This review may contain spoilers
Different stories about the glory of youth done hilariously cute and heartwarming!
This is my 2nd time watching this and it is such a breath of fresh air! Simple and straightforward story! If you want a break from the usual plots of historical dramas this is a must watch!Other than the usual comments of saying this is just an idol drama; weak female lead and all that truth is we are so accustomed to seeing the strong female leads being marketed these days but strong is defined not only in being good at martial arts, battle seasoned girl, revenge driven cunning females.
Strength also comes in doing the best that you can in what you love and what you are good at. And you can see that in this drama. Different couples with different struggles and how they overcome all of them together.
WHY 10/10 REWATCH VALUE?
Chemistry of the main couple is top tier! Song Wei Long's very manly appearance-alpha male kind of appearance was accentuated because of the cute and very feminine appearance of Bao Shangen! What a charming couple! Their natural banter made this drama natural-sometimes viewers don't like to admit it but their dynamics as a couple was more attached to reality than the usual dramas where the couple have instant unusual strong bond like huh? In here you can see their relationship was built with misunderstandings, confusion and tests of trust as a couple which they've overcome in their own ways-it's an arranged marriage yes but the thing is they found their way with each other navigating and overcoming the trials along the way
Fight scenes: they spent time orchestrating the fight scenes to really highlight the contrast of the male and female lead-Song Wei Long really stood out in this and all the other fight scenes were also great!
Character Development of female lead: If you are impatient enough- you won't get to enjoy her character development that many of the other comments easily hate on her! First, among all the drama's I've watched this female lead has high self-awareness-she acknowledges her weakness, knows what she likes and doesn't and fights for what she believes in. She may have been raised as a sheltered young lady of noble family; for many this is such a weak female lead and a letdown, but you know, her background and the way she grew does not make her any less of a woman. There are those with the same upbring like hers but with a wicked and vile hearts. She paves her way in the world in her own little ways-as I've said strength and measure of prowess of a woman is not only measured with abilities shaped by society.
You'll love the stories of the other couples too- I think this is why it is titled as such. In our youth it is a constant journey of discovering and rediscovering ourselves different stories reflecting the glory of our youth indeed!
Overall, it is straightforward, with unexpected twists in the plot especially from the villain arc but indulged with the best chemistry of the main lead, heartwarming and light story with hilarious tone!
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This review may contain spoilers
When you are innocent but dumb that lead to your doom
*Sigh* DEEP HEAVY SIGHAmbitious writing but disaster in coherence and execution. Over the top emphasis on a CYCLE OF PAIN. Glorified love story. Poorly written female character. The chemistry of the 2 leads that the story painstakingly revolved with is 0 - I skipped all their parts. Honestly, I don't get the rating-it's a bit high considering the repetitive dragged story.
The choice to write an immaculate perfect female character like, "it's her immaculate presence against the deranged lives around her." Made her character act as the "savior" of all the seemingly lost souls and at the expense of her sanity. HAHAHAHA INSANELY RIDICULOUS take to make an impression for these 20 dragging episodes. For the fate she suffered-honestly there were a lot of stupidity in her decisions-extremely dumb over the top innocence-in real life innocence won't save you-it's awareness, clarity and priorities and the grit to make the right decisions in the best way that you can. Easier said than done yes-but in here the female lead even has her best friend who has the best character development- the most levelheaded and as you can see the one who survived despite her background and suffering, she had growing up.
If there's anything the male protagonist and the female lead best friend are the best characters in this. Considering they have the most difficult conditions and mental struggle due to their family situation-yet they have the most character development.
The ensemble of is also good-their acting is really good, and they really carried the ambitious writing of this production. The only thing is the chemistry of the 2 different female leads with the male protagonist are just ZERO difficult to watch I can't even find the comfort that they like to convey in their story- instead of feeling empathetic- I just can't help to scold them like a true parent-like "KIDS you are walking straight into your doom!"
