doramama
Not to my liking
There are many high ratings here but I personally did not enjoy this show that much. I also think getting a 10 is abit of an overstretched.Main leads are decent here, nothing to hate or love. FL character is pretty bland, her profession & gaming is nothing special , even why she liked the ML is nothing in depth too. ML on the other hand is more interesting even though it's another built to be perfect character, good at gaming, aerospace engineer, good looking, sweet towards FL. Both yang yang and reba have good chemistry but not the best. YY did better in this show maybe because he is very well suited for "nerdy" roles like love o2o, while i always thought reba's acting was ok only and her character doesn't pulls me in as well.
Plot is also weak; i liked that it explores aerospace and all but the gaming part don't blend in well.
Final verdict: It's a decent watch if u are into visuals, but its not fantastic and too overhyped.
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This review may contain spoilers
I was very hyped for this drama before I watched it mainly because of the godly casting of Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si on the same screen! But maybe due to the high expectations I had, I was slightly disappointed with the show due to a few lacking points. First of all, the good things - the romance between ML and FL was beautiful, no push pull or quarrels or immaturity in it. The show portrayed Hei Feng and Bai Feng's character as though they are meant to be together. Although FL is very good in martial arts she is unlike the typical strong headed and stubborn kind. ML who is as good as her, blends in with her very well and does not "act like a hero" the whole time. It's nice to see both of their soft side despite being invincible to other people. The plot also shows very well bromance between ML and the brother which I like. ALSO, Is anyone not gonna say their favourite character is Feng Qi Wu??? imo she saves the show from all the other supporting roles.
Ok here are the things I do not like - the no. of annoying characters in the show which are unbearable/hard to understand. First of all, Huang Chao. Someone that we all thought is the 2nd ML but more than half of the time, he does not have any scenes with FL/show any romantic scenes. The weird thing is towards the end, he confessed his love for FL as though he was really in love but i don't see it in the past 30 ep or more (random much). Second, the plot with the male villian was very lame too, he didn't seem very smart or anything and he actually died so easily at the end.. felt like most of his scenes can be skipped in the drama. Third, FL relationship with her sworn sister (her master's daughter) is something I cannot understand at all??? especially the scene she tried to accuse and kill FL when her father pass away. Other than the annoying characters, the ML and FL have to go through the die & revive process which is repetitive & not needed.
FINAL VERDICT: decent wuxia show but there are many better ones out there
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Good chemistry, non toxic romance
Watched mainly because of Ding Yuxi and was also keen to see Peng Xiao Ran again (as the only drama I watched with her was Goodbye my princess)! Plot was nothing special, both female and male leads are likable. Absolutely loved DYX and his puppy eyes, PXR also did well as the bubbly "Nie Sang Yun". I felt like everything was very well balanced in this show, in terms of the MAIN plot being the leads and their story and all the others like supporting characters' love line and also villian's scene weren't too much to watch. I usually dislike shows where the villians is everywhere like in your face and also those supporting characters story having too much screen time.. but this show is ok, we still get a lot of scenes from both leads!However, i do take some points away as i find the ending abit rushed and it could also be better!! i start to FF a lot ep 32 or so onwards.. the villians are all punished in like half an episode. The reunion between both leads after a year was also not as dramatic as I thought it would since the ML thought FL died.
In conclusion, it's a watchable a fluffy show - good if u hate those shows with stupid leads/people. Does get abit draggy towards the end but about 2/3 of it was worth the watch!!
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Family yes, love.. nope.
The show revolve around 1 sister and 2 brothers that are siblings by name but not blood related (i'm not gonna elaborate on how they met). I actually enjoyed myself a lot as i get to explore the background stories of the 3 siblings and also how they became a family together. The show did well on showing how they bonded and also the different personalities of everyone.However, this show will only be getting a 7/10 from me (highest) and i will probably not be rewatching.
(1) The show went downhill when romance is involved. I am not against the plot of any love involved between the siblings but I don't felt it in any way throughout the show as brother-sister love is being prompted more than actual romance. I guess it hitted me badly when it kind of change to romance direction. It didn't seem like the brothers actually "fall in love" with Li Jian Jian but more like overprotective brothers that can't bear to see her with anyone else. I was thinking the show would be better if it ended with Li Jian Jian not choosing anyone. I just CANNOT watch the kissing scene at the end... it's just awkward.
(2) I cannot stand Song Wei Long's acting.
