereas Hyungyu had that ability to reveal it anytime. Still, it isn't unfair because it's living area (heaven) and prison (hell) for a reason, like why would they have the same rule (as a benefit) if they're not in the same position?

For those who may not know, this is a remake of YATAOME, which originated in Taiwan and was later adapted in Japan and Thailand (with a different title). Unfortunately, this version didn't quite hit the mark for me - the acting was great, but the plot felt rushed and focused a bit much on the supporting characters