Also-the attempt to touch the concept of mental health-reaching out to those who need it-please no! Don't even think about that-this is just a marketing strategy of glorified pain without actually being grounded. I felt insulted at their take like huh? You made it into thriller-romance-horror-gory type and later claiming it as medium to reach out for mental health awareness-that's peak marketing bull!
My only comfort in this is the actress playing chou pin yu she's such a great actress and also beauty. One to watch out for as a rising actress! VERY little screen time and yet impactful one- I honestly watched this because of her and to my devastation she's almost nonexistent/ OK BYE next time I would read reviews to save my time.
Ending this review with a sigh after starting it sighs of utter disappointment!
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It needs Season 2!
It made me feel like I'm part of a game instead of watching a drama. It felt like an immersive experience instead of passively watching! That's why I understand the mixed reviews at the same time the hype.First, it's not the typical idol drama-its appeal is not for the hype it's more of a cinematic experience-and as for me I find myself asking questions along with the characters! That is why it does not appeal to everyone. There may be scenes that may seem boring, dragging but honestly it comes with the plot. I think it was intentionally made the viewer be attached and painstakingly be a part of the main character's journey.
The cast were amazing - they all shined in their own respective roles gave justice to them and more!
Xiao Zhan's chemistry with all the other main characters were amazing! The scenes were gripping and the mystery of these characters is what make this whole drama interesting. I always also look forward to all the other story and scenes with other characters. They all have interesting stories and the actors for the roles were also amazing!
Special mention!!
Duke Ping Jin and his son's character development what a well written character!
Scene stealer!!
Xiang An Tu! Zhang Jingyi was always so beautiful and great actress for me but seemed always with the same characters in her dramas BUT here, her character was the icebreaker! I was surprised of her versatility as an actress It didn't occur to me this type of character may suit her too love her and love how they wrote her character and her scenes are a scene stealer what a treat! She should not be underestimated!
What then stood out?
It's different from your usual male-centric idea of a male. Zang Hai is flawed, unsure, and calculating. He just makes use of what he has even without having that usual characteristic of male leads. He was not the typical high-ranking General, the glorified warrior, No outstanding fabled / mysterious martial artist. He was just an ordinary person that led an extraordinary life achieved with a journey filled with diligence, perseverance and the refusal to give up.
Zang Hai's grit led to his glory.
My only comment is the lack of chemistry of Main character-Zang Hai and the so called Master Gao Ming I don't know they supposedly have a tight bond/father-son bond but for me I find their scenes lacking/a bit boring-maybe due to lack of chemistry or what I tend to fast forward or play it at a higher speed when it's their scenes! haha
WHY SEASON 2?
The story has a lot of unfinished stories for me, needs more exploration, background and with that it has a lot of potential! A movie spinoff would also be ok considering the success it achieved- just anything that would give a background of the whole story! It's deep and wide and very interesting! It has a different point of view of fantasy - not straightforward that is why it does appeal to a lot of people especially for the impatient ones! hahahaha
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Impeccable ensemble of actors who brilliantly carried the whole series despite the so-so story.
Wow. The line up of actors in this is crazy good! So my expectation was a bit high! This is what they usually say great cast but mediocre script. With this is I would repeatedly praise and go on and on how good the actors were despite the mediocre story. It could have been a movie because of the script/story, but it was such a treat how they made it into a limited series just to see the brilliance of these actors. The story doesn't have much depth into it but the actors-gave it so much life, the attention into details of the actors with the characters they are playing is what made me finish is it till the end.They gave the characters their own life-they interpreted it in such a way that it surpassed the story itself. I stayed because of the characters.
Nam Gi Jun played by So Ji Sub is such a straightforward character, but you would see throughout the series his ruthlessness is also equated to his humanity. The ways he made layers in his character is brilliant and subtle at the same time. That made it so satisfying and not overly glorified.
Give it a try and you would be on a ride-it was a treat especially for those who want a cleanse and witness the action-packed intense scenes-straightforward fighting filled with grit.