This is not the first show i have watched with SWL and it's actually third one already - and one thing for sure, his acting didn't improve since then. The stiff facial expression, "act cool" vibes, and how he expresses himself is just not there. It's just not enjoyable to watch him act or relate to his character in the show.
Nonetheless, Tan Song Yun (Li JJ), Zhang Xin Cheng (He Zi Qiu) and Tu Song Yan (the dad) steals the show for me!
FINAL VERDICT: it's worth it to watch if you want something heartwarming, simple and explores family relationships.
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underwhelming romance development
I love both Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan... also i am an absolute fan of fluffy love story but to be honest they would both have better chemistry if it was for a different drama. Saying that this show is overrated does not mean it sucks it just doesn't justify for the high ratings in my opinion (FYI my review is also just based on the drama not the novel).Throughout the show I have a few ???? moments.
(1) I didn't liked how the FL is portrayed in the show.
The show started with FL when she was about 14 years old and she fell in love with ML who was 19 years. BUT the child actress does not look like 14 but 8-10. it looks strange and cringy. Why couldn't they cast a young girl that look more like her 14/15 (or atleast give ML a younger boy actor too).
Also, when FL grows up, she still speaks like a kid in a kiddy tone, the way she behaves is as though she is like 12?
(2) The romance
Throughout the show, their 5 years age gap is heavily emphasized all the time.. is it really such a big deal. I have watched so many drama with big age gaps but i didn't know 5 years is a lot to be a problem. They portray the male lead to be OLD like he is just 24?
I also didn't liked the development from bro/sis to lovers. ML's pov of how he fell in love was pretty sudden to me. In the show, there weren't any progress in how he fell in love but more like a one time and boom "i gonna woo you" the next day. Even ML confession didn't felt wow.
I guess u can dissect this drama into
1st part: FL's pov, her falling in love
2nd part: FL grew up (aka. went university) and met ML again
3rd part: ML fell in love and happy ending
Despite all these, the romance is quite sweet to watch after they got together.. but it's really not my cup of tea. I wouldn't rewatch this.
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female lead failed the show
2nd drama together for ZZH and JJY but i am still doubtful about their chemistry. I don't think JJY have very good/bad acting, but the roles she got were all about the same and something about her makeup in the show, i didn't like it. This time her role at Ruyi failed her badly.For how much anticipation for people that wants to see them again, this show didn't manage to bring out its full potential. The synopsis about foreseeing future in the dream was just 5% of the whole show - with or without that part won't change the show in any way. JJY character was not likeable, she has no trust in ML at all. All the misunderstandings are not needed if only she trusted ML more, and if she wouldn't waver so easily by other people's words. It's ok if she is smart, but she is not. Idk what she is doing, aimlessly running around and crying but nothing from her "investigation". In most times, she doesn't understand ML and is always hanging out with 2nd ML without telling ML what is prince An real identity. I don't deny their lovey dovey times are quite sweet but FL will always do something to annoy me again. Honestly, Xihe princess have more development than FL in the show.
2nd ML isn't any better, his revenge is beyond ridiculous. I don't understand how someone that love FL so much have to send her into his enemy's hands. All for the name of revenge. Supporting characters love line was slightly more interesting but it does overpowers the main couple's love line because they have so many screen time.
Overall, i would watch this for ZZH. I think he did a good job and his acting was good. Ofcourse he is also an eye candy! He can switch from serious to playful mode when in love, i really liked this character as Prince Xu. Otherwise, i wouldn't recommend this or rewatch.
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put your brain away when watching
Everyone would know that this show is gonna be comedic through the poster.. The FL is not drop dead gorgeous like your typical FL and the show revolve around how she wins the heart of people in the palace & ofcourse the ML (aka. the emperor). I truly enjoyed the first half of the show, it really made me laughed out loud. Li Hong Yi is also one of the main reasons why I started this show and given that he chose this kind of script/storyplot i was really looking forward to it (and c'mon, i can look at his face everyday!) .THE GOOD:
1. ML is very good looking
2. Not a stressful show ( no villians in this show and even the most 'evil' person if not exactly a bad person too.)
3. Funny plot and FL (FL does not try hard to make people like her which i like)
THE NORMAL:
1. illogical plot (and given FL's behavior she would not have survived or atleast gained 10x more enemies.)
