Heila

Honestly, if you don't know how to categorize Chinese genres, I wouldn't go around saying "real world" is wuxia when it's far from it. Wuxia is very much focused on the main character's journey to becoming the best martial artist, romance is not important in these shows. Martial arts and cultivation is the focus of these dramas, the characters goes on a journey(with friends) to level up their martial arts through either joining sects and/or being taught by teachers. Most recent example would be The Blood of Youth and it's sequel or prequel aka Dashing Youth. They usually end up being the hero of the drama, which is why it is called wuxia 武俠, meaning martial hero. Costume dramas ARE costume dramas, it's why it is called "古裝 gu zhuang" aka "period/historical costume" in Chinese. If it doesn't fall into wuxia or xianxia, it is 古裝.

Period romance drama with bits of fantasy. It does not fall into wuxia nor xianxia. Not every drama with martial arts is considered wuxia, they have specific traits - Shadow Love doesn't portray any of it.

Does MDL just throw the Wuxia tag on every single Chinese drama? This has zero wuxia elements, it's just costume drama.

That explains a lot!! Thank you! It's my first time hearing it!

Does anyone know why they use "An" as "I" instead of the standard "wo?." Is this like a dialect or province thing?

Something about this drama was lacking and I cannot pinpoint what it was. I don't even have the heart to type out a proper review. It's definitely very Mulan-esque. The reasoning for the antagonist to always be on He Yan's ass is weak af making the whole storyline pointless imo. The martial choreography on the otherhand was pheneomenal - everyone execute it perfectly. I like how they actually use the Xiao family martial arts repertoire and I can see it when they use it. The acting is mediocre - I've seen Cheng Lei's dramas before but honestly this just felt like he was an eye candy and nothing else impressive. As for Zhou Ye, this is my first time watching her drama, I wouldn't say she has award-winning acting - just average.

Zhou Ye can't seem to act drunk - I thought she was faking the drunk scenes, but in reality her character was truly drunk. LOL

To be honest, asking about screen time in general is weird. It just sounds disrespectful to other castmates. I have only seen one group of fans constantly complain about screen time on a variety show, it was quite indignant because at this point just stop watching if people gonna complain about their favs lack of screentime. Then they went on to say their fav carries the show cause of their popularity, but everyone carries the show in their own ways. Hence, I find it weird when people ask about screentime.

Hmm I wouldn't say it's amazing, but it's not bad either. There's nothing exciting yet, it feels like a remake or adaptation of Hua Mulan. So far, the plot is driven by He Yan wanting her title and honor back. I don't know it's sort of like a revenge story but leaning towards justice and equality type of story. I'll still keep watching, it's not deterring me from stopping yet.

I have been binge watching to catch up to the finale. I kind of knew the Emperor was off from the get-go. The acting gave it away, but then again I also thought the actor was not acting well initally. LMAO He kept up with this acting style until his true self came to the surface. Thats when I realize it was all an act of the Emperor. The actor did an amazing job!!I loooove the way they filmed certain scenes to give it more powerful meaning. Then the transitions between the three ladies when the Crown Prince was murdered- GOOSE BUMPS. The Prince Cheng's execution scene was chef's kiss. ARP's facial expression was phenomenal! The martial choreography in the drama was amazing, and ARP gives it immense justice. I am not done with the drama yet but just wanted point these out since they really caught my attention.

I agree! He would fit quite well with his energy and competitive spirit.

The fish episode was great as well! My favorite was the water balloon game hahaha.

Yeah :(

Final episode was fun! Loved the water games! The fan game was quite hilarious!
I feel like i don't hear enough about Zhou Shen because he's quite hilarious in puns and comebacks. I love that Chen Zhe Yuan was having a BLAST in this episode, he was so excited like a kid at a theme park. LOL I also hope Li Yun Rui comes back next season! He seems to fit quite well in Keeping Running! :) Overall, amazing season, despite some disappointments but love Keep Running as always. Can't wait for the next season!!

What's everyone's favorite top 3 favorite episodes? These are mine: ep 6(7 on MDL) with Ao Rui Peng, I recall laughing my arse off with that one, episode 10 (I think it's 11 on MDL)- the charcoal powder episode. LOL and episode 9 (10 on MDL) with Zhang Ruo Nan, Wang Chu Ran, Xiao Gui and other guests stars i don't recall the names of.

yeah, even Ao Rui Peng seem to lost a lot of weight as well. :(

I did notice she lost weight when she first appeared, but she's not unrecognizable. lol

Landi looks nothing like ZLS. She is just Li Landi! Gorgeous in her own way!

Qiqi is using Huan Er. She is so annoying and I'm only on episode 4. Does she get any better?

That was literally what I said though...LOL

Oooh that! That explains a lot actually, I wasn't paying attention whenever they were deliberating cause I was multitasking LOL. I'm gonna be delusional and think he was just being a gentlemen lmaoooo