The one thing I appreciate is that for every fight scene you could see that when they focus the intended character each actor will have their own side-the side of the will and grit to live and stay. To fight for each of their own causes.
Don't want to spoil but it would have been nice if this was longer to explore of their so-called world. I don't know if I am biased but at some point it resembles the world of John Wick - maybe inspired by it but sadly if this is so it would have been really better if they made it to a full blown series-maybe it would have been given another turn and maybe a world of its own would be created. It has that potential!!!
But all in all it was a nice one-the actors gave this one a life. Easy watch and entertaining one!
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Entertainment at it's finest!
My curiosity was worth it! The rave about this drama made me curious and it was worth it! It was wholesome and entertaining! The story has an unexpected depth into it, but it somehow fumbled in the end, it would have been nice if they polished it even more to give proper and satisfying closure. But I guess they wanted to add the charm of an open ending. But I must say it takes a lot of skill and talent to be able to reach and convey that aspiration of open endings. I must say in the story an open ending was only a tease they could've packed it up nicely but the decision to go to the former has added popularity and intrigue to the already entertaining story.I must say the 4 leads chemistry is the best! That's really hard to achieve cause not a lot of dramas with main and 2nd leads have successfully achieved such chemistry! They all work well effortlessly good together that they even have reality show just for the fans of this drama alone!
If you are looking for a break from the usual costume dramas this one is a must try. Entertaining with bits and pieces of lessons to live by!
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Underrated GEM!
Oh my where do I even begin? I started watching this without any expectations. I watched a drama of Wang Churan and loved her in Fireworks of my Heart and so I was brought to watch another drama of hers.And this was one was really good! 1st episode and I was seated, the way the introduction of characters was laid out was really intriguing hence it made a good buildup of the story. I must say I stayed even more of the unconventional flow of the story and the good chemistry of the actors! The ML and FL have really good chemistry they were equally good in playing their roles and you can see how their relationship developed as the story moved on. I wish also they could have expounded on the side of the story of the female lead her life and how she eventually becomes the famed person/ "the one" that they've been talking about it really is interesting! But I guess time and budget won't allow it but nevertheless-this story still delivered. The action scenes of both leads were really attractive, oh how well they acted, not overly executed but just the right amount of emotions and exquisite movement. And of course would I forget the unexpected chemistry of both leads they complemented each other really well!
If you're looking for a surprise, this is a good one you will never regret giving it a try!
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WHAT A GEM! But criminally underrated!
What an unconventional beauty! Watching this drama will take you on a different level in comparison to the usual chinese drama made for entertainment and couple-romance-centric dramas that are trending. Revenge story but has its own charm-not tiring not repetitive cliched storyline. Though short it adds to the charm. The cast did justice to the well-written, gripping script writing. Its aesthetic is different and complements the tone of the story. The struggles are worth the struggle as a simple way to put the whole vibe of the story. The cast are splendid- the chemistry, acting and special mention to the sweet baby girl what an actress at such a young age! The story of the two leads-describes that sometimes love is not all about rainbows and butterflies- but in reality, it's about saving and being saved from yourselves. The two leads have fantastic chemistry-underrated even hope they have another collaboration. Such chemistry is such a waste to be ignored.Was this review helpful to you?
Great beginnings-we wish will never end and will just stay there
The drama started off really good but I felt-confusion, turmoil and pain as how the story unfolded. Wanting to come of as strong but sadly the writing, dialogues and the execution of scenes never compensated the disarray in the flow of the story. Thankfully the leads have superb chemistry or else the drama would have really lost its course, for a simple mind of entertainment this could be a watch but for the critical minds- this was hard to watch. It's like the editors, writers or producers all pitched in their ideas and just filmed a drama for it-because they themselves do not know how to resolve themes they want to convey so it felt like it was a drama with a lot of melting pot of themes just simply thrown in- "okay we want- 'female fatale fight scenes but let's make her useless in the end and make the cripple male lead a man not in distress anymore'; 'let's make it about revenge but let's make sure the villain will be treated with justice but with the most underwhelming way so as to annoy the viewers'" AGAIN, thank you for the leads for making this drama work. k. bye.Was this review helpful to you?