2. Their intimacy scenes are very sweet although the chemistry isn't there completely
THE BAD:
1. Lack of chemistry between FL and ML maybe because i don't get to see how ML fall in love with her also.. it came rather randomly.
2. Show does get draggy towards the end .. could have ended at 20 episodes
3. Plot is about how the FL made the palace more lively but i don't think it was portrayed well enough. it felt like people gave in to her eventually only.
FINAL VERDICT: recommended if you want a good laugh, can fast forward most of it after 20 episodes. brainless show, good if u don't want to stress yourself out.
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dropped, rewatch and love it!
I started watching this show when it first came out and didn't like it after 1st episode. I didn't felt like the CGI, acting and all was the kind of xianxia I would enjoy. Anyway, i decided to give it a go again and surprisingly love it a lot! I personally think this show was Esther Yu and Dylan Wang's best work out of all their other shows.This show really grow on me the more I watch. First off, the storyline is very refreshing and new, although pretty predictable but i think the FLML will surprise you time to time! The development is great. I know a lot people might not like FL's character or her voice but trust me, it gets better. This show is considered fluffy and very straightforward to me - female lead doesn't throw useless tantrum or go on extreme hate mode after finding out "the truth", which i love. She trusts what she sees in the male lead even though he is a devil/ is evil in their world. Male lead although known as the "bad guy" is an absolute sweetie when in love. He is always there for the female lead and never allows her to get hurt. To me, their characters is one of the best I have seen in xianxia dramas. I like their relationship progression and even with the 2nd ML's involvement it was never toxic or anything. I also enjoyed 2nd ML's story/pov a lot and the show will really make u love both the male leads. The pace of this show have shown that with just 36 episodes is good enough for a xianxia drama with good development! I just wished that they could have ended with another 2/3 episodes so the ending wouldn't be so rushed :(
I am taking away 1 point from the ratings because the ending was too rushed. For people thinking if they should start watching, i highly recommend this!
BONUS: i realised there are a lot of goodlooking people in this show, it's a total eye candy! also, the soundtrack is very nice!!!
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Do not give this a miss!
Yanxi is a drama that needs to be rated 10/10 in my must-watch drama list. I am usually not drawn to overrated shows because they will turn out to be under whelming as compared to the public response, but I am super thankful that I didn't give Yanxi a miss because everything about this show is beautiful.Yanxi is one of those typical harem politics show where women fight for love, ranks, etc. EXCEPT with the twist of a badass female lead that is smart and very good at adapting to different situations. I believe smart female leads are not rare in chinese shows but Wei Ying Luo (FL) is extremely quick-witted. This makes it so fun to watch how she survives in different environment, be it with the maids or even the emperor. Just when you thought she is defeated, SHE IS NOT.
We also watch her romance with Fuheng which explores the other side of her personality. I love their relationship so much (although it's meant to break my heart at the end.. ). I would say if you're looking for a show that has a huge part of romance, then this show is not for you.
FINAL VERDICT: if you want to watch a never-say-die female lead, satisfying show where evils are punished, pls watch! i wouldn't give this a miss :)
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Nothing progressed from part 1
I've wrote my review for part 1 and was expecting a lot more in terms of character development in the later half but... none. We are already left with about 10 episodes or so, i wouldn't be expecting the show to have huge turns, even so it will be too late. First off, i really like ZLS as an actress, but her character as Niao Niao is beyond annoying and boring. As much as we do not see her growth in part 1, she became to more self conflicting in the 2nd part. For how much she always wanted "peace", she clearly does not bring any peace around her for the mess she created. But ofcourse with the addition of those jealous and mean princesses around to bring her down. She is also not smart enough to clear her own mess. We see ML being hero to save her from the shit hole only to get scolded by her when asked to refrain herself. Here, we see how her character self conflicted with what she wanted. I get where Niao Niao is coming from, i really get it but it's time to move on and see her grow from there, why are we still stucked at this. Moving on to romance, it's very promising to see her realise what is love but nope. Her sudden realisation that she love ML didn't make me feel anything.. it felt as though she said it just because the ML love her. Chemistry isn't great either; i choose to believe that it's their character that is playing a part not their acting. I am starting to get really bored.. and have to FF a lot, however there are still other interesting characters to watch (other than MLFL).EDIT: i cannot believe the most development i see in this whole show is actually Lou Yao and his wife. In the first half, the show spent quite a number of episodes on Lou Yao and FL which seems to be unnecessary.. now that i finished it. It made no impact on FL or the entire story. Up till the very end, i still couldn't feel ML's character at all.
