twirlingtulles
A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College
2 people found this review helpful
by twirlingtulles
Fun and Refreshing!
After being a long time reader of reviews on MDL, I finally decided to write my own because I feel this drama is misunderstood by some. I'm a big fan of romance and mysteries and this series has both.
If this show was a drink, it would be fizzy iced lemonade. Cool, refreshing and sweet with a hint of tangyness (from the challenges they had to face) - but overall refreshing and effervescent. You kind of know what to expect with every sip, but that doesn't make it less refreshing and fun. I would even say it's a little like a chick-flick (nothing wrong with that because people love chick-flicks). Even more so, it's just what I needed during difficult times such as these.
From the very beginning through the upbeat modern opening song (indeed all its OST - but I especially like the opening so so much I hardly ever skip it because it's so fun and uplifting) and opening credits animation, this drama establishes that it is not your usual period drama. It is refreshing, light-hearted and dare I say even quirky? If you are looking for a more serious epic drama mystery romance, I would recommend Under the Power starring Allen Ren. This is quirky, fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. People have commented that it's weird that Zhao Lusi's hair is dyed in the show. I think they probably made an artistic call and decided she looked better with the brown hair and since it's not supposed to be a historically accurate period drama it's ok - and I think that kind of tells you what kind of show it is. Light-hearted and Fun.
The series can be split into two distinct parts - but both I feel work very well together. The first half (until about episode 18 or 19) is about the Imperial College's first female student, Sang Qi. Zhao Lusi shines in this character and I can see why she was casted. She has this bright, happy air about her which she brings to the College. Xu KaiCheng is the perfect ML with his tall handsome strong physique (ok I have a crush on him) and calm aura and I really enjoyed the first half of the show where they established their relationship. The chemistry between both ML and FL was very strong. I think the entire first part of the show was to set the foundation of the various characters (ML, FL and supporting cast) relationships and friendships. Even Yan Yun Zhi, in the 18 or 19th episode alluded, when Sang Qi graduated, that this was not the end but just the beginning.
Indeed, the second part of the show just started to "begin" in episode 19. So that's where things moved from being about Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's happy romance at College to a drama out in the "real" world. I really cannot stand couples that break up a few times in one series over several misunderstandings, rumours or petty problems. Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's relationship was stable and mature and because of it, they were able to face many challenges together. They worked together to solve problems. At times it was Sang Qi who came up with the solution. She was no shrinking violet or damsel in distress. I loved how they practice martial arts together in the mountain (super cute) and fought together. At some times, Sang Qi was the one that rescued Yan Yun Zhi - I felt it was a relationship between equals, which is sometimes unusual for period dramas (like I said it's not your typical period drama). I also like that she fights her own battles. She never needs Yan Yun Zhi to fight for her - in any situation.
If I were to summarise this show it would be the abiding love between Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi. It's not really about a girl entering the imperial college - that's the secondary story.
Special mention must be given to the actor playing Zhou Wen Yuan. He was extremely versatile playing the amiable bff in the first few episodes slowly morphing into the villain.
Would I watch it again? Yes! I am planning to. It's been a while since a series made me laugh out loud and was fast paced enough for me not to drop it or get bored.
If this show was a drink, it would be fizzy iced lemonade. Cool, refreshing and sweet with a hint of tangyness (from the challenges they had to face) - but overall refreshing and effervescent. You kind of know what to expect with every sip, but that doesn't make it less refreshing and fun. I would even say it's a little like a chick-flick (nothing wrong with that because people love chick-flicks). Even more so, it's just what I needed during difficult times such as these.
From the very beginning through the upbeat modern opening song (indeed all its OST - but I especially like the opening so so much I hardly ever skip it because it's so fun and uplifting) and opening credits animation, this drama establishes that it is not your usual period drama. It is refreshing, light-hearted and dare I say even quirky? If you are looking for a more serious epic drama mystery romance, I would recommend Under the Power starring Allen Ren. This is quirky, fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. People have commented that it's weird that Zhao Lusi's hair is dyed in the show. I think they probably made an artistic call and decided she looked better with the brown hair and since it's not supposed to be a historically accurate period drama it's ok - and I think that kind of tells you what kind of show it is. Light-hearted and Fun.
The series can be split into two distinct parts - but both I feel work very well together. The first half (until about episode 18 or 19) is about the Imperial College's first female student, Sang Qi. Zhao Lusi shines in this character and I can see why she was casted. She has this bright, happy air about her which she brings to the College. Xu KaiCheng is the perfect ML with his tall handsome strong physique (ok I have a crush on him) and calm aura and I really enjoyed the first half of the show where they established their relationship. The chemistry between both ML and FL was very strong. I think the entire first part of the show was to set the foundation of the various characters (ML, FL and supporting cast) relationships and friendships. Even Yan Yun Zhi, in the 18 or 19th episode alluded, when Sang Qi graduated, that this was not the end but just the beginning.
Indeed, the second part of the show just started to "begin" in episode 19. So that's where things moved from being about Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's happy romance at College to a drama out in the "real" world. I really cannot stand couples that break up a few times in one series over several misunderstandings, rumours or petty problems. Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi's relationship was stable and mature and because of it, they were able to face many challenges together. They worked together to solve problems. At times it was Sang Qi who came up with the solution. She was no shrinking violet or damsel in distress. I loved how they practice martial arts together in the mountain (super cute) and fought together. At some times, Sang Qi was the one that rescued Yan Yun Zhi - I felt it was a relationship between equals, which is sometimes unusual for period dramas (like I said it's not your typical period drama). I also like that she fights her own battles. She never needs Yan Yun Zhi to fight for her - in any situation.
If I were to summarise this show it would be the abiding love between Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi. It's not really about a girl entering the imperial college - that's the secondary story.
Special mention must be given to the actor playing Zhou Wen Yuan. He was extremely versatile playing the amiable bff in the first few episodes slowly morphing into the villain.
Would I watch it again? Yes! I am planning to. It's been a while since a series made me laugh out loud and was fast paced enough for me not to drop it or get bored.
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