Easy watch! Stay for the story telling, twists and great cast to portray the characters!
Everything from start to finish will have you seated and rooting for all the characters. However, at times it feels too flawless it seemed unbelievable. The deduction skills of both leads are sometimes a bit too much but that's what makes the high rating in this drama- it gives the satisfaction that gets you hooked. Li Landi is again superb! I always love how she is able to convey her emotions really a topnotch when it comes to evoking the right emotions easy to relate as a viewer- you almost sympathize with her. Saw her in Love of Nirvana loved her character there and same goes with this one, it seemed these kind of roles suits her a lot. What a great actress! The leads have "okay" chemistry-not explosive but it's there. Sometimes I can't help it but I also see a chemistry with the male lead and the second female lead- and voila! -they actually have a drama that's on-going filming- My Queen My Rules! LOL The twists are also good, the writing and how the story unfolded is easy to stay tune with. It would have been better they indulged to make into 40 episodes just to expound more on the idea of the sect cause it felt like the build up was there and then was rushed a bit towards the end. But Yang Shize was also worth a mention short appearance but portrayed it well as a conflicted man turned villain. But nevertheless, it was an easy watch!Was this review helpful to you?
A story that reaches out to awaken our hearts. Easily can be made a timeless classic!
This is a drama that mirror life-that most of us don't want to face-it tugs strings deep within our hearts. I'm describing it in a vague way for the audience to actually give it a try; from the simple storyline yet heartwarming one to the well-casted characters made this drama more than just another drama.It's raw, grounded and almost real.
This is not your typical female-centric drama that it is usually marketed hence everyone seem to predict the story that focuses on a tragic past avenging the whole nation/ clan by war and politics- no no no!No grandiose setting: no well-thought dragged revenge schemes; no feisty - touchy romantic/intimate scenes for thirst traps; no grand battles and well-orchestrated fight scenes.
Xia Xiaolan was the main character, but the real ones are everyone around her. The people around her and their stories and for who they are is actually what made her as the Xia Xiaolan-she was not a perfect person but a real one-filled with weakness that she painstakingly worked hard to overcome. In this world where working smart and hard work is often laughed at but you know all of these and KINDNESS goes actually a long way. In this world where results are always what matters-this drama actually make us realize that end goals are important but the journey of who you are, who you were and who you are becoming while achieving goals is what this drama showed. This drama does not shy away in pointing out that whatever you want in life can be achieved in ways without having to cheat or trample on others.
Stay for the stories of the different people in her life-you would see how people cope and the character development of each that is why this is never boring-it's not always about her-for the shallow and jealous ones will think "everything goes her way-too unrealistic" but once you stay and watch it-you would actually realize it's more than just that impatient assumption especially during the start of the story. The drama unfolds in a such a way it gave ample time to show every character development.
It does not cater to entertain and escape life-it actually makes us realize that the very life we try to escape by de-stressing through entertainment and dramas- are actually the very inspiration these dramas were made for. It is unapologetically real-you can relate to every setbacks and success-laughter and pain. Embracing and braving this thing called life!
As I've said because of its refreshing story-it could easily be made as a timeless classic. I hope a spin-off or season 2 would be in the works!
It's how good it is, it gives such flexible concept that could still be explored in a lot of ways, not overly thought provoking and mind-boggling but it made such an impact that engages audience's own creativity to crave and explore more on the concept of the story!
SIDE NOTE: Special mention to the 2nd male lead-such a well written character also-well casted too the actor portrayed it well!!!
If you read most of the reviews in this mydramalist site, they actually perfectly described the drama! So happy to see people who appreciate and enjoy this gem; non-trending, low-key; BUT DEFINITELY AMAZING!!
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