In conclusion, i was expecting a lot more from part 1 but i am disappointed to see Niao Niao still the same, and it sucks because the whole show's main focus IS Niao Niao. Even ML doesn't have as much scenes/story time as her. Honestly her role at Who Rules The World is so much better.
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This review may contain spoilers
selfless love
So much emotions now that I finished it. Cried till 3am and the ending didn't save me from any of these. I am going to write my review while my memory is still fresh.ACTING/CAST:
Cannot say enough that both Yang Zi and Cheng Yi are the best actress and actor out there for xianxia drama and no one can top them. I came from the famous Ashes of Love and Love & Redemption, and I am so happy they get to act in this together. They didn't disappoint me in their chemistry! 11/10! As for acting, there is nothing more i need to say as both of them are amazing and they make you believe they are really in love with each other.
STORYLINE:
The plot for this show is almost like all the other xianxia drama mashed up into one. If u have watched enough xianxia, you would have seen the cannot fall in love, lost of memory, unforbidden love and saving each other from dying cliche plot. Well.. this show had all these plot and it's almost predictable. I would say it doesn't have the unique selling point in the storyline but the characters are the main stealer for this show. I am however sad that the main leads didn't have enough lovey dovey moments together where both of them admit they are in love. It's always one of them pushing the other away. Tang Zhou was someone I cannot let go after the whole show ends - he fell in love with Yan Dan but doesn't understand why she hated him for Ying Yuan's love debts. He is seriously innocent. My heart cannot be in peace for this, Anyway, more on characters below..
CHARACTERS:
Cheng Yi brought all his characters to life in this show. He played 3 characters - Ying Yuan, Tang Zhou and Xuan Ye. All of them have been done super well by Cheng Yi (i swear his eyes can speak). Ying Yuan as the emperor needs to protect 3 realms and cannot confess his love for Yan Dan. He can only protect her silently but thats how he lost her because she doesn't know and is hurt deeply. Ying Yuan from what I see has great responsibility in him and no matter how much he love Yan Dan, it's ultimately the realms he cannot put down. Moving on to Tang Zhou, one of my favourite moments in the entire show. Tang Zhou unlike Ying Yuan is determined when it comes to love. As much as he still cannot fall in love, he admits that he cannot lose Yan Dan and is willing to give up everything. He is also very goofy and doesn't act like any superior when he is with Yan Dan. Things get serious when he became from Tang Zhou to Ying Yuan again - that's when he realise he is TZ and also YY and he fearlessly declares his love for YD. I love the character development from YY to TZ and YY again. All 3 felt different and has different emotions.
Yan Dan played by Yang Zi is smart and grew up a lot in this show. She once cannot understand Ying Yuan and thought that he only cares about the 3 realms but she ultimately saw how not protecting the 3 realms will ruin everything. From start till the end, she already chose love. As long as Ying Yuan survives, she will do anything, even losing her own life. She is very selfless and puts Ying Yuan before herself anytime, She knew she always loved him and has long ago forgiven him. Honestly, Yan Dan has a few really good and memorable lines. One of them i remembered clearly was, actually love does not need to be together and its ok. Thats when I realised she grew up so much, because her happy ending was not to be with Ying Yuan anymore but to see him fulfil what he needs to do.. that's also how the famous line of "you protect the realms and I protect you" came. I love her character development. Yang Zi did super well in this.
Ray Chang as Yu Mo is one of the BEST 2nd male lead ever. If there is an award, pls give it to him. I believe everyone will agree. We all need a Yu Mo in our life. He love Yan Dan but has never crossed the line before. Never told her how he feels, never tried to steal her away, never did anything dirty. He protects Yan Dan and is never less compared to ML in this sense. When he said his only wish is for Yan Dan to be safe and happy, i literally cried out. I want happiness for Yu Mo,
MUSIC;
Amazing 10/10. It's on repeat on my playlist now. Zhang Jie always sings good OST!!
OVERALL:
Thanks YZ and CY for accompanying me this mid-end year & also all the casts! I don't know when I will ever see a Yang Zi + Cheng Yi collab again, but i really wish any producers out there can make it happen. This show is highly recommended but there are also some flaws in the cutting and plot (not big issue if u ignore). Would still rewatch it again!!!!
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pleasantly good
As someone that watched and didn't liked "Find Yourself" (another age gap romance drama), I decided to give this show a try as it appeared on my Netflix feed. This show turned out to be much better than I expected and it adds in different flavors compared to other shows with the same genre.I really enjoyed FL and ML's interaction - their relationship is not a love at first sight/ you're handsome/pretty kind of thing. FL is a capable and independent working adult while ML is a young man fresh in the working industry, right off the bat I liked this contrast. ML's personality is very playful and goofy while FL is someone that focus on work and both of them has their own goals. The big age gap relationship was handled very nicely in a work setting, where both of them sees each other as trust worthy colleagues and went through all the office politics together which eventually developed into something more, their foundation is solid.
I've always disliked when such shows FL have to treat ML like a small kid/ heavily emphasize on the age gap - but this show managed to done it without all these! Overall, it's a good watch and there's good takeaway from this drama.
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very tragic love story
SO MUCH emotions from start till the end. Each of the character in this show has their own struggle and it will make u fall into this deep hole.Li Cheng Yin/Fifth prince (ML) - One of the most complex character in the show. You love him then you hate him and then you love him all over again. To live in a treacherous and dangerous palace where people are plotting against you & watching your every step, LCY is grown to be very careful and plans his steps ahead. He is really a very pitiful prince and if you really understand him, you just cannot hate him. Fate must be one that fooled him because when he meets Xiao Feng, everything changed. He loves her and only her but does not know how can he conquer both the kingdom and the love of his life. Everything was wrong to begin with - i can just say from the moment he knows he needs to take over the crown, him and Xiao Feng was meant to be a fateful pair of lovers. I had one of the most withdrawal for him after the show because i felt so much of what he was bearing all these time that i wanted the best ending for him. But at some point, everything he was plotting was going his way but he hurt so many people along the way.
Xiao Feng/Ninth princess (FL) - Very pitiful yet very innocent FL, went through the most change in this show in terms of character development. I cried on most scenes on how everything is just not right for her. All she ever wanted is peace but her only happiness lasted less than 10 episodes in the show. From then on, it's only hatred, sorrow, and maybe love but a very sad one. In this show she have 2 lives, one before she lost her memory and one after she lost her memory. In both times, she fell in love with the same man but both eventually have the same ending. I really think her life is very pitiful and sad.
Gu Jian (2nd ML) - Straightforward character, only love the FL but knows he cannot be with her from the start. The shining armour in Xiao Feng's life. His only 1 wrong decision made Xiao Feng hated him and he repaid it using the rest of his life. I really liked Gu Jian and I think his love for Xiao Feng is one of a kind (actually comparable to ML). Damn, i cannot walk out of the 2nd ML syndrome after this,
All the castings acted really well, music is pretty good (came in at all the right time). I would highly recommend this show if you are looking for something that is heart wrenching & full of emotions. This show had one of the best stories and it will keep you going. But i swear to you that it will be very painful to watch, I am still in dilemma if i will rewatch this because i do not want to break my heart twice. Overall, one of the best historical c-drama around, would rate a 10 if not for the tragic ending.
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Here are my thoughts on the good and bad for you to judge:
THE GOOD
(1) FL and ML banter and all are pretty interesting and funny to watch
(2) Love ML's character, he is narcissistic yet very soft at heart
(3) Li Hong Yi is very hot
(4) 2nd FL Zhao Yan turns out to be one of my favourite in the show
(5) Doesn't drag too much and is pretty straightforward
THE BAD
(1) A lot of plot holes especially on the time travel part. No elaboration on how she travel back and how FL meets her young self and she is not shocked or anything... and also a lot more
(2) Sloppy and abrupt ending. It's just bad.
(3) Weak chemistry between the leads (FL does look a lot older than ML but acting wise is considered ok)
(4) The business plot is bland and boring
Overall, I would say this is worth to watch if (1) you have extra time and want to watch a ok show without effort (2) you want to look at Li Hong Yi. Otherwise it's pretty meh & I wouldn't rewatch it again.
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The saving grace I have will be Li Hong Yi, the male lead. I only look forward to the scenes where he appear and seriously can just watch a show with just him! His acting is mesmerizing and his role as SGQY is perfect. I really wished to see more of him in historical/xianxia/wuxia shows.
I do think that this show has a lot of potential in it but sadly i had to fast forward a lot in order to enjoy